The beginning of a happy home: Adoption Story
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by
Jenicka
“I am very grateful to all the people who take care of me; they were all very kind to me; they give me love.” – Marco Enrique Voldhagen, 16 years old.
In March 2006, a five (5) day-old baby Marco found shelter in Concordia Children’s Services, Inc. (CCS). He was one of the kids who found a loving home in CCS–safe from the bustling streets of Metro Manila – operating at the heart of Sta. Mesa, Manila, CCS is a sanctuary for 30 wonderful children, including Marco. CCS staff remember Marco as a warm, quiet, but sweet child. “He [Marco] is a quiet child. He is a bit shy, especially with unfamiliar faces. So he hesitates with people that he seldom interacts. “However, he is a kind baby boy; his caregivers never experienced difficulty taking care of him.” Ms. Marites Alastoy elatedly shared the baby steps of the then little Marco.
“He is also sweet and often plays with his toys alone. During the sleeping time, he loves getting a pat on the back until he sleeps,” she added. For CCS staff, the unconditional love they gave fortified the foundation of CCS, thus, remaining the first terminal for children like Marco for a journey to a forever home.
The first “meant to be”
In 1994, Eva and Eivind began their story as Political Science classmates. Their love for one another resulted in their marriage in 1999. They shared that they had pondered adopting a child before meeting each other. Thus, their adoption journey was something that they went through naturally. In 2003, Eva and Eivind started their adoption journey. “We both felt that we were ready for a child, and adoption for us was a natural way to make it happen,” Eivind stressed. When they ultimately decided to pursue adoption, they were amazed at how swiftly the process moved. Eva mentioned that it just took a year. She expressed joy after speaking with the adoption agency about Marco and receiving a photo of him the same day. “I rushed to his [Eivind’s] workplace to get Marco’s picture printed,” Eva explained. Marco was just two (2) years old at the time.
Eva and Eivind felt well-prepared as parents for Marco, thanks to their meetings with the social service, psychologist, and priest throughout the adoption process. This was the first of many small steps leading them to Marco. “We never doubted this was the right decision because we both knew what we wanted… People around us are very happy and supportive…” Eva delightedly shared.
The second “meant to be”
Immediately after learning about Marco, Eva and Eivind began preparing their home for Marco. They bought toys, a stroller, and all the stuff that a two-year-old Marco would need, most importantly, plane tickets to the Philippines. Arriving at CCS, Eva shared that it was different from what they had expected “we expected an office.” Instead, Eva said they met the two-year-old Marco in a room with wonderful Concordia children holding the photo of his soon-to-be parents.
CCS held a farewell party for little Marco on August 19, 2008; it was also the 25th anniversary of CCS. Eva remembers how little Marco Constantly cried after leaving his first home. “It was a bit stressful, but a healthy reaction…” Eva stressed. Marco said “Papa” to Eivind on the first day, and on the second day, he said “Mama.” Hearing those words brought love and excitement to the hearts of Eva and Eivind, but they are more focused on making little Marco feel safe and bond with them.
The family spent time together, getting to know one another. Eva and Eivind had no recollection of any challenges during Marco’s initial months with them. He adjusted well to his new companions, food, weather, and culture. Again, it was a dreamlike start, a second meant to be, but this time, with little Marco.
Life in the Voldhagen Home
Presently, Marco is an aspiring 16-year-old athlete who loves handball and skiing. Marco has always known his roots because his parents are very open about it. Also, they have been returning to the Philippines and visiting CCS occasionally. Marco is now enjoying his forever home, “I travel a lot with mom and dad locally and internationally. We ski together, ride zip lines, biking…” Marco shared. His love for handball is unwavering; he plays five to six games weekly and occasionally hits the gym. Marco plans to combine his theoretical studies with his school’s handball team this upcoming academic year. He had also met and built meaningful relationships with his friends, whom he always hangs out or plays video games with. “When my friends asked why my hair is black, I said because I’m from the Philippines… I am very proud of being from the Philippines,” Marco proudly shared.
Eva and Eivind shared that before they decided to adopt a child, they talked about keeping the things they love to do, like traveling and camping. These activities now help them bond and build family memories. When they were asked about their message to parents who would want to adopt, Eivind said they must be sure they want to adopt. He stressed that adoption is a choice they must make, and it must be their first choice.
“I am very happy and grateful to Concordia because they took care of me before being adopted. CCS has been very kind; they greeted and interact with me well. CCS is my family in the first years of my life.”-Marco’s message of gratitude to CCS, his first home.
