Bringing Keanan Home

He's Home

2010-11-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

Our son came home on January 21st. Catch up with our family at our blog, http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/.

Orphanage Update

2008-12-12T00:30:00.000-08:00

Keanan is energy in motion. He is a delightful little boy who bounds from one activity to the next, always relishing each moment. He is rarely aware of my presence when is playing as he is so consumed, but if he becomes aware that I am watching him he is momentarily still. He is almost always the dirtiest boy in the house as he tackles his play so forcefully. He is a joy to watch as his smile is nearly always present.

Keanan enjoys everything - swinging, climbing, jumping, kicking balls, throwing balls, running, riding the tricycles – you name it. He is perpetually on the move – unless he realizes I’m trying to catch him with my camera and then I glimpse an unexpected moment of shyness.
Keembert interacts well with the other boys and I cannot at the moment recall a time that I have seen him at odds with any of them. He is polite and a willing helper when it comes time to pick up the toys.

Keembert is a healthy eater, and is growing and developing well in every aspect. I do not have any concerns about him at this time.

My Thoughts Exactly

2008-09-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Jafta has figured out that I'm pregnant. I haven't said anything yet, so I'm not sure if someone told him, or if he's just suspicious of my growing belly. For 10 weeks pregnant, I somehow look 6 months pregnant. Anyways, on our way home from preschool today, he asked me if there was a baby growing in my tummy. I told him yes. And then he asked me what kind of baby it was going to be. "A new baby", I said. And Jafta replied:

"OH!! I want it to be Keanan! I want to go see Keanan tonight and bring him home!!!"

I hear ya, buddy.

It makes me so sad to know that he will probably come home well after this baby is born. I want Keanan home in a big way. Our family feels incomplete, and as excited as I am about a new baby, it also feels heavy to know that life moves on as we have one member not with us. It's interesting how Jafta, at 3, so often articulates the feelings that are laying beneath the surface for me.

Photos from Haiti

2008-08-27T15:45:00.001-07:00

I love when I sit down to check my email and find photos of Keanan from the orphanage. This series had me smiling. Look at the "I'm gonna throw a rock at you" fake-out. I especially love the mischief in his smile on the middle shot. What a cutie! He will fit right in.

Orphanage Update

2008-08-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

Weight: 30 pounds
Height: 37 inches

Steady Keane is going along contently. He is becoming more verbal calling housemates and nannies by name. He still eats a lot and sleeps a lot – more than anyone else. His nanny laughs about it. We all know that Keane is the man when it comes to food and sleep.

He gives life his all. He loves balls, racing the bikes with the other kids (he has not been the winner yet – slower and steady) and loves to climb. Up the window of course.

He is doing OK on the potty and uses it correctly most of the time. He is getting it slow but sure.

Spaghetti remains his favorite food although if it’s food he’ll eat it. He screams a lot, plays hard, sleeps hard, runs hard and just lives life with gusto. We like him!

- Beth

Orphanage Update

2008-06-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Weight: 29 ½ pounds
Height: 35 inches

Since his height and weight have stayed the same I assume it’s safe to say he is leveling off from his growth spurt. That is not to say that he isn’t eating huge amounts of food – he still is. He eats a lot and sleeps a lot.

Keembert went back to his screaming (when happy) self when mom, dad, brother and sister left. Although he seemed to enjoy them the real Keembert did not surface totally while they were here. The carefree Keembert screams in delight, plays hard, and loves life. He can also scream in sadness and tantrum. He does everything in a big way.Parents just need to stay longer so he can be comfortable enough to be himself.Keembert seems on target for his chronological age. His behavior and cognitive abilities are definitely in the normal range.Keembert is a perfect fit for his new family. He is a darling little guy who loves life, loves his nanny and is thriving. I have no major concerns about him. He is healthy and happy.

Family Photos

2008-05-30T14:12:00.001-07:00

Mama and Papa Keanan

2008-05-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

We are back in Port-au-Prince, and focused on getting some quality time in with Keanan. Before our little country excursion, I was feeling really dismayed that Keanan seemed so dazed and confused around us. He was like a deer in headlights - very quiet and subdued - but we kept hearing stories about what a little comedian he was. Well, the past two days he has shown his true colors, and it is a delight. He is hilarious. He is quite the little flirt once he got comfortable around us.

