We Are the ECHO

Supporting foster care and adoption across Virginia.

[wearetheecho]

Every Sunday, the Prayers of a Village devotional takes a break from the normal reading plan to breathe and pray. We share a unified time of prayer and reflection and celebrate a Sabbath together. If you don't have a copy of the devotional yet, you can grab a copy from Amazon by clicking the link in our bio (@wearetheecho) • #fostercare #foster #fostertoadopt #fosterparents #thisisfostercare #adopt #adoption #adoptiveparents #parent #family #support #wearetheecho #book #devo #devotional #amazon #amazonprime #kindle #kindleunlimited (at Virginia Beach, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Btt3B5HH3Pt/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=13mya8njayeb9

[wearetheecho]

CHURCH and BUSINESS LEADERS: ⠀ No one in this community has more influence than you do. You’ve built trust with the public. You have a voice. Your words matter. We’d love to partner with you to make a difference in the lives of foster children and families right here in Coastal Virginia. ⠀ ⠀ There are a variety of ways to get involved. Schedule an appointment to learn how. I’ll bring the coffee! – ⠀ ⠀ Click the link in our bio (@wearetheecho)⠀ ⠀ #foster #fostercare #fosterparents #fosteradopt #fostertoadopt #adopt #adoption #adoptive #family #parenting #parent #wearetheecho #getinvolved #serve #dosomething #dogood #church #faith #community #serve #service (at Virginia Beach, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Btq6za6HG71/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1lilqqe2vvrf5

[wearetheecho]

We must stop waiting for our own perfect moment or time to say yes and instead say yes to God’s calling!⠀ ⠀ Repost from @jasmjohnson⠀ ⠀ #foster #fostercare #fosterparents #fosteradopt #fostertoadopt #adopt #adoption #adoptive #family #parenting #parent #wearetheecho #getinvolved #serve #dosomething #dogood (at Virginia Beach, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtqdwECH1xq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=qdnl4p66xmmz

[wearetheecho]

FOSTER PARENTS, YOU ARE REMARKABLE!!!⠀ ⠀ Your resilience, your tenacity, your vulnerability, your bravery... you’re a rare breed and we want you to know you are heroes to us!⠀ ⠀ Reposting @jasmjohnson:⠀ ...⠀ #reframingfostercare #fostercare #thisisfostercare #wearetheecho #foster #adopt #strength #hanginthere #support #honor #worthit https://www.instagram.com/p/BtpLZzPHoVJ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1lp6bmr0f0znd

[wearetheecho]

FOSTER CARE INFORMATION SESSION ⠀ There are nearly 900 children in foster care in CoVA that are in need of a home. Attend an information session with @umfs.org to learn how you can help by becoming a foster parent. ⠀ ⠀ Information session requires no commitment. Learn more about how you can become a champion for children and families within our community. ⠀ ⠀ Contact Vineta Watson at 757.490.9791 x106 or [email protected] with questions prior to the session.⠀ ⠀ #foster #fostercare #fosterparents #fosteradopt #fostertoadopt #thisisfostercare #adopt #adoption #adoptive #family #parenting #parent #wearetheecho #getinvolved #serve #dosomething #dogood #church #community #action #cova #coastalva #covaevents #hamptonroads #event (at Virginia Beach, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Btoh9PYngp3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wzf3b52hbn8f

[wearetheecho]

WE CAN END IT... The majority of child victims are children from foster care. We can end this violence. Join us in supporting foster care. View our stories for more info. We can help you take a next step. Send us a DM or comment here. #endit #enditmovement #enditmovement❌ #humantrafficking #foster #fostercare #fosteryouth #adopt #adoption #dream #dosomething (at Virginia Beach, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Btllr-YHgx1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=62ino8rajabq

[wearetheecho]

