KTRV Fox 12 Iraqi Family Calls Kuna Home

Iraqi Family Calls Kuna Home

Boise, Idaho -- Wednesday night we brought you the story of an Iraqi family with three children who were born with dwarfism.  At the time, they had just flown into Boise on the way to their new home.

On Thursday we caught up with the family as they began the transition from war-torn Iraq to Kuna.

Just a couple weeks ago, the children who were born with a form of dwarfism were still living in Iraq in a small shack in the green zone.

Their story was first brought to national attention by the TV show "Little People Big World."

Now, with the help of Army specialist Russell Hayes, the Salman family has a chance at a new life.

"A lot of our friends, family, and church members have all donated food, time, furniture, bedroom sets," said Hayes.

His family is helping with rent for now, as the Salman's moved in next door to their Kuna home -- a far cry from where they came.

In Iraq, Abdul, the father, was in extreme danger after he and his nephew Ibrahim refused to help terrorists kill Americans.

"Unbeknownst to them, they were followed. A note was left on their door that said Abdul and Ibrahim were marked for death," said Hayes.

Ibrahim was eventually beaten to death and Abdul and his family escaped to the green zone, where they lived in a small one-room shack.

While there, they met Hayes, who's own daughter Corina is a little person.

His interest in this family has now become her interest.

"I'm really happy and excited that the family is here and safe," Corina said.

"We have a new life now and there's a new future for us now," said Abdul Salman through an interpreter.

Their future now involves a safe home, a loving community, and the medical attention their children so desperately need.

"She said her love for the children make her forget all the painful days she was feeling. And he helped her to avoid all the pain and everything she was feeling," said Warda Salman, Abdul's wife, through and interpreter.

The Salman's now all refer to Hayes as Abudani, a term that represents a loving father figure.

And for his kindness, it's not something the Salman's will soon forget.

"Yes, I'm happy. I love family of Abudani in an Idaho town. I'm happy with the house," said 9-year-old Ali.

"I like to play with Corina, my sister. And I love family of Abudani," said 8-year-old Bara'a.

"Me happy now, and love Abudani," said 13-year-old Saja.

The process now begins to get the Salmans on the road to becoming U.S. citizens. That should take about five years, which is a little quicker than most because they're using special interest visas.

SIV's, as they're called, are issued to people who are under persecution or facing mortal danger in their native countries.