Our Foster and Adoptive Experience : It Is Definitely a God Thing

Once John Rop III, became a foster parent, it seemed he saw other foster families all around him: in the grocery store, at the mall, at church, and at the park. He wondered how he'd never noticed them before. It made him realize how many people might be just as ignorant to the needs of children—and to the joys of adoptive and foster care—as he once was.

Rop's new book, Our Foster and Adoptive Experience, tells the uplifting tale of his evolving family. As the biological father of one child and the stepfather of three, Rop didn't take lightly the decision to expand his already large family. The Rops' choice to serve as foster parents to many children, and eventually as adoptive parents to three, resulted in an exceptionally rewarding experience. Rop doesn't claim it's always been easy. The period of adjustment for both parent and child can be rocky. Rop's story, however, proves that if everyone sticks it out, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

John Rop III, a pastor's son, has one biological child, three stepchildren, and three adopted children-and he and his wife have been foster parents to many other children over the years. He's a volunteer trainer for Arizona-based Christian Family Care, where he helps foster and adoptive parents navigate complicated licensing regulations.