Clay and Ellen Pogue sat at the kitchen table, sharing a meal with their family — a moment they cherished each evening since their family was formed. Across from them sat two young boys with a look of curiosity and cautious hope on their faces as they tried to make sense of the unfamiliar world around them. No one had fully prepared them for this — not the boys and certainly not Clay and Ellen, who found themselves navigating a new family dynamic while confronting a future that seemed as uncertain as it was full of promise.
As they looked at the boys, Clay and Ellen couldn’t help but think back to the journey that had brought them to this moment just seven years ago. With two daughters already at home, they had set out on what they thought would be a typical mission trip to Costa Rica.
The couple never imagined how profoundly that trip would alter their lives. During their regular visits to the orphanage, they were delighted to learn that two wonderful boys, Miguel, 10, and Rafa, 5, whom they had met on their last mission trip in 2017, were brothers. But another shocking realization they made was that the boys desperately needed a family. The boys, confined to the orphanage, had little knowledge of the world beyond it.
As Clay and Ellen prepared to leave, Miguel ran after them, pleading in Spanish, “No quiero que et vayas” (“I don’t want you to leave”). That heart-tugging moment set the Pogues on a path that would change their lives forever.
Upon returning home, they began the long and complicated process of adoption. Years of paperwork, waiting, and prayer followed before their family expanded to include the two boys.
Interestingly, the Pogues weren’t the only ones forever changed by their visit to the small, 15-child orphanage.
“Our friends also adopted three kids from the same orphanage,” Ellen said with a laugh. “So now there are five in our area, and another family — who adopted five — lives about an hour and a half away. We adopted half of the orphanage.”
When the adoption was finalized in November 2020, Miguel and Rafa were thrust into a new world — a new country, language, school, and family. It was quite an adjustment for children who had spent most of their lives in an orphanage.
“The boys came into our lives when they were 13 and 8,” Clay said. “There’s a lot of family history they missed out on, and it was hard to know they hadn’t experienced the same things our daughters had.”
The boys, who were academically behind, struggled with language barriers and the vastly different education system in the United States. Ellen did her best to help, but the adjustment coincided with another challenge for the family.
Clay had been privately dealing with health concerns before the adoption process even began.
“I knew something was wrong,” he admitted, “but I didn’t want it to affect our adoption.”
Shortly after the boys arrived, Clay’s fears were confirmed. Two non-cancerous brain tumors, which had been visible for months, were diagnosed, and surgery was quickly scheduled.
“The boys barely had time to adjust before Clay’s surgery,” Ellen recalled. “They were learning English, getting used to a new home and school, all while we were just trying to keep it together.”
Despite the overwhelming events, the Pogues pressed on. They believed their faith in God and love for one another would guide them through any storm.
Over the years, the family sought outside help to support the boys academically, hiring tutors and advocating for after-school support. Progress has been slow, but there is hope as the boys continue to catch up.
Through it all, the Pogues’ love for one another has been their foundation. They’ve learned the value of perseverance — during medical crises and in daily moments of parenting and growth. They celebrate every victory, large and small, from their oldest daughter’s wedding to their cherished annual “Gotcha Day” traditions — the anniversary of when the boys officially became part of their family.
“We take trips, go to movies, or share a special dinner on ‘Gotcha Day,’” Ellen said. “It’s our way of remembering how far we’ve come as a family.”
However, the journey ahead is far from smooth. In the spring of 2024, Clay’s brain tumor resurfaced, and he was also diagnosed with re-current colon cancer. Once again, the family endured surgeries, chemotherapy, and hospital visits.
“Clay has become bolder in his faith since his medical journey,” Ellen said. “He talks to strangers now, shares his testimony, and spreads the word about Jesus. I’ve seen him change in ways I never imagined, and it’s been incredible.”
“Even before all the medical stuff, He sustains me every day,” Clay affirmed.
The boys have also embarked on their own faith journeys, both professing faith.
Through the trials of health struggles, surgeries, and raising their children, the Pogues have discovered the true meaning of family. It isn’t merely about taking care of the kids or managing Clay’s health. It’s about showing up for each other, no matter how hard it gets.
“Yes, we are going to have troubles in this world,” Ellen said. “But God is there for us every step of the way. He’s done it before, and He will do it again!”
Now, as they sit around the table, Clay and Ellen reflect on how far they’ve come. The road has been long and difficult, but their struggles have made the triumphs that much sweeter. For the Pogues, their journey shows just how strong love, faith, and family can be.
