When you said at the age of 15 you really just wanted to be adopted...my heart just broke. I am so glad you finally found your family! ❤️

You have really encouraged me to look into adopting an older child. My husband and I just got our license last week and we’re unsure of someone older! Thanks for using your voice to encourage us!

@trixiesalodes3561

5 жыл бұрын

Hi

@MizSazz

5 жыл бұрын

Erica Vargas hows the process going?

@alainbongjoh98

5 жыл бұрын

Erica Vargas please adopt me

@Ayitiana

5 жыл бұрын

Erica Vargas adopt older please!

@vtae5753

4 жыл бұрын

Adopt me pls😭💔

It breaks my heart that people look at kids in need of adoption as catalogue items. Wrong colour, wrong age, wrong image. Every child no matter how old is deserving of love. I’m a 34 year old bachelor who never wanted kids but something makes me want to help. I have the means and the love in my heart to do it.

Hi Chris. I recently adopted an older teen. We went to court 3 days before he turned 18.... My new son is a pure joy to have in my life. I see him blossoming now that he has a committed home. I was watching your video in preparation for an interview by my adoption agency for a blog article on older teen adoption. I'm really grateful for you sharing your story, and hopefully my interview will also help to get the word out.

@vtae5753

4 жыл бұрын

Can you adopt me too 😭💔

@eagillum

4 жыл бұрын

Do you have the blog article?

@jeffwilson8702

4 жыл бұрын

@@eagillum I decided to off on the interview until the kid gets settled into his new home.

this picnic sounds so stressful, like a job interview. to present yourself in a good way in order to get adopted. this is horrible for a teenager to have to go through.

@ralucaioana2026

4 жыл бұрын

It sounds more like a big family gathering, get to know the people without pressure. But maybe thats just me thinking that the system and the process itself scares them enough. And to have to meet your "new family" in an office for the first time + make a good impression seems like a lot of pressure ; I would clearly be shocked - freezed. At the picnic you can run anytime :)))

@mrs.garcia6978

4 жыл бұрын

They choose to go

@PonytailRuth

4 жыл бұрын

It certainly worked brilliantly for the young man in question.

@amapparatistkwabena

4 жыл бұрын

Have you seen this documentary below? I agree with you on so many levels---even though it can lead to great placements. Something about it just doesn't settle well with me... I'm happy some kids receive great families though, so... kzread.info/dash/bejne/jJp8uLyeYNC3ecY.html

@JasonGafar

3 жыл бұрын

I know! They also have no idea what they're getting into. There's no going back.

My parents adopted my brother when he was 15. I was 29. They set out to adopt a teenager knowing that they wouldn't have the energy to run after a little kid and that teens are much less likely to be adopted. I'm so glad they adopted him. I'm closer with him now than I am with my biological brother.

@keepitsimpleydb6151

4 жыл бұрын

That is awesome!!!!

@JasonGafar

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha. I hope your biological brother didn't read this. Lol.

@bburney06

3 жыл бұрын

@@JasonGafar lol oops. I totally didn't mean that the way it sounded. I hope if he does he realizes what I meant. My adopted brother lives a six hour drive away and in the same town as my parents so we see each other several times a year. My biological brother lives a two day drive away so sometimes several years go by between visits.

Congratulations for being adopted as an older child. Your adoptive parents saw something special in you. You said that you’re about to graduate from college, which takes drive and motivation to accomplish. You can do anything, Chris, and I wish you the best on your life’s journey.

@ChrisGray1graytheone

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! it truly is a blessing the whole situation I'm very thankful to be apart of the family that God already had planned for me to be with!

@joannabusinessaccount7293

4 жыл бұрын

@@ChrisGray1graytheone It is God who creates family, biological, step, foster, biological, and otherwise. In God’s infinite design, God has found a son for a family, and a family for a son. God has used you as a testimony and ambassador to spread this message. How wonderful, and glorious. Bless you, fine young man, and your family!

