As I found out more about them and started chatting with them, it all became so surreal. Our friend who works with my husband in Colombia said he would call my birth mom and talk to her if I wanted him to. He did and told me how much she loved me. She started to pray for my happiness and health about the same time I started doing my live videos.
I am 1 of 7 children in my birth family. I am smack-dab in the middle of them. I was the only child placed for adoption. When I found this out, more thoughts started to race in my head. Why was I the only one given up for adoption? What is wrong with me? Did she not love me like she loved them? Your mind likes to take you to the worst place when there is the unknown.
My youngest brother speaks English and Spanish, and this is no coincidence. He lives with his godmother, and she has kids who live in the States. They travel back and forth all the time. When they would come home to Colombia, they would only speak English to him. I know for a fact God had a hand in this. He knew.
We then set up a meeting to talk on Father’s Day of 2017. We did a video chat. I wasn’t sure how well my little brother’s English was, so I had my brother here come and help me since he speaks Spanish. They answered and my little brother spoke English so well and asked, ‘Would you like to talk to our mom?’ I said, ‘Of course!’ We then saw each other and started to cry. It was crazy, and the love and emotion we felt for each other just over the phone were like nothing I have ever felt before. I then got to meet the rest of the family. Everyone was in tears, and it was such a happy moment.
I now get to have them in my life. It has been fun building those relationships with them and getting to know them. As I watch them on video, it is still so weird to see people who look like me and have some similar mannerisms.
Adoption has taught me so many things. It doesn’t matter what your family looks like, there is always room for love. You can love more than one family, and that is okay. I love being an adoptee because I have such a wonderful life from all the blessings that come from adoption. I want people to see the unknown is scary, but you will never know unless you put yourself out there. I think it is so important to share adoptee stories and see their perspectives. I know all stories aren’t like mine or as blessed as mine, but I am grateful for it all.
The most important takeaway I have had throughout this whole journey is my belief in God. I never had a solid belief in God until I started on a journey of self-love and putting myself out there to find my birth family. It is never too late if you want to do something that will challenge you and forever change your life.
I say go for it! Open your heart, but also keep it guarded and protected how you see fit. You know what is best for you.”
**This story was written by Melaina Rogers of Layton, Utah. Follow her journey on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
