Tag Archive for: #ohiophotographers

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament photographed Friday, August 19, 2016 in Sacramento, California. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is the mother church and seat of Jaime Soto, the ordinary bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. The Cathedral is located downtown at the intersection of 11th and K Streets.

Currently, the cathedral is considered both a religious and civic landmark. It is the mother church of the diocese, which stretches from the southern edge of Sacramento County north to the Oregon border and serves approximately 1,000,000 Catholics. The diocese encompasses 102 churches in a 42,000 square mile region. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the largest cathedrals west of the Mississippi River. Because of its size, it has sometimes been used as the site of final funeral Masses for former Governors of California, most recently that of Pat Brown in 1996.

 

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament photographed Friday, August 19, 2016 in Sacramento, California. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is the mother church and seat of Jaime Soto, the ordinary bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. The Cathedral is located downtown at the intersection of 11th and K Streets. Currently, the cathedral is considered both a religious and civic landmark. It is the mother church of the diocese, which stretches from the southern edge of Sacramento County north to the Oregon border and serves approximately 1,000,000 Catholics. The diocese encompasses 102 churches in a 42,000 square mile region. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the largest cathedrals west of the Mississippi River. Because of its size, it has sometimes been used as the site of final funeral Masses for former Governors of California, most recently that of Pat Brown in 1996. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament photographed Friday, August 19, 2016 in Sacramento, California. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is the mother church and seat of Jaime Soto, the ordinary bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. The Cathedral is located downtown at the intersection of 11th and K Streets. Currently, the cathedral is considered both a religious and civic landmark. It is the mother church of the diocese, which stretches from the southern edge of Sacramento County north to the Oregon border and serves approximately 1,000,000 Catholics. The diocese encompasses 102 churches in a 42,000 square mile region. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the largest cathedrals west of the Mississippi River. Because of its size, it has sometimes been used as the site of final funeral Masses for former Governors of California, most recently that of Pat Brown in 1996. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament photographed Friday, August 19, 2016 in Sacramento, California. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is the mother church and seat of Jaime Soto, the ordinary bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. The Cathedral is located downtown at the intersection of 11th and K Streets. Currently, the cathedral is considered both a religious and civic landmark. It is the mother church of the diocese, which stretches from the southern edge of Sacramento County north to the Oregon border and serves approximately 1,000,000 Catholics. The diocese encompasses 102 churches in a 42,000 square mile region. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the largest cathedrals west of the Mississippi River. Because of its size, it has sometimes been used as the site of final funeral Masses for former Governors of California, most recently that of Pat Brown in 1996. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament photographed Friday, August 19, 2016 in Sacramento, California. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is the mother church and seat of Jaime Soto, the ordinary bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. The Cathedral is located downtown at the intersection of 11th and K Streets. Currently, the cathedral is considered both a religious and civic landmark. It is the mother church of the diocese, which stretches from the southern edge of Sacramento County north to the Oregon border and serves approximately 1,000,000 Catholics. The diocese encompasses 102 churches in a 42,000 square mile region. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the largest cathedrals west of the Mississippi River. Because of its size, it has sometimes been used as the site of final funeral Masses for former Governors of California, most recently that of Pat Brown in 1996. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament photographed Friday, August 19, 2016 in Sacramento, California. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is the mother church and seat of Jaime Soto, the ordinary bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. The Cathedral is located downtown at the intersection of 11th and K Streets. Currently, the cathedral is considered both a religious and civic landmark. It is the mother church of the diocese, which stretches from the southern edge of Sacramento County north to the Oregon border and serves approximately 1,000,000 Catholics. The diocese encompasses 102 churches in a 42,000 square mile region. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the largest cathedrals west of the Mississippi River. Because of its size, it has sometimes been used as the site of final funeral Masses for former Governors of California, most recently that of Pat Brown in 1996. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament photographed Friday, August 19, 2016 in Sacramento, California. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is the mother church and seat of Jaime Soto, the ordinary bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. The Cathedral is located downtown at the intersection of 11th and K Streets. Currently, the cathedral is considered both a religious and civic landmark. It is the mother church of the diocese, which stretches from the southern edge of Sacramento County north to the Oregon border and serves approximately 1,000,000 Catholics. The diocese encompasses 102 churches in a 42,000 square mile region. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the largest cathedrals west of the Mississippi River. Because of its size, it has sometimes been used as the site of final funeral Masses for former Governors of California, most recently that of Pat Brown in 1996. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament photographed Friday, August 19, 2016 in Sacramento, California. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is the mother church and seat of Jaime Soto, the ordinary bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. The Cathedral is located downtown at the intersection of 11th and K Streets. Currently, the cathedral is considered both a religious and civic landmark. It is the mother church of the diocese, which stretches from the southern edge of Sacramento County north to the Oregon border and serves approximately 1,000,000 Catholics. The diocese encompasses 102 churches in a 42,000 square mile region. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the largest cathedrals west of the Mississippi River. Because of its size, it has sometimes been used as the site of final funeral Masses for former Governors of California, most recently that of Pat Brown in 1996. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament photographed Friday, August 19, 2016 in Sacramento, California. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is the mother church and seat of Jaime Soto, the ordinary bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. The Cathedral is located downtown at the intersection of 11th and K Streets. Currently, the cathedral is considered both a religious and civic landmark. It is the mother church of the diocese, which stretches from the southern edge of Sacramento County north to the Oregon border and serves approximately 1,000,000 Catholics. The diocese encompasses 102 churches in a 42,000 square mile region. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the largest cathedrals west of the Mississippi River. Because of its size, it has sometimes been used as the site of final funeral Masses for former Governors of California, most recently that of Pat Brown in 1996. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament photographed Friday, August 19, 2016 in Sacramento, California. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is the mother church and seat of Jaime Soto, the ordinary bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. The Cathedral is located downtown at the intersection of 11th and K Streets. Currently, the cathedral is considered both a religious and civic landmark. It is the mother church of the diocese, which stretches from the southern edge of Sacramento County north to the Oregon border and serves approximately 1,000,000 Catholics. The diocese encompasses 102 churches in a 42,000 square mile region. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the largest cathedrals west of the Mississippi River. Because of its size, it has sometimes been used as the site of final funeral Masses for former Governors of California, most recently that of Pat Brown in 1996. (© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus.

