By Ana Laura Araya
Imagine being a teenager in an affluent Atlanta neighborhood and having a set of loving parents whom have both worked with underprivileged and sick children. Then, imagine that your parents want you to understand exactly how fortunate you are.
This is what life was like for Ariana, 16, and Eli, 13. Their parents, Kayla and Jeff Lewis, decided to become the host parents of Cynthia, 12, and Ever, 15, who came to Atlanta from Paraguay to receive new prosthetic legs. Cynthia was born with a clubfoot and knees that don’t bend. Ever was born with just one leg.
It all began when Kayla and Jeff decided it was time to teach their kids about sympathy, compassion and kindness. They were already familiar with Childspring International, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that has been providing medical care for thousands of children around the world. They knew that Childspring was always in need of families willing to host the children while they underwent surgeries in the United States. Both Kayla, who has a master’s degree in social work, and Jeff, who works as a pediatrician, have a passion for children. They decided that this was the perfect opportunity to make a difference.
Over three weeks, the Lewis’ family kindly opened their doors and their hearts. The four of them treated Cynthia and Ever as if they were a part of their family. Eli and Ariana shared their room with Ever and Cynthia and made sure to dedicate time playing sports and doing arts and crafts. Every day, Eli brushed Ever’s teeth and put on his shoes. Eli and Ariana taught Ever and Cynthia how to tell time and the family bought them their first watches.
“It was so nice to provide a loving family for them while they received medical treatment and I think they felt safe with us,” said Kayla.
To learn more about Childspring International, visit childspringintl.org.
