Six Haitian Children Begin New Life in Oklahoma

By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Six Haitian children are starting their new lives in American after being adopted by families in the metro.

The children just arrived in Oklahoma City on Thursday, but the families said the children are adapting to their new lives rather quickly.

"We're learning their personalities a little more, and that's the biggest jump we're having right now," said Mark Lechtenberg, adopted two Haitian boys.

Belinda and Mark Lechtenberg adopted brothers Ebby and Tiken. They said the brother's are like little boys everywhere.

"The first thing they did when they got the cars is crash them. You know, that's all they are. They're just little boys," Mark Lechtenberg said.

The eldest of all the children is 12-year-old Ochelle. Stacy Mortensen is her adoptive mother.

"It's been exciting. A little bit overwhelming at time, but we love her just like one of our own already," Stacy Mortensen said.

Stacy already has daughters of her own who are excited about another sister.

"I haven't wanted to go to school because I just want to stay home with her, but it's been really fun, and we've been playing and joking around and she's already part of the family," said Paige Mortensen, Stacy's biological daughter.

Language has been somewhat of a barrier. The children speak very little English and the families speak little Haitian Creole, but they have found an interpreter to help the communication. They're also getting help from Cherokee Hills Christian Church, who through the church's missionary work in Haiti was able to get the children to America to be adopted.

"The other thing the church is doing is providing clothing, gift cards, bedding, beds, things of that nature," said Jimmy Durant, Cherokee Hills Christian Church.

The children's education levels are being assessed, and the parents are working on getting them into school. But despite all the challenges, the parents said they have no regrets.

The parents are even getting lessons on how to take care of their children's hair because that's something new to them as well.