Keep the Doors Open: Lessons Learned from a Year of Foster Parenting

Written by Kristin Berry

Narrated by Sarah Zimmerman

Will You Open Your Heart and Home to Children in Need?

As a teenager, Kristin Berry had heard all the horror stories surrounding foster care and adoption-abuse, neglect, rejection, anger, and misunderstandings. But instead of closing her heart, God opened it wide.

This is Kristin's honest, unvarnished story of some of her experiences as a foster parent of twenty-three children over the course of nine years.

What she learned is that living in a foster home is like living with a revolving door. You never know who will arrive or who you will have to say goodbye to. Leaving the door open means there will be heartache and pain, but also adventure and unexpected joy. Kristin and her husband, Mike, have been through it all in their unique parenting journey.

If you have ever wondered what it's really like to be a foster parent, this book will help you gain a true understanding of the everyday trials and triumphs these moms and dads face. It will also inspire you to consider opening your door . . . and to leave it wide open.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ChristianAudio.com
• Release date: Feb 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781545914304

Kristin Berry

Kristin Berry resides just outside of Indianapolis, close to her two grown children, sons-in-law and three adorable grandchildren. She is the former foster mom of 23 children, mom of 8 children, all of whom were adopted, and the wife of Mike. She writes and speaks with her husband at www.honestlyadoption.com, a ministry they started to share hope and encouragement with foster and adoptive families. Most days you can find her reading a book, playing outside with her kids or caring for her family’s pet donkey, Meg.

Reviews for Keep the Doors Open

[Kendra · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great look into all the ups and downs of starting out as a foster carer. Kristin is both engaging and reflective as she recounts some of the children she’s cared for and the impact it had on her own forever family.

[Amelia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written. Heartfelt with a bit of humor. I'm interested in fostering and this book helped me see both the beauty and struggles within the foster care system. They sound like an amazing family. I don't know how anyone can be that patient and understanding.

[Marissa L · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great sneak peek into foster care. It portrays the emotions and helplessness and heart of foster care quite well. I especially appreciated the raw and real thoughts Kristin shared as those are hard to admit having. I would recommend this book to anyone considering foster care or just beginning their journey.

[Lewis, InSeong Jeong · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Series of challenges and joy the author and her family(her husband and adopted children) encountered through foster care. Admirable and beautiful.