We are thrilled beyond measure when one of the Angel House children is adopted and goes home with their new family.
Sometimes this happens relatively quickly— as quickly as two and a half years— but just as often, it takes longer. In the instance of Christ, it took six long years.
After many years of hoping and praying and watching his fellow Angel House friends leave for their adoptive homes, Christ’s time FINALLY arrived this month! He met his new parents at the airport in Port-au-Prince before flying to his new home in Italy, where his friends Antoine and Dalens also live. He was so excited to make this final journey into his happily-ever-after!
Once Christ knew which date he would be meeting his family at the airport, he thought of little else, and he told everyone he saw what was about to happen.
Despite this exciting news, Christ continued to pour himself into his school work up to the very last day, and he was very proud and eager to take his report cards home to his new family. His last day at school was celebrated with a "bon voyage" party. Christ had made such a deep impression on both staff and students that it became a very emotional affair, as evidenced by both laughter and tears. His classmates were distraught and crying, but Christ was so happy he could not shed a single tear.
When the big day finally arrived, Christ was calm but absolutely glowing with happiness! Angel House staff and children gathered to pray over him one last time, asking God's blessings and protection for their beloved boy. Then the sound of honking was heard, and Christ knew the car had come to deliver him to the airport. This was the moment he began to cry, knowing his last moments at Angel House with the people who had loved and cared for him his whole life had finally arrived. With many hugs and smiles and best wishes, everyone bid Christ a safe journey, and he was comforted.
Although his little housemates kept their chins up for Christ's departure, staff noticed how quiet they were after he left and that their dinner went untouched that evening. Steeve was especially sad and grew inconsolable in his grief over losing his best friend. He was unable to sleep that night and poured out his heart to his nanny about the special friendship he shared with Christ, saying he will always remember him with the greatest love. Christ left Steeve his beloved police costume as a goodbye gift, but Steeve tearfully asked that it be put away out of his sight, as it was too painful a reminder of Christ's absence.
Staff grew to love this precious boy over the years, too, and has a grief of their own to bear. They are keeping his school bag just the way he left it in Angel House's office to feel his presence. They will keep the hope alive that one day he will revisit his roots in Haiti, and this bag will serve as a tender reminder to him of how very loved he was and will always be.
We all miss Christ and will continue to keep him in our prayers.
Bon voyage, sweet Christ!
You can be part of the life of a child like Christ! Learn more about Orphan Care Sponsorship and sign up to sponsor by clicking the button below, and be sure to let us know which child (or children) you would like to sponsor: