After facing infertility struggles, a family turned to a Russian adoption website in hopes of finding a child to welcome into their home. Crystal and Jesse, in 1997, chose a nine-year-old girl whom they named Caralee. At the same time, they also decided to adopt three-year-old Joshua from the same agency.
Upon receiving Caralee’s medical records, they discovered she was described as “oligophrenic,” an outdated term for a mental disability. Despite this, the agency reassured them that it was just a developmental delay and that with proper care, Caralee would thrive.
Their journey led them to the small town of Borovichi, where they met Caralee in person. However, concerns arose about Caralee’s behavior after she moved to their home in Georgia. Crystal noticed signs of anger and withdrawal, prompting her to quit her job to focus on helping Caralee adjust.
A significant incident occurred on Boxing Day in 1998 when Caralee allegedly attempted to harm her adopted brother Joshua. This event, along with Caralee’s admission of hearing voices and hallucinating, led to her hospitalization for several months.
Further revelations about Caralee’s early childhood painted a grim picture of neglect and hardships. Crystal and Jesse felt misled by the adoption agency for not disclosing Caralee’s previous living conditions and medical history adequately.
After struggling to manage Caralee’s behavior and ensuring Joshua’s safety, the couple decided to return Caralee to the orphanage in Russia. This decision was reinforced by Caralee’s own admission of feeling unsafe and misunderstood.
Despite the challenges, Sabrina (formerly Caralee) eventually found stability in a new family in North Carolina. She graduated from high school, engaged in charitable work in Africa, and built a successful life with her husband and children.
Looking back on her tumultuous past, Sabrina expressed understanding and forgiveness towards her adoptive parents. She acknowledged the hardships they faced and the difficult choices made, emphasizing the importance of her experiences in shaping her present happiness.
