Hi everyone,

My name is Rahel Maier. I’m a mom of two beautiful kids a newborn baby and a three year old and I’m reaching out because I truly need help.

For the past three years, my husband and I have been waiting for him to join us here in the U.S. We stayed hopeful and patient, believing our family would finally be together soon. We were so excited when all of his paperwork for a visa was approved this February! However, because of the immigration visa pause affecting many countries, my husband is not able to come right now, and we don’t know how long this will last.

Right now, I’m raising our children on my own and living with my family. I had planned to work and support my family during my pregnancy, but after being injured at work and having pregnancy complications, I wasn’t able to continue working. Because I didn’t reach the required work hours, I didn’t qualify for paid family leave or maternity support, which has made things very difficult for us financially.

I never thought I would be in a position to ask for help, but I’m doing this for my children and my family. My hope is to travel back to Ethiopia as soon as possible. I am hoping to leave by early July. My hope is to travel back to Ethiopia so we can live there temporarily while we wait for the pause to be lifted. Being reunited would mean everything to us during this time.

If you’re able to help in any way whether through a donation or simply by sharing my story I would be deeply grateful. Every bit of support brings us closer to being together again.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any kindness you can show. It truly means so much to me.