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer's photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s photographed Saturday August 13, 2016 in Delaware, Ohio on the Ohio Wesleyan University Campus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

This is the fourth in a series of assignments that I had for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This was a very meaningful project for me, as I too was adopted, but I had found a forever family when I was only months old.  Many of the children I documented in this series were not so fortunate, spending years in a system that passed them from one home to another until DTFA stepped in and helped them find a stable home life and loving forever family.


Laverne Moore-Jenkins and her husband Terry have been fostering children for almost 30 years — in addition to raising nine of their own. They’ve always enjoyed working with teens especially, to help them get the skills they need to transition out of the foster care system as well as provide them a place to come back to.

When Raychelle was placed in their home, Laverne didn’t want to let her go. “Had Raychelle aged out of foster care, her only option was to go to a group home,” Laverne says. “I knew that wasn’t a good place for her, and I wanted to make this her home.” By the time Raychelle joined the Jenkins family at the age of 15, she’d lived in about 26 homes. “She’d lost a lot in all those transitions,” Laverne adds. “She’s deaf and developmentally delayed. When we first met her, she only knew about 10 words of American Sign Language.”

She was in good company: Laverne and Terry didn’t know ASL either. Working together, they learned. Now they sign to each other, and Raychelle knows hundreds of words. And communication isn’t the only improvement Raychelle has made. Laverne describes Raychelle as shy and withdrawn at first. After a time, she came out of her shell. “She’s my social butterfly,” Laverne laughs. “Always giving everyone hugs and compliments I have to translate. She’s truly happy now.”

