As many of you may know, Josh and I have started the process of gaining custody of his 14 year-old cousin. What you may not know is why. We thought that blogging about our experience will not only help friends and family stay up to date on the process, but also help us gain a little insight to this whole new life. So here's the beginning to our very unforeseeable adventure.
A couple months ago it was laid on both of our hearts to start preparing mentally, physically, and financially for a family. During this time, Josh's mom, Peggy, went to live with her sister, Glenna. Shortly after moving in, Glenna became ill. Glenna had custody of her grand-daughter, Josh's cousin, Destiny. Since Glenna was falling very ill quickly, temporary custody was awarded to Peggy. Sadly, Glenna soon passed away.
Josh and I soon realized that the image that we had for our family isn't what God had in store for us. We sat down and both had the feeling that we needed to do something for Destiny, if nothing else just be role models for her. Sunday, November 13th, Josh and I went to Cullman to spend some time with family and to finally meet Destiny. We hadn't been there 5 minutes before we knew what we were to do. We didn't even have to speak to one another...we just knew. That night, in leaving Cullman, we told Peggy that we wanted to do anything that we could to help out with Destiny.
That following Monday, God confirmed everything that we were thinking. A lady came to Josh at work and handed him a hundred dollar bill. Josh thought that she wanted to pay her bill, but she soon stopped him and let him know that the money wasn't for a bill, but that God was telling her that Josh needed it for something "good". At the time, we had no clue what it was for, but we knew that it was God's money and when the time came that we needed to use it, we would know. Little did we know it was going to be two days later.
Novemeber 16th, we got a call from Peggy explaining that Destiny needed a safe place to stay until some things were worked out. Josh and I left without hesitation to go pick her up. Hands shaking and minds running, we knew what God had planned for us even when no one else did.
Destiny spent Thanksgiving meeting my side of the family. Soon after Thanksgiving, what was laid on mine and Josh's heart was soon confirmed by Destiny asking if she could stay with us. Peggy, too, agreed that it was in Destiny's best interest to stay with us.
December 7th, Josh and I filed for custody of Destiny. Our first court date was on December 15th.
I'm sure some of you are wondering where her parents are in all of this mess. Well, her dad is in prison and her mom is currently living in Athens. Destiny had lived with her mom for 2 years, in that 2 year time span, Destiny was exposed to several situations that even adults shouldn't be exposed to. Needless to say, being a parent is more than possession. Destiny's mom, let's call her "Lady", has just recently been approved for disability. In the state of Alabama, when you are approved for disability and someone files for child support, it automatically comes out of your check. Lady is not wanting to pay child support. So a way around that is to have Destiny in her possession.
On December 15th, it was honestly a toss up on whether or not Lady was even going to show up. Well unfortunately, we lost and she showed up. She didn't even say "hello" to her daughter. When brought before the court the judge asked her if she knew the opportunities that Josh and I could provide Destiny. She rudely responded that she wanted a lawyer. The judge has to give her at least 60 days to form a case with a lawyer. So, currently we are waiting to hear when our next court date would be. Until then, Destiny is living happily and safely with us.
Some of you might be wondering what the money went towards. Well, we bought her some much needed shoes and clothes.
To the God-fearing woman out there that listened to God when he spoke- Thank you, you have no idea what that money meant to us. It was more than money to us. It was a much needed confirmation. It was water to a seed that had been planted long ago. Again, thank you for not only listening but acting when it might not have been the easiest.
To friends and family- Thank you for the donations of clothes, money, and of course the numerous prayers that help us continue through everyday life of raising a teenager.
Josh and I are excited about this new journey of our lives, but we are more excited to see where it takes us. Keep reading to stay up-to-date on our everyday adventures through the teenage years.
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