You Are the Ones Who Stay

Seven months ago, TFG host parents Parker and Dominque Mullenbach were paired with two sisters, Kaelah* and Savanna*. The Mullenbachs typically host Kaelah and Savanna monthly to give their mom, Teagan*, a break.

Teagan is only 21 and is caring for her two young daughters as well as several of her own siblings. Having grown up in foster care, Teagan has spent much of her life having to fend for herself. This sense of self-reliance makes it hard for Teagan to truly trust people; however, Parker and Dominque are steadily becoming the exception.

Parker and Dominque with Kaelah and Savanna, during a hosting.

Recently, Teagan’s case manager, Jen, called Teagan to confirm details for an upcoming hosting. During the phone call, Teagan shared with Jen how thankful she is to have Parker and Dominque in her and her daughters’ lives. She said she has “never had people that stayed around to help for as long as they have.”

Part of the reason the Mullenbachs have made such an impact on Teagan is that they have not only been consistent in hosting Kaelah and Savanna but have also faithfully shared the gospel with them in both action and conversation.

Dominque shared with Jen that it has been such a privilege to answer intentional questions from the girls, especially Kaelah, as she seeks to understand the “Jesus” she hears about while with the Mullenbachs.

A large part of the way Kaelah and Savanna hear the gospel is by being included in Dominque and Parker’s church.

Whenever the girls are hosted, they attend church on Sunday morning. Since Dominque is on the worship team, the girls have come to know many of the other team members well and look forward to church whenever they are with the Mullenbachs. The girls were even in the Christmas pageant this last year!

As they were leaving church at a recent hosting, Savanna told Parker, “Church is so fun!”

This statement meant so much to Parker because Savanna is not the most verbal child and often won’t say anything, even when she’s happy about something.

Since the Mullenbachs first started hosting for the girls, Teagan has secured an apartment of her own, and her and her daughters' lives are beginning to stabilize.

This stability is fully due to Teagan’s resilience and strength. But as Teagan continuously pushes herself to build a future for her daughters, she is beginning to realize that Dominque and Parker are truly committed to walking alongside her family.

Teagan is steadily opening herself up to a relationship with the Mullenbachs. Whether it’s through texts while hosting or conversations during pick-ups, Dominque and Parker are seeking to not just meet a felt need but build a trusted relationship with Teagan and her daughters

Domique and Parker go above and beyond to show Teagan and her daughters that they are loved. Jen said, “It is a beautiful relationship that [Teagan] and the girls treasure.”

Teagan has been through a lot of hard seasons in her life. But right now, Dominque and Parker are making this season one that is full of love and joy. The Mullenbachs are showing Kaelah and Savanna at a young age that they are loved and can have a future full of hope.

By building up Kaelah and Savanna and meeting the tangible needs that Teagan has, Dominque and Parker are showing Teagan that she has a community around her that she can trust. And for the first time, it looks like Teagan is starting to believe that there are people here for her who will not leave.

*Names have been changed