 

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

LaVerne and Terry Moore Jenkins photographed Monday August 8, 2016 with their adopted daughter Raychelle. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Below is an except from a Readers Digest article written by Jen Babakhan about the Jenkins family:

Terry and Laverne Jenkins met in the armed forces and knew they were meant to be together and join their families. At the time, Terry had two sons, and Laverne had one. Over the years they adopted two nieces due to a family tragedy, and went on to have a biological son and daughter together. They decided to become foster parents out of a desire to help other families succeed, and for the last 30 years they have done just that.

Raychelle was 15 when she first met the Jenkins. Scheduled to stay with the Jenkins for a short 72 hours, Laverne says Raychelle was placed in her home with only a black trash bag containing her belongings—which were severely lacking. “She came with clothing appropriate for an older man—not for a teenage girl. It looked as though someone’s grandfather had passed, and she was given his clothing. She had no toothbrush or pajamas—none of those things,” Laverne recalls.

It was apparent that Raychelle, born deaf, had been extremely neglected in her previous foster environments. “She hadn’t bathed in weeks, and the stench was awful. Her hair hadn’t been washed or braided, and she had bald spots from the lack of grooming. I couldn’t believe it,” Laverne told Reader’s Digest. Raychelle entered the foster care system due to neglect from her biological mother right before her sixth birthday, and had bounced from home to home throughout the years—some of which were abusive. “When Raychelle came to us she was extremely withdrawn and afraid of people. She would put her hands up because she was afraid of being hit, and her ability to communicate with others was almost nonexistent,” Laverne explains.

When a social worker told Laverne and Terry that after her weekend stay with them Raychelle would be placed in a group home, Laverne knew she had to take action. “I called the social worker I knew with Wendy’s Wonderful Kids and told her I wanted to petition for adoption immediately—there was no way a group home would be prepared to take care of Raychelle in the way she needed.” Once Raychelle was placed with the Jenkins, others began noticing changes in the teen as well. “The school social worker told me, ‘We knew she had to be in a new home, because she came to school clean,” Laverne recalls. “I told her, ‘You don’t have to worry about her anymore, she’s in the right home now,” she adds.

Laverne says that adopting Raychelle, who functions at a first grade level due to brain trauma she sustained during abuse, has been a motivation for growth in her own life. She says, “Adopting her was something that God put on my heart, and looking in her eyes I knew I was meant to be her forever mom. She’s made me a better person. I’m more empathetic and sympathetic to others. People think I’ve done great things for her, but she’s done them for me, too.”

Today, Raychelle is 20, and about to graduate high school. She only knew five American Sign Language words when arriving at the Jenkins home, and she now communicates well with over 400. Learn some fascinating facts about American Sign Language. Laverne says her daughter amazes her, and she’s learning sign language to communicate even better with Raychelle. “She’s learning to read and write, and she could barely write her name when we met. I believe she can go so much further,” she explains. Previously withdrawn and fearful, Laverne says Raychelle has grown to love others. She says, “Raychelle has more of a social life than I do, she goes to dances and recreation programs. I want her to be comfortable wherever she is, whether that’s with hearing people or non-hearing people. I want her to know her world is broad.”

Laverne wants others considering adoption of older children or those with special needs to know that any child in foster care has special needs. She explains,”Foster care children all have a special need for something. If you’re considering adoption or foster care, you should pray about it—we all have a mission in life, and if this is yours, then a higher power will provide for you.” She also encourages other adoptive parents to educate themselves about advocating for their child. “Go to the doctor and tell them what you think your child needs, get familiar with the IEP (individual education program) process, and advocate for them. If you don’t, no one else will. They can’t advocate for themselves,” she says.


Considering adoption?  Please check out this guide

Also, please prayerfully consider your financial support of this great organization.

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016.

More images available in a gallery HERE.

On June 17, 1890, Father John A. Forest of Halletsville met with a group Catholic men to plan the building of a church in Shiner. Two acres of land were purchased from Moritz Richter, and the home of the Catholic Church in Shiner was established just east of the railroad tracks. A. Harbers drew the plans for the first church and contracted for the building, a structure 85 feet x 40 feet with a steeple 112 feet high. Construction began January 2, 1891, and was completed May 31, 1891. Father J.A. Forest blessed and dedicated the church on May 7, 1891 under the name of SS. Cyril and Methodius.

