Fifteen-year-old Linda Watson comes from a family deeply committed to fostering. For the past six years, her family has opened their hearts and home to 15 children, ranging in age from just one month old to 15 years old.
Fostering was something her father, Daniel Watson, and his wife had always felt called to do, but they didn’t feel fully ready until 2019.
“Our youngest was three and we felt like we were ready to take on another baby. So, we went through the training process and got certified to have children from zero to three years old,” Daniel said.
Since then, their home has become a place of refuge and love for children in need.
“It’s a great ministry—it’s a hard ministry—but as long as we are able, we want to continue helping these kids who need a good place to land,” he said.
For Daniel, fostering is not just a decision; it’s a heart for fostering that’s now his calling.
“Like having your own kids, you’re never really ‘ready’. Sometimes you just have to take the leap, but it’s important to make sure you’re prepared emotionally and financially to give these children the stability they need.”
Sowing Seeds: From Soil to Blossoming Sanctuary
Linda was just nine years old when her family welcomed their first foster child. Over the years, the experience has been both rewarding and challenging, shaping her outlook on life in profound ways.
“It’s easy at times and hard at times because all the kids come from different backgrounds, so they have to work through the trauma of that,” Linda shared.
Despite the challenges, the bonds she’s formed with her foster siblings have been deeply meaningful.
“Then it gets easier because they start following you and calling you the most precious names in the world. By the time you get used to responding to that name, they leave and it gets hard again because you feel like something is missing in (our) house.”
Through fostering, Linda’s eyes have been opened to the struggles of others, not just in her home but in her everyday life. The experience has given her a deeper sense of compassion, allowing her to recognize when someone might be struggling, even in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
One moment that stood out to her was noticing a classmate struggling to stay awake in school.
“Would I have noticed if I hadn’t been fostering? No, probably not. I would have just thought, ‘Oh, he’s sleeping in class, no big deal, right?’” she explained. “But instead, I was able to tell the teacher that something didn’t seem right, that maybe his home life wasn’t okay.”
Planting the Future, Together— United by Faith and Flowers
In January, as Linda began searching for the perfect idea for her Eagle Scout project, she found inspiration close to home. Her experiences growing up with foster children and within the foster community led her to Sunnybrook, a ministry dedicated to supporting foster youth.
For over 60 years, Sunnybrook has been committed to nurturing Mississippi’s foster youth. In recent years, the ministry shifted its focus from fostering children of all ages in a group home setting to exclusively serving transitional-age adolescents (ages 14-21).
Now, Sunnybrook’s mission is centered on preparing older foster youth for independent living, equipping them with the skills and support needed to build a sustainable future.
The campus is home to resilient foster teens who are overcoming incredible challenges—young adults who have faced hardships through no fault of their own but are determined to create a better life.
Linda connected with Ron Veazey, Sunnybrook’s Director of Advancement, who arranged a campus tour and a conversation about how she could bring her Eagle Scout project to life in a way that would truly impact the youth at Sunnybrook.
A Place to Reflect, Heal and Where Hope Takes Root
Reflecting on this initiative, Ron shared his encounter with Linda back in January when they met on campus for the very first time.
“From the moment I met Linda and heard her story, it was clear that her passion for serving others is truly remarkable. Seeing her Troop come together to bring this garden to life has been an incredible blessing and powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through community and shared purpose.”
Ron added, “This space will not only beautify our campus but also serve as a lasting symbol of hope and renewal for all who visit.”
Both Linda and Daniel liked Ron’s theme about planting seeds of hope and watching them bloom into something beautiful, and the idea took root—and the ‘Garden of Hope’ was born!
Linda’s Vision in Full Bloom: Cultivating a Peaceful Place
Inspired by a shared vision for healing, Linda set to work designing the Garden of Hope, carefully selecting flowers that will create a peaceful space where Sunnybrook’s youth can gather, reflect, and pray.
Her greatest hope? That her Garden of Hope will serve as a lasting reminder to Sunnybrook residents of their own worth and the beauty that grows within them, now and for generations to come.
“I want them to reflect on their personal growth as they sit in this garden, a place where they can pause and meditate. Each one has weathered their own storms, but in this space, I hope they see and hear God’s promises. As they reflect, I want them to remember that despite the storms they’ve faced, just as the lilies of the field grow without effort, God will provide for all their needs. In this garden, they can find peace in knowing that, just like the flowers, they too will continue to bloom and thrive through every season of life.”
A Garden That Grows with the Seasons, Just Like Us
Her vision for the garden has evolved to fit the space outside Sunnybrook’s new Education Center, where a large window provides a perfect view.
The space outside of the Education Center getting prepped for Linda’s Scout Troop to create a Garden of Hope for the residents of Sunnybrook.
“If it’s fall and they don’t want to be cold, they can sit inside and still look at it,” she explained.
Her design now includes planting both wildflower seeds and wildflowers in bloom, symbolizing both new beginnings and resilience.
The garden will also feature several benches, including a few butterfly-shaped ones, wind chimes, and a birdbath—all elements thoughtfully chosen to create a peaceful retreat.
“Linda’s vision for the campus ‘Garden of Hope’ aligns seamlessly with Sunnybrook’s mission to nurture and inspire our residents,” Ron explained.
“Her dedication and the support of her Eagle Scout Troop are transforming a simple plot of land into a sanctuary where our youth can find solace and rejuvenation.”
With the help of her fellow Eagle Scouts, Northside Baptist Troop 1475G, Linda plans to complete the butterfly garden on March 18 from 9 a.m. to noon during their spring break.
A Garden of Hope GoFundMe page is set up to support Linda and her Eagle Scout Troop in covering the cost of materials needed to bring this meaningful project to life. Every contribution helps create a space where hope and healing can take root.
Join Us in Cultivating Hope!
Your support can help transform Linda’s dream into a lasting legacy for the youth at Sunnybrook—Donate, volunteer, or spread the word because every garden starts with a single seed!
To support her project and contribute to the creation of this serene space for Sunnybrook’s residents, please visit Linda’s Garden of Hope GoFundMe Page.
Follow Sunnybrook on social media for the latest photos and updates on the Garden of Hope as it comes to life! 🌿🦋 #GardenOfHope #PlantingSeedsOfHope
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