One year later

Today marks one year since our son, Thomas, went home to be with Jesus.

There are some dates that forever divide life into "before" and "after." For our family, June 23 will always be one of those days.

This past year has held grief that words cannot fully capture, but it has also revealed God's faithfulness in ways we never could have imagined.

When Thomas was alive, he had a way of bringing people together. His smile, his laughter, and his perseverance left an imprint on everyone who knew him. Even through countless hospital stays and difficult treatments, he reminded us daily that every life has immeasurable value.

As we've walked this first year without him, we've often asked the Lord what faithfulness looks like now.

One answer has become increasingly clear.

We keep preparing the table.

This year, God opened the door for Family Mission Field to steward a Family Resource Center—a place where foster, adoptive, and kinship families will find practical support, encouragement, and the hope of Christ. Churches will be equipped to care for vulnerable children. Siblings separated by foster care will have a safe place to spend time together. Families will find resources, relationships, and reminders that they are not alone.

It is impossible for us to walk through these rooms without thinking about Thomas.

His story has shaped our hearts in ways we never anticipated. It has deepened our compassion for families walking difficult roads and strengthened our conviction that every child deserves to be seen, known, and loved.

A while back, our dear friend and fellow U.S. Missionary, Nicole Phillips, surprised us with a beautiful plaque dedicating this Resource Center in Thomas's memory.

It was an unexpected gift—one that brought both tears and gratitude.

The plaque doesn't simply remind us of the son we miss every day.

It reminds us that his life continues to point people toward hope.

Every family who finds support here...

Every church that is equipped...

Every child who walks through these doors...

Every sibling reunited around a table...

...will become part of a legacy that continues far beyond one life.

We wish with all our hearts that Thomas were here with us.

But until the day we see him again, we will continue doing what God has called us to do.

We will keep making room.

We will keep preparing the table.

And we will keep believing that God can bring beauty from even the deepest sorrow.

Thank you to every person who has prayed for our family, encouraged us, and walked beside us this past year. Your love has carried us more than you'll ever know.