Prayer Request

This is my niece - Marriana.



She had her 2nd birthday at the end of the summer.

She lives a long way away from us. I've only seen her once and my parents only a few times. Her parents kind of keep to themselves. Their choice.

Off and on in the past year, they had been reported for negligence to the state welfare.
They had lost her for a few days or a week or so, but managed to do what the welfare wanted and got her back.

Until now.
They are claiming gross negligence. Marriana is on the small size - but her Daddy always was too.

There is a court case this week to place her in a temporary home to see if her Mommy and Daddy can get themselves and their home back up to par. My parents haven't seen their home in over a year - we had no idea it was as bad as the caseworker said it was.

Things look pretty bad.

But the courts have asked my parents to come to the hearing. It is possible that they will be allowed to care for her - if they state approved their trailer. We're not rich, actually pretty poor by today standards, and cannot afford to do any major work to make the place look nice - all the trailers out here need a lot of cosmetic work. They are taking letters of recommendation from people who know them and pictures of their home - because there is not time right now for a home visit. We are assuming she will come home with my parents if they do get custody.

We are praying for God's protection over her and for whatever will be the best thing for her and her parents.

In 6 months to a year, there will be a second hearing to see if she will be returned to them.

Her daddy is quite stubborn and thinks he can talk his way out of anything - usually he can. We love him - but he's a snake charmer, and has chosen to live the way he has - he's dug his own holes - and turned his back on God. Our hearts ache for him. We think he really does love his daughter.

Her Mommy was raised in the system - and is very insecure. I don't think she really understands or knows how to take care of her baby or their home - even though she loves Marriana with her whole heart. She does her best - but overlooks so much.

So here we sit between a rock and a hard place. And little Marriana caught in the middle.

Pray for God's will for her life and her parents.
And for God's protection over all of us involved.