Growing up, Tenille’s parents instilled love in her. Her mother, Donna West, would pick up people from the side of the road. West gave a ride to a woman from town almost every day. “God gave me this desire in my heart … you just love everybody,” Tenille said.
She met Russ at the University of Central Arkansas in the fall of 1997 and began dating in the spring of 1998. Russ saw in his wife a godly woman — something that attracted him. And then, there were a few leadership roles that she took, which also spun Russ’ head.
“She’s like a little bulldog,” he said. “She gets things done.”
They also co-parent Carlos Blandon, 3, who they fostered for about 18 months at first. Blandon lives with his biological father, but Tenille picks him up from his house, drops him off at school, and in the afternoon, she picks him up. Blandon stays with Tenille until his biological father gets off from work.
Blandon has two dads and a mom, Russ said.
Fostering a child hasn’t been easy for the couple. Russ remembered fostering a 5-year-old boy who didn’t want to be hugged or spoken to. The boy would only talk to Will.
It was eye-opening for Russ because he said he realized how much the child was hurt. Every time a child leaves, he and his wife get sad.
“They develop a relationship with us, just like we develop a relationship with them,” he said.
Instead of working full-time as a nurse, Tenille works part-time, allowing her to have enough time for their children and the CALL. Tenille said she’s able to help others because of the outpouring of support Russ provides.
“Chase your dreams,” Tenille said her husband told her.
Sandy La Bahn, family support coordinator and executive assistant for the CALL, said Tenille is passionate about her work.
“She’s an amazing woman,” La Bahn said.
JOSH DOOLEY
Growing up, Tenille Rauls' parents instilled love in her by watching them living a life of service. Her mother, Donna West, picked up pedestrians from the side of the road and gave a ride to a woman in town almost every day.
Volunteer work in Haïti
Tenille traveled twice to Limbé, Haïti: September 2014 and September 2015. She’ll be visiting for the third time next year with the River Bible Church, but this time, she’s bringing Russ.
“I never felt unsafe in Haiti,” Tenille said.
She has gotten close to her patients — they know her name, so does she. Aside from a bit of culture shock, she said she “loves the people.” During the elections, she said there were 57 candidates. Their speeches were broadcast every day.
Tenille keeps in touch with her interpreter, Shandley Jules, a college student at Cap-Haïtien, Haïti. She didn’t pick up on French or Haitian Creole, but she has learned enough medical terminology to get by.
JOSH DOOLEY
Tenille and husband Russ Rauls co-parent a 3-year-old boy. The couple fostered the boy for 18 months at first, but Tenille still watches after him by taking him to school and having him stay with her until his biological father gets off from work.
It’s not always easy to help, but it’s worth it. There’s been the time she’s asked God to take this burden from her.
“It’s been overwhelming,” she said.
Mainly, that’s because of the heartbreaks she saw in children.
Last month, she fell in love with a newborn she got from the hospital. She would’ve kept him forever, she said, because he’s “perfect.” He went to live with his grandparents.
That’s OK.
Tenille said the grandparents send her pictures of the baby. Plus, she has the privilege to pray for him for the rest of her life. In her prayers, she asks God to protect children.
“I want each and every one of them to succeed,” she said.
Living Well i August/November 2016 23
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