This host family story is special. Rhonda and Stan Angermeier were one of the first families in Madison County to step forward and say "Yes" to the call of hosting children in their home. I remember reading through their application, amazed at this families' story. Early in their marriage, Rhonda and Stan decided to live below their means in order to allow space in their lives for God to use them… and has He ever used them! Before becoming a host family, Rhonda and Stan adopted two sweet girls from China. Their oldest daughter, Qiao, was adopted at age 4 with a diagnosis of retinoblastoma. Much to their surprise, Qiao's eyesight deteriorated quickly and she went completely blind only 3 months after her adoption was final. The heartache this family endured was steep, but it didn't stop them from continuing to allow God to use them and be a blessing to others.
The Angermeier's were approved at rapid speed for a placement need that came in practically overnight. They agreed to take in a baby for one month, but were prompted to serve two young boys instead. After some thought, they agreed and this family became a place of peace and rest for two young boys that desperately needed it. In their home, they paid careful attention to the emotional needs of these boys and watched them blossom into sweet, playful children. The space this family left in their life has been filled in ways that cannot be measured.
"Why did our family chose to be a host family? There are so many answers to that question -- because both our daughters required some else to care for them for a time, because we understand how healthy experiences can help to heal the brain of traumatized children, because God had provided an extra room in our home…but, the main reason was because we felt God tug at our hearts and we didn't close Him out. We haven't always made that decision (the one to obey, to listen to the still small voice), but when we have, God has always blessed us. We have learned to that to say no to God is to say no to an opportunity--an opportunity to know Him better, to learn His ways, to see His best. Hosting two sweet little boys (even for a short time) has had an impact on us, and our children. I've watched the prayer life of our daughters deepen as they pray for the real needs of another child. Likewise, we have grown in our understanding and expectations of how God works. God's call is never without a stretch, a little discomfort, but the rewards are always worth the light and momentary troubles."
--Rhonda and Stan Angermeier, Host Family
The Angermeier's were approved at rapid speed for a placement need that came in practically overnight. They agreed to take in a baby for one month, but were prompted to serve two young boys instead. After some thought, they agreed and this family became a place of peace and rest for two young boys that desperately needed it. In their home, they paid careful attention to the emotional needs of these boys and watched them blossom into sweet, playful children. The space this family left in their life has been filled in ways that cannot be measured.
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| Stan, Allean, Rhonda & Qiao Angermeier |
"Why did our family chose to be a host family? There are so many answers to that question -- because both our daughters required some else to care for them for a time, because we understand how healthy experiences can help to heal the brain of traumatized children, because God had provided an extra room in our home…but, the main reason was because we felt God tug at our hearts and we didn't close Him out. We haven't always made that decision (the one to obey, to listen to the still small voice), but when we have, God has always blessed us. We have learned to that to say no to God is to say no to an opportunity--an opportunity to know Him better, to learn His ways, to see His best. Hosting two sweet little boys (even for a short time) has had an impact on us, and our children. I've watched the prayer life of our daughters deepen as they pray for the real needs of another child. Likewise, we have grown in our understanding and expectations of how God works. God's call is never without a stretch, a little discomfort, but the rewards are always worth the light and momentary troubles."
--Rhonda and Stan Angermeier, Host Family
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