Woman adopted from Colombia in 2000 shared her story — and got a DM from someone who looked awfully like her

For many adoptees, sharing their stories online is a way to honor their roots, reflect on the past, and connect with others who’ve walked a similar path. That’s what Rachel set out to do when she began posting about her life. What she didn't know was that documenting her journey online would lead to the one person she had always wished she had: her baby sister. She posted the full story on her Instagram page @rachellannaa, and it's an unbelievable series of events.

Rachel was adopted from Bogotá, Colombia, when she was just two months old. Her to-be parents, unable to have biological children, adopted both her and her brother, three years apart, from the same orphanage. Right from the beginning, she was surrounded by love, care, and unwavering support. Her childhood was filled with warm memories and silly moments, like her father wearing a t-shirt with her face on it. Still, there was a nagging feeling she couldn’t shake: the desire to be a big sister.  Although she had a brother, her heart felt a void that could only be filled by a baby sister. That childhood wish sat hidden for years until she shared a video that elicited a comment from someone unexpected.

The comment read, "I was adopted from Colombia year 2000, and I have a sister who was also adopted in 1998. I also have a half sister in Colombia. Were you born in 1998?" Rachel responded, "Yes!! I was." The same commenter asked, "Is your birth mother’s name Mariana?" Rachel wrote back, "YES!!!!" Later over DMs, Rachel learned the woman’s name was Silvia Salazar Ibarra, her Colombian birth name. She was living in Sweden and had been adopted in 2000. Rachel’s Colombian name was Karen Paula Salazar Ibarra. Silvia knew names, dates, and details that Rachel had never shared publicly. She even asked, "Is the half sister name Lisette Daniella? My father’s name is Guillermo Sanchez. Is it the same for you?" Rachel, stunned, replied with yes after yes.

Still unsure, she asked for Silvia’s Instagram, to confirm it wasn’t a hoax. Silvia sent photos from their early years: baby pictures, shared memories, and familiar faces. "She knew about me, but I had no clue. Her dream was to find me," Rachel said. When Silvia asked to video call, that’s when Rachel saw her baby sister’s face for the first time. And in her words, it clicked: "What do you mean I have the most beautiful sister born 18 months after me?" Rachel had already reconnected with their birth mother, who hadn’t known how to bring up Silvia, but seeing her daughters connect left her visibly moved. Since that call, Rachel and Silvia have been FaceTiming regularly, and Rachel's even heading to Sweden to meet Silvia in person. "Love you, Em," she wrote. People watching the video were touched by this heartfelt reunion and expressed their love.

@cali.valeria shared, "I was adopted from the same orphanage in Bogotá in 2003! I just reconnected with my biological family as well :)" @kmescamilla wrote, "One of the biggest blessings in life is being an older sister. I’m glad you found your little sister to take care of now! What a small world!" @amit_fridman added, "Rachelll I’m so, so happy for you!!! What an amazing story, and you are so similar." You can watch the full video here!

You can follow Rachel (@rachellannaa) on Instagram to follow along with her journey.