States. He told us how weâd be required to live with Kiano in Kenya for at least three months before the adoption would become final to ensure bonding and security for the child. He explained many other procedures as well, how we were no longer able to apply for an immigrant visa for the child to enter the United States, that the entire adoption process had to be completed in Kenya. He told us that we had to be sponsored by a local child welfare agency, that the agency had to complete a home study, take our fingerprints, and do a criminal background check. He also told us that bank references and an income-tax assessment would also be necessary. Then he started detailing the fees involved, starting with the application and filing fees. All that information made my head hurt, especially the expense part. With Joshuaâs school loans and other debts from his glamorous deceased wife, we could barely afford it. That was why Brother and Sister Benning stepped in and volunteered to help out with Kianoâs adoption. But they hadnât written the check yet. So Joshua and I handed over a very small deposit with the promise that the remainder of the funds would be forthcoming. We shook his hand and left Mr. Nyuosoâs office hopeful.
The next step was to go visit Kiano, whose name meant full of joy. His full name was Kiano Adoyo. He was the child Iâd developed the most special bond with during my original visit here a few months back. He was the one Joshua and I had talked about, prayed about, and had decided that we would welcome into our new family. Yet Joshua had never met him.
Kiano lived in an orphanage in the slums of Nairobi. His parents and grandparents were both killed in a brush fire when he was very young. Now that he was six, an impressionable age, his curiosity often outweighed his sense of good judgment. He was a strong, happy-looking boy, despite the hardships I knew he faced daily. Although I loved all the children in the orphanage, he was the boy with a special place in my heart.
When I saw him I ran over and wrapped my arms around him. He squeezed me so tight around my waist I almost lost my balance. Then he jumped into my arms and I held him.
âYouâre back.â Kianoâs dark eyes danced in the sunlight.
âI told you I would be,â I said.
âYou really came back. Iâm so happy now.â
âIâm happy too. And look, I not only came back, but I brought my husband with me this time.â
Kianoâs smile disappeared. âHusband?â
âYes, Iâm married now.â I showed him my wedding ring. âThis is my husband, Joshua.â
Joshua stepped forward and kneeled down to Kianoâs eye level. âIâve heard a lot about you, big guy.â
âHello.â Kiano cast his eyes downward.
âNo need to be shy. Come on over and give me a hug too.â Joshua held out his arms.
âIâve heard so much about you I feel like I know you already.â
Hesitantly, Kiano climbed out of my arms and went over to hug Joshua.
We spent the rest of the afternoon together, explaining to Kiano that we wanted to adopt him, but that the process would take awhile. Needless to say, we made his day and his lifetime all at once. Before we left, we were arm in arm discussing the adoption, and the plans we had for our family.
âBut I donât want you two to leave me here.â Kiano started to cry.
âWeâll be back, I promise.â It was so hard to say good-bye. Tears were welling up in my eyes also.
âWe will be back for you soon, we promise,â Joshua said.
I looked at my husband and with the strength of his words, both Kiano and I wiped our tears away. It was funny how a simple promise made it all better.
By the time we actually started walking toward the exit, Joshua started rubbing my shoulders and talking about all that baby stuff again. I was hearing him, but my mind was far away.
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