Good news! A few weeks ago, we were able to have a tough conversation with Kendra about how desperately we desire to help a child in the foster care system. Kendra had clearly stated that she didn’t want help and her attitude and behaviors were making it impossible for us to try help her. We talked more about the need for her to choose to move forward and find healing and closure for her past. She stated that she wanted “to try” to make some changes and allow us to help her. Things have been better and we again have hope that we will see Kendra make choices to embrace a future. She seems to be accepting her new high school, is making friends, and is even playing on tackle football team!

Kendra turns 18 this Thursday, Oct 15. Some of you have asked what she would like for a birthday gift. Kendra has expressed the desire for her and Carrie to join a team from our church going on a mission trip to Mexico after Christmas. We are thrilled about this opportunity for Kendra to step out of her comfort zone and gain a greater understanding of God’s perspective on childhood, poverty, love and responsibility. Please prayerfully consider making a financial contribution to assist in the cost of this trip. If you are able to do so, please just contact us and we will get you more information. www.ahouseofhope.com


Pray for Kendra’s body and mind to easily adjust and withdraw as she reduces the number of cigarettes she is smoking each day.

Pray for Kendra to actively desire and pursue personal growth.

Pray that Kendra would make intentional decisions to invest her time and money in ways that have lasting benefit.

Pray that the birthday party we are having for Kendra (her first true birthday party) on Saturday is a smashing success: everyone enjoys the evening and Kendra feels special and honored.

God is faithful!

The past few weeks have continued to be a bit rough for all of us. Kendra wavers back and forth between wanting to move on and wanting to stay with us. Tony and I continually adjust expectations and are attempting to love and mentor Kendra through these remaining months of “childhood” and do what we can to prepare her for the future. Yesterday, we told Kendra of our desires for her to begin living for her future instead of being tortured by her past. Her only response was tears (not tears of joy, but of shame). Kendra seems to be unhappy and feels unworthy of living a life of purpose and fulfillment. She told us that it’s “just too late” for her. We countered with the stance that it’s never too late for anyone. People come through difficult times at all stages of life and DECIDE to turn their lives into something more. There is hope for her! Please pray that there would be a breakthrough for Kendra and that she would choose to rebel against her past and see that her future is pure opportunity.

Thanks to all of you who have been in prayer for our family. Yesterday afternoon, Kendra decided she didn’t want a family and she packed all of her stuff in about 45 minutes. Tony and I managed to remain calm and communicate our constant message to her “We love you. We want what’s best for you. We think that is to be here with us and have a family. But you have the power to make your own choice. “. We prayed fervently and tried to soothe the confusion and fear that Noelle and Isaac were feeling. Thankfully, God proved faithful – Kendra went for a walk and came back having decided that she would stay. We are hopeful that last night was a tipping point in which Kendra actually made the decision for herself: defining moment which provides clarity for her life.



The last several weeks have been challenging, but balance with some good times as well. Adjusting to parenting a teenager along with understanding and navigating high school when most parents get to ease through kindergarten first has been frustrating. We continue to hold confidently to God’s plan and place all trust in God’s ability to meet each of us every day with what we need.



Please continue to pray for us – emotional protection for our little ones, wisdom and patience for Tony and I. Pray desperately that God would move mightily in Kendra’s heart to show her she is loved and what love is. That the lies of Satan would be silenced for good and she would be able to begin healing and choosing to move forward into the life God is providing her. Pray that God would place people who know him into Kendra’s life and that she would find healthy friends she can depend on and trust.

Kendra moved in full time on July 24th! Since then we’ve been busy doing some family bonding and working to settle into life together before school starts next week. We got to spend the weekend in Montrose with Tony’s family. They enjoyed hearing Kendra sing and play her guitar and she loved spending time with her new cousin, Jackie. Last week we also spent a night camping in Cherokee Park State Wildlife Area.

Next week, Carrie will spend the week at her corporate headquarters in Philadelphia, so pray for Tony who will be holding down the fort. Kendra starts her senior year on Wednesday 8/19 and Noelle starts kindergarten the next Monday 8/24. Lots of changes for our family! We value your prayers as each of us adjusts to this new place in our lives. Please pray that we continue to seek God’s wisdom and that our focus remains on being excellent, attentive, servants who are able to listen well and speak the truth in love.

We’re looking forward to more and more of you getting to know Kendra as your lives settle down from summer travel and we’re able to get together.