To be honest, Honduras was probably the least country that I wanted to go to when I was looking at our World Race route. I think because it is known as such a dangerous and violent country, I had preconceptions of what my time would look like there. But after praying before we came and now being here for two weeks, God has been truly working in my heart and showing me why we’re here and how beautiful this country is.
Our team is working with a ministry called Heart of Christ in La Ermita, Honduras. Heart of Christ is a justice center for victims and refugees involved in violent or abusive situations. It’s a place where victims can stay for a period of time where victims can have shelter, food, clothing, medical attention, etc.
Heart of Christ has also been a home to children who have either been abandoned or have been taken out of abusive situations at home. And after being able to get to know the children and bond with them, it has made me reflect on my own life story.
And so I’ve felt compelled to write this letter.
A letter to the person who gave me life.
A letter to my birth mother.
Dear Cece,
You don’t know me, but I’m your son.
You couldn’t keep me when I was born, and although I don’t know the exact details, I never questioned that your decision was the best one to make at the time you made it.
I’m writing this letter to say two words: Thank you.
Thank you for letting me live my life to the fullest. At a young age in your life, you had the strength to give up your child for adoption and to give me to a family who loves me as their own. And even though I am not blood related to them, I am their child.
Thank you for being selfless. I have no idea what the circumstances were or what the situation was but you knew that there was no way you could raise a child at the time you had me.
We have never met since the day you birthed me, but you have showed me what true love is. And what I mean by that is when you were pregnant, you didn’t think about yourself.
You didn’t have an abortion. You didn’t give me off to a relative. You didn’t dump me off at a police station with no note.
You gave me the greatest gift, the gift of life. And I am forever grateful for that.
You see, I’ve learned that God uses everyone in very special ways. My parents were unable to have children of their own, so they choose to adopt. God specifically picked you to be the woman to help bring me to my parents.
You helped me get to where I was going. You knew in your heart you were unable to give me the best life that I could have, and that’s why you decided to let me go be with a family that was readily able and financially stable to help me become the young man I am today.
Above all, you loved me enough to let me go. You knew I wouldn’t have been able to strive and excel in that environment or situation that you were in, so you gave me the opportunity to become all that I could be and also bless a couple that so desperately wanted to have a family of their own.
It takes a very strong, special, and blessed person to choose to put their child up for adoption. I know it probably wasn’t easy but I continually thank God for the strength he gave you during that tough time in your life.
And so it’s been 26 years since you birthed me. 26 years since the last time you saw me. 26 years since you gratefully gave me to my family.
I’ve grown up, gone to school, have had life experiences, and now am following God on this adventure called the World Race. Maybe someday our paths might cross and I can tell you in person how thankful I am that you gave me up for adoption.
My prayer is that you’re doing well, are healthy, and that you love your life. And I pray that God continues to work in your life wherever you may be.
Thank you for your selfless love. It saved my life.
With love,
William James
