"I can't define it except to say it's God-inspired. If you're not a Christian, it might be tough to understand, but that's where we are."UT athletic director Mike Hamilton
They thought they were set, with two older children, a demanding career and the busy-ness of life.
But God tugged on their hearts and turned them inside out, they said.
After months of discussion and a yearlong process, and moved by the plight of orphans 7,500 miles away, University of Tennessee Athletic Director Mike Hamilton and his wife, Beth, have become parents to three children from the East African nation of Ethiopia.
Nate, 7, known as Papy, Kiya Isaiah, 4, and McKinley Kalu, 9 months, join the Hamiltons' two other children, Madison, 13, and Matthew, 10.
"The thing that drives me crazy is people say we are amazing people," said Beth Hamilton, who often wears a silver necklace shaped like the African continent. "No, we serve an amazing God."
Photo by Hamilton Family Photo
The Hamiltons pose at home the day they got back from Ethiopia, July 18, 2009, with their newly adopted children. From left are Mike, Madison, Beth, Kiya Isaiah, Matthew and Papy.
The journey
Married in 1988, the Hamiltons waited six years before deciding to start a family.
"There was this ego thing I had … that we're going to have a couple of kids, a dog, a three-bedroom house," Mike Hamilton said. "Adoption was not on the radar."
Following two years of trying to get pregnant, Beth Hamilton underwent fertility treatments for three months. They didn't work.
The couple were forced to alter their plans of having biological children. Mike Hamilton said he came to realize adoptive families are like other families. They just come together in a different way, he said.
The couple, both natives of Brevard, N.C., who met in high school, adopted their first child, Madison, in their home state. Three years later, they adopted Matthew in Tennessee. Beth Hamilton was in the delivery room and cut his umbilical cord.
"Now I can't imagine my life without my kids," Mike Hamilton said.
In 2003, after his appointment as UT athletic director, he and his wife began a private golf tournament to raise money for Bethany Christian Services, an agency specializing in counseling, foster care and adoption placement.
Bethany's president one year invited the Hamiltons to visit orphanages in Romania or Ethiopia, and that sparked an interest.
Another year, they received a mailer about young children - again in Ethiopia - who were up for adoption.
"I asked Beth about it, and she said, 'You're crazy,' " Mike Hamilton said.
A major turning point in their journey toward a bigger family came through another family's pain.
In May 2008, the youngest daughter of Christian recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman was fatally struck by a car in the family's driveway. The Hamiltons received a text message of the news from a mutual friend. Through praying and grieving for the Chapmans, the Hamiltons were introduced to Chapman's organization, Shaohannah's Hope. Now called Show Hope, the nonprofit advocates for the care of orphans and provides grants to those adopting.
The Chapmans' loss sealed the Hamiltons' resolve.
"It was different than what we'd done before," Beth Hamilton said. "Our first two adoptions were us trying to form our family with God's guidance. These adoptions were about God giving us His heart."
Through a series of events, including reading the book "There Is No Me Without You" about orphan care in Ethiopia, they chose to adopt in that country thousands of miles away from East Tennessee.
First, they had to answer two questions.
Photo by Hamilton Family Photo
Mike Hamilton and Papy play a game of soccer in Ethiopia on July 13.
About this story
News Sentinel reporter Lola Alapo first met with the Hamiltons about their adoption plans in June before they headed to Africa to pick up their young boys. Coincidentally, she traveled to Ethiopia in July on a medical mission trip, so she was able to meet with the Hamiltons in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as they became acquainted with their children. Alapo and photographer Amy Smotherman-Burgess also met with the family as they arrived back at McGhee Tyson Airport, and they spent time with them at their Knoxville home.
Coming Monday: A look at East Tennessee's connection to Ethiopia and the growing number of families in the area adopting from the East African nation
"For a lot of people, the hurdle is: Can we love a child that's not biologically ours?" Beth Hamilton said. "Check, we've already done that. The second hurdle is financial, and we've been blessed."
Preparation
The Hamiltons began paperwork in August 2008 through America World Adoption Association. The process continued during a difficult time for Mike Hamilton - when UT football coach Phillip Fulmer was forced to step down last fall.
