Within the Weakness CH1

Life was always full.

Well, of course, there was a few sad moments. Some moments when faith was the only thread that could keep them together. Some moments it seemed impossible.

But they were all memorable.

Life for the Blake family was always full and never slowed down. Sure, that's what happens when you have six children to watch and only two parents.

But it was worth it.

Every single one of them was so differant you simply couldn't place them next to each other and chuck them in the same catergory: a Blake.

No, they were six united by a surname but six divided by personalities. There was strong, raring to go yet peaceful Beth, rebellious and undeciding Nathan, loud and sharply funny Ashley, then popular David, then shy yet cute Sarah and animal crazy Kyle.

All parents to John and Ruth. All full-blooded. Yes, there had been plenty of rough times and a few skeletons but every child belonged to both John and Ruth and you could see it: They were all blond haired. Nearly white haired. Except lately Ashley had been whining to die her hair brown.

"It's most likely because she wants to stick out," Ruth had said. Ruth of course, had said that they'll see.

The family was relatively well off, although lately Ruth had taken up a part time job as a garden landscaper, not because they needed the money though, but because finally her youngest child was in first grade and her fingers had been itching to work for lengthly periods in the garden for a long time now. John was the director of a large banking company, and many would say he was a workaholic but Ruth knew the truth: he loved his job, but not nearly as much as he loved his family.

Family had always been important to the Blake's. It was second on the list to God. But John and Ruth figured that if God was at the top, the rest would fall into place effortlessly and without trial.

For the most part, they had been right. The first fifteen years of parenting had pretty much gone without a glitch. One or two minor hiccups but life was sweet and so was the ride- the others things would not last forever.

Beth was an easy child. She was academic and always rather popluar. She was a councillor in her senior year and her friends were sweet- semi-clever but from good homes, the type of children who are non-rebellious. The type of children you can rest assured are going to be a good influence of your child.

But even Beth had rocked their worlds slightly when, after finishing her senior year, insisted of going to work with a mission organization YWAM, [Youth With A Mission] in the heart of Kenya. Sweet Beth had wanted to be a doctor her whole life, working for Doctors Beyond Borders once she had qualified with her medical degree.

It was her life's ambition to help homeless children.

Nathan was a little differant. He was sporty so that meant he had a lot of friends too. But he was also deeply artistic and thoughtful and sensitive-which made him your typical perfect guy. It was because of him that Ruth and John had to clamp down on dating rules for the coming Blake children.

Then Ashley, dear sweet Ashley. The girl who hid from the world until very recently. She was so shy and quiet her parents worried for a while-then she hit fifteen and and John and Ruth discovered maybe their children weren't as perfect as they had thought.

David was tall and striking handsome for his twelve years. He was very much into his soccer and outdoors. Then came Sarah, who at ten could still get herself out of any trouble by flashing her clear blue eyes, and last but not least, seven year old Kyle. Ruth and John were sure he would be the next Steve Irwin, his late hero.

Six crazy, beautiful blond haired children. Everyone of them unique yet strangely similiar in one way: their determination to change the world.