Haitian orphans join their new family in Eagle Mountain

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EAGLE MOUNTAIN -- An Eagle Mountain family feels complete after three young children joined them sooner than they expected. They say they are all eager for a new chapter in life after extraordinary challenges.

Since the earthquake hit Haiti more than three weeks ago, we've seen the tears and the smiles of Haitian orphans. We've also felt the joy as Utah families brought their new kids home. That feeling is sinking in Thursday for the Aitken family.

Young Fabrice Aitken dashed through the airport Wednesday night around midnight when he caught sight of his new grandparents and brothers and sister. His face beamed with excitement. The grown-ups are thrilled, too.

Adoptive parent Candice Aitken said, "It took a lot of work from people in Utah."

David and Candice Aitken flew from Miami to Salt Lake late Wednesday night with their Haitian children on board.

Now, 8-year-old Fabrice, 5-year-old Nerlande and 4-year-old Yonelson will grow up in Utah with the Aitken's three other children.

"We went from 3 to 6, so it's a big family," said Candice with a loving laugh.

The Jan. 12 quake destroyed the children's orphanage. They lived in a temporary orphanage until the Aitkens came to get them.

"I am relieved," says Candice. "I probably won't get any sleep for a while, but it'll be better knowing they're safe here and all home."

Young Fabrice Aitken dashed through the airport when he caught sight of his new grandparents and brothers and sister.

David recall the feeling he had when he knew they were headed home with their children. He said, "It was everything you'd hope, after putting in all that time and effort and just loving them the way we do."

The Aitkens started the adoption process 15 months ago and visited the children three times. The earthquake sped up the adoption, and the parents say Sen. Orrin Hatch prodded both governments.

Fabrice had to wait in Haiti a few extra days because his paperwork was lost.

"We stayed down in Florida until we made sure that the government and our side and their side got him home, and we were able to get him home last night," says Candice.

When it comes to communicating with their new kids, the Aitkens can break down any barriers.

"They speak a little English, we speak a little Creole, and a whole lot of pointing. So between all of that, we manage to do just fine," says David.

What now?

"We're exhausted emotionally, physically," says David. "Ready to go home, go to bed and show these kids where they sleep now, and that there's plenty of food, and plenty of clean water, and whatever they need."

That's quite a change considering what Fabrice, Nerlande and Yonelson have been through.

The parents say they'll help the kids get used to living in a house and acclimate to the cold weather and snow. There's a lot of family bonding ahead.

E-mail: jboal@ksl.com