On their application, the couple said they were interested in two children, a 6- to 8-year-old boy and a 2- to 4-year-old girl. But they noted they would accept three if they were biological siblings.
"Apparently that shot us to the top of the list," Mike Hamilton said with a laugh.
The Hamiltons received a referral for the children in early spring - brothers Papy and Kiya and their sister, Kalu, who was 4 months old at the time. The Hamiltons sent care packages, photo albums and drawings from their older children.
The family prepared their home for the newest arrivals. Matthew's room was converted into space for all three boys. Madison took another room and her old space was turned into the nursery for Kalu.
The family also had to prepare themselves and the older two children for the adjustment.
How would they share their space? What would the addition of three new youngsters do to the older children's relationship with the parents?
"It's been easier for Matthew," Mike Hamilton said. "He longs for the guys' interaction. The majority of kids he interacts with are girls.
"Our daughter, she's having a tougher time. … I want her to realize my love for her won't change. I look forward to showing her that my love for her as a parent is big enough to love her, and there's love left over for three other children."
Although there will be difficulties, they are committed to helping the children transition, they said.
"There's grief on both sides of adoption," Beth Hamilton said. "These kids have to grieve the loss of their birth country, their birth parents, and that comes at different times."
On June 19, the Hamiltons cleared Ethiopian legal hurdles and became the three children's guardians.
In July, they and Madison traveled from Knoxville to pick up the children from the America World transition home in Ethiopia. On July 13, the Hamiltons for the first time hugged and kissed their new children. Throughout the week, Madison entertained her new siblings and other children at the transition home by making balloon animals.
Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess
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The Hamilton family arrives at McGhee Tyson Airport. Mike watches as Beth hugs Matthew and Kiya Isaiah on July 18.
At their guest house in Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa, toy cars, coloring books and pink and green balloon animals were strewn across the floor. Because of the language barrier - parents and children knew very little of each other's native tongue - most of the interaction was through gestures and play. While Kiya colored, Papy's giggles could be heard from the bedroom where he and Mike were engaged in a tickling game. The boy then came into the living room and began snapping photos of his parents, Madison and a News Sentinel reporter with a digital camera.
During their weeklong Ethiopia stay, the Hamiltons went to the American Embassy to obtain permission to leave with 8-month-old Kalu on their return to the U.S. The request was denied. Pending the results of routine tuberculosis tests, Beth Hamilton will return to Ethiopia in September to get their little girl.
Early in the adoption process, the Hamiltons heard from some family members and friends who puzzled over what they were doing.
"I'm sure a lot of people think this is crazy," Mike Hamilton said.
"It is," his wife interjected.
"I can't define it except to say it's God-inspired," he said. "If you're not a Christian, it might be tough to understand, but that's where we are."
Settling in
Mike and Beth Hamilton, 46 and 43 respectively, find themselves parents of a teenager, a preadolescent, a kindergartner, a preschooler and an infant.
On a recent Wednesday, Beth Hamilton, their three sons, one of their daughters and their dog, Ruby, took to the driveway of their Knoxville home for an hour of playtime before dinner and to await Mike Hamilton's arrival from work.
The children mounted bicycles and tricycles and with counts of "one, two, three" raced up and down the sloping driveway, a barking Ruby running with them.
"It's amazing how in any language boys are competitive," Beth Hamilton said as she watched.
A few moments later, Kiya called out "Madi, Madi," and when his sister knelt in front of his tricycle, he wrapped his tiny brown arms around her head.
Matthew played with his brothers for a few minutes until the younger boys spoke Amharic, their native tongue, prompting the 10-year-old to stomp off in frustration.
"He wants them to speak English now," Beth Hamilton said. "He's impatient and wants to be in full relationship with them."
Photo by Hamilton Family Photo
Nine-month-old Kalu is the third sibling to be adopted by the Hamiltons. She was held in Ethiopia for medical testing. They hope to bring her home in September.
The greatest challenge has been communication. The younger boys understand more English than they speak. Expressing themselves in their new language is another matter.
"Most of our bonding time has been play time, tickling, hide-and-seek," said their stay-at-home mother.
Papy just last week entered kindergarten at Berean Christian School, which his older siblings attend.
