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Hawa Whalen Hawa was captured by Revolutionary United Front Rebels outside her village in Sierra Leone, Africa when she was just 12 years old. The Rebels chopped off her hands and she spent the next 9 days hiding in the bush waiting for someone to rescue her. Discovered by her Uncle, she was taken to Freetown for surgery and later an amputee refuge camp. Here is where she met Lonnie Houk from Raymore, Missouri who brought her to the United States on a medical visa. Beth Whalen met Hawa and fell in love with her brave spirit and wanted to help her. When Hawa's mother was bitten by a snake and died, the Whalen's made the decision to adopt Hawa. Hawa celebrated her 3rd year in the US March 16th, 2004 and will become a US citizen in September. |
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