My name is Jennifer Coffey. I was born in Armenia, Quindio, Bogota, Colombia and was adopted at the age of 2 and 8 months by a lovely Irish couple, Michael and Carole Coffey. I was told that I was born on the 29th of October 1994 and that my name was Jennifer David before the adoption.
My birth Mothers name is/was Luz Mary Loaiza, I was given no information on my Father. As far as I’m aware it was a family member that brought me to hospital San Juan de Dios in Quindio due to certain circumstances. It was that hospital who went on to present me to the family defender of minors of ICBF (Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar) on the 25th of June 1996.
The ICBF notified my birth mother. Within my documents it states that my birth mother came back to see if I could get returned to her but was not allowed due to not having evidence to credit of necessary conditions to obtain the return of me, her daughter. She did not return after that which was when they declared me as abandoned and placed me into the adoption programme.
I was then placed in to a foster home, as we are unsure of the exact location at the moment I can only assume that it was also based in Armenia, Quindio. In 1997 I left foster care to begin my new life, with my new family in Ireland.
It is 21 years later, and it is now that I am beginning a new journey in my life, and unknown journey. In hopes to find my birth mother or relatives, to connect with my roots and discover my culture which is Colombia.
In the photo above you will see a picture that my adoptive parents met me in for the first time. Both the dress and bows are very sentimental and I can only hope someone might recognise them if they see this.Β
Sadly enough, the most painful goodbyes are the ones that are left unsaid and never explained.
– Jonathan Harnisch
looking forward to following your journey of discovery Jennifer! welcome to our large network of adult intercountry adoptees .. you are not alone! http://www.intercountryadopteevoices.com
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Thank you so much for your kind words π I’m so greatful to have the help and advice of other adoptees and adoptive parents throughout this journey π
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Excellent Jennifer . I hope you are successful in your search..
Love
Poppy
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Thanks Pops π wouldn’t be able to do it without you and mam would π
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Hi, great intro.
Your story is very similar like mine and for me these stories are very similar and parallel. Like me, abandon to some one, hospital, church, a family friend etc. Then given to ICBF (Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar) , then father or mother later tries to get their sons or daughters back, only to be refused and criminalize bye the ICBF etc. Then shortly after we are given to international adoption..
I hope you will search for the truth
All the best
Another adopted Colombian
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Wow, yes very similar, it’s a shame that this happened so often. Thank you and I hope you the best in your search also π
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Good luck. And donβt give up hope. There are other adoptees here for support.
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Thank you for your kind words ππ it means a lot β€
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Wow Jenn!!!!
Thanks for sharing your journey, a very personal journey π―π
I look forward to reading your updates and really hope it is a very successful search xxxx
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Thanks for your kind words π it means a lot xxxxx
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Hi my name is Marcia Engel. Iβm the founder of Plan Angel. After reading your story I want to let you know, never give up searching! That mothers left their children to never return is THE adoption story of Colombia. But in fact its an urban legend. We are in contact with over 500 families and these families tell a complete different story. My starting point was parents unknown and born on the 1th of January. Never give up hope!
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Hi Marcia, I have read a lot about plan Angel and hope yo order my FTDNA kit soon. I am both excited and nervous but ready to pursue my journey with all the ups and downs I may come by.
Thank you for you kind words ππ All the work you are doing is amazing thank you kindly for the support ππβ€ x
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