The Board of Directors of Nightlight Christian Adoptions established the "Bright Lights Award" which is given in recognition of a commitment to adoption which inspires others to adopt, advocates for adoption, or makes a great sacrifice in adoption. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
The second recipients of the Bright Lights award are Matthew and Megan McCleary.
In July of 2017, they went to Africa on what was supposed to be a short trip to attend court and bring Enoch home. But at the same time, Ghana signed the Hague convention and implemented new laws that delayed their case. However, Matthew and Megan already went to court and legally adopted Enoch. At that point, many couples would understandably return to the US and leave their child in the care of the orphanage until they have a date for a visa appointment. But this couple decided to stay the course in Ghana, which turned out to be three years! Matthew traveled back and forth to Ghana throughout that time, while also working in the US. They had great support from their church, and faith that all would eventually work out for the best. The decision to stay with one’s child in Ghana is understandable, but what is exceptional in Megan and Matthew’s case is how they summarized the experience:
“Ghana was hard, but will now always be such a big part of our lives. Enoch is very Ghanaian and also so American. We have all grown so much these past three years in ways we never could have foreseen. We can’t wait to finally start our family together in our home country.”
The McCleary's perseverance of living three years in Ghana is an inspiration to us.