The Hamiltons opted for full English language immersion rather than a tutor to help the children pick up the language quicker.
As the children's English proficiency grows, the Hamiltons hope to learn more of their story. They do know that after their mother died in November, a family member cared for them until March when, because of unknown circumstances, they were placed in an orphanage.
The family is seeing more of the boys' personalities. Kiya is turning into the entertainer who wants to make everyone laugh. The little boy ran up to a visitor once, snapped his sunglasses in place and struck a pose.
Papy will fuss at his brother when he does something wrong.
"We're trying to help him learn how to be a little brother and a big brother without being the parent," Beth Hamilton said.
One more to come
Beth Hamilton is awaiting a date next month when she can make one more trip to Ethiopia for Kalu.
"I'm sad she's not here," she said recently. "She'll be older by then. She'll have teeth."
She hopes to meet the children's grandmother, "to establish their story, because they're not going to remember."
As part of their adoption journey, the Hamiltons plan to look into helping others adopt. For now, they've connected with a Yahoo group of other Ethiopian adoptive families in East Tennessee.
The Hamiltons have been asked why they chose international adoption and not domestic.
"There are 500,000 orphans in the U.S., 147 million in the world," Mike Hamilton said. "The point I want to make is, these are kids God has placed in the world. We need to reach out and care for these kids. Let's not talk about kids here or in Africa or Russia or wherever. Let's just do it."
Lola Alapo may be reached at 865-342-6376.
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Comments » 46
appalachianvol writes:
God bless them. The world needs more famlies like this.
Seriouslyorange writes:
As the brother of an adopted sister, and other natural siblings, I say this is wonderful. All their lives will be changed for the better. I couldn't begin to think how our lives would be without our sister, who came before me but she was 4 days old when our parents got her. Love conquers all.
SCarolinaVols writes:
Mike Hamilton is a CLASS ACT....Go Vols
TommyJack writes:
Wow, long_vol. You're so enlightened.
ajbake writes:
100% agreed. Kudos to you for having gusto to speak the truth.
But I have a feeling that because UT is in the South (where religion still has a large role in society), you will get lambasted on here.
john1998 writes:
Mikey is one cool cat:
http://www.lamekiffin.com/images/Trai...
Volfan1 writes:
And deservingly so. Thank God for people like the Hamiltons who for care little ones. "If you've done it unto one of the least of these..."
Don't blame God for parents who are absent, abusive, alcoholics, or just plain jerks....and don't blame God for evil, greedy dictators or rulers who permit these atrocities. And certainly let's not forget the people who have kids and then forget them just because they can't keep their pants on with no thoughts of consequences.
The world is filled with bad news, and you want to trash a good news story? Go on back to your depressing life.
Thank you Hamilton family for showing the real love of God in the midst of an evil world.
pete_hastings#206889 writes:
As a former atheist, I understand where you are coming from long_vol, but actually, your evidence against a loving God (rape, torture, murder) only proves that there is evil in the world.
God is amazingly patient in dealing with the evil and there's a reason for it- so that guys like me have a chance to believe and experience eternal life filled with inexpressible joy that makes the suffering in this world pale in comparison. I wasn't wiped out for the evil I committed before I believed and what I have done since believing is also forgiven. Glad He is a patient and grace-giving God or none of us would be around to complain about it.
mcbrideut writes:
Thanks for proving the Hamilton's point.
"If you're not a Christian, it might be tough to understand, but that's where we are."
pete_hastings#206889 writes:
In your world view, how are evil and good defined? What's the standard?
movol77 writes:
Oh, contraire! God gave humanity the power to pro-create. Sinful humanity rapes, tortures and murders. God's grace through sinful humanity is amazingly beyond rationality.
JBVols1698 writes:
I dont want to sound like an a$s, but this has to look good to at least the families of black recruits. If marlons grandma knew this about UT would he be in Athens... well probably but ya never know. Probably looking way too far into this.. anyway its a great thing to do and should have no other motives (if it helps, it helps though). Congrats to the Hamilton family and good luck with all in the fUTure.
ULTIMATEVOLUNTEER writes:
just like Mike said in the article..."If you are not a Christian you wouldn't understand."
