After looking over years of photos and laughing at silly videos, I have sat and stared at a blank page for longer than I would like to admit. The reason, not being that I do not know what to say about Aaron and Kristin, but rather I have so much to share with the world about these two people.
Our lives collided in my home town back in 2006 when Kristin (plus Aaron) was hired as the Director of Youth Formation at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. Before she had finished unpacking and decorating her office, there I was sobbing and shaking because my home life had turned upside down. Kristin and the youth building quickly became my second home (I don’t think she realized how literal I would take her “my door is always open” policy).
Over the next few years I struggled with my mental health, but Kristin and Aaron were always there to check in and available if I felt I just needed to talk or pray. It was during this time that my faith truly became my own and I fell in love with the Catholic Church, which is something that stands true today. At the same time, I met some of my closest friends and we all became a little extended family that still remains today. We were a group of teens that were struggling with serious life challenges and had ever opportunity to go down the wrong path and become another statistic. Kristin and Aaron were there to guide us, console us, encourage us and above all love each and every one of us unconditionally.
Eventually we graduated and found ourselves attending different universities. The Wegenkas saw our potential and ability to achieve our goals, but that we would still need that love and support even if we were “adults” now. We had grown up in youth group and attended retreats and conferences together which were highlights of our high school years. Kristin came to us and asked if wanted to become young adults on core team and help on retreats/conferences/mentoring teens. While in college we would come back together for retreat weekends and after starting our careers became more regularly involved in youth formation. 14 years later things have come full circle. Kristin, Aaron and former core team members are now some of my closest friends. We may be spread across the country and in different phases in our lives, but we instantly come together to support each other during difficult times and celebrate the milestones and successes as they come for each other. What started out as two recent college graduates dedicating their lives to being there for those in need, has blessed more lives than I think they thought possible or realize.
This is just a glimpse into the love and compassion that Kristin and Aaron possess. They may not have biological children of their own, but they have loved, encouraged and guided hundreds of others children/teens since becoming husband and wife. Just imagine the life and love they will give their own son or daughter when they have loved other’s children without judgement or hesitation.
I am so excited for them! Please pray for them, and consider supporting them on their journey towards adoption. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-aaron-and-kristin-adopt
-Elizabeth G.
Comments