Rapid growth of the parish necessitated the building of a larger church. Father Wolf and architect E. Wahrenberger supervised the construction contractors as Vincent Falbo and M. Deodati of San Antonio began building one of the most magnificent Gothic structures between San Antonio and Houston. The cornerstone was laid in 1920, and the present church was blessed by Bishop Drossaerts on July 7, 1921. The structure is still known as one of the most eye-catching landmarks in South Central Texas with visitors from around the world stopping regularly to photograph and tour the church. Its beauty is enchanted by six late stained glass windows and a huge mural of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane which overlooks the altar.

 

 

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016.

The Caldwell County Courthouse is a historic courthouse located in Lockhart, Texas, United States. The courthouse was built in 1894 to replace the existing courthouse, which was too small for the growing county. The courthouse was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1976 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 3, 1978.

The courthouse was built in the Second Empire architectural style, with the design often attributed to Alfred Giles; however, recent research indicates the building was designed by Henry E.M. Guidon, who eventually became partners with Giles. The courthouse is nearly identical to the courthouse in Goliad County, Texas, as it was built from the same Guidon plans.

The exterior of the three-story courthouse is built with cream-colored limestone and red sandstone. The central clock tower houses a four-faced Seth Thomas Clock Company clock and a 900-pound bell. The mansard roof of the courthouse is characteristic of Second Empire design.

 

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016.

More images available in a gallery HERE.

The present stone church was completed November 20, 1895. Since then it has undergone many phases of renovations and restorations. The latest changes took place in 1965 with the liturgical changes of the Second Vatican Council. A new altar was put in front of the reredos (the present main back altar) so that the presider would face the worshipping assembly. The wooden floor in the sanctuary was covered with green shag carpet. The rest of the church floor was covered with green and white vinyl tile. The Ambo (pulpit) was removed and replaced with a simple wooden structure. The walls of the church were painted an off white color. Ceiling fans with light kits replaced the old light fixtures installed in the 1930s with the advent of electricity.

The present Renovation/Restoration Project began in 2011 with the replacement of the leaking shingle roof with a copper roof by Tejas Roofing, Fredericksburg. A new drainage system on the west side of the church was installed to divert the rain water from flooding the basement of the church as it had done for years.

In January 2015, the church was closed to worshippers and the interior restoration work began. A part of the St. Mary’s School was converted into a worshipping space for the Sunday liturgy.

In 1865, the settlers, though having little or no money and barely enough food for their own survival, did build a small chapel.

This chapel, measuring 17-feet by 15-feet, was made of stones. The walls were 18 inches thick. Considering the thickness of the walls, the chapel inside measured only 15 1/2 feet by 13 1/2 feet – not much larger than many a room in a modern home.

The stones used in the chapel are much smaller than the ones used to build the present church, and appear to be slabs of stone ranging from one to five inches in thickness.

About 90 feet slight northwest of the chapel, the people also built a small stone hut measuring 14-feet by 14-feet wherein the visiting priests could stay while in this area. He could also robe for Mass here as the chapel was too small to accommodate a sacristy. The walls of this hut were also 18 inches thick. There was one 14-inch by 14-inch window in the north side with four criss-crossed iron bars imbedded in the windowsill, apparently to keep out large predators. The large door on the south side was made of 1 by 6 inch planks, complete with a hard-carved 1-1/2 inch peg three inches long still in place in the door frame wich appears to have been used to latch the door.

These structures still sand on Knezek Road, about 1/2 mile east of the present church, on property now owned by Elton and Henrietta Moeller. Mr. Moeller stated that the sandstone, or rock stone as they are commonly known in the area, still turned up when his pond was shaped and the land was worked. These stones are like the ones used to build the chapel and the hut.

The first Mass was offered in the chapel at midnight on Christmas Eve in 1865. The celebrant was Father Joseph Bittkowski, a Benedictine missionary priest who was serving in this area of Texas under the jurisdiction of the Resurrectionist Missionaries. These missionaries had come to Texas to minister to the Polish People.

