I recently wrote about the fact that I am friends with my kids. As long as I am alive, and able to help them, they will have a lifeline in this world. A place to go with no judgement, no conditions. If they ever need me to care for their kids, I will welcome my grandkids into my home for as long as they may need to be here, with my number one priority being to reunite them with their parents as soon as possible.

I am a third culture kid. I am an American who graduated from high school overseas, in a third world country.

When I turned 18 years old, I found myself homeless and alone in the US. I had no one to turn to. My family was still overseas. I had no place to sleep, no food to eat, no money, no job or job skills. No plan. I had escaped what I saw as an abusive situation where I had been the ward of an institution until my 18th birthday.

That day, I got on a bus and headed to a town I had once lived in. I got off the bus with my duffle bag and no clue what to do next.

I felt guilty for being alive, and for the next year, I was a burden on anyone that agreed to help me. Furthermore, the director of the place I left warned me as I got on the bus, that if I left, I would be turning my back on God’s will for my life, and would have to settle for second best from that day on.

I never wanted to feel that way again, and I don’t want my children to feel that way, ever.

I endured difficult times after that, because I didn’t have the tools to navigate life on my own.

Over the years, I have learned a lot. I have gained new skills and confidence that have made me now able to help others who find themselves in need.

I have several titles or labels which include Artist, Minister, Nurse, Teacher, Foster Care Provider, Writer, Father, Grandfather…

As many of you know, I am in the process of adopting again. This is a sibling group of three teenagers who desperately need a home and guidance to help them transition into adulthood.

I am grateful to everyone who has voiced their support of this endeavor, and I look forward to being able to share more information with you when I am free to do so.

October 15 is my collateral meeting with the kids’ teachers, foster parents and other providers of their daily care. Coincidentally, October 15 is the birthday of my 22 year old (though I couldn’t get to her until October 16).

October 15 is also my dad’s next doctor’s appointment. He is having serious medical difficulties and I know he would greatly appreciate your prayers.

Thank you. Thank you for your friendship, kindness and love.