We are Dave and Lesa Williams. We worked with youth as Sunday School teachers but have no biological children. We attended an Open Arms presentation at church and a few years later we were licensed. We both work full time, thought school age a good fit, so we requested one child five or older. Awaiting our first placement, we respited a sibling group of four: Dillan 4, Ashley 3, Dwyane 19m, and Bruce 7m. God thought we could handle more so He had sent four children under age five our way!
On a Monday, the day after our third respite, their placement fell through. Our hearts sank thinking we’d never see them again. The next day DCS asked us to take temporary placement. The kids arrived Tuesday evening with next to nothing. A late-night trip to Walmart for immediate needs and a Facebook post for help with the rest. The next morning it took two pickups to haul the donations! Two weeks later at Christmas God’s people gave so freely that presents extended well past the tree! God is good!
It was hard. The kids infected us with illnesses we never knew existed – respite for us! As weeks turned into months it became obvious no one wanted all four. Two birthdays in May, two more in July. God began blessing us with many firsts: walking, talking, potty training, bike riding, kindergarten, etc. The months became years. Legal issues delayed the case for 1-1/2 years. Bio-family was unwilling or unable to receive services so termination occurred. More legal issues created another year of delay.
The kids adopted us long ago and were just waiting for us to adopt them. In May, after 3-1/2 years, we adopted all four! We were already a family but now it’s official. Dillan is now 8, Ashley 7, Dwyane 5, and Bruce 4. God challenged us to trust Him, to step out on faith, and He has been faithful in return! He provides for our needs. He removes every obstacle. He sends encouragement at just the right time. He gives us strength when have none left. And He blesses us daily with the love of our four children!