Photo credit: Milan Lay
As another Summer Miracles season comes to a close, we bid farewell to children across the country who spent five unforgettable weeks with their host families. The goodbyes at the end of the summer are always emotional as strong bonds are formed in such a short time. For many of these kids, it was their first taste of family life—waking up to breakfast together, enjoying game nights, and feeling the warmth of a stable home. Thanks to the program, it’s now just the beginning of a lifetime of love.
Throughout the summer, the children and their hosts participated in events designed to foster connections and create lasting memories. In Los Angeles, they cheered on the LAFC at an exhilarating soccer game with the energy of the stadium amplifying their excitement and camaraderie. On July 20, our Summer Miracles communities across the country celebrated Colombian Independence Day where the children enjoyed cultural festivities, delicious food, and vibrant music, bringing a piece of their heritage to life in a new environment. Simple joys, like playing games at the park also filled their days, offering moments of laughter and bonding.
The hosts, too, had their lives enriched by these beautiful weeks. Hosts Elise and Chris Frans shared some details of their journey. “Our Summer Miracles time was heartwarming. We've just really gotten to know the child we hosted; she's such a sweet and kind kid,” Elise shared. We have two kids of our own and they just got along great. They played together all the time.”
Heather and Kelly Olson, who hosted Angie in Los Angeles, enjoyed seeing the world through her eyes. “People always think that with older foster youth, you won’t experience any firsts,” said Heather. “Well, we actually had a lot of firsts: her first time at the beach and experiencing sand, her first time jumping into the lake, her first time having Japanese food!” “We were really fortunate that it was Copa América – the soccer tournament – and Colombia made it to the finals! So, we got to bond over that. She was a total angel staying with us.”
When the five weeks came to an end, the scenes at the airports were bittersweet. Kids shared tearful embraces and received handmade gifts and stuffed animals. Laughter mixed with tears as they recounted their favorite memories, from beach trips to backyard barbecues, each moment a testament to the incredible connections made over the summer.
For many, this goodbye is only temporary as they now begin the process toward adoption. Some kids are still in need of a forever family so please view Kidsave’s gallery to learn more.
Kidsave looks forward to starting a new adventure in December with Winter Miracles! Kids will have the opportunity to stay with host families for three weeks in December, while bonding with potential adoptive parents. Here's to the next chapter and the hope of new forever families forming soon.
About Summer and Winter Miracles
Our Summer and Winter Miracles programs give older orphans who are overseas a chance at a family. The programs provide older kids with no possibility of reunification – and little likelihood of adoption in their home country because of their age – the opportunity to stay in the U.S. for five weeks in the summer (three weeks in the winter). While here, the kids stay with host families, learn about American culture, create lifelong memories, and connect with potential forever families. Book a call with our team to learn more.
Kidsave’s 25th Anniversary
Join us as we celebrate our 25th anniversary! Are you a Kidsave family who wants to share your story? Learn how here.
