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Connie's Corner

Newsletter - October 2009

Once upon a time there was a beautiful young girl named Raquel. Raquel had big brown eyes and jet-black hair. She was a high school sweetheart with Andy, a handsome, athletic young man with a heart of gold. After high school they married and set out on the adventures before them. No matter how hard they tried though, they could not live “happily ever after” because a piece of their heart was always missing, and that was a baby to call their very own. Little did they know that God had gone before them and had a sweet baby girl picked out especially for them, and that they just had to wait for His perfect timing.

After ten years of trying to conceive and an international adoption that failed to come to fruition, God led Andy and Raquel to become fost/adopt parents with Valley Teen Ranch Adoption Agency. At the same time, “Betty” called VTR on behalf of her niece “Angela” who was eight months pregnant and hoping to relinquish her rights to adoptive parents. The social workers at VTR were very excited about this special opportunity, as relinquishments are a rare miracle, and most of the adoptions done through the agency are with children from the CPS system. Needless to say, this was all a part of God’s grand plan, and “Angela” decided to work with VTR. After careful consideration of all the available fost/adopt families, Angela chose to give her baby to Andy and Raquel. It seemed that, finally, Andy and Raquel’s dream of a family was going to come true.

Sophia was born on January 25. Andy and Raquel witnessed the birth and she has been in their care since she was released from the hospital. She is healthy and a complete joy. Andy and Raquel’s hearts finally seem whole, and are bursting with pride and love of their beautiful baby girl. Sophia’s adoption will be finalized on October 2, the day that most of you will be reading this letter.

And, while it would be true to say “they all lived happily ever after,” the story does not end here. As God always does, He continued to lavish blessings on Andy and Raquel. They are due to have their first biological child, a son, on December 25th. This pregnancy was unexpected and a complete surprise. To Andy, Raquel, and all of us at VTR, we see it as a miracle, and a reminder that God always has the best plan and ways for His children.

Andy and Raquel join many other couples who have come to VTR to seek their “happily ever after.” The social workers and I are working everyday to recruit, train, and certify parents to match children in need with forever families. Each day is different as to what kind of children we will encounter who need homes, and I am confident that if I trust and obey God, that He will equip this agency and us to do the right thing on their behalf. I know that He is right beside me. What better example then Sophia, and her finalization, which is a red-letter happy day?

We hope that you feel like a part of the celebration too. Your financial gifts and prayers help to make all of this possible. In fact, your faithful gift to VTR this month will help us to continue on in our work of caring for vulnerable children - whether in foster care, adoption, or residential group homes. Know that you are appreciated, and that you are a part of a child’s “happily ever after.” Thanks, in advance, for your continued partnership.

Stay strong and have courage,

Connie R. Clendenan, CEO Valley Teen Ranch

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