Dmitriy and Maryana Kravchenko, both Ukrainian-Americans, have adopted a 16-year-old son in their homeland and were awaiting his 30-day processing time to leave the country. In the interim, however, war broke out. Their new son, Maksym, is now biding his time in a bomb shelter, awaiting authorization to come to his new, Lower Southampton home. FOX 29 Philadelphia, reported the tense story.

The Kravchenkos met Maksym three years ago through Open Hearts and Homes for Children. The Pa. nonprofit is a Christian organization that encourages the adoption of orphaned children from Eastern Europe.

Paperwork signed, the clock started ticking for the 30-day, court-required waiting period before Maksym could depart. The window of time remained opened just long enough for the Russian invasion of Ukraine to cancel the family’s plans altogether.

Dmitriy and Maryana themselves were almost caught by the violence. They scurried by car to Poland, “literally hearing bombs” as they escaped.

Maksym is safe, for the time being, but the family’s fears include his possible inscription into the Ukraine army.

The State Department and local Congressional leaders are aware of the situation and working with the family.

“The one thing we would implore legislators to consider is if there are negotiation talks about refugee status, to include orphans,” said Maryana. “They are often forgotten.”

More on this local family patiently awaiting a newly adopted son is at FOX 29 Philadelphia.