Local family united with adoptive son in Congo

Blytheville natives Jason and April Lloyd have recently completed the life-changing step of moving their family to the Democratic Republic of Congo, in order to be united with their adopted son, Samuel.

The Lloyds and their other two children have been in Congo for over a month now and are settling in to the new and sometimes challenging way of life they will be facing until Samuel is released to return home with them to the United States.

Jason and April, along with their older children, Gavin and Addison, have begun volunteer work at local orphanages and report that Samuel is thriving -- growing physically stronger and more emotionally secure now that he is getting to know his parents and siblings and receiving regular, attentive care.

April contacted the CN, along with other regional media outlets, to alert their family's supporters to a new petition that they have begun in partnership with adoption non-profit Both Ends Burning. The petition requests that President Obama personally intervene on behalf of the hundreds of children stuck in the DRC, who cannot be sent home to their adoptive families until diplomatic progress is made with the nation's leaders.

To sign the petition, and to read updates from the Lloyd's adventures in the DRC and with Samuel, visit their blog at www.uponthewaters.net.

sspears@blythevillecourier.com