Time. It moves slowly but passes quickly. It is a thief. It heals all wounds. It has a way of really showing us what matters. It waits for no one. I could go on and on with quotes about time. The point is that it passes whether we like it or not. For Maleah, a hopeful teen in Thailand, it is passing far too quickly. Maleah turned 15 in October, giving her less than a year to find a family. Time is running out to adopt Maleah and give her the loving family she deserves.

Recently, Gladney’s CEO, Mark Melson, and VP of International Adoption, Diana DeGroot, spent the day with Maleah. Maleah’s message remains clear: she wants a family. And we want that for her as well, more than she knows. Maleah has grown since we saw her last year both physically and emotionally.

Maleah is sweet and kind, yet confident and strong. She is strong-willed, but her wit and humor far outweigh those moments. Frankly, that strong will and confidence is what has gotten her through hard times. Despite a hard start, Maleah remains so incredibly hopeful and patient, but even she knows time is running out.

Time. “It is always the right time to do the right thing” — Martin Luther King, Jr. Please do the right thing right now, step up and give Maleah what every child deserves: a loving and caring family. The time is NOW. 

Adopt Maleah

Complete our Prospective Adoptive Parent form today to learn more about Maleah and the adoption process. Not in a position to adopt? Please share this post, and time is quickly running out for Maleah.

Why Adopt From Thailand?

Adopting a child from Thailand offers a unique opportunity to provide hope and stability for a child who has experienced uncertainty for far too long. Children waiting for adoption in Thailand range in age from toddlers to teens, and many have faced challenges early in life. With proper care and a loving home, they have incredible potential to thrive.

Gladney partners with two exceptional childcare organizations in Thailand—Thai Red Cross Children’s Home and Pattaya Orphanage. These children receive excellent care, but nothing compares to the individual love and attention of a family.

The Urgency for Maleah

Maleah’s case is especially urgent because she is nearing the age where she will no longer be eligible for international adoption. Once she turns 16, her dream of finding a family will no longer be a possibility. For older children like Maleah, the chances of being adopted are already slim, which makes acting now even more crucial.

Adopting an older child comes with its own set of rewards. Older children often have a stronger understanding of what it means to join a family and bring a unique perspective to those relationships. Maleah, in particular, is a resilient and hopeful young woman who dreams of a family that will encourage her love of sports, teach her life skills like cooking, and support her as she navigates this new chapter of life.

If you’re considering adoption, contact us to learn about the process and the steps to bring a child like Maleah into your family.

How You Can Help

• Act Now: Maleah is close to aging out of international adoption. The time to adopt her is running out.
• Consider Adoption: If you're ready to open your heart and home, start the adoption process today.
• Share Maleah’s Story: Even if you can’t adopt, sharing Maleah’s story can connect her with a family who can.
• Spread the Word: Help raise awareness about the urgent need for families for older children like Maleah in Thailand.
• Support the Cause: Encourage others to consider adopting from Thailand or other countries with waiting children.

Even if you’re not in a position to adopt, your actions can still make a difference. Share Maleah’s story, encourage others to consider adoption and spread the word about the urgent need for families for waiting children in Thailand.

Together, we can help Maleah and children like her find their forever families.