Brandon and Brittany Browning are on a life-changing journey to build their family through adoption. With the support of loved ones and generous donors, they’re one step closer to welcoming a child into their lives.
*Their Adoption Story*
The Browning’s have been awarded two prestigious grants from Lifesong for Orphans and Hope that Binds, totaling $16,000. However, they still need $8,000 in donations to unlock these funds and move forward with the adoption process. The adoption journey can be costly, with estimated expenses ranging from $48,000 to $78,000.
*How You Can Help*
Every donation, big or small, brings Brandon and Brittany closer to their goal. If you’re able to contribute, you can donate online through Lifesong for Orphans or send a check payable to Lifesong for Orphans, noting family #11699 and Browning. The mailing address is Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 9, Gridley, IL 61744.
*Staying Updated*
Brandon and Brittany would love to keep you updated on their adoption journey. By supporting them, you’ll receive exclusive updates and be a part of their journey to build a family.
*Get Involved*
If you’re interested in learning more about Brandon and Brittany’s adoption journey, you can contact them at 740-612-9974 or mailto:Brandonandbrittanybrowning@gmail.com. Let’s come together to support this loving couple as they build their family!
“There ya have it, my home sweet home.” Said Rose as ushered Elianna up the concrete steps. “My name is Rose, what should I call you?” “My name is Elianna.” “Elianna, that’s unique I like it.” Unsure how to respond, Elianna stayed quiet. “You can stay in the guest room. There should be what you need in the bathroom. Make yourself at home and when you get clean, I will have some supper ready for you.”
Elianna scurried to the bedroom, shutting the door behind her. For a moment she froze taking in the picturesque scene. Soft plush carpet squished between her toes making her wiggle them. A full bed stood before her, perfectly made with oversized pillows and a thick blanket. On either side, small nightstands held a lamp on one and a delicate vase with a single rose on the other. Nearby, a matching dresser and chair complemented the room’s serene ambiance. She took a deep breath, devouring the sense of comfort and normalcy. The pure bliss almost brought tears to her eyes.
She stepped heavy on her way to the bathroom, loving the feel of the carpet, a texture she hadn’t felt since she was a toddler. Sometime when her mother was alive, she would sit on the floor and play with her. They would stack blocks together and have imaginary tea parties. Her mother always had something fun and exciting to do together. She didn’t realize she had missed the feel of soft floors so much.
Elianna tore herself back from memory lane. She observed the bathroom. An oversized tub and shower combo sat next to toilet. A marble sink lined the wall with fresh personal hygiene products. Elianna unwrapped the soap and inhaled the flowery fragrance. Not the soap her mother used but just as fancy and pretty. She looked around, locating a towel, and washcloth. Next to the towel hung a silk nightgown. Elianna gasped, could it really be for her. Her hand slid over the smooth fabric, letting it flow from her hands like a liquid. No other clothing was present and she had to wear something.
She stepped into the shower, too hesitant to tempt a full bath. For a moment she stood under the hot stream. She turned the water hotter and hotter until it pricked her skin, basking in the warm ambiance and silence. She couldn’t remember the last time she had enjoyed such a luxury. After cleaning with the pretty smelling soaps she stepped out and dried off, anxious to try on the night gown. To her surprise it fit perfect and held to her skin like a hug. She quietly exited the guest room refreshed and wearing a grin. “Dinner is on the table. Would you like to join me?” Elianna’s belly growled at the mention of a hot meal. “Yes please.” “It’s leftover potato soap. I hope you like potato soap.” Elianna nodded despite not being able to recall ever eating potato soap. It had been a long time since a home cooked meal had occupied her belly, anything would taste just fine. “Would you like to tell me about yourself?” Elianna shook her head no in response. “Okay then. I will tell you about myself. My name is Rose as you know. I own the bookshop you have been sleeping in. I bought the little shop years ago when my two children grew up and had children of their own. It was something for me to care for and tend to after my children were not around as much. I suppose books are easier and less maintenance than plants. My husband passed away shortly after the kids left, leaving me alone with a whole lot of time on my hands. I could really use the help around here if you would like to stay for a while. I am only getting older and the house is too big for one person.”
Elianna stared deep into her eyes looking for any malice or ill intent. None was present. “But why”, she thought? “Why would the old lady want her to stay? To slave around the house and care for her like her own children wont. That would be a hard no. She could not obligate herself to such a situation. Her father would find her and both of them would be punished. Even if she could she would not be tied to a helpless elderly woman in need of a house maid.”
