“Two of these five adopted children are birth-siblings. Their mom was an alcoholic, and was very cruel. At the time they were removed from the family, they were 5 years and 1.5 years old. The boy was left with numerous traces of physical violence, including cigarette burns. The emotional wounds sustained by the girl were even worse. Soon after they were removed from the family, they were adopted into our family through the ministry of HopeHouse International®.
When adopted, they brought all their pain with them. They did not trust anyone. They were waiting for abuse and violence. We had to work hard, work on ourselves and learn with the help of the Soul-Care™ Trauma Curriculum how to help our children overcome all the pain in their early lives. Step by step, journeying over disappointment, we helped them remove their armor of mistrust and alienation . . . layer by layer.
After time has passed, these children are now unrecognizable. Our daughter is a beautiful girl, gifted with creative talent and an artistic vision of the world – she paints beautiful pictures. Our son now trusts us and supports and cares for his younger siblings. He is doing well in school, playing soccer, and even likes to cook.
We see every day that the LOVE of Christ transforms and heals deeply wounded hearts. Thank you HopeHouse International® and Soul-Care™ for making us a family and giving us the tools and support we needed to help our children thrive.”
– Mom and Dad (Godzuk Family)
