Allison and Peter Nelson wrote

In 2011, we joined a small branch in Yonkers, NY where Peter S. Nelson served as the YM President.  There were only a handful of young men, and Peter felt especially drawn to a shy, awkward African-American youth named Drew Suber.  Drew sat by himself in classes, at activities and during Sacrament Meeting.  He didn't engage in conversation easily, and appeared ready to bolt at any opportune moment.  Over time, Peter showed him friendship and encouragement.  He bought Drew a suit and tie; he enrolled him in the Boy Scouts program and took him to the meetings and on the campouts.  The next summer, Peter felt impressed to take him along on a family vacation-reunion to Arizona.  Drew met the extended family and started to blend in and have fun.  We took him to the Mesa Temple and toured the grounds and visitor center.  He performed baptisms in Manhattan a few times.  He went to the family reunion again the following summer.  We became emotionally attached, and soon began bringing him along on road trips such as Palmyra, Boston and Niagara Falls.  We learned how little family support he had at home - absent father, no siblings, and a mother who worked long hours and seldom attended church.  Life in south Yonkers resembles the ghetto, so his school experience wasn't optimal either.  We threw out the idea of how wonderful it would be to take Drew with us to Arizona (East Valley) where he could have a more quality upbringing with daily seminary attendance and more LDS friends.  Peter is due to finish residency in June 2015, and Drew will still have two years of high school left.   Our wishful thinking soon became vocalized as we wanted to ascertain both Drew's and his mother's reactions.  Drew was ecstatic and his mother embraced the opportunities we could offer him.  The reality of the situation overwhelmed us, and yet we feel peace and excitement.  We have two small children ages two and 10 months.  Wha do we know about parenting a teenager?  We hope to use the next 16 months before Drew comes to live with us in preparation.  Our greatest hopes for Drew involve serving a full time mission, attending college, and marrying in the temple.  We've begun having him over for dinner and FHE once a week with the missionaries to study Preach My Gospel as a family.  We all try to study it during the week as well.  We hope to grow closer to him and to invite our friends and his friends to participate in experiences where they can feel the Spirit.  We are blessed to have these goals and opportunities.