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Haiti Family Testimonials
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Bonnie and Dieuna
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Traveling to Haiti was an experience I will never forget! I not only met my beautiful daughter but learned
about her life and culture as well. It truly was a priceless experience! Chronologically the trip began
with my meeting my child shortly after arrival in Port-au-Prince, spending a day filling out formalities at
the American Embassy for my daughter’s adoption process, spending another day with my child and then sadly
departing.
When I was asked to write this I was tempted to fill pages with how wonderful my daughter is. Please do not doubt my
ability to do so! However I was also moved by the generosity and mission of the director, Gina Duncan, and her husband
Lucien. This couple’s mission is to enable Haitian families to stay together. The Duncans help fulfill this mission by
providing food, schooling and medical care to hundreds of local children. For those Haitian families who cannot for
whatever reason parent, there is the adoption program. Children are evaluated and prepared for adoption at one of two
sites. Here they are provided with a multitude of services but most of all they are loved. While visiting my new daughter
at the Crèche Gina encouraged me to “Get into her world”. Learning my child’s routine and experiencing the atmosphere there
was invaluable to me and will help her transition once she is home.
In my mind, the proximity of Haiti to the United States is a huge plus for adoptive parents and their
children. Regular visits are therefore possible and offer the opportunity for knowing and bonding with
one’s child. I will never forget the hospitality, caring and kindness my child and I received at the Crèche,
or the strength and courage of the Haitian people. When I talk to my dear daughter about her country and
people, I will tell her they are a nation of strong survivors. Haitians continue to thrive and rise above
adversity. My daughter’s Haitian heritage will serve her well.
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Kim, Benciana, and Sandina
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On October 19, 2009 I met my daughters in Haiti, for the first time. In mid April I went to Adoption-Link to start the
process and learned of Benciana and Sandina four days later. Since then it has been a whirlwind of paperwork and more
paperwork. From the beginning I could not wait to get to the crèche (orphanage) in Haiti to meet my children. The hard part
is going to be waiting to get them home. Apparently things are moving more quickly than ever in Haiti these days and my dream
is that my girls will be home no later than May. However, I am well aware of the uncertainties and delays in international
adoption.
Benciana will be three in December and Sandina just turned one in November. They are truly fabulous. I feel like the luckiest
person in the world. I have known for a long time that I wanted to adopt siblings and having met these two beautiful girls I know
they were meant to be mine.
The Creche de l’Enfant Jesus I believe must truly be one of the best orphanages anywhere. This is primarily due to the
vision and passion of its founders and directors, Gina and Lucien Duncan. These two extraordinary people are concerned
about the children’s well-being both physically and emotionally. Benciana was traumatized for quite some time but now is
flourishing. They have had excellent care from their aunties, teachers, nurses, cooks and of course the Duncans. Gina and
Lucien care about each one of these children as if each one of them was their own. Both of my girls are happy,
affectionate and bright and needless to say I am happily in love with them.
During my four day visit to Haiti we were well taken care of from the time we landed until the time we boarded the plane for home.
The accommodations were more than we ever expected and the food was great! The Haitian people are very kind and generous and work hard
often with limited resources. I will teach my children to proud of their Haitian heritage.
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