Rev. Kofi saw that there were thousands of orphaned children, but there was no food, no place for them to be, and he was trying to raise enough money to at least give them food and shelter.

It evolved that any child we could take out of institutionalized care, while waiting for adoption, could transition into their families so much more easily when they had one-on-one care.

I felt there was a sense of hope about the new president, and her ability to rebuild for them things they haven't had in such a long time.

In Liberia, it is part of the culture to adopt each other. The idea of outside adoption was foreign to him.

His dad comes over. They're here a lot, they cookout and stuff. They always bring me food.

Residents are being advised to bring in items from their yards, and stock up on supplies of food and medications. Twelve shelters will open effective 2 p.m., as will three special needs shelters, and four for the homeless.