I really believe the Lord brought me to this video at the most perfect time. We are in the process of getting our foster-adopt license and originally my heart was set on fostering with the possibility of adopting but on a whim I decided to look at a few waiting children lists and found a 12 year old boy who has captured my attention and a piece of my heart. I can't seem to stop thinking about him but I wasn't sure how adopting an older child would be. My husband and I have no children of our own and like most couples who struggle with infertility, we were looking at having younger children in our home. However, we have been strongly considering adopting him. It's just so crazy that like you, he lives in Texas. We live in the Pacific Northwest so we would have to do the whole ICPC paperwork which adds additional time but I think this video has cemented my decision in adopting him. I really feel like to the Lord led me to his profile and to your video. I can't wait to show my husband this video when he gets off work! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video and share your story.❤️

@hollydenouden1144

5 жыл бұрын

Andrea, I love hearing your story on here. Can I ask what ended up happening? We have had a similar situation happen, and we are in the process of adopting the same kiddo from the photo we saw. God truly knows and can totally show us our kiddos in a moment like that. Hope that God brings you the exact child(ren) which He has planned for your family.

@jessicarada503

4 жыл бұрын

Any updates from either of you?

@lichi1244eva

4 жыл бұрын

I would love an update! We are in the process of getting our license too

@emmaauty2922

4 жыл бұрын

How did it go?

@ghostlobster6631

4 жыл бұрын

Please give us an update :)

I am only 27 years old now but i look so forward to adopting an older child when I get into my 40's

@missadebihemaakingdomroyal6226

4 жыл бұрын

🙏🏽🙏🏽

@kaonelekgotla7467

4 жыл бұрын

I am 28 years and i want to adopt teen daughter when i turn 35 years

@beccabaker7636

4 жыл бұрын

Why not now? Why wait they need folks now.

@77DSeven

3 жыл бұрын

I'm 25 and If God allows I would not mind adoption a teen or two right now. Even though I would look like the sister I have a lot of love to go around and I love communicating with children. I would most definitely consider siblings because I would love to make sure they could be raised together in a happy home.

@folkfolk281

2 жыл бұрын

Hello, I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.

I have been trying to adopt an older teen for almost 3 years. The teens break my heart because so many of them feel very similar to what you did when you were still in care. It's hard being matched because they feel so hurt and shut down that so many have given up and most states allow youth the option of being adopted or not at too young of an age. It just so happens that last week, I got the call. A social worker called me and said there is a 15 year old that is looking to be adopted and it seems that he will match my family. I was lost for words. We spoke for quite awhile. I can only imagine how he is feeling right now. Of course, I said yes. I haven't met him just yet, but I am looking forward to it. It stories like yours that keep me motivated and not losing hope. Thank you for sharing. I wish you the very best.

@folkfolk281

2 жыл бұрын

Hello, I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.

@sherricasey4939

2 жыл бұрын

@@folkfolk281 yes there is plenty of help. Can you message me privately?

@folkfolk281

2 жыл бұрын

@@sherricasey4939 yea may i know if you are on any other platform?

@sherricasey4939

2 жыл бұрын

@@folkfolk281 hint #1: most kids are not on Facebook hint #2: most abused kids don't leave a public reply about what's going on hint #3: your profile hint#4 your vocabulary Conclusion: your not 13 years old nor are you being abused. In the wild chance I'm wrong, call the cops, they will do their job. God Bless

You are an incredible young man. Your family is so blessed to have you as a part of their life. I know.... We've adopted five kids (infant -12 yrs.) . They are my greatest treasures in this world. May God continue to bless you and show you much favor.

I just fell in love with your personality! I have 2 grown children and have been considering adopting an older child. I am going to attend the next class. Thank you Chris you touched my heart. x

@ChrisGray1graytheone

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much I am truly grateful for the chance to get my story out there and let people know that adopting is a great thing!

@vtae5753

4 жыл бұрын

Can you adopt me 😭💔

Wow such an educated young man. I'm glad you found a family who gave you a chance because obviously you have so much potential! God bless you and your family!

