In 2011, Kelley and Randall were introduced to a young mom who was struggling to hold her life together. She had experienced foster care as a youth and was now a single, homeless mother under the scrutiny of local child welfare officials. She came to our church because she heard we served breakfast. It was there our pastor asked Kelley to check-in on her and see what needs she had.

This introduction connected us to a resilient young woman who would forever change our understanding of people and the systems they either uphold or find themselves subject to.

Over the course of a year, Kelley had the privilege of walking with her throughout the fraught process of reunification until this little family of two were back together!

About a year and a half later, we learned of a special collaboration of agencies whose aim was to find homes for young Chinese children with Down syndrome. We stepped forward to learn more and the next day had submitted our application to be considered for this international program.

In the Fall of 2014, after the relentless, faithful support of our community, we welcomed our newest family member home. And through the evaluations, and surgeries, and therapies, this community carried us.

Two years later, we got a call about a little girl in Seattle born with Down syndrome and a list of urgent and likely chronic medical needs who needed a family. Just five days later, this same community of people rallied behind us and sent Kelley to Seattle to begin the process.

After witnessing so much support,