Our Purpose

By Ally Wall | gargoyle@flagler.edu

They were born on the brink of death, fighting through Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Stanford Children’s Health describes it as a group of problems a baby experiences when withdrawing from exposure to narcotics. They both suffered from seizures and one of them had stopped breathing. 

For the two Flagler College sophomores who had an unsure future, they’ve focused their eyes and hearts on helping others grow in their faith, spreading joy. Their experience has guided them in creating their own genuine, unique identity.

A little over 20 years ago a woman named Wendy, who used cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin was carrying not just one child, but two. Twin girls.

Doctors warned that the two girls would be born deformed and without teeth. On November 2, 1999 in a hospital in Washington D.C. Munezah and Muneerah entered the world, and almost left it.

Upon their release from the hospital, their birth mother continued to struggle with her addiction. “My mom went out to get more drugs. She left us laying on a hotel mattress. People called the police and reported us crying,” Munezah said.

“She was forced to give us up.”

“We have no animosity towards our birth mom. She gave us up out of love with the hope that we would have a good life with a greater purpose,” said Muneerah and Munezah.

“Our purpose is to share Christ’s joy.”

They were put into foster care, and found themselves in the home of Jim and Christine Ayotte at the age of eight months.

“My parents couldn’t have kids,” Muneerah said.

“They officially adopted us when we were three.”

The girls grew up in the Catholic church and claim that faith is the basis on which they live out each day. Munezah feels as though her faith is an “intricate part of everything (she) does. It’s all about loving people well.”

Muneerah feels that faith has taught her “patience, prudence, and peace.” 

Both girls spend their summers working as missionaries at Life Teen camps all over the United States. They work alongside people from every walk of life to spread their love of God to people of all ages. They are also critical members of Flagler College’s Catholic College Fellowship (CCF). 

“I admire how much their faith shines through in everything they do,” said Jude Lascille, a first year student at Flagler College and a member of CCF.

“When I came to this group I instantly felt at home because there was no judgement with them. I love that they don’t need anything other than their faith and their friends to find immense joy. They’re just high on God.” 

This January, as well as years past, the sisters have made the pilgrimage to the March for Life in Washington D.C. “We could’ve easily been aborted,” Munezah said.

“We both value the life and dignity of every person.”

“We believe in meeting people where they’re at,” Muneerah said.

“Living our faith and being a part of the Pro-Life movement has formed us into individuals that love others well.” 

Moyra Pinard is the President of CCF at Flagler College.

“If I didn’t have them in my life I’d be discouraged and sad,” Pinard said.

“They live out their faith so authentically. It intertwines with everything they do. Traveling with them to Washington and listening to their story was unbelievable.”

“Life is precious.”

“Our lives are precious. And we desire to live out our purpose for the betterment of everyone we come in contact with.”