Trust God Period

Steven and I weren't looking for any more placements. We had our two babies and by the middle of January we had developed a smooth rhythm.

Feeding every 3 hours.

No sleep.

Still loving life.

That kind of rhythm.

Our two empty rooms were filled. I finally found a way to make sure I was being fed. When you become a mom to two children overnight (that are on opposite feeding schedules), you forget to feed yourself! I would crawl into bed at night and my stomach would growl extremely loud. Steven asked if I had eaten that day and my response was something like, “yep, 4 granola bars and 6 cups of coffee!" 😃

I knew that I needed a simple, energizing meal plan that would fit our crazy lifestyle…and I did! I started my nutritional cleansing system in February and haven’t missed a day since! This system gives both Steven and me the energy we need to do what God has called us to.

February 7th, 2018 is a day I will never forget. Steven and I (plus the babies) were on a date at one of our favorite restaurants when we received a call from our agency about two sisters, ages 9 and 10. These girls had just been removed from their home hours prior and needed a home to stay in for the night; otherwise DFCS would place them in a hotel indefinitely.

The moment that we received this call, Steven and I felt the Holy Spirit gently prompt YES. We didn’t know how to care for these girls, but we knew to trust God and walk forward in obedience. We said YES, raced to finish our food, and spent the next few hours preparing our home the best we could.

The doorbell rang at 10:30 PM.

My stomach dropped.

We opened our door to H & L. We led them to their room. The social worker followed with a couple trash bags containing whatever the girls could shove in while being pulled from their home.

When the girls entered their room (transformed that evening from a baby room!), they noticed a painting. It read TRUST GOD PERIOD. I received this painting while working at 12Stone Church – it was featured during the Ernie Johnson Unscripted series, a time when infertility was constantly on my mind. This room was my prayer room before becoming a baby room. It has prayers ALL over it. I led a high school small group in there. God moved in that room. Prayers over students, my marriage, my future children…all in this room. Whenever I felt defeated or unheard, this painting reminded me to TRUST GOD PERIOD.

One of the girls turned and asked if we are Christians. We nodded yes and they said, “SO ARE WE!”

They girls continued: “Do you listen to Victory 91.5?”

Me: "That’s our favorite radio station!"

H: "Do you listen to Joyce Meyer?"

L: "I’ll Find You is my favorite song!"

I immediately turned on the song. Within 10 minutes of being in our home, I knew that I was looking at our forever daughters. They weren’t leaving. Even through trauma and tragedy, God had revealed himself to these sweet girls.

The next morning DFCS called us, asking if we want to keep the girls as a foster placement. Since the girls’ family members had all been denied guardianship, H & L were on an expedited adoption process. God settled in our hearts that we are to take care of these children and He will provide despite our uncertainty and fears.

These beautiful souls have overcome great troubles in their young lives. Their incredible growth during the short time living with us is a testament of God’s healing and provision.

We are within 60 days of their last name changing to Melin.

They will receive birth certificates with new names, including us as mother and father.

And our home will continue to grow.