Love Makes a Family: an Adoption story
It was September 2020, and Paul* , a Zimbabwean man pastoring a church in Botswana woke up in the middle of the night with an urging in his heart: he and his wife Kuda* were to pursue adoption. Culturally, adoption outside of the extended family is not the norm in Zimbabwean culture. Deeply held beliefs and superstitions, along with other social issues and overwhelming poverty prevent most Zimbabwean families from making this commitment to a child outside of their own family circle. However, Paul and Kuda felt this was something God was calling them to, and they could not ignore it.
The next day, Paul did what most of us do when we don’t know where to begin: he did a search on Google. Kuda Vana Partnership came up in his search, and he immediately reached out.
Kuda Vana’s caregivers prayed over both children before they left. Our staff psychologist will continue to support and follow up with the family in the months to come.
Kuda Vana has been working to grow our FAMily (Foster Adopt Mentor) program, as we know the best place for children to be is with families. Thus, we were ready for Paul and Kuda’s questions! Our team began speaking with the couple about adoption, and they learned that the process would be easier if they relocated back to Zimbabwe.
Noela is learning that her new Mama will always be there to hold her hand.
Around this time, Kuda Vana accepted an infant boy from the hospital who had survived a traumatic beginning: his story was truly a miracle. You can read his story HERE. Paul and Kuda read baby Jasi’s story and immediately felt that this boy was meant to be their son. They made arrangements to move back to Zimbabwe and begin the adoption process.
The adoption process in Zimbabwe (and around the world) is not a fast or easy one. Even though Paul and Kuda were willing, able and eager to adopt Jasi, it seemed they would never be able to take him home.
They visited him at Kuda Vana, and on one of their visits fell in love with a little girl named Noela. They decided they would like to adopt both children and settled in for the long, bureaucratic wait that is the adoption process. During this time Kuda Vana’s team provided them with resources and information on adoption, parenting children who have experienced trauma, and more.
On March 31, 2022 after much waiting and prayer, Zimbabwean courts granted Paul and Kuda legal adoption of both Jasi and Noela. A family of four was created!
New dad and son share a special moment together
The staff and children at Kuda Vana shared an emotional goodbye, celebrating the love and commitment that had brought this family together. We will all continue to pray for and be a presence of support for the new family as they adjust to their new normal.
To date, seven children in Kuda Vana’s care have been formally adopted, four in just the past year! We praise God for His perfect timing, and for the ability to hopefully safely reunited and / or create more families through adoption and foster care.
*To protect their privacy, we don’t use the real names of children or families