Leland has learned it is best to be on the lake before the sun rises. He and his foster dad, Robert, ride in the truck cab illuminated only by the dash lights. The boat is hitched to the back as they travel down the highway.
“There is not another place I’d rather be this morning than with you out on the lake. I can’t help but have my ‘perma-grin’ on.”
Leland looks perplexed, so Robert adds, “It’s that smile you have on your face when you’re doing something you love.”
The two have bonded while fishing together—early mornings watching the sun rise, checking trotlines in the dark of night, Robert jumping in the water to retrieve a fishing pole being taken away by a big catfish Leland caught, and speeding across the water with Leland’s hands on the wheel and a “perma-grin” on his face. Fishing has become one of their favorite times together.
Leland spent 13 of his 16 years in foster care. As each year passed, his hopes of having a permanent family slipped farther and farther away. At age 15, he came into Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) care. It was there that Laura and Robert Bonham met Leland during a mission trip to Broyhill Home in Clyde. They felt an immediate connection.
The couple’s church, Bethany Baptist Church in Wendell, started an outreach at Broyhill Home in 2006. Trips to provide vacation Bible schools for the children in care grew into projects like building picnic tables, power washing buildings, and building new shelves in cottage food pantries. Getting to know the children at Broyhill Home was more than the couple expected.
Laura was amazed.
“Seeing them thrive. Seeing them receive the good news of Jesus. Their lives are changed all because of loving care.”
When Robert learned that Leland was available for adoption, he called Laura, and the two set plans in motion.
“The Bonhams heard God’s call to become a part of Leland’s life,” BCH’s Lead Foster Care Supervisor Jessie Chilson says. “It is a busy time in their life, but they didn’t blink. They fell in love with Leland and stepped up in faith.”
The Bonhams have been married 26 years, have demanding jobs, and are launching three young adult sons—Zak, Evan, and Larry. Even with all that was going on in their lives, they were not daunted. They felt there was plenty they could offer Leland. After contacting BCH, they began the process to become licensed foster parents on July 31, 2023. It was the first step in their plans to adopt Leland.
“The boys were getting their lives going—high gear,” Robert remembers. “Laura and I were still in go mode and jumped in with Leland.”
In February 2024, Laura and Robert were officially licensed foster parents and began spending time with Leland. On May 31, he came to live with them.
“It is amazing to watch God work,” Chilson asserts. “Leland and the Bonhams were in God’s plans. He saw them and brought them together.”
Leland must live with the Bonhams for six months before they can begin the adoption process. All the requirements and paperwork are expected to be done by the end of the year. Laura and Robert hope the adoption will be finalized by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
“People do not line up to adopt older children,” Chilson says. “Older children and teens need homes, too. They need love and care. They are worth that.”
Zak, Evan, and Larry are role models for Leland as he plans for his future. The boys are becoming a family, sharing their interests in sports and music. Leland is doing well in school and plans to study computer science in college. He hopes one day to have a family—giving his children a home like he has now.
“But it is scary. I don’t ever want to be like my parents were to me.”
Leland never met his father, and he is not close to his mother, talking to her occasionally on the phone. Living with a mom and dad is a new experience.
“Being with the Bonhams has changed my life. To be adopted will mean there is a place for me, now and forever. When I need something, there is now someone who will be there for me. I’ll always have a home.”
This is God’s story, a match made in Heaven. Written in love and evident by Leland’s ever-present “perma-grin.”
Written by Jim Edminson, Editor of Charity and Children