But with that comfort has come bonding, and this part is tearing me up. Even though he is only 18 months old, he gets that we are here for him. He got upset today any time Mark set him down. We took him to church with us this morning, and when I went to drop him off at the orphanage for his nap, he cried and cried. This evening, we were playing and then all of us starting getting ready to go for the evening. He noticed, and again started really crying. This made me start to bawl, not just because he was sad, but just realizing how much he is in need of family. An orphanage is no place for a child, no matter how well it's run.

We had a conversation tonight with the orphanage director. He told us we need to get an update from one of his staff members tomorrow about the adoption status. But from the brief things he said, it doesn't sound like good news. I think we are waiting for approval from the very first Haitian office (of three). They have had our paperwork for almost a year. It's looking like years, as opposed to months, before he comes home. This orphanage has not had a child go home in the last year.

I'm not sure why God has allowed us to be involved in such excrutiating adoptions. First Jafta, now this. I thought that things with Jafta were particularly difficult because we were living as a family during the time of uncertainty. But now, I think that having a child living in an orphanage is by no means a better option. The children here all call us "mama and papa keanan" . . . and it's both delicious and heartbreaking to hear that all day.

A Reprieve in the Countryside

2008-05-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a tough day. Today was much better. We spent time with Keanan in the morning at the orphanage. We hung back and just watched, instead of being overeager and hovering. He was so cute and fun today.

Around noon, we boarded a very, very small plane to head to Port-de-Paix. The plane ride was an experience. Only 12 passengers, and all the luggage was just piled in the back. The pilot had his hand sticking out of the front window the duration of the flight. I think it was a little low on oxygen because the entire plane fell asleep. (with the exception of the pilot, fortunately).

Port-de-Paix is a small fishing village where some dear friends of mine run a school. Cara and I have been friends since we were babies. She and her family moved to Haiti when she was 8, and we have always kept in touch. I visited her when I was 16. She is responsible for my love of this country.

And they have air-conditioning. We are in heaven. Tonight Cara's mom prepared a Haitian feast. We are stuffed and feel safe, and we are sprayed down with DEET. It's good to be with old friends.

It is so great to visit with them, and see a softer, gentler side of Haiti. It is much safer here. You can walk around without fearing a mugging (or worse). They leave their doors unlocked. They seem to be friends with everyone in the village. It is a small-town feel, and the locals are loving on my kids. I'm not sure who is more popular - the little blonde white baby, or the black boy who speaks perfect English. Either way, they are both winning friends left and right. We went to the beach tonight, and Jafta saw lots of fishing boats. He began talking about how HE wanted to be in a boat. And wouldn't you know, two boys paddled up and offered him a ride. They both looked about 10, and one of them was not wearing anything but a t-shirt. And yet, I let my son ride around in their boat because it seemed like such an epic moment for him.

Pressed Down on All Sides

2008-05-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today was a hard day. I'm feeling pretty taxed in every way possible.

I am emotionally drained. Visiting Keanan is hard. It is always a relief to see how well he is cared for. But it's also disheartening how uncomfortable he is with us. I know that it is normal, and even developmentally appropriate, that he isn't jumping into our arms. We showed up enthusiastic, excited and smothering, and he reacted. He wanted nothing to do with us. I know that this is a GOOD THING. It shows he is bonded to his nanny. It shows he discriminates with who he gives affection. As a therapist, I know that is good. But it's still hard. It took him a long time to warm up to us. We took him to dinner with us, and he was sad and unresponsive all evening. But then when we took him back to the orphanage, he ran around hugging every kid several times, and seemed like the happy, engaging boy we have heard about. I wish he was that boy more with us.

I am mentally drained. It is hard trying to give three kids your attention. Especially when they are each clingy in their own way: two because they are away from home in a strange place, and one because he is away from home with strange people. We are staying with the missionary couple that runs the orphanage, who we absolutely adore. But their home is a scary place for toddlers: India has been pinned to the ground by a bull mastiff puppy on two occasions, and continually falls down their tile stairs. Jafta slipped and fell in a puddle where the puppy had an accident, thereby covering himself in dog pee. Mark was electricuted by a switchplace trying to turn on the light. I feel like I cannot let these kids out of my sight for one second.

