Dear Ryan & Gerda,

We just wanted to give you an update on Karl, who we adopted from Acres of Love in Bryanston last year.

We visited Karly for about six months at Acres of Love getting to know him before he moved in with us on May 6, 1999..  I can hardly believe it has already been a year and a half.  The progress he has made is just incredible.  He came to us three days short of his second birthday, with a few short words in his vocabulary (mommy, bye- bye, no).  Today, at three yrs six months, we constantly have people remarking at how well and how clearly he speaks.  He is a very lovable child, who gives and receives love and affection very easily. 

He was attending a local playgroup for three mornings a week, where he was a favorite with the other kids and teachers alike.  For the last quarter, he joined Little Flock Preschool as we felt he was ready for more stimulation.  He has fitted in very well and received a positive year-end report, in which he was especially commended for his gentle and loving attitude towards his classmates and teacher. We were so proud of him.

In May or June we went to a get together with a large group of parents with their children who they have adopted from Acres of Love.  It was really great to see the children with their new moms and dads.  It was so wonderful to see the joy and love on the faces of the new parents. 

I would like to take this opportunity to commend all staff of Acres of Love for the wonderful work they are doing.  Sometimes I think of what might have become of Karly, how different his lot in life might have been, had it not been for the second chance afforded him by an organization such as yours.

May God really bless you all for your efforts!

Grant & Penny Wernick