Friday, March 19th
For the past ten years we've sponsored a beautiful girl who lives in an orphanage in southern Arkansas. Her name is Louella. When Louella was seven we got to meet her, her two older sisters and her older brother for the first time. Because they all lived in the orphanage members of our church decided to sponsor the children. We decided to sponsor Louella... Since she was the same age as our girls we thought they would all get along very well.
I can still recall the unbridled joy on our girls' faces when we told them we were going to sponsor Louella. Whenever it was she came to see us the girls became so excited. Now, ten years later, our girls are 13 and 15... and we have a 3-year-old girl to boot. They still get excited when Louella comes... and that excitement has rubbed off on our little one.
Today Louella is coming for spring break just as she has for the past ten years. Only this will be the last time she will come as a child of the orphanage. She graduates high school this spring.... so after this she will be an adult and will be making her own decisions. I have to admit, I'm a little apprehensive. I find myself wondering whether she will continue to visit on her own or if she will move into her own world and not have time for us.
Whatever path Louella chooses we know that God placed her in our household. We know we have done what we could over the past ten years to help be a family for her... a Christian family that she will want to emulate later on.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3Jn 1:4)
Neal i didn't know you had a blog but lauren sent me a message on facebook telling me to read this. I just have to say i know this was 2 years ago but it made me feel special to know that you told everyone who reads this blog "our" story and how you guys have been my family. I know i have made some mistakes but i want you to know i am very greatful for everything your family has done for me. I know we fell off for a while but i would love to get connected again. You guys truly were a blessing in my life. You took me in and cared for me as if i were your own and i couldn't thank you enough for that. I don't know if you have heard but i do have a little boy of my own now. He's about to be seven months. I love my lil man so much. And i would love for you guys to meet him. I hope i didn't mess things up between all of us. And i am truly sorry if it seems like i put you all on the back burner. I love you guys and miss you very much. Love Louella
ReplyDelete