I am going to take you back in time to a darker place in my life; my life has contained three T’s Tragedy, Trials, and Triumph. I would l would like you to close your eyes and picture this… In a suburban town in a quiet neighborhood there was a small yellow house across from the local fire department.
Inside the house was atrocity and chaos. Inside were my biological mother, my brothers Josh, Nathan, and Josef who were eight, five and two and a half and last but not least my little sister Alea Christina Nicole who was five months old. To look into the eyes of my Brother Josh’s was to look into the eyes of an old man that had seen far too much in his life. But his life had not yet begun. In Nathan’s eyes was heart wrenching fear, as wounded animal caged. The fear of death was there in his face, he had witnessed something that grown men shouldn’t see – his little sister murdered. It wasn’t till after her murder that Child Protective Services (CPS) intervened. Even though for months the fire department, school nurses, doctor, teachers and other local officials had reported abuse and neglect towards us children.
When we were removed the law officials who removed us has to put Josef in a strait jacket just to get him under control. I have been told that (more…)
Nearly five years ago, my husband and I completed our paperwork as foster parents with Family Link. We were both nervous and apprehensive about the life changing journey we were about to begin. Yet, we were both excited about the prospect of our home ringing with the music of childrens’ laughter and footsteps throughout. We were ready to start changing the lives of abused and neglected children. Not being able to conceive any children of our own, we had already adopted two children through Guatemala several years prior. We were now ready to complete our family and open our doors to these children who needed a family so severely. Over the next five years, we had the blessing of thirty two beautiful children come to our home. We were open to accepting children of all ages from premature, very sick babies to teenagers. With these children, we have cried, laughed and have learned more about ourselves and capabilities then we ever would have imagined.
Fast forward five years, and I mean “fast”, and we are now blessed with two more adopted children, one of which was a three pound infant, Jenna was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Seizure disorder. The doctors thought she would never walk and have severe medical issues her entire life. I am proud to say that (more…)
We had such a wonderful time this summer making memories.
Families came and played together! So many of these beautiful little ones don’t have families yet too, so we can’t wait to be able to help even more of our sibling groups stay together when we open Legacy Ranch this winter. 
They had so much fun playing at the retreats, we can’t wait to see how well they do at Legacy Ranch!!
The Lord has always kept on my heart the desire to help children here in the United States; I just didn’t know how. That is, I didn’t know how until I came across the Life Matters radio show!
I first heard the program, hosted by Mariah Wilde, founder of Family Link Kids, on KLGO out of Austin, Texas. Near the end of a program not long ago, I heard Mariah speak about Legacy Ranch,and I became excited about this visionary project that is coming to pass! At long last! I knew that the Lord had shown me a way to help children in His name right here, in my own “backyard.” Especially appealing to me is the prospect of siblings being together — siblings who may have otherwise been torn apart, leaving them to agonize about the care given to one another.
I love listening to Life Matters. Mariah has special guests on her show who are exciting to hear, and each one speaks to some aspect of their lives that ties in with the highly effective Family Link Kids program for children in foster/adoption situations. So many adults have huge hearts that are big enough to hold these precious children. The Family Link Kids program that Mariah initiated sees to it that adults are screened and provided with training so that children are placed in homes where they are wanted and where they can find love, acceptance, and a place of belonging in families built by God – in “Forever Families.” The enthusiasm is contagious, so when I hear about incredible opportunities for connection through Family Link Kids between adults and the children who need them, I always hear a joyful message of hope and healing.
Jeanine Griggs – Texas
“We just wanted to send you all another round of thanks…. This was one of the happiest days of our lives! (their adoption day)…this was a testament to the job that each of you do for children. Again, thanks for all you do for us and for the children of Texas. God bless you all.”
A great way to learn more about foster/adoption is to listen to Mariah’s show; ‘Life Matters with Mariah’ Monday through Friday 7:30-8:30pm, on 99.3 and 98.5 F.M.Our guests vary every night. We feature experienced foster parents and other interesting visitors with valuable information. It’s a great opportunity for an inside look at the heart of Family Link and the world of foster/adoptive care.
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Family Link
Legacy Ranch
13326 Highway North 183
Gonzales TX 78629
Phone: 830-875-6062
Fax: 512-532-6555
