Number of African American Children Adopted By Foreigners on the Rise

It's easier to adopt from the U.S. than many other countries

(CNN) -- Elisa van Meurs grew up with a Polish au pair, speaks fluent Dutch and English and loves horseback riding -- her favorite horse is called Kiki but she also rides Pippi Longstocking, James Bond, and Robin Hood.

She plays tennis and ice hockey, and in the summer likes visiting her grandmother in the Swiss Alps.

"It's really nice to go there because you can walk in the mountains and you can mountain bike … you can see Edelweiss sometimes," said the 13-year-old, referring to the famous mountain flower that blooms above the tree line.