ELLIANA and ISAIAH for the Downer family — CO
Jay and April fell in love and married 22 years ago. April has been a homeschooling mother to their 7 children, from ages 5-21. Jay recently retired from the active duty Air Force and now works a civilian job, as a Security Specialist. Learning to be good parents and making their marriage first in their lives, has always been their primary focus and desire. They believe it is only feasible for them to succeed because they have surrendered their lives to the Lord Jesus 19 years ago.
They have always had a heart toward adoptive families and orphans, but weren’t sure how the Lord would open that door up to their family. In 2011, He told them to move through the door of adoption and let Him bless them. What an amazing blessing it has been. Nine months later they brought home a precious 1 1/2 year old son from China, who had a cleft lip and palate. He has been doing exceptionally well and loves his big family. While they do hear that they “saved” him from the life of being an orphan, they more feel that he has been a blessing to them beyond words. He is a wonderful, joyful gift to all of the family and they all feel like has always been a part of their hearts.
They knew, even before their son’s adoption that they would want to adopt again and bring him another sibling from his own country to grow up with. Just a couple months ago God put it on their hearts to not only adopt one more child from China, but two! Because of the burden they had in their hearts for orphans, the huge need for Forever Families for so many children, God’s provision and healing for their first adopted son, and the door he had opened again, they without a doubt would not say “No”. Within a couple of months of starting the mounds of adoption paperwork, applications and trying to come up with all funding to start the process they were matched with 2 precious two-year olds from China’s Waiting Child program.
The first child, is Elliana. She is just 4 months younger than their first adopted son. She is a tiny, 15 lb, adorable little one girl, living in an orphanage. She has not been able to walk yet, due to a leg deformity, that the surgeons in the US believe will require surgery.
The second child, is Isiaah. He is just 2 months younger than Elliana. He is also tiny, at 18 lbs, and also living in an orphanage. He has a serious, yet treatable heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. His medical treatment from China is a little vague. But the surgeons in the US believe with proper medical care and a loving home he will grow up to live an active, healthy life.
The older brothers and sisters are so excited to be on this journey toward adoption again. Everyone prays every day for them and the process to move quickly and the provision to be there when needed. Mama and Daddy can’t wait to hold and love on the little ones. They are hoping to travel early summer 2013.
They are thankful for everyone who prays for them and supports in all ways.
5/7/13—WAITING TO TRAVEL
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://i-keep-surrendering.blogspot.com/
