CAREY'S CORNER CONTINUED “I JUST KNEW WE HAD TO DO MORE.” Even after fostering 25 children and enduring heartbreaking situations time and time again, Darin and Kara still wanted to do more. Not that they have a lot of free time, but somehow the two have also started a nonprofit called A Mighty Change Of Heart ( amchaz.org ). For now, they are focused on providing personalized duffle bags for foster children in Arizona. Each child’s name is embroidered on the bag and it is filled with brand-new clothes, toys, books and at least two sets of pajamas. In one month alone, they distributed 350 bags to 25 group homes. Next, the organization plans to partner with Rio Salado College Lifelong Learning Center in Surprise to help kids who are aging out of the system get their GEDs. This is especially important to Kara who, as a former second grade and special-education teacher, understands how crucial it is that all children have the opportunity to continue learning. “The numbers speak for themselves,” Moss said. “The kids who are aging out of the system who have not been adopted … 70 pecent of them are either going to be a dropout, homeless or on drugs within the first few years.” These kids want to succeed, he assured me. “There is nobody in this world who doesn’t want to succeed — if they have the chance,” he said. As Darin Moss poured his heart out on my podcast, it struck me that he wasn’t complaining, nor was he asking for accolades. He was simply sharing his family’s story in hope of inspiring others to open their own hearts, however they see fit. Darin and Kara Moss with their kids Parker, Makenzie, Kadie, Shannon, Kilik, Eva, Drina, Keyton, Maiya, Zach and daughter-in-law Jordan. 20 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | JULY 2019

“ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WHEN WE CHANGE OUR HEARTS.” For the Moss children, life is full of newfound possibilities. But the road to now wasn’t easy. Several of the Mosses’ children suffered terrible abuse at the hands of their birth parents. Trauma like this causes many children to stop growing emotionally. They entered school way behind the others and it has taken a true village to get them where they are today. Moss points to an outpouring of love from his family and church, along with incredible communication and support from teachers in the Dysart School District. Painfully, Moss has had to come to terms with the fact that he and his wife can’t save every child who has entered their home over the past eight years. The little girl who had a bootprint on her face still haunts him to this day. I asked how he remains positive. “Growing up I always wanted to change the world. I never knew how I was going to do that,” Moss said. “I think I’ve finally figured it out. I’m going to change it one person at a time.” To see Darin Moss’s interview and other inspirational stories, visit inspiredmedia360.com and subscribe to Carey Peña Reports. Carey Peña CONTRIBUTING WRITER @CareyPenaTV