First Adoption!
The Journey to Family
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
While reunification within families is always the goal of the Santiago Children’s Home, in some cases a biological family is not the safest option. This year we were able to witness a new story of hope blossom from the ashes of brokenness and create beautiful family through the Home’s first ever adoption in its eight years of existence.
In August of 2020, a little two-month-old girl arrived at the Santiago Children’s Home. Although her story began in difficult circumstances, it is also a testament to hope and new beginnings.
Then in August of 2021, her two-year-old brother arrived at the Home as well. His story, like that of many children in vulnerable situations, began with pain, but also with a light of hope that never went out.
First Steps Towards A New Destination
In January of 2025 both siblings were declared legally eligible for adoption. The possibility of having a loving family, a family for life, became a tangible reality.
The proper forms were prepared and submitted, and in May 2025, the Family Placement Committee officially assigned the siblings to a loving and waiting family who had been approved since 2023.
On June 2nd, the expectant parents were officially notified, and an informational meeting took place. On June 6th, the couple presented their Letter of Acceptance. At that ceremony, they not only made a legal decision, but also a promise of love and commitment to two little ones who awaited them with open hearts.
The emotional bonding process was set to take place from July 7th to 11th.
The Ties of The Past
For a significant portion of their childhood, the children maintained regular contact with their biological father. Every week, they awaited his visit, seeking a measure of stability amidst the uncertainty. The love they felt for him was genuine and profound.
Despite his own difficulties, the biological father understood, deep down, that his children needed something different. Although the process was very painful for him, he accepted that it was best for them to grow up within an adoptive family rather than remain institutionalized. This act of love is courageous.
While it wasn't easy, the farewell was deeply human and meaningful. The father said goodbye to his children with tears, with heartfelt words, asking them to take care of one another. He took a photo with both of them.
Without the confusing ties from the immediate past, the care team was able to work with the siblings to build a new type of bond and emotionally move toward a new future. From the pain emerged the possibility of a new life, woven with love, respect, and care.
Even though their story began with loss, their future was full of possibilities.
The Therapeutic Process
Between February and July 2025, the siblings went through a profound journey of emotional transformation. It was a therapeutic process divided into three phases, designed not only to support them in their transition to adoption, but also to heal wounds, rebuild bonds, and open their hearts to a new lease on life.
Grief is part of any journey. Both children began to say goodbye, not only to the people who shaped their past, but also to a period filled with uncertainty.
Through symbolic play, music, and activities designed to strengthen their sense of identity and belonging, the children prepared their hearts to welcome their new family and begin to trust again.
Bonding is filled with deeply emotional moments. It was a carefully guided process, where every gesture, every word, every glance built a bridge between two worlds. A genuine relationship began to blossom out of the mutual desire to build a home.
The Encounter with Hope
Between June 23rd and July 6th, the children experienced new emotions, discoveries, and meaningful gestures that prepared their hearts for meeting their future adoptive family. Under the coordination of our psychologist, Gabriela Valenzuela, carefully thought-out therapeutic spaces were designed to build a deep and sincere emotional connection. Photographs, videos, and gifts were exchanged that allowed the children to explore both the concept of adoption and new identities as part of a loving home.
A New Beginning Filled with Love
Between July 7th and 11th 2025, the siblings lived one of the most significant weeks of their lives: the beginning of a new home and the beginning of a family. During those days the first threads of an emotional bond were woven with their new parents, who from the first moment gave themselves with love, empathy and commitment.
Monday: First meeting between the siblings and their future family with lunch and games in a park.
Tuesday: Parent meeting for deeper knowledge of children’s health, daily routine, & educational environment followed by a trip to the zoo and visit to the family home.
Wednesday: After medical checkups with their new family and they enjoyed time at a local pool. The children spent their first night with
their new family at a hotel.
Thursday: A formal farewell to the Home was planned with an outing to
Otavalo, where everyone shared new experiences together.
Friday: An official ceremony was held in Cayambe’s Yaznan Park. A presentation of documents and the signing of the Joint Responsibility Act for positive parenting completed the day.