A couple from Texas, USA, came back from a turmoil-filled Ukraine a few days ago after going through a lot of hurdles – with a boy they wanted to adopt for over a year. As tensions rose in Ukraine, Americans were told to evacuate as soon as possible; this Texas couple came back with their adopted boy, Ruslan. Their brave boy’s journey from Ukraine was filled with hope and resilience, reflecting the strength of both the child and his new family. As they settled into their home, the couple was eager to provide Ruslan with a nurturing environment where he could thrive and feel safe. With each passing day, they watched him adapt and flourish, embracing his new life in Texas.
Kelci and Theron Jagge saw Ruslan’s photo on Instagram a year ago and instantly fell in love with the boy. He was in an orphanage in Eastern Ukraine. He was born with cerebral palsy. Kelci told FOX 4:
“We saw his picture before we even decided to adopt,”
“We were like, ‘The time is now. There’s no better time.”
When the adoption was being finalized in a tense Ukraine, the couple’s return to America was becoming a problem. At this point, their 4-year-old boy had pneumonia and needed medical care. The couple received an email from the US embassy, and they rushed with their boy. Heartwrenching moments from Ukraine’s conflict weighed heavily on their minds as they navigated the emergencies of their situation. Each step felt fraught with uncertainty, yet the love for their son propelled them forward, determined to secure the care he so desperately needed. The couple could only hope for a swift resolution amidst the chaos, dreaming of the peace and stability that awaited them in America.
Theron told FOX 4:
“We were racing against time at this point,”
“We were not able to get a visa for him finalized until after hours the Friday before the embassy was evacuated. So, he got the last visa that the embassy issued before the evacuation.”
After getting Ruslan’s visa process finalized, the couple was still stopped at the airport. Kelci told FOX 4:
“I told them, ‘Look at our son. He’s going to die if you make us wait 30 days. He will not survive 30 days.’ And they did not care,”
The couple, trying to find a way to get their sick boy back to America, hired a lawyer. They were finally able to get back to Texas. Theron told FOX 4:
“It was all the Lord. It was all God,”
“Little things happened along the way that opened up the doors to get us home.”
The couple is back in San Antonio, and little Ruslan is in the ICU receiving medical care. While speaking about the other children who are still in Ruslan’s orphanage, Kelsi told FOX 4:
“I know a lot of people look at us like, ‘Why are you going there? You are crazy.’ Well, if that’s your child and your child was stranded in a war zone you would do anything to get them out,”
What are your thoughts on this Texas couple’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: FOX 4
Images via FOX 4
Please, please do a follow up story on this beautiful family!! I need to know how Ruslan is doing!! God bless this couple for having love and strength to overcome all the obstacles in bringing to the US! Will be constantly praying for this family and especially for Ruslan!!
You are great people for saving your son life god bless you all he looks so happy being with you both i wish you all the best in the world thank you for caring for your son god bless
No words to express my blessings to this wonderful couple. May God bless you and that bundle of love. My heart and my prayers are with you.
So happy that you got your son home safe and sound. Bless you all.
God bless all of them .That sweet little boy needs love and care . Bless his little heart !! Wonderful people !!
Blessed you both..stay safe and healthy with your lucky and lovable baby boy..God Blessed
This is what real love looks like, you will do everything you can for your child, even if you have to take risks. I am praying to God for him to heal Ruslan and keep him safe. I hope you will keep us updated on how he is doing. May God bless your entire family and shower you with His love.