Kirsten Benson residing in Kentucky, US, periodically visited Armenia since 1996, working as a volunteer in the schools of Armenia’s Kotayk province and in Jinishian Memorial Foundation. Returning to Kentucky in 2003, she got known with her future husband Stewart Thomas, teacher, and they married 10 years ago. Finding out that they can’t have children, the couple decided to adopt one. Kirsten found out that the child adoption process is facilitated in Armenia.

“I wanted very much to adopt a child with disabilities, since I felt we could overcome difficulties and because Armenia isn’t a friendly country for people with disabilities (though I hope this approach has changed). The United States welcome people with such problems,” Benson told Armenian News – NEWS.am.  

Hakob was 9 months old when adopted in 2008. The foster child of Armenia's Nork Orphanage, whose right hand is shorter than the left one, is very active and fond of sports; he loves doing everything himself. Kirsten and Stewart do not want Hakob to disconnect from his homeland. Although the boy has never again arrived in Armenia, he knows that he was adopted and is Armenian. Hakob’s mother wants him to speak Armenian and make friends with Armenians.  

The American couple urges Armenians to adopt children exactly in Armenia, as well as change their attitude towards people with disabilities. “It’s not wrong that a person has disabilities, but the society which doesn’t consider them adequate is wrong,” Kirsten said. She expressed hope to bring her son to Armenia soon so that he can get known with his roots.