Elianna’s eyes dropped to her food and she ate in awkward silence. She had nothing to say in response. She slowly chewed each bit of carrot, pea and potato, enjoying the taste.
“The soup is good, thank you.” She finally mustered. “You are welcome dear. Who is your father?” “Seath Jinkins” Rose cringed at name. A well known kingpin of the community. “So you know him?” “I know of him, yes.” “Then you see why I can not stay with you.” “Who’s going to tell him?” “He has eyes everywhere.” “We can work around that. For now get some rest.” Later that night Elianna snuggled up in the full size bed and felt like she was swimming through the clouds. Finally a soft, REAL, bed to sleep in. She fell asleep thanking God for such an incredible blessing.
The feeling of unfamiliar surroundings woke her up late at night despite her comfort. She lied away watching the sky become a beautiful hue of blue grey. She quietly slipped from her bed and went looking for her clothes. She found them in Rose’s dryer, still warm. She hung the nightgown back where it was and changed back into her not so soft, familiar clothes. She resisted the urge to take it, knowing it wasn’t rightfully hers, she was no thief. Barley making a sound she snuck out the back door as Rose still slept, locking the door behind her.
Rose
The moment Rose’s eyes opened she knew Elianna had left. The house was too quiet, too big. Needing to be sure she looked thoroughly while calling her name. Nothing. Rose sighed in disappointment and prepared for another day at her beloved store. She took the long way hoping to catch a glimpse of the girl and her routines. Once again she spied her climbing the steps to the hospital. A thousand questions burned in her brain, knowing most will probably go unanswered.
Elianna
Elianna spent the whole day with Charlotte, knowing she had a comfy place to sleep tonight and likely a hot meal. They played goldfish, built a Lego castle, finished a whole game of PayDay and finally ended the day by watching Scoobydo. When Elianna finally said her goodbyes it was dark outside. Her little legs walked briskly for the mile or so to Rose’s house. At first she was afraid she had already gone to bed, ultimately leaving her sleeping out in the elements once again. She peeked through the kitchen window and caught a glimpse of her eating dinner alone, an empty plate set for Elianna. She knocked on the door and was greeted by a smiling Rose. “I was hoping you would come back. Dinner is on the table, spaghetti tonight.” “Sounds wonderful. Thank you for having me again.” “You are always welcome dear. As long as you pick up after yourself and don’t bring any strangers with you.” “Yes. Ma’am.” “Do you have siblings?” “Just me.” “You and only you are permitted on this property, understood?” “Yes ma’am. Thank you for washing my clothes.” “Do you have more clothes?” “Just one extra pair and a winter jacket.” “That’s what I figured. I stopped by the thrift store on my way home and purchased a few items. I hope they fit. If not, let me know. I also bought you a wig. I advise you to wear it anytime you feel the need and anytime you come and go from here.” Elianna froze mid chew in disbelief. “Why do you visit the hospital so often? Do you have a loved one there?” Elianna nodded. “Charlotte, I love her dearly.” “What is she to you? Is she ill?” “She is my friend. Yes she has cancer. She will probably be dead in a few months.” “That is terrible. I am so sorry. Is there anything I can do to help her?” “I don’t think so, the doctors keep her comfortable. Don’t worry, I won’t bring her here, she has to stay at the hospital. I will stay here tonight then I must be on my way.” “Yes of corse…You are always welcome Elianna.”
After dinner Elianna sorted through the clothes Rose had purchased. Several pairs of pants, shorts, shirts and undergarments. She cried silently as she put each one away. It seemed a waste to leave them heaped up in a pile. Plus it was untidy, the least she could do was put them away, even if she had no intention of staying long term. When she was finished Rose poked her head through the door to the guest bedroom. “You know, I have a vehicle. I could drive you to the hospital in the morning, you don’t have to sneak away or walk so far.” “Really!?” “Most certainly. I will take you anywhere you need to go, as long as I can open my shop on time. Then we could still go places after I close shop.” “The hospital will be more than enough thank you. Thank you for everything.” “You are welcome. Goodnight Elianna .” “Good night Rose.”
Welcome back to another in-depth Bible study.Let’s dive into God’s Word together, seeking understanding and insight. May His spirit guide us as we explore Scripture.
Deuteronomy 28:55
55 So that he will not give to any of them of the flesh of his children whom he shall eat: because he hath nothing left him in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee in all thy gates.
