A Night To Celebrate!

MY STORY'S BEGINNING

Most people probably never stop to think, even for a moment, how lucky they are to be able to go home to their families and be loved by so many people. Well, I do, because my life's story could have ended up very different if it hadn't been for some "divine intervention"!

My brother, Martin, and I were born in Bulgaria. We lived in an orphanage in a small town called Kaspichan. I remember a rectangular two-story building with many windows. All the beds were upstairs, which was divided into the boys' and girls' bedrooms. On the first floor there was one big empty room where all the kids played, and another room with round plastic tables where we had our meals. Outside in front there was a big playground that was covered with snow in the winter.

This was my home for the first five years of my life. Every day was the same, day after day, until one morning I saw a couple walking into the orphanage, along with their two kids... .

I had heard that someone was coming to our orphanage to adopt one of us, a 6-year-old boy. But what they didn't know at that moment, and I didn't either, was that the boy they had chosen, Martin, had a little brother! Somehow the orphanage hadn't told AGCI that Martin even had a little brother. I turned out to be "a small surprise."

But when the couple found out about me, they decided to adopt me too! I'd have to wait nine months, however, for additional paperwork to be done before I could join my brother in Washington with our new family.

I was escorted home by a family friend who was working in Bulgaria, to the Seattle airport where I was greeted by my waiting brothers, sister, and my mom and dad. Cameras were flashing, people were cheering, and signs were waving as soon as they saw me! My new father picked me up and held me close. I was staring at many faces that day, ones I didn't recognize, but this I did know: I had been found.

Later that day I was introduced to my new home where I would grow up. That night I had my first bowl of ice cream and ate it with the biggest smile in the world! My heart smiled just as big because I knew at last I was home. I WAS HOME! I WAS HOME!

MY LIFE NOW

I'm now 18 and ready to graduate from Meadowlark High School. For my senior project I decided to give back, to do a project that would mean something to me personally and make a difference in the lives of children who started their lives just like my brother and I started ours.

I had worked for a catering company over the summer and found that I really loved cooking, planning, and serving people. So I decided to put on a benefit dinner and donate all the proceeds to AGCI to help orphaned children. My family and friends helped me and more than 100 guests came and were treated to a five-star dining experience hosted by me! The Blue Stash Remedy band my brother Martin plays the drums in provided the music. Heather Radu, co-founder of AGCI - the same girl who when she was 18 came to Bulgaria to help orphans like Martin and me - spoke at the event. My brother and I also produced a DVD that allowed everyone to see and hear the story of how God formed our family.

I ended the evening by reading a poem I wrote that explained how I felt as I was waiting for someone to come and care:

Click here to read my Poem.

THE FUTURE... WHAT YOU CAN DO

We all experience special moments in our lives. For me, a special moment changed my life forever, the moment I was chosen... found by my family. Now so many years later to have been able to tell my story to so many people was another amazing moment in my life. It was a night to celebrate and a night to remember all that God had done. A way to honor all of those who had helped bring it to pass and a way to do something for other orphans who still waited for their own special moments.

I would challenge everyone to stop right now and thank God for your families and all of those who love you... and never forget that there are millions of children all over the world who will never experience what you have. They need your help, either through adoption or by doing something to help like I did.

Anyone can make a difference. Heather, Doc, Petar, and All God's Children made a difference in our lives. I know now that I have made a difference in another orphan's life through the dinner I planned... and you can too. We can use our gifts and talents to help. If we're just willing to do what we can, with what we have, our individual efforts can help orphaned children experience what I have been privileged to live.

WHAT EVERY ORPHAN WANTS

Just like me, every orphan wants to be defined by one special moment that changes their lives. One special moment that they will never forget. They too want to hear the sweetest words one could ever hear: "Welcome home, Son" or "Welcome home, Daughter." Words lovingly spoken from the heart of a family just like mine.

They too want to remember the very first moment their little hearts knew: They'd been found! The problem is that countless orphans will never hear those words or experience what it's like to be found... unless we care enough to even look. This benefit was blessed because everyone who came made a commitment to really look... to see what an orphan's life was. And then each person gave a gift to celebrate what an orphan's life could be!

THE BLESSING

I sent this thank you to AGCI along with all the gifts of support that were given that night. I hope as I share with you the blessings that were given through my benefit dinner, that you will also be inspired to do something to help AGCI continue their work for orphaned children. As you look at my brother and me, you will see what can happen when orphaned children are helped and found.

Dear Beazely Family,

I would like to start out by saying thank you so much for attending my dinner. It was so nice having the founders of All God's Children International there.

I am proud to say that this dinner has raised $3,525.69 to support the work of AGCI. This event has taught me so much about the business of catering and the love that people have. When I was first putting this dinner together I was only expecting 70 people. But God had a different plan and that was to have 130 people attend. He was in control and made this event go so smoothly. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to do this event and this will always be a great memory. Thanks.

Love,
Kyle Marty

AGCI is honored to share that the money Kyle raised to help orphaned children through his benefit dinner "A Night to Celebrate" will be given to the Orphanage of Kaspichan in Bulgaria where Martin and Kyle lived before they were found!