Kiarra's Story


Kiarra’s Story (by her mother, Glenna)

How do you write a story that is so close to your heart, a story that may not have ever happened? Once upon a time, there was a nice little family, a dad, a mom, and two beautiful boys. We weren’t rich, but we were happy. But, there was still something or someone missing.

My husband was the typical reluctant man; he felt we were already so blessed. Why push the envelope? Why take a chance on adoption? It is such a big step. We struggled for a long time, with many questions. I must have pestered my husband for close to ten years. Then finally one day, he said, “If this is something you really want, let’s do it.”

We went to Bethany and applied for the Korea program but we were turned down, due to my husband’s age. I thought this may be a sign to stop and be grateful for what we had. But a few weeks later, Melitta from the Indianapolis office called and asked if we would consider the China program. We discussed it and attended an information meeting. A family who had just returned from China attended with their little girl, who melted our hearts. We decided to go ahead and only told a few family members and certain friends.

Our boys were included in every step of the process. They actually picked out our daughter’s name. They chose Kiarra, which means fortunate one. Even though we are the fortunate ones, the name was perfect. After many months of waiting, we received a call from our social worker telling us we had a daughter who was living in Xiu Shan orphanage in Chongqing, China. Her birth date is June 2, 2004.

We were to visit the Bethany office on Monday to see her referral. It seemed like the longest weekend ever. I couldn’t wait to see our daughter’s beautiful face for the first time. It was unreal. I went to work on Monday and couldn’t keep my mind on my work, wondering so many questions. Is she ok? What does she look like? Is she a happy child? Does she share our love of music? When can I go and bring her home? The questions raced thru my head.

And then we saw her- she was gorgeous! All my questions were gone; now I just couldn’t wait to share our wonderful news and bring her home. My mother and I made the trip to China to bring home this little girl whom I had prayed for so many years - the daughter I had always wanted. We received the most precious gift on Mother’s Day 2005. Our group of 15 families celebrated the joy of forever day. It is a Mother’s Day that I will never forget.

It was rough at first: she couldn’t sit up alone, and she was very behind developmentally. She would head bang and had night terrors. When we visited the Riley hospital adoption clinic, they stated she had global delays. What a scary diagnosis. But after a couple of months, these behaviors stopped. This child is so loved. She is now a typical spicy little girl with a personality and imagination that is unbelievable. Her vocabulary is awesome. She is 4 yrs old and knows her alphabet, can count, knows her shapes and colors. Her delays are gone and she is a little ahead of where she should be.

As we celebrate our 3rd anniversary of being united, you may ask, “was it worth it?” Undoubtedly yes! Our daughter fits in perfectly with our family. I don’t know how they match families with children, but they do an awesome job. She is the daughter of my dreams and she loves her mom. Our daughter is the princess at our house; her brothers love her despite the age difference. She has melted her daddy’s heart.

We always try to remember that our joy was her birthmother’s sorrow and I think often of her birth family. Kiarra Nicole has brought us double the happiness. We have been blessed with two wonderful boys and a spicy Chongqing princess. Our family is now complete. Is yours?


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