Guy Wathen

Half-a-world away from his war-torn country, Emmanuel completes his journey from a Liberian orphanage to the Western Pennsylvania countryside on May 12, 2005. Emmanuel and another Liberian orphan, Jumah, have been adopted by the McLean family in Armstrong County.

Emmanuel takes in his surroundings on his first evening in his new home on May 12, 2005.

Jumah is comforted by her adoptive mother, Nancy, as she adjusts to her new family on her first morning in Armstrong County on May 13, 2005.

For Bob and Nancy McLean, who have opened their hearts and their home to 14 adopted and foster children, dinnertime can be a challenge.

Nancy's lap is crowded as she reads to Emmanuel (bottom) and some of his new siblings during a family vacation to Laurel Hill Lodge on June 14, 2005 in Somerset County.

More than a year of agonizing over politics, red tape, and her children's safety has paid off as Nancy McLean is finally able to tuck Emmanuel and Jumah in for the first time.

Emmanuel and Jumah are dedicated to God during a Christian ceremony in Kittanning on May 22, 2005.

Even a light switch brings a new sense of wonder and discovery for Emmanuel as he explores his new home and the comforts it has to offer on May 13, 2005.

Jumah's sense of play comes out as she and Emmanuel wait for the doctor to begin their first overall check-up since arriving in the United States on May 17, 2005.

Bob McLean plays with Jumah and one of her new brothers during a family vacation to Laurel Hill Lodge on June 14, 2005 in Somerset County.

Despite their different hardships and ethnic backgrounds, the McLean children quickly accept Emmanuel and Jumah as their brother and sister.

Emmanuel pauses in the peaceful landscape of his new home while playing with his siblings in Armstrong County on May 13, 2005.