Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Why I Walk....

Over a year ago two of my friends came to me at different times and encouraged me to join Walk for the Waiting. In my mind I didn’t walk and just because I adopted two kids didn’t mean I wanted to start walking. But, then my husband told me he was going to walk and then day by day my heart open to the idea. I was too “fat feeling” to physically walk last year. Goodness that is embarrassing to just type.  However, my heart continued to be softened for children living all over the world who had no family or home.. So, joining Walk for the Waiting this year was an easy choice. I could actually walk and God had placed the right man in my path to have a heart for the waiting children too.  The stats are out there. If every other church (in Arkansas) would take interest in helping ONE child in foster care then we probably would not have ANY kids waiting for a family. John and I are following our heart to help. Our big reasons for why we walk? Obviously for Lauren and Maddie, the two girls who I call mine through adoption. I know without a doubt their life is better because I am their mom. People tell me all the time but, I know that together we make a family and we love each other! Who am I kidding; my life is so much more complete because of my girls. They have shown me that my faith cannot be put into a “box”. And just because I can’t hear the words they speak I can feel the words through a smile or snuggling on the couch. 

Another reason I walk is no doubt my extended family has shown me love by accepting numerous foster kids in their home and adopting so many I have lost count. (It exceeds 8!) In their community where they live they are heroes and they are my family. 

And then at my job I am reminded why I walk  I love my job and the 70 children and 13 college staff I spend time with each day. My staff has shown love to a child who is in foster care by building a relationship based on love. It’s such a blessing to experience it. Actually my staff has open their hearts to all the children we work with. All children need love.  Then there is the foster mom who is single and giving this child a home. She is opening her heart and home and then surely I can walk.  Actually the child told me she is so
thankful that her foster mom gave her a closet to store her belongings. That nearly broke my heart to hear. This foster mom is also my hero.

 And so each day I am easily reminded of why I walk...

You can join our team and walk with us by clicking here.

If you can’t walk but, would like to donate then by clicking here.

If you can’t or donate but, you still want to do something please pray


How are the funds used?

1) To increase the visibility of children waiting for adoption by expanding the Heart Gallery statewide through the efforts of Project Zero. (I have friends who have adopted through Projected Zero!)




2) To mobilize the church by recruiting, training, and supporting Christian foster and adoptive families and volunteers from local churches to serve children in foster care, both in Pulaski County and in 25 other counties around the state through The CALL. (DHS has said this organization is vital and important!)


3) To provide a third transitional home in Little Rock for youth aging out of foster care through Immerse Arkansas.
(Another great way to help children become productive citizens!)  


1 comment:

  1. I am so proud of you for taking this one and getting the word out. The adoption stories you have shared through church and social media are so powerful. They plant seeds. Those seeds will bear fruit in whatever ways they are supposed to...as part of God's plan for these precious children who are waiting! Thanks for this and all you do!

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