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The Russells called their legislators and begged for intervention. Their family and friends wrote letters to politicians. Strangers signed petitions to bring Awa to America.

They hired a lawyer to help with the only other option -- an exception in the law called humanitarian parole. It was a last-ditch effort for Americans who face hardship because a foreign family member cannot come to the United States. It's a long shot. Only about one-third of children's applications are granted.

The Russells sent their application last week.

Lori Russell knew it was dangerous to set her sights solely on humanitarian parole. She refused to go on with her life in America without Awa. If Awa can't be here, Russell says, she'll go there and finish their two-year legal custody requirement.

Duke is allowing Russell to put law school on hold while she sorts out motherhood. Lori Russell is not sure when she'll see her husband again; he must stay behind to work and support them. Two and a half months is the longest she and Michael have been separated since Lori kicked the back of his seat on a field trip in the third grade.

Lori Russell's heart belongs to another now.

"Being a mother makes you live for someone else," she said. "I never knew that before."

'No provision' in law for U.S. visa

"Upon review of this petition, this child had two biological parents who have given this child to you by adoption. This is a private adoption, and not an orphan. At the present time, there is no provision in U.S. Immigration law to allow for an international adoption of a child who has two living biological parents, even if those parents have allowed the adoption."

(AN OCTOBER LETTER FROM U.S. CITIZEN AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES, ADVISING THE RUSSELLS THAT THEY COULDN'T QUALIFY FOR A VISA FOR AWA)

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