Your partnership helped Ashley to find roots and flourish!
Let your biblical imagination wander into Luke 13:6-9. Ask yourself if that’s a “rabbit hole” near the base of that fig tree? We are about to head into Wonderland. I wonder, why is there a fig tree in this parable? More odd questions sprout. “Little Fig Tree, did you just spring up among all these grapevines? Did Someone plant you here? If so, Who? And why? And what will ever become of you?” Like the little tree in this Bible story, a tender sapling named Ashley was three years old when she was adopted by a good family in the Pacific Northwest in hopes of a better life. Despite her new family’s best efforts, our little sprout did not really get her roots established in that setting.
It is surprising to know the current trend of about 30% of Shiloh’s placements are from struggling adoptive families.
When Shiloh received the call to help five years ago, the Moore’s were willing to transplant this now budding, adolescent into their home. Just as the Vinedresser was determined to work with the fig tree, so were Kirk and Dennae willing to provide what they could to help Ashley’s life take root and flourish.
Ashley says some early pruning was required by way of consequences for some dishonesty.
But after the first two weeks, she made the adjustment to her new environment. “I began to feel better about myself even early on. I had been home-schooled online and had few social skills,” she recalls. Mom gave me some new tools,” she confides. “The whole family helped me with reading social cues.” Ashley’s character responded well to the new elements that Shiloh added to her life. She is still receptive to her Homeparents’ attentive nurture through spiritual food, water and the light of Christ’s love. As in nature, growth comes quietly, yet beautifully under such care. “My parents are just amazing! I love them!” She cites their love for each other and their love they give all their kids.
“Ashley is compassionate, trustworthy, and has overcome obstacles to live a Christian lifestyle.” – Her sponsor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kevin Mitchell, notices her progress in the past three years.
Mr. Mitchell adds, “She wrote me a letter or note for each holiday to let me know I am worthwhile and loved… I really appreciated that!”
He notes that Ashley makes others feel “…needed, productive and loved.”
Tim Maddex, her high school Principal concurs. “Ashley has grown tremendously since coming to Shiloh. She has transformed from a shy quiet young lady to a leader of students. This shows through with her work at MACTEC, FCCLA, and FCA at South Shelby.
Serving as both a regional and chapter officer in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and studying Early Childhood Training via the Macon Area Career and Technical Education Center (MACTEC), have helped Ashley stretch skyward in her junior year.
She’s truly enjoying teaching pre-school children about, “…shapes, colors, and the alphabet.” Ashley grins and concludes, “They’re learning how to learn!” We don’t know the outcome for the parable fig tree, but we have vibrant evidence with its human counterpart. Your faithful prayers and partnership have given Ashley a place and the space to grow.
Rooted in Christ. Nurtured and pruned by loving parents in Christ. Now, growing to serve Christ and her community. Your love for Jesus and for Shiloh’s children creates a divine partnership where you are more than just co-laborers in the Lord’s Vineyard. You are co-heirs of the harvest!
