Christina, as an infant along with her sister was given to her abusive biological father to parent after her biological mother decided that being a mother was something she did not want. When she was in fifth grade she finally told a teacher that she was scared to go home because she thought her father would kill her.

At that point, she and her sister were placed into foster care where they were then placed with her paternal grandmother. Sadly, their biological father continued the abuse while in the care of their grandmother. They did end up with another family member where their abuse also continued. Finally they were placed into a foster home that later moved to California.

As a foster teen she found herself on a plane leaving a foster placement in California where she had been living for almost two years. She had to also leave behind her sister and return to foster care in Mississippi. While sitting on that plane she was scared knowing the realties that she would soon be facing alone. Going into a group home knowing that the chances to ever get out of a group home are very slim. At least until you age out of the system, it is a hard realty to stare in the face.

During the plane ride back to Mississippi foster care system, she was seated next to a minister from Montana. This foster teen’s life touched this man to the point of him and his wife deciding to become foster parents to be able to parent this teen.

This determined couple had only the first name of the teen and the state she was returning to. They found where the teen was and still faced challenges to even get the chance to know her, or become part of her life. Mississippi Child Welfare was not responsive to their inquiries for becoming a foster parent and possibly, adoptive parents to the teen. The couple decided to make an unannounced trip to the director to show him that they were serious and normal people. The court did grant permission for the couple to visit the foster teen, but before the visit could happen, Hurricane Katrina hit the area.

After some time, and a few visits, the foster teen was allowed to move to Montana. She was later adopted by the couple. Against the odds this foster teen found her forever family. Where else but on a plane ride. Who would have thought?

More reading:

The Forgotten Foster Children

The Forgotten Foster Children - Struggles

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