Exclusive Content:

Abby & Brittany: Conjoined Twin Abby Hensel is Married!

They’re the most famous conjoined twins in the world, and now Abby Hensel, of the duo Abby and Brittany, is now married! 

Babysitter Knows Mom Is “Paranoid” After Her Baby’s Death—So She Texts Her This Picture

The 15-year-old needed to make a sandwich, but she didn't want to let the baby out of her sight. She was in quite the predicament.

“I Need God”—Russell Brand Opens Up About Spirituality, 20 Years Sobriety

Russell Brand's spirituality was revealed by the actor himself...

‘I Am 1 of 7 Kids in My Birth Family. I Was the ONLY Child Put Up for Adoption.’: Daughter’s Self-Love Journey Seals Her ‘Solid Belief in God’

As I started to tell family and friends, most of them were so supportive, but they were also so cautious. I get it because the unknown is scary and you aren’t sure what people may or may not want from you when you meet them. I think overall, no one wanted me to get hurt or taken advantage of. They all knew it was my choice and decision, and they let me do what I needed to do.

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.

Courtesy of Melaina Rogers

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.

Courtesy of Melaina Rogers

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.

Courtesy of Melaina Rogers
Courtesy of Melaina Rogers

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.”

Courtesy of Melaina Rogers
Courtesy of Whitney Palmer
Courtesy of Melaina Rogers

**This story was written by Melaina Rogers of Layton, Utah. Follow her journey on InstagramFacebook, and YouTube.

Kelsey Straeter
Kelsey Straeter
Kelsey is an editor at Outreach. She’s passionate about fear fighting, freedom writing, and the pursuit of excellence in the name of crucifying perfectionism. Glitter is her favorite color, 2nd only to pink, and 3rd only to pink glitter.

Abby & Brittany: Conjoined Twin Abby Hensel is Married!

They’re the most famous conjoined twins in the world, and now Abby Hensel, of the duo Abby and Brittany, is now married! 

Babysitter Knows Mom Is “Paranoid” After Her Baby’s Death—So She Texts Her This Picture

The 15-year-old needed to make a sandwich, but she didn't want to let the baby out of her sight. She was in quite the predicament.

“I Need God”—Russell Brand Opens Up About Spirituality, 20 Years Sobriety

Russell Brand's spirituality was revealed by the actor himself in a recent interview he did with Fox News. Watch the interview here. A Deeper Look...