Home at Last: Jasmine’s Story

Because of your generosity and support, stories like Jasmine’s are becoming possible every single day.

After a long adoption journey, the Ealy family joyfully finalized Jasmine’s adoption on March 4, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary. Today, their family of three is finally home together in Florida — learning, growing, and experiencing the beauty of becoming a family.

When Cathy and Nathan first met Jasmine in her foster home, they described the moment as both emotional and unforgettable.

"Jasmine was sitting at the kitchen table of her foster home waiting for us to arrive. When we first walked into the home, she was nervous for a few seconds, but soon gave me (Cathy) a big hug. We gifted her a drawing tablet, and she giggled with joy."

As they were playing, Jasmine pulled out a photo book that the Ealys had mailed to her.

"On the first page, we’d written a note to her telling her how happy we were to be her forever family. Underneath the note were colorful hearts printed on the page. She pointed to a heart she drew in the book right above the ones I had added to the page.

We remember thinking: what a brave and sweet girl. She embraced us even before she met us.”



Today, Jasmine is adjusting to life in America, building new routines, growing in her faith, and finding joy in being part of her forever family.



The Ealys shared that one of the sweetest moments has been hearing Jasmine say:

“I love being part of the Ealy family.”

They shared this encouragement for anyone considering adoption:

“Adoption is hard, but if God calls you to it, obey Him. He will give you all that you need to do it in His strength.”

The Ealys deeply desired to bring Jasmine home, but like many adoptive families, they did not have the financial resources needed for adoption. Through our adoption funding program, the Ealys received significant financial support to help bring Jasmine home to her forever family.

When asked what they would say to those who support Connected Hearts Ministry, the Ealys shared this powerful reminder:

“Don’t let finances be the reason a child doesn’t get a loving family. Adoption is only possible through generosity.”

Your support helps remove financial barriers so children like Jasmine can experience the love, stability, and hope of a forever family.

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If you would like to continue helping families overcome the financial barriers of adoption, we invite you to partner with Connected Hearts Ministry and be part of changing a child’s future forever.

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The Ealy family’s full responses and adoption journey update are included below for those who would like to read more about their experience.

What was it like meeting your child for the first time?

Jasmine was sitting at the kitchen table of her foster home waiting for us to arrive. When we first walked into the home, she was nervous for a few seconds, but soon gave me (Cathy) a big hug. We gifted her a drawing tablet, and she giggled with joy.

Her foster family welcomed us very warmly. They prepared coffee and snacks for us. Jasmine wouldn’t let us eat for long. She was excited to show us her room and toys. As we were playing, she pulled out our family Shutterfly book that we prepared and mailed to Hungary after our referral was accepted. Her social worker had given it to her about two weeks before we arrived so that she knew all about us.

On the first page, we’d written a note to her telling her how happy we were to be her forever family. Underneath the note were colorful hearts printed on the page. She pointed to a heart she drew in the book right above the ones I had added to the page.

As we looked at the book together, we noticed that she had memorized some of the pages even though she can’t read yet. Nathan and I were so humbled by God’s love that day. We remember thinking, What a brave and sweet girl. She embraced us even before she met us.

It reminded us of how much we and so many of our loved ones prayed that the Lord would prepare her heart for the adoption. And He had done it!

How has the transition been since coming home?

Being home has been sweet and hard as well. Now that we’re with her, we can see God’s wisdom in how Jasmine is perfect for our family. It’s humbling to remember all the Lord has done in the last two years to bring us together. These memories bring us joy and strength for the challenges.

For almost two months in Hungary, we had very few responsibilities. Our sole focus was Jasmine. We did everything we could to make her feel safe and loved. We were able to play, play, play all the time!

Now that we’re back to normal life, she has to grieve the fact that we can’t play all the time. Also, she has to adjust to being an only child since the kids in her foster home felt like siblings to her.



We are trusting God to settle her heart and reminding ourselves that we’ve only been home about two months.

What are some things your child enjoys or that have made you smile recently?

It’s been encouraging to see Jasmine grow in her faith. Little moments like listening to her sing worship songs or pray on her own throughout the day are so sweet.

What has been the most joyful or meaningful moment so far?

As expected, she really misses some of the people and places she loved dearly back in Hungary. Sometimes, after shedding tears, she’ll still say, “But I love being part of the Ealy family.”

Those moments are so sweet.

What would you say to someone currently considering adoption?

Adoption is hard, but if God calls you to it, obey Him. He will give you all that you need to do it in His strength.

Adoption is near to the heart of God. We love His promise in Isaiah 58:9–12. He is near to those who choose to care for the broken and needy.

What would you say to someone considering supporting Connected Hearts and how their support helped your family?

Don’t let finances be the reason a child doesn’t get a loving family. Adoption is only possible through generosity.