Winter Miracles in Los Angeles
Over the weekend, we had a fantastic time gathering with the California group of Winter Miracles kids and families. Winter Miracles is an extension of our Summer Miracles program, which sees 4 out of 5 kids who travel find adoptive families on their first trip — a success rate we’ve proudly maintained since launching the program in 1999.
We gathered in the gorgeous Yorba Regional Park in Orange County. The weather was cool, but that didn’t damper anyone’s spirits, and the kids and families made the most of their limited time together. We were also fortunate to be joined by Greg and Aaron, who recently adopted their sons Samuel and Dilan, after meeting through Kidsave last year.
To facilitate conversation, we kept the activities simple. Arts and crafts and board games were the excitement of the day! Lizzy, 14, took to the arts and crafts. She painted trees and landscapes while chatting with her host family and families interested in adoption who’d come to meet the kids. Josh, age 10, traveled from Oregon with his host family! Coming from Colombia, he was excited to see two states in the U.S.
After the events, everyone enjoyed a casual picnic lunch and enjoyed a bit of warmth as the sun peaked out from behind the clouds. The kids started playing catch and frisbee, running around in the sunshine. This weekend, the kids will enjoy holiday celebrations with their host families before returning to Colombia on the 28th. The goodbyes are never easy, but it’s our hope that the connections the kids have made on this journey will blossom into forever families in the new year.
About Summer/Winter Miracles
Participate in Summer or Winter Miracles and host a child from Colombia who needs a family during the summer. We have volunteer Summer/Winter Miracles communities across the country that can support you in hosting this year or next. While the kids are here, they learn about U.S. culture, attend summer camp, and experience life in an American family. You’ll work with Kidsave staff and volunteers to help engage your local community to get to know the kids and find them an adoptive family. Many of our host families progress to adopt the children they host. To get involved, email summermiracles@kidsave.org
