Micah
Growing up in a family rooted in adoption has been one of the hardest and most beautiful experiences of my life. I was adopted as a baby alongside my twin brother, Jayden, and for as long as I can remember, this family has been my home. My parents and my brothers weren’t just people I grew up with; they were the ones who chose us. They welcomed us with love and embrace… ready to give us the world. And as I’ve grown older and reflected on that choice, I’ve realized just how lucky I am to belong to a family that never stopped stepping up for us.
There were rough times… moments when I wondered if I truly belonged, and times when it felt like life was just overwhelming. But through every hard moment, my family loved me consistently. They never gave up, and they showed me that I am worthy.
One of the most meaningful parts of my life has been watching other kids in our family grow from tiny babies to toddlers, walking and talking and exploring the world. Being there to see those milestones has taught me how powerful love and stability really are. I’ve learned how to be a brother, how to care, and how to protect. And I owe a lot of that to my two amazing parents, who taught me what family really means.
Another blessing in my life has been the strong men and women of God who surround me, family friends, mentors, church leaders, people who have poured life into me and helped me grow into the young man I am today. Their guidance, faith, and encouragement have helped me discover who I am and what I believe in. I know where I belong, and I know who loves me, and I will always be thankful for that.
Looking back, I can honestly say I don’t know where I would be without my family. They brought God into my life. They helped me find confidence, joy, direction, and love. And if I’m completely honest, I wouldn’t change a single part of my journey. Every step, even the hard ones, helped shape who I am today.
Stories like mine matter because there are so many kids in Georgia and all across the United States who haven’t yet found that kind of belonging. Right now, there are over 11,000 children in Georgia’s foster care system waiting for safe, loving homes. That number doesn’t even include the ripple effects of trauma, transitions, and the need for community support around those kids and their families.
Organizations like Georgia Kids Belong exist to help change those numbers and change those lives. GKB is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care and ensuring every child has the chance to belong in a family. Through initiatives like the I Belong Project and Foster Friendly Communities, they raise awareness, connect families with resources, and inspire communities to step in and support kids long before and long after adoption day.
If you’re reading this and feel moved by my story, know this: change isn’t just possible, it’s happening. And every person, family, and community that gets involved brings hope to a child who very much deserves it.
I love my family. And I know that they love me.
That truth of being seen, chosen, and loved is something every kid deserves. And I hope that, one day, every child waiting will feel that same joy I found.
