The words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40 have dictated the lives of Joel and Leslie Casiday. Since before they were married 14 years ago, they dedicated their lives to the service of children. Answering that call on their lives, the Casidays recently adopted Elijah.

The journey hasn’t always been simple

Their process to become foster parents through Buckner Foster Care and Adoption began nine years ago. Over the years, they’ve had 12 different children placed in their home. Four children, ranging from 2 to 8 years old, found their forever home with the Casidays. But then in late 2019, as they were starting the process to adopt another child, their plans suddenly fell through when COVID-19 became a reality.

 Disillusioned but hopeful, the Casidays decided to take some time for themselves before moving forward with another adoption. But those plans would change quickly when Leslie received a call one night in May 2020 about an almost 2-month-old boy who needed a home soon. 
 
This placement was different from any others and was fast and furious. Their children went to bed that night and woke up the next morning to a new baby at home - Elijah.

Placing foster care plans in God’s hands

“My plans are not always his plans. God can take a situation when you think, ‘it’s the end of the world,’ and now we have five children,” Leslie said. “With each and every placement, it has made us realize the only thing we can do is trust him and trust his plan.” 
 
Through this journey, they’ve seen the power of connection – whether through one decision or one step in one direction.