As a young child, I always wanted a sister or two.  My two brothers were fun to have around, but they were never willing to let me paint their nails.  I had dreams to spend time with my sisters doing what girls like to do, playing ‘house’, having spa days, and growing up with a built-in best friend. However, as time passed, my dreams faded, I knew that I was getting too old to have the ideal sister I always wanted.

In 2012, my parents decided they wanted to begin the process to become foster parents. The agency took three years looking for children that could live in our home. On August 11, 2015, three children, two girls and a boy, moved into our home. At the time, I was 18, a senior in high school, and preparing for college.

All of a sudden, I shared my room with two little girls, 5 and 2, who had night terrors and some severe emotional trauma. I did not believe I would get too emotionally invested. My life was already planned, and I had accepted the fact that I would not have sisters. There was also no guarantee that they would stay for a long period of time.

I had been severely mistaken on the effect the children would have on my life. Suddenly, I found myself constantly talking about my new siblings. I became so invested in their lives in such a short amount of time. We quickly grew into the best of friends. Together we watched movies, danced in the kitchen, and laughed the afternoon away.

I remember times when family members and friends judged my parents for taking on such a task. They made passive-aggressive comments and snide remarks about the children and their unfortunate past. During that time, it was hard for me to bite my tongue and keep my frustration to myself. I noticed myself defending my new siblings, something I never pictured myself doing.

These children have lived with us for one year and four months. On November 19, 2016, my family went to the court house to officially adopt my three youngest siblings. My life has been forever changed. I see the world with an entirely new perspective. God placed these children in my life for a reason and everyday I see his plan working in our lives.