@ChrisGray1graytheone

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much I greatly appreciate you taking the time to hear my story.

I can’t believe how many points you were able to address in such a short video. So glad that you’re speaking out for the other kids man. 31 and adopted myself man and currently adopting can’t tell how many times in this 15 minute video I just wanted to jump through the screen and high five the points you were making I wonder how many people shifted older just due to your video I’m sure this video got a few teens adopted man

you are mature beyond your years with incredible awareness... you are already a success in life!!

I feel like so many people weren’t right for you and you kept being led down a path that had your meant to be family at the end of that path. It’s incredible!

Thank you for sharing your story! We are in the process of adopting a 15 year old girl at the moment. We are over the moon and can't wait to bring her home.

Thank you so much for sharing. I plan to adopt an older child from the foster care system.

@vtae5753

4 жыл бұрын

Can you adopt me pls😭💔

i'm filling out paper work to start fostering so i'm glad to see it from a foster kids point of view so thank u i went to foster to adopt

@ChrisGray1graytheone

6 жыл бұрын

That is great to hear that makes my heart warm!

I'm so glad you dared to hope that your dream of having a family would come true even though you were "older". Thank you for sharing your story!

I’m so happy for you. I hope you are able to see your biological siblings. We are raising our grand daughter. She had several siblings. ( Same mom with 2 of them and same dad with two. Two adults, one teen and one preschool age). We work hard to make sure she stays connected with them. You are an incredible young man. I pray it continues to go well for you.

You have moved my heart to adopt a teen. Please pray my husband will be moved to be on board. We are starting the process to foster to adopt but originally planned on adopting an infant. Thank you for this beautiful testimony. God bless you!

@ChrisGray1graytheone

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jen! Thank you for the encouragement! That is so exciting to hear! I will definitely be praying for you guys and your journey. I'm putting out a Q&A video soon so if you have any questions I'll try to add them to my list. Blessing to you and your family!

Hey guys if you have any questions towards me or what adopting is like please reply or comment on this I’ll be putting a Q&A out soon!

@llddau

4 жыл бұрын

Chris Gray1 I think your family is lucky to have you, you’re mature, smart, caring, sensitive and a bit adorable too! I bet they’re very proud. Your story makes me both happy and sad, sad you had a hard time, elated to hear you became part of a family, and sad that I can’t adopt too. I would like to so much, and have always wanted to adopt a teenager as I know they are less likely to be chosen than a baby. How did you/do you feel about being separated from your brothers? Where are they, do you see them, are they together?

So proud of you, Chris! It’s brave testimonials like this that recently reaffirmed my decision to adopt a teenager. Wish me luck and Happy Holidays!

@resianemaculate.

4 жыл бұрын

Pete Oros, Would you kindly adopt my two kids? They are 11 (girl)and boy (8).

Thank you so much, Im in tears watching this. I have always been pulled to adoption and was wanting an older child so this has help me see how beautiful it can be.

@folkfolk281

2 жыл бұрын

Hello, I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.

I been watching alot of KZread on older children getting adopted. Your story is so moving. May God continue to bless you in life.....so very proud of you.

I am in love with your story, I am only 20 but I really want to adopt my children in the future, I need to focus at the work and career first but I always wanted to be a young mother. To adopt like 2 - 3 sons that are brothers in age 10-18 when I am like 30-40 is my ultimate dream in life and I am so sad that I dont know my children yet and they go through the trauma and shit it is so unfair. I wish you the best in life I love your vibe, you are so intelligent and good looking I really hope that all your dreams will come true one day, stay strong!

@emiliapazur

5 жыл бұрын

+ sorry for my english I am from Europe :D

@trixiesalodes3561

5 жыл бұрын

Hi can you adopt me

@vtae5753

4 жыл бұрын

Can you adopt me and be my mother pls😭💔

I'm sure you make your parents proud! You are well-spoken and make me interested in adopting an older child.

