Many people call me Aunty Pip! Whether they are my biological nephews and nieces, godchildren or young people I have “adopted” through church or friends, as a single person it gives me enormous joy to be involved in the lives of little people. 

God has blessed me abundantly with Christian family – both my birth family and the network of spiritual aunties, uncles, brothers and sisters etc. Knowing that I am loved by my heavenly Father encourages and motivates me to share his love. God’s grace in demonstrating his love, that even when we were sinners Christ died for us, is amazing. I don’t deserve to be part of his family but I am so thankful that I am. 

Understanding this led me to be interested in foster care. Three years ago my work situation changed to allow me to be free on weekends (I used to work on a church staff team so weekends were busy). This allowed me to explore a long-term desire to care for children in foster care. 

With my busy schedule, it suited me best to do respite care. For the past 2½ years I have had a teenage girl come and stay for one weekend a month. We plan out the weekends for the whole year so I can organise my time around it.

I think with any teenager it takes a while to build trust and confidence – both ways. I have come to see that being a regular, dependable person in her life is one of the most important things. Like with my friends’ children, it is meaningful for them to have other adults in their corner who enjoy hearing about their adventures, who turn up to sporting events and cheer when they reach milestones. In some ways my foster friend is no different to the other young people in my life. 

I have learnt (and am still learning) about the cyber world and creating a safe environment. We have regular fun things we do like baking and painting. I have an excuse to go on outings to the Opera House, ballet and other adventures. We also just spend time chilling – taking a break from the busyness of the world and having time to be quiet and reflect. It has been of benefit to me as well as to her. 

Caring for someone else has taught me that I am also often out of my depth. There is a massive circle of support around me. Just to mention one: my godmother has all the respite dates in her calendar and prays specifically for us on those weekends. When I am feeling overwhelmed it is so reassuring to know that I am not alone. The Lord is with me and Aunty Liz is praying for me. 

I have also learnt that there are some challenges in maintaining privacy for our kids. As a church family we all want to be welcoming and inclusive, which is great. But sometimes people need to be able to just turn up and be, without all the questions. 

Having said that, I am so thankful for a girl who, when she was in Year 7, went out of her way to be welcoming. She always looked out for my foster friend and cared for her. We went on shopping trips after church to the $2 shop and enjoyed the sushi train together. That was such a precious gift. 

Pray

• That I would be present and have the emotional and physical ability to walk alongside the children. I’ve learned that being a respite carer is not just about the children, but also involves the Department of Communities and Justice, care for the biological family, the foster family and a whole network of relationships. 
• That God would raise up more carers and more circles of support in churches – people who can babysit or provide meals – so that you’re not foster caring on your own. 
• Give thanks that, as carers, we have the ability to show God’s love. Pray that carers would be able to show God’s love in action to these children.