In January of 2012 God brought us an opportunity to help a mom in need, she was the friend of a a friend. The social worker we worked with on the children’s behalf told us even before we said we’d take them that these children would most likely come up for adoption later. We had no idea what we were walking into. Of course we were open to adoption, but we also know children need their mother. Our goals in the beginning were to be a witness to their birth mother and help her leave her sinful lifestyle and help her get on her feet. We welcomed her into our home to stay with us. Our church was willing to come along side of her as they encouraged her to move away from the community she was in. Within a couple of months we knew that their birth mother was not willing to make the changes that were best for her children, we knew that she was not the mother that they needed, and they also needed and desired a daddy!

June 2012

Five months after their arrival to our home a judge granted us full custody, he not only gave us custody, he encouraged and blessed us. I wish I could publicly tell the details of that day, we stood on holy ground in that courtroom!

A few months later we filed for adoption. In Alabama when a parent does not visit regularly and does not provide some sort of support for 6 months they are considered abandoned.

We began some fund raising to raise funds to pay the legal fees of a private adoption. Between hosting a ball and the giving of our church (who love orphans) and gifts from some individuals we met our goal. Thank you to those of you that helped to give these children a stable, forever home.

I can’t even tell you how these children have fit perfectly into our family, their personalities are as if they were always a part of us. Cherish is a kindred spirit to Olivia, Aaron is a carbon copy of Jeff…walks like him, talks like him, etc… and our little Peach, Victoria is a fire cracker just like Emma was.

So often I think that God sent them to us not because they needed to be rescued, but because we needed to be rescued. As we embark on our 50’s soon there is no time to sit down. We have souls that need disciplining.

(waiting before court)

Yesterday we added 3 branches to our family tree, after 16 months of being mom and dad…

(waiting before court)

and sisters to these children they are officially and FOREVER a Brodock.

(the judge signing the papers for new birth certificates)

After talking with the children we chose to change their names with the exception of Cherish’s first name which is just too perfect for her.

The children were very open, even excited about receiving new names. God gave people new names all the time in the Bible when they began their new lives, it just seemed fitting. If they had any hesitation about the change we would not have done it.

Cherish- to be cherished, Elizabeth- promise of God (Elizabeth is Jeff’s mother’s middle name)

Aaron shining light, Michael who is like God

Victoria- victorious, triumphant, Louise- warrior (Louise is my grandmother’s middle name)

(our family with the judge)

We were really impressed with the judge. Here he is encouraging all of us after the papers were signed!

You want to know what is equally as amazing as God bringing 3 children to your door to raise up for His glory? Having a courtroom of people, of covenant family, that have your back at every turn and to come home to an inbox flooded with prayers and gratitude for this joyous and challenging life event! WE WERE NOT CREATED TO GO IT ALONE! Covenant community is where it is at.

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