Thank you for sharing your story! My husband and I (he is 27 and I'm 25) started the foster paperwork almost a year ago, but never finished. We thought we would get littles because we are so young, but God put it on our hearts to adopt older kids. We're moving into a house this summer (I don't know how sharing a single bathroom with a teenager would play out haha) and we are so excited because that means we're closer to growing our family.

@lienbijs1205

4 жыл бұрын

There is a minimum and maximum age gap between adoptive parents and child, not in America?

@cheyenneomans4995

4 жыл бұрын

@@lienbijs1205 From what I read, each state has its own age requirements, and Texas doesn't have any specified

I want to thank you for your video. My husband and I are wanting to adopt an older child but didn't know how an older child would feel about joint a family. Your video has had a great impact and confirmation that this is what we want. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

@kabin6245

3 жыл бұрын

i am 17 years old boy can you want to adopt me please?💔😢😢😭😭😭

What a wonderful young man you have become. Your positive attitude will serve you well. I am so sorry about your earlier heartaches, but am SO glad you found the love you so richly deserve. Wishing you a happy and joy - filled life...

Thank you for being brave and sharing your story. Your voice is important.

Hey I’m from Kerrville and I was born in Corpus Christi! OMG! We have been contemplating adoption with teenagers here in Seattle area and I truly believe that this video came up on my with a purpose to complete the license and get our future kids living in a loving, faith filled home! Thanks for posting! God bless!

@brixbaniqued6640

4 жыл бұрын

Im 16 years old :+ can you adopt me?

You touched me! My husband and I are starting our introduction class to adopt on Monday and we’ve been pulled to adopt older children and not separate siblings. Your parents are blessed and if we are fortunate enough to have a child with 1/10 of your heart we will be truly blessed! Love to you!

@trixiesalodes3561

5 жыл бұрын

Hi

@folkfolk281

2 жыл бұрын

Hello, I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.

You’re a wonderful person. I just wanted to say that 💜

Yes, I want to adopt a older child. I love your story..... I hope I can help a you man on his life road.

@resianemaculate.

4 жыл бұрын

Beverly Thomas, Can you please adopt my kids?

This made me sad and then so happy. We are looking to adopt a teen and looking for stories and experiences.

Your story touched me so much.

Thank you for sharing your life story. I , a mother aged 56, love you. I sincerely pray that may the universe shower you with a lot of happiness for the rest of your life.

Thank you for being so open & honest. You’re giving hope to other kids & potential adoptive parents 🥰

You reinforced my desire to adopt an older kid when I'm settled. Thank you.

Chris, I just finished listening to your video. Your story is so powerful, heart wrenching, and heart warming all at the same time. I hate to think of so many teens not being adopted. I love that God sent you a wonderful family. Thank you for taking the time to share your story. I'm single and am thinking of adopting a teenager. This is a big decision for me. It needs to be bathed in prayer. May God bless you as you walk out His plan and purpose for your life.

Hi, Thank you for your wonderful story. We are empty nesters with 2 children who have graduated college and one in college now. I hate having an empty home without the sounds of children. The process has been slow because they seem to rush foster parents through, but it is a waiting game for families who want to go straight to adoption. The system is so slow. One year has passed and our home study is submitted for processing. I look forward to sharing your story with my husband. You are a wonderful young man and an inspiration to all! Please wish us luck as we see this through, seeking to welcome to our family in a child 12-16. All the best, The Calamari's

@Oceanusnovas-um2zf

4 жыл бұрын

Good luck to you and your husband. It's a wonderful thing to do. Bless

@folkfolk281

2 жыл бұрын

Hello, I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.

I adopted my 5 kids as a single parent. It was tuff for me and I was young going to college. I was working with street and throwaway kids in Los Angeles. I got to know a family judge and he became a second father figure. I brought a 5 yr.old boy to him. He didn't like the foster care system at the time. He looked at me and said since he needed a dad you can adopt him and I will help you through the process. I went him, told my parents and my mom told me people are going to look at you funny because they going to think you want to molest him because during the early 80's many people were accused of sexual abuse because of the McMartin case and others. Five kids later, they are successful college educated adults who did it on their .I just gave the foundation. Now, I have 7 adopted grandchildren. This was the greater gift given to me by God.

