Meet The Darlings & Mercy Branch

Their son, Scotty and I at a family wedding

The Darling's are one of my most favorite families in the world. They are genuine, compassionate, Christ-followers who welcomed me into their family as one of their own; they are the real deal. I don't remember when they became my family but it happened and now they are stuck with me.

I met Jim and Tiffany before they had kids but really didn't get to know them until after their daughter Cadi was born. I think it was that second summer at BaYouCa when I really got to know them and the relationship just continued. They have been with me through my journey. Jim was there for me, standing in the middle of the field at camp when I announced my family was being torn apart again. He was there for me when I started to date a guy from his home church. I just found a Facebook message from when I was first interested in Roger and I asked Jim to see what kind of guy Roger was. They welcomed me into their home to love on their kiddos and eventually their kids became my sister and my brothers.

My first brown-eyed love, Jamesy

Tiffany completely changed my view on life when they announced that they were adopting Jamesy. I actually remember where I was on the BU campus when they called to tell me, I was ridiculously excited and had no idea what it would mean for my own life. Soon our conversations changed, no longer were we talking Coach bags but instead having conversations about the least of these and what that means in our lives. Tiffany changed my life by her faith story and Jim changed me with his soft spot for families and watching him break over both of his sons being stuck in Ethiopia. They have completely ruined me but in the best way possible.

Roger's buddy, Habi. You know what I mean?

Jim and Tiffany changed my husband's view on life when they took him to ET for a missions trip. He came back a different man. He had the eyes of Jesus, he saw people differently and he cared for people differently. I am forever grateful to Jim and Tiffany for asking Roger to go to Africa.

I dug out Roger's journal to share a part with you and show you his heart. He was sitting in church listening and crying while praise and worship was going on. A little girl about 8 years old sat with him and he fell in love. This is what he has to say, " She was a little taller than my waist, very short black curly hair and a beautiful smile. I wanted to ask if she had a family but it didn't feel appropriate. It pained me so much to leave her. That was definitely the most real adoption has been to me. I definitely want to unconditionally love someone that has no one to love them." 



Jim and Tiffany have done so much for Roger and I and truthfully I could go on and on but I won't because it is time for Roger and I to do something for them.

Tiffany and I, a picture I cherish. 

A little over a month ago, they asked us to help be apart of the 501c3 corporation that they were starting. We instantly said yes not knowing what it entailed. The corporation is called Mercy Branch and it is based out of North Carolina. Currently, we both sit on the board for Mercy Branch and are helping them get to Africa. As board members, we were asked to help fund raise to help offset the cost of them moving over to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Their heart is with the 150,000 children that roam the streets of Ethiopia, one I am particularly fond of but that is a different story. They want to disciple, love and train them to be men and women of God. Check out the full story here at Mercy Branch.

They cannot get there on their own means and have reached out to us to see if we can assist. Jim has prayerfully asked each board member to raise $5,000 which means for Roger and I, we are looking to raise $10,000. Truthfully, when we first got the email we both were like oh great, no way can we do that but the more we talked about it and prayed about it we truly believe God can do anything.

So here's what we did... we took our guest room door and put 100 note cards on the back of it and we are asking 100 people to give $100 or more as they feel led. When someone gives $100 or we get the equivalent of $100, we will write the names on the cards and update you guys on how it is going. I know this seems like a huge task but when I look at our Facebook friends alone, I have 275 friends and Roger has 413 this means that we could really get to our goal if only a small percentage donated!

You should know that we would not ask you to donate to an organization that we did not fully trust and support. (In case you aren't sure, we back this organization and family up 100%). We also will support Mercy Branch with our own finances and will be making sacrifices to be able to do so. We are committing to $200 for this pledge and believe that God is also asking us to give as monthly supporters down the road.

So you see, we really only have 98 left to go! Can you be one of our 100? If so, Mercy Branch offers secure giving through their online site. (Give here) Or you can mail a check to Mercy Branch at PO Box 80023 Raleigh NC 27623.

If you do decide to give as apart of the 100 people we need to reach our goal, can you send me an email so I can update my board? b.rose528@gmail.com

My sister Cadi with me on my wedding day

Roger and I have prayed over each of these cards and we truly do believe that God can do anything. I do hope you consider giving and praying for Jim and Tiffany and Mercy Branch because God is going to do great things through them and He gets all the glory for this!

I guess I should mention that they are not perfect people and they are human (have you ever been in a car with Jim in downtown Washington, DC?) They are not holier than us because they are going to Africa nor does Jesus love them more for adopting and caring for street boys. They are following God's calling in their lives and being obedient to His word. It looks different for all of us so please don't think I am sitting here judging you because I am not. I simply love these people, I love their heart and I support God's calling in their lives that is why Roger and I are asking you to donate because we believe God is going to continue to use them in our lives and as well as the lives of the people of Ethiopia.

So what do you say? Ready to help out our dear friends? We sure hope so :) 

Love.

Also, I swear there is a guy named Jim in this family, I just have no photos of us... :)