I am physically drained. I really cannot explain the heat here. It is immobilizing. Several times, I hve caught Mark just kind of sitting there, spaced out and staring off into the distance, not paying attention to anything. We call it a heat coma. We are soaked in sweat, all day. My daughter is the color of a tomato, just from being so hot, and we all have wet hair from being drenched in sweat. The shower does not work, the electricity is spotty, and it seems like there is no escape from the heat. I seriously don't know how people live here.

The house is asleep but I am having difficulty sleeping, with the events of today swimming in my head. Adoption is a hard thing. I am also discouraged that there seems to be very little movement on the adoption front. I don't know when Keanan will every come home. I'm feeling pretty sad about that tonight. I'm feeling overwhelmed all the way around, and I'm already longing to be home.

The Paradox of Haiti

2008-05-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

We have finally arrived in Haiti. It's really hard to describe Haiti. It is exactly like you see on tv, and nothing like you see on tv. It continues to be a country plagued by violence, political unrest, unemployment, hunger, and abject poverty. This has lead to a culture of dishonestly as a coping strategy, on large and small scales. There is a desperation that gives way to crime. There are kidnappings for ransom. People are robbed. Homes are guarded with armed men. You don't go out on the streets at night. You stay behind the gates as much as possible. There is also a spiritual opression here that is nearly palpable. Haiti has a long history with voodoo, and its presence permeates the island. That, along with the sweltering heat, sometimes makes it feel like the air is literally harder to breath.

And yet . . .

There is still some unexplainable part in me that LOVES this country. The people are kind and friendly and generous. They are helpful and considerate. And just . . . likeable. And so, while I felt so freaked about before we came about all of the statistics, and news stories, and travel advisories against Haiti, when we stepped off the plane, I felt relieved. It's Haiti. I know this place. I like this place. We're gonna be okay.

Packing Up!

2008-05-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

We leave for Haiti in the wee hours tonight, and it feels like we've been packing for the last week. We are like santa's workshop over here. Our house was full of toys, clothes, and supplies for the orphanage. We filled four suitcases, and then still had some room, so Mark went to Target and bought four trikes to put in the last two suitcases! I can't wait for the kids to see them. We also have 10 lbs of Starbucks coffee for John and Beth, who run the orphanage. They deserve it! They work so hard and they are amazing people.

We've been training Jafta to sleep in a tent, so that we can cover it with a mosquito net while in Haiti. He thinks it's great fun. I laid out the kid's clothes and sprayed them with mosquito repellant, bought lots of DEET, and we've all been taking malaria pills. Except for Mark - he has taken no precautions and scoffs at my efforts. If he gets malaria, DO NOT FEEL SORRY FOR HIM.

Also, a huge THANK YOU to all of you who donated toys, meds, suitcases, and money. We have over $600 to give to the orphanage for rising food costs.

Missing You

2008-04-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

Our dear Keanan. A friend was in Haiti last night, and got the chance to hang out with you for a bit. She sent us lots of photos. You look so big and so different from our last visit. You aren't a baby any more. You look like a little boy. I am feeling sad that I am missing out on this time in your life. I hope you can come home soon.

Good News, Bad News

2008-04-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

The Good News is that adoptions are finally moving again. The government phase that has been denying families with bio kids, called Parquet, has approved several families with bio kids. This is very good news for us.

The Bad News is that there is a food crisis in Haiti. Food prices have gone up dramatically, and Haitians cannot afford to eat. This is causing riots, looting, and even deaths at the hands of angry Haitians. Please pray for this desperate country.

Balloon Party at the Orphanage!

2008-04-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

From Jessica:

"Manna Relief has given us vitamin supplements for our kids to take that are supposed to be really helpful. Apparently these vitamins are very expensive in the states but we get them all for free. On Monday Beth got a phone call saying there were some people here from Manna Relief and they wanted to come by and see the kids. They ended up putting on a puppet show, singing with the kids, passing out balloons and toys, and giving us a ton of vitamins. The kids LOVED it!"