😭 Thank you for sharing. My partner and I just started the process to become licensed to adopt. I really appreciate you sharing your story.☺️

Thank you, Chris! Adopting an older child is something I've thought about for awhile and I feel the time is right to move forward with that. Your story is an inspiration and I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness!

@folkfolk281

2 жыл бұрын

Hello, I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.

Thank you for sharing your story! We love telling adoption stories and always love seeing people stand up as a voice for adoption! You are an encouragement!

I’m sold, Chris. Thank you for sharing your story. Good luck to you!

Your the reason why kiddo!! I love your story, your heart, and this is why teens are so special to my family! Sending lots of love and praying for blessings over your life! God bless you! Keep sharing your story. Look how many hearts are being touched.

I am in the process of getting licensed as foster/adopt a teen. I have been leaning more toward a girl as I felt the fit into my life would be better. After listening to your story and reasons for wanting to be adopted as a teenager, I have opened up the option to boys as well. I hope I can have as positive impact on a teen as your family has provided you.

I hope more people will do this.💞most heartwarming thing

This was a lovely story. Thank you for sharing.

So much love and deep appreciation for you, for your words, and your life on this earth. And unlimited blessings for you and your amazing family!!!

Thank you for sharing your story!

Thanks for your story. Really inspirational and glad you persevere and never gave up on your hope / dream as most people likely would have done so by the time they are in their teens. Very happy for you and look forward to hearing more about your journey forward. Respect and love!

You seem like an amazing young man. Given your determination and attitude, you will go far in life and do great!!

Thank you so much for sharing your story! ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you for sharing your story. My husband and I were mostly interested in young kids because we are young ourselves but I saw a 17 year old boy on an adoption website today and just out in an inquiry about him. I don’t know if anything will come from it but there was just something about him. I have to know more.

Chris, Thank you so much for your story... every child in this world needs to be able to know that they are loved and wanted. PS... Please tell your parents thank you as well... I am so proud of them and you!

Thank you for your story Chris! This was so heartfelt and I pray for your continued success in your future! Very inspiring, blessings to you!🌸

Your story is truly inspiring. Thank you so much for being willing to share it

Thank you sweet young man for sharing with us. My heart is overwhelmed

God bless you brother. I loved hearing your story. My wife and I are currently looking into adopting a middle aged child.

Bless you, Young Man! Thanks for sharing. I've been thinking about adopting an older child for many years.

All the best to you young blood and in your career. God bless

God bless you boy. I cannot imagine as mother, you made me cry. Lot of love for you.

A uplifting story..your a strong young man and you are going to change someones life!

You seem like a great kid. We all need to thank you adoptive parents for taking a chance. The guided you to be a fine young man. Good Luck in your future.

Congratulations on setting goals and working towards them and achieving them! You were proactive in thinking about what you wanted in life and how to achieve it! Great job advocating for yourself with your case manager when you decided you wanted to be adopted! You can be happy and proud as well as thankful that you are nearing college graduation. You are a kind person to think about other older kids out there who want to be adopted and to try to help them by reassuring prospective adoptive parents about your successful adoption story. Keep looking ahead, setting goals, and working to achieve them. Even if there are hard patches along the way and you have to make adjustments to your plans, never give up! You are worth it. You have something valuable to give to others. Your life is meaningful.

Chris what a fine young man you have turned out to be...Your mother and father must be very proud of you and your accomplishments.You are graduating from College...WOW, that's wonderful.You have such a positive attitude.I wish you the best,and lots of success in your life.Great story continue with this, you will inspire other kids in the foster program, remember never give up,all things are possible.God is good,God is great bless you and your new family.

