Saying Yes to God's Plan - Marian High School

Current ParentTracy Wernsman always knew she wanted to be a mom. As an educator with Omaha Public Schools, Tracy fell in love with her students time and time again, butshe knew that life was not easy for some of them. Some of her students were in foster care because of unpleasant conditions at home. She wanted to be morethan just a teacher to these students; she wanted to be the safe haven for them. At the end of her father’s life, as she cared for him in her home, she told him ofher dream to be a mom and received his blessing to adopt.Tracy quickly began the process to become an approved foster parent, with her ultimate goal to adopt a child in need. At the end of her training, she was askedwhat kind of child she wanted to help. “I told the advocate that when I closed my eyes I saw a seven-year-old girl,” says Tracy. “The advocate began to cry, thensaid, ‘I have a girl I want you to meet.’”Tracy was introduced to Tamarrah, then seven years of age. The two immediately bonded. When Tamarrah went to live with Tracy, Tamarrah’s four-year-oldbrother, David, stayed with the previous foster family. “They said they wanted to adopt him, and I was happy to know that would happen for David,” says Tracy.However, 10 months later, through unforeseen circumstances, David was left without a home. “An advocate called me immediately to see if I would care for himwhile she worked on a plan,” says Tracy. “After one night in my home, I knew David was to be a part of my family. Tamarrah was overjoyed to be with her littlebrother again.”Adopting David and Tamarrah was a gift from God explains Tracy. “Tamarrah was the girl I pictured when I thought about my family,” says Tracy. “I realize nowthat David was part of this vision too, I just needed Tamarrah to show him to me.”Tracy says Marian is like an extra vitamin for Tamarrah. “I knew seven years ago, when Tamarrah became my daughter, that she would attend Marian one day,”says Tracy. “Our lives are already grounded by our faith. Marian simply extends that foundation and continues to enrich and fortify her life.”Marian is doing its part to support Tracy as a mother. “Marian recognizes the vocation I was called to, motherhood,” says Tracy. “The teachers, counselors andstaff are all helping Tamarrah find her giftedness, which in turn is supporting God’s plan for me as mother to her.”29