160. Angie Gilles: "Courage and Faith over Fear"

Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland

Angie Giles is an international adoptee, orphan, sister, daughter, wife, mother, friend and craft entrepreneur. In the beginning, the only thing she knew was her biological mother's name, Isabel Gamez. Angie was given up at 6 days old to the Rosa Virginia Peletier orphanage on June 22, 1978. She was given the name Rutilia De Los Angeles Gamez at birth.

Angie was born in El Salvador, Central America and at the age of three adopted by Tom and Charlene Smith. She is the youngest of eight, but grew up as an only child. During her youth in West Des Moines, IA and living in a White household was complex and disorienting. She is a survivor of physical and sexual abuse. She is currently finding her roots through DNA testing.

Angie has been a part of Adoptees Connect Nashville founded by Pamela Karanova for several years and enjoys the connection with other adoptees.

Music by Corey Quinn