by Jedd Medefind
Martin and Lily Silva* adopted Marci and Marlene from Guatemala. Although they had two biological sons already, the thought of welcoming children in need of a family inspired them deeply. Adoption was costly and complicated, but the Silvas’ faith and the example of several families from their church tipped the scales. Nearly 50 people were waiting at the airport to welcome the family when they arrived home.
Theyearsthatfollowedwerefullofjoyfulmoments—birthdayparties,firstbikerides,familyvacations.Bothgirlswereatleast10monthsbehinddevelopmentallywhentheybecameSilvas,butwiththeshiftfromorphanagetofamilylife,thegapshrunkrapidly,especiallyforMarci. However,as thegirlsenteredadolescence,Marlene’sstrugglesintensified.Tensionswithherparentsgrewcommonandincreasinglyvolatile.Shewithdrewfrommostfriendshipssavethefewthatseemedtopullinthewrongdirection.Byhersenioryear,she’dbeenkickedoutoftwohighschools.AsMarciheadedtocollege,Marleneenteredarehabprogram.Nowinherearly20s,she’stwoyearscleanandsayssheappreciatesherfamilybutisstillmakingcho
