I'm about to become a mother again....

I take my hat off to you, ga. Well done and good luck. Lucky boys!

That is such a kind thing to do, there are not enough words in the dictionary to say how much a kind thing it is x x

Not at all jealous, ga - I don't think I'd have the energy, physical or emotional! Hats off to you, I can tell you're thrilled and they are indeed lucky boys.

ga respect as I know how exhausting one teenager with problems can be,that is on the downside,on the upside you see the world through different eyes,have more wisdom,and probably more patience and tolerance.
You will be learning of their culture,and rejoicing in each of their achievments and goals,I say teeny bit jealous,it probably won't be a bed of roses on the way,but the sense of satisfaction for each hurdle crossed is beyond words..
good luck to you and your boys am looking forward to hearing about them,am hoping they find peace in our country and I am sure they will flourish under your carexxxxxxlove nellie

If I'm being honest ga the latter, but what you are offering is priceless and will bring its own reward. I totally take your point re the press, perhaps one day when the difficult times are behind them you can tell more, but at the moment what matters will be the normality, security and love you will bring them. Big

Actually Ana I'm not sure I've got the energy either; so I'm glad The Wonderful Man is ten years younger than me and is supremely fit - he can do all the energetic stuff and I shall deal with all the touchy feely emotional stuff. Sorted. (Teenage boys.....from Afghanistan.....that's not going to happen is it? Hmm )

Good on you grannya and yes I am jealous ! I hope it all goes very well and they are quickly feeling part of your lovely family.

I wanted to become a foster parent when my children were in their late teens but DH was not really keen and I knew it would not be right (for potential foster children) to try and persuade him. Instead I worked in FSU youth clubs.

You will love it ga.
How long are they staying?

As it's a Private Fostering arrangement, and due to the ages of the boys, I don't come under the auspices of the Social Services. So, when I'm tearing my hair out and needing support I shall come on here seeking the 'Wisdom of the Crones'.
(As a courtesy - and because I think they should know, I have informed SS that the boys are coming to live with me.)

Johanna, the boys came here on a two year visa (expires in November 2013) which I expect will become an 'indefinite leave to remain' when the next application is made. Their dad (a refugee) has lived in the UK for many years and now has British citizenship; their mum died in Afghanistan in 2011. I have agreed that the boys can live here until they have finished their secondary school education in July 2014 and we will then review the situation.

Are you working on their English with them, ga as well as giving them the security of a family home? I was very fond of my Afghani students who were more respectful of older persons than their English equivalents. Looking forward to hearing all (well, almost all) about them.

Respect grannya

ga, much love, luck (if there is such a thing) and respect to you.

Those boys are fortunate to have you.

Yes, anno - they already attend my free language classes. They're very bright, but, as I'm sure you can imagine, have seen and experienced a lot of awful things.

That's wonderful news ga. The young men are indeed fortunate to have you and WM at their side.

Hats off indeed and lots of good luck for the future with your newly extended family.

I'd love to have young people around the house again, although not sure I'd have the energy for the late night taxi'ing I used to do. And boys of that age need so much feeding . I bet they'll be great friends for your little grandson as well. I can understand how you feel about the press but might be an idea to keep a journal of some kind both for them and for you. And it'll be lovely to hear of how they're getting on.

ga, I think these young lads will be falling on their feet, having a home with you. The best of wishes to you all. xx

Wonderful GA, I salute you.

Such good news GA and well done you two

GA How wonderful....you are indeed a special person.

Your news reminded me of the following and all your good deeds with people who stay with you:

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Maya Angelou

I'm full of admiration! It sounds exciting and scary at the same time. I do hope it all goes well and is a wonderful experience on both sides.

Send me to the naughty chair pedants. I've just re-read my OP and I actually put too instead of to! Oh the shame....the ignominy......

Thanks all for lovely positive responses; I am looking forward to the adventure, but it's a little bit daunting.

What brilliant thing to do ga. Take good care of yourself too.