Fun with Rice

2008-03-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today we got some new photos of Keanan playing in a sandbox full of rice! He looks like he is having so much fun. It's so good to see photos of him looking so happy.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

Feeling like packing up and moving today

2008-03-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

I'm toying with fantasies of moving to Haiti while we wait for this adoption to finalize. It is so hard to think of Keanan growing up in an orphanage. I want to be with him. It would be complicated, because wehave two kids under 3. (and because picking up and moving is always complicated, much less to a 3rd world country). But the wait is really killing me. I feel like the grief over being seperated gets heavier and heavier the longer it takes. We have had the chance to visit twice, and I think about our son every day. What is he doing? How was his day? These thoughts flood my mind constantly, and I am hit withwaves of sadness and an overwhelming mother desire to be with him.

The waiting is hard.

Not When, but If

2008-03-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

We are hearing a lot of news that does not bode well for our adoption. The Haitian government is not approving families with biological children. We have a biological daughter and I am just so worried that our adoption will not go through because of this. I feel like I am just searching for good news every day. I check many orphanage websites, adoption message boards, and scour over the file dates coming out on other family's blogs. From what I can see, the dossiers moving through Haiti have not been signed out for families of bio kids in several months. I'm just being vulnerable, and I know that I need to "just have faith", but I can't help worrying over something so important to me. Our first adoption was nearly disrupted and very traumatic, and I'm having a hard time not thinking the worst.

Orphanage Update & Valentine

2008-02-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

Weight: 29.2 Height: 35 inches

Keembert is our football player kid. If you are in the way he’ll just knock you down. Reminds me of our mastiff. He is loud, a screamer, happy and gives life all the gusto he can muster. He eats huge amounts of food and gets it everywhere. But with the size of him quite a bit actually makes it to his stomach.

He eats the most and he sleeps the most! He wears himself out with all his activity. He loves to play with the giant balls and he loves the trampoline. He jumps and laughs – it is delightful to watch.

We moved all the boys to the toddler house where they have more space and a bigger yard. Nannies and children alike are happy with this new arrangement. Keembert and his friends were destroying the baby house – we made the move while the house was still standing. They are all adjusting to sleeping in big boy beds and living in new quarters. There nannies did not change which helps a lot.

Keembert goes on the potty, is normal for his chronological age in all areas. He is a pretty amazing kid. Look out!

Orphanage Update

2008-02-02T22:20:00.001-08:00

Weight: 27.5
Height: 32 ½ inches

Kembeert is doing fine. He is the house comedian who is always on the move. He runs about the house causing fun and havoc. He is loud and screams when happy or sad. He squeals in delight when he is happy which is often.
No health issues, no emotional issues at this time. He eats a lot – more than any other kid. It is especially funny to watch him eat spaghetti. He grabs it by the fistful and shovels it into his mouth.
He drinks milk at every meal, takes a daily vitamin and sleeps fine. He is a delightful boy.

Beth McHoul

Merry Christmas, Baby!

2007-12-25T22:40:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in Haiti

2007-11-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

I’ve been wanting to share pictures and stories from our Haiti trip and I’m just now getting the chance to sit down and process it. We had such an amazing trip. I was feeling apprehensive about leaving India, about taking Jafta, about traveling to a crazy, volatile country, but it ened up being such a good experience for all of us.

Entering the country of Haiti is always an experience. The airport is just a small room, but you are greeted by a steele drum band as you step of the plane. That’s kinda where the hospitality ends, as you are shuffled into a crowded, sweaty room for customs and then into an even more crowded room to elbow up to the baggage claim for your bag, and then to wrestle it away from a dozen Haitian men trying to help you for a tip. Jafta was a bit overwhelmed at this part, and a little (okay, a lot) upset that India was not with us. Fortunately he was too young to notice the UN troop trucks and the fact that every house had two armed guard with machine guns at their gates. Yikes.

We spent our first day with Keanan, the little boy we are hoping to adopt. (we will be changing his name when Mark and I actually agree on one!) He was a little freaked out by us at first, and just kinda cuddled with me quietly on the first day. It was Jafta who really got him out of his shell, sharing his Shrek toys with Keanan and teaching him all about McDonalds and commercial consumerism. They played so well together, and Jafta was a big fan.The orphanage director kept telling us what a little class clown he was, and we saw this the second day. He was running around the orphanage, trying to get the nannies to play peekaboo. He was so cute.

