TMV: Episode 10 – Fostering and Adoption – Part 2

The journey of foster care comes with many ups and downs, from taking a child in last-minute to comforting them through the most difficult emotional moments and having to say goodbye, possibly never to see them again. Today we speak with Krystal Gutierrez, a woman who has taken the plunge to start a fostering and adoption ministry, and she joins us to talk about how it all happened. After years of infertility struggles, Krystal started thinking about fostering as God placed it in her heart to care for children who were not her own, but when she initially approached her husband with the idea, he said no. She knew, though, that God would work in Leo’s heart and mind if that was the road he had planned for their family – and that’s exactly what happened. Two months later, he came to tell her that they simply had to be foster parents, so they got on board with an agency, received all the necessary training and counseling, and received their first placement within a few months. Krystal shares what is was like getting their foster care license and first placement on the same day, what they have learned four years into the process, why it is important to educate friends and family on how to thoughtfully engage these kids, and what their biggest challenges and joys have been. Listeners will also learn what to expect in terms of the support coming from the agency side and the role that a person’s church community can play in making the rollercoaster ride much easier. Also, stay tuned to hear the beautiful story of how Evan Gutierrez became Krystal and Leo’s son!

Key Points:

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Family Church

The Mom Village Email

The Mom Village on Instagram

Kirra Kelly

Jismarie Ramos

Kristin Scroggins

Krystal Gutierrez on Facebook

Leo Gutierrez on LinkedIn

Lynette Ezell on Twitter

Kevin Ezell on Twitter

North American Mission Board