love for liya
Hello Everyone,
I am reaching out today, on National Nonprofit Day, to share with you about an organization very special to me and my family. Illuminate India is a non-profit organization started by two amazing women who adopted children from an orphanage in Kolkata, India. This is the same orphanage where my sister, Liya, came from. Illuminate India exists to advocate for and help impoverished children in India by efficiently providing basic needs, education and medical intervention. Illuminate India helps to improve existing circumstances for orphans, vulnerable children and children with special needs.
My sister was living in an orphanage called ISRC for the first 14 months of her life. It was her home, and first family, before she came to her forever home with us in 2009. I was five years old when my parents brought Liya home for the first time and I had no idea what to expect. I remember feeling giddy and nervous about this new person in our home. We became friends quickly and the rest is history.
I am so thankful for the adoption process. We would not be the crazy, fun-loving and loud family without Liya. She has shown me how to be passionate, positive, and caring. I can't imagine life without Liya, even if she gets on my nerves sometimes :) Her spirit and zest for life are an inspiration. She truly celebrates each day to its fullest and has taught me how to love unconditionally.
I believe that your family members are the most important people in your life. Adoption has proven to me that family is not defined by blood, but by the bonds you create together. I ask you to consider donating to Illuminate India, so the organization can continue to help ISRC bring families together. Everyone needs a Liya in their life.
Thank You for choosing Illuminate India.
-Rian Raj Shah (Liya’s favorite brother)