When we are looking for answers or support, social media can connect you with people you might not ever meet - but you know that there is a kindred spirit on the other side of the e-universe.
One of those people for me is Shelley Skuster, a former TV reporter at KWWL in Iowa (not I-O-Way, the Louisiana town!).
A former colleague of mine at KCEN in Waco began working at KWWL and I noticed Shelley on her page one day. What stuck out to me was that part of her professional bio included an adoption blog.
That intrigued me because I had just started navigating the best way to utilize my on air role in a way that could raise awareness about the need for adoptive families in our community. I was (still am) pretty obsessed with the issue and really wanted to find support from someone who had "been there, done that."
On the personal side: Matt and I had just enrolled in classes to get certified to adopt through foster care. I was yearning for the personal and professional opinion of how to share this passion with others, while also being transparent about this real life chapter in our marriage and family-building dream.
As soon as I clicked on Shelley's blog, I realized she was living it out and reaching people near and far on her blog, "This Family's Journey."
Yall...I read every single post in one tear-filled day! Shelley and her husband, Chris, have been open about the pain of infertility, their decision to adopt, the hurdles/stress/money needed to get through the process, and their journey as a transracial family.
Her words will touch your heart and hopefully open your eyes even wider to the fact that love, not blood makes a family.
The past two weeks have been a whirlwind for the Skuster family. Shortly after the rush of the holiday season, the couple got an unexpected facebook message about a baby girl needing a home.
What would you do if you didn't have a crib, car seat, diapers...or hint of an idea that your family of three would grow into a family of four within a couple of short days? Heck, it's taken me nearly the entire nine months of my pregnancy to ready our home, our jobs, and our minds for one planned addition!
This couple said YES in a big way to love and raise another beautiful daughter, born in their hearts even before they knew she existed. Check out how the Skusters are being obedient in the call to care for the fatherless and trust that His ways are always higher than ours.
-Britney
