Climbing to Mountain Tops

So, I am sitting here at the computer with a slew of thoughts not quite sure what I am to write. I guess I can tell you about some neat stuff happening in my house right now.

It's 12:30 am (yes, I said a.m.) and my house is still hopping with activity. At the present time there are eight (yes, I said eight) kids running around. Two of our favorite people are here visiting as they look at attending college here in Tuscaloosa.

We met them during Hurricane Katrina. They are Justin and Jessica. Twins!! They had left New Orleans seeking refuge wherever they could find a vacant motel. God led them here to Tuscaloosa, and I am so glad He did. During the two years they spent here, they attended our church. My oldest son became friends with them, hanging out with them in youth. When they moved back to New Orleans, my son kept in touch with them. It wasn't long after they moved that Brennon, my son, invited them to visit. That's when they became an official part of the "Dent" family. We fell in love with them, each day enjoying the joy and laughter they brought into our home.

Over the past three years they have come to stay with us during vacations and school breaks. Our bonds have grown deeper. During Hurricane Gustav their whole family came to stay for a week. When I say the whole family I mean everyone - mom, dad, cats, dogs, chickens, rabbits, everyone!

Sadly, last year, their mother became very sick. Justin and talked on the phone daily as her health declined. One evening Justin called to say the doctors had informed them that she was dying. My children and I hopped in the car a began the drive to New Orleans. Before we reached Louisiana, Justin called to let us know that she had passed away. When we arrived at their house the kids and their father were gathered on the bed mourning the loss of their mom.

We stayed a few of days and mourned with them. We attended the funeral and had to leave for home the next day. It was so hard leaving them behind. I worried about them. I prayed for them. God saw them through.

Jump forward a year and two months to today. Here they are in my home again. It feels so right to have them wandering through the house. They want to attend school here, and I think it is a great idea! My family also hopes they will come to Tuscaloosa. (They seem to think they will.) They would live with us for a while. We would love it!

I have always wanted a large family. After my fourth child my husband decided our family was large enough. Of course, I disagreed. However, he put an end to any future pregnancies. This was painful for me. I love being a mother. I felt he had ripped something precious from me. I mourned deeply for the loss of ever carrying another child. However, I had to believe God knows my heart and placed the love of motherhood in my heart.

Nine years later my niece came to live with us. She is only four days older than my youngest child. We love her so much, and she fits perfectly into our family. Her adoption was finalized September seventh of this year. Funny, I always wanted twins but was never blessed to give birth to twins. However, I have my twins in my youngest son and my niece. People will ask how old they are. When I tell them the children are the same age they ask, "Twins?" I smile and say, "No". Usually I explain, but sometimes it is fun to watch them try to figure it out.

Now we are welcoming two more children into our home, Justin and Jessica. Twins! Next year we will have seven kids filling these four walls. (All of them will be teenagers!) A large family? I think so. And this is the kind of family only God can put together. He knew my desire and fulfilled it in a way I could never have imagined.

As I watch my dream of being a writer and speaker seem to crumble I must take pause to ponder what God has done. He knows the desire of my heart. I believe He will fulfill this desire as well. I can't imagine what creative way He will bring it about, but I know it will be amazing!