Lexington (WLTX) - They speak a different language and were raised in another country, but a midlands family who just adopted two girls says their home is much more complete.
"It looks like we've been together for a long time," said father Esteban Cevallos.
Children's laughter echoes inside their home in a way it never did before. It's what Esteban and Danielle Cevallos wanted before even knowing one another. They say before they were married, each had a feeling one day they would adopt a child from another country. Then two years ago, Esteban says while sitting in church he felt a leading to look in Africa. The two quickly filled out the paperwork and hoped for a quick process.
While it all dragged on with many hurdles and let downs, their children Layla and Maya were parentless.
"Their mom passed away and their dad couldn't afford keeping them, so he took them to an orphanage," said Esteban.
Finally after a lot of waiting, the day of adoption came. Esteban and Danielle boarded a plane for Africa, and soon the strangers would be united as a family.
"They were very giggly. I don't think they knew we were coming or who we were really, but it wasn't awkward at all," said Danielle.
"I just fell in love with them the moment I saw them, and they loved me right back. I never thought that would happen," said Esteban.
The children now have something they may have thought they'd never experience, a mom and dad.
"The first morning Layla woke up and climbed up into my lap and kissed me on the cheek," said Esteban.
And so their family story begins. Seeing as how the children don't know English, of course there's tough challenges. However, it's the unexpected ones that Danielle says are the hardest. Despite coming from a place where they were fed bread and water everyday and had one pair of boys clothing, Danielle says the girls struggle with having a grateful heart.
"They very quickly adapted that American 'I want more and I deserve this attitude."
But with each obstacle, the parents say they are learning new lessons.
"They have shown me so much more about God, and how he loves us even when we're ungrateful," said Danielle.
With so much laughter that goes on inside the house, it's easy to see there's a lot of love inside.
"I love them when they're ungrateful, and ridiculous. I love them all the time," said Danielle.
The orphanage says Layla and Maya are five and six years old. However, Danielle and Esteban believe they are likely a couple years older.
They hope to adopt another child in the future.
11/2/2009 11:33:15 PM
