Foster Care

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In this episode of By Design, Wesley and Chelsea Wildmon take a heartfelt look into the world of foster care with special guests, Anne and Will Cockrell.

Their story goes far beyond providing a safe place to stay. It’s about opening their hearts to children who need love, stability, and hope the most. As Anne and Will share their experiences, they invite us to see both the beauty and the challenges of fostering and to understand how deeply it can shape everyone involved.

They talk openly about some common misconceptions, especially the difference between fostering and adoption. Fostering, they explain, is usually a temporary commitment focused on giving children a safe, loving space while working toward reuniting them with their biological families. That purpose is often misunderstood, and it can make the emotional side of fostering especially hard. They share what it feels like to grow attached to a child knowing they may eventually return home—and how love, even when it hurts, is always worth giving.

Anne and Will also point to the importance of community support in their journey. Their friends and family stepped up in beautiful ways—bringing meals, offering clothes, lending an ear, and providing encouragement when times were tough. That kind of support makes a huge difference for foster parents, helping carry the load and reminding them they’re not alone.

This episode encourages listeners to think about their own part in the story of foster care. Whether through volunteering, offering resources, or simply showing kindness to a foster family, we all have a role to play. Fostering is much more than a personal calling; it’s a reflection of God’s love and the power of community standing together.

As Anne and Will recall the moments that have touched their hearts most, they show just how fulfilling this calling can be. Their journey is a beautiful glimpse of God’s design for family and the difference that love, in action, can make.

If fostering has ever been on your heart or you want to learn how to support foster families, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. Join us as we explore the joys and challenges of fostering—and how it can change lives, one child at a time.

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