Powerful insights. Reposted from @emfaith:⠀ ...⠀ There are so many things I want you to know about foster care.⠀ ·⠀ I want you to know that it hurts. That it’s hard to invest in people, knowing success sometimes means you will be left with nothing but a few photographs and an empty place in your home.⠀ ·⠀ I want you to know that it’s lonely. That almost everyone expects you to be fine, to move on, to be finished with the grief of loving children who you always knew could be temporary in your life.⠀ ·⠀ I want you to know that it’s exhausting. That constantly starting fresh with new children, new issues, new appointments, new therapies, often leaves you feeling like you’re on a hamster wheel of chaos going nowhere at all.⠀ ·⠀ I want you to know that it’s exhilarating. Watching words come from mouths that were declared nonverbal, trust come from eyes that were previously suspicious, confidence come from smiles that were always nervously timid, builds in you both a joy and gratitude that cannot be equated.⠀ ·⠀ I want you to know that it’s worth it. That we will say yes again in a heartbeat.⠀ ·⠀ I want you to know that it’s horrible. And it’s wonderful.⠀ ·⠀ I just wanted you to know.⠀ ·⠀ #thisisfostercare #fostercare #lovemakesafamily #foster #family #hard #worthit #support #wearetheecho https://www.instagram.com/p/BtkI6dRn_e4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1v1zmc645y6x6

[wearetheecho]

IT’S FEEDING TUBE WEEK ⠀ ⠀ This is Anna, the youngest daughter of our founders, and she has a feeding tube. It may not always be visible, but this little device is critical for the nourishment of so many little cuties like her. In fact, 40% of tube fed people in America are children. ⠀ ⠀ It can be uncomfortable at times. Sometimes the site is itchy and irritated. It can get snagged and pulled. It rarely gets infected but if it does, it generally heals quickly with a simple cream. For the challenges it presents, it is literally life giving for our little tubie baby. ⠀ ⠀ What questions do you have about tube feeding? #feedingtube #feedingtubeawarenessweek #tubie #tubiebaby #tube #wearetheecho (at Virginia Beach, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Btj33cdHTw6/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=b0sal70vqptz

[wearetheecho]

WANNA KNOW SOMETHING?⠀ ⠀ LOTS of things are hard. Grammar, for instance. But also a Tuesday that feels like a Monday. The last two weeks for us have felt like this. For us it’s been car trouble and having to fight with the pharmacy over medication. Nothing’s easy. At least not the things that are worthwhile. ⠀ ⠀ Your struggles aren’t the same as the next mom reading this post, but struggles are struggles and we all got em. ⠀ ⠀ So hang in there. Reach out. Stay focused. And keep moving. We’re in this thing together. ⠀ ⠀ No judgement (except for maybe the grammar stuff, you’ll prolly get hammered for that).⠀ ⠀ #foster #fostercare #fosterparents #fosteradopt #fostertoadopt #adopt #adoption #adoptive #family #parenting #parent #wearetheecho #hanginthere #grammar #humor #monday #tuesday https://www.instagram.com/p/BtgtgCWHVxH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=mpzzu0bqh4c0

[wearetheecho]

HERE’S A QUESTION THIS CNY...⠀ ⠀ This is the year of the PIG... is it proper to eat pork lo mein today or does this disrespect the pig? ⠀ ⠀ I mean, I don’t wanna be rude, but I do love some dumplings and pork lo mein. For that matter, a plate of 🥓 from @CrackerBarrel sounds pretty good right now, too! - #newyear #chinesenewyear #china #pig #pork #eat #meal #celebrate https://www.instagram.com/p/BtgROdLnit3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=y4fneubanh6r

[wearetheecho]

WANNA SHOW KIDS THEY MATTER? - We have the honor of partnering with @lifehousenewportnews this month for our Birthday Box program and man, did they show up today! If you forgot to grab a shopping list today, here ya go... - We can’t wait to see what God is up to!!! - #partner #church #serve #makeadifference #dosomething #foster #fostercare #adopt #faith #mission #act #takeaction #birthday #wearetheecho (at Lifehouse Newport News) https://www.instagram.com/p/Btb6vyMnERh/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qa17lm5uruvo

