Almost orphaned, starting a new life
Children have the ability to bounce back after hardship. Joshua and Wynter have had difficulties in their young lives, but they want to bounce back and use their story to help and inspire others. They also want to help their father, who is ill with terminal cancer, by helping to sell the earrings he makes. They have been helping to make and sell earrings since they were quite young.
The children know what they have yet to face. They are now adopted by a couple who they have so much in common with that it's eerie. A match made in heaven.
To our amazement, we learned recently that we had met once before, about 6 years ago when they were with their dad selling earrings outside a coffee shop at an annual event, and we were nearby demonstrating wood carving. I was concerned for their safety, near our chainsaws. Victor remembers praying for those two little kids running around. How amazing it is that all these years later, we would end up being a family!
But we all know this is not the end of the story. It is a new beginning.
What they need first
Josh and Wynter have been getting settled into a new home in a new area of town (actually the next town over), and meeting new family and friends. They need to catch up on things like school, medical checkups, dental work and braces. Their insurance runs out soon, and they'll need new, private policies.
Ready to give back
They also want to give back. Already, Wynter is talking about doing work to help raise funds for St. Jude Children's Hospital, and Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center, where her father has received treatment. She wants to sell her art and rally her friends to make art to sell. She and Josh both draw, and Wynter makes paper craft note cards, always with a scripture verse printed inside. They both want to carry on the tradition of making earrings; it brings back memories of good days before their father got sick.
These two kids have big hearts. They helped take care of the younger children last week, while on a group outing. Josh made sure the tire swing didn't go too high or fast, and Wynter spent time pushing the younger kids gently. Last Friday on the way to a field trip, Josh asked Victor to stop when he saw a homeless man with physical limitations at a gas station. He gave the man, Gary, $5 of his $7.50 allowance, and prayed for him. Josh is kind of quiet, but very smart and charming. He loves to fish and has a baby turtle, Ellie. He also gardens and loves to be outdoors.
Wynter and Josh both sing with the local children's chorus, and have beautiful voices. Their smiles light up a room. They are loved by many in their old neighborhood and in their church. I have yet to see anyone meet them who doesn't love them right off. Of what little they've ever had, they want to help others. Thanks for helping them get the medical insurance and care they need.
