My name is Kaylee, and I grew up as an only child. Scratch that. I spent the first 13 years of my life with just my parents. Then, BOOM! Before I fully understood what was happening, I had two toddlers from Russia, (a world away to a naive 13-year-old girl) in my house, eating my food, calling my parents Mommy and Daddy, now part of my family. I mean, yeah of course, at first I was so pumped to have siblings. It had been my dream for years and my family believed in helping others who were not fortunate enough to have loving parents. I could tell you that it all was picture perfect and that I was always happy, but I would be lying to you. So, as of September 29th, 2010, I was no longer the only one.
They were only two and three years old and they needed a lot of love. We did everything we could to tend to their every need, whether physical or emotional, showing them God's love regardless of who their biological parents were. I truly loved them, but it didn't make the adjustment any easier for me. I sometimes felt forgotten by my parents, even though I never was. There were days that I would find a spot alone in my house or in my yard and just sob. I suppose I cried from frustration, confusion, loneliness, or even anger. Literally within the same day I could feel so much joy, thankfulness and compassion for these children. I can't fully explain in words the emotional whirlwind that I experienced underneath all the smiles.
Maybe you never thought about what happens behind the scenes when it comes to adoption. It affects everyone involved. But, that said, I would never change it. My brother and sister are not related to me by blood, but by matters of the heart. I would do anything for them. Now don't get me wrong; they are still kids. They still get on my nerves at times, especially now at the ages of eight and nine. They think they know everything, and apparently I know nothing. This whole experience has taught me patience, humility, and selflessness. Being able to watch them grow and learn over the years has brought me so much joy and laughter. It's kind of funny that now, after all this time, I sometimes forget that they are adopted. They are just family and that is that.
I have had the opportunity to go and spend some time in orphanages overseas and it makes this adoption so much more special. To be completely honest, I think there are so many people missing out. Orphans are missing out on a family and families are missing out on this incredible, life-changing experience. You don't create your family. God does. I have seen this first hand. I might not have polished my story or made it look all neat and tidy. That is because it's not. It's complicated. It's simple. Its beautiful. It's difficult. It's emotional. It’s inspirational. It's extraordinary. It's unique. It's His plan… And it's a heck of a lot better than if it was in my hands.
