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I believe a search for acceptance, affection and love begins
the day we’re born. I also believe that every journey
- no matter who we are or what the circumstances - takes us
through experiences that lead us to define (and re-define)
who and WHAT is FAMILY.
 When I was four, my father left and my mom found herself with
SIX kids-all boys! We didn't have money and desperately needed
someone in the family to provide strength and stability.
Realizing that she’d not be able to care for her sons,
my mom pursued what she truly believed would be “temporary” placement
of us in a home for children in Amarillo, Texas.
The date was March 18, 1967. I’ll never forget it. All
of us boys packed what few belongings we had, sadly loaded into
a car and headed for our new home. My most vivid memory of that
horrible day was seeing my mom crying, walking away… and
saying, “I love you” and me screaming, “No,
Mommy, don’t leave me!”
In spite of her great hopes and good intentions, days turned
into weeks, months…years. For 17 years, I lived my life
at the family-style children's home where many life-changing
things happened to me. Some were devastating…a few, miraculous.
At age 11, I asked Jesus into my heart. I was touched in a way
that I will never forget. I practically jumped out of my seat
at that small Baptist church in Amarillo and walked forward to
begin a personal relationship with God’s Son.
 Fast forward, six years later. Two milestones for me - high
school graduation and my first trip AWAY from the children's
home - a tour with a singing group called the Continentals. That
summer, I gained a new understanding of God and my relationship
with Him. Besides being the Creator… and Father of Jesus,
He is MY Heavenly Father. As a 17 year old, I suddenly realized, “Wow!
I have the best Dad of all!”
The next several years saw many more changes: losing the only
home I had ever known when I grew too old to live at the children’s
home, trying to establish new, young adult relationships while
at the same time learning more about myself-getting actively
involved in church work throughout my college years. In August
1989, I accepted a junior high school teaching job in Redmond,
Washington and ultimately joined Overlake Christian Church.
 I chose to become a part of God’s Family when I was 11
year old. I CHOOSE to call Overlake my church home NOW because
God is using this church family to heal, restore, encourage
and engage me. While at Overlake I met, became best friends
with, and married my wife Keri nearly 12 years ago. We now
have two beautiful daughters, the support and love from Keri’s
family, some incredible friends, and many opportunities to
use our talents in ministry at Overlake.
I know what it’s like to feel abandoned. I’ve experienced
the pain of rejection time and time again. I know the agony that
comes from not finding love from another person. I know the confusion
and panic when people I trust abuse me. I know the heartache
of losing friends because I wasn’t what they wanted me
to be.
 I’ve learned that as I grow more in love with Jesus, my
Heavenly Father, the love I have for Keri, my WIFE, grows deeper
and stronger. Though I never recall experiencing love from my
dad, God’s given me a father’s love for MY children
that I can’t even begin to explain. I am ABUNDANTLY blessed.
I no longer see myself as that “poor little kid” from
the children’s home. I am God’s creation --fearfully
and wonderfully made. I am HIS child… and with Him, I am
forever at home.
Tim Foley
Overlake Member
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