to care for and fight for these children. They reach out to new foster parents to encourage them. They are true advocates for kids.” Surrounded by family and friends, Jenny and Reed Townsend (mid- dle right) adopted Alexis and celebrated at lunch with family afterward. “At certain times through the process it felt like a done deal, and at other times it felt like we were going to lose her the next day,” Reed says. “... Adopting from foster care is long and it’s hard and it hurts, but it’s worth it.” Phillip and Sandra Battles adopted Shelly, 4 (bottom right). The couple


nurtured her from an early age and have seen her grow tremendously. “I really believe God is going to do some remarkable things in her life,” Phillip says. “She’s got a lot of hidden talent. When she gets a little older, I think we’re going to see a bunch of it come out.” Congratulations to all our growing families who are living out the James 1:27 mandate by providing permanent and loving homes for vulnerable children. For more information about helping children find forever homes, visit www.beafamily.org.


WINTER 2015 ISSUE • Buckner Today 59


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