I think my heart for fostering and adoption started when I was training to be a teacher.
So much about teaching was what I felt skilled to do and the thought of equipping children educationally, morally and emotionally struck a deep cord with me – I remember feeling proud of my achievement on my graduation day, but at the same time, daunted and unsure whether teaching was the right fit for me. I wondered whether it was the place where I could truly be myself and be used by God fully.

I stepped into the role of being a teacher and I had days when I felt inspired and energised and enjoyed watching the children in my class grow in confidence and ability. But equally I had days when I felt restricted. I wanted to be so much more to the children in my care and I often struggled with not being able to satisfy the wider needs for some children, especially vulnerable children in the school.

So, to cut a long story short, in October 2000, I moved to Uganda and worked there with a Christian Charity for two and a half years with children suffering from HIV and AIDS. I offered care to children who had nothing – children who had no hope. I remember feeling that I had found God’s heart for caring for the vulnerable.

The seed of fostering and adoption was nurtured in my time in Uganda, I knew that I could love children like they were my own. And now, as a newly approved foster carer, myself, my husband and our three wonderful girls, have embraced the spirit of fostering and welcome vulnerable children into our home.

After we were inspired at a Home for Good information evening, we extended our house to make room for children that need a home. Our church, family and friends have caught the vision too and with each child that is welcomed into our lives, we receive welcome cards, meals, offers of babysitting and just a sense of cheering us on! We so appreciate it.