Find Families for Older Colombian Orphan Children

After an exciting day at soccer camp, Jose Paulo said goodbye to all the new friends he’d made, while his Kidsave host, Stefanie, learned more about her wonderful host child from the other parents and the coach. As they walked to the parking lot, Jose held onto Stefanie’s hand tightly and lovingly, as if he’d been doing this all his life. Stefanie’s eyes teared up because, at that moment, she felt like a mother for the first time.

It was a full-circle moment for Stephanie. Several years ago, Stefanie met a family who told her about how they met and adopted their 13-year-old son through Kidsave’s Summer Miracles program. This heart-warming story of love and acceptance inspired her. Stefanie began to imagine what life would be like with a child of her own. A

At the airport in 2019, Stefanie met her host child, Jose Paulo. “He was so adorable,” recalled Stefanie. “He was so tiny and so cute. He was shy at first, but instantly I had a great feeling about him.” And so, their summer adventure began.

As soon as he walked into Stefanie’s home, Jose sat on the couch to pet and cuddle Stefanie’s two small dogs. He had a big smile on his face. From that moment on, Stefanie and Jose shared many fun adventures and activities, including sports camps, which he loved. Stefanie could no longer imagine her life without Jose.

As the summer visit ended and Jose returned to Colombia, Stephanie held a wonderful secret. Unbeknownst to Jose, Stefanie had already started the adoption process. Just three months later, she traveled to Colombia to finalize Jose’s adoption and bring her son home. Three hours after she arrived in Colombia, Jose was calling her “mom.”

Kidsave helped Stefanie realize that there is a whole world of children out there to love. “I would have never thought to adopt an 11-year-old boy from Colombia, and now he’s the love of my life. I’m so lucky to be his mom,” said Stefanie.

“The model of hosting is genius,” she added, “because you can experience what it’s like to have the child in your home. It’s wonderful that the kids get a chance to choose you as well because when they become orphans, their choices are taken away from them. For them to have a say in their future is a beautiful thing.”

Kidsave’s Summer Miracles program was delayed this year due to COVID-19, but plans are underway to bring 15 Colombian orphans to the U.S. for a visit this winter. Protocols are in process to ensure everyone’s safety.