I have been waiting to post about this, but had to wait until the gallery was debuted, and it did, last week. This issue is in a very deep part of my being and I don’t think I will ever feel that I have done enough for this cause. As many of you already know, our oldest son was adopted through foster care. We have had several other children in out of our home, from 2 days to 14 yrs old. It IS a tough job…I’m not going to sugar coat that, and the rewards sometimes are never seen. But I truly feel we all have been called to take care of these kids…in one way or another. We still have continuing relationships with two of our old “foster” kids, even though they have returned home. Some are making great choices, and others…our heart aches for them, for fear of seeing them repeating the cycle. Still, we are honored that God has allowed us to be apart of their lives in whatever way we can.

My point…there is a Michigan Heart Gallery exhibit that is made to create awareness of all the children that are up for adoption, and travels the state on display. Just in the state of Michigan, there are at any given time, 4,000 kids…. that are waiting to be adopted in the foster care system. Only a little over half of those ARE adopted. There is also a video put on by MARE that you may need kleenex for…here is the link **click here** If you would like to see the current gallery, it will be local at the newest branch of the Wyoming library until March 1st.

I helped photograph three of these kids that are up for adoption….two of them at St John’s home, where they are living temporarily….I cried all the way home from those sessions. It breaks my heart to think they are living there….not with a family…these kids belong somewhere… God never intended kids to be in a facility like that…please give adoption or foster care some serious thought. It will change a child’s life…forever. Photographers, consider volunteering next year….They only need one picture, but I end up proofing around 20….just email them if you are interested.

Here are the girls I photographed and a little about each of them.

Nikki 14yrs old~ describes herself as a “neat freak.” She likes to swim, dance, and play board games. She loves amusement parks and hanging out with her friends, playing guitar, singing, and dancing. Nikki has been waiting for adoption since May 2007.

Jarvanna 13 yrs old ~ She would love to have her own clothing line when she grows up. She loves shopping, ice cream, listening to music, and writing stories. Jarvanna has been waiting since November 2006.

Nacole 9yrs old ~She loves chinese food, taking music lessons, and going to the movies. She can’t wait to wear high heels and earrings! Nacole has been waiting for adoption since December 2005.

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