Fall is here and we are beginning to enjoy the double digits, the County Fairs, windows open rather than AC, and getting ready for long sleeves, sweaters and socks! It is amazing to see God control the weather, seasons and temperatures. Another obvious sign of who is in charge of our world (that HE created for us to live in and enjoy!).
In case you missed our 15th Annual Fashion Show/Luncheon last week, I wanted to share a few comments from our awesome guests but especially our young people that I interviewed. I always interview (sort of like Oprah) some of our kids from each of our programs: Group Homes, Foster Care, Adoption and Transitional Living. One of our foster girls who is 10 told me she would go up on stage with her foster family but didn’t want to talk, which is always their choice. So I interviewed her foster mom, and older (15 years old) foster sister. Our foster parents started with us just to do foster parenting. When these 2 young girls were placed in their home a year ago….they fell in love with them and through some circumstances with their biological families they became adoptable. Therefore they will be in their last foster home and their second FOREVER FAMILY!!!! After the interviews were complete, Miracle walked towards me like she wanted to talk. I asked her if she had something to say, or if she wanted me to ask her questions. She said, “ask me questions, please!” So I asked her how old she was, what grade she was in and what she liked to do when she wasn’t in school. Then I asked her if she had thought about what she would like to be when she grew up. To my total amazement she said, “I want to become a Foster Mom!” I was flabbergasted…..and thrilled! That says tons about how she feels about being with this incredible foster and now adoption family. God always has a plan!
All of our kids are going to school every day, learning how to care for their bodies, how to pray out loud, go to the Dentist, learn social skills, manners, how to play and have fun without fear and be loved by people who care! They are growing in a safe and healthy home, in some cases, for the first time in their young lives!
As we look towards the last quarter of this year I hope you will continue to keep us in your prayers, your giving and your faithful friendship. We appreciate all you are doing for and with us. More kids are successfully completing our programs, being reunified with their biological families or being adopted. Our days are full of challenges, surprises and rewards. We need YOU and Jesus more than ever before!
Be Blessed MORE!
Keep HOPE Alive.
Bible Verse
Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. – MATTHEW 6:33
Connie R. Clendenan, CEO Valley Teen Ranch