This article was written by Teri Bell, adoption advocate, after spending significant time with this child. She has tried to use the words that this child would use if she were able to speak to a prospective family.

I’m a teenager. I know without being told that finding a family to adopt me is getting to be more and more difficult every day. This time next year, I’ll be too old for an international adoption. The thing is, I want this so very much. I tried to explain to the American social worker who visited me recently just how much I want this to happen, but I just couldn’t seem to get the words out. She asked my friends and I so many questions and I had no problem answering every other question, but, when she asked about how I felt about being part of a family, I just lost it. The more I tried to answer, the harder it became and then the tears started. I tried to stop them but I couldn’t do it. How do you talk about a dream? How do I tell a stranger that the only home I’ve ever know is this one and that I was only able to dream that someday I would be part of a family? I came to this home when I was two years old. The people here and the other children have been my family, but it just isn’t the same. I’d almost given up the dream and then one of my best friends who has been here with me always, found her family and left for America. Then the dream became even stronger. If she could find her family, is it possible that I could find mine? I still have hope. How do you give up the dream of a lifetime.

During my interview with the social worker, I was asked to describe myself. Now that’s not easy! I told her I am able to communicate my thoughts to others and to share myself with those I trust, I told her that I am loyal to my friends and that I love the close relationships that I’ve been able to form. Those who know me most say that I’m also thoughtful, cooperative, responsible, helpful and caring. Those words make me feel good and I suppose that most of the time they are true.

As a student, I’ve just completed eighth grade and will enter 9th right after the holidays are finished. I like school and I’m an average to above average student. My best subject is Natural Science and my worst, at this time, is Social Studies. As to my likes and dislikes these are easier to explain. I don’t like washing dishes and I don’t like being reminded about something I know I need to do. When I’m angry about something I need to go and be alone for sometime so that others don’t bug me. This isn’t easy where I live, believe me. Luckily my list of likes is longer. I love spending time with my best friends and I have good friends both at school and at home. I like dancing when I’m alone, I enjoy art project and drawing, and I like going to school. I don’t mind helping with house cleaning. One of the reasons I like going to school is to get out my home everyday.

I know I don’t have much family experience however once a year everyone in our home goes out to ‘sponsors’ for about two weeks. I’ve been going the visit the same family for the last several years and I love going there. When I’m there, I find that I trust these people and I am able to talk about my home, my friends, school and my feelings. This is a wonderful time of year for me.

If a family were to adopt me, I would try very hard to be a good daughter.

If you may be interested in adopting this wonderful girl, please contact Teri Bell at: aiaateri@aol.com