Adopted children start new life in WNY

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Life has changed forever for countless children in Haiti. Some orphans are starting new lives in western New York

The two Haitian children News 4's Lorey Schultz met knew they were going to be adopted by a local couple for some two and a half years.

It was a slow and frustrating process until the quake hit.

It's been almost a month since a massive earthquake claimed thousands of lives, and displaced millions of people in Haiti. But for Lovelie and Wisken Whited, the past few weeks have meant a world of difference.

The children's dad Charles said, "Everything is different for them. Everything is an adventure."

Lovelie and Wisken are among a handful of orphans who survived the quake and found a new home in western New York.

Charles and Susan Whited say the adjustment has gone smoothly.

"Many people who've been through this experience have told us, don't overwhelm them because everything is new," said the children's mom Susan.

Everything from birthday cakes and toddler toys,to playing the piano and western New York weather.

"They would go to the back door . Open the back door and shiver. Shut it and do it again open the door. Shiver," said Charles.

The children arrived in Buffalo to a heartwarming crowd of well wishers a few weeks ago.

Since then, they've stayed close to home, except of course, trips to church.

Their dad is the Pastor of First Trinity Lutheran.

So far, the toughest challenge has been the language barrier.

Their mom said, "I can't imagine what goes through their minds and I can't wait until we have the language so we can talk more about what did you think, what are you feeling."

Neither child was interested in conversing with Schultz and her limited creole, but their facial expressions said it all.

Their smiles can easily light up a room; you wonder if they remember the haunting images.

"It's hard to say because every orphan child has seen things we can't imagine," Charles said.

Their new siblings, Jonathan and Abby, are helping them through the culture shock.

Jonathan said, "Lovelie is a lot quieter less ready to jump in, but Wisken goes with it."

Abby's new sister loves clothes.

She had few of her own in the orphanage.

Abby said, "Well all the girls shared clothes. They didn't have their own clothes and now she has her own clothing that people gave her."

The family hopes that by sharing their story, they bring honor to God, and inspire others to help the people of Haiti.

"My hope is they grow with a wonderful relationship with God," said Charles. "And my personal desire is perhaps they can offer help to Haiti."

Members of First Trinity Lutheran take part in an annual mission to Haiti, and have a special fund set up to assist earthquake victims.

The fund directly benefits the orphanage where Wisken and Lovelie came from and the orphanage in Port Au Prince.