Foster families eager to share lives with children

Posted: 4/11/08

Foster families eager to share lives with children

By Jenny Pope

Buckner International

Percy Huaroc and his wife, Nancy, don’t have any children of their own. They’ve spent most of their married lives focused on their careers.

But when they heard about Peru’s pilot foster care program, they jumped at the chance to impact a child’s life and show God’s love to others.

The Huaroc family is one of the first foster families in Buckner's program in Peru. (Buckner Photo)

See Related Articles: • Buckner programs make history in Peru • Foster families eager to share lives with children

“Our decision to foster was a process, but it was a process that began in our Lord’s heart,” Huaroc said. “From time to time, the Bible verse came to our mind: ‘Whoever receives one child like this in my name receives me. And whoever receives me does not receive me, but him who sent me.’ This verse is why we decided to receive two children into our family.”

The Huarocs are making history in Peru as one of the first seven families chosen to participate in the pilot foster care program, established by Buckner and government officials. They have an opportunity to shape and influence future generations of childcare services in their country.

Because foster care is not widely known or practiced in Peru, the families participating in the pilot program often have to explain to others what it means to take in a child who has been abandoned or abused.

“When people find out about what it is, they are eager to share their lives and their homes with kids,” Huaroc said. “Most of the time, they want more information and wish to have someone walk with them through the process.

“Buckner Peru has been great from the start, because they provided foster families with all the facilities to help us through this process.”

Huaroc was raised by his grandparents from age 5, when his mother remarried, moved away and left him in their care. Had foster care existed, he might have been a child to benefit.

“This program is a great opportunity to learn about the different realities in our country,” he said, “and to develop ourselves spiritually, giving and receiving love. All of us have to think that if we have the opportunity to overcome adversity and help others, these kids can achieve unimaginable goals.”