Find Families for Older Colombian Orphan Children

Greg and Aaron heard about Kidsave through a friend and were impressed by its unique family visit model, which allows older kids to meet and spend time with potential adoptive families. They were particularly interested in the Summer Miracles program, which helps older kids from orphanages in Colombia find forever families during 3- to 5-week visits with host families who plan to adopt or advocate for the kids in their search for a loving family.

They attended a Kidsave “Meet the Kids” event. “I didn’t know what to expect,“ said Aaron, “but everyone was so warm and friendly.” In the winter of 2021, the two hosted Samuel and Dilan.

“When we first met they boys, we were really touched by how much love they have for each other,” says Aaron. They were 11 and 10. “We knew right away that we wanted to adopt them, but weren’t sure if they’d return the feeling,” says Greg. “So, while they were with us, we wanted to broaden their horizons and give them a beautiful experience.”

Greg, Aaron, Samuel, and Dilan filled their 3 weeks with memorable moments. They went to the beach, the mountains, and all around town. “We had some very special firsts with the kids,” says Aaron. “They’d never been to the beach, and we were so excited to show them the ocean, but they were enchanted by the sand first!” Dilan and Samuel’s feet had never touched sand, and they had plenty of questions about the terrain. “It was so adorable,” says Greg.

They introduced the boys to snow with their very first snowball fight and sledding in the mountains. “We’re super lucky we live in California where there’s a variety of weather and nature experiences,” says Greg. “It was interesting watching them try to figure out what it means to have parents.”

It was a blissful time, but soon it was time for the kids to return to Colombia. “It was a very tearful goodbye, we were all crying,” says Aaron. But Greg and Aaron didn’t waste time and began the adoption process right away. “There was no doubt in our minds that these were our sons,” says Aaron. And at the end of Summer 2022, four dreams came true as Greg and Aaron traveled to Colombia to bring Samuel and Dilan home.

“Now we’re excited to live our lives together as an official family,” says Aaron. “You find yourself doing things your parents did when you were growing up, and it surprises you,” says Aaron. “Sometimes it’s a good thing, sometimes you recognize it and decide you’d like to do things differently.” Greg and Aaron know that as the boys age, they’ll be faced with new parenting challenges.

Over the holidays Greg and Aaron planned for their first festive season as a family. “We decorated the tree while playing Colombian music, Greg made some Colombian food, and we tried to show them our traditions but also add in their own history and their own culture.” Greg and Aaron hope to always make space for their kids’ heritage. “It’s important to us that they know we value where they come from,” says Greg.

“I went with the kids to the park the other day,” says Greg. “I was hurrying out of the house when they asked me to take them, but I said to myself ‘no, stop, because this is precious time.’” He thought of the years to come, when the kids might be more eager to be with friends or on dates than with their parents.  “So, we went to the park and played soccer all afternoon; we laughed, had a great time, and I completely forgot about work and responsibilities. We just want to savor all the time we have together.”

Links:

• About Kidsave
• About the Summer Miracles Program
• About the Need

“It’s easy to give up when you feel you don’t have anyone looking out for you,” said Andrea, who grew up without close family bonds. Andrea wanted to expand her family and was researching options in New York State when she found Kidsave’s Summer Miracles program. It brings older Colombian children (considered unadoptable in Colombia due to their age) to stay with American families for 5 weeks in the summer. “I’m of Colombian descent, so I was drawn to the program because it helps older Colombian orphans find adoptive families.”

That summer she hosted siblings, Jhon and Taylor. Andrea went in without many expectations. “I simply expected my life to change, and it absolutely did,” she says. She was eager to get to know them and to support their individuality.

They three spent a lovely summer together, bonding and getting to know each other. Andrea took some time off from work and went to the beach and restaurants and enjoyed time in nature. Andrea’s love and fondness for the kids grew with each passing day and memory shared.

“Taylor, was open with me about exploring her gender identity,” she says, “She was excited to be in a home where she wouldn’t have to pretend to be something else.”

When Jhon and Taylor returned to Colombia Andrea began the formal adoption process. “The day they were going back was the hardest day in my recent life,” she says. Jhon was “especially emotional, and I just kept telling them that I love them,” Andrea says. But soon, with the paperwork done, Andrea asked Jhon and Taylor if they wanted to be adopted and start a family together and they said “yes” wholeheartedly.

Andrea couldn’t wait to experience life’s simple pleasures with her children, including taking the kids out in nature, which she has helped her through tough times, and to helping them navigate school. She wants them to have all the support they need and deserve. “My partner has two kids of her own – we all spent some time together over the summer,” she says, “and I’m excited for Jhon and Taylor to bask in the wonderful network of friends and family I have.”

Links:

• About Kidsave
• Kidsave's Summer Miracles program
• About Kidsave's work