We've had a yo-yo ride these last few weeks with Kendra. She decided that she really wants to be a part of our family, so we agreed that it's never too late to make that choice and change her behaviors. It turns out it's much easier to make the decision than it is to change the behavior.
Last week we met with Kendra's "team" and collectively decided that if the end goal is for Kendra to successfully be a part of our family, the best way to accomplish that is for Kendra to move into a program in which she will receive the therapy and life skills preparation that she desperately needs. We have committed to being available as Kendra's family to support her through that process. Kendra's stance is that if she is sent there, she will run away. She continues to be defiant and combative with us in the mean time. We are praying that an opening is available really soon so that she can transition.

Please continue to pray for safety and protection over all of us. Pray that Kendra will be able to see that she needs help and choose to stay and actively participate in the work necessary for healing. Pray that they will have an opening for Kendra SOON.

A long lapse in updates means...things have not continued to move forward as we had hoped. Kendra's birthday party went well. We had many people come to show her love and acceptance. Most meaningful were the gifts of a necklace and other jewelry from her biological brothers. A few weeks ago, we accepted the fact that Kendra does not want change and refuses any input or parenting from us. While this may be "normal teenage behavior", it is not what Kendra truly needs, nor how we had hoped to serve in adopting from foster care. We have come to recognize that we can't continue to desperately want a life for Kendra that she does not want for herself.

What happens now? Kendra's team is attempting to determine the best course of action that will support her in accomplishing goals of graduation, emancipation and independence. Please pray for Kendra to utilize all resources as she makes decisions. Pray that God will prepare each of our hearts as we get ready to separate from daily life together. Pray that God would allow the truth that we've spoken and lived while Kendra has been in our care to pierce her heart and grow even as she leaves us.

If you have already donated for the Mexico mission trip, your contribution will be returned to you. Thank you for being so generous and expressing your desire to support both Kendra and our family in this way.

Thank you for all of the kind and encouraging words along the way. Those words have been so