|
|
| Home > Channels > Cutting Edge > Lost and Found: A Child's Journey Home
|
|
|
Page 1: LostBy Darina Hul
Tuesday, May 28th, 2002
Nikki Meek said that during her adoption selection process, shed know when shed know which baby to adopt. Throughout the fourteenth month process, Nikki traveled across Cambodia to visit six different orphanages. I talked to the different directors, met lots of sweet children, but when I met Regan, I just knew! I knew that this fireball was the daughter that had been growing inside my heart!
Regan was a mere six days old when she first arrived at the orphanage. At three and a half months, her dark Cambodian complexion and big brown eyes melted into the arms of Nikki. Even through pictures, Regan possessed strength about her demeanor befitting her name, which means king in English.
Nikki was knowledgeable of Cambodia even before adopting Regan. She was a nurse in the states that catered to children from overseas. Nikki was quite familiar with the children that escaped Pol Pot and Cambodias history. She is touched by the strength and determination of the Cambodian children and parents. During her years living in Singapore, Nikki had a friend who was an adoptive mother and whom also volunteered in Cambodian orphanages.
I was interested because I always knew on some cellular level that we (husband and myself) were going to parent a child through adoption. Then after going there for the first time, I just knew that was where the daughter of my dreams was going to be.
The realization of such a dream would not be a walk in the park for Nikki and her husband. The couple already had a biological son of nine years and the adoption process would not be easy for the family. The dossier consists of a home study, a psychological evaluation, and a full medical assessment of the family. In addition, financial and insurance documents are required in order to ensure the family was financially capable of rearing a child. Letters to a few ministries stating ones commitment to Cambodia and a promise to bring the child back when they are older is also required. Police and child abuse records and clearances go back over a ten year life span. Finally, the United States (or country with which one lives) must approve the adoption by papers and customs.
|
Disclaimer: KC articles are pubished for the information and entertainment of members of KC. The material published is selected for its interest and the views expressed therein are not necessarily those of KC nor its staff. |
|
|
|
Page: [ 1 2
3
] |
|
|
| |
|
