West Linn, Oregon. Adopting a child can be a very long, emotionally, and physically stressful endeavor.
In addition, international adoptions can be expensive and require a lot of financial support. Natalia Kalachik and her husband are trying to adopt two young sisters from Ukraine and face a costly process.
There are programs worldwide that allow orphans to experience a few weeks in the care of a family through a hosting program.
These programs allow the orphaned children to share the love and support of a “real” family in their home, which they hope to form lasting positive impacts on the children’s and host family’s lives.
One program, International Host Connection, specifically brings orphans aged 6-16 from Ukraine and matches them to families in the United States.
The families can host a child for 12 weeks through the summer or four weeks through the winter.
Natalia and her husband were fortunate to host a child this past summer at their home in Oregon.
During that time, their affection grew, and they decided to move forward and try to make the eight-year-old a “forever” part of their family.
GoFundMe; pictured above is Natalia with her husband
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Although they had never met the younger sister because she could not participate in the program due to age restrictions, the Kalachik’s connection with their foster made such an impact on their lives; they decided to keep the sisters together, adopting them both.
“She stole our hearts, remodeled our priorities, and gave us a whole new perspective on life,” said Natalia.
“We are now in the process of adopting not only her, but her little sister as well. Unfortunately, her sister is only six years old and for that reason was too young for hosting, but we are so excited to meet her!”
“We knew we could not split them apart and decided to give them both a chance at a loving childhood.”
According to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, there are multiple steps for potential adopters set by The Department for the Protection of Children’s Rights and Hosting Programs within the Ministry for Social Policy of Ukraine.
It can take three months to one year to complete intercountry adoptions. While Ukraine does not charge adoption fees to adoptive parents, parents must use U.S. Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Providers.
Families have reported paying $10,000 to $40,000 per child to their adoption service providers.
If you would like help Natalia and her husband cover the adoption fees for both girls, you can do that here.