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016.

St. Mary Catholic Church is nestled in the community of High Hill, Texas, just 3 miles north of I-10 in Schulenburg. The area, rich in a German-Czech heritage, was established more than 150 years ago. With its ornate design, paintings and stained-glass windows, St. Mary is known as the Queen of the Painted Churches on The Painted Churches of Texas tour and is visited by hundreds of visitors every year.

The St. Mary parish also holds one of the larger picnics in the area every year on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Our parish picnic features a home-cooked German-style meal, the sounds of area German and Czech bands, a live auction, country store, souvenir booth, bingo, horseshoe tournament, games for the kids, and much, much more. The day starts off with a special mass and is topped off with an evening fireworks spectacular! This event attracts hundreds of parishioners and guests every year.

 

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, Texas, one of the Texas Painted Churches photographed Wednesday August 3, 2016. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

This is the third in a series of assignments that I had for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This was a very meaningful project for me, as I too was adopted, but I had found a forever family when I was only months old.  Many of the children I documented in this series were not so fortunate, spending years in a system that passed them from one home to another until DTFA stepped in and helped them find a stable home life and loving forever family.


For 11 years, Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio have found purpose in fostering groups of siblings. In fact, they view it as their ministry to keep families together.

When a change in Texas legislation placed a halt on all group placements, the Ocasios decided to adopt the group of six siblings that were with them rather than see them split up. Today they have a total of 11 adopted children and one grandchild (so far). “You don’t plan for something like this,” says Wilfredo. “You just see kids who need a family and you fall in love.”

“We don’t regret a minute of this journey.” – Wilfredo Ocasio

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Wilfredo and Dimarie Ocasio and their adopted family photographed Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the Killeen, Texas home. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)


Considering adoption?  Please check out this guide

Also, please prayerfully consider your financial support of this great organization.

This is the second in a series of assignments that I had for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This was a very meaningful project for me, as I too was adopted, but I had found a forever family when I was only months old.  Many of the children I documented in this series were not so fortunate, spending years in a system that passed them from one home to another until DTFA stepped in and helped them find a stable home life and loving forever family.


“At our last track meet, CJ ran the mile. And even though he was at least a lap behind the other racers, everyone in the stands and on the team was cheering for him. ‘Go CJ!’” CJ’s mom, Dee Marks, continues with joy in her voice. “That’s exactly what life is supposed to be about: cheering for the people who are trying their hardest.”

Dee and CJ’s story didn’t start on such a high note. Diagnosed with autism, CJ came to Dee after six years in foster care with some serious behavior and communication issues. He was nine and could speak only a few words. Despite this, Dee and CJ formed a bond right away. “I decided I just wasn’t going to give up on him.” She didn’t.

Now age 13, CJ not only talks, but reads at a fifth grade level. He runs track, goes to school in a mainstream classroom, plays percussion in the band and reads aloud to his mom and sister. The teachers and caregivers who knew him a few years ago can’t believe it’s the same child.

“I have great expectations of him,” Dee says. “He’s surpassed my expectations on every level. He wants to drive someday. It may not be when he’s 16, but I believe he will reach that goal and I’m here to support him.”

“He’s who I needed and I’m who he needed.” – Dee Marks

 

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

CJ Marks and the Marks family photographed Monday July 25, 2016 at their Dublin, Ohio home for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

 

Below is an except from a Readers Digest article written by Jen Babakhan about the Marks family:

Dee Marks was no stranger to adoption when she began the search for a daughter to adopt. Having already adopted her daughter, Marrena, Dee hoped to find another to add to their family. She began the search for a teenager, and was open to one with special needs. When a recruiter told her about a little boy that was considered “unadoptable,” Dee asked to hear more about him. “I still vividly remember that phone call. I listened to the recruiter but then mentioned that I was really looking for a girl with a cognitive disability, and wasn’t trained on how to raise a boy with autism,” Dee told Reader’s Digest. She adds, “I hated the word “unadoptable,” and told her to tell me more about this little boy. She told me that he was eight years old and had red hair. That’s what got me. I love red hair.” The little boy with red hair was considered to be difficult to find a home for due to his frequent and lengthy tantrums, and several other undesirable behaviors for a child his age. Dee explains, ” He had severe behaviors like throwing tantrums for long periods of time, throwing up to escape doing any schoolwork, screaming, and running away. He had not been taught how to play with toys, color, feed himself appropriately, or use the restroom—and he was eight years old.”

