Inspire, Spring 2011

mother’s foster children. Despite a tight income, Dana says she and the children want for nothing. “You just can’t underestimate the Lord’s provision,” she said. “When we’re doing what He’s calling us to do, He provides everything we need.” The constant care of three children with medical needs can be overwhelming, especially without a mate to provide physical and emotional support, let alone companionship. Child care is an added challenge because Dana cannot call a “regular” baby sitter to watch them while she enjoys an evening out. She must find someone who has medical training, so she usually relies on her mother, who is also a nurse. Remembering Her Mission Dana values the role of a godly father and husband in the home. But in a broken world, such an arrangement may not be possible. “God has called all Christians to look after orphans and defend the defenseless, not just those who are married,” she said. “God has made it clear that He is the Father of the fatherless. My girls have the strongest, richest Daddy in the whole universe.” Like many young mothers, Dana struggles to set aside time, especially in the morning, to study God’s Word. But she maintains her relationship with Him by talking to Him throughout the day. “As I continue to strive to do better in this area, I encourage young moms to apply Scripture to the ordinary moments rather than neglect it altogether. Worship happens when we wipe a runny nose, when we do it for the glory of God.” Still, when Dana wakes multiple times in the night to help an infant struggling to breathe, or battles the legal system on behalf of foster children, Christ’s example is what compels her to continue. Spre ding Her Joy Dana has an attentive support system. Her family helps with her children when she needs a break. Her church family and small group at Forest Hills Baptist Church in Grand Rapids are also a tremendous blessing and support. Some members, such as Tim and Vickie Simonis, have even followed in her footsteps. Years ago, Tim and Vickie had a child born prematurely. This experience opened the couple’s eyes to the many children around them with medical needs. Their relationship with Dana further prepared them to make a life-changing decision. Last year, Dana began fostering Nicholas, an infant who had been shaken and suffered from brain injury and 30 broken bones. When Dana mentioned the need for adoptive parents in their Sunday school class, “Vickie and I looked right at each other,” recalled Tim. They began the adoption process with a local agency, albeit backwards. Most couples go through specific medical and adoption classes before being matched with a child. In this case, the Simonis family had already fallen in love with Nicholas. In less than a year, he had a loving new family. The Simonis family is enjoying the blessing of their 18-month-old son. Without Dana’s influence, Nicholas might still be in need of a permanent home. “Dana has been inspiring to both of us,” Vickie said. “She is a wonderful resource for information about the foster system, adoption, and medical care.” Dana’s passion is encouraging Christians to adopt children with medical needs. “You don’t have to be a nurse or a special education teacher to care for a child with special needs,” she said. “You just need to be willing. The joys and life-changing testimonies that God gives through the journey are truly more than you can imagine.” Dana Scott ’98 is a registered nurse in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she lives with her daughters, Lerato (11) and Braeleigh (3). You may contact Dana at dscottboi@sbcglobal.net. Nicole (Hanson) Russell ’04 is a Washington, D.C.-based freelance writer. She has written for Parents , Politico , and Christianity Today . She is the 2010 recipient of The American Spectator’s Young Journalist of the Year award. You may contact her at russell.nm@gmail.com. Dana provides a loving home for her daughters, Braeleigh and Lerato. The family lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Cedarville University 15