In 2023, AFFEO helped a young Central Asian couple, Mariah and Umar, make the pivotal decision to adopt infant twin boys. Now these boys are growing up in a loving home instead of an orphanage!
Why was this decision pivotal? Karim and Taalay had been born prematurely with multiple health complications and our AFFEO partners surmised that the boys wouldn’t survive in an orphanage. They quickly contacted Mariah and Umar, a couple they had previously worked closely with and felt would be great parents.
Our partners tirelessly 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 the story doesn’t end here.
In 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.
The financial support of AFFEO friends enabled dedicated professionals to provide Mariah and Umar with comprehensive legal assistance and ultimately secured the guardianship of all four brothers. Along with Mariah and Umar’s oldest son, the children are now forming bonds and relationships to last a lifetime!
Won’t you lift up this incredible family in prayer as they work through the complicated process of becoming a loving, cohesive family unit? How we thank God that four brothers have transitioned from a life of uncertainty to one filled with hope and belonging in a safe, forever home! But the older twins, after spending much time in an orphanage, bring extra emotional, social and spiritual “baggage” to the home. Please ask the Lord to help family members work through any issues. As you pray for all five children, please ask God to weave their lives together in love, trust, caring and loyalty. And pray for the Holy Spirit to give their parents a special portion of wisdom, love and guidance as they seek to follow Him in raising these five sons. Thank you for standing with us in prayer for them!