BLANTYRE, Malawi — Madonna is remaining optimistic in her hopes to provide for a second child from Malawi, despite having her latest adoption bid denied earlier this month by the African nation's government.
Madonna previously drew criticism when she adopted her 3-year-old son, David Banda, from the country in 2006. Malawian law requires would-be parents to reside in the country for one year before adopting, a rule that was essentially broken in her case. She also faced criticism in her latest plan to adopt a 4-year-old girl named Mercy James.
Speaking to Malawi's Nation newspaper on Sunday, Madonna said she is still hopeful of providing for Mercy James.
"I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and healthcare possible," she emailed the paper in response to several questions posed. "And it's my hope that she like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country."
Madonna has since filed an appeal in the Mercy James case with Malawi's Supreme Court, but a hearing date has yet to be set. She told the paper she's thankful for the level of support she's received.
"Though I have been advised that I cannot publicly discuss the pending appeal regarding my desire to adopt Mercy, I do want to say how much I appreciate the level of support that I have received from the people of Malawi and my friends around the world," she said.
Madonna first traveled to Malawi during a charity mission in which she filmed a documentary on the poverty and AIDS crisis there. She runs the charity Raising Malawi and is also establishing a school for girls there.
In addition to David, the "Material Girl" also has two biological children, Lourdes 12, and Rocco, 8.
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