Where did this all start?

  We lived and worked in Northwest Arkansas.  

We bought an old farmhouse-     it was to be an upgrade from my little house on Village Lane that I built.  

We were crazy in love and had talked and communicated since the day we met. We were blessed with one beautiful little blessing from God at our house in Springdale on Village Lane.  

We also started doing foster care at Village Lane.  We really thought we would adopt a teenager but instead were blessed with many children.  Our hope and prayers for those children and their families is that we could be a help and hope to them to reunite their families.  

Some of those children it would happen for, but unfortunately not for all.  I would have to say this was an incredibly fulfilling and depressing time in my life. While I was over-joyed to help so many hurt it was a blessing to be a part of so many families lives. To mentor children and families alike to educate and nurture -it was also very demanding, tiring, frustrating.  I can't even think of adjectives to describe. 

This is probably the most frustrating job, ministry, what ever you want to label it. The most difficult job I have ever tried to do.  It is because no one is happy.  They are all there because of choices. Right or wrong choices.  The children caught.  The children depressed and hurt and no way to express it. 

Parents caught in bad decisions. The parents hurt, depressed, frustrated.  Parents who worked hard and the other parent slacked. This is truly one of the worst places to be. Then comes the state the one who earns control of "The People". The ones with an agenda to "Reunite families". It actually ends up being a platform to remove children and displace families.  This is truly not what God intended for the family unit.  

I have so many funny stories of the kids and their families. 

            I have so many heartfelt stories watching babies, little kids, big kids, teenagers all separated not understanding.  I have heard, felt, seen and smelled abuse. Its a stench that I will never forget as long as I live on this earth.  I want you to know every child, infant, teenager, and adult who was part of this season of my life with us. I have prayed for you, for your children) and your families so many times. I still do. I think of some of these children who left such an impression on me. 

"For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. 18"He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.19"So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.…Deut. 10:17-19

This is where unconditional love begins.  We saw the work of God daily in our lives.  We saw God move in situations where I was ignorant.  I saw God do miracles in families and the kids. The laughter the Joy restored in their lives.  

knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.5But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.…

James 1:3-5

If you are weak, then God is strong because He is allowed to work in your life.  He can do a perfect work through His Son Jesus who was made flesh on this earth.  

So thank you and God bless you to God! Thank you and God bless you to all those moms, dads, children, case workers, Head of case management, and to all those families. 

You and your families will always hold a special place in my heart. I still think and pray for you and your families today. 

Sharon, Brandon, Kyle, Mikey, A.J. , Barbara, Brittany, all the babies and toddlers brought to us in the middle of the night. Glory to God we had three- 3 year olds at the same time all in car seats. We had to borrow a missionary's car while they were in Mexico on mission just to move all of our surrogated kids :) 

I didn't think about it- I just did it. I pray God uses their circumstances for His glory and that their lives are changed. 

Blessings