Monday, August 7, 2006, 10:35 a.m., D.S.T., Denton, Texas~

Dear Ma'am~

Howdy, as they say down here in the Lone Star State!

You don't know me, but I heard your story rom a friend of mine in Fort Worth, and after hearing your story, I had to write to you.

To give you a proper introduction, my name is Eileen Marie Weston. I live in Denton, Texas, which is north of Fort Worth. I am married (ten years) to my pastor husband, Dwight. We have tried to have children; so far, all efforts have failed, leaving me in a constant state of depression.

For the past several years, Dwight and myself have toyed with the idea of adoption; the more we learned about it, the more we want to do it. We are interested in adopting a child with special needs (we wouldn't mind a little girl, but we would prefer a little boy!). We have heard that many children older than the age of two, or children who are racially mixed (or are of a different race altogether), or children who have learning/physical/social/mental disabilities are especially hard to place. They are in need of finding a "forever family" that they can call their very own.

This is the kind of child we would like to adopt. I feel we could make a huge impact in a deserving child's life.

I talked to my friend (Phoebe; she knows you); she told me about you guys. She told me how God has blessed you by bringing you children with disabilities, and how they  have flourished under your guidance and love. She said that you now have over fifty children and are thinking of adding to the family. That is amazing, but that is also NUTS!!

Phoebe also said that you have written several books about your family; she said that she has sent me copies (I am waiting for them now as we speak). I will have to read them when the books come in the mail (hopefully next week).

We have put our trust  completely and fully in God; we aren't about to give up hope, but all this--waiting--this emptiness--has been so hard!! We have yearned for the sound of a baby's cries or the sound of the pitter-patter of tiny feet on a linoleum floor, but so far, our requests for a little one have been in vain. It has been frustrating!!

Please tell me how we can get started. We have wanted to do it but the truth of the matter is this: I am scared to death!! The whole idea, the whole process of adopting a child seems overwhelming!! How do you do it? How did you overcome your fears? How did you feel when you got "The Call", that a child was to be coming to you? How did you react when you first set your eyes upon your new child? Does that feeling of euphoria ever go away as the years pass?

What was your most challenging adoption? Why? Were some of the adoptions "easy"? Have you had to do any traveling in order to get a particular child? Were theere any problems in adjusting on part of the child or yourself? How long did it take for you to get used to one another?

How did you handle any unforseen (or unexpected) medical problems? How did you handle a serious medical emergency? Any answers to these questions would be gretly appreciated!

Well, Louisiana, I guess I will go now. I have a dentist's appointment. I hope to hear from you soon; I will be waiting for your letter!

Take care, Louie, and may God richly bless y ou!

Most sincerely yours,

Eileen Marie Weston, Denton, Texas.

P.S.: I will let you know when the books arrive! Stay tuned~

~Eileen.