The Story of "Mr Smiley"

"Mr Smiley"

We, at Abba's House, have been privileged to one of the best blessing we never knew we needed. A daily reminder of why we do the work that we do at Abba's House. And that little reminder just turned 3 years old!

"Mr Serious" came to us at only 3 months old. He was found by a neighbor when his mother passed out in the street, losing her battle to addiction. One of the other neighbors in his community called the police for help. In the course of them helping his mother, they discovered that the sweet baby was missing. A well meaning neighbor had taken him in thinking they could care for him better than his mother could. After a few days of searching and alerting the neighborhood that anyone found with the child could be charged with kidnapping, "Mr Serious" was dropped off at the local police station. His mother, unfortunately, was wanted on some outstanding charges and was taken into custody after she was cleared by the local medical providers. This left this tiny little human without a home.

Thankfully, the social worker who helped us get our very first placement, got the call to help him. She knew exactly where "Mr Serious" needed to be. He was placed in our care while the courts went through the investigation processes for both his case and his mother's case. Unfortunately, after being escorted to court to finalize his placement in our temporary care, his mother found a way to escape. She was in hiding for several months, extending "Mr Serious's" case longer than expected. While he was with us at Abba's House, this sweet little one first earned the name of "Mr Serious." He was very cautious of his new home, watching and observing everyone. He would not smile for anyone and often didn't want to be held or comforted. It was clear his young body had experienced trauma of some sort. But after a few months with consistent caregivers, a structured schedule, and a loving sense of security, "Mr Serious" turned into "Mr Smiley!" He went from not wanting to make eye contact to greeting everyone in the home with the biggest smiles! From not wanting to be touched, to being the cuddliest little boy you ever did meet. From only crying when absolutely necessary, to vocalizing his needs and knowing we would be there to respond. As his time in our care was coming to a close in the court proceedings, it was obvious that his social worker was struggling to find him a safe forever home. As God would have it, however, he already had a forever home. Our amazing Manager and her family had fallen in love with "Mr Smiley." So when the time came, they put themselves forward for the background checks, extensive paperwork, investigations, and more to be approved as his long-term foster placement. Because of this wonderful decision, the team at Abba's House has been blessed to see our "Mr Smiley" five days a week, as we allowed our Manager to bring him with her to work. We have been blessed to see him grow in confidence, health, and love. We have been blessed to see his milestones reached and passed. And we have been blessed to see, almost daily, the evidence of what God wants to do for the all of the children in our care. We have witnessed a true redemption story every day for almost three years now. And now, as our own "Mr Smiley" turns three and moves on to other care options (to prepare him for preschool), we are seeing him spread his little wings and being to learn to fly!

Happy Birthday, Big Boy! We Love you!!

With all of our cases, we know that our interaction with these children is very limited. And we pray that the effort and love that we put into those limited interactions can take roots and bloom into beautiful flowers one day. But we never once thought we'd be able to see it in action. Thankfully, God knew what we needed before we did. And He sent us "Mr Smiley" as well as his amazing "forever" family! Thank You Lord for this beautiful example of your love and redemptive nature! May we be a part of many more stories like this for Your glory!