Our Story

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:05 am

We met online. I was looking for a child to adopt...and pen pals around the world. And Marilla was looking for a way to get out of LIberia. Well, maybe she wasn't, maybe she was just looking for someone who might relieve her misery somehow. Anyway, she got my email address and emailed me and told me about herself and wanted me to adopt her and her cousin, Michelle.

We began emailing back and forth every so often, and then got on Yahoo Instant Messenger - I got a web cam - so we could see each other once in a while - I got to see both of them. It was so exciting. Their parents are dead, part of the Civil War in Liberia.

So, here we are now. If I had the money, I would send for both of them this minute. If I had the money to go get them, I'd do it today. But the sad truth is we do not have any savings and of course, they have nothing; so we are praying for a way to get them over here. Meanwhile, I've fixed a girly box to send each of them of 'girl goodies.'

Well, this is our story. Any suggestions?
Maggie

Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:31 am

Gosh that is such a touching story.

I really don't know what to say except

to pray for you. I wish you well.

Maybe you could ask for legal advice?

Goodluck and keep us up to date.

SisiPancake

Forums Moderator Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 1023

You might try the Catholic Charities. I don't know where you are located, but they have a huge office in the Baltimore, MD area. You can get some advice from them if nothing else.
Another suggestion is: I don't know how involved you are at your church, but you might get some help from them.
I know this seems far fetched; but how badly do you want to adopt these two girls?

Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 10:09 am

Following on from Rinabear's post,

You could try the Salvation Army.

Maybe even try emailing Oprah Winfrey's

show. Another person who is really good

at finding people is Trisha Goddard.

Try to email all the chat shows Monteal

is another good one. Email them or

call and give your story, they usually end

up helping people to achieve their goals.

Try The Red Cross too.

All the Best

SisiPancake

Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 11:22 am

Sisi, Thank you so much - I did email Oprah Winfrey's show a long email about us, have not heard from her. But who knows, right? She certainly has more power (and money) than most Americans - she's the richest woman in America.
Maggie

Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 11:28 am

Hmm she might be the richest woman, but that does
not mean she has the power to do everything.
If you hit lucky you will be helped.
Humans can only achieve certain amount of goals.
I guess she has millions of people asking for help,
and can you imagine the letters and emails they
have to sift thru.?

Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 5:52 am

So true, Sisi! Must say I don't expect she'll ever see the letter, but it felt good writing it. What I've in fact done is edit the last book I've written - I am going to attempt to get it published. It's the only real talent I have; but is it good enough? I don't know yet - but at least, it's typed, right!!!
Maggie

Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:29 am

Maggie don't forget that when you get your work edited
that is the final process.
The editor will make sure all is in place and work with
you to make the book presentable to the public.
Always be positive Sis.

Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 12:56 pm

Sisi, that is my hope and prayer!
Thanks so much - I'm quitting for now, can't seem to get into anything here tonight or make a reply, don't know if this will be posted or not.
Hugs,
Maggie

Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:25 pm

Maggie you are not the only one having problems posting.
Thankyou for your pm. I could not reply there as
it was not allowing me to send you a reply.
There seems to be a general problem.
Don't worry The Webmaster has everything in control
Please bear with us while it is being sorted.
Thanks for understanding and patience
Sisi

Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 5:07 am

We're very upset. Michelle is very sick, probably having a return attack of malaria. I don't have any money to send and her cousin wants $150 to take her to the doctor. Isn't this awfully expensive? What does one do in Monrovia for medical care?
Maggie

Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 10:45 am

Umm Maggie $150 is about £75 Pounds sterling.
I can confidently tell you that even here in UK
drugs are not cheap.

The last time I had to buy anti malerial drugs
here in UK, I paid about £15 for one pack of tablets,
with 60 in a box.
Bear in mind that up to 3 different anti malerials are
taken, over a course of about 6 weeks.

Malerial drugs are very expensive.
Infact most drugs are very expensive.
Don't you have the money? Besides if you are going
to adopt children from Africa, remember that even
when they move abroad the malaria is there for life
in the blood and maleria can and does rear it's ugly head.

I have seen this even with my Children, and the tropical
disease consultant told me that it is just the way maleria
behaves. So Girl you will need to have lots of money ready
and be prepared.

Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 3:56 am

No, I don't have lots of money, not at all. We are just regular very middle class people. I am afraid Michelle will die because she cannot get medical help. She is very sick. Someone else told me she would probably not be allowed to immigrate because of her health, and that has depressed me.

What would happen if her cousin took her to the hospital emergency room and left her there? Wouldn't they take her in? Is there a hospital in MOnrovia?
Maggie

Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 4:10 am

I suggest u *google* your question about hospitals.
By the way who do the girls live with now?
I don't think she will die. You are taking this a little
too serious.
I know you care, but I bet you in a couple of weeks
you will tell us she is just fine.

As for dumping a person in a hospital.. that is not
good. Their carers am sure have everything in control
Monrovia is not as *dark* as you think.
How old are the girls?

Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 4:59 am

Sisi, it's the 7 year old who has the Malaria attacks. Or whatever it is. She gets sick pretty easy. Missi is 23 and Michelle is her cousin and only remaining relative that she knows of. I wish so much for them and that I had more money, of course. I do pray for them every day, and Missi prays too. They were in the VOA camps and now live with someone they met, but I don't think their quarters are that good. Still, having a place to stay outside the camps, which are really gone now, is better than sleeping in the sticks around Monrovia.
Maggie