56 The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,
57 And toward her young one that cometh out from between her feet, and toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates.
58 If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;
59 Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance.
60 Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee.
61 Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.
62 And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God.
63 And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.
64 And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone.
65 And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:
66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:
67 In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.
68 And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you.
Deuteronomy 29 1 These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.
2 And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land;
3 The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles:
4 Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.
5 And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.
6 Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God.
7 And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:
8 And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.
9 Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.
10 Ye stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel,
11 Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water:
12 That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day:
13 That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
14 Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath;
15 But with him that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day:
16 (For ye know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt; and how we came through the nations which ye passed by;
17 And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them:)
18 Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;
19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:
20 The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.
That concludes our lesson for today. Comeback tomorrow as we continue right along in the Bible. Have a great day and God bless!
What does my ideal home look like? A Victorian style farm house with the original word work still intact. Fully equipped with a a princess tower, fully stocked library of unique and rare books, and a dungeon in the basement. Oh and don’t forget about the hidden tunnel and passage way through out and secret hide aways. All situated on 100 acres with rolling hills and farm animals. Id your going to dream, might as well dream big right?
The next morning Rose made two lunches. One for herself and one for the young girl hiding in her shop. She had come to the conclusion to invite the girl into her home. She had the extra room to spare and would love some company. The child was probably even old enough to help around the house with some chores. It would be better than sleeping in a bookstore or wherever else she sleeps.
Rose wrote her address on a small slip of paper and taped it inside the second lunch box. She added, “If you would like a place to sleep other than an old book shop you are welcome at my house.” Rose grabbed both lunches and headed to work.
All day once again she watched for the pale face girl. She planned to casually talk to her and nicely bring up that she was aware of her sleepovers. Then she would invite her to stay at her house for a little while, or so she imagined the conversation to go. Unfortunately, Rose didn’t see the girl all day. At closing time Rose locked up and went home, leaving the lunch behind just in case. Perhaps the girl had snuck in while she was busy with a customer.
Elianna
Elianna hid away once again in the bookstore, eyeing the old woman’s lunch she left behind. Silently she prayed that the woman had forgotten to eat it once more. A decent sandwich would be heavenly at the moment. She hasn’t eaten since the last forgotten lunch. The second she felt safe, Elianna darted from between the bookshelves and over to the left lunchbox. She was half way through the sandwich before she noticed the pinned address and note. She stopped mid chew and read it time and time again.
So the old lady wasn’t so senial and dim witted. She definitely knew Elianna was sleeping in her shop, but to go as far as inviting her to stay over, that seemed suspicious. She debated the reality of the offer and knew she could never trust someone that much. If her father ever caught her staying with someone it would mean trouble for both of them and Elianna wanted no trouble to come upon Rose. She was far to elderly to worry about such things. For a moment, she fantasized what it would be like to sleep in a nice soft bed again. To bathe in a shower with pretty smelling soap and shampoo. To wrap her long hair in a soft towel and brush it 100 times before bed. She day dreamed what it would be like to be normal again, with a normal family and a normal home.
Elianna broke from her make believe world and faced reality. She would no longer be able to use the bookstore as a hideout. Now that her cover was blown she must move along and find another safe place to sleep. It was sad, she has come to really enjoy her time amongst the bookstacks and loved the endless entertainment. She finished the prepared lunch and read herself asleep, making the most out of her last night in Rose’s bookstore.
Rose
Rose half expected a tiny knock at the door all night. It never came. She decided the pale face girl didn’t camp out in her book store that night. Disappointed, she hurried to the bookstore to check the lunch box. To her surprise the forgotten lunch was entirely eaten. “So the note was presumably received and the answer was, “no thank you”. Rose thought. She was certain the girl would take her up on her offer. Confirming that the note was likely read and she never showed up to her house just added to the mystery of the situation. Why would a child want to continue living on the streets, Rose pondered. That night she came up with a different plan. She would do a little hiding out herself.
Elianna
The next day Elianna left Charlotte the moment visiting hours were over. The sky had been dark and ominous all day and she was certain tonight it would rain. She didn’t want to be caught out in the elements and hasn’t found a suitable substitute for the cozy book store. Regardless of the apparent danger, the shop was going to have to be refuge again tonight. She prayed that she could pull off one more night, then first thing tomorrow she would look for a better place to sleep.
