Sandra and Vitali, a brother and sister abandoned by their parents, had been hoping and praying for a family to adopt them. "I will have a family in America someday," 11-year-old Sandra confidently told Motty Orian, CEO and Founder of Adoption Services Worldwide.

  Meanwhile, New Yorkers Robert and Carolyn Kahn, two ex-ballet dancers (Carolyn now teaches at famed Julliard, Robert has his own business) who were looking for two children, hopefully a brother and a sister to adopt. They contacted ASW, who immediately began to guide them in the direction of their dream.

  While looking at pictures of children at the Lankoran Orphanage, they were both mesmerized when they saw the pictures of Sandra and Vitali. After getting details on the children, the couple made the decision to fly 15,000 miles to meet them.

  The day of Robert and Carolyn's arrival in Azerbaijan was met with great anticipation by both sides. The children and the couple both wondered to themselves, "Will they want me?" "Will they like me?" When they arrived at the orphanage, Rob and Carolyn were greeted by Sandra and Vitali, who were carrying bouquets of flowers for their visitors. Then, something wonderful happened.

   The moment they saw each other, everyone was astounded. Amazingly, like Sandra and Vitali, Robert and Carolyn are black and white, and they all look like they are related. It was love at first sight.

Visit the family's photo album


A special message to all prospective, adoptive parents