When You Give a Child Hope
We are delighted to celebrate Haddon Fries, a child adopted from Ministry of Hope Lesotho in 2017. On May 19, Haddon graduated from high school in Georgia; he will start college in the fall. Here, his parents tell his story.
By Micah and Tracy Fries
Haddon (or Lephethesane, as he was known) was living at Ministry of Hope when we began the adoption process. From the beginning, we were moved by Ministry of Hope’s commitment to caring for vulnerable children and helping them secure opportunities for a brighter future. During our time in Lesotho, we witnessed the love and sacrifice that Ministry of Hope pours into children and families.
One of the most powerful moments during that season came when our family joined local missionaries in northern Lesotho to distribute food to villages affected by severe drought. Even as a young boy preparing to leave the only country he had ever known, Haddon eagerly participated in serving others alongside us. Watching him interact with villagers, speak his native Sesotho, and share joy with people in his home country gave us a glimpse of the heart God had given him.
Since bringing Haddon home to Georgia, we have had the privilege of watching him grow into an incredible man. Like every adoption story, this one has had its challenges, adjustments, victories, and milestones along the way. Through it all, Haddon has shown remarkable resilience, determination, and strength of character. He has embraced opportunities, worked hard academically and athletically, and become a blessing not only to our family, but to everyone who knows him.
Haddon with his adoptive parents, Micah and Tracy; sisters Kessed Noel and Sarah Grace; and Mamonyane Mohale at Ministry of Hope Lesotho.
This month marks one of the greatest milestones of Haddon’s journey so far, as he graduated from Ringgold High School on May 19. As parents, it is difficult to fully describe what this moment means to us. We think back to the little boy we first met in Lesotho and stand amazed at all God has done in his life since then.
Sports have played a major role in shaping Haddon. He has excelled as a multi-sport athlete, competing in both football and baseball. His hard work and dedication earned him multiple athletic honors throughout school, including All-State and All-Region in both sports, as well as multiple MVP awards that reflect both his leadership and performance on the field.
Coaches consistently recognize Haddon not only for his athletic ability but for his work ethic, character, and determination. Watching him compete, grow, and overcome challenges in both sports has been one of the great joys of our lives as parents.
We are especially proud that Haddon has committed to attend Georgia Highlands College, where he will play baseball and major in Exercise Science. His love of athletics, fitness and personal growth has shaped his goals, and he is excited about this next chapter on the field and in the classroom.
As we celebrate this season, we remain so grateful for Ministry of Hope Lesotho and the role it played in Haddon’s story. The investment made in his life years ago continues to bear fruit today. Haddon’s journey is a testimony to what God can do through love, community, and the willingness to give a child hope for the future.
Click here for a 12-minute video documenting Haddon’s first days with his adoptive family.