When I was five years old, my siblings (ages four and three) and I came to Shiloh for the first time. However, we did not initially join the family you see me with to- day. We first lived in the Beauregard home, where we stayed for about nine months.
At the time, I was halfway through kindergarten and pretty oblivious to what was happening around me. To me, it didn’t seem like a big deal. I thought, “My dad will come back for me soon. No worries.” But as the months passed with no sign of my dad, I began to worry. It made me sad at times, and I started to realize that things might not happen the way I expected.
When the Beauregard family decided to transition out of the minis- try, I thought, “Surely my dad will take us back now.” But once again, I was wrong. Instead, my siblings and I moved into the Moore family’s home, where I would spend the next several years of my life.
Looking back now, I can see that it was exactly where I needed to be. I was incredibly blessed to grow up in such a loving environment. My childhood is filled with wonderful memories of what we affectionately called the “OG Nine” in the Moore household.
There were Hunter, Grace, and me—the Claypool kids. Then there were Abigail, Matthew, and Josiah—the Looten kids. And finally, Titus, Ezra, and Luke —Kirk and Dennae’s three boys. Together, we felt unstoppable—or at least non-stop when it came to bickering! But in all seriousness, we grew as close as biological siblings.
Then there was Mercy. I sometimes joke that I feel bad she had to put up with all of us, but she was an amazing big sister to every one of us. She still visits when she can, and it’s always exciting to see her.
At the end of my fifth-grade year, our biological mother decided she was ready to take us back. With the support and guidance of Mom and Dad Moore, she had worked hard to, find a job, and establish a stable home for us.
For a while, things were going well. Unfortunately, over time, circumstances began to change, and eventually it was no longer a safe environment for Grace, Hunter, and me. During that difficult season, Kirk and Dennae continued to make sure we were okay. As soon as they realized we needed a safe place to live, they drove four hours to Springfield, Missouri, in the middle of the night to bring us home.
Being back at Shiloh felt right. Shiloh has always felt like home to me, and I am deeply grateful for that. Shiloh would not be possible without the faithful support of those who give financially to make this ministry possible. Because of your generosity, I had a safe home, loving caregivers, and the opportunity to grow up in a stable environment. Thank you for investing in the lives of children like me.
It is hard to believe that I am now preparing to enter the next chapter of my life. As I look toward college and the future, I am grateful to know that Shiloh will continue to be part of my story—a place that will always feel like home and a place I can return to, even if it is just for a weekend.