GOLDSTEIN’S STORY
FOREVER FAMILY
Aaron and Jessica Goldstein are a small family with big hearts. When they married in 2020, it had already been in their minds to get into fostering. So when they had trouble conceiving, the Goldstein’s decided to begin the fostering journey with the intent to adopt. Shortly after, they got their first child. A toddler who was nonverbal autistic. They poured their all into caring for this little boy. When they began attending St Mark back in 2022, they were quickly plugged into the church’s Foster Care Group where they met families much like their own that supported and encouraged one another. Their journey with this little boy has carried much heartache. The Goldsteins were told that he was pre-adoptive, but then it was changed to reunification with his birth mom. Then again promises of adoption, only to be turned again to reunification. Sadly, this happens too often in the foster system. Aaron and Jessica Goldstein were left to deal with the ups and downs of their emotions while trying to create a stable environment for their son who was preparing to go back with his birth mom after nearly 2 years with them. But even as this was happening, God saw and was at work making plans for their family.
In mid April, they got a call from their foster agency saying that their home study had been pre-selected for a Safe Haven Baby. This baby was placed in what is known as a Safe Haven Baby Box. A Baby Box is a safety device provided for under Indiana’s Safe Haven Law and legally permits a mother in crisis to safely, securely, and anonymously surrender if they are unable to care for their newborn. These boxes are usually on the exterior wall of a fire station or hospital.
The Goldstein’s were surprised at this news. They were told that if they chose to go through with the process, to submit their home study, but not to get their hopes up since theirs was one of 2,000. They went on with life, still caring for their current child. Early May, they got an email asking if they could come for an interview in regards to the safe haven baby. Aaron and Jessica were honored to be asked and made plans.
Toward the end of May, the day of the interview arrived. After about an hour, they left having no idea as to when they would be notified after the choice was made. About an hour after the interview, they received a phone call asking if they’d be the safe haven baby’s “forever family”. To say the were overjoyed, would be an understatement. Baby Joseph came to their home the first of June and they have been enjoying this sweet miracle. The process to adopt is under way and they are overjoyed even as they walk the hard road of preparing to say goodbye to their older son. When I met with Jessica, she had some wise words to share, “You don’t always know the plan, but He (God) knows. You just have to put your faith and trust in Him. Even when things are super hard. You just know that He is going to take care of it all.”