VolDaddy writes:
We have a beautiful 7 yr old daughter whom we adopted. May God bless Mike and his family daily.
I'm counting of the days till it's FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE. GO VOLS!
huntined#565710 writes:
Fourty Two years ago I adopted a beautiful little baby Girl straight from the Hospital where she was born. Thirty Two years ago we had our own baby girl born. They are BOTH my daughters and are LOVED THE SAME. When we went to the Judge for the final on the adoption he aske me why I wanted to raise someone else kid I said because I LOVE HER and that has never changed. What Mike and his Family are doing is great. THEY SURE HAVE MY RESPECT. My adopted ANGEL has always known she was adopted but most of all she KNOWS SHE IS LOVED.
jimr07 writes:
you are a sick man.
jimr07 writes:
your comment fits right in with the topic.
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
Thanks for printing this great story and look into the Hamiltons' lives. It's great to see a family do much with the much they've been given.
tonyvick#213307 writes:
From that article you got all of that? I believe the Hamilton's know what inspired them better than you. I believe them when they say it's God inspired.
doubledown writes:
Boy, that's a long way up there to the new Club Seats.
thevoice writes:
What a cool story, thanks KNS. I always suspected their family was guided by God. Nice to see the lighter side of sports sometimes, especially with the state of affairs in sports these days.
reidtownriverrat writes:
long vol you can choose to believe now or you will be made to believe later the choice is yours. Theres a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. But regardless what you or anyone else may think it does not change the truth.
thevoice writes:
...and, never have so many young UT fans had such good seats at UT games! Lucky kids, in several ways.
pete_hastings#206889 writes:
I have been respectful of you and your opinions; yet, you stoop to a disrespectful familiarization of my first name. I have done nothing to deserve that, but you do it anyway. Would that be an example of the good or the evil "shaped by the society we live in"?
Earlier, you expressed the opinion that religion is not what defines good or evil. I asked a simple question about where it comes from in your world view. Socialization is your answer. Additionally, I see that you are obviously carrying some baggage about the Christian faith. Wish that weren't the case, but there's something there.
I was trying to relate to your anger at the God angle of the story. It seemed that Mr. Hamilton did something very worthwhile in adopting three kids from a less privileged background. He and his family loved them, providing for them physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Just trying to understand why that's a bad thing to write about. If the faith is what motivates him and it's integral to the story and provides better perspective on the person who serves as our AD, why not include that?
If there's another faith-related blog, I'd be glad to exchange views with you with respect to the rest of your comment. It's a worthwhile discussion, but one that's probably too far off-topic for a sports-related article. If you'll contact the moderator, I'd be glad to share my e-mail to continue the discussion.
pete_hastings#206889 writes:
It's not about the "real structure in which to do wonderful things"; it's about a personal relationship with a living God that allows average people to do wonderful things not because they are trying to earn God's favor but out of gratitude for His love. There's much more to discuss, but my offer to speak off-line stands.
movol77 writes:
lv, weak answer. Based on your logic standard as "society," your own chastisement of God allowing murder, rape and torture are relative. Thus, you cannot condone nor deplore such with any fixed basis. That is marshmallow logic. Stick with football.
Waldorf writes:
I have been critical of Hamilton at times, but overall I think he has done a good job as AD, made the tough decisions that needed to be made, and seems like a quality guy away from his AD duties.
salsashark74#230175 writes:
long_vol and all those likeminded...I'm very sorry you guys feel the way you feel. I know this is a sports thread and someone might take offence to this and want this post pulled but I felt the need to say something. Mike Hamilton just gave us one small but shining example of Christian faith and living. God laid it on his heart to adopt these babies into his family because He knew that it was what was best for everybody involved, just like God adopted believers into His family through belief in Christ. Now, the question of "If there is a God why would He allow such evil things to happen to His people?" has been asked by people for thousands of years. There is no convoluted, drawn out answer other than this...He doesn't want it to happen. We serve a loving, compassionate, forgiving God that has never, since the dawn of time, wanted anyone to suffer or die. We were created for His pleasure so why would HE put us through any of the evils in this world? He wouldn't. It all happens as a result of sin being IN the world. What we read about, such as the carjacking/rape/murder case in Knoxville or of murderous dictator thugs in foreign lands is nothing more than an example of pure evil. Mankind brought sin into the world through disobeidience, not God and the world has been cursed ever since but God through His mercy and grace gave us a way through it and out of it by His Son Jesus. long_vol...I know you don't believe now but there will come a day when you stand before God that you will have no choice.
