so i have this penpal…

She is in her 70s and she lives across the state.

She and her husband – who both have wonderful unique names – live on a farm.  On the opposite side of the state.

[In case you’re super curious… her name is Velda and her husband’s is Garold <— correct spelling, rhymes with Harold)

She and her husband are the ones that kept our children last April when they went back into care after only 4 months back with their bio family.  She was told the kids would be with her 7-10 days until they found a more permanent home.  The social worker ended up taking time off to have surgery and to say the least, the duration of their role got extended.  Tripled actually.  Big brother and little sister lived with them for 30 days.  This cute, elderly couple who have raised a few children open their home to children – little, tiny, and older – for short time frames.  They amaze me.

She and I met in person the day we met our children.  She was at the park. She picked up pizza for lunch and provided the drinks. She was present yet she was to the side, sitting on a bench if I remember correctly.  She allowed us space to interact with our kids. She was sweet and kind and encouraged us that our kids were lovely and she could see us all together.  She was overjoyed to learn of our love of Jesus and was tickled the next weekend when we returned to meet her and our kids for lunch at McDonald’s before taking them to our forever home.

She and I have talked via phone just a few times.  And then every few weeks and now few months we email.  She has a tiny baby that she protected from harm’s way that now lives with its bio dad and she gets to keep her a few times a week to help him out.  She continues to open her home and heart to children who need a short term place to live.

Precious.

Selfless.

Inspiring.

A 70-year old couple chooses to open their home to children.  Not just our children, but others, too.

What’s holding you back from opening yours?

Published 5/27/2015