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