Since Andrea recently graduated from high school I wanted to share a bit
about her with those who happen by our place in cyber space.We first saw
her when we met our attorney in a parking lot across from the hospital
where Andrea was born. Not a very glamorous first meeting, but emotional
and memorable none- the- less.

Andrea was a beautiful baby, with a light brown complexion and just enough
soft black curls to frame her expressive dark eyes.She was a very good baby,
peaceful, and soon sleeping through the night. Oh my goodness, how the years
have flown by! Our sweet baby is now a beautiful young woman who has made her
dad and I very proud on more than one occasion as she has journeyed from innocent
infant to a young woman ready to venture out and experience all that life has for
her. As her parents we have many treasured memories---but at this writing one
statement made impulsively and yet with sincere conviction stands out in my mind.

Already blessed with 11 children in our home, we were frankly a bit concerned to
embark on the journey that would ultimately bless us with our bakers dozen!
Benjamin Austin had not been in our home all that long. Severely handicapped
with Cerebral Palsy, and understandably requiring a good deal of adult attention
and care, Austin was our greatest concern. I wondered how I could possibly have
enough strength and energy to care for more of God’s treasures and yet, how could
we say ‘no’ to something we felt so clearly led by the Holy Spirit to do?

One day while John and I pondered the pending placement, Andrea, 15 years old at
the time, calmly and sincerely stated that she would help take care of Austin,and
I would be free to take care of the new babies. We would be a team she said.

Her dad and I were so proud of her offer, humbled by this teenager who already
contributed more to our family than many her age could even imagine!We were also
inspired and motivated to move boldly forward, knowing that God had already
orchestrated a ‘team’ within the walls of our home to care for His children.

At this writing the twins are nearly 3 years old. Andrea has held firm to her
commitment to help care for not only Austin, but Aaron and Abigail as well. She
has been diligent in helping to feed, nurture and love these siblings that are so
much younger than she. Other teens would do well to seek inspiration from her un-
failing example of unconditional love and service.

Beyond helping within our home, Andrea has more recently taken upon herself, enabled
by the help of some wonderful people at Austin’s school, the responsibility of
transporting and then participating in Austin’s therapy and preschool activities.
This commitment requires not less than four hours of each weekday. Without her
willingness to do this I do not believe that Austin would receive the services that
benefit him the most nor would I have had the time to teach our other children and
to spend time bonding and nurturing not only the twins, but the new baby Daniel
Elisha that joined us the week end after Andrea’s graduation from high school.

Her sacrificial love and commitment to helping all of her family has not gone un-
noticed, nor will it be un-rewarded. I know our Lord is pleased with the young
woman that Andrea has become.

Others might think that children cannot thrive in a large family. They would be so
wrong.Within these walls God’s love grows abundantly, and life’s lessons are learned
within the safety of the family unit. Each child is blessed beyond measure because
they learn not only how to be served, but how to serve others and our Lord as
well—they are prepared for their destiny.

Andrea is now engaged to Tim. They met in youth group at our church when they were
very young.They are planning to be married in a simple garden ceremony in the spring
of 2004. I pray Tim and Andrea will be as blessed by the children born of their love
as we have been blessed by Andrea the children that have become her siblings--united
in one huge family filled with love.