Dear Jamie,

Our trip to Disney World and Vero Beach this past week where we celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary turned out to be a trip like none other. Getting away and spending quality time together was something we both needed.

The theme parks, the resorts, the beach, and all of the fine dining restaurants made our trip memorable.

With God’s mercy and grace, we have accomplished so much over the last 19 years. We have accomplished way more than I ever imagined we would be able to. I recently found a paper I wrote about 13 years ago when I was in college. My assignment was to introduce myself and to tell about my future aspirations and goals.

In that paper, I listed that my dreams and goals for the future were to own a farm with horses so kids could come and have an outlet and to have a house large enough so we could become foster parents one day. I didn’t even remember writing that paper or putting those things as my dreams! I guess life just got busy for a few years after college as I was raising our babies and teaching. But, I am so thankful God remembered. Not only did He not forget, but He also made those dreams that I had forgotten or maybe just put on the back burner come to fruition. He worked on your heart along the way, too. He put us both on the same page in His timing. Isn’t that amazing?

There have been wonderful times, sad times, and bumpy times along the way. But, God has seen us through them all. He has held our hand as we have welcomed each baby, toddler, or child into our family. He has helped us keep breathing during births with complications and challenging foster care cases. He continues to give us hope as we trust Him on our journey.

He keeps us strong as He helps us raise all of these kids He’s given us. I think it’s easy to say our days are never boring and are always somewhat chaotic; however, it’s also very easy to say that we are so blessed! You will always be my greatest adventure!

I’ll love you forever and some more. You have always been my biggest encourager. Thanks for celebrating 20 years with me this past week!! I can’t wait to celebrate 20 more!

Love Always,

Amanda ❤️

1 Corinthians 16:14 – Let all your things be done with charity.