Wednesday’s Child: McKayla


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SALT LAKE CITY — The path to adoption for children in the foster care system isn't always smooth. But one Utah teen is choosing to make the most out of a sometimes bumpy road.

McKayla is a 15-year-old girl with many interests.

"I love to cook," she said. "I actually want to be a chef when I grow up."

She also loves to dance and is a self-professed "girly girl." During a recent interview with KSL News, McKayla received a full day of pampering — including nails, makeup and hair.

But away from the buzz of hair dryers, there is a girl dealing with some difficult things.

"I don't really remember being taken away from my family," McKayla said. "I just remember being in foster care"

McKayla's situation is especially heartbreaking. At the age of 6, a family adopted her; but at 13 she re-entered the foster care system, where she remains.

"I just have to keep moving homes because it doesn't work out," she said.

Behind those green eyes, now with a fresh coat of eye shadow, there is a girl anxious about her future.

"What if no one wants me because I'm in my teens?" she asked. "When my friends talk about their families, I don't have anything to say because I don't have a family."

Those are heavy concerns for a girl who doesn't even have a driver's license yet. Despite all of this, she remains hopeful there's a family out there waiting to welcome her into their home permanently.

The best part of having a family, she said, would be "just being there and knowing that you love each other."

To learn more about these McKayla and the many other children in foster care, visit the Utah Adoption Exchange website.

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FamilyUtah
Ashley Kewish

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