Jason and Holly Sayer - A Page From Their Life Story About Kids

How it all began:

We heard from Krista Davis that 3 brothers and sisters needed to be moved from a situation that was just not working out. We looked around and saw that we had a baby and a small house with little room left for 3 children ages 7, 9 and 14 years. The sleeping arrangements would be tight, but we could make it work. So, while the biological mother had a bowel transplant, we had a sudden increase in family size.

In 3 days we learned how wrong our assumptions had been. Based on my (Holly) work experience as a mental health specialist working in residential care facilities and hospitals, I had assumed (we all know where that path leads) that I would meet a woman with poor parenting skills and a poor family environment. But after seeing the mom and children interact, I walked away saying to myself, “That is the kind of respect I want when we have our own children.” From the time we walked into the hospital room, until we left, the kids poured forth with “yes ma'am, no ma'am, we love you mom.” Love and well being for her kids was what mom demonstrated to us. Respect and love for their mom came from the kids. I learned a big lesson that day. “Do not prejudge anyone, because you could be so wrong.” I had done it and I was wrong. I want my kids to respond to me the way they did to their mom.

It was a short but sweet experience as a host home for Safe Families for Children.  We said “yes” to be a host because we felt this is what the Lord wanted us to do. We thought He wanted us to do it for the kids. We will probably never know how those 3 days affected our guests. But it allowed God to show us a few things about ourselves. We came away with a greater awareness of how closed-minded we were. Without a doubt, our faith has been strengthened.

Shortly after the 3 Safe Families kids went home we received another call regarding being foster parents. We had begun the process earlier, and now it was going to bear fruit. Zane was the name of the child who would be coming into our home. We were excited. Then the phone rang again. Zane had a sister who needed a home. And then the phone rang AGAIN. We were chosen to adopt Sean. “I think we broke some records by going from 1 to 4 kids in 3 weeks!”

During this time our small group has been very involved in our lives. We are blessed to share life with a wonderful group of people at Trinity. They are truly committed to spreading the love of Jesus in the community. Just recently two other families in our small group have decided to become host families. We can't wait to see the blessings the Lord will pour down because of their obedience.

HOLLY & JASON


Today the Sayers have adopted all 4 of their children. And even though they are not currently taking in any other children, they actively promote Safe Families in the community.

Based on professional training and work experience, as well as being a mom, Holly shared a few interesting insights into the work of Safe Families for Children. “Children are best off in a family environment. They have the best experience when they are in a family situation with other children. It is hard to objectively see the impact of a short stay within a host home. But I truly believe they will not forget the experience, no matter how short, and recall what they have seen and heard once they become responsible for their own decisions. God will use that experience to give many kids a frame of reference that they might not get in their own living experience.  Safe Families for Children is a model that works.”

Safe Families for Children Central Indiana
Get involved at: http://www.safe-families.org/