By Mike Russo
Robinson has been living at the Lynbrook home of Joe and Vina Nicolich, who are hosting the boy in the hopes that he will soon be adopted by a loving family. The Nicolichs', who grew up together in Valley Stream and have four children of their own, met Robinson through a meeting of Kidsave International. This non-profit organization brings orphaned children from other countries to the United States each summer with the the intention of finding them permanent homes.
Through the media and fundraising events, Kidsave gathers people to attend meetings in which they can interact with the children and learn more about them. According to Joe, many families interested in adopting a child are hesitant to look at older children. At the meetings, however, families end up falling in love with them and many times they are adopted. According to Kidsave, out of 1,300 children brought to America since 1996, over 90% have found loving homes. Children are brought here from countries counties in Eastern Europe and Latin America.
Robinson spends his days at a day camp where he can interact with other children. He says he's had a great time playing in the pool, riding bikes and playing soccer. Adapting to life in America was easy for Robinson. He eats everything on his plate, he gets along great with the family and the language barrier has not been an issue.
"He makes up his own language with us," said Joe. The family knows exactly what he means through body language, and little nicknames he uses for items around the home. He's a great kid," said Joe. "We are really lucky."
Robinson came to America with nothing but a backpack and the clothes on his back - and a package of Colombian coffee as a gift for his new host family. The Nicolich's have treated him like he was their own son. This is the seond time the family has hosted a child through Kidsave. Four years ago, they welcomed a Russian child, Mischa. Mischa was eventually adopted by a family in Long Beach.
Despite the bond he has formed with the family, Robinson's future is still uncertain. Kidsave is not an adoption agency, so all the children must return home, even if a family wants to adopt them. The adoption process can take over a year before the child can come to America again. While Robinson can still be adopted when he returns to Colombia, the Nicolichs' feel he would have a much better chance if the families actually meet him in person. They know that, based on their experience with Robinson, he would be able to easily adapt with another family. "Robinson is an adorable, happy boy who deserves to have a loving home," said Vina's sister, Trina, of Rockville Centre.
Kidsave volunteer co-coordinator Mark Jacobs shared his Kidsave success story as well. Jacobs, of Cortlandt Manor, NY hosted an 11-year old girl, Jessica from Colombia and adopted her soon after. "A year and a half ago, I couldn't have imagined having a 12-year-old daughter as such an integral part of my life," said Jacobs. "Now I can't imagine life without her."
Jacobs went on to describe that he felt awkward at first, seeing a potential future son or daughter that he's never met before. But he broke the ice with Jessica through what he calls the "international language of play".
"Kids are much closer [than adults] to the desire to be happy," said Jacobs, referring to the ease in which the children adapt to new environments.
Marlen Gomez, director of the Nina Maria orphanage in Colombia says a main goal of the program is to have American families share a better life with children who don't have anything.
"Robinson has been the biggest dreams of our lives," said Joe. "All these kids need is a chance."
For more information about Kidsave, call toll free: (888) KID-SAVE or visit www.kidsave.org
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