With Heavy Hearts....

Dear Family and Friends,

We are at a complete loss as to how to even begin this email. Court did not go well today and it became painfully apparent that we were fighting a losing legal battle. We thought that sitting down with the birthfather's parents was our last hope. (Mind you, the grandfather was the "influential" figure we spoke of earlier.)

We outlined all of our concerns with the kids, our intentions and love for them, and our hope to not cause any more trauma in their little lives. The meeting was fruitless and Iain and I quickly discovered that we were being manipulated and deceived. Because we have only had the best interest of Maddie and Collin at heart, we discerned that fighting beyond this point would only postpone the inevitable which would be more harmful to the children.

It is with such heavy hearts that we tell you that Maddie and Collin have been returned to their birthfather's family. Iain and I have an appointment scheduled with the psychologist on Wednesday at which time we will ask for direction on how to bring healthy closure to our relationship with the children. We will pick the kids up Wednesday afternoon for our last visit and to somehow explain to them why they will not be coming back to our home. We don't intend to make it a made-for-TV-movie drama, but we refuse to be part of their abandonment story. We'll be honest and upbeat and consider the recommendations of the psychologist.

Even though we knew of the risks from the beginning, we had no idea that today would technically be our last day with them. We are obviously distraught and broken-hearted and filled with concern for the kids, but we feel it important to say that we are also filled with faith. We don't believe God has forsaken us or Maddie and Collin, for that matter.

We know, with every bit of confidence that we have walked every step of this path in faith. We have prayerfully discerned every decision and can honestly say that we have absolutely no regrets in our choices nor in our actions. That doesn't mean we understand why this has unfolded the way it has. We may never understand that, but we are called to trust that there is a Master Plan and a bigger picture.

To those who have graciously offered support, prayer, clothes, toys, books and other treasures, meals, play dates, visits, playground equipment etc.........we will ALWAYS remember your kindness and are absolutely certain that you have had a profound impact on the lives of Maddie and Collin.

To those who have young children who have befriended Maddie and Collin.......we are so very sorry for those difficult conversations you have ahead of you in explaining this to your them. We hold great sadness in our hearts for them and for you. You are in our prayers.

We know that their is a lot of grief and healing ahead of us. Please remain in prayer for that process......continuing to include Maddie and Collin and their grief and healing. We are broken and feeling pretty empty right now, and we volley in between anger at the injustice and peace in knowing we have answered God's call - even to the bitter end.

Thank you for sharing in this sacred, significant chapter in our lives. We know that we are changed.......in a beautiful and a good way. We ask for God's blessings on all of you for supporting us through this whole journey.