A few words to describe our first few weeks as house parents: lots of patience, lots of love, hard work, late nights, early mornings, bedtime stories, more bedtime stories, breaking up arguments, teenage drama, heartfelt discussions, tears, laughter, more tears, lots of hugs, difficult conversations, family formation, great food, fellowship…
Within our home we have two family units and several individual children. One of our families is made up of 6 boys, the other family is made up of 3 boys; the other 6 children do not have siblings living with us. Our larger family has an alpha sibling who is 16 years old. We’ll call him G. He is the the oldest brother of six boys. By looking at this young man, one can tell G’s life has not been easy; yet, his smile has become so sincere since finding his refuge in his father God.
Shortly after stepping in as house parents, I took the older boys to a youth event at a local church. The message given reminded the youth that God is our refuge and we can find comfort and refuge in seeking him as our father. At the end of the message, the speaker said that while God is our refuge, God also gives us a refuge in our parents, house parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents. The speaker invited all the parents and house parents to the front of the room. He then invited the youth to go to the person in whom they have found a place of refuge and security.
I really did not expect anyone to come up to me, as after all, I was new to the home. Within a few moments, G walked up to me, opened up his arms and then fell into mine, hugging me very tightly. At first he had his head up on my shoulder, and I began to speak blessings over him. I don’t recall all that I said, but I do remember painting an image of a future full of blessing and success. As I spoke, his head dropped down so I could not see him, and he began to cry. I remember telling him that I understand changes and transitions in life are never easy, but that Tiffany and I as his new tios (aunt and uncle) would do everything in our power to raise his brothers, and him for the few years we will have him, with godly discipline, love and affection, teaching them to be the best they can be in life.
Tiffany and I have probably worked harder as parents than we ever have over these past few weeks, which can be exhausting. When we drop off each child at school, we are thankful for a little break, but shortly into the day, we find ourselves missing the little guys. While driving home late one night after picking up three of our middle-school children, I found myself both very tired and very grateful for the joy of raising not only my own beautiful children, but also these 15 children God has placed under our wing, and more importantly, under his. While our wings are spread wide, striving to protect each one from the pain and suffering of this world, our Heavenly Father stands tall above us, sheltering us all with his mighty wings spread wide.
Where is your shelter found? Where do you find your refuge? We love you all and thank you greatly for loving us so much to send us in prayer and financial support. Have a blessed day!
Within our home we have two family units and several individual children. One of our families is made up of 6 boys, the other family is made up of 3 boys; the other 6 children do not have siblings living with us. Our larger family has an alpha sibling who is 16 years old. We’ll call him G. He is the the oldest brother of six boys. By looking at this young man, one can tell G’s life has not been easy; yet, his smile has become so sincere since finding his refuge in his father God.
Shortly after stepping in as house parents, I took the older boys to a youth event at a local church. The message given reminded the youth that God is our refuge and we can find comfort and refuge in seeking him as our father. At the end of the message, the speaker said that while God is our refuge, God also gives us a refuge in our parents, house parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents. The speaker invited all the parents and house parents to the front of the room. He then invited the youth to go to the person in whom they have found a place of refuge and security.
I really did not expect anyone to come up to me, as after all, I was new to the home. Within a few moments, G walked up to me, opened up his arms and then fell into mine, hugging me very tightly. At first he had his head up on my shoulder, and I began to speak blessings over him. I don’t recall all that I said, but I do remember painting an image of a future full of blessing and success. As I spoke, his head dropped down so I could not see him, and he began to cry. I remember telling him that I understand changes and transitions in life are never easy, but that Tiffany and I as his new tios (aunt and uncle) would do everything in our power to raise his brothers, and him for the few years we will have him, with godly discipline, love and affection, teaching them to be the best they can be in life.
Tiffany and I have probably worked harder as parents than we ever have over these past few weeks, which can be exhausting. When we drop off each child at school, we are thankful for a little break, but shortly into the day, we find ourselves missing the little guys. While driving home late one night after picking up three of our middle-school children, I found myself both very tired and very grateful for the joy of raising not only my own beautiful children, but also these 15 children God has placed under our wing, and more importantly, under his. While our wings are spread wide, striving to protect each one from the pain and suffering of this world, our Heavenly Father stands tall above us, sheltering us all with his mighty wings spread wide.
Where is your shelter found? Where do you find your refuge? We love you all and thank you greatly for loving us so much to send us in prayer and financial support. Have a blessed day!
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