Thankful, Grateful, Blessed
The holiday season is here and though 2020 has been difficult, there is so much to be thankful for. When we look around at our Harrisburg foster care community, our Equine Program, and Foster Care Services, God’s handiwork is so apparent. We took some time as a staff to share messages of what we are thankful for this holiday season. Here’s what some staff members shared.
“I am thankful for people who are kind,” CEO and Founder Larry McDaniel said. “People who care about others and do so genuinely – others who are oppressed or beat down or are different from them. They do so not to get accolades or to get something in return or put another notch on their belt. They do so because it’s genuinely the right thing to do. It makes us our best as humans and people like that, people who are kind from a genuine heart, are what makes this world a better place. I’m also very thankful that we have people like that right here at Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries and I’m so appreciative and blessed that I get to work alongside them.”
“I am so thankful for God’s faithfulness and His provision of family and friends and providing for things even when we don’t know that we need them,” Foster Care Services Licensing/Training Director Amy Kingery said.
“I am thankful for everybody who really helped us out during the pandemic and have helped make sure all of our kids had everything that they needed, and for all of the opportunities for love, joy, and music along the way,” House Mom Merri Heberlein said.
“I am thankful for the many people who have stepped up for kids in foster care this year,” Chief Development Officer Kari Hopkins said. “Despite the pandemic and despite all the challenges, they have still given generously of their time and of their treasure to kids in need.”
We also have to thank the many local businesses and organizations that helped prepare our homes for Thanksgiving. Hallsville Optimist Club provided a turkey and a ham for each home. Weichert Realtors donated funds for our homes to be able to grocery shop for side dishes. As an annual tradition, Christian Fellowship School in Columbia, Missouri brought out groceries for our homes. We also have to thank Peggy Jean’s Pies for providing delicious dessert for our Thanksgiving meals.
Our Children’s Home is currently serving 29 children in foster care. Add our Home Parents, Support Parents, and the biological children of our Home Parents, and that is a lot of mouths to feed! We could not do it without community support, and we are so grateful for everyone who has gone out of their way to ensure this will be a wonderful holiday.
