Being True to the Call

Alyssa knew as a teenager that she would someday become a foster parent. It’s not a common goal for many adolescents, but she was inspired by a single woman in her church who adopted children. This only confirmed for Alyssa that, no matter what her future held, she could be family for children who need one.

In her 20s Alyssa felt her calling to foster in a strong way. She prayed and sought the counsel and wisdom of those she trusted, but she knew she needed to wait. So in her 30s, when she knew she was ready, she began making big adjustments that would prepare her – and her future children – to succeed.

Alyssa wanted her family involved in her journey, so she moved across Texas to settle near the support system she knew she’d need. She became licensed for foster care and over several years she fostered four girls who were all able to reunify with their birth families. Alyssa felt like she was right where she needed to be.

Then, just one week shy of her 12th birthday, a girl named Mia arrived. Mia’s situation was different from the other children Alyssa had fostered; reunification was ruled out as a possibility for Mia and she became legally available for adoption.

Alyssa hadn’t planned to adopt, but she had a hard time envisioning her life without Mia. Again, she prayed for wisdom. God spoke clearly and Alyssa became certain that she and Mia would become a family, forever. With the help of PCHAS, the two were declared a family, by the court, in the summer of 2019.

Alyssa can’t imagine her life without Mia and she’s driven to prepare her daughter to become a successful and independent woman. They’re a team, working together to achieve common goals, like learning to drive, budgeting and planning meals. And, though it’s no surprise, Alyssa is also teaching Mia how to plan for her future and to be true to her own passions and calling.

More than 3,000 Texas children are eligible for adoption. PCHAS foster care and adoption guides are available to ensure you get the honest answers you deserve. Email fosteradopt@pchas.org, call 281-324-0544 or join an online info session.