A three-year-old girl, abandoned in India and facing rejection from potential adoptive parents due to her missing nose, has recently found a new home.
Kristen Williams, a 44-year-old teacher from Cincinnati, stepped forward to adopt little Durga after several couples turned her down because insects had damaged her nose during the period she was abandoned as a newborn.
Durga has now embarked on a fresh start in Ohio, joining her eight-year-old sister Muni, whom Kristen had previously adopted from India in 2012.
Despite being single and not having found the right life partner, Kristen initiated her adoption journey in Nepal back in 2010. However, the following year witnessed a sudden suspension of all adoptions between the United States and Nepal.
This redirection led Kristen to India, where she quickly discovered Muni, residing in an orphanage since 2009.
Reflecting on the experience, Kristen said, “I was scrolling through extensive lists of children available for adoption on my computer screen from an agency, and the sheer number was overwhelming.”
“The realization of how many girls were in need of a loving home in India was heartbreaking. Yet, an inexplicable connection drew me to this little girl named Muni, who was just five years old at the time. I can’t pinpoint exactly what it was, but I knew she was my daughter, and I felt an undeniable urge for us to be together. That’s when I set the adoption process in motion.”
Durga, abandoned at birth, faced rejection from prospective parents due to her physical deformity.
Kristen, taking a break from her work, aims to assist both Durga and Muni in settling into their new lives.
Over the following two years, Kristen navigated through paperwork and legal procedures to officially adopt Muni, demonstrating unwavering determination.
“I was determined to have Muni in my life, and I committed myself to doing everything within my power to make it a reality. I never wavered in my pursuit, regardless of how long it took,” Kristen affirmed.
In December 2012, Kristen finally met Muni for the first time. Learning about a horseshoe-shaped scar on Muni’s forehead, Kristen discovered that its origin remained unknown. Despite Muni’s initial reserved demeanor, Kristen’s feelings toward her were nothing short of love.