Rebel to Redeemed
As a teen, Amanda felt rejection was the most pressing emotion she experienced. Because of this emotion, she ran away several times. Her mother had rejected her, and she felt everyone would eventually reject her.
She did not attempt to reciprocate relationships with her foster families (because how could they really want her there?)
Amanda felt like she was being cared for as a means of charity and pity. Looking back as an adult, she perceives that thought as a lie the enemy whispered to her repeatedly.
Here is her life summary:
I went into foster care for the first time in middle school and went in and out a few times until I was permanently in foster care. At the age of 16, I was emancipated, and went to college. I got married the first time very young. Tragically, I became a widow when I was 23 with my two small children loosing their father. I moved across the country to Iowa to get a fresh start. I met my current husband there.
There is a happy ending, for sure. Amanda went from being emancipated and alone, enduring the outcomes of family members suffering from mental health issues, and being a widow to living a dream life with a loving, Christian husband and family - which is ever-expanding. Watch the video to find out what I mean.
She is now a pastor's wife and ministers to the congregation - even sharing her story. That is how I found her - on Instagram as @fostered.to.fostering
You'll enjoy this precious testimony and learn about foster parenting from a former foster youth who now does foster care in a humble, teachable way. I am so honored to have her on my podcast and YouTube channel.
Watch the rest of her story here:
We are now foster parents, have two foster children, two biological children, which he has adopted, and are expecting a child.
After watching her story, I was hoping you could leave a note about what we, as foster parents, can do better regarding teen placements.