To the Almost Foster Parent

To the almost licensed or wannabe or its-just-not-the-right-time-but-I-want-to-be-ready eventual foster parent:

The best thing you can do right now to prepare you for foster care: Befriend a foster family.

Show up and sit with and serve and babysit and make meals and clean toilets and run errands and pray and cry with foster parents. There are so many benefits:

* Relationship with a foster family will give you the best, real-life glimpse into what this journey is like. You’ll never read in a book or learn in a training session what you can gain from living alongside a family at the front lines.

* Building a friendship with a foster parent will be a lifeline for you once you’re in the life. You’ll need someone to call with tears and questions and sit-in-this-with-me’s. Start building that now.

* Starting to get involved will “whet your appetite” for doing more. Taking small steps into serving (foster) children and families builds your heart for the kids and parents you’re serving. It’s a wonderful, vicious cycle.

* Caring for vulnerable children in any way is important work. Don’t wait for the “one day” that may (or may not) come. Step out in whatever small way you’re able now. This is the work that you want to be a part of it...so be a part of it!

* We need your help! We’re so grateful for your friendship and care and service. You build our faith and lighten our burdens and bring joy to our lives.