Family and Inspiration
Married for 16 years, Amanda and her husband, Jason, have built a loving home with their three children: Judah (10), Elliot (7), and Emelia (3). Emelia, adopted through foster care, has been a beautiful addition to their family. Amanda's passion for fostering and adoption sparked early in her marriage, influenced by her aunt and uncle’s adoption stories and her sister Sarah’s seven-year fostering experience with Agape in Nashville. Sarah’s unwavering encouragement helped Amanda and her husband take the courageous step to become foster parents with Chambliss Center for Children.
From Fostering to Forever
Their foster care journey began with Emelia, the first child placed in their home. They embraced the uncertainty of fostering, committed to providing Emelia with a safe and loving environment. When Emelia’s birth mother made the heart-wrenching decision that adoption was best for her daughter, Amanda and her husband felt profound gratitude for her selfless love.
The Rewards and Challenges
Watching Emelia flourish into a healthy, intelligent, and confident little girl has been the greatest reward for Amanda and her family. Seeing their sons lovingly care for their sister has further enriched their family dynamics. Yet, the path wasn’t without challenges. The emotional rollercoaster of not knowing whether Emelia would return to her birth mother or stay with them stretched over two years, filled with hope, love, and prayers for everyone involved.
The Power of Community
The family’s journey was supported by an incredible network of social workers, family, friends, and their church community. Sadie and Brooke, their Chambliss Center for Children social workers, alongside DCS case worker Ashley, dedicated years to ensuring Emelia received the care she needed. Their community rallied with childcare, supplies, meals, advice, and endless encouragement, embodying the true essence of collective support.
Resources and Learning
In addition to their initial TN Key Training Classes, books and training played a pivotal role in their fostering experience. Reframing Foster Care by Jason Johnson, a gift from Amanda’s sister, reshaped their understanding of fostering. The family also delved into Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) resources, equipping themselves with strategies to nurture their children and strengthen their family bonds.
Words of Wisdom
For families contemplating foster care or adoption, Amanda shares a powerful quote from Reframing Foster Care: “If you keep thinking about it, talking about it, and praying about it, that’s probably a sign that you would be great at it and just need to jump in there and do it.” She emphasizes the importance of connecting with experienced foster families and seeking support from organizations like Chambliss Center for Children, who were invaluable in navigating the complexities of foster care and adoption.
A Heartwarming Memory
One of the most touching moments in their journey occurred shortly after Emelia’s adoption was finalized. The family visited the zoo, a day filled with laughter, shared stories, and cherished moments. As Emelia held her parents' hands, it symbolized the unique and enduring bond they’ve built — a testament to the power of love, the strength of family roots, and the lasting connections that help children grow and thrive in a nurturing home.