Jeffrey and Mary Hope were born in the Philippines. Jeffrey was two-and-half when adoptive parents Alli and David Owens brought their son home to the United States in 2018. He was too young to have memories of living in his country of birth. Thirteen-year-old Mary Hope was 11 when the Owens returned to the Philippines to adopt her in 2022. She is keenly aware of her past. She has memories, good and bad. She fondly remembers the food and the simple joy of the Filipino people—and she remembers how she and the other children in the orphanage prayed desperately to be adopted.
When Alli and David decided their family would attend the Heritage Weekend at Mills Home in Thomasville on July 26-28, they were excited that Jeffrey and Mary Hope and their birth children, 15-year-old daughter Eden and 12-year-old son Jagur, would meet other families with adopted children from the Philippines.
“I began praying about having an event after attending a conference in the Philippines where I learned about a camp experience for Filipino adopted children,” Christian Adoption Services’ Lead Director of International Adoptions Laura Nichols-Virgilio recounts. “But the Lord impressed us to focus on the whole family—adopted child, parents, and siblings. We began planning a special time where we would provide support and encouragement for these families who adopted Filipino children. We decided to produce a weekend event with a strong spiritual emphasis and build around it fellowship times and immersion opportunities into Filipino culture.”
Heritage Weekend brought together six families and 11 children born in the Philippines. It was a unique opportunity. The Owens know other families who have adopted children, but for Jeffrey and Mary Hope, this was their first time together with adoptive families who have children from the Philippines.
“We were drawn together by our shared stories and experiences,” David asserts. “Seeing our kids spend time together with the other children was important. The weekend was invaluable to our entire family.”
Alli adds, “Jeffrey was so young when he became a part of our family, but he is proud of being Filipino. Attending Heritage Weekend helped him learn more about where he came from.” Mary Hope feels at times as if she stands out in her new country, looking different from her parents and siblings. She is more reserved than Jeffrey, who is often the “life of the party.” But during Heritage Weekend, she played familiar Filipino games and enjoyed eating familiar food that was specially prepared for the event. She and the other Filipino children shared language and culture. She could feel good about her Philippine heritage.
The couple had reservations about adopting an older child. When they went to pick up Jeffrey, Alli and David spent time with the teens at the orphanage. They realized the older children needed a home, too. They needed to be loved.
“We are aware of the emotional baggage older children carry, but we realized every adopted child faces challenges. We determined then to come back,” David says.
When they went to bring Mary Hope home, Alli was drawn to an older girl who had been returned after a failed adoption. She was sad. It can be hard for the children as they watch families come and take children away.
“You are here for Mary Hope,” she said—and with a tender voice, added, “I’m glad she is getting her miracle.”
The Owens learned that every child prays and believes they will one day be adopted. Each child at the orphanage hopes for a family. They are hoping for their miracle.
“Adoption has humbled me,” Alli confesses. “God has allowed us to be that miracle for two special children. Children who had hoped and prayed for us to come and be their family.”
The 2025 Heritage Weekend is set for July 25-27. Scan the QR code to view the 2024 Heritage Weekend highlight video. To learn more about Philippine adoption, visit christianadopt.org/adoption-philippines.
Written by Jim Edminson, Editor of Charity & Children
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