VINNIE for the Sheffield family — CA
Danny and Christine have been married for 21 years and have 6 children with ‘5 underfoot’. Their firstborn, Dustin, went on to be with God when he was just a baby. Danny and Christine both grew up in the same town and attended the same schools, but they didn’t actually meet until high school. They began dating at 16 and the rest as they say is history. Their other children are Ashley (20), Kylene (16), Sydney (6), Nathan (3), and Braden (1), who has Down syndrome. Braden is the greatest blessing and has brought nothing but joy to the Sheffield family. Along with that extra chromosome comes a lot of extra love! They also have a grandson, Kaden (6 months) and a ‘hopefully-soon-to-be-son-in-law’, Evan (20). Christine first found out about Reece’s Rainbow in early 2010, when she learned of a local couple, Jennifer and Hector Sanchez, who were adopting Sofia, with Down syndrome, from an orphanage in Eastern Europe. Christine quickly became hooked on their adoption story and before long, checking in on adoption blogs and all of the little ones listed on Reece’s Rainbow became a daily ritual. She was saddened by the situation these vulnerable children were in and the unbearable conditions they were facing. She wondered if they, too, could possibly welcome one of these little children into their family. Christine and Danny knew they had the capacity to love, but they were just lacking the confidence to step out. Sadly, they were lacking the faith. Before long, all thoughts of international adoption took a backseat when they found out they were expecting another baby. They were overjoyed to be expecting again, and Christine reluctantly pushed the little faces of Reece’s Rainbow to the back of her mind, and focused on what turned out to be a very high-risk pregnancy. To their surprise and great pleasure, Braden arrived 8 months later with the blessing of a little something extra! Looking back now, over the entire chain of events, they truly see the hand of God at work in their life. They are now ready to welcome another child into their family through adoption! Christine and Danny knew that they would one day adopt an orphaned child from Reece’s Rainbow; the seed had already been planted. After Braden’s birth, their hearts became even more open to the plight of these waiting children. Precious children, just like Braden. However, they didn’t expect to be venturing out on this journey so soon! But when God says ‘Go’… you go. Christine visited the Reece’s Rainbow forum for the first time one day, just looking around, when she saw the post titled, “Please don’t forget about Vinnie!” She was compelled to click on the link, and as she did, she surprisingly heard herself say aloud, ‘I won’t!’ When she saw Vinnie’s photo and read his story, Christine just knew in her heart that Vinnie was her guy, and his place was at home with them. Christine and Danny are very grateful to the Davis family for advocating for Vinnie, and they are excited for the many blessings this journey of faith will bring. The Sheffields are looking forward to the day when Vinnie comes home, to his rightful place in his forever family.
5/9/12—USCIS APPROVED
Follow the Sheffield family’s adoption journey on their blog http://sheffieldadoption.blogspot.com/
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