We apologize that our updates have not been as frequent as we had hoped. Our time and energy has been stretched beyond our expectations. But, God has been good to give us the ability to spend our time where needed most. And your prayers have helped sustain us through trying times and good times.
Already, we have been through seasons of change. Chaz and Mitchell are no longer in our home or at the ranch. The effort and discipline required to change to a small private school and to live in a structured home (with firm rules and boundaries) are often too much when you have previously lived in a mostly self-governed environment. The ranch gives boys lots of chances to succeed, but the boys have to really want to make positive changes in their lives. We stay in touch with Chaz and Mitchell and they seem to be doing okay-- but please help us keep them surrounded by prayer.
Our deep sense of loss has been softened by the addition of some new boys in need. We have been blessed to add four new boys to our household: Tim, aged 16; Steven, aged 14; Patrick, aged 13; and Nic, aged 12. These boys are all excited to have a loving home and room to roam. They have already brought a great deal of joy and laughter to our lives.
Tim and Patrick were able to spend Thanksgiving with us and Kim's family in Birmingham. We had a great family time together. Unfortunately, Patrick took a fall down some steep stairs and knocked loose two of his front permanent teeth. Thanks to timely advice from our good Pensacola friend, Dr. Charles Stavely (Thanks, Charlie, for letting us interrupt your Thanksgiving gathering), we quickly got him to the emergency room and an oral surgeon was able to secure the teeth until we could get him to a pediatric dental specialist. Patrick and Mike spent most of Thanksgiving Day at the ER. Time will tell but it looks like the teeth will survive!
On his first Sunday at the ranch, Tim made a public profession of faith at Church. We are so proud of him and his commitment to Christ.
Patrick and Tim attended school dances Saturday night. They were so excited that they dressed in their suits at 11:00 Saturday morning for pictures (on their own volition)! They both looked very handsome all dressed up. Nic's idea of dressing up is camo and cowboy boots. He is a fun-loving young man and keeps us quite entertained. Steven just joined us. He is quiet and athletic-- should fit in great.
Alex is doing well in school and has transitioned from football to basketball. He is playing on a church league team with several of his friends from school. Haley is continuing to do very well at Auburn and visits us often (about two hours away). Andrew is preparing for his first set of law school finals but we also manage to see him fairly often. Please keep him in your prayers as he goes through finals.
The holidays are especially tough on the children as they are separated from their biological relatives. The ranch staff does a great job of trying to fill their time with fun, reflection and gifts (giving and receiving). Our children have lots of activites planned for the Christmas holidays-- movies, plays, shopping trips and play time.
This is also a great time to reflect upon our blessings. The ranch is blessed to have many dedicated supporters. We have doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who donate services. They are joined by companies, churches, schools and individuals who donate food, services, clothing, gifts and money. With over 100 children, 18 houses and vehicles, hundreds of acres and a large staff-- it takes a lot to sustain this ministry. It is really quite amazing how so many people pitch in to make it all work out.
Thanks for your love and prayers. We love hearing from you and we especially love visitors. So please stay in touch and plan to visit. We wish you all a very blessed Christmas. Mike and Kim
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