buzz29 writes:
Darn! If I'd known he was looking to adopt I would have been knocking on his door. Good man. Good family. Fortunate kids. Congrats and good luck to them all.
marinevol writes:
I don't care what religious views anyone has, as long as they don't interfere with the rights of others. But, when you make an arrogant statement to the effect that if you're not a Christian, you wouldn't be able to understand about helping others, you are showing yourself to be a pompous azz. Who is the better person, someone who does a good deed for the love of humanity, or someone who does it for want of a reward or fear of punishment, as in heaven and hell? long_vol, I only wish I could articulate my beliefs as skillfully as you have articulated my beliefs.
rednekmuslTN writes:
I agree with you---to a point. Maybe we were put on Earth to rise above the pain and hurt---in short, rise above human nature. It's Choice we are given in this life---our greatest gift---to do good or evil. The Hamiltons have chosen Good in a glorious, significant and understated way. I believe THAT is what is God's plan. Maybe it lacks rationality but isn't that what is meant by Faith?
pete_hastings#206889 writes:
Aggravation seems awfully close to anger or baggage, but if you want to play games with semantics, you are welcome to do so.
I doubt you meant Petey respectfully, but only you (and an omniscient God) know your real motives, and I leave you in His hands. Thanks for the discussion.
marinevol writes:
Why is it that the most prominent Christian trait is arrogance? It is a trait you share with Islam.
pete_hastings#206889 writes:
Mr. Hamilton is not making an "arrogant statement". He's saying that there are some decisions that are motivated by the Christian faith that are not easily or fully understood by those who don't share the same faith. It's not that someone else fails to understand that adoption is a good thing; but, rather, that there are elements to the decision or leading that are fairly well understood by other Christians who have lived through that in other areas of their faith AND which are uniquely distinct parts of that faith not understood by those who have never experienced it.
If you are a Marine, it's like combat - you can read about it, but until you've lived it, then it's a different, shared experience that's hard for those who haven't lived it to fully 'get it'.
In the article, you assume that Mr. Hamilton's motives are to get a reward in heaven or to avoid punishment in hell rather than acting from a 'higher motive' of his love of humanity.
He's 'loving humanity' rather specifically and effectively through these three kids. His motivation may be his faith but I doubt he's doing it out of fear that he'd be sent to hell. If he is, then he doesn't understand what grace is or what Christ accomplished on the cross for him. Again, the shared set of beliefs it's difficult to understand from the outside.
dandyseniors#546965 writes:
You're right on! Sure we have freedom of choice, but you'd better
be scared of the end result if you don't choose the right one now.
"every knee shall bow, every tongue confess"
AugVol writes:
It scares me that someone who is God-less, like you, is raising children.
JMHO
marinevol writes:
It scares you that someone who doesn't share your religious views is raising children? It scares me that arrogant, narrow minded people are raising children.
JMHO
salsashark74#230175 writes:
As a Christian I believe that anyone trying to FORCE a belief down someone's throat is the wrong way to go about winning someone to Christ. Arguing about whats truth and myth is not the point and snarky comments only feed a non-believers fire to find fault in a Christian. God's Word doesn't need defending, it will stand when the whole world falls apart. Belief in God is a choice to be made by the individual. God will reveal to us His perfect plan of Salvation, the truth of His Son, at least once in our lives. It's up to us if we choose to follow Him or not. He doesn't need our permission or approval for His ways. Only our human arrogance gets in the way of seeing His truth. He is a sovereign God and His will is absolute. Believe or don't believe...it's up to you, but you have no idea what's at stake or the real joy and peace that is missing from your lives. Just understand one thing, that once you take your final breath that's it. No more chances. You WILL stand before a Holy and Just God and answer for your actions and decision to refuse Him. So all of you non-believers ask yourselves one question...what if you're wrong? Is absolute refusal to accept what God has for you in order to live life by your own rules and standards worth the risk? Believers...Pray Hard and remember that you may be the only Bible that anyone ever sees.
