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Libby Williams of Hudsonville holds her son, Ricardo, who was adopted from Haiti. They were united in Miami on Friday. (Jan. 21, 2010)

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Libby Williams of Hudsonville holds her son, Ricardo, who was adopted from Haiti. They were united in Miami on Friday. (Jan. 21, 2010)

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French Williams of Hudsonville was united in Miami on Friday with his son, Ricardo, who was adopted from Haiti. (Jan. 21, 2010)
 

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These are among the West Michigan families who were united with their adopted Haitian children in Miami (Jan. 22, 2010)

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A West Michigan couple united with their adopted Haitian child in Miami (Jan. 22, 2010)

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W. Mich parents unite with Haitian kids

Bethany Christian Services oversaw adoption effort

Updated: Friday, 22 Jan 2010, 11:19 PM EST
Published : Friday, 22 Jan 2010, 11:19 AM EST

  • By Leon Hendrix

MIAMI, Fla. (WOOD) - Despite the particular hardships they've faced over the past 10 days, about 80 Haitian orphans were singing and excited as they were united with their American parents inside the Miami airport Friday, including 14 families from West Michigan.

These families adopted a total of 16 Haitian children, a process expedited by the devastation caused by the earthquake. Some of the families have waited years for this day.

The trip to Miami was organized by Bethany Christian Services. The families flew from Grand Rapids late Thursday .

24 Hour News 8's Leon Hendrix is in Miami and will file reports throughout the day.

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