It's Not About Me

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Phil. 2:3-4

Willis Pruitt, who turned 72 years old on New Year’s Day, is one of the most honest, kindest, selfless individuals you will ever meet. The minute you start talking to him, you feel like you have known him your whole life. He is the youngest of 8 children. At 7 years of age, his dad past away and he started selling peanuts at the Capital Building in Tallahassee to help earn extra money for the family. He has 5 Daughters, 20 grandkids, and 4 great grandkids.  He is Strong, honest, humble, funny, hard working, protective, selfless, and devoted. He was in the Airforce, born in South Carolina, lived in Tallahassee, Oklahoma, Orlando and somewhere in South America for a bit. He finished high school and some college to be an architect.

He is one of those hard working, blue collar guys that worked in the construction industry for over 45 years; a true carpenter at heart just like Jesus.  As a result of being in construction, Willis was diagnosed with Asbestos Poisoning which has now progressed into COPD, which is a debilitating lung disease. Because of his illness he struggles to breath daily, is on permanent oxygen, and has severe limitations to any activities.

Diane Pruitt is 66 years old and has been diagnosed with diabetes and arthritis, which has limited her mobility. She is very giving, has a servant’s hearts and understands laughter is the best medicine.  Born in Miami, Florida and adopted at 1 day old, she always felt like she didn’t fit in.  She had 1 daughter from her first marriage and struggled as a single parent in the 1970’s for 7 years until meeting Willis at a “Parents without Partners” meeting. They married the next year, and merged their families. They wanted a child together, but Diane being adopted always wanted to adopt a child because she could relate and wanted to give back. At the same time, Willis had a dream of a house full of kids. So, with this dream, he remodeled their house from 1,300 sq ft to over 3,000 sq ft. 

Many times they almost adopted kids whether they were an unwanted school mate of Diane’s natural daughter or a child from a teenage niece. They adopted a young girl named Patricia who had been taken from her home as a result of mental and physical abuse. They started taking classes to become foster parents.

They began praying for God to open up a door for them to adopt a second child, preferably a baby boy. It wasn’t long before they were contacted by a fellow church member about a young mother, who was mentally disabled and expecting a baby any day. Diane and Willis knew that even though this could present some issues down the road, this was the baby they had prayed for. They began a relationship with the mother and her family and soon the call came that it was time. Diane rushed to the hospital and was there when the baby was born. It wasn’t a boy, but a tiny little girl. There had been a nurse named Rachel attending to the young mother throughout her entire labor and delivery. This nurse had gone above and beyond and seemed to have a super-natural understanding of what was happening in that hospital room. Diane and Willis decided they would name their new family member Rachel Elizabeth after that amazing nurse. The next day, when they returned to the hospital to take home their baby girl, they searched all over for “Rachel the nurse”. They even asked several employees and fellow nurses for her information so they could let her know what a blessing she had been. Everyone answered them with the same response, “There is no one by that name that works here.” Diane and Willis are convinced to this day that Rachel was an angel sent by God to them in that hour of need.

The two of them ended up adopting 6 children and the 3 youngest (22, 13 & 11) still live at home.  The 2 youngest, Melody and Dakota, have a miracle story. They are half brother and sister from the same mom. At 2 years old Dakota was found wondering around Lake Eola at 3am in the morning.  Once they found where he lived they discovered his sister Melody who was 8 months old and days away from dying. She weighed less than she did at birth and they discovered Dakota was taking care of her by feeding her old milk and eating food from garbage cans. The siblings were placed in separate foster homes due to a lack of space at the time. Melody’s foster family wanted to adopt only her and the case worker wouldn’t allow this.  Melody was moved to the Pruitt’s home and has never left.  Now Melody and Dakota are happy and healthy kids.

With the Christmas season approaching,  Jason mentioned that he had really been feeling like he wanted to make the theme for December's chapels at Pine Castle "It's Not About You". He also said that God had laid the Pruitt family on his heart and if I could find out a way the high school could could help them out. They have been apart of our church family since we arrived in Orlando and hold a special place in so many hearts...for so many reasons. I plunged head first into my assignment. J presented their story to the school and the kids got involved. The surprise, planning, shopping and logistics became our priority and we trusted that God would provide enough so we could make a little difference in their day-to-day. 

God gave Diane and Willis a tremendous heart for kids. During the 17 years they were foster parents they had over 200 children in their home. All of the 6 children they eventually adopted came out of horrible circumstances. Diane lived by the rule that while a child was in her home, she could keep them safe, introduce them to Jesus, and show them life could be different then the situation they came out of. They have always lived a very humble life, would be the first family to take the last of their food and give to a “needing” family, offer the shirt of their back or help anyone else who, in their eyes, needed it more than they did. They have never bought a new set of furniture or had a completed kitchen. They struggle day to day and don't feel as if they deserve nice things. If the Pruitts' had known ahead of time that they were selected for something like this they would probably be the first to tell you that someone else was more deserving. This family has given more than anyone could ever return to them. They are a true example of walking by faith and not by sight, of fearing God and walking in obedience to Him.

I don't post this to brag on my husband, on the high school of Pine Castle Christian Academy or even on this incredible couple and their ginormous family. I post it to brag on my God. He provided a way to meet some of the biggest needs and even some of the wants. I was so excited to deliver the goods today, I hardly slept last night! The senior boys who went with us were gracious and willing to serve. They have even planned a work day for next Saturday to help out with some of the household maintenance. It is truly so much better to give then to receive. It was so good to see blessings showered on these people by people who had never even met them. Truly amazing. God is great and greatly to be praised.

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37