She could try going back to her father’s house but knew that was out of the question. A place she once called home, now just a place where her father drifts in and out. The short time he is there, he is entertaining fast women and doing dangerous things. When he’s not there his minions hold down the fort like they themselves are king. Either way, it was no place for a child, especially a young female. How she longed for the days when her mother was still alive and the house was her home.
Elianna slammed back to reality as she approached Rose’s bookstore, the first few raindrops pelting her head. She paused at the window, hoping to slide through the door unnoticed. The old lady was busy helping a customer in the far left corner. Elianna eases the door open, ensuring the bells remained silent and slid through the door. She closed it behind her silently. Quietly she hurried off to the restroom to await closing time. She planned to sneak to her hiding spot a little later, for now she just wanted to sit down and be unseen.
Rose
At 7:00PM Rose turned the sign to close and shut off all the lights. She lowered all the blinds and locked the back door. She caused the front door to open and then closed and locked it from the inside, hoping to fool any would-be hiders into thinking she left as usual. With silent footsteps she walked to her favorite chair and had a seat. Earlier she moved the chair to a dark corner, situated so she could see down the rows of bookshelves. She sat there quietly, steading her breathing and listening for any sound. Finally, a movement between the corner bookshelves, a silhouette sifted from between them and began walking her way. Rose waited until the pale face girl had walked past her until she spoke.
“What do you think you are doing?”
The pale face girl screamed in terror.
“I’m sorry ma’am. I was just leaving.”
“No you weren’t. You have been sleeping in here.”
“This was going to be the last night. Honest.”
“I gave you my address. You should have came”
“Yes. Thank you for the food.”
“Where are your parents?”
“My father doesn’t want me and my momma died when I was a little girl.”
“What do you mean doesn’t want you?”
“I mean every time he sees me he tells me to go away. If I dont he beats me.”
“Then come stay with me.”
“No, I stayed with my friend once and daddy found out. He hurt her mommy really bad. I’m better off alone. Your better off if I am alone.”
“Nonsense. The streets are no place for a young girl like yourself. Come home with me, just for a little while.”
“How do I know you’re not going to murder me or something?”
“Come on, I am a 70 year old woman. I am confident you could take me.”
“If father find out he’s gonna be really mad at you for helping me.”
“Don’t you worry, I’ll deal with your father. Come on now, let’s get you washed up and fed.”
After a few more moments of convincing Elianna agreeed to go home with Rose. Surely her father wouldn’t find out after just one night. Then tomorrow just as planned she will find a new place to crash. On the drive to Rose’s, a peaceful silence settled amongst them, both unsure of what to say and too nervous to say it. Just as Elianna expected they pulled into the drive of a little white cottage with a white picket fence. Was she making the right decision to stay with Rose for a night? What happens if father finds out? She knew he would be out of town at least until this weekend. But after that, for both their safety, she should move along.
Welcome back to another in-depth Bible study. May you have listening ears and eyes that see. Join me as we dive into Father’s word.
Deuteronomy 28:31
31 Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue them.
32 Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long: and there shall be no might in thine hand.
33 The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:
34 So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.
35 The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.
36 The LORD shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.
37 And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.
38 Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it.
39 Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms shall eat them.
40 Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine olive shall cast his fruit.
41 Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity.
42 All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the locust consume.
43 The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.
44 He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail.
45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou hearkenedst not unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee:
46 And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever.
47 Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;
48 Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.
49 The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;
50 A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:
51 And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which also shall not leave thee either corn, wine, or oil, or the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.
52 And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
53 And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the LORD thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee:
54 So that the man that is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave:
That concludes our lesson for today. Comeback tomorrow as we continue right along in the Bible. Have a great day and God bless!
Oftentimes we adults forget that our children need and crave deep and meaningful connections. We focus on the food, shelter and clothing and sometimes neglect another need just as important. Genuine connection is crucial for a child’s development. It helps them better understand their thoughts, feelings and actions as well as how to process them. Many children who do not receive quality time with parents act out in a desperate attempt to get it. All kids want to be heard, seen, loved and included. Something as simple as having a say in the choosing of what’s for dinner, playing a game together or simply asking how their day was can have a profound effect on their mental well being. It is our job to create safe, healthy environments for our kids and that takes more than food, clothing, and shelter. Nobody is perfect, we all get caught up in the chase of life, But let’s not forget that little minds and little hearts need attention too. Life can not be all work… and no play. Take the time to see, listen and include because I assure you, if your child doesn’t make that meaningful connection with you, they will with someone or something else.
