| Clara’s Story
Editor’s note: In 2007, Clara participated in Kidsave’s Summer Miracles® program for the third time. Clara had lost hope of finding an adoptive family, but Kidsave staff and volunteers would not give up. The Grande’s had adopted two Colombian girls previously and were open to the idea of adopting again but not so soon. However, they agreed to host Clara and advocate for her. After spending time with Clara and careful consideration, the Grande’s decided that Clara should become part of their family. The following is Clara’s story in her own words, as translated by her father Jeff.
 My name is Clara and I came to the United States three times. The first time it was not very good. I knew that I might have a second chance, but I was afraid that I would grow up alone without family. The second time it was much better. I was going to do everything possible to be much better because it is the truth that the first time I did not behave so good.
At the end of the second summer adoption was not possible either and I lost my hope of getting adopted and having a family. Then Randi told me that I was going to come a third time but it was going to be only for a vacation and that they only wanted me for the summer. (“They” means my parents but I’m not there yet.) I made a pledge that I was going to have a good time and to love Suzanne, Jeff, and Cindy and Jeimmy Grande.
After that summer I went back to Colombia and I had no illusions at all, but I really wanted a family. The Grande’s called me once a week and once told me that I was going to come back for Christmas. From the moment they told me that I was going to come I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was the best Christmas of my life. A few days later they told me that they wanted me to be part of their family and they told me that I was going to get adopted and I was really, really happy and the truth is I couldn’t believe it.
And so, I have been adopted. I have been here five months and I have a lot of friends and I know enough English and I feel very happy that finally after so much time, I have my parents and my sisters which I love with all my heart and I think they love me back too. Everything has been difficult, but I have overcome a lot of it, even though now it is still a little difficult.
I really want to thank Kidsave, they helped a lot of kids like me and they supported them and they help them to have the best days and find families.
Each year, Kidsave Summer Miracles program brings older orphans like Clara to the United States with the goal of finding them permanent families For more information and to see available children, visit our website at www.kidsave.org.
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