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| Scott and Lauren Sterling already had two kids, Logan, 19, and Laney, 3, when they took in five orphans from Peru: Yhonson, 17, Gerson, 15, Betsi, 12, Joel, 11, and Sibila, 9. |
At first, the Sterlings didn't believe the email that reached their Missouri home: Five Peruvian siblings were orphans and needed a mommy and daddy.
It might’ve been scam. But the five hopeful children whose pictures were in the email weren't asking for money, just making a plaintive plea that worked its way into the hearts of Scott and Lauren Sterling. When the couple checked into it, they learned the children's parents indeed had both died of tuberculosis.
And although they were already busy with two kids -- Scott's 17-year-old daughter from a previous marriage and their 15-month-old girl -- one night. Lauren couldn’t fight the nagging feelings anymore.
“Somebody’s got to do it, and why can’t it be us?” Lauren, 30, said to her husband.
It was pretty much decided then that they were going to adopt the kids, who had struggled to stay together after their parents died some seven years ago. Now they desperately needed some grownup help.The kids had learned of the adoption ministry at the Sterlings' church from a congregant who had met them in South America.
Just last month, the Peruvian branch of the Sterling family arrived in the United States - and their new home in Blue Springs, Mo. The kids are now at four different schools because of their ages, and transitioning to school in America has been a struggle. But their English is improving by the day, Lauren Sterling said, and the boys are looking forward to playing soccer for their schools next fall.
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