WHAT MENTORING THROUGH TLF HAS TAUGHT ME ABOUT REAL LOVE

One of the biggest blessings in my life has become mentoring my youth at TLF. My heart cries joyful tears in getting to know such a special person. I have been mentoring her for over three years now, and she has added a lot of fun and joy in my life. I could have never asked for or imagined what this journey would hold, and it far exceeded my expectations.

I have seen my mentee grow in self-confidence and knowing who she is as God made her.

I didn’t expect to grow as much as I have. The biggest change through this relationship has been my capacity to love. This is not about changing someone, but meeting them where they are at. I entered into this relationship thinking I was coming in as an agent of change-that I was going to teach her, rescue her, show her “the way.”

Instead, I have learned to be a true agent of change, it’s simply about loving and being there for my mentee. I say “simple” because it is doing the obvious things that may not seem like huge impactors, but they are-like listening, remembering what she’s shared and asking good questions. It doesn’t take a lot.

I entered into this relationship thinking I was coming in as an agent of change-that I was going to teach her, rescue her, show her “the way.” Instead, I have learned to be a true agent of change, it’s simply about loving and being there for my mentee.

We do all kinds of things together: bowling, hiking, watching movies, playing Monopoly, eating out and talking. We enjoy outdoor concerts with picnics and attending plays. We have attended several independent living workshops together and go to church every Sunday together.

Our latest favorite thing to do is to go walking and talking at the beach. We also work on a lot of practical life goals. She has become a part of my family. She’s included in family dinners, we pray for her, she spends Holidays with us. Our family feels honored to have her.

Children in foster care have a million people telling them what to do-they go years without a voice as to who they live with, even what they wish to wear or when they would like to visit a friend-small freedoms we take advantage of when we are young are often taken from these kids, even though they have done nothing wrong. What they truly need is not someone telling them what to do, but someone who is on their side. This looks like listening, caring, advocating, and having fun with them. Sometimes I find I am even advocating for my mentee against herself. I have learned so much about the practicalities of love through her and the heart God has given me for her.

Children in foster care have a million people telling them what to do-they go years without a voice as to who they live with, even what they wish to wear or when they would like to visit a friend-small freedoms we take advantage of when we are young are often taken from these kids, even though they have done nothing wrong. What they truly need is not someone telling them what to do, but someone who is on their side.

The biggest revelation I have had is seeing how God cares about kids who don’t have parents involved in their lives. God continually amazes me to experience His provision every time I want to do something for my mentee and her sister. I have been changed and impacted by how God wants to bless these youth. Most of all, I see the need for how He is looking for willing vessels who will partner with Him. I cannot put enough words to how moved my heart is in experiencing the growth of my mentee and privilege of our relationship.

**This is just one of many stories showing the fruit of our mentor program. Check out how you can get involved, or support our ongoing mentorship program, here.