And then there were five...

When we originally started the adoption process, we just thought we would get one child. However, when we decided to go the DHS route, we soon discovered that the majority of kids in foster care are part of a sibling group. So, we decided to say that we would take "up to" three children. We really felt like we were supposed to have a group of two, but we prepared for three, just in case. When Nathanael came to us, we knew he had a sister named Alexis, but were told she was dangerous and we should avoid her at all cost. So, we had him, but felt that somehow we were supposed to have one more. One day I got a call from Alexis' foster mom, who begged us to meet Alexis. She said that what we had been told had either been greatly exaggerated, or was now being managed by counseling and medication. We decided that it was the right thing to do to give Alexis a chance. We have now had three visits with her and she is really a doll. I can see the fire in her eyes that tells me we are going to have our challenges, but we have prayed long and hard and decided that she is the final piece to our family puzzle. When Nathanael grows up, how could we look him in the eye and tell him he could have been with his sister, but she just would have been too much work? These sweet children have some struggles and we are sure when Alexis comes to stay it will be uncomfortable around here for a while, but most of their behavioral issues are a result of trying to survive. Nathanael has changed so much in the two months we have had him, and I know Alexis will do the same. What they really need is a forever family who will love them through their struggles and point them to Jesus. Alexis means "Defender of Mankind." We will name her Hannah, which means "Grace of God." She will be Hannah Alexis, who will receive and give the Grace of God, and who will be a Defender of Manknd. Praise God!