Wednesday, 13 August 2008

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SEE PIC Madonna close to adopting girl called Mercy

Malawian official says only paperwork stands in her way

Madonna's adoption of David Banda was made official earlier this year

Madonna is soon to give a home to a girl called Mercy James, Malawi’s adoption minister Penstone Kilembe has confirmed.

The singer first met the 3-year-old at an orphanage last year.

‘Her representatives have been visiting the girl,’ Penstone says. ‘The adoption is now advanced — all the government is waiting for is Madonna to forward the petition of adoption formalities, then Mercy will be able to leave the country for a new life.’

Madonna, 49, and husband Guy Ritchie are said to have been encouraged with their plans now the adoption of David Banda, 3, has been finalised.

‘The adoption process in Malawi is so long and stressful that all the legal wrangling put a huge strain on their marriage,’ a source tells The Sun.

‘They dropped proceedings to pour all their energies into each other. But Madonna now feels they are stable enough to press ahead with the adoption again.’

Madonna also has daughter Lourdes, 11, with ex Carlos Leon, and son Rocco, 9, with Guy, 39.

SEE PIC Mercy James, the girl Madonna hopes to adopt>>

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