A Dream Come True
In 2014, after finding out they were unable to have biological children, Brian and Lindsey McMakin started praying for God to take them beyond themselves and their own comfort. This prayer led Lindsey to go on a mission trip to China with America World, where she met their daughter, Ru. Brian and Lindsey brought Ru home in 2015. You can read that whole amazing adoption story in this blog post from 2015.
What They’re Doing Now
Ru is now in the 7th grade and an avid basketball fan. She has not let the fact she is confined to a wheelchair stop her enthusiasm for the sport. She plays on the Roger C. Peace Rollin’ Tigers wheelchair basketball team, which won the NWBA Prep National Championship last year.
Because of Ru’s love for basketball, her coaches, Jeff Townsend and Lindsey Metz, nominated Ru for a “dream” with Dream on 3. Dream on 3 is dedicated to creating experiences of joy, hope, and encouragement for children and young adults with life-altering conditions through the world of sports. After interviewing Ru, the organization selected her to fly to Washington, DC, to attend the ACC Championship with her family. It was a fabulous three-day experience!
Day 1
The first day began with a surprise send-off at Ru’s school, where she received a pair of Steph Curry shoes. (Curry is her all-time favorite NBA player.) Then, a Lamborghini was awaiting her in the parking lot to take her on a few laps around the school.
Lindsey said it was very exciting for Ru because “She REALLY likes fast cars!”
Then, the family boarded a limo van and rode to the Charlotte, NC, airport to fly to DC.
In DC, they stayed at the Conrad Hotel, which treated her to her favorite snacks and a basketball to remember the hotel by. They savored a wonderful steak dinner that night and got some rest for the next day.
Day 2
The second day began with a private, 2 ½ hour tour in an open car. Ru got to see all the national monuments and even the White House, which amazed her. Then, she had a quick lunch and headed to the Washington DC Capital One Arena. She received a behind-the-scenes tour of the arena and watched the UNC-Pitt game. Ru cheered for the Tarheels and witnessed their epic win.
Day 3
The third day began with a tour of the International Spy Museum. Then, Ru enjoyed some downtime before dinner at Sfoglina, a top-rated Italian restaurant. After dinner, it was game time again! During half-time, Ru met the ACC commissioner. She continued cheering for the Tarheels, which was fun even though the Tarheels lost.
Full of Gratitude
The McMakin family flew home from DC feeling so grateful. Ru was a dream come true for Brian and Lindsay, and they relished watching this basketball dream come true for Ru.
Lindsey said, “I’m humbled by the blessing we’ve been given to parent Ru and to be given this experience to share with her.”
And Ru’s fun didn’t end there! On March 29th, the Rollin’ Tigers made her their Friday Featured Athlete!
We feel so much joy about the McMakin family’s recent excitement, and we are especially grateful we got to be a part of their story by helping God bring them together.
What About You?
Could God be calling YOU to adopt? Like Lindsey, your journey may begin with a mission trip, where you would meet some of the precious children available for adoption. Our trips to Colombia currently provide this opportunity!
Also, check out our Waiting Children Photo Listings to see profiles of some of the children available from Colombia, Ecuador, and Eastern Europe.
Finally, visit our Learn About Adoption page for help deciding which program fits your family and read about all of our Adoption Programs.
We would feel honored to be a part of your family’s journey. Email us at info@awaa.org to connect.