|
Families offer testimony on Pro-life Sunday |
||
|
Richard De La Rosa tells St. Mary parishioners about taking in foster children after his six children had moved out of the house. At his left is his wife, Loretta.
|
Editor’s note: The following story and photo was submitted by Patricia Nieman of Garden City. Respect Life Sunday was recognized Jan. 23 by Father Jim Baker, pastor of St. Mary Church, Garden City, who asked three couples to give witness to having children, fostering children and adopting children. Joe and Jina Arellano shared with the congregation the wonders of having a family of seven children. Jina said that when they got married, they did not have plans of a large family, but God did. They have accepted their children, each one with something different to offer, with the love of God in all their hearts. Jina went on to state that not everyone is capable of being a parent, which is why many children end up in foster care or adoption. Richard and Loretta De La Rosa told of their "empty" house after raising six children, so they have taken in foster children. Several of them have made their own way in the world and still return to visit. Some have stayed for a long time, such as one boy who is a senior in high school and who is still with them now, and has converted to Catholicism. Loretta said their goals were to be able to prepare the children for adoption or for returning into their own home. She then introduced Paul and Mary Martinez, who, with three foster children, one adopted daughter and a grandchild to accompany them, came up to give their testimony. They also have had several foster children, and even with their own three daughters and nine grandchildren, they continue to make their home available for any child in need. |
|
