A note from Kelsey

Where to begin…I’m Kelsey! I’m the Assistant Director at Faith International Adoptions, where we are the placing agency for the Rummel family. I’m the question answerer, the fielder of Jason’s infamous 8:30am one-foot-in-the-door phone calls, and the world’s most patient person (right, Jason?) ;) Just kidding about that last part. I have had the absolute pleasure of ‘knowing’ the Rummel family from the first time they’ve called and have thoroughly enjoyed being a huge part of their journey thus far. I honestly can’t think of a better family for Hugo, who just so happens to be one of my favorite little guys!

I was only 12 years old when my love for adoption began. Two of my amazing cousins were brought into my family through the love of adoption and a whole lot of faith, and my life hasn’t been the same since. On the day that I stood in the courtroom during their adoption finalization, I told myself I would become a Social Worker, and that I would do all that was necessary to “work” in adoptions. So, I went home, wrote it on my calendar, and starting working towards my goals. Nearly 13 years later, here I sit…absolutely & positively blessed to be a part of adoption journeys all over the world.

I’ve said it many, many times, but I’d love to say it again – I simply wish that everyone in the world could experience the feeling you get when seeing a child unite with their family for the very first time. Families work feverishly to bring their children home. It can take months or even years to complete the process, but during the very moment that their child is in their arms, nothing else in the world matters. Families would endure the paperwork, frustrations, loneliness, and longing for their child over and over again if it meant their child would be there for them in the long run. The love between a forever family is truly indescribable.

While every child that comes home touches my life, there are always a few that fine their place in my heart and stay there forever. Whether it be a really cute smile, a twinkle in their eye, or a sadness I see in their soul, some children just speak to me. It’s as if they are looking into my eyes, know exactly how I’m feeling. They pull gently at my heartstrings, and never, ever let go.

I saw Hugo’s face for the very first time on April 18, 2012. From the second his file appeared in my inbox, I was absolutely in love! His shy eyes were staring right into mine and I could not stop looking. I looked at his pictures over & over again – giggling over his cute green shoes and absolutely loving his little button up shirt. He was stylin’ for sure and was quite possibly one of the cutest little guys I had ever seen. At the time that his file was received, I did not have a family that was waiting for a referral of a little boy. I considered advocating for him, just knowing that his family would be found quickly, but then a miracle happened.

Just one week before, I had received a call from Jason, who was interested in getting some general information about our Ghana program. He called me Ms. Melvin, which definitely made me laugh, especially considering I’m much younger (no offense Jason – you still look very youthful!) ;) He and Rebekah were just in the beginning stages of researching adoption and had no idea of what was to come so soon! Just two days after I received Hugo’s file, I felt compelled to share it with the Rummel family. Jason likely thought I was crazy, but I told him that deciding to adopt internationally does sometimes require a bit of faith and that they should just consider taking a look at the file. So, I sent it over and the rest is history!

Fast forward a few days and I was on a plane to Ghana. The timing was absolute perfection. I have seen miracle after miracle woven throughout the Rummel’s adoption process, and surely this was one of them. Not only was it my first trip to Ghana, but it was a perfect opportunity to meet the adorable little guy that was destined to be a Rummel! I was so incredibly eager to meet him, learn about him, and share every detail with his forever family. I secretly wanted to bring him home with me myself, but I’ve decided to live vicariously through Jason & Rebekah instead. ;) I was so impatient during my trip, as his orphanage visit fell towards the end. Upon our arrival though, I looked for him immediately. I walked around with his picture and picked up every child that might be him J

He happened to be in the very last place I stopped and was right next to my leg! They kept telling me, this is Kwabena, this is Kwabena (Hugo)! I looked at him, looked at the picture, and then looked back. I wasn’t entirely convinced, but scooped him up and starting snuggling him instantly! He was so shy…probably wondering who this crazy blonde lady was, and why she was so in love with him! He held back on smiling until he was sure he could trust me. Thankfully, that didn’t take long because I was smart enough to bring bubbles and what kid doesn’t like those?! We sat together in a chair, while I studied his characteristics and took in as much about his personality as I could. He was a tiny little guy with the world’s cutest smile. He was 100000000% cuter in real life and such a sweet boy! My time with him wasn’t nearly long enough, but I was thrilled to be able to share the greatest update with his family.

If there is one thing I’ve learned while being a part of adoptions, it is that every single child ends up exactly where they are meant to be. There is an ancient Chinese belief that is well known throughout the adoption world. It states: “An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break.” There is no doubt in my mind that Hugo’s red thread connected him directly to the Rummel family. There is a reason Jason called me for that first time in April, a reason that his file appeared in my inbox a few short days later, and a reason why I went to Ghana for the very first time. It was all simply a step in Hugo’s journey home.  It has been such a joy to be a part of their adoption journey and I look forward to positive experiences that are to come, even those early morning phone calls! Hugo will forever hold onto a string in my heart.

For those that are even slightly considering adoption, I urge you to delve deeper. Adoption truly does take a giant leap of faith, yet it will likely be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Adoption is love, family, hope, and dreams…it is joy, a miracle, and an absolute dream come true. Your life will be forever changed!

My favorite picture below J