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Feb 9, 2008 6:29 pm US/Central
McKinney Texas Family Adopts Orphan From Africa
McKINNEY (CBS 11 News) ―
As she spends her first day in North Texas, Covvey Bonnema has lots of new names to remember as she gets to know her new family.
"I love my family," the newly adopted girl says.
Until now, the teen had no one to call 'Mom' or 'Dad.'
She grew up in Aksum, Ethiopia and her journey to the U.S. has been historical. She became the first orphan to be adopted from her orphanage in 50 years.
"They're living in a situation where there's no electricity, no running water," explains her new mother Kelly Bonnema.
With four children of their own the Bonnemas never imaged having another child.
While looking for the Arc of the Covenant last Janurary, however, they made a connection while spending some time at a local orphanage.
"When we walked into the orphanage ... and feel in love with her," Kelly Bonnema says.
The Bonnemas wanted to give Covvey a chance at seeing her 14th birthday --- something many kids in Africa will never see.
"Children died last year of starvation; they're in dire need," the mother of five adds.
This McKinney couple says those living in one of the richest countries in the world could stand to learn from one of the poorest.
"One thing that's not important to them is stuff," Jacob Bonnema stresses.
For them, this unplanned adoption has been one of the best blessings.
"You will see the world through totally different eyes," Jacob Bonnema adds. "If you decide to adopt, you'll experience things you thought you would never experience … seize that moment."
The Bonnemas plan on making many more trips to Ethiopia this year. They're working with the local government to build several orphan homes there – their goal is to build 100 around the world.
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