Having a girl in the house was something I had dreamed of since I was nine years old, when I received my first American Girl doll, Kirsten. She was more than a toy to me-she was a companion, a comfort, and a reminder that I could nurture, protect, and love deeply. Through my parents’ divorce and all the uncertainty of growing up between homes, Kirsten was my constant when the world around me felt unsteady. I still have her today and have always imagined passing her down generationally.

When C came into our lives, she immediately adored Kirsten. She wanted to bring her everywhere, to care for her, to love her. She would often call her “Little Kinsey” and I realized she needed a doll of her own-a reflection of herself and a tangible reminder that she, too, was worthy of love and belonging. My dad found a pre-loved doll on Facebook Marketplace-tan skin, brown curly hair, and the brightest eyes. She was perfect for her. When I told her we got her a doll of her own, she lit up. Knowing how special my doll was to me, she was beyond proud that I would trust her with one of her own.

C would often talk about her love for Hawaiian culture since she and her brother were both very proudly born there.  Words like ‘Ohana,’ meaning family, and ‘Aloha,’ meaning not just hello or goodbye, but love, peace, and compassion were said frequently and even framed and hung in her room. Nightly we would read The Jesus Storybook Bible together and speak daily affirmations:

“I am brave. I am strong. I am smart. I am beautiful. I am loved.”

Those moments became sacred-simple, healing, full of grace.

Through nurturing her doll, C learned a sense of responsibility, pride, and comfort-a reflection of the love God has for her.

Before she reunited with her biological family, we took a girls trip to Dallas and visited the American Girl Doll store where we got dressed up, had a fancy lunch with our dolls, and celebrated our journeys-a full-circle moment of joy and healing. C even used her own money to buy a baby doll for her doll, proudly continuing the cycle of love and care.

At Aloha Always, we restore gently used American Girl dolls and give them to girls in foster care. Each doll is lovingly refurbished-brushed hair, repaired, cleaned faces-and optionally paired with The Jesus Storybook Bible or American Girl book. Our hope is that each girl will know that like her doll, she is not forgotten, she is cherished, and she has a purpose.

Every doll tells a story of redemption and hope. And every girl deserves to know-

That’s where Aloha Always was born.

Because love doesn’t say goodbye.
Love remains.

The Meaning of Aloha

In Hawaiian, Aloha is more than a word-it’s a way of life.
It means love, peace, compassion, and the breath of life.

It’s spoken when we greet one another and when we part ways, but the heart of Aloha is deeper than “hello” or “goodbye.” It’s a reminder that love is what connects us, sustains us, and calls us to show kindness even in the hardest moments.

For our family, Aloha took on new meaning when we stepped into foster care. It taught us that love doesn’t always look tidy or easy-it’s sacrificial, unconditional, and healing. Through welcoming children from hard places, we saw firsthand that true Aloha-the love that never gives up-is the same love God extends to each of us.

Aloha reminds us that:

• Love remains even when circumstances change.

• Peace can exist even in uncertainty.

• Compassion is the bridge that heals hearts.

That’s the heartbeat of Aloha Always-to share a love that never says goodbye.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

-Deuteronomy 31:8

*Disclaimer: This is OUR story and it may not be yours or that of your foster child and we respect that. Each person’s journey is unique and our goal is to simply gift some tools that were helpful during our time as a foster family. Although I have spent MANY hours in trauma therapy, I am NOT a licensed professional. While we did share our faith with the children in our care, we had permission and respected their right to their beliefs which is why the Jesus Story book bible is optional.