A woman in Michigan shares her story to Louisiana Sandusky in Tennessee after LaNelle has read an article about Louisiana and her large family of adopted kids, most with special needs.
Friday, June 3, 2005, 4:54 p.m., E.D.T.~
Dear Louisiana Sandusky in Tennessee~
You do not know me, but we read an article about your beautiful multicultural family in "Adopted Child", and your inspiring story touched our souls very deeply. What we read compelled me to write to you, so here goes nothing (smile)...
My name is LaNelle LaTreece Colter, and my husband, Grover Denzel, and myself live in Detroit, Michigan, with our five children, all, of whom, are adopted. We have five girls, who range in age from six on up to the age of 15. All of them come from different countries in Africa (Kenya, Egypt, and Sierra Leone), and all but one (our youngest) are perfectly healthy.
Our daughters are named Jibri Michelle (15), Lateefah Celeste (13), Tabia Marjani (11), Ayah Gift (9), and Kibibi ("BeeBee") RoNaee', our youngest at age six.
I am happy to say that our kids are healthy, as I just mentioned a bit ago, but BeeBee does have mild cerebral palsy that has left her with a limp (but otherwise needing no assistance in her walking). Still, she is a very bright child with a very happy outlook on life!
We have tried to have children of our own (but after six miscarriages and the death of our only child that we WERE able to have; he lived but one hour after his birth; he would have been 17 today had he lived; his name was Shelton Octavius), but as you can see, we were very unsuccessful. We were hoping to adopt a son after the death of Shelton, but somehow, we ended up with five little girls from Africa! Each one of our daughters has been nothing but a blessing to us both, and we have enjoyed having them in our lives. Our youngest daughter has taught us the courage in living with a physical impairment, and our teenaged daughters have taught both Grover and myself about "teen angst" and the latest in music, fashion, and boys! :) The middle daughters (Tabia and Ayah) are both very active in sports, adn they have proven time and time again to be very talented young athletes, winning awards in both softball and track.
My husband and myself are very active in our church, Mt. Zion Assembly of God, and we are also very active in our community. We are active in raising our family in a Godly way, and we are both homeschool instructors, and when we aren't teaching our girls or attending their sports functions, we are teaching them about values, the Bible, and our Christian faith. I have also written a book about our family entitled "African Blessings: Our Family's Miraculous Story", which just went into print earlier this year. If you want, I will send you a copy of my book (free of charge, don't worry about S & H or paying for it; consider it a gift from me! :) ). I do think you will find it compelling (not to mention, interesting!) reading.
Speaking of books, I would love to read either "A Family Made out of Miracles and Rainbows" or "...And The Miracles Continue". Where can I get a copy of either book? Are either one of these books available nationally? Let me know as soon as possible!
Thank you again for listening. I hope to hear from you soon. God bless you, Louisiana, and may He continue to reveal His Grace and Goodness in all of your lives!
In His Most Holy Name,
Your new friend in Christ Jesus, LaNelle in Detroit, Michigan. :)
P.S.: Please find enclosed a picture of BeeBee and Ayah. Enjoy!
Friday, June 3, 2005, 4:54 p.m., E.D.T.~
