“We have to figure out how to thrive and not just survive.” Kelli

Kelli and her husband Mark have four kids-- Ruby, 12, Charlie, 11, Tabatha, 9 and Mona, 6.  Through various circumstances, God placed adoption on their hearts and they chose to adopt their first child. They didn't know about Ruby’s special needs at the time, so the first couple of years with Ruby was quite a journey!  Ruby has massive brain scarring on her brain, probably from a rough birth. Because of that brain damage, she has a cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder diagnoses. Cognitively, she functions like a 3-4 month old. She has trouble with head control, she isn't able to sit or roll over and is tube fed. She loves music and can often be found listening to Raffi on Pandora radio. She also enjoys swimming, being tickled, going on walks and listening to the chaotic noise of her siblings. This definitely wasn’t the life Kelli had expected, but she has a lot of peace and joy. It takes a village and she is thankful for those who have supported them along the way.