Through the Branches

Through the Branches is a companion volume to the authors'' previous book, Swaying in the Treetops. In this book, readers are invited to peek into the home of this somewhat unusual family, as the authors provide a glimpse of everyday life. What''s it like to shop for and to cook for a family of more than twenty people, every day? How does one juggle the routines and requirements of so many special-needs children, who require frequent trips to the doctor, frequent, sometimes major surgeries, and daily therapeutic and medical care? What''s it like to assimilate kids from all corners of the world into a "typical" American middle-class family? Through the Branches gives answers to these questions and many more, as the authors share stories, vignettes, and anecdotes gleaned from parenting this large and unusual family. Some of these stories will make you smile, while others bring a tear to your eye, and still others make you cheer, either out loud or just inside your heart. From the authors: "Most of all, we hope that some of these little nuggets of family life will encourage your heart in some way and inspire you as you walk your own path, face your own challenges, weep over your own sorrows, celebrate your own victories." Scott and Kathy were married in 1977. After the births of four biological children, they began adopting children with special needs in 1998, and in 2000 they founded and became the directors of The Shepherd''s Crook Orphan Ministry (tscorphans.org). Since that time, they have been privileged to be a part of helping find families for hundreds of orphans. They have eighteen adopted children themselves and love to share these children''s amazing stories any time they have a chance. You can visit their family blog, "Where Love Learns Its Lessons" at wherelovelearnsitslessons.com, and Kathy''s personal blog, "Owning My Nothingness" at owningmynothingness.com.