For 11-year-old Sebastian, the prospect of having a family appeared to be an unattainable dream. Hailing from Colombia, Sebastian participated in the “Kidsave’s Summer Miracles” program, a initiative designed to connect orphans with temporary host families during the summer.
Sebastian’s journey led him to California, where he found himself under the care of Amanda and JoBen Barkey. Intrigued by Sebastian’s online photo, the Barkeys swiftly developed a deep affection for him, eagerly embracing the opportunity to welcome him into their family for the summer, as reported by Happiest.
The Barkeys, already parents to four children, faced the potential challenges of integrating a new member into their family. However, upon Sebastian’s arrival, the Barkey children instantly formed a bond with him, treating him as a cherished addition to their sibling circle.
Regrettably, the five-week summer program concluded too swiftly. Sebastian was returned to Colombia to reside in a children’s home, leaving the Barkeys with a palpable sense of emptiness in their family. Happiest reports that, for the 11-year-old boy, the return to Colombia felt like a heartbreaking separation, casting doubt on the possibility of ever reuniting with the people who had become like a second family to him
