“The love of sisters needs no words. It does not depend on memories, or mementos, or proof. It runs as deep as a heartbeat. It is as ever present as a pulse.”
– Lisa Wingate
When sisters Leydi, Jasmine, and Yennifer were placed in foster care in Colombia their only solace was being together. Yennifer, the oldest sister, did her best to look after Leydi and Jasmine, often taking on the role of a parent rather than a sibling.
“We were in the system for almost eight years,” recalled Yennifer. “It was definitely more stressful for me because I always felt like I was their mom. I always felt like I had to be the adult.”
At only eleven years old, Yennifer felt responsible for her younger sisters and did everything she could to keep them safe. But when a conflict between Jasmine and Yennifer occurred, Jasmine was separated and placed in a different foster home.
“I think [Jasmine] felt like I was controlling her too much, and she didn’t like that I was acting like the mom,” explained Yennifer. “She asked to be separated because she felt like I was treating her like a little kid. She immediately regretted it, but it was too late.”
The following summer, Leydi and Yennifer’s social worker approached them about participating in the Summer Miracles program, an international hosting program that connects older orphans from Colombia with potential adoptive families in the U.S. The girls agreed, and at ages 12 and 6, Yennifer and Leydi traveled to the U.S. for the very first time. They spent five weeks over the summer in Virginia with hosts, Gregg and Dava Baumann.
For Leydi, the summer brought mixed emotions. “We were separated from our middle sister, Jasmine,” she recalled. “So, it was exciting that we got to be in America and do all of these fun things with this family that we know cares about us and loves us, but we weren’t going to be with Jasmine.”
Yennifer found the experience brought a welcomed feeling of safety. Although they had never met, something about the Baumanns felt familiar to her. While she too missed their sister, she felt an instant connection with Gregg and Dava, as if they were always meant to be part of each other’s lives.
Over the course of the summer, Leydi and Yennifer continued bonding with the Baumanns and their daughter, Maya. They made cherished memories and saw what life in the U.S. could be like for them. At the end of the summer program, Leydi and Yennifer returned to Colombia, but the Baumanns went straight to work on the adoption process, so they could welcome the girls into their family permanently.
The Baumanns faced setbacks during the adoption process, including lost paperwork and miscommunications with their agency, but they didn’t give up. And, to reassure the girls they weren’t forgotten, the Baumanns made several trips to Colombia to visit them.
“Them coming to see us and making an effort to explore this place with us and creating those memories with us, it was really nice,” said Leydi. “They also met and talked with our foster family. Seeing their interaction and connection, it made us feel comfortable. It’s like, not only do we know these people and trust them, but now the adults that we have trusted for so long to take care of us know them and can see they’re good people.”
After two years, the Baumanns were finally able to bring Leydi and Yennifer home. There were many transitions for the girls as they adjusted to life with their adoptive family. They both had to learn English and work hard to ensure they would not fall behind in school. But for Yennifer, the biggest adjustment came in her relationship with Leydi.
“My parents sat me down and said, ‘We know that you’re a good sister. You’re trying to make sure your sister is good and that she’s safe. But we want to let you know this is a safe space, and we’ve got you. You don’t need to be the parent anymore,’” said Yennifer. “Immediately, I felt relief. The weight is not on me anymore. I can enjoy my life and be a kid and go have friends. I trusted them, and I knew we were going to be fine.”
And the Baumanns were true to their word. Yennifer and Leydi and their adoptive sister, Maya, grew up surrounded by love and support. They graduated high school, and today, Leydi and Yennifer are both pursuing careers in the medical field. But the best part is that they were reunited with Jasmine.
While Leydi and Yennifer were going through the Summer Miracles program, Jasmine participated in a similar program and was adopted by a loving family in New Jersey. As soon as all three girls were settled in the U.S., the Baumanns made sure that Leydi and Yennifer were able to see Jasmine, and the three are still close to this day. In fact, Leydi and Yennifer are now proud tías to Jasmine’s son.
Like many adoptees, the sisters’ adoption journey was complex. At a young age, they experienced a type of hurt and heartbreak most people can only imagine, but with support, unconditional love, and time, they have made peace with their past and look forward to their future.
“Being an older kid and getting adopted is so uncommon,” said Yennifer. “A lot of parents get discouraged. They don’t want to adopt older kids. They think they have too many memories. In my opinion, I feel like yeah, we have a lot of memories, but at the same time, we’re kids that just want to be loved. We want to feel supported, and we want to feel like we have a family.
“I’m very grateful that my parents didn’t let society convince them, ‘Don’t adopt a kid because they’re going to be a lot of trouble.’ I’m so glad they did because at the end of the day, I was just a kid trying to be loved and wanting a chance for a better future. They just need a chance to change their lives and to feel loved.”
About Summer Miracles
Each year, the Summer Miracles program connects older orphans (ages 9-15) with forever families in the United States. Through a 5-week hosting period over the summer (or 3-week hosting period in the winter), the kids can experience life in America, create lifelong memories, and meet potential adoptive families.
To learn more about becoming a Summer Miracles host or adoptive family, book a call with us.
