HELP!!! Planning to adopt a "known" child from the Philippines

Hi Everyone, I hope I can get tons of encouragement & inspiration from this forum. I have been stressed, depressed, heartbroken and helpess over the situation. I know that adoptions is the only way for me to be with Mary again. Here's my situation: 1. Mary is the daughter of our gardener. She was born in the remote boondocks of our province in 1999 and her mother died 14 days after giving birth to her due to sepsis. She gave birth in their shanty with the help of a midwife. 2. Mary's father came back to work for us depressed and didnt know what to do. He told us about his situation and was at a loss on how to go about raising her child. 3.My family decided to take in Mary at 3 months old (May 1999). There were no legal documents whatsoever claiming guardianship or adoption process for that matter. 4. Mary grew up with me, my sister & brother. Treated her like our own sister. My sister & I took turns taking care of her. We brought her everywhere we went. 5. I got married, my sister got married. Mary was with me the wholetime in our house. I got pregnant, and on the 6th or 7th month of my pregnancy. Mary's father (our gardener) decided to bring Mary back to the boondocks and stopped working for us.(Oct. 2000) But he promised to be in touch and let us know how well Mary adjusted. So they left, my sister & I were brokenhearted. 6. A few months after giving birth, Gardener's sister came back with Mary in tow. (March 2001) Gardener remarried, new wife hated Mary, and they didnt want to care for her. Happily took back Mary, and happiness eversince together with my daughter,Mary & ex-hubby. Fast forward: 7. Got separated June 2003, Daughter & Mary in my care. No problems..October 2005, decided to leave for US..leaving Daughter & Mary in my parents care. 8. My parents took daughter to a different province where we maintain residence too and left Mary in our primary residence under the care of our Maid.My Mother would come and visit every now and then. My mother didn't like Mary. She was tough on her. Heartbreaking for me. 9. I heard the most heartbreaking news ever in March 2009. My parents sent back Mary to the boondocks. This alarmed me because nobody wanted her there. I was crying and feeling helpless the whole time. Somehow I thought that things will change and her father will be able to protect her. No way of contacting her there, they are not within reach of modern technology. 10. Few days ago, (Weds) My sister informed that my aunt saw Mary and heard stories about her life in the boondocks. Mary lives with her father's sister, her father's new family can't accept her. She asked for food from classmates. They were so poor they couldn't even provide food for her. Sometimes classmates didnt give her food, so she would starve. She has lost so much weight, sad and lonely. I have cried more than a river, agonizing, filled with guilt and sometimes hoping that I didnt leave. 11. Aunt will get Mary from boondocks, my sister & I will be supporting her financially while in the care of my aunt for school, food..etc... Mary will be vacationing in my sister's place during summer. My sister can't adopt her since she already has 4 little kids. 12. Seriously considered adoption after Fiancee and I discussed about it. I want Mary to be with me and my family to give her a loving home again. It will be imporrible for us to relocate in the Philippines. Me: Filipino.33 years old..Live in NYC..immigrant...divorced...will be married in spring 2010...daughter will come to live with me Spring 2011 (After Classes in Phil)..been with Fiancee (Caucasian) for almost 3 years.. Questions: 1. What are our chances of adopting Mary?...Are we qualified?...She is not a legal relative, and she is considered to be a "known" child. 2. How do I go about the process? where do I start? how do I start? 3. Who should I talk to? Where do I go to here in NY? Do I need to a lawyer in the Philippines? Organization? 4. How much will it cost? Mary is 11 years old and I read that the process should start before she's 15. I'm at a loss, confused with all the information I read. Please any help, information, story would greatly be appreciated. I want this child to be with us. My heart bleeds thinking about her situation. Thank you everyone for reading my lengthy post. You can always send me a private message with information relevant to my situation. Thanks again. Diawata