“I have spent my life searching for safety and love. Now, I want to give that to the children who need it most—so they can have the life I always dreamed of, full of hope, peace, and the promise of a future together.” -Lona
My name is Lona Lako, and my life has been a journey marked by immense hardship and the deep love I have for my family. I was raised as a Christian, and my faith has been a constant source of strength throughout my life. I have one biological son, Philip (28), who I was separated from during the South Sudan war when he was just 1 year old. I was forced to become a soldier in the Muslim army and my first husband was killed in the conflict. Upon arriving in the United States as a refugee woman, I completed paperwork through the International Red Cross, and they were able to locate my son. It took a year to find him, but we were finally reunited when he was 10 years old.
Growing up, I never had the chance to dream of a life filled with love and unity like others might. My childhood was defined by war, separation, and the constant struggle for safety. I didn’t think I would live to this day due to the difficulties that happened to me on the way through the refugee life.
I am now in the process of adopting my nephew, Obede (13), and my niece, Stella (15). Stella was born to my youngest brother, whose life was tragically cut short by rebels on the road to Lokurubang, South Sudan. She was adopted by my older brother and his wife when she was just one year old. Unfortunately, my brother’s wife passed away in 2017, and my brother unexpectedly passed in 2023, leaving Stella orphaned once again and Obede without parents.
Even though the war and loss have shaped my path, I know that adopting my niece and nephew is the right decision. My vision is to bring them into a home where they will be safe, loved, and given the opportunity for a better life. The life I dreamed of as a child. The moment we can all be together as a family will be one of healing, and I am determined to make that happen.
It is so painful to watch what these children are going through–similar to the childhood I had. I can’t sleep every night. South Sudan remains unstable, and civil war can break out at any moment, with innocent lives still being lost daily.
I have completed the legal adoption process in South Sudan, but there is no family left to care for them, and I am determined to be the parent they need, giving them the future I always dreamed of for myself. Currently, a kind and long-time neighbor, a husband and wife, are caring for them, and I send them money each month to support their needs. I provide for their education, healthcare, clothing, food, and more, but I know they deserve so much more.
I started working with Frank Adoption Center in 2023 and I paid all of their fees in full. I was notified on September 12, 2024, that the agency closed and none of the fees were refundable. My case was transferred to Hopscotch Adoption, and I had to start over with the new agency without any budget, and the children are suffering in South Sudan.
The total cost of the adoption will be around $70,000, including losses from the first agency that closed. To date, I’ve spent $48,068. I still owe $8,775 to the new agency and anticipate $10,000+ in travel expenses to bring the children home. Because South Sudan doesn’t have a U.S. embassy, we’ll need to travel to another country for interviews and visa processing, which could require up to four weeks abroad—adding significantly to the cost and complexity. I’m currently working 7 days a week, 10–12 hours a day. My hope is to receive grants to help cover the remaining $15,000–$20,000. A grant would be life-changing—not only for me but for these children and their future. If necessary, I’ll use credit cards as a last resort to complete the process and bring them home.
This year (2025) I learned about Your Adoption Finance Coach, a program that was paid for by my new agency, and they are helping me better understand my financial options.I am leaning deeply on my faith, trusting that by sharing my adoption story, miracles can happen. Through fundraising and grants, I am able to find hope again. While it is not easy to ask for support, I am hopeful that those who know me, as well as those who are strangers, will offer their help. I am grateful to have this opportunity and I will pay it forward in my life. Receiving financial support will change the lives of these orphans and help create a better future for them.
One of the things that has survived with me today is the encouragement and wisdom I received from my mother: that no matter where I go, I must be strong and take full responsibility for my life. She taught me to work hard, and now, I am working tirelessly to give my niece and nephew the life I always dreamed of—full of hope, peace, and the safety they deserve. Thank you for reading my story, and being on this journey with me.
