IT’S A MINISTRY!
NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH
Campus Foster Parents, Randy and Lynette Romero, share about being foster parents.
What were your greatest fears about becoming a foster family? What has been your experience?
I think what I feared most was leaving what I was comfortable with, leaving our norm and trying to find a new one. We never dreamed that God would call us to this ministry and we could not in our human form see how it could possibly work. But after we accepted that God had indeed called us to work with children, a peace like no other filled our lives. God has provided our every need and He has placed some precious children in our lives. Whatever small role we play in the healing and restoration of these children and their families makes all the hard stuff worthwhile.
Why did you say yes to fostering?
As Christ followers, Randy and I both fell under the conviction of the Holy Spirit to minister to children from hard places. We both believe that God gives us free will and that we could choose to say no. We also knew if we were not living our lives to be in accordance to God will, that nothing we attempted out of His will would prosper. So saying no was not an option once we certain that God has indeed called us to this ministry.
What has been the most significant moment in fostering?
Oh my goodness! I’’m not sure I can pinpoint one moment. We have boys that have been in our care for over 6 years. I think the moment that I realized they were no longer placements in my home but my children. Regardless of where they end up in life, they will always come HOME on holidays, summers, special occasions and I will be their momma. They are 19 and 20 now and in college. While they are not “officially” in my care, they will always have a home and a family.
How has being a foster family impacted your own family and children?
It has certainly brought an awareness of the brokenness of many children that live among us and a ministry within my immediate family to children in care. My parents are Mamaw and Papaw to our kids, they have aunts, uncles and many cousins. What my family does for biological kin, they do for my foster children. There is no distinction between the two.... Christmas, birthdays.... no difference.
What has been the greatest challenge as a foster parent?
Self care! There is no opportunity for you as a foster parent to have time to unwind, to have time off and just take care of yourself.
What has been the greatest blessing as a foster parent?
The relationships that we have made with our boys and then to see them come to know the Lord! Goodness, my momma heart knows no greater joy than that!
What would you tell someone who is considering fostering?
It is a calling, a ministry! Love these children unconditionally.
Learn more about connectedfoster.care!