Gabriel's Journey - One Less Orphan In Bulgaria

“Bulgaria has the highest orphan rate in Europe. Only fifty percent of Bulgaria’s orphans live past the age of twenty." - One Heart Bulgaria

MY STORY:

My name is Nicolette Moinet, and I am on an international adoption journey to ensure there will be one less orphan in Bulgaria! I have been matched with a beautiful little boy with special needs in Bulgaria who needs a loving family. His name is Gabriel. He lived in an orphanage for half of his life where he was severely neglected. He wasn’t making basic 3-month-old milestones of being able to pick his head up when his foster mother picked him up at 18 months old. Thankfully, she loved him dearly and worked tirelessly with him to help him grow and develop and become ready for adoption!

I went to Bulgaria for Trip 1 to meet him and I made it official that he is going to be my son! The smile on his face, the laughter we shared, and the fact he could walk across to room to play with me is nothing short of a MIRACLE. He is a fighter. Gabriel will be exceptionally loved and fiercely accepted with me. He has such a wonderful community to come home to, who celebrate differences and adore children of all abilities.

The average range for international adoption is between $20K-$40K. My goal would be to raise $24,000 to cover the home study service, adoption service expenses, and post placement adoption fees. Anything more that would be raised would support the travel expenses to go and pick him up.

Thank you for helping me bring Gabriel home! Without the support of family and friends, this wouldn't be possible! Your generous donation will make a huge difference.

Why Bulgaria?

“Bulgaria has the highest orphan rate in Europe and the fastest declining population in the world. Only fifty percent of Bulgaria’s orphans live past the age of twenty; of those that survive, fifty percent engage in a life of criminal behavior, homelessness, drugs, disease, and prostitution. Years of traumatic experiences at the orphanages cripple these children both physically and emotionally, leaving them with debilitating mental and physical illnesses.” -One Heart Bulgaria

“Over 1,000 Bulgarian children are abandoned by their parents every year, with 40% of abandoned children having disabilities,” showed a study done in 2019. (Bulgaria social briefing)

There are organizations such as “Hope & Homes for Children” and “One Heart Bulgaria” that are helping to support the deinstitutionalization process (closing orphanages) and ensuring children’s needs are always put first. They are providing basic needs to children at risk, preventing family breakdowns, and developing alternative care by training foster families to look after children with disabilities.

There is hope for the orphans of Bulgaria with organizations like this and people like you who are supporting adoption efforts! I can’t think of anything more valuable to do with my life than to dedicate it to loving this child. His future is bright!