A couple weeks ago, Michaela and Brandon Keilen uploaded a question and answer YouTube video that we missed due to an ice storm and power outage that hit us here in Nashville. The Keilens sit down to share an update on their foster situation. Their case workers continue to be amazed at the progress that their four-year-old foster son has made since he has been living with them.
Michaela and Brandon say that the state's goal is currently reunification with the boys' birth mother.. When the boys first came under their care, they were told that they would likely have the boys for five or six months, but it has now been about eight months. Despite their concerns for the boys' future and all the unknowns, the Keilens say that they are very happy in this season of life. Near the end of the video, Brandon talks about the importance of not comparing their life to the lives of others and their decision to focus on being grateful for the many blessings that God has given them.
"We still have questions for the future, and it will be interesting to see what happens and when," says Brandon. "Until we have definite answers, we will wait on the Lord and take it one step at a time."
"And enjoy every day!" Michaela chimes in.
So happy to hear that the foster children have been a blessing to you both and the children have flourished under your care. We know it will be hard to give back the children but as a foster mother for many years the joy and happiness of the children with their parents again makes it all worth while!! There are hundreds of other children who will always need the loving caring home like you both provide!! Thank you for stepping up to the challenging job as foster parents!!
ReplyDelete@4:01pm Well said, Michaela & Brandon just want what is best for those little boys. They unselfishly serve God by pouring out God’s love and care on their sweet little foster boys, knowing they most probably will be taken away from them to go back to their parents or parent once they are able to provide a loving safe environment for them. God Bless them ( and YOU also ) for being loving and caring Foster Parents!
DeleteIt's pretty unlikely the bio parents will ever be able to provide a safe, loving environment. BEst case scenario, it will be nonabusive but unstable and chaotic.
DeleteBeautiful testament. God bless em greatly!
ReplyDeleteI watched the video. These two are so sweet, intelligent, insightful and Christlike. Love them!
ReplyDeleteHappy to read the goal is for the boys to go back to the Mom. Awesome outcome.
ReplyDeleteReunification will always be the end goal of fostering...I don't think Brandon and Michaela have ever seemed that keen on adoption tbh.
ReplyDelete@ Crowdiegal, I disagree, I think Michaela & Brandon are VERY KEEN on adoption! They are waiting on God’s timing and His will for them.
DeleteIf one is waiting around for god's timing and god's will, then you don't really have free will at all, IMO.
Delete11:45. Yes I totally agree, they are ready for adoption for sure. It seems like when they took the boys they knew that reunification was a goal..regardless it will be hard when the boys leave them. We had thought about fostering, but I could not bear the thought of giving a child back after bonding. We ended up adopting, praying that this will happen to this precious couple soon.
Delete10:44, waiting for God's timing IS a choice. So is plowing ahead and taking things into your own hands.
Delete@2:37 Congratulations! So happy you were able to adopt your precious child. I pray also for Michaela & Brandon to be able to adopt soon also. I know their little foster boys and the boy’s Mom will always have a special place in their hearts and prayers.
DeleteI was told that God says "pray and go". Meaning after prayer, make a decision and go with it. In my opinion, these two nice people, are simply complaisant and will never be proactive here. Time is passing and they will be too old to adopt sadly.
DeleteFoster care is for the CHILDREN, so that they have a safe and loving place to live while their parents work on their things. It’s selfish to say you won’t care for children in need because it would be too painful for
DeleteYOU!
@ 6:28am I disagree, I think they are waiting on God for direction and what His will is for them. I admire their love for God and wanting to only do His will. It is NOT because they are complacent. They are very thoughtful and caring and full of love for others.
Delete@ 8:09am I DISAGREE that people are selfish who feel they cannot bear giving back foster children they have bonded with. God gives everyone different strengths and abilities. In my opinion They are VERY UNSELFISH in my opinion to adopt a child. God Bless them!
Delete8:09. Maybe it was easy for you to return your foster children. However, it’s normal for the foster parents to have some sadness when the children are reunited. After having a baby and toddler for over eight months there is going to be some adjustments to no longer have the happy giggles in their home.
DeleteWonderful to see them as they are being so ful of faith , gratitude , pure love and joy !
ReplyDeleteSo excited to hear the goal is to reunite these children with the Mom where they belong . Praying for the Mom and children.
ReplyDeleteThis whole situation comes across as rather strange to me. Taking children from their parents and placing them in foster care is usually a last resort for social workers and the preferred option is to place them with relatives, not former realthy TV show stars. The Duggars had a foster child for several years, but he was always idenitifed as Michelle's nephew.
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