Fostering Joy: Misti and Megan’s Story

In a time of immense uncertainty for refugees and other immigrants in communities across the country, many supporters of the work of welcome are stepping forward to do what they can—whether it’s donating money, volunteering their time, speaking out in support, or, as Global Refuge supporters Misti and Megan did, opening their hearts and home to foster one of the thousands of children who migrate to the U.S. alone each year.

Helping Refugee and Immigrant Children

The Northern Virginia couple worked with Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, a Global Refuge partner agency, to become licensed foster parents. After receiving extensive training on fostering immigrant and refugee children, Misti and Megan were approved to provide short-term care for an 8-year-old girl from Ecuador who was waiting to be reunited with her mother here in the U.S.

For nearly a month, they provided a warm and welcoming place for her to stay, made her feel safe, and gave her the care she needed during such an uncertain time.

“Imagine when you were 8 years old. If you had been separated from everyone you know and desperately were waiting to be reunited with your parent, imagine how scary that would be,” Misti says.

Fostering Unaccompanied Children

For children who make the journey without their loved ones, Global Refuge works to safely connect them with existing family in the United States. All children in the foster program receive one-on-one counseling and support with education, legal services, health care, and other vital needs.

“Knowing these little ones face such challenging journeys, we wanted to do something to support and welcome a child to the next phase of their life.”

While their young guest stayed with them, Misti and Megan made sure to create a happy environment. They played games, cooked together, made crafts, and shared lots of laughs.

“The best part of the experience was seeing her smile, watching her relax a little and trust us,” Misti says. “We all got to be kids together, and that was something really special.”

Even after their guest left in January to be reunited with her mother, Misti and Megan continued to feel the joy from their time together.

“We still smile every day thinking about the silly connections and experiences we had with her. We feel grateful for that month, for the laughter, for the chance to be a part of her journey.”

Supporting Global Refuge

Recently, Misti and Megan answered the call to welcome once again when they launched an online fundraiser to help Global Refuge continue to provide programming and services to refugees in our care. Their fundraiser raised over $2,300.

“We are heartbroken by how our country is abandoning refugees and targeting immigrant communities,” Misti says. “We believe it is essential that we all do our part to stand by our neighbors and speak up for what is right.”

Unaccompanied children need more supporters like Misti and Megan. Learn how you can start your own campaign or apply to become a foster parent.