Branching Points
Branching Points
Life's most profound transformations can emerge from seemingly ordinary moments—like that single guest speaker's presentation in my 8th-grade social studies class that ignited my lifelong passion for cross-cultural service and human connection. That pivotal moment sparked a journey of compassion that would ultimately reshape my entire understanding of family, purpose, and global citizenship. My early experiences serving in Haiti—massaging the feet of dying patients in Mother Teresa's missionary homes and holding malnourished babies who desperately needed human touch—were more than humanitarian efforts; they were spiritual formations that carved deep channels of empathy and commitment into my young soul. When I met my husband Dale, I discovered that dreams don't always unfold exactly as imagined, but sometimes take more nuanced and beautiful shapes—in our case, adopting three children from Burundi and creating a family that transcended biological and cultural boundaries. The decision to adopt was not a compromise but a profound calling, born from my intimate experiences working among the world's most vulnerable populations and forged through an unlikely friendship with a Christian missionary who introduced me to the orphaned children of a genocide-torn country. International adoption became more than a personal choice; it became a radical act of love that demanded embracing not just individual children, but entire histories of grief, trauma, and resilience. Our family's journey has been characterized by unexpected challenges—navigating racial dynamics, processing collective and individual grief, and continuously expanding our understanding of belonging. Yet in choosing this path, we've discovered a form of enrichment that goes far beyond traditional family structures: hosting Burundian students, sponsoring their education, and creating a home that serves as a bridge between cultures. What began as a young girl's pulsing excitement during a Peace Corps presentation has blossomed into a life of intentional, boundary-crossing love—a testament to how our deepest callings often emerge from moments of unexpected inspiration and a willingness to step beyond the familiar.