This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On June 26, 2020, Elizabeth Githinji, a 47-year-old program specialist and farmer, sat down with Euginia Gathoni to share her remarkable story of adoption.
Elizabeth, who was adopted as a baby, never felt a strong desire to have biological children of her own. Instead, she always knew that adoption would be her first choice. This decision was influenced by her own adoption experience and her desire to meet a partner who shared her views on family planning.
Growing up on a farm in Limuru, Elizabeth was an only child who was surrounded by adults. She developed close friendships with her neighbors, which helped fill the void of not having siblings. However, she struggled with shyness and felt uncomfortable in groups until her 30s.
Elizabeth's journey took a significant turn when she visited New Life Children's Home in Dagoretti North. There, she met a five-month-old baby girl who had been brought to the home just four days earlier. Elizabeth fell in love with the baby and decided to adopt her through a closed adoption process.
After completing the legal processes, Elizabeth took her nine-month-old baby home, and the adoption was officially finalized about 12 months later. One of her most cherished memories is the first time her daughter called her 'mum.'
Elizabeth's mother has been her biggest supporter throughout her adoption journey. She encourages others to adopt, citing the numerous children in need of loving families. Elizabeth is open about her adoption experience and welcomes questions and views from others.
She has also joined forces with her friend, Grace Wanunda, to create a Facebook page called 'Adoption is Beautiful Kenya.' The platform has become a valuable resource for adoptive parents, children, and prospective adoptive parents, offering a space to share experiences and answer questions.
Elizabeth acknowledges that adoption can come with its challenges, but she emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present and making the most of it. She also recognizes that adopted children may grapple with their identity, and she encourages those involved to approach this inquiry positively.
For Elizabeth, adoption is a calling, and she believes that God grants each person a gift. If adoption is one's gift, then their heart will sing when they think about it. Elizabeth's advice to other parents is to love their children as they are, guide them to find their purpose, and help them sow good fruit from their gifts and capabilities.
