I never imagined when this picture was taken, the journey we would take over the next 25 years.  Little did we know at the time how this joyful little girl would impact our lives forever.

Joree joined us as a foster child in 1991 six months after her birth.  The Department of Children and Family Services in Chicago needed a home and we volunteered for a weekend until a placement could be arranged.  The temporary placement lasted five years until on April 22, 1996 when Joree became a permanent member of the Harbeck family.

Joree will turn 26 this January and on December 4^th she will be transitioning into a medical group home.  Jillian and I have been working on this for eighteen months.  It has been a long and  frustrating experience.  Our age and Jillian’s health issues have necessitated that we make this move.  It has not been without a lot of prayer and consideration of all the variables involved.  We are content in the truth that this is the right time. Every Wednesday will be dinner with Joree night.

I would love to share the long list of experiences we have shared all these years with Joree.  We did the best we could when we penned a book about her life with us.  In her charming and joyful way she has taught us about dependence, about joy, and about brokenness. We all have a very personal and special bond that transcends language, which connects deep in our souls, and will forever have a deep deep place in our hearts.

Thank you for all your prayers for Joree over the years.  If she comes to your mind one day, please offer a prayer for her continued health and care.  I believe our Lord has a special place for her one day where we will run, and sing, and laugh together forever.