Children of Hope: End of Year Update

By hope

For those who have been following along all these years, I thought it would be fun to share a brief update on how all the kids are doing. It was so good to be together for Thanksgiving.

Sea Cadet

The Sea Cadet continues to work in the medical field and is actually returning to college this spring to study respiratory therapy. His ultimate goal is still to become a personal assistant, but he knows it’s a long way to go. Between giving money of his time in Americorp And with the money from the hospital where he works, we believe he will get a potential bachelor’s/master’s program without any debt. Goals!

History buff

History Buff is still working the first job he got when he moved to Vegas. It’s in its sweet spot, sales and interacting with people. He is now stable and enjoying life. But did you know that Vegas isn’t his forever…time will tell. He is considering buying a newer car soon. Until now, he only had cash cars. He takes things slowly and does his best to make wise financial decisions. He and his roommate, i.e. best friend, had just moved into a new apartment within walking distance of work.

beauty

Beauty no longer dreams of beautification and prefers not to braid her hair anymore. I have just started a new job working for a cabinet maker (larger company) and although this is a big learning curve, it pays good money and steady hours. This is important to her because they just got engaged and they moved into their first rental home last weekend. She and her fiancé plan to travel over New Year’s to meet her biological mother.

princess

The princess is entering the final semester of her bachelor’s degree. She works part-time in events at a large Italian restaurant chain, has just been chosen to be COO of the university’s investment fund, and of course teaches full-time. She is very busy and very stressed. But she knows that she is in the final stage of this chapter. And she is so excited!

Gymnast

The gymnast continues to work as a waiter at the first job he got when he moved to Texas about a year and a half ago. He will pay for his car this month!! (to update: He already paid it on 12/17. My sister filmed him making the final payment and the whole family celebrated his huge accomplishment via family text). While I was in Texas this time, he signed a lease for an apartment. He will move in January. Up until now, he has been living with my sister and paying her nominal rent. We are very grateful to her. But it’s time for the next chapter…

My mom is proud

I couldn’t be more proud of each of my children. They all choose their own paths that suit their dreams and desires. They continue to show maturity and wisdom beyond their years in their decisions. You did something right.

Hope is a creative, solutions-focused business manager who helps clients grow their businesses and operate more efficiently by leveraging expertise in project management, digital marketing, and technology solutions. She has recently become an empty nester as her five foster/adopted children spread their wings. She lives with her three dogs in a small town in northeast Georgia and prefers the mountains to the beaches any day. She has the travel bug and does her best to help each of her children finish school and become independent (but it’s hard!) She’s been running her own consulting company for nearly twenty years! Hope began sharing her journey with the BAD community in the spring of 2015, and feels like she’s finally in a place that allows her to truly focus on making wise financial decisions.