Camilo and Shaleah share a special bond. Although 9 years apart, they have become kindred spirits. Camilo and Shaleah, both visually impaired, are adopted from Colombia. They share their family with 4 other brothers and sisters - Annalise, Linnea, Isaac and Simeon, all adopted. Miriam grew up with 4 adopted transracial siblings. Don and Miriam felt it was God's plan, and also their desire to adopt transracial children. Camilo, a 3 year old who was visually impaired, was featured in Bethany's LifeLines magazine. His photo reminded her of her father. Her father, too, was visually impaired! But, traveling for 6 weeks with 3 little children to Colombia, or leaving 3 little ones home while they completed the adoption would be too difficult for the entire family. Almost 4 years later, Camilo was featured again in LifeLines. Don and Miriam now had 4 adopted children and felt it was a possibility and a great opportunity for their entire family! Don and Miriam decided to pursue Camilo's adoption. The whole family started learning Spanish. In 2006, Bethany received another referral of a visually impaired child from Colombia. Again a unique family was needed. With 5 children, Don and Miriam had just sold their house and moved to the country. Affording another adoption just didn't seem possible. With the help of Bethany's Caring Connection Fund, the family was able to move ahead with Shaleah's adoption in 2007.
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