Thank you for sharing your story ♥️ Always let your light shine and continue to share your story as you never know who is listening. May your journey continue to be filled with blessings. You are giving a voice to so many kids!!! I am grateful that I found your video. Your words touched my heart ♥️♥️

Thank you for sharing. Love your story and your heart. May God continue to bless you and use you to help bless others.

What a well spoken and bright young man. You helped me to break down my preconceived notions about fostering older kids, thank you.

You are an extraordinary young man. Thank you for sharing your story.

You're such an amazing guy!!!! You deserve any good thing that happens to you.

It’s great things are working so well for you! Best of luck with your life.

Good song for the background! Hills and Valleys could be a very inspirational song for kids going through a rough child hood. Happy to hear your story and that things turned out ok! My wife and I are starting the process to be foster parents with the goal to adopt, so it's helpful to hear that there is hope.

Thank you for your testimony, your experience is priceless

Thank you Chris, many goosebumps,

Wow! Thank you for sharing. We are thinking about adopting an older child. I had a son when I was very young and had another son many years later with my husband so there is a 10 year age gap between our kids. And we’d love to fill in the gap between our two. And knowing that there is such a need for older kids, it seems to just make sense. We are doing the research now and your video came up, thank you for sharing your story! God bless!

Just makes me more convinced of what I need to do. Im so glad your family found you ♡

Thank you thank you for sharing this. Needed to hear it right now ❤️🙏🏻

You’re an amazing young man and for being in the foster care system for so many years you have a wonderful out look in life. Every kid deserves a family. God bless you and your family.

We are looking into adopting an older child and your story just really solidified it for me. Thank you for sharing. I got teary eye'd when you spoke about going to a small area cause you were feeling down.

Thank you so much for this ❤. We are beginning to look into adopting a 15 year old from Columbia, and it’s great to hear that you were able to bond with your family.

Thanks for sharing your story! We have been fostering for almost 3 years, looking into fostering/adopting an older kid. Kinda nervous because of all the stories you hear. Your story was very encouraging. Praying for nothing, but the best for you!

@folkfolk281

2 жыл бұрын

Hello, I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.

Thank you for this important message. You are an inspirational leader.

Thank you 🙏🏾 so much for sharing your story. I am considering adoption in the near future. Your story is the first I’ve heard from the perspective of an older adopted child.

You're a very good speaker and I can tell you have a really big heart too.

You are so special kid. I hope you know it and keep the good patterns. Even if you go sometimes regress, don't forget you can go forward . Always forward.

Thanks for sharing your story. Good luck 👍 with your future... I'm sure you're going to do well because you never gave up. You have a very nice way about yourself.

Our paths on this earth differ, however it often turns out for the better. You turned out so much better than most people. Continue with your positive attitude!

You are a precious puppy. I can't imagine wanting to adopt a young child. I can't even imagine giving birth. I love teens. they are such a hot mess but I love it. I've heard the stats on kids that age out and this is something that needs to change now. So happy for you. You WILL do great things with your life. Keep going! God bless!

Thank you SO much for this video! My husband and I are about to start the process...everyone we know is trying to talk us out of it..telling us adopting older will be the biggest mistake of our lives. Hearing your story just gave me more reassurance that this is right!! Best wishes for you going further!!

Thanks for sharing. I have adopted and foster siblings and I'm trying to write a story about an older kid in foster care. It's great to hear your story!

*🔴Thank you for telling your story. I hope you will continue to tell it to all who will listen. You are a fine young man, and clearly quite intelligent and articulate. You have opened my eyes and given a voice to children still hoping for a family. I will not forget you, nor your story. God bless.*

Thank you for sharing your story with us. Thank you for being willing to take a chance on opening up to a family and wanting to fit in. As an older child, it is also on them wanting to bond and fit in to being a part of a family. In other words, love goes both ways. You have to WANT to love back. BLESSINGS, -Kate

I think you and your family are amazing, thank God!

I love Kerrville! Everyone I go to TX I love passing through there! I'm so happy for you that you were adopted!

Your testimony has brought me to tears so amazing!!!!!!!!!!! May God bless you forever 💜💚💙🧡💛