Family has emotional homecoming in WNY

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's a story of triumph amid the tragedy. There was a very emotional homecoming here in western New York.

Currently, there are several local families who are in the process of adopting children in Haiti. You can only imagine how difficult the last few days have been as Haitians become more and more desperate for relief.

Earlier two newly adopted children arrived in western New York to joyful tears and embraces. Children came bearing gifts, mostly stuffed animals. Others brought balloons. Few were people were more excited about this celebration than Susan Whited and her children.

Susan said, "We are elated. We can't believe their finally coming because we've waited so long."

She along with dozens of well wishers gathered at Buffalo Niagara International to celebrate the homecoming of her husband, Pastor Chuck Whited of First Trinity Lutheran, and their newly adopted children from Haiti.

"I think they'll be terrified. They've never seen anything like what we have here," said Susan.

Abby had never met her new brother and sister.

Abby said, "I'm so excited!"

Finally the moment arrived.

7-year-old Wisken led the way with a bright smile. 11-year-old Lovelie looked happy too. Some of the children you see around them recently came to the states from the same orphanage.

"I'm finally home with kids. It's been a long haul. Difficult to get them out," said Pastor Chuck.

The Pastor and a team of volunteers were on their annual mission to Haiti when the quake struck. Wisken and Lovelie were with them. Their adoption, nearly four years and counting, was touch and go.

Pastor Chuck explained, "The Haitians said we couldn't take em and we went somewhere else and American soldiers said sneak in here. Three more checkpoints and again Haitians were fighting us, but we made it through."

The homecoming brought Abby to tears. It quickly became overwhelming for her new sister.

Susan said, "They don't speak English. They've never seen this."

Wisken wasn't sure what too think. But he told his big brother he liked the toys.

"They are Christian kids and I just want to see them grow up and do what God destined them to do," said Susan.

Pastor Chuck added, "Some of the good he's brought out of this horrible situation is we could bring our kids home."