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Family is a Gift by Lisa Tramontana
Amy and Victor Canada with their children, Wynter and Josh.
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early four years ago, Victor and Amy Canada learned about a single father with terminal cancer looking for a couple to adopt his two children. Twelve-year-old Josh and 11-year-old Wynter’s father could think of little else but finding parents who would make sure his children continued their education, pursued music and art, and grew up in a Christian home. That’s a pretty specific wish list, but the Canadas fit the bill. “We said yes to other children who needed a home over the years, but it had not been the right match,” said Amy. “We believe it’s because these were our children all along. God was bringing about his plan.” Amy remembers first meeting the children, who were friendly and had a lot to talk about. They also brought some of their artwork to share with Amy and Victor. In the months that
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JANUARY 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine
followed as their father became more ill, the children formed a bond with their new adoptive parents. Victor remembers sitting at the dinner table one night and marveling at how quickly and completely they had formed a loving family. “We would sit together for hours talking and laughing. They both have such personalities! Such a sense of humor! And over time, they’ve even picked up some of our mannerisms and ways of doing things. We were comfortable together from early on.” Amy home schools Josh and Wynter, now 16 and 15, and they are both involved in a number of activities. Josh loves to fish. Wynter loves to sing and act. They both play soccer, guitar, and enjoy sketching and painting. They are also skilled at making jewelry, something their father taught them, but it holds bittersweet memories, Amy said.