Maya’s adoption becomes final in Iowa

Judge Terry Wilson with, from left, rear, Mandy, Maya, Matt, Chelsea; front, Whitley, Shay, Denzel, Ethan

An update on my great niece, Maya, from Haiti: Her adoption became final in Iowa yesterday.

Tony Leys wrote a great story in the Des Moines Register this morning, accompanied by Andrea Melendez photos:

Maya Poulter stood behind the judge’s bench Wednesday morning and helped him bang the gavel to make it official: She’s now part of an Iowa family.

She was also on “Good Morning America” this morning.

I’ve recounted Maya’s rescue from Haiti here before: Her adoption was complete and she was just awaiting a U.S. passport when the Jan. 12 earthquake hit; an ABC News crew found her at her orphanage, and her parents, Matt and Mandy (my niece) Poulter, flew to the Dominican Republic, then into Haiti on an ABC helicopter for a joyous reunion.  They flew home to Iowa with her just a week after the quake.

Wednesday’s ceremony in an Iowa courtroom completed her adoption. We’re delighted to welcome her to the family.

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