How we were Made to Change the World...
When God said I knit you together in your mothers womb- Psalm 139:13 and that He knew the plans He had for us before we were born- Jeremiah 29:11, we believed that God created mankind with value, gifts, and purpose, that when aligned with His will for our life, has the potential to change the world. Our life has never been the same since learning about Jesus Christ and the "good news". As our individual relationships with God has grown, we've continued to learn of unconditional love, His righteousness and sovereignty in all things. Shortly after our marriage, God wasted no time in giving us a growing burden to reach beyond ourselves to see and meet the needs of others. This began with Foster care in our local county, and has since blossomed into orphan care.
While our journey continues to unfold, in the past 20 years the adventure has included moving into and renovating over 9 houses, saying good bye to suburban life and hello to farming, growing from a family of two to a family of FOURTEEN through a combination of birth and adoption, and learning the challenges of raising healthy children to being blindsided by the discovery and demands of caring for children with special needs. As God would have it we've experienced many challenges along the way. Some more painful than others but all used in molding and shaping our family and helping us embrace the truth and power of Romans 8:28, in all things God works for the good of those who love Him...
This page contains snapshots, tidbits, personal testimonies, and video stories of our past, present and future. Its contents are dedicated to each other, our children, but most of all to our Father, who created us for an eternal relationship with Him and gave EVERYTHING to prove it.
When God said I knit you together in your mothers womb- Psalm 139:13 and that He knew the plans He had for us before we were born- Jeremiah 29:11, we believed that God created mankind with value, gifts, and purpose, that when aligned with His will for our life, has the potential to change the world. Our life has never been the same since learning about Jesus Christ and the "good news". As our individual relationships with God has grown, we've continued to learn of unconditional love, His righteousness and sovereignty in all things. Shortly after our marriage, God wasted no time in giving us a growing burden to reach beyond ourselves to see and meet the needs of others. This began with Foster care in our local county, and has since blossomed into orphan care.
While our journey continues to unfold, in the past 20 years the adventure has included moving into and renovating over 9 houses, saying good bye to suburban life and hello to farming, growing from a family of two to a family of FOURTEEN through a combination of birth and adoption, and learning the challenges of raising healthy children to being blindsided by the discovery and demands of caring for children with special needs. As God would have it we've experienced many challenges along the way. Some more painful than others but all used in molding and shaping our family and helping us embrace the truth and power of Romans 8:28, in all things God works for the good of those who love Him...
This page contains snapshots, tidbits, personal testimonies, and video stories of our past, present and future. Its contents are dedicated to each other, our children, but most of all to our Father, who created us for an eternal relationship with Him and gave EVERYTHING to prove it.
"Live simply, so that others may SIMPLY live" - Mother Theresa
Where does the proceeds from our puppies & farm go to?
1. The Animals
Funds are needed to the care of our beloved dogs and livestock, who are therapeutic dogs for our children.
2. The Children
This is the longer answer. Our family is dedicated to service work. While serving in other countries, God brought it to our attention, the HUGE number of orphans that need families. So we've adopted multiple times resulting in 12 children. Our adoptions have all been private adoptions, and we do not receive subsidies for our children. We have been asked why would we pay the high fees of private adoptions, when there are 'free' adoptions through foster care, right in the United States? (yes, we get asked lots of bold questions, frequently) We were called to adopt our specific children. They were the children God meant for us. It didn't matter how much the cost was to bring them home. We would ask- what is the cost of human life? I would sell everything I own, if need be, to bring my children home. Americans are quick to drop $25,000 on a car, so what is wrong with us spending $25,000 on an adoption? We have chosen to spend our financial resources on adoption, supporting our large brood of children and also serving those in need in 3rd world countries. We live very frugally, yard saling, buying used vehicles, watching for sales, home hair cuts... And we have no complaints. We are humbled that God chose us to give our life in place of our children, exemplifying the sacrifice He gave for us, so they can in turn, go into the world and do the same for others. But the real cost is much greater than money- its the time, the emotion, and the physical energy required to let life flow through us and out of us into our children. There is no retirement for us. We will continue to adopt & give children a chance to be in a family where they are loved and treasured, and where they taught about God. As corny as this sounds, our real business, is, the business of saving lives. We can't think of a better way to live or any better reason to die for!
3. Missionaries
We support numerous missionaries, who are serving the poor around the world.
