When her family moved to Guatemala at 16, she also had to come along, leaving the American lifestyle she had been following throughout. Her life previously was all about school, partying, and sports, but after they shifted, nothing stayed the same. The shifting and then adjusting were two experiences she never looked forward to. No more friends and parties, but life became all about sitting in courtrooms, looking after babies of people, and helping young girls when labor was induced.
The comfort bubble she was in had popped, and the reality of life hit her, but it also made her realize how she could play a positive role in living in society and life during this new journey. Her parents were active in adopting children who needed a home to give them a good life, as they had already adopted five children, so she was familiar with the process and what life as a foster parent looks like. Institutions that matter to most people become home to angels.
Thus, this inspired them to start the ‘Village of Hope ’ in Guatemala. This would not just give employment but also be a place where most people were in crisis, and this was truly a great initiative. Thus, they hired 54 locals to manage the institution, and currently, the institution looks after 55 children. The idea is to give orphans a safe space to flourish and grow; this will be made possible with small milestones being achieved.
Although the monotonous feeling of leaving behind her lifestyle still hit him, it was not until one day that she held a baby in her arms, just 10 days old. The baby was abandoned at the time of birth, so she took responsibility for taking care of her. The baby also had a rare brain condition, i.e., she only had 3 percent of her brain, and the doctors were sure she would not be alive for a long time. However, she stood firm on her will to adopt the baby.
Seeing how willing she was to take care of the baby, even the judge questioned her, and she had one good answer: Her life matters. The baby was named Emma Leigh. Emma means whole, and Leigh is the woman’s middle name.
Although the baby lived a short life as she passed away on April 16th, 2015, in her arms, the lessons she taught can’t be learned any other way. After she passed away, at her funeral and throughout the journey, a man stood by her side. Ronald also wanted to marry the lady because she cared for children, specifically those with terminal illnesses. He knew she was the one!
2017 the couple got married, and it was the most beautiful wedding the town had witnessed. Dozens of children were flower girls and ring bearers from their institution, ‘Village of Hope’.
She gave birth to her biological son soon, whom they named Atlas Jude, but during the period of getting married and giving birth, the couple adopted two children—a baby girl named Zailee Grace and a boy named Ezra Justice.
June 3rd was the day they were officially a family of five. Each child is full of love and has their spark. Although doctors don’t expect Zailee to live long and Ezra needs a few surgeries, the beautiful children can never be given up on.
It is hard seeing babies in pain and facing dangers, but miracles are always possible, and it is always a better option to hold on rather than let go.
