First published at Kentucky Today
When Jewel-Beth and Michael Whidden got married in 2021, they dreamed of a home full of children. They never imagined that dream would come true so quickly.
The young couple from Glendale, Kentucky were just 24 years old when they to decided foster children through Sunrise Children’s Services. Today, they are the proud parents of Jayden (9) and Angelina (8), two siblings they adopted through Sunrise, along with their own biological baby, now just over a year old. Their house is joyful, sometimes chaotic and completely full of love.
Their journey didn’t start there. Shortly after getting married, Jewel-Beth experienced a miscarriage. Though they knew they could still have biological children, the loss shifted something in their hearts.
“We just felt like God was using that heartbreak to tell us to stop waiting,” Jewel-Beth shared. “We had always wanted to adopt. So, we asked ourselves, why not now?”
The couple began exploring options. When they first heard about foster care, Jewel-Beth’s response was firm: “Absolutely not. That takes a special kind of person to do that.”
But as they prayed and learned more, foster care just kept tugging at their hearts. “God kept bringing it back to our minds,” she said. “Eventually, it was clear that’s what He was calling us to do.”
They took their first placement, a 9-year-old girl. Then came a 16-year-old boy. Then a call about three siblings; Jayden, Angelina, and their older brother.
“At first, we said no,” Jewel-Beth admitted. “Michael was still in firefighter training. We didn’t have enough beds. We just didn’t feel ready.”
But they couldn’t get the kids out of their minds. A few weeks later, they reached back out and asked if the children had been placed yet. They hadn’t.
They said yes, and God began providing everything they needed. “It was like we stepped out in faith and God honored us by giving us peace and meeting needs immediately.”
From furniture to emotional support, the community and Sunrise rallied around them. Beds were donated. Advice and help were a phone call away. Most importantly, peace followed their act of obedience.
When Jayden and Angelina moved in at ages five and six years old, they were deeply affected by trauma.
“Jayden used to just run,” Jewel-Beth laughed. “He was fast too. I’d be on the phone with our Sunrise worker saying something, and I would look over and he would be out the door running. He’s fast!”
Also, Angelina would throw intense fits with no warning. “Looking back now, you’d never guess they were the same kids,” Michael said. “They’ve completely transformed.”
But those early days were rough. The couple was also caring for two other foster children at the time, both of whom eventually had to be moved for deeper therapeutic needs.
“At first, we were just surviving,” said Michael. “We had this mindset that we could save everyone, but we learned that sometimes love means letting go when it’s best for the child.”
Despite the chaos, they held on. Through consistency, therapy, and prayer, Jayden and Angelina slowly began to trust, and eventually their wounds started to heal.
Importantly, in Jayden and Angelina’s case, reunification with their biological parents was not possible. One of the most powerful moments came when the children were told they’d be adopted. “Jayden was excited,” said Michael. “Angelina was nervous. I asked her, ‘Who do you think your mom and dad are?’ She said, ‘You and Mom.’ And I told her, ‘Well, right now, your mom and dad are the state of Kentucky.’ When she realized that adoption would make official what she already felt in her heart, she smiled and the fear disappeared.”
“She thought it would be like a big exam or something,” Jewel-Beth laughed. “But when the judge asked us a few questions and it was done, Jayden was like, ‘That’s it? We’re adopted now?’”
The Whiddens are the first to say this journey wouldn’t be possible without their faith. “There’s no earthly reason to do any of this,” Michael said. “Life would be easier if we didn’t. But God called us to this and He’s sustained us through it.” They leaned on scripture, especially the book of James. “People think foster care will bring problems,” Jewel-Beth said. “But life already has problems. Foster care just gives your problems purpose.”
They also leaned heavily on Sunrise.
“Sunrise has been our saving grace,” said Jewel-Beth. “They’re always there. Whether it’s 2 a.m. or just when we needed advice, they’ve never failed us. Kathy, our worker, has been with us since day one. And Jacki, our trainer, is incredible. She was a foster child and a foster parent, so she gets it.”
Now, with a house full of homework, growth charts, and bedtime stories, the Whiddens want others to know this calling is for regular people just like them.
“God uses everyday people,” said Michael. “You don’t have to be perfect. And Sunrise will train you in the rest.” This is their advice to others who feel this tugging at their heart: “Don’t wait for the right time,” said Jewel-Beth. “That time will never come. If God’s moving your heart, there’s a reason. Things that used to matter don’t,” Jewel-Beth said. “And the things that didn’t matter, they do now. It changes your whole life. And it’s beautiful.”
And for Jayden and Angelina, that beautiful change is the gift of a loving family and a place to call home.
Today, the Whiddens are also fostering a teenager whose reunification is not possible either. It hasn’t been easy, but they believe God has clearly called them to help all orphans no matter the age.
Interested in learning more about fostering or adopting through Sunrise? Visit www.sunrise.org/foster-care or call 502-538-1000 today. Because every child deserves a home. And maybe that home is yours.
