First Lady Donna Martin is happy with her family in the small town of Possum Trot. Her husband, Reverand W.C. Martin, leads the Bennett Baptist Church. They have two children, Ladonna and Princeton. However, Donna's mother, Murtha, wants Donna and W.C. to have more children. Donna laughs and explains that two is more than enough. Murtha, the mother of 18, returns home and dies. Donna falls into a depression for months. After arguing with W.C., Donna leaves the house and travels to the ruins of her childhood home. There, she sees a group of children playing and hears God speak to her. Donna calls her sister, Diann, and asks Diann to attend an adoption seminar. She hangs up and tells W.C., but he has reservations. She assures W.C. that she will only learn about the process and not get involved without him.
Social worker Susan explains that 70% of the children suffer from poverty-induced neglect. The other 30% suffered severe abuse. She shows Diann and Donna images of the other 30%, and the pictures call both to act. They decide to adopt, but Diann tells Donna to consider W.C. before choosing. Donna tells Diann that men simmer while women boil. Donna let W.C. get used to the idea. Then, when they get their first child, he will want to adopt.
A brother and sister come to Susan's office with heartbreaking stories. Susan exhausts all her options. Her co-worker reminds Susan that the Martins finished their adoption requirements. She wonders if they are ready for their first placement and calls. Donna jumps at the chance to help and welcomes them into her home. W.C. preaches to their congregation about their adoption, the excuses not to adopt, and the bible's most notable adoption. It inspires 22 families to adopt. Donna and W.C. run to Susan's office and inform her about Possum Trot's passion to end the foster crisis in their small town of Texas. However, the people can't afford to come to Susan for the classes. They ask Susan to host it in their church. Susan jumps at the chance for the children. This small town will make a lasting imprint on the children, Texas, and the system, but it won't be easy.
This movie doesn't make adoption look effortless. However, the families in Possum Trot never give up. They suffer financial, emotional, and mental setbacks, but they won't quit on these children. The writers don't depict adoption as a magic bullet to fix these children's long-term hardships. It's the first step of many. They have complications, but the townspeople are determined to help. When W.C. and Donna see the town falling apart and second-guessing their choice, they lean on each other with group prayer and outreach. The city isn't wealthy, but they are rich. They recap the children and townspeople today at the conclusion before asking the audience to help. The film is heartfelt but feels longer than necessary. It will assist viewers make an informed choice about adoption. But hopefully, it will spark a passion for others to follow Possum Trot's lead.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
First lady, have we turned a corner - Susan
Who did - W.C.
If there is ever a good time to be alive, it's when you're a child - Donna
Two babies? That's cute. You're just getting started - Murtha
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