CJ had been in foster care for six years prior to meeting Dee, a period of life that had clearly been traumatic for the young boy. Dee explains, “Due to his inability to communicate when he moved in with me, I don’t have a verbal account of how horrible the experience was for him, but there were many indicators that foster care was so heartbreaking for my son.” She continues, “It was apparent within days that he had endured severe abuse. If anyone raised their voices or moved into his personal space unexpectedly, he would cover his head and move to the floor. As his new mom, it was so hard to witness.”

Over time, Dee’s hard work to communicate safety and trust to CJ began to succeed. She says, “It took time, but eventually CJ began to trust my daughter and me, and that we wouldn’t hurt him, no matter how severe his behaviors were. The first time he chose on his own to come sit with me on the couch, putting his legs right next to mine, was when I knew our bond was becoming stronger than his memories.”

CJ’s vast improvement since his adoption into Dee’s family is a testament to the great effort she put into providing him with stability. When he arrived in Dee’s home, CJ required around-the-clock care to ensure he was making progress with his development goals and safe, so Dee hired in-home support that was qualified to work with CJ and help him meet the goals set by his behavioral team. Dee believes the progress he has made can be attributed to two things. She explains, “First, the stability in my home was something that he had never experienced before. He began to see and understand that he was loved and, in spite of his behaviors, I wasn’t going to send him away. Second, during this same time period, we were able to help CJ understand visual icons for his wants and needs, which gave him the ability to communicate with us.”

Today, the red-haired little boy that would tantrum for hours is only a memory to Dee—and the pride she has for her son and the gains he’s made is apparent. She says of CJ today, “He’s 14 years old, talks all of the time, and attends classes with his typical peers at his middle school for 90 percent of the day. During the other 10 percent, CJ works with an intervention specialist on specific goals to help him advance his level of learning, like reading skills and math computation. He also plays percussion in the school band, performs in the annual school musical, runs on the track team, and is also a member of the cross-country team.”

Though the difference in her son since their first meeting is striking, she doesn’t want to mislead others to believe it’s been easy. Dee says, “I won’t lie and say that it’s easy. It isn’t. It takes dedication and a resolve to love, in spite of how hard it can be. You can’t fix a disability. Adopting a child who has special needs won’t “fix” them, but adoption gives them an opportunity to grow to their fullest potential.” She continues,” Being able to watch your child surpass the expectations of doctors, educators, and friends and family, all because you loved them and nourished their abilities, is an indescribable feeling.”

The hopes she holds for her son’s future are bright, and no longer unreachable. Dee says, “My hope is for CJ to be happy and to always feel loved. He’s had enough heartbreak in his young life. It’s time for him now to enjoy all that life has to offer.” She adds, ” One day, He will finish school and hold a job, live on his own with support, and be surrounded by family and friends. This isn’t a dream anymore, it’s a reality—because he’s got a family that stands beside him.”


Considering adoption?  Please check out this guide

Also, please prayerfully consider your financial support of this great organization.

 

Below is the first of a series of assignments that I had for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.  This was a very meaningful project for me, as I too was adopted, but I had found a forever family when I was only months old.  Many of the children I documented in this series were not so fortunate, spending years in a system that passed them from one home to another until DTFA stepped in and helped them find a stable home life and loving forever family.


A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

“I was nine when I first met my mom and dad,” says Olivia, now 13. “I was nervous, because that’s how I am with new people.”

Lorie and Dwain Hargis – Olivia’s adoptive mom and dad – had a few hesitations as well. “I felt like we had to be on good behavior,” Lorie says. “But I also wanted her to see the real us.”

