‘Heart is happy’: Minnesota man visits adoptive children stuck in Ukraine
Steve Heinemann with Vika and Oksanna in Lviv, Ukraine. (Heinemann family)
A Minnesota family got a bit of relief as its work to adopt two children stuck in Ukraine continues.
RELATED: Minnesota family’s adoption halted as adoptive children stuck in Ukraine
Thursday, KSTP reported on Steve and Jennifer Heinemann, of Nowthen, who are waiting to bring two girls home from a Ukrainian orphanage. When the Russian attack on Ukraine began, the summer host program the girls — Vika and Oksanna — were part of was canceled and the Heinemanns haven’t gotten any answers regarding their adoption.
The family also explained that, even if they were able to get to the girls, they wouldn’t be able to bring them back to Minnesota because they don’t have any documentation.
Sunday, Steve Heinemann told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that he was able to travel to Lviv, Ukraine. Once there, he made it to the orphanage and was able to hug Vika and Oksanna, knowing they’re safe, and even FaceTime Jennifer.
“This dad’s heart is happy,” Steve told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.
Heinemann also brought the girls and other orphans supplies. He’s working with Legacy Refuge to bring food, clothes and supplies to orphans. More information on Legacy Refuge can be found here.