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SANDY — When you go to a professional soccer game, you expect to see a crowd, fans and, of course, families.
For one particular family, this night has been about two and half years in the making. It all started with an email.
"I opened it and there is a still picture of Jesus as the Wednesday's Child and that's where it all started," said Faith, Jesus' soon-to-be adoptive mother.
KSL first featured Jesus back in May 2014 as he attended a Real Salt Lake soccer game. He was a little boy in love with soccer and in desperate need of something.
"A mom and a dad who can take care of me," Jesus said in 2014.
Russ, Jesus' soon-to-be adoptive father, heard his plea.
"When I saw that, I thought, 'He belongs with us,'" Russ said.
He found his wife felt the same way.
"Immediately when I saw his picture I knew he was supposed to be a part of our family," Faith said. "He immediately was in my heart."
Jesus has stayed in both their hearts throughout the adoption process.
"Really from the first or second time we saw him he said, 'I love you,' and that kind of got us," Russ said. "We loved him too."
Jesus is still in love with soccer, but on Wednesday he went back to Rio Tinto Stadium and this time he wasn't alone.
"We have five biological children and then Jesus makes six," Faith said.
Jesus didn't just find a mom and dad; he now has brothers, sisters and even a nephew he shares a special bond with.
"You got to find someone who cares for you," Jesus said, reflecting back on all his time in foster care. "It's going to happen, just keep waiting. It may take a long time but it will happen."
Although Jesus has found his forever family, there are still many other children waiting in the foster care system. To learn more, contact The Adoption Exchange at 801-265-0444.
