How my adoption shapes my Identity

Anyone who does not have experience with adoption wonders, does love for a child come from the sharing of the same DNA? I can admittedly close that debate and tell you it has no bearing on not only how much the parents love a child, but also how loved a child feels. I am one of three brothers who were adopted by my parents, Juan Carlos (me), Jose Luis, and Javier Andres, who for all intent and purposes, view and see each other as blood brothers. We have supported each other through the difficult moments, and got under each other's skin like only a sibling can. We were all three adopted by two loving parents who were unable to conceive, but never gave up on the dream to be parents. While growing up not once did my brothers or I feel less loved by our parents than those with their biological ones. Our parents understood the great privilege they had to raise three young boys into three outstanding men. Growing up and even in my adult life I find myself truly amazed by how wonderful the hands of the Creator are, how he pulls strings and manipulates the cosmos in order to breathe into existence a life. I am often floored by such a creative imagination that does not play out on a screen or in a book, but in real life. I say this to say that when a parent decides to adopt a child, they become co authors and painters, they add hues of colors and dimensions to the life of a child. And in one decision, not only are the child and the parents' lives changed forever, but all of those who will experience the fruits of this love.

About the Writer: My name is Juan Carlos Mayorga, a young adult living in Tysons Corner VA. I am originally from Nicaragua where I was born and raised, went to college in Texas at Baylor (Sic em Bears!), then moved to Miami and now I am living in Virginia for work. Along the way I have always been open to whatever God has asked me to do and wherever He has asked me to be His hands and feet. After some self reflection one day in prayer I realized I was being greatly selfish with my time, gifts and talents. I prayed about it and felt the Holy Spirit guide me to start applying for opportunities to give back in any way possible. The Spirit reminded me that one of my greatest gifts has always been with words. In high school I always enjoyed English class the most, taking as many AP English classes as possible. In college I wrote for St. Anthony, the Catholic Church the Catholic student body attends at Baylor. The Spirit gave me the nudge to where to start looking, now it was up to me to put in the work to find and fill a need. This is how I was blessed enough to encounter the adoption ministry. I am enthralled not only to play a small part in connecting loving parents with a child, but also having the opportunity to share their stories, their elation, and the beginning of their beautiful adventure of raising their child.