"As for Me and My House..."

We met them when we first moved into our new house last year. Eight children, two single mothers, in a two bedroom apartment almost in our front yard. They were outside every day watching a new family move in across the street and eager to have some kids in the neighborhood to play with.

It didn't take long for them to introduce themselves and make friends with my children. We just moved and I was 8 months pregnant. I wasn't happy when I came home from work to see our backyard full of "street kids" and referring to our yard as "the playground."

But at the time, I couldn't see God's bigger picture. They lived across the street from us for just 10 months before they moved to a bigger place a few miles away. But in those 10 months, God did an amzing work. I began to see those children through God's eyes. He quickly changed my heart and gave me a love for each one of them. He knew that they would need so much more than neighbors for 10 months. He planted seeds deep in our hearts to have a relationship with them. 

The kids played together every day. It didn't matter if it was raining or snowing. They played outside. They played in the garage. They played church. They played school. They would play 'till dark. Somehow it was always "too dark" for them to walk home by themselves. Angel walked them back. Two of the girls, "H" and "N", started spending the night every Friday and Saturday. They asked to come to church with us.

They learned our household rules. Sometimes they got sent home if they didn't follow them. They helped with Saturday chores. They had family devotions with us. They listened to our prayers before meals and wouldn't take a bite until we prayed. Then, they prayed. They thanked God for their food, their family, and their life. H said it was the first time she ever prayed. But she knew God heard her. They continued coming to Church, Bible Study, and Sunday School with us. They learned Bible verses and songs, heard Bible stories, and most importantly they learned about God and his love.

We have had to work out disagreements among them. We've had to work through some hard situations with them. They've seen us make mistakes and heard us apologize. They know we love them. Oh, how thankful I am to have a godly husband. Together we have worked through these new situations and a renewed meaning of reaching out. He reminds me that God is in control and can use our imperfect family. They call Angel "Papi." And say I'm much nicer than a "step-mom." They know that in our home, we serve the Lord. They have become a part of our family.



I would be honored if you join with us in prayer for these two girls and their families.