Miss Trish 'God's Gift of a New Life'

by Lady Jess

I am so happy to be able to introduce you to our January 2009 'Girl of Grace', Miss Trish. I have known Miss Trish for a few years and it is amazing to me that she has such a joyful spirit after everything she has been through. When I met Trish she was in foster care. Most girls I have met who are in foster care have difficulty blending in with our youth group, but Miss Trish has been so different. Although I have only known her for a few short years, I feel as if I have known her my whole life.

Miss Trish has such a sweet spirit and she makes such a difference in our church. I am proud to call her my friend. Miss Trish sure has experienced God's grace in her life. Her mother went to be with the Lord and God placed her in one of the best families I have ever known. Miss Trish did not earn the opportunity to be with the Rodgers Family, God granted her His grace in placing her with them. I hope you enjoy getting to know her heart through my interview with her.

Lady Jess- How has God guided you through the loss of your mother? Is there someone in particular that has been there for you to help you through that?

Miss Trish- The whole church helped me and I just have peace of knowing that she's in a better place.


Lady Jess- I'm glad to know she is with the Saviour. (smile) How has your life changed now that you are living with the Rodgers' and going to church on a regular basis?

Miss Trish- It has changed because now I have a family that can depend on each other through hard times.


Lady Jess- What have you learned about 'family' from your new mom and dad?

Miss Trish- I have learned about loyalty and helping each other through hard times.

Lady Jess- When and how did the Rodgers' decide to adopt you?

Miss Trish- Actually it was Samantha who came to them and told them that she really had a burden in her heart for me and my parents explained to her that it would be permanent and that she would have to give up her room for me to share with her and she was fine with it. So, I'm really grateful for that.


Lady Jess- What do you like best about being homeschooled?

Miss Trish- What I like is that the only influence I have is my family and I don't have to worry about all of the bad influences that I might have in any other schools, I have my relationship with my family, and that's enough.

Lady Jess- What are some hobbies that you like to participate in?

Miss Trish- I like playing the game cube with my siblings, even though I sometimes lose I am fine with that, it's about the fun. I also like to play basketball with them. Sewing. I really like sewing. My mom taught me how to sew and at first I thought that it was really boring and then she showed me how fun it could be and I really like it now.


Lady Jess- Have you grown closer to the Lord since coming to stay with them?

Miss Trish- I feel closer in watching my family in responding to negativity. My mom has taught me that I have a voice and I need to stand up for myself and God, and tell the truth. My mom has also taught me that I have a reputation and that I needed to work on it. Before I moved in with them I didn't have discretion or good hygiene and she just has helped me learn how to be more kind and to use kind words and stuff like that.


Lady Jess- Tell us about the relationships you have with your new siblings?

Miss Trish- It's better now that I live with other people because I have siblings the same age. I think communication is better because we are closer in age. In the other families I have stayed with over the years, I was the youngest and they never really talked to me. Now we are all closer in age and it is easier to communicate with them. Also, the fact that I now have a dad and I love that!


Lady Jess- What has been one of the most memorable times you have had with your family since you've been with them?

Miss Trish- Just when we are all together is the best. I like it when we play games like hide and seek in the dark, when we go places together like Disneyland. That was really fun. I think that some of the best times that I have had with them has been around our table. Just talking and being together is the best.


Lady Jess- That was a really great answer, because most of the kids I know would probably end on the 'Disneyland' factor and then talk about how great it is to be with other families with kids their age. That's really great that you feel differently. Overall, thinking of the statement , 'God's Grace' how would you describe what God is doing in your life?

Miss Trish- What God has done in my life to show His grace is that he has always given me someone I could go to. Like when I was with my birth mom he gave me a bus captain (who happens to be my Uncle Eugene now) and when I was in foster care a social worker who was a Christian, then when I was in a home that I really didn't like He gave me a Christian teacher. Now that I have the Lord and I can talk to Him. I can use what I've been through to help others.

Lady Jess-Thank you Miss Trish, for sharing about your life and what God has done and continues to do in your life. ((big hugs))


Lady Jess is a teen lady who is homeschooled along with her siblings. She assists her mother in teaching her younger siblings, is an interpreter in her church's deaf ministry, sings in the choir, and is the Toys for Tots Assistant in her county.