A Joyful Return to Holt: A Reunion of Heart, History, and Hope

Shalom Friends,

It’s been over a year since our last blog post — and we apologize for the long silence. Honestly, life has been full, and we weren’t sure if people still read blogs in this age of reels and scrolling. But we’re reminded once again that stories — especially stories that speak to the heart — never go out of style.

This past spring, we were deeply honored to be invited by Dan Smith, President and CEO of Holt International, to share our book His Eye is on the Sparrow at Holt’s headquarters in Eugene, Oregon. Dan had received our book in the mail, and to our surprise, he actually read it — cover to cover — and wrote us a heartfelt message that led to this special event.

On April 25, 2025, we drove down from Seattle with boxes of books and hearts full of anticipation. What we experienced at Holt was beyond what we imagined — a reunion of stories, legacy, and love.

A Family Reunion, In Every Sense

From the moment we arrived, we felt wrapped in kindness and belonging. Staff, board members, adoptees, and Holt family members welcomed us with warmth and curiosity.

After a beautiful brunch, Dave shared readings from the book — raw, redemptive moments about his life as a Korean adoptee, his time at Ilsan Center, and the deep impact of Molly

Holt, Dr. David Kim, and the compassionate care he received as a child with polio.

It was incredibly moving to put names with faces in the crowd, including:

• Nancy Kim, widow of Dr. David Kim

• Suzanne (Holt) Peterson and Robert Holt, children of Harry and Bertha Holt

• Paul Kim, Linda Voelsch, and so many others who have carried Holt’s mission forward

Many in the room were in tears — including us — as we remembered the faithfulness of God through every chapter of Dave’s life. One moment that especially touched hearts was when Dave read from Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord... plans to give you a future and a hope.”

A Story That Still Matters

Nancy Kim shared that she couldn’t put the book down and wants to give it to her children, grandchildren, and church members.

For us, that meant everything. Because His Eye is on the Sparrow isn’t just a story about Dave's adoption — it’s a story about grace, healing, and the God who sees even the smallest sparrow fall.

This visit reminded us: our story doesn’t belong to us alone. It belongs to all the people who held us, loved us, believed in us, and prayed for us — even when we didn’t know they were there.

And it belongs to you, too.

Thank You, Holt Family

To everyone at Holt International: thank you for receiving us with such open arms. Thank you for continuing the legacy of Harry and Bertha Holt, of Molly Holt and Dr. David Kim, and of so many unsung heroes who’ve stood in the gap for vulnerable children.

And to those who have walked long roads of identity, loss, faith, and healing — your story matters. Keep telling it.

With love and gratitude, Dave & Ani Pearman link: https://www.holtinternational.org/adoptee-book-event/