As the youngest of 5, I have plenty of wonderful siblings, but one of the gifts of parents who are open to life is often big age gaps between unexpected blessings. Eight year age differences meant that when I was looking for Saturday night partners in crime in my young adulthood, my siblings were spending 16 hours a day at sports and high school activities.
Enter Kristin and Aaron Wegenka.
Kristin is always up for a game night, a rush hour chat and a mid-retreat Taylor Swift dance break, and she melted my heart and filled my soul the first time she called me sister. She is an amazing listener who has walked with me through highs and lows, through years of prayer nights, soul sister therapy sessions with Mama Mary and Sweet Tomato salad dates. She recognized my love language (quality time) and made sure I knew I was heard and loved by her as a person and by Jesus as our creator and savior. For 12 years she’s been a sister in Christ and one of my closest friends. But she was born to be a mother. I’ve witnessed her spiritual motherhood with nieces and nephews, friends’ children that she treated like her own and hundreds of teens in youth ministry, gushing forth love for the children God puts in her path. I think her heart might actually explode when she holds her own child and I can’t wait to see it.
I have 3 brothers and have endured enough teasing in my life. I was pretty sure I didn’t need another brother. And every time Aaron makes totally awkward comments when I’m talking to a potentially normal, good looking single guy, I’m even more sure. But then he speaks truth and love in the most unassuming way and I realize Aaron is exactly the brother I need. His heart is as big as Texas and he takes care of me like I am his sister. He lovingly calls me out when I’m being ridiculous, and in the same breath immediately volunteers to help around my house, whether its hanging art, fixing a bike, single-handedly moving a couch or cleaning gutters unknowingly for his own surprise party. He finds joy in service to others and does it with a smile (and at least one brotherly sarcastic remark). Aaron is a giver. He serves Kristin and all those in his life with his whole heart and he will show his own child what sacrificial love means.
They say friends are the family you choose, and nothing more accurately sums up the presence of Kristin and Aaron in my life. They are my family and what a joyous day it will be to welcome their newest addition to our clan.
Please join me in supporting their journey to expanding the family. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-aaron-and-kristin-adopt
-Nicole Boudreau
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