Norman Family Worried Haiti Earthquake Will Hold Up Adoption

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Thousands of friends and family members of those who live in Haiti have been in limbo the past few days because communications into the country have been nearly impossible. The lack of communication has been especially hard on families, like the Presleys, who are waiting to adopt children from the country.

The lack of communication available to and from the earthquake torn country of Haiti is frustrating for 17-year-old Eliana Presley. Adopted from Haiti at age 11, Eliana still has siblings in Haiti. Despite constant attempts, she hasn't been able to get in touch with them to make sure her biological family is safe.

Eliana and her mom Kathy are particularly concerned about Eliana's 4-year-old brother, Christopher, who is in an Haitian orphanage. The Presley's are in the process of adopting Christopher, but now there are concerns that the devastating earthquake will slow down the already lengthy process.

"He is my son. I feel so helpless. I wish I could jump on a plane right now and bring him home to Norman right now," Kathy Presley said.

For Eliana, seeing the buildings and homes of her childhood in pieces is overwhelming.

"I wish I could go help. I would be there right now if I could. I need to see for my own eyes that my siblings are safe. I need to hear my little brother's voice," Eliana said.

The initial reports they've received indicated Christopher's orphanage sustained some damage, but the children survived. However, the Presley's are hoping to get through to Haiti by phone to confirm Christopher's well being.

Dillon International is the agency that handled Eliana's adoption. The Tulsa based agency is using their Web site to post updates as well as a plea for help. They are in desperate need for funds to get the gasoline necessary to run the generators that keep the orphanage and hospital running.

The Presley family is not working with the agency on the current adoption. They are using a private attorney in Haiti.

You can help by donating on the adoption agency's Web site | Haiti: How You Can Help Earthquake Victims