4. Mission trips ~ Humanitarian Work
We typically do 1-2 mission trips per year. (we have previously served in Uganda, Haiti, Congo, Ethiopia, Mexico)
5. Pre & Post Adoption Counseling
We provide this service free of charge. Adoption is can be very complicated. Orphan children have experienced a massive loss in their life. Many times, more than love, is needed to help them work through this loss. We believe pre-adoption counseling is CRITICAL for anyone adopting, so that parents are educated and equipped this challenging but rewarding task.
6. Community Outreach
~Weekly, our family serves our community through distributing groceries.
~We also provide budget counseling for those who are trying to get financially on track.
~Marital mediation is another service we provide to marriages in crisis.
Funds are needed to the care of our beloved dogs and livestock, who are therapeutic dogs for our children.
2. The Children
This is the longer answer. Our family is dedicated to service work. While serving in other countries, God brought it to our attention, the HUGE number of orphans that need families. So we've adopted multiple times resulting in 12 children. Our adoptions have all been private adoptions, and we do not receive subsidies for our children. We have been asked why would we pay the high fees of private adoptions, when there are 'free' adoptions through foster care, right in the United States? (yes, we get asked lots of bold questions, frequently) We were called to adopt our specific children. They were the children God meant for us. It didn't matter how much the cost was to bring them home. We would ask- what is the cost of human life? I would sell everything I own, if need be, to bring my children home. Americans are quick to drop $25,000 on a car, so what is wrong with us spending $25,000 on an adoption? We have chosen to spend our financial resources on adoption, supporting our large brood of children and also serving those in need in 3rd world countries. We live very frugally, yard saling, buying used vehicles, watching for sales, home hair cuts... And we have no complaints. We are humbled that God chose us to give our life in place of our children, exemplifying the sacrifice He gave for us, so they can in turn, go into the world and do the same for others. But the real cost is much greater than money- its the time, the emotion, and the physical energy required to let life flow through us and out of us into our children. There is no retirement for us. We will continue to adopt & give children a chance to be in a family where they are loved and treasured, and where they taught about God. As corny as this sounds, our real business, is, the business of saving lives. We can't think of a better way to live or any better reason to die for!
3. Missionaries
We support numerous missionaries, who are serving the poor around the world.
4. Mission trips ~ Humanitarian Work
We typically do 1-2 mission trips per year. (we have previously served in Uganda, Haiti, Congo, Ethiopia, Mexico)
5. Pre & Post Adoption Counseling
We provide this service free of charge. Adoption is can be very complicated. Orphan children have experienced a massive loss in their life. Many times, more than love, is needed to help them work through this loss. We believe pre-adoption counseling is CRITICAL for anyone adopting, so that parents are educated and equipped this challenging but rewarding task.
6. Community Outreach
~Weekly, our family serves our community through distributing groceries.
~We also provide budget counseling for those who are trying to get financially on track.
~Marital mediation is another service we provide to marriages in crisis.
Want To Get To Know Us More?
These Are Some Of Our Personal Video Stories
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Made By Dad ~ 2010
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Made By Mom ~ Early 2007
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MTCTW ~ Made To Change The World
While it's not glamorous or praised by others, we hope all of our children will choose to lead a life of service, but in the end the choice is there's.
Our son serving in an orphanage in Haiti 2015
Our daughter, serving in an orphanage in Mexico 2014-2016.
Whether it's our children, furry friends, or the great outdoors itself, there is nothing like witnessing the beauty and master craftsmanship of our amazing God... Here are just a few glimpses we've captured around the farm.
Kids made a straw clubhouse to share with their dogs.
The cows are wondering, "What are those silly boys doing now?"
Yup- its a real zebra... Her name is Zoe and she's a hand full :-)
Bugs Bunney and Peter Cotton Tail chew on some tasty beans
Our HUGE Gypsy Vanor Horses above munch on some green grass and below Yuri rides the Ariana, Tennessee Walker.
Sisters!
Picking Veggies!
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Our Donkeys enjoying a summer snack from the pasture
One of the amazing sunrises from our back yard
We love our duck family too!
This chunky calf is heavier than she looks.
Older boys like to bike the babies around the back pastures.
Happy Birthday to our 3 eight year olds. Yes, you did read that right, we have 3 kiddos with the exact same birthdate.
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