A Child is Waiting- Life-Loving Jayla has High Hopes of Forever Family

By Honey Murray for MediaNews Group

“I know that lots of adoption consultants say this about the kids they work with,” says Jayla’s worker, “but Jayla is the person who makes you feel so welcome, and she truly lights up the room – more, even, than anyone in my personal life.

“Jayla has an infectious personality: bubbly, silly, friendly, sweet and also very caring. She is such a light and so fun to be around. She always has the best intentions and wants to make connections with people. She is able to identify strengths within herself, which is hard, even for adults.”

With a huge smile, Jayla describes herself as “awesome.”

“I’m a cool kid,” she continues. “I am very strong, very helpful around the house…very smart in school and things like that. I’m outgoing and really funny, and I love Jesus. I’m a safe kid and am full of joy.”

She shares that she loves Garfield, pandas, koalas and sloths, and that one day she’d like to have a car that is her favorite color: hot pink.

Fifteen-year-old Jayla likes to cook, especially Italian food like spaghetti-and-meatballs and lasagna.

“I look at the recipe,” she explains, “but then I can go ahead and do it. I’m good at making cakes, too!”

Jayla has many interests and enjoys doing word searches; crafts, including painting and coloring; swimming; jumping on the trampoline and game nights.

“Jayla is a ‘game night’ girl,” her worker says. “She loves the things life has to offer. She doesn’t just say she likes them – she seeks them out and enjoys them.”

She likes school, especially English, music and art, and she takes pride in her schoolwork.

“Anytime she’s asked what she would like to be when she grows up, her answers have always been a field that is a helpful field, always about helping people or animals,” says her worker. “Currently, she would like to be a lawyer who would help foster kids.”

Her worker states that Jayla would do best with a two-parent family who would be able to give the time and commitment needed for building connection and for her continuing growth.

“Jayla loves animals,” her worker adds, “and she would love to be part of a forever family that has a pet.

“She is a kid who has never wavered in her desire to be adopted by a forever family. She has never lost hope, which is something you don’t see very often.”

When asked what most excites her about a family of her own, Jayla says, “I’d like to go to church together, have game nights and movie nights, maybe go to Disney…having a family would mean being safe and happy and having support.

“My first and biggest wish is to get in a forever family. That is my wish.”

For more information about adoption, fostering or mentoring, please contact Orchard’s Children’s Services at 855.694.7301.