Fostering Tea Session (Teh Hsin & Joyce) - Like a Hurricane Survivor, Keep Plugging on


16 July 2016 - Wonderful sharing by Teh Hsin & Joyce to potential foster carers.

Through their care and prayers, their 3-yr-old foster child "Dora" who was at risk for reactive attachment disorder & global developmental delay as a baby, has now blossomed into a confident, bubbly and loving child. While they dread the day she leaves to be reunified with her own parents, they know that loving her AND wanting the best for her means letting go of their own desires AND being willing to get hurt in the process....But it's worth it for the sake of the child!!!

Having met a displaced survivor of Hurricane Katrina recently, Joyce reflected that the trauma a foster child experiences at being suddenly removed from her birth family and brought into care is just as devastating - it's like a hurricane blowing through her home, leaving nothing in its wake & removing her from everything she knows. How lost and bewildering that can be!!!! And similar to being swept away by a disaster, the child doesn't know what is happening to her, and may have nothing on her except for the clothes she is wearing. So we as foster parents can really help to make that transition less scary.....

Teh Hsin shared how a girl in a children's home whom they are currently befriending would always ignore him and look down every time he offered her food during meals. While that might appear rude if one didn't know the girl, understanding the trauma behind the behavior is crucial. This girl had been abused by every male member of her family, so she didn't trust males. It will take some time for her to re-learn trust. As Foster Carers and Befrienders of children in care, we are an extension of God's love to a broken world, and a model of what unconditional and sacrificial love is... So Teh Hsin will keep plugging on....

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