eldr5#344719 writes:
Why are atheists so arrogant? They accuse Christians of arrogance but then they deride and ridicule everyone that doesn't share their non-belief. And longvol that last statement you made was idiotic. You think that God isn't much of a god in the end if he rejects you and gives you exactly what you have always wanted -- total and complete separation from Him and His goodness. Yes, that's what you'll get in the end if you choose to go on arrogantly believing that you are your own god. Why couldn't you have just said "good for the Hamilton's for choosing to take in and love these abandoned children". Or better yet you could have just shut your mouth.....which is probably good advice for most of us (including me)most of the time when we can't respect other people and their faith.
cmcfalls writes:
long_vol - you ask the wrong question. The question is not why does God allow evils in the world. The right question is why does God allow a wicked, vile sinner such as myself to awaken each day? Why did He allow me to remain on the Earth until I found Him (or rather, He found me)?
AugVol writes:
I was going to let this go, but I just can't. With apologies to the KNS for turning a beautiful story into religious argument, I have to respond to those who replied to my previous post. Not responding is like Peter denying Jesus, and I'm not going to do that. Be that as it may, I'm not a perfect Christian and don't profess to be. I simply believe in an awesome God. So do a lot of people who comment here. Unless you have experienced a relationship with God, then you cannot possibly understand what any of us who do are referring to. It's not about organized religion as someone mentioned above. It's also not about questioning God's motives or actions. It's simple. You either believe or you don't. It's the basis of why we take an oath for sitting in an elected position, or testifying at a trial. There are thousands of examples in the bible of why you should raise your children to believe in God. All the basics of courage, faith, honesty, wisdom, and character are there. Call it narrow minded if you must, but it makes a lot more good people than it does bad. My Christian brothers may jump on me for saying this, but I'm sorry; I really don't care whether you believe in God or not(Like I said, I'm not perfect). I stick to what I posted earlier. Denying a child the privilege to experience a relationship with God is really, really sad and disgusting in MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION. Take that for what it's worth. If you don't like it, then kiss my big fat Christian behind. I don't really value the opinions expressed by a huge majority of the idiots who post here anyway.
jackdup4vols writes:
Wow. It is amazing to me how easily the subject of religion brings forth such an immediate heated conversation. I myself, am Catholic. I was raised Catholic and have chosen to continue to practice as one. Am I perfect? Far from it. Some may even call me a "Cafetaria Catholic," seen as picking and choosing what areas of my religion to support. My faith brings me great strength and relief, comfort and desire to be the best person I can be; yet there are many areas of my religion for which I do not agree: the ban on gay marriage, ban on abortion, and the lack of women's roles in the Church for a start. BUT, we all as individuals have the right to our own point of view, and the choice of how we live our life. As should be noted and stated, if you believe in a higher being, then you know there is only one Judge, as we on earth are not it. Learning to and striving to live our lives in harmony with love for all is our greatest task and failure I believe. A world without prejudice, biogotry, and judgemental points of view is what we should strive for. All else that is good and deserving will fall into place.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Congrats, Hamilton, you're a better man than I am. I'd had to work till I was 103 to handle 3 more.
Where's sjt18 when you need him?
salsashark74#230175 writes:
It astounds me that so many of you are willing to risk eternal hell for the sake of human arrogance and self-will. God encourages indpendent thought (He didnt create a race of mind-numbed robots. He created people with the ability to choose for themselves). Rational judgement? I don't understand the rationality to reject any notion that a Creator higher than yourself wants to give you eternal happiness and love and rewards those who dillegently seek Him. If you knew God you would understand why those of us that believe want so badly for those of you who do not to see what we're talking about and to experience it. We don't want to bash any of you, only to see you saved. I know that it's foolishness to you now but I hope that before it's all over you come to know the the need for a Savior. Take care long_vol
VOLnTEMPE writes:
It's very arrogant to make a statement like that. I'm buddhist and I do works for humanity but I don't belittle people for not being buddhists.
VOLnTEMPE writes:
You do not have to have God in your life to be a good parent or moral being. And just because some people don't believe the world was created Genesis style means they are atheists.
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