That afternoon was Thanksgiving, and we went to another missionaries house, where there was a huge potluck with about 50 other missionary families. It was one of those defining moments for me. We met so many amazing people who had given their lives to serving others. So many inspiring stories. It seemed like every family had adopted 3 or 4 Haitian children themselves, so it was really neat for Jafta to see such a large group of families that look like ours. Keanan was so much fun that day, and got to go swimming for the first time.

We still don’t have many answers to how long the adoption will take. Our paperwork has to get stamped by five offices, and it is still awaiting approval in the first office. It could sit there for several months, and then in each subsequent office for several months. There is no rhyme, reason, or logic.

Jafta loved visiting the orphanage, and I actually think he would love to live there. A huge group of kids to play with, a swingset and a trampoline . . . he was in heaven. Every morning he asked to go back to the “kid’s house”. We continue to be so impressed by the quality of care at this orphanage, and while the wait is excruciating, we know Kembert is in good hands.

Orphange Update

2007-10-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

Weight 26.8 pounds

Height 30 1/2 inches

Keembert is my kind of guy - he loves to eat and sleep! The nannies laugh that he eats the most of all the kids in the house. He is pretty easy going but does tend to hit other kids with toys, especially on the head.Normally he is sweet and content. He says many words and is developmentally right on target. He is walking, enjoys playing at the swing set and loves music. He really likes the DVDs that we put on and will watch intently. He will sway with the music.Keembert is healthy and growing - I have no issues of concern. He is well attached and has no out of the normal range behaviors.

Orphanage Update

2007-09-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Weight 26.2 pounds
Height 31 ½ inches

Keembert is doing well. His physical development is matching his chronological age and he is almost ready to walk. He claps his hands with music and often squeals in delight. His squeals are loud and happy. Keembert is still drinking infant formula but will move from a bottle to a cup by his birthday. He is drinking well from a cup but loves his bottle also. He eats infant cereal along with other soft beginner foods.
Keembert has had no health concerns and is a chubby, happy baby. He sleeps through the night, plays in the play room and enjoys the swing set. He is well bonded to his nanny but does not like to cuddle for long. He is a busy child who wants to be down playing and crawling around.

Beth McHoul

Orphanage Update

2007-06-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

Height 28 inches

Weight 22 pounds

Keembert drinks well from a cup but is still on a bottle. He is progressing right along. He is a happy baby who loves to clap; he responds to music and laughs a lot. He is well bonded to the nannies and is a joy to take care of.
Keembert has had no illnesses or areas of concern this month. All is well.

Beth McHoul

Orphanage Update

2007-05-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Weight 20 pounds

Keembert is doing great. We no longer have any concerns about his vision. He is grabbing toys and finger foods as is normal for his chronological age. He is crawling and standing holding onto furniture.
He continues to eat baby cereal and drink formula with iron. He is also on Glyco Bears vitamins.
Keembert is an easy going baby who is content when his needs are met. He is a sweet boy who is a joy to take care of.

Beth McHoul

Orphanage Update

2007-03-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

Weight 19 pounds

Height 27 inches

Keembert is progressing. He is happy and content. He rolls over and is making gross motor advancements but is not grabbing toys. This is a concern. He smiles at his nanny across the room but does not track objects which are close to his face. He does not reach for toys. We will continue to give him time and nutrition and closely monitor his progress or lack of it.He is a happy, growing and a beautiful boy.Keembert is eating cereal and drinks 6-8 bottles of formula daily.
Beth McHoul

Orphanage Update

2007-02-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

Weight 17 pounds

Height 24 inches

Keembert is coming along. He is drinking at least six 8 ounce bottles of infant formula a day and is growing quickly. He is rolling over and is advancing according to his chronological age. He is a sweet boy who smiles and responds to his nannies. The Physical Therapist checks in on him but has not mentioned any new concerns. She plays with him and tests him but continues to say he needs time and nutrition – both of which he will get here. He has beautiful dark skin and black, black hair. He is a gorgeous baby who is delightful. He is not fussy or high demand but neither is he slow or not responding
Beth McHoul

What the heck is taking so long?

