The End (?)

Unfortunately the twins left again. In September they came home from school with 3 police officers. They had told the police that they “didn’t feel safe here”. This is crazy... as our home has been a very safe and caring place for them, and they were very happy just the day before! This is the third time the twins have left, and the second time they have made false accusations. We suspect all this is related to the twins difficult past.

They have returned to Colombia. Life is hard there, and we heard that Mayra will be going to Minnesota to live with a friend. Unfortunately the friend situation is not good, as we have heard about substance abuse, pregnancy, abortion, and more. A couple years ago the friend had suggested that the twins kill us to get an inheritance, so we recently disinherited the twins for our safety.

Sadly, we have decided to limit our relationship with the twins. Their false allegations against us are too dangerous  (and last spring they told me that their biological father is imprisoned due to false accusations by their sister) - what might they dream up next? It is heartbreaking as over the past 4 years I had expended so much time, money, and emotional energy into them - and truly adopted them in my heart. I worry about them constantly, but right now I can’t accept the risk.

Note that although some of the teen adoptions from Colombia have failed terribly, others have succeeded. Some of the other kids appreciated their families, finished high school, and have gone on to college. So please don’t take our failure as an excuse to not help a child or teen. We will continue to help children and young adults in Colombia and closer to home. If even one child can succeed it is all worthwhile!

I have attached the last photo I have with the twins. 💔

They are back!

As we hoped, the girls have returned home. Their pursuit of 18 year old independence did not work out well, and they are looking forward to resuming school. I’m delighted to have them safe at home. Every day is a new “adventure” with adopted teens. We keep trying and hope for the best.

Breaking the cycle of poverty is incredibly difficult. The children of poverty are so indoctrinated to it that it’s hard for them to break away.

3-1/2 year update, bad news...

A month age, just a few weeks after the girls turned 18, they quit school and left our home. Rosio returned to Colombia and is staying with a friend’s family, and last we heard she has no money and no job. Alejandra is in St. Paul, Minnesota working as a maid. Third-hand (mis)information suggests she might be hanging out with some unsavory people.

It is very disappointing that the story has gone this way, as my original goal was to help two kids get a good start on life. Yet they are exactly where they would have been had they aged out of an orphanage... no education, no job skills, no money, and no family (not really, as we will always be here for them). I’m hoping that this is not the end of the story. They might eventually grow up to realize the opportunity we gave them. They might come home to finish High School and go on to college or trade school when they realize their current path is not successful.

I know they understand that I love them as my daughters, yet their prior history prevents them from trusting the very people they should be trusting.

I’m asked if I regret adopting the girls... the answer is no. I had to try, otherwise these kids had no chance for a decent life. And I still hope this story isn’t over.

We need to keep trying. Even if only one child can be helped, it will have been worthwhile.

Also, I’m assisting three other kids through a small program in Gachancipa, Colombia.