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In February, we introduced you to Elaine. She is a PCHAS Foster Mom who works hard to connect with the young woman in her care, to honor her family and culture, and to have fun as a family. We will call the teen “Camila” to preserve her confidentiality as we update their story.
Blessings In Disguise
Elaine and Camila recently celebrated their second anniversary as a family. They went out for breakfast at Camila’s favorite restaurant. When it was time to pay for their meal, they learned that an anonymous person had already picked up the tab. Elaine said, “That was the perfect summary of our journey so far. Blessings in disguise!” It’s been an exciting two years, and Elaine is so proud of how Camila has grown. We asked her to reflect on their first Christmas together and share what it was like.
The Perfect Blend
When Camila came to live with Elaine, she was beginning to learn to speak English. Elaine is fluent in English and Spanish, so that was a huge help with communication. Camila’s Christmas traditions focused on her Guatemalan heritage. Elaine was born and raised in Puerto Rico, so Puerto Rican customs are a big part of her holidays. Blending and incorporating new traditions means more fun and more celebration, so Elaine gladly welcomed Camila’s customs.
Elaine said, “I’m a huge Christmas fan, and it’s fun watching her starting to sing Christmas songs and enjoy the classic movies. We are both looking forward to celebrating a ‘blended’ Christmas day, where we will have a little bit of Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Texas traditions.”
Make The Most Of Your Moments
Sometimes, families considering fostering or adopting worry about how they will bond with older kids when they have already missed so many “firsts.” Families who do well with pre-teens and teens often share a similar belief: you make the most of the moments you experience together.
Camila was fourteen years old when she and Elaine first met. Elaine said, “I remember her enjoying many firsts: her first time watching a light show, her first time going to a Dallas Mavericks game, and her first time eating an apple pie. We went to a friend’s family gathering that first Christmas and she got to do karaoke. She had already been with me a few weeks, and it was the first time I saw her smiling and giggling.”
It was also a huge “first” for Elaine. She had celebrated forty-two Christmases and experienced the holiday in Texas and Puerto Rico. Still, when Camila came to live with her, she experienced Christmas for the first time as a mom.
“When she first came to my house,” Elaine shared, “we stood under the Christmas tree, and I told her that the lights represent God’s eternal love and life; more than stars in the sky. It was a touching moment that helped us bond as a family. Camila loves musicals, shows, lights, and festivals, and her number one wish is to wake up to a house fully decorated with Christmas lights,” said Elaine.
There Is Always Room For More Traditions (and Gifts!)
Camila and Elaine are searching for more ways to celebrate Christmas with Guatemala's outdoor festivities, food and colors, but that has not kept them from celebrating the season. “We joined another family for Christmas last year,” Elaine shared. “Now we have the tradition of dressing up with matching pajamas, exchanging gifts, and singing karaoke. We even added some of the food traditions from Guatemala.”
“I love that she’s old enough and comfortable enough to tell me what she likes,” Elaine said. “I use the power of the gift card. It is the best invention for parents! In Puerto Rico, we also celebrate Three Kings Day. Once she discovered she could get additional gifts, she was thrilled.”
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Elaine and Camila have wasted no time. They have planted deep roots and are thriving as a family. Holidays can be challenging, but their connection and unity make it easier, and their acceptance of each other’s culture, customs, and traditions makes the celebration even sweeter. With karaoke, gift cards, matching pajamas, and food and traditions from Guatemala and Puerto Rico adding to the fun of Christmas, Elaine and Camila are looking forward to the most wonderful time of the year.
There is a huge need for families to foster and adopt in Texas – especially for school-aged kids and siblings. You can be family for children who need one, and we want to get to know you.
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