Olivia, it turns out, likes the real them quite a bit. She talks about how well they cared for her after all her surgeries (she’s had three so far). Her dad gently carried her between the couch and the bed, and her mom fed her chicken noodle soup. They both stayed by her side as she recovered. There are lighter stories too: Olivia’s first time on an airplane, late night conversations, the family’s wonderful “weird side.” Olivia tells about the goofy things her mom does, like dancing solo on New Year’s Eve and serenading the vacuum cleaner when she thinks no one can hear. Olivia shares these stories with palpable pride and admiration.

Seeing Lorie and Dwain’s comfort with their identities has given Olivia a strong sense of who she is as well.

“She’s gained so much confidence since she’s been with us,” Lorie says. “Things just don’t bother her like they used to.”

Inspired by Olivia’s growth and the joy she’s brought to their lives, the Hargises have adopted four more children. “It can be hectic at times,” Dwayne says, “but life is what you make it. It’s nice knowing we can let these kids be kids, and we’re here to love them.”

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) 

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A day with Olivia Grace Hargis and the Hargis family in Celia Kentucky photographed Saturday July 23, 2016 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Below is an except from a Readers Digest article written by Jen Babakhan about the Hargis family:

Dwain and Lorie Hargis were nearing a stage in life that most parents either dread or welcome with open arms: they were almost empty nesters. With their two biological children grown with lives of their own, Dwain and Lorie were unsure of their next step. Lorie recalls, “I turned to God, as I often did, and just said ‘Whatever you want me to do with my life, I’ll do it’. That very day my husband brought home a phone number for a foster agency.” Over the years, the Hargis’ fostered almost two dozen children of all ages and abilities. “We didn’t really put any stipulations on what “type” of child we would take, and were very open to anything they called us for,” Lorie explains.

When they got the call for Olivia, they never expected her to be anything more than another child they fostered. Olivia had been placed in foster care when she was four, and experienced being moved to five different homes within seven years. During that time she quickly learned the ropes of foster care, and how to get a new placement when she wanted one. Lorie explains, “Olivia learned how to play the system. If she didn’t like the home, she would do things that would make most people ask themselves ‘What were we thinking?’ She knew when she was wanted, and when she wasn’t.”

The Hargis’ open their homes and hearts to almost every child they are contacted about, and they offer to adopt each child that is adoptable. “Once we met Olivia, it seemed very natural for her to be with us, Lorie recalls. ” After all, she even looked like our biological daughter with blonde hair and blue eyes. It absolutely broke our hearts to hear how she had lived her young life up to that point. She was a free spirit and full of life and excitement. Not too many things affected her since she had already learned to block things out,” she continues.

Their two biological children echoed Dwain and Lorie’s thoughts on fostering children and adoption. Her daughter, a cosmetologist, will often do Olivia’s hair and other big sister activities. Her son is in the Air Force, but spends as much quality time as he can when he’s home with the children his parents have fostered and adopted. Lorie says, “They both have asked on different occasions, ‘Why didn’t you do this when we were growing up?’ They are now 26 and 24 years old and treat each one of the fosters or adoptive kids as their own siblings.”

Although Olivia had experienced hardships in her young life, she eventually learned that she could trust Dwain and Lorie. Lorie recalls,”She was very used to people giving up on her, and not wanting her. She tried to test the waters with us. When she figured out we weren’t going to give up, she finally learned to trust and love us as her parents.”

Dwain and Lorie say that their dreams for Olivia are big, and no matter what, she will have their support. “Olivia knows she is well-supported with whatever she decides to do with her life. Now, there is a reason to believe that she will change the world. We hope that she takes what she has known with us and continues to spread the kindness and love that has been shown to her into her adult life,” Lori explains.

She adds,” We have always told our adoptive children, “When it’s time for you to go into this big world by yourself, you will be confident in knowing you are well equipped to spread your wings and fly.”


Considering adoption?  Please check out this guide

Also, please prayerfully consider your financial support of this great organization.