Adopting Elijah! Help us bring our son home!

We’re the Fosters!

As many of you have seen from following our story, we have spent the last seven months pursuing the adoption of our little boy, Augustus (Everest Foster, as he was to be named). With less than two months to go before traveling overseas to meet him, we received tragic news that would change our lives forever. Our sweet little boy had passed away. His passing came two months before meeting us, his family, who already loved him far greater than one could fathom; and four months prior to his second birthday. Our hearts were shattered upon hearing this news, and we couldn't quite comprehend what was going on. Since being notified, we have cried more tears than our eyes could produce, prayed feverishly, and leaned hard on close family and friends. Through the unbearably tough times, we were presented with a very bright light. When all we could see was darkness, our son in heaven sent us EXACTLY what we needed... clarity. We finally had clarity on his life, his passing, what he did for us and so many others, and where we would go from here. He touched more lives than most of us could ever imagine. When we first saw his video back in January, it had been viewed over 90,000 times. It took that many views to finally have a family say "YES!" to him, something he had deserved all along. At the time of his passing, his video had been viewed 112,000 times. Eleven days later, as we write this post, his video has 128,869 views! So even after his passing, our son's  soul continues to inspire and change lives! At this point in time, we know of 10-11 families that have started the adoption process because they were inspired by his video. When thinking of the children that will become a part of a family because of his sweet little face on that video, it is impossible to doubt the worth and meaning he had in this world.

We did not know when, or if, we would be able to begin the process of searching through other available children. As simple of an action this may be, to feel like we were "moving on" felt like a dagger through the heart. In the first couple of days after his passing, we both had said that we may just arrive in country to decide once there. We were both petrified of the thought that something tragic could happen again before we were able to get there. But as mentioned, in these dark days, we received light and clarity. Shortly after losing Auggie (Everest), we were blessed to have him visit his mommy in an extremely vivid dream. He came out of the biggest and most divine light imaginable. It wasn't blinding or deterring, but almost magnetic. He was six and no longer had Down Syndrome. His body was beaming brighter than bright, with the most magnificent streaks of light. It was as if he had swallowed the most intensely lit lantern. He shined SO bright! He hugged his mom tight and said, “oh my mama, it’s ok”.  As he walked back into this incredible ball of light, he waved with the BIGGEST smile on his perfect little face. In his mom's hand he had left a note. It simply said “Atlas Foster”.

Why Atlas, you may ask? Atlas literally means “to carry the weight”, and we KNOW our Everest wants Atlas to carry the weight of our hearts for thousands of miles. He will be that prize at the end of this journey and he will always carry us towards the Lord, even more faithfully than ever before. Our sweet angel in heaven hand-delivered the name to the final puzzle piece of our family. We know, without a shadow of a doubt, that he very specifically selected Atlas for us. 

While there are NO guarantees this specific child will officially be ours until we get there, but we are fiercely fighting to make it a reality, and soon! We are currently in the home stretch, waiting for our final USCIS (Customs and Immigration) approval. Once received, we will send it overseas, where it will meet the rest of our dossier to be translated then submitted! At that point, we should be within a few weeks of receiving traveling dates! Through all of your love and support, this adoption has been made possible. Through the prayers, kind words, donations, and the support and encouragement during our darkest times; you have changed lives forever! We will never be able to fully express our gratitude and the fullness you have given our hearts, but we can promise you that we WILL bring a little boy home, giving him a lifetime of love and happiness. Once home, we will not stop in the adoption world. Through this process, our love and passion for the orphans of the world has grown to immeasureable  heights. We pledge to continue raising awareness, hope, and support for these children. So while we continue to, and always will, mourn the loss of our sweet little boy... we celebrate him, his life, and his legacy! For what he did in 20 months from an orphanage on the other side of the world, most of us can only dream of. He touched thousands, changed hearts, and saved lives. So please, help us continue in sharing and growing his legacy!


Donate, share, or pray... it all helps!

With hearts full of love and thanks,

The Fosters