[wearetheecho]

Family Worship Night is BACK! Friday night, March 22. Foster, Adoptive, and Families of Special Needs, we know attending typical Sunday morning services can mean stim challenges for your children. Too often, you may feel it's just easier to stay home. We get it, and we want to offer you an opportunity to worship together in a low sensory environment. Make plans to join us. Your family and ours. Let's worship together. Registration details coming soon. #foster #fostercare #fosterparents #fosteradopt #fostertoadopt #adopt #adoption #adoptive #family #parenting #parent #wearetheecho #worship #sensory #specialneeds #trauma #getinvolved #serve #dosomething #dogood #church #faith #religion #community #action #cova #coastalva #covaevents #hamptonroads #event https://www.instagram.com/p/BtE1CdBHXLw/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=shef1w0xrhe8

[wearetheecho]

Glad to have you back. Hope you were able to clear your mind, learn some new, healthy habits and are ready to make a difference in the future of foster and adoptive families. . #foster #fostercare #fosterparents #fosteradopt #fostertoadopt #adopt #adoption #adoptive #family #parenting #parent #wearetheecho #getinvolved #serve #dosomething #dogood (at Virginia Beach, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsmTKiBnnie/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=5a5ed1vd20cg

[wearetheecho]

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In this episode of “How to Never Get Invited Back,” Randall illustrates principle #1: Make the Host Super Uncomfortable By Talking About Sex. Awkward. Sorry @susanwanderer and the whole @shespeaksstories audience. Seriously though, if you haven’t listened yet, today’s a good day. Grab a cup of tea or coffee, throw on a few logs, slip into something comfy, pull the blanket up, watch the snow fall and listen in. There are so many powerful little nuggets throughout the stories. The interview is available on Apple Podcast and Spreaker now! Listen to the full episode today. #awkward #foster #fostercare #fosterparents #fosteradopt #fostertoadopt #adopt #adoption #adoptive #family #parenting #parent #wearetheecho #shespeaksstories #storymatters #storieschangelives#getinvolved #serve #dosomething #change #changetheworld https://www.instagram.com/p/BsjIJWZn_PN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1q90emyhcg487

[wearetheecho]

Do you know about the #coalition? It’s a resource we organize on a monthly basis to create opportunities for leaders from faith, business, and government spaces to come to the table to address the needs of foster, adoptive, and at-risk families on the Peninsula. If you’re a #pastor #church #faith #business #government #leader, check out our next luncheon or schedule a one-on-one coffee to learn how you can be part of the #orphancare movement. #foster #fostercare #fosterparents #fosteradopt #fostertoadopt #adopt #adoption #adoptive #family #parenting #parent #wearetheecho #getinvolved #serve #dosomething #dogood #church #faith #religion #community #action #cova #coastalva #covaevents #hamptonroads #event (at Next Level Church) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsgmMciHfrT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tbrw5eodt0sx

[wearetheecho]

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We had the honor of sitting with @susanwanderer and the @shespeaksstories team for a live podcast recording back in December. So many emotional moments throughout the night. The interview is available on Apple Podcast now! Here’s a sample. Listen to the full episode today. — #foster #fostercare #fosterparents #fosteradopt #fostertoadopt #adopt #adoption #adoptive #family #parenting #parent #wearetheecho #shespeaksstories #storymatters #storieschangelives #getinvolved #serve #dosomething #change #changetheworld (at Hampton, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsWuYHintrP/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2641yk406nzt

[wearetheecho]

The #dayfam campaign is trending on GoFundMe!!! Help us close the gap. Text “$25 to fam” to 84321 or visit their page at bit.ly/dayfam. #fundthefamily #adoption #adopt #fund #fundraise #campaign #dogood #dosomething @everydaylularoe @xrocknrollx @kday2109 (at Hampton, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsOZmOPHGVy/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tugu3jdvlg8w