Jacob and Samantha’s story has always been rooted in service, faith, and family. The couple met while attending Brigham Young University–Idaho, where their shared values quickly shaped the life they hoped to build together. Samantha, originally from Zimbabwe, later moved with Jacob to Blackfoot, Idaho, where he found work at a fabrication shop and she devoted her time to teaching children with special needs.
As they waited to start a family of their own, the couple felt drawn to something bigger. They believed they were “called to open their home” to children who needed stability, love, and care. That calling turned into action. Over the years, Jacob and Samantha have fostered nearly a dozen children, offering short-term refuge and long-term support to kids navigating difficult circumstances.
Today, their household is full. They are caring for three young boys they hope to adopt, and last summer, they welcomed a teenage daughter from Zimbabwe through an international adoption. The long-awaited reunion was filled with joy, but it also came with significant financial strain, including travel costs, legal fees, and the challenges of blending a family across continents. Just weeks before the holidays, their situation took a sudden and painful turn, according to reports from Common Good News.
After helping friends move, Jacob and Samantha were driving home when they struck a deer. The collision totaled their family vehicle, and insurance declined to cover the loss. With four children and two adults juggling school, work, and appointments, the family was forced to rely on a single pickup truck to manage daily life.
Jacob was laid off from his job, compounding the stress during an already overwhelming season. Each morning, he now drops Samantha and the children off at school before spending his days searching for new work. Despite the uncertainty, he remains focused on keeping his family steady and hopeful.
The challenges piled up quickly, but the family’s resilience did not go unnoticed. After learning about their situation, a Secret Santa partnered with East Idaho News to step in with an unexpected Christmas surprise. The gesture brought relief, encouragement, and a reminder that their years of quietly helping others had not been forgotten.
For Jacob and Samantha, the support meant more than financial help. It reaffirmed their belief in community and compassion, especially during moments when life feels fragile. As they continue caring for children who depend on them, the family is moving forward with gratitude, faith, and the same open-hearted commitment that led them to foster in the first place.
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