2007-01-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

In a nutshell, a corrupt and ineffective government system in Haiti causes adoptions to take months, even years, to process. The average time for an adoption right now is 18-24 months. Our son is growing up without us. The rules change constantly in Haiti, and our paperwork seems to be stuck due to new laws about families with biological children. We are still in step 3 (IBESR) waiting for approval to adopt. The timeline looks something like this:

2-4 weeks = First Legalization. This is where all of the papers are authenticated.

1-4 weeks = File prepared for IBESR

2-6 months = IBESR (Haiti's Social Service Department, aka the black hole), where a social worker will look over all of your documents and decide whether to approve your adoption request.

2-12 weeks = Parquet is the head commissioner. This step involves one person releasing the child's file. Civil Court Legalization

2-8 weeks = The adoption is finalized. After this point, the children are legally yours.

2-6 months= Minister of Interior Affairs (MOI)/Haitian Immigration. The file is submitted into the passport process. The passports are printed in the adopting parents last name. This step takes the longest and yet could be done in a day.

1-3 weeks. U.S. Customs approval. I-600 is filed by adopting parents.

1 week = Consulate/Visa Appointment. Child receives visa in preparation for travel to their new home

Why Haiti?

2007-01-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and has been plagued by violence for most of its history Haiti has an estimated 8.2 million people. The unemployment rate is about 80%. The majority of the Haitian population lives on less than a $1 a day, with the median income about $60 per year. Only 25 percent of the population has access to safe drinking water, and less than 30 percent of the population has access to adequate sanitation. Just under half of the population is literate. In addition, the average life expectancy for Haitians is less than 50 years. About 70% of the population is children, with approximately 23% of the children under five suffering from malnutrition, and 10% of the children dying before the age of four. Between extreme poverty and death, there are an estimated 1.2 million orphans in Haiti. There is an obvious need for adoptive families in Haiti.

Other pros for Haitian adoption include:
• The Haitian people are beautiful.
• Haiti has an interesting history and rich culture, and is one of the least expensive countries to adopt from.
• You can have your child escorted home, or you can travel and bring them home yourself; with an in-country stay of 3-5 days.
• Some agencies/facilitators allow parents to visit their child(ren) while in process.
• The children are generally healthy.
• Infants are available, as are toddlers, preschoolers and older children.
• Sibling groups are also available (you can also adopt two unrelated children at the same time).
• You can usually request the gender of your child.
• You can adopt with the help of an adoption agency, or save money and adopt independently.
• Single women can adopt.

If you are currently deciding which country to adopt from, please consider Haiti.

(*from Angela at www.haitiadoptionhelp.blogspot.com. )

Orphanage Update

2006-12-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Weight 14 ½ pounds

Height 23 inches

Keembert is drinking 3 eight ounce bottles daily. He sleeps well and has no illnesses at this time. He is delayed but a physical therapist is giving us ideas to help him develop. He seems to favor his right side which should work itself out.He is smiling, responding to care-givers and is a sweet baby. He is not high demand or fussy. The nannies love him and hold him lots. He seems delayed physically but is developing and progressing daily. A sweet boy. Our PT will check in with him twice weekly and keep us posted.

by Beth McHoul

Orphanage Update - He arrives

2006-11-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Background:We on November 20, 2006 received a call from Pat Smith, a missionary in Mirebalis who has an orphanage/crèche. She asked if we had room for two children and I told her to send the children with the parents and we will talk with them to determine if we can take in the children.The next day November 21st, at 7:00 am three parents with three children appear at our house. I had them go to the children’s home and I came a couple of hours later to talk with them and to look at their documents.The documents for Keembert were in order but I sent the mama and child back to Mirebalis and told them to return on Friday the 24th. I did this to give the mama time to think through the giving of her child as I explain to her that it is quite possible that, after Kleembert leaves for the States that she may never see him again. She said that she understood this and that she simply could not care for Keembert as she has the other children who are in the care of her mother.The father had died while Nicole was pregnant with Kleembert. She told me that he was living in the Dominican Republic and that someone put voodoo powder on or near him and he died three days later.