A
FTER leaving that
day, the couple
knew things were
not official yet. The
biological parents had seven days to
change their minds.
“It was a constant fear of the phone ringing,”
Kylee says.
After seven long days the couple finally were able to
breathe a sigh of relief, and after a few more months of
finalizing paperwork, Seyla and Myles were officially Maar-schalks.
Life is fuller for the Maarschalk family now and they have been
enjoying every moment spent together.
“The kiddos have personality for days,” Kylee says.
Seyla is now 5 and loves all things unicorns and rainbows. Myles
will turn 7 this year and is ecstatic to be going into first grade. The
siblings love going to the beach and will swim in the water for hours.
Myles says, “I like what we get to eat and that we pray to God.”
Seyla comments, “It’s great! I loved our celebration party! When
can we have one again?”
To others wanting to begin the foster care or adoption journey,
32
WBM august 2020
Corey advises jumping
in and helping any way
you can.
“There are a lot of kids that
are hurting and if you have a home in
which you can help mend that hurt, you
should find that need and fill it,” he says.
Potential foster families received a boost from
the White House on June 24, when President Donald
Trump signed an executive order to strengthen the United
States child welfare system. The order will work to improve
partnerships, resources, and oversight and will help to empower
families opening their hearts and homes to children in need.
If not in a position to open your home at this moment, the Maar-schalks
recommend being a support to foster parents.
“Some children in foster care have been abused, neglected or
are without an appropriate adult to care for them. These children
need families from our community to open their hearts and
homes to them,” says a representative from New Hanover DSS
who did not want to give her name. “Foster and adoptive parents
are needed, and we invite you to learn more and help in any
capacity!”
Full of personality and love, Seyla and Myles give big hugs to their adoptive parents, Corey and Kylee Maarschalk.