Foster mom's big heart, challenges make her Houston Strong

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It is undoubtedly noisy at Christie Fisher's home. Often more than one child speaks at a time, and there is the competition for attention that comes in every household where children outnumber adults.

In this case, there is Karsen, Ember, Jackson and Bailey -- four kids that Christie is raising as a single mom. Only her 10-year-old Karsen, is her biological child. The other three were adopted.

"I know this is God saying you can do this. This is what I need you to do," Fisher said.

Fisher originally set out to be a foster parent. Her first step three years ago was a family meeting with Karsen.

"He was totally on board. He never really liked being the only child," she said.

Christie says she couldn't do it without Karsen, friends and family who help, and even an employer who lets her bring her children to work. She's foster parenting a five-week-old baby right now, so there are five children in her home, the limit she's authorized to parent alone.

She says coming from a large family shaped her ideas about what family means.

"I can't imagine a two-year-old or an infant going into a stranger's home because they have no family. I don't understand that," she said.

Christie admits that juggling doctors visits, sports practice and grocery store trips are challenging, but it's her calling.

"I think she's a super mom, and I thought nobody could ever take on what she's doing. It's very awesome," big brother Karsen said.

Awesome indeed, which is why Christie Fisher is Houston Strong.

If you'd like to be a foster parent or explore adoption you can contact info@depelchin.org for more information.