| Adoption delivers new perspective on Mothers Day By Homeretta Ayala Recently I adopted a very special little boy from thousands of miles away, from a country struggling everyday to overcome the economic aftermath of communism. It was a faith journey beyond comparison. The journey began in December 2000. I was moved by a newspaper article on foreign adoptions. It had become apparent to me that our birth child, Jared, who was 12, desired a younger brother. At age 48, I really didnt want to think about an infant. Jared and I sat down at the computer and began the process. Within five minutes we saw a picture of Bozhidar. He was described simply as a child in good health with a sense of humor. He wanted an opportunity to experience life. Jared, in his old soul wisdom, said, Stop looking, Mom. Thats my new brother. We soon learned that Bozhidar, which means Gift of God, was from Bulgaria, a country with more than 45,000 orphans and homeless children. He had been in an orphanage since birth. My first contact with Adopt an Angel was very positive. But I didnt know the meaning of red tape until I started the adoption. Bulgaria requires that prospective adoptive parents spend two weeks with a designated child before proceeding. My husband Joe and I left for Bulgaria in March 2001. I have been involved in churches all of my life and I can quote sermon after sermon on Gods unconditional love, yet I had never really experienced it on a human level until our first meeting with Boz. We had come with concerns of acceptance, bonding, language barriers, orphanage conditions and older child adoptions. But the moment that we met, Boz ran to Joe and me, jumped in our arms and said, Mommy, daddy, I love you. There were no more concerns. We would do whatever it took to see that Boz would be a part of our family. The 14 days were broken into two trips. During that time we saw much of Bulgaria, from ancient monasteries to timeless villages. Each monastery was a sacred experience much too personal for words. The priest usually greeted us. Upon learning Bozhidars name he extended a God-like embrace. Our lives were touched by so many incredible individuals who have made such a difference in these childrens lives and our own as a result. We found unconditional love everywhere we turned. Joe said it best in a worship service at Glen Mar UMC in Ellicott City where he leads contemporary worship. He compared our new friends in Bulgaria to disciples. They did not belong to any organized religion, however, God was truly present in their every thought and deed. There were so many people involved in the adoption, from tour gbwc_superuseres to interpreters to hotel owners, lawyers and social workers. I have seen God through almost every one of them. One of the most impressive parts is that most of these people spoke no English. Somehow, faith was shared. The Bulgarian culture now plays an important role in our house. The adoption confirms my belief that we truly are one on this earth. This Mothers Day was quite different. I didnt focus on my two sons and myself but on the many people who have been a part of their lives. There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. I am so grateful that Boz had that village long before we came along. Boz was able to overcome many hardships and become a very special child thanks to the love he received along the way. By American standards, the orphanage conditions were deplorable, but somehow that didnt matter as long as there was love. Even now I am amazed at what he deems important. He is able to see through the material world and hold fast to love. I have changed much through the journey. It is more than any religion can explain. My journey was truly a spiritual one with the best yet to come. Homeretta Ayala is the organist at Mt. Vernon Place UMC in Baltimore and a media specialist at Fullerton Elementary School in Baltimore County. More information on Adopt an Angel can be found at www.adoptanangel.org . | 
Login/Register to leave comment