Faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Social worker Imelda Rempson lives the agency’s mission of offering hope and rebuilding lives by diligently seeking information about adoptees’ birth families and facilitating reunions. In 2017, LSS/NCA united 27 families through the private adoption search and reunion process. Each year, we receive letters and cards of thanks for Imelda and the agency’s service. A united adoptee and parent recently shared the following thoughts:
Adoptee’s Message
My search and reunion was made possible by the fantastic staff at LSS/NCA. As I began the process, I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that after 36 years of not knowing the history of my birth and my natural family, it was time to take the journey I have dreamt about all my life. I think I was in total shock and overwhelmed during my first meeting at the office. My social worker, Ms. Imelda, walked me through the process and explained that she would be there every step of the way. The fact that I would not be going at this alone was truly comforting. After what felt like only a few weeks, I was told that my birth family had been located. My social worker spoke with my oldest sister and we later had a phone call with my two sisters, my birth mother and maternal aunt. I was nervous about the process moving so fast but my social worker had everyone’s best interest in mind and helped me get through the reunion process comfortably. Adoption reunion for me has been very complex. It has been joyous, heartbreaking, exciting, uncomfortable, eye opening and overwhelming, and I am embracing it all. This is the beginning of a new chapter for me and my birth family and I have LSS/NCA to thank for making this connection and reunion possible.
Birth Mother’s Message
It was such an overwhelming moment for me when we first met. She was a beautiful woman with a warm and welcoming smile that just took my heart with love. It was hard for me but I made it through, so now my life is complete and we are living life day by day with lots of love and forgiveness. I am thankful that she is in my life.
LSS/NCA received the court order for this case in spring 2017. Within two months, Imelda located the family. She received the confirmation call from one of the birth sisters who indicated she was with her mother, another sister and an aunt. Imelda made arrangements to go to the home and share information about the adoptee with the family. They decided to pick up the phone that day and connect with the adoptee. “Witnessing the family’s conversation for the first time, and crying with them, is a moment that I will forever cherish,” says Imelda.
Serve Boldly 