Families are often described as trees-neatly rooted, branching in predictable ways. But what if your family doesn't grow like that?
In Our Family Is Not a Tree, Laura Boonstra invites readers into the tender, challenging, and faith-stretching journey of becoming foster parents. Through intertwined stories, she bears witness to a family formed not by biology alone, but through obedience, hospitality, and trust in God's provision.
As Laura and her husband open their home to unaccompanied refugee minors seeking asylum and children in domestic foster care, statistics begin to fade and faces come into focus. Each child brings a story of hardship, courage, and hope-and each encounter reveals God's faithfulness in both ordinary moments and holy disruptions. With transparency and humility, Laura reflects on offering an imperfect "yes" to God and discovering how God equips those who are willing to take each step forward in faith.
This memoir is a testimony to perseverance and the quiet work of God in broken places. It is an invitation to see refugees and kids in foster care not as numbers, but as beloved children-and to reimagine what family can look like when faith takes root beyond our expectations.
"A treasure house of stories, moving, wonderfully told."
Nicholas Wolterstorff, Noah Porter Professor Emeritus of Philosophical Theology, Yale University
"This book is a powerful invitation to compassion, to courage, and to a love that shows up in our chaotic world [...]. Compelling! Hopeful!"
Dr. Christy Berghoef, author of Rooted: A Spiritual Memoir of Homecoming
"A beautiful, courageous, and deeply moving testament to God's faithfulness woven through the real and messy work of loving vulnerable children of all backgrounds."
Rachel Müller, Refugee Capacity Builder, Samaritas Refugee Youth Services
