I got the best text the other night: I didn’t want to say anything until it happened. I officially got a job! My first day was today – just clocked out. 🙂
Is this confident, independent young woman the same one I met just ten short months ago? The same girl who was reading a book at an empty bus stop, wearing a black heavy metal tee shirt, looking very alone and scared when I “found” her? The same girl who called in and literally whispered that she was pregnant and that her family could NOT find out about it? The same girl who got into my car with me that day and never went back because her family did find out she was pregnant?
This is her. This is Kim. I call her Kimmy, because that’s who she is to me.
At the age of 20, Kim had two children already. Not married, she felt as if she had disappointed her family enough. She was disappointed with herself. Though smaller in stature, Kim can put on a tough persona. She has learned to do that as a way of survival in the world she was raised in. But if you allow yourself to get to know her, you’ll love her. She is a sweetie. She is incredibly intelligent, has a sensitive heart and is an excellent mom to her two kids.
Kim is a prime example of a girl who took responsibility, allowed herself to be mentored, and pushed herself to grow into a responsible young woman. In this past ten months, Kim has achieved so much.
1. She responsibly and lovingly chose an amazing family for her daughter.
2. She is no longer homeless without her children – she has moved from our birth mom house, has full custody of her two children and lives independently.
3. While pregnant, she worked on and received her high school diploma.
4. While pregnant, she started going to school to become a medical assistant.
5. She graduated this past week and has been working as an intern to gain more experience and to get her hours.
6. She went out, hit the pavement and in a hard economy has found a job so she can earn an income.
Most importantly, this hard on the exterior, no nonsense, non-trusting girl – gave her heart to the Lord. And this is what she credits has given her the strength to make the necessary changes.
Kim has shared that she feels as if this adoption has saved her life… in reality she allowed for it to do just that. The confidence she gained knowing that she was doing something so responsible and incredible is amazing. She has taken the tools given, the nurturing – even the tough love at times, and she has BLOOMED!
Kimmy –
Congratulations to you beautiful one! Pride, does not even begin to describe what I am feeling for you right now. I am in awe of your strength, amazed by your determination and excited for your future. It has been an honor for me and our staff to help you. You have taken that help and been willing to make some extraordinary changes in your life. You have blessed us, blessed your adoptive family and blessed all three of your children with the choices you have made.
I am really proud of you. I love you Kimmy!
May God continue to richly bless you,
— Michelle