“Being a foster carer has been the most beautiful and heart-wrenching experience. The conversations, games, cuddles, dances, tears and laughs we share with these children is an absolute privilege. Walking alongside these children, and supporting them in their moments of pain and joy has taught us so much. We thank God for this opportunity and for His constant faithfulness to us through this journey. It’s because of His love to us that we chose to be foster carers. Our goal is to share the love and blessings that Jesus shared with us, to these vulnerable, hurting and beautiful children, who are made and loved by God. “We love because he first loved us” - 1 John 4:19.
Each child who has been in our home has taught us something different. Our knowledge and experience has increasingly grown, particularly on the topics of: vacuum cleaners, leaf blowers, slime, cars, marshmallows, online gaming, and catching small lizards. These children bring their individual personality and interests to our family, which we love. It’s been an exciting experience seeing these kids grow in different areas, and to celebrate their achievements like learning to ride a bike, swim, read, write, mow, tidy up, and bake. They are learning how to be a child again, that adults can be safe, how to play, how to manage their big emotions, when to say sorry, and how to accept forgiveness. The biggest and most important thing is seeing them learn about the God who made them and loves them.
Welcoming these kids into our home also welcomes their story and their past. It’s hard to hear what they’ve each experienced. The more I learn about their past, the more I see and admire their strength and resilience. I have realised that the role Warren and I have is to help them process, heal and feel safe. I am comforted to know that God is the ultimate healer and protector.
We are particularly thankful for our support network. We are thankful for the many prayers, the encouraging words and the wisdom being shared with us. Those who have gone grocery shopping, given massage vouchers, cooked us meals and delivered care packages. For those who cry with us, laugh with us and embrace our messy, stressful and unpredictable life. For those who have babysat, cleaned our house, and done our washing. Thank you for telling us how you will help, rather than waiting for us to request help. A big shout out to our case managers, behavioural support team, councillors, and OTs for your support. Anglicare has been an amazing agency to work with, and we are thankful for their ongoing support. We are thankful that God has provided us with this support network, and we would not be able to do this without you.
I was keen to share a snippet of our story, to encourage you to consider foster care. There are children everywhere who need a home. There are foster carers who need help and support. Everyone can play a role. You could be a respite carer, short term carer, long term carer, crisis carer or kinship carer. You could find a foster family and be a support to them. You could find foster children and be a caring and trustworthy adult for them. The need is huge, and we need to raise awareness.
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” - James 1:27.”
Author: Sallyanne, Current Anglicare Foster Carer
Interested in becoming a foster carer? Take our quiz today: Are you ready to become a foster carer? (anglicare.org.au) or call us on 02 9890 6800.