A new home for Sophie Mei

The mostly male Priggel family was recognized with an award for the adoption of a girl from China.

The government in overpopulated China only allows couples to have one child without a financial penalty. The one-child policy, in place since 1979, often pressures Chinese parents to give up their unexpected children. Thousands of parents give away or abandon up to tens of thousands of girls every year, sometimes even if the girl was the first-born. Girls don't bring honor to the family the way boys do, they say.

An Oran, Mo. couple, Von and Michelle Priggel, knew of this problem, and since they had always wanted a daughter, they made it their mission to adopt a baby girl from China.

Last Thursday, after about 15 months of dealing with red tape, the couple returned from Chang Sha, China with Sophie Mei.

"I had always wanted to adopt because I had several friends from college who had done it," Michelle said. "I had also always wanted a little girl and after having four boys. I knew if I tried again it would be a boy."

The adoption brought them a child, of course, but also an unexpected award. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute named the Priggel family a 2005 recipient of the "Angels in Adoption Award."

U.S. congressmen and congresswomen nationwide nominate adopting parents every year for the award. The Priggels were one of 180 families to be honored with the award. They were nominated by U.S. Congresswoman JoAnn Emerson.

"The Priggels deserve this award for the kindness and generosity they have shown by making room for Sophie Mei," Emerson said. "It is characteristic of the families in our district that our love for our children is unconditional and constant. The Priggels' story is a touching example of how that love truly runs deep."

The adoption process wasn't an easy one.

"They really put you through the ringer," Michelle said. "All the paperwork you have to do, it's like a full time job."

The couple's four sons, D.J., Jake, Max and Cooper, are all under the age of 11; Sophie Mei will be 1 year old at the end of September.

"It's so sad in China because there are thousands of little girls who need to be adopted," Michelle said. "A lot of the mothers don't want to give up their girls, but they do because boys bring honor to the family."

In fact, Sophie Mei's mother didn't want to give her up at birth. She already had a son and was required to pay a certain amount to keep Sophie Mei. But she couldn't afford it and had to give her up to a foster home after only a month.

Sophie Mei, whose Chinese name was Mei Ji, went on to live in two different foster homes until she was adopted by the Priggels.

"She was in total shock the first week," Michelle said. "But she's adjusted and is doing so well."

The Priggel's sons, with the exception of two-year-old Cooper, have adjusted well to having a sister.

"They are taking to her so wel; Cooper is still a little jealous," Michelle said.

The proud father, Von, who is a farmer, told his wife that Sophie Mei was going to be a "daddy's girl."

"He said she was going to ride the tractor with him but I told him he's already got four boys that can do that. She's going shopping with me," Michelle said.

The city of Oran has also welcomed the newest member in town.

Michelle said community members have been stopping by the Priggels house to bring gifts and congratulate the couple on their new addition to the family.

The couple was recognized at a national ceremony in Washington D.C. on September 13. Unfortunately they were unable to attend the event because they were in China.

"It was such an honor to receive that award," Michelle said. "But I just want other families to realize how wonderful it is to adopt children from China."

jfreeze@semissiourian.com