Making the Most of the Time We Have: Andrew's Story
One of the most challenging aspects about the work we do at ABCH is loving and caring in the midst of the unknown.
More times than not, our house parents and social workers do not know how long a child will be with us. In light of this, we must choose to be glad for the time we do have, and choose to make the very most of it.
ANDREW OPENS UP
Andrew* was one of the first kids to be welcomed to our Shelter Care home in Oxford, The Friendship House, after Josh and Heather Hill started as house parents. “He was very shy at first and would not open up to us or really even talk at all. I could tell he just needed to trust someone, and we gave him all the time he needed to do that. Finally, he began to talk more. Over time we gained his trust and then, at times, we couldn’t keep him from talking!” Josh says.
He stayed at the Shelter Care home for a few months, during which time he became involved in the band at school and made new friends at school and church. The Hills could really tell he was beginning to settle in and thrive.
A NEW HOME
Josh says, “When it was time for him to move on, it was hard for him and for us, as we had seen him truly grow so much. The day he moved, he wanted to give me a hug before he left. That moment was when I knew we were where we are supposed to be: loving kids and seeing them change, even if over a short period of time.”
Andrew was placed at one of our Campus Care homes in another city. It was a true answer to prayer for the Hills, since our Shelter Care homes are intended for short-term care, and they knew he needed a home with more stability.
The week he got to his new home, he called the Friendship House and asked to speak with Josh. “The house parent there (in his new home) said he had been wanting to talk with me the whole week. That was a neat moment for me, as I could truly tell that God, through my wife and myself, had been able to make a true impact on Andrew’s life. We look forward to staying in touch with Andrew!” Josh says.
A HOUSE PARENT’S IMPACT
Andrew’s life is just one that the Hills have been able to impact.
Josh and Heather, just since starting their journey with us in mid-2018, have cared for over 20 children. “Like all individuals who come and go from a person’s life, each child in care makes their unique mark on our hearts . . . Each child changed us personally and in how we house parent. We will never forget any of them and their unique personalities and stories,” says Heather.
*Name has been changed for privacy purposes.
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