My faith and fostering
Now, three years on, with a 15 year old boy in the house and a girl on the verge of turning 13, life and my preconceived ideas could not be more different. It is not always plain sailing but the children are beautiful and watching their characters, personality and confidence grow as they experience new things in life is a wonder to be seen. Yes, it wasn’t what I was expecting, but I wouldn’t change it for the world and, as a Christian, I believe that God’s timings and plans are always spot on!
The church as a support network
As a single young woman living miles away from family, one of my first ports of call when considering fostering was to go to my church leader. I needed to know that I had the church’s support particularly as the church is my local family and support network. Without a hesitation of a doubt he knew this was the right thing for me to do at the right time so was supportive from the word go.
The church are my family and support network. I could not do the job and role I do without them. I am thankful particularly for the men in the church who help take both children under their wing, encourage my lad when going to men’s fitness and being a positive male role model to both children. This is something I’m appreciative of given I’m a single carer. Through church we get support from all generations, including being prayed for which to me is very important. We can also can ask for practical help when needed.
It only takes one person
Often it only takes one person to step out and do something that they believe in and to break down the barriers. Things have not always been easy in the process to fostering and with placement matching but when people are able to see someone else taking up the challenge and succeeding then they think, maybe I can do this too. This has certainly happened in my church. So I encourage you, if you have already taken up the challenge, keep going! It’s not easy but the rewards far outweigh the challenging moments, and if you are thinking about it, maybe dig just a little deeper.
The Fostering Network brings together everyone who is involved in the lives of fostered children and young people to lead, inspire, motivate and support them to make foster care better. To support our work visit www.fostering.net/donate or to donate £10 text FOST37 £10 to 7007
