Growing up, Carmen yearned to find her biological family. While she independently searched for her biological family, she received an email from ISS-USA informing her that her sister was searching for her as well. At just six years old, Carmen’s sister remembers holding her and not quite understanding where her sister went after they left Carmen with her adoptive family at the hospital. Sixty years later, on Carmen’s birthday, they would be reconnected in Germany.
ISS-USA gave Carmen her sister’s letter, and from there they remained in contact through Facebook Messenger. Initially, Carmen’s nephew flew to Germany to meet the family, and he assured his aunt that they were exceptionally generous and accepting. When Carmen finally flew to Germany, she was welcomed by her sister, niece and additional family members. The two weeks she spent with her family were full of exciting moments together that would turn into heartfelt memories, tear jerking stories, and a recollection of her family’s past. Carmen is excited to introduce her children to her family in Germany once COVID-19 subsides.