My life has been full of wild, unexpected adventures, but nothing prepared me for what happened one New Year’s Eve in Haiti. I had returned home from school in the U.S. tThat evening; while heading to the orphanage to join the children in celebration, I came across a frantic crowd gathered near a dumpster, their voices filled with alarm.
Curious, I asked a woman what was going on. Her reply stunned me: “There’s a baby in the trash.” I pushed through the crowd and saw a four-month-old baby boy, naked and crying, lying on a heap of garbage. His small body was swarmed by fire ants, their bites causing him to cry out in agony. But no one helped him. Some believed he was cursed. In Haiti, certain rituals and superstitions can make people fearful of situations like this. They truly believed touching him could bring them harm.
But I saw something different. My heart was heavy with sorrow, but I felt a strong pull, as if God Himself said, “Pick him up.” So I did.
I rushed him to my mother’s house. He was covered in ant bites and suffering from allergic reactions. The hospital was closed, so I cleaned him up the best I could and waited. The next day, I took him to the doctor. Once it was confirmed he had been wild, I took the legal steps to protect him. Soon after, I was asked if I’d consider becoming his legal guardian.
That question shook me. I hadn’t come to Haiti expecting to raise a child, I just wanted to visit family and serve. I was young, broke, and unsure. But after days of sleepless nights, I felt peace in saying yes. I named him Emilio Angel.
I didn’t know what the journey ahead would look like. I had no money to return to school, and the legal process was overwhelming. But my family and friends stepped in. My mom helped care for Emilio when I had to be away, and friends supported me with donations and prayers. It was far from easy but through it all, I saw God’s hand guiding us.
Eventually, I dropped out of school to work and support Emilio full time. I realized this wasn’t a setback, it was a calling. I remembered a quote by Andy Stanley: “Your greatest contribution to the kingdom may not be something you do, but someone you raise.” That has stayed with me ever since.
Today, Emilio is thriving. He just completed his second year of school. He’s smart, funny, and full of life. He loves talking on the phone, playing guitar, and wants to be a player. He has a way of capturing everyone’s heart the moment they meet him.
This journey has taught me that God’s blessings often come disguised as problems. What seemed like an interruption in my life became my greatest joy. From trash to treasure, Emilio’s story is one of grace, hope, and love.
At this moment, I humbly seek your prayers and help as I start the adoption journey to officially welcome Emilio as my son.
