I’ve always had a heart for adoption but it felt like it was something I would do ‘one day’. Some years ago at my church, I believe God spoke to me clearly about being a mum to children who didn’t have families able to look after them. At that stage I had never really heard of fostering and was still considering adopting in the future.

Soon after that I kept noticing posters at the train station and in the paper about fostering, I even had flyers through my door about it! God was certainly trying to tell me something.

I was under the impression that as I was single I wasn’t allowed to foster, but after making some enquiries I discovered that you can. So it seemed like my ‘one day’ was quickly coming around the corner.

Although the application process was very thorough and could possibly feel quite ‘intrusive’ for some, I was grateful for it all. It showed me that those assessing me wanted to make sure I was the ‘right fit’ to foster a vulnerable child.

My first placement were siblings who arrived in the back of a police van in the middle of the night. Definitely a real eye opener! They returned to their family home after spending two weeks with me and I learned a lot in that fortnight and saw some positive progress with them.

A few months later I had a little girl placed with me, who would stay for at least six months, possibly long-term. She’s now been with me for five years and I’m currently in the process of becoming her legal guardian, which an exciting time for both of us!

My church has been incredible and have played a huge part in my foster daughter’s life. From the start they have loved, welcomed and believed in her. She doesn’t have a father in her life but through my church she now has amazing, Godly men who have become inspirational father figures.

Being a foster carer is the most challenging, demanding, beautiful and rewarding thing I’ve ever done. My patience and perseverance have been stretched beyond what I thought possible, but in that I’ve seen that God equips and graces us in every situation and he can bring beauty out of something that seems impossible.

I was introduced to Home for Good a few years ago through my church. They have been so supportive and encouraging and are always there to help. They have also connected me with other people who are thinking about fostering so I can share my experience with them and encourage them in their own journey. I am proud to be a champion for Home for Good.