A Slightly Different Good-Bye

Last Friday was another day to say good-bye.  To send off a child with both tears and laughter, with balloons and flower petals, with singing and dancing, with prayer and a blessing.

But it was not quite the same.  Kennedy was not being reunited with his own family, he was not going to join a new forever family with a mom and a dad.  Kennedy was leaving us, a few days earlier than expected, to travel back to Haven on the Hill and become one of the boys living there.  He does have a new family of big brothers (22 at the moment), a 'mom' for his group of boys who live on the second floor of the building, and new aunties.

When we had our fellowship time this past Monday, Trena so beautifully talked about how Kennedy had been with those at Haven of Hope for a season, a season where all who knew him had taught him, led him, loved him, and planted the seeds.  He was in God's hands during those four years, and he is still in God's hands now.

Having big brothers to play with him, getting to go to school, having time to worship and learn Bible stores with his new family, and even some computer time - all of these new experiences will come together to help Kennedy continue to grow and mature, to become the man God has planned.

"O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You and Your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago."  Isaiah 25:1

                                             Moses, Jenny, Kennedy, Josie, and Azy. 

 Those who were part of Haven of Hope when Kennedy first came - Maggy, Suzy, Trena, Eunice, and Tracy.  Kennedy in front with Julia.

          Kennedy dances his way to the car with his new mom and auntie.

"Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off."  Proverbs 23:18

Good-bye Kennedy - a little of our hearts go with you, our prayers, our love - we are sure that God holds you close.