Adoption. It’s a word that carries so much weight—filled with sensitivity, complexity, and yet, unmatched beauty. I share our journey with the hope that it will bring encouragement, weaving a new narrative for those considering this path. Above all, we want our children to know, “You are loved, you belong, and your story matters here.”
For as long as I can remember, my heart has been drawn to children. Connecting with them has always come naturally. The thought of a child without the warmth of a home or family deeply moved me, stirring something in my conscience that I couldn’t ignore. I would often find myself on the beach in Kleinmond, quickly forgetting my age or reputation, laughing and playing with the kids running through the waves. I dreamt of leaving behind every comfort and working at an orphanage in the heart of Africa. I knew, without a doubt, that I had a God-given desire to be a place of refuge, to bring healing to vulnerable children through love, security, and the gift of motherhood.
When I met my husband in 2017, it didn’t take long for our hearts to align. After only a few coffee dates, he shared with me that he was adopted. As our relationship grew, so did our shared desire to build a home—a refuge for children in need of love and belonging.
Shortly after we were married, we were blessed with our first son. When he was just 6 weeks old, I had a moment in a mother’s room that I will never forget. A gentle nudge in my heart whispered that our next child would come through adoption. We began our adoption journey just as COVID-19 lockdowns swept across South Africa.
We reached out to friends who had walked this road before us and sought their wisdom. Living in the Eastern Cape at the time, we connected with a wonderful mother-and-daughter duo, both social workers, who helped guide us through the process. We scheduled our screening interview and made plans to travel to the Western Cape. Our eldest son was 14 months old then, and as we were driving, in the literal middle of the Eastern and Western Cape, we discovered I was 4 weeks pregnant!
Despite this unexpected news, we continued with our adoption plans. South African law prioritizes placing children with direct family or within the same racial and cultural background. However, we held no agenda or preference in our hearts—only the desire to provide a child with a loving home. We were soon matched with a beautiful boy and meeting him for the first time was one of the most emotional moments of our lives. We couldn’t hold back our tears. Just seven and a half months later, we welcomed another baby boy. Today, these two are lovingly referred to as “the twins.”
Having my husband’s adoption story as part of our family’s fabric has been a unique gift. His journey mirrors our adopted son’s in so many ways. From the beginning, we’ve been open about our adoption story, and I’m incredibly grateful for my husband’s willingness to share his experiences and challenges, offering insight and strength as we walk this path together.
It’s a privilege to be able to share more about adoption, foster care, and the stories that continue to shape our family. If adoption is something close to your heart, I encourage you to explore the resources below. Whether you’re considering adoption or simply want to learn more, these are wonderful starting points.
Resources for Adoption and Foster Care:
https://www.abbaadoptions.co.za/our-services/
https://www.procare.co.za/procare-adoptions
https://doorofhope.co.za/about-us/adoption/
https://oasishaven.org/adoption/
https://fertilitysolutions.co.za/adoption-agencies-in-south-africa/
NPOs to consider supporting:
https://www.liv-village.com/durban/
https://maletsatsifoundation.co.za/
Follow The Heart Project on The Mom Archive, with a list of family-oriented NGOs, NPOs, and charity organisations in South Africa.
