A Story of Adoption
I met the Conklins when I began as pastor at Forest Hills Mennonite Church, Leola, PA. Mike and Thelma participated in the church where Thelma was a member. I learned of their passion for children, especially children with special needs as I visited with them the first time we met. They originally were fulfilling this passion to share their love through foster parenting.
Fast forward 10 years and this family is only more remarkable. They have adopted or are in the process of adopting 12 children. Mikey and Zachariah are the oldest children who Mike and Thelma birthed. I was personally able to attend three adoption proceedings conducted in Lancaster, PA and Chambersburg, PA.
Below is the Hummer Limosine which transported the family and me to Chambersburg. This was a happy day as Christian was adopted by Mike and Thelma. This adoption proceeding was very different from the ones held in Lancaster, PA. I was even called to testify. This was sprung on me as we arrived at the courtroom in Chambersburg. It was an honor to answer questions about the Conklins love and passion for caring for special needs children.
However, as we know, life is also filled with difficulties. On Saturday, November 6, I received a phone call from Thelma informing me that Victoria who was only a little over a year old had died. Victoria's adoption had just been finalized in New Jersey very recently. Victoria will be missed very much by the Conklins.
Yesterday we remembered Victoria's life at a funeral and burial service held at Rohrerstown Mennonite Church. The love and care this family extends to one another was very apparent. The oldest children participate in caring for the younger. We all have needs, some have special needs, which require even more attention. But we all need to be loved and this family does that.
As painful as it is to grieve, the above picture symbolizes how life goes on. Two of the Conklin children play in the leaves which were raked away from the grave site.
How are you giving of your time, talents and finances to help your community?
If you would like to learn more about adopting children with special needs, give me a call and I will help you get connected to the Conklins.
Fast forward 10 years and this family is only more remarkable. They have adopted or are in the process of adopting 12 children. Mikey and Zachariah are the oldest children who Mike and Thelma birthed. I was personally able to attend three adoption proceedings conducted in Lancaster, PA and Chambersburg, PA.
Below is the Hummer Limosine which transported the family and me to Chambersburg. This was a happy day as Christian was adopted by Mike and Thelma. This adoption proceeding was very different from the ones held in Lancaster, PA. I was even called to testify. This was sprung on me as we arrived at the courtroom in Chambersburg. It was an honor to answer questions about the Conklins love and passion for caring for special needs children.
However, as we know, life is also filled with difficulties. On Saturday, November 6, I received a phone call from Thelma informing me that Victoria who was only a little over a year old had died. Victoria's adoption had just been finalized in New Jersey very recently. Victoria will be missed very much by the Conklins.
Yesterday we remembered Victoria's life at a funeral and burial service held at Rohrerstown Mennonite Church. The love and care this family extends to one another was very apparent. The oldest children participate in caring for the younger. We all have needs, some have special needs, which require even more attention. But we all need to be loved and this family does that.
Family, friends, Victoria's nurses and therapists gathered to say, "Good-bye." It was a time of grief, but also a time of thanksgiving. I was inspired to commit myself to loving others and giving of myself to the betterment of my surrounding community.
How are you giving of your time, talents and finances to help your community?
If you would like to learn more about adopting children with special needs, give me a call and I will help you get connected to the Conklins.
An agent who places your interests as his first priority.
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Realty Lancaster
1630 Manheim Pike Lancaster, PA 17601
Office Phone: 717-735-1145
Cell Phone: 717-413-0744
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