Fostering children

Many may wonder why we foster. I have been thinking about what would be a simple one-word answer. An all encompassing answer. Yes, we both, all three in fact (Ella included) love children, all children, and we love them a lot. We know there are so many of them going through what no human being should go through and we want to help, get them out of that, to love them, to offer them a loving and safe home.

But if I were to truly sum it up in one word, in one reason, that would be Christ. I do it because i feel this is my way of showing Christlike love, of being Christlike. This is my was of fulfilling or attempting to fulfill this commandment He gave me:

"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

"I was naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

"Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

"When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

 

"Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

 

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."- The Words of My Savior in Matthew 25:35-40

GSWEC Show: the making of a little Champion :)

Ella kicked off the New Year, really-The very first weekend of 2015 with some beautiful performances on Piccolo.

She got her first Champion (first place overall) ribbon by winning first place in all her classes in cross rails. In flat work she didn't do so great as at the time, her and Piccolo were having a bit of a disconnect on when to pick up the canter and not a fast trot, but as only Ella can turn it around, she at least got the purple ribbon( last place),  the royal color! I love her amazing sense of humor and positive attitude!! 

It was so great to have an amazing cheering squad who braved the close to freezing temperatures and spent hours standing and cheering for her. She sure felt so loved and encouraged!!! I love our family!! And of course, the lovely and warm hat from Mamaie and Tataie sure kept her warm!! 

Oh, that huge smile!!! She was so so happy and proud!!! 

 With her pretty awesome teammate who did great in the long stirrup division ridden by Hope Meinen. 

Some shots from her performance with Hope. She came first in two classes and second in the other two. 

 We shared some amazing moments those couple of days.

With the rest of the team and her trainer and barn owner, Marieke Slik. 

The beatitful collection of ribbons:

The very best of luck in your next show, girls!!