In 2023, you helped a young couple, Mariah and Umar, make a pivotal decision that allowed infant twin boys, Karim and Taalay, to grow up in a loving home instead of an orphanage!
Born prematurely and with health complications, the twins faced an uncertain future as their birth mother abandoned them. AFFEO partners in their Central Asia homeland became aware of the boys’ situation and worried that they wouldn’t survive in an orphanage. But hope emerged as AFFEO partners quickly stepped in and contacted prospective parents Mariah and Umar. They previously worked closely with the couple during their required trainings and consultations to become approved adoptive parents. Mariah and Umar — excited to expand their family — felt prepared to adopt the twins.
Through tireless efforts, partners guided Mariah and Umar through the complex adoption process, and eventually helped them welcome the twin babies home. Now toddlers, Karim and Taalay are thriving in Mariah and Umar’s family… but that’s not the end of this wonderful story.
Fast forward to 2024: Our AFFEO partners discovered that Karim and Taalay had older, biological, twin brothers living in an orphanage. When Mariah and Umar learned this, the eight-year-olds Yarin and Adis were heavy on their hearts. After much reflection, prayer, and counsel from our partners, Mariah and Umar were determined to give all four brothers the opportunity to grow up together and began pursuing the adoption of Yarin and Adis.
Your support enabled dedicated professionals to provide Mariah and Umar with comprehensive legal assistance. This included navigating government systems, ensuring proper social investigations were completed to determine the children’s adoption eligibility, and ultimately securing guardianship of all four brothers. Additionally, you helped our partner find a generous sponsor who gifted the family a larger apartment free of charge, allowing their growing household to flourish. Along with Mariah and Umar’s oldest son, their five children are now forming bonds and relationships to last a lifetime!
You helped give Mariah and Umar the resources and opportunity to open their hearts and home to children who deserve a family. Thanks to you, four brothers have transitioned from a life of uncertainty to one filled with hope and belonging. Your generosity has protected these young boys from a life in an orphanage and given them the gift of a loving, safe family — forever!