This blog was so graciously written by a long time friend of Katelyn’s Fund, Becky Bilby. One of the toughest things I have been called to do is love someone who does not love me back…..or at least someone who does not show they love me in any verbal or outward form. We are so used to hearing “thank you” at the very least when we do something for someone –but in this relationship – those words are not spoken either....
November 14 – What’s For Dinner? Dana Visser & Carly Saylor, Sioux Center Health We were pleased to have Dana Visser (occupational therapist) and Carly Saylor (speech therapist) share their expertise with us about feeding and eating in children. We learned about the importance of breathing and stability in infants prior to eating, the developmental milestones for the different ages along with the emotional and sensory aspects of eating and food. They also shared their favorite types of high...
On Sunday, November 10, we gathered together for Belong Sunday—a special day dedicated to embracing the beauty of adoption and reminding ourselves of the transformative power of God’s love. It was a time to reflect on what it truly means to belong, not just in earthly families but in God’s greater story. A highlight was hearing from the Mannchen Family, a beautiful testament to how God brings people together across borders, cultures, and languages. Liz and Uli Mannchen shared their family’s...
October 10 – School/Home Connections, Grant Willits & Iver Mettler We all have a basic human need to be heard, seen, and loved. Meeting this need for their students is the main goal for school counselors Grant Willits and Iver Mettler. Throughout their typical school day, both Willits and Mettler seek opportunities to build relationships by loving kids through the act of listening to them. This is how strong relationships are built. The power of simply asking a child...
September 12 – Know, Love, Speak, Do – Loren DeJong So often we fall into the trap of living in our day-to-day circumstances with a tendency to focus on our own problems and difficulties. Loren challenged us to remember that this is God’s story, and He has invited us to be a part of it. God wants your heart and your child’s heart. He wants you to live in total dependence on Him. We can live with the confidence...
May 5, 2024 – Fostering Relationships: Kelsi Ebel, Sheryl Winterfeld, Nikolyn Kredit Tonight Kelsi, Sheryl, and Niki shared with us joys and challenges they have experienced as foster moms throughout the years. ...
2024 Trusting the Lord Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths”. Each year we listen and ask the Lord, how we can we know Him more deeply and what promises does He seek for us to lean into. Since last fall, I have been hearing the Lord ask, am I enough for you…..do you trust Me? His word is filled...
April 11, 2024 – Holistic Alternatives to Mental Health, Darcie Van Voorst, LMSW Darcie discussed how the physical body is connected to mental health and addressed five areas of health, including relational, physical, mental/cognitive, emotional, and spiritual health. She reviewed how the body physically reacts to stress by changes in neurotransmitters, physical symptoms, gut health, and vagal tone. Darcie gave helpful information and activities to improve all areas of health. If you are part of the closed Katelyn’s Fund...
February 8, 2024 – Pastor Mark & Barby Schwarz
Tonight Pastor Mark & Barby shared their story of how God led them through infertility and into adoption. Throughout their journey, amid the grief and struggle, God was faithful. God spoke to Mark, saying “My plan for you is amazing!” and when they caught up to God’s plan it was, indeed, amazing. Mark and Barby are adoptive parents of two grown girls, one son-in-law and grandparents to one sweet granddaughter.
March 14, 2024 – Ken and Barb Addink Ken and Barb shared their story of how they were moved and called by God to adopt in their early 40s. The things God did in their lives prior to adopting was the biggest motivation. Knowing they were moved by God’s spirit and called to adopt helped carry them through the hard times. Ken shared Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your...
