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"Let them know how much we love them," Freeman says to enthusiastic applause. The children leave the sanctuary, and Briar Creek pastor Dennis Hall takes over:
"This is your opportunity to see that they are just like any other children. It was so wonderful to hear all these aspirations. But all of that happens with the support of a family."
The pastor's words ring true with Martin Blanton. He and his wife traveled far to meet these children -- all the way from Hershey, PA -- but Blanton still couldn't bring himself to look into the kids' eyes. He doesn't want to make a connection that could give false hope.
"They're looking for eye contact," Blanton says. "If I give them eye contact, I can see the hurt in their eyes." Still, Blanton says he wishes he could convey one message to the children: "Don't let the negative in your past control your future."
As the kids walk down the aisles of the church, they appear vulnerable, but not much more than any other kids you might pass on the street. Nothing marks foster kids with a scarlet letter.
Chris, a tenth grader at Myers Park High School, wants to be a graphic artist and likes heavy metal, soccer and movies. Donald, a 13-year-old wearing a Shaq jersey, wants to be drafted by the NBA and the NFL. Aaron, the ninth grader who'd cartwheeled up to the altar, wants to be an accountant.
You don't see the neglect in their past. You don't see the uncertainty in their future. You just see kids.
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For more information about adoption, call 704-336-KIDS (5437) or look on the Web at www.adoptuskids.org/states/nc/.
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