Tulsa Woman Who Adopted Ukrainian Children Speaks On Russian Invasion

A Tulsa woman who adopted three orphans from Ukraine is worried about her friends who are still there. Jocelyn Powell said it was on her heart to consider adoption in Ukraine after their friend adopted girls from an orphanage there.

In 2012, she and her husband traveled to the country for the first time and eventually adopted three brothers to become family with their two other children.

"It was inspiring to see their fortitude," Jocelyn said.

Jocelyn took seven trips to Ukraine. The last one was in 2014, right before the revolution began. She said people were ready to defend their country.

"It was covered with political posters," she said.

Jocelyn made many close friends during her time there and considers them to be family. A couple named Anya and Den took in Jocelyn and helped her through the adoption process.

"They're very special to me," she said. "I've been in contact with them ever since they had to flee their home in 2014."

Anya, Den and their family had to flee their homes last week when Russia invaded.

"They've had to do that again about a week ago," she said. "It was a terrifying 24-hour drive to Poland."

Jocelyn said some people she knows are staying in Ukraine, taking up arms to fight back. She said her kids are resilient and strong, just like the others she met in Ukraine. She wants to do anything she can to help this devastating situation.

"Tough and resilient, but they're peaceful," she said. "They don't want war. They want to be left alone. They want their own right to self-determination."

Jocelyn said some families may be taking refuge here in the U.S. if they can get refugee status.

She urges people to find a local group that's helping and donate to them.