Sarah Meacham with Harper

Many children around the world spend much or all of their childhood in orphanages or foster care. Yet the process to internationally adopt these children can be expensive, tedious, and sometimes heartbreaking.

Rick and Sarah Meacham of Columbia know all about the highs and lows of international adoption. They adopted their son, Harper, who was 16 months old at the time, from Minsk, Belarus in May 2004. While in the Belarus courtroom, they were informed that Harper had a two–month–old sister at the hospital. According to the Meachams, the judge, attorneys, orphanage director, and National adoption representative told them they would be able to adopt the girl the next year. However, this did not happen because Belarus has now closed its borders to international adoption.

The Meachams have been told there is little chance for Belarus to be opened for international adoption again. Sarah Meacham said, “We understand the decision is not in our hands, nor is there much of anything we can do to change it.” But, she says she and her husband are committed to pursue any avenue they can to adopt their son’s biological sister.

The Meachams are are constantly overjoyed with Harper. Sarah Meacham said, “He loves to sing and dance and talk. It’s amazing we went around the world to get this person.” She added, “He knows he has a sister, and says prayers for her every night.”

Rick Meacham said that even though the process of international adoption is long and can be difficult, he would recommend it to anyone who wants to adopt a child. He adds, “The end results are very much worth it.”