The families listed on this page have made it to "the end of the rainbow". They have endured many long months of paper-chasing and fundraising in anticipation of bringing their new child home quickly.
Your sponsorship is most critical now, as their final agency, country, and travel fees are coming due. Your help will make such a huge difference!
Tiffany & Justin have been married for 8 years and have two biological children ages 4 and 2 years old. They were married in 2003 and thought they had their lives planned out, but soon learned that God had other plans. They have several friends who have either adopted or fostered so it’s near and dear to their hearts, however, they never thought they would be the ones traveling this path. They started their journey almost a year ago after they felt the Lord leading them to grow their family through adoption, and though it’s been an emotional one it has been the biggest blessing. In the past year they have been pursuing domestic adoption, but after ‘stumbling’ upon Reese’s Rainbow they immediately felt the Lord telling them this is the path He had set before them.
After praying through the decision and seeking wise counsel they decided to commit to Reese’s Rainbow and look for potential children, which was overwhelming and heartbreaking. However, as they were looking through the pictures they saw the picture of ‘Whitney’ and immediately knew she was their daughter. They are so excited and ready to bring our little girl home!!! They would love for you to follow along in their journey and help them bring this miracle baby home!
2/22/12—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog http://anothertexasfamily.com
Dan and Beth have been married for 13 years and have four boys, Zachary 13, Caleb 11, Nathan 7, and Noah 5. Beth has always had a passion for people with special needs. She went to college to be a Special Education teacher. This is where she met Dan. Dan fell in love with Beth in part because of her passion for people with special needs. Beth worked as a Special Education teacher for several years and continued to be an advocate for people with special needs.
After the birth of their fourth boy, they decided that it was not in God’s plan to have a naturally born daughter. They agreed that they would adopt “someday” but that was not a very serious commitment. About two years ago Beth found the website for Reece’s Rainbow and became convinced that God was leading her to adopt a child with special needs from another country. It did not become quite as clear to Dan at that time. Beth just prayed and waited on God to move knowing that if it was His will, it would become clear to Dan as well.
Dan and Beth went to a Christian concert by Matthew West and Matthew was advocating overseas adoption as part of his tour. God used this concert of worship to break Dan’s heart for adoption and he surrendered that night. They are trusting God to open the doors and make this adoption happen according to His will.
2/20/12—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://4given2serve1god.blogspot.com/
Tyler and Jamie Ashton are happy to announce that they are adopting Valentin! They are the parents to five children, two in heaven, one biological son who is 3, one son adopted from China with Spina Bifida who is also 3, and a daughter adopted from China with Cerebral Palsy who is 2. They always tell everyone “We adopt because God, through Jesus, adopted us first.” Years ago they committed to stay open to whatever child God calls them to bring home. Having just brought their daughter home from China in October, they were not expecting to adopt again. However, they were so heartbroken and moved by Valentin’s story on a blog that after a lot of prayer they felt confidant God was calling them to be his family. Made in God’s imagine, they know the value of his life and have started the process to bring him home! All adoptions are urgent but for Valentin many have witnessed his deterioration and regression in the past year and he will soon be transferred to a mental institution. The time to rescue this boy is now! Having already paid for two adoptions in two years, the Ashton’s are trusting God to provide, through the kind financial support of others, to pay for the expenses associated with his adoption. They realize the sacrifice they are asking others to make by donating and do not take even the smallest donation for granted. They invite you to come be part of their journey on their blog.
2/17/12—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the Ashton family's adoption journey on their blog at www.headoptedusfirst.blogspot.com
Craig and Linda have been married 22 years! They have 8 children (7 biological and 1 adopted), but “Eight is definitely NOT enough!” They have 5 boys and 4 girls ages 20, 19, 18, 16, 14, 12, 12 and 2.
They have distinct memories of sitting around their dinner table and feeling like there were children missing, but up until 5 years ago, the Dinsmores had never really considered adoption. Then, in 2006 they moved to Kansas City and, unbeknownst to them, into a growing adoption community! In January of 2007 the Lord really broke their hearts for orphans when they heard Derek Loux preach on “The Spirit of Adoption”. After Derek’s message they found themselves weeping at the altar and saying, “Yes, God, our hands are open. Your kingdom come,Your will be done through us!” 1 ½ years later they adopted their newborn son Samuel David Justice Dinsmore, and this fall Craig became President of The Orphan Justice Center founded by Derek and Renee Loux, www.orphanjusticecenter.com. At the same time he became the Director of Outreach of Children’s Justice Initiatives at The International House of Prayer in Kansas City.
Inspired by her friendship with a 50 year old woman named Sharon who has Down syndrome, and also by the many families in their community who have gone before them before them on the journey of adopting children with special needs, it has been in Linda’s heart for a couple of years to adopt a girl who has Down syndrome. At the end of August, Linda followed a link to Reece’s Rainbow to make a donation to the Dirke’s family. While there she found herself looking at the Down Syndrome Girls 0-5 page and it was there she first saw and fell in love with Lucille. She shared Lucille and her heart with Craig and after 4 months of seeking the Lord, they believe Lucille is their daughter and are committed to doing whatever it takes to bring her home!
2/17/12—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://welovelucille.blogspot.com
James and Sherrie Duval have been married for 17 years. God has blessed them with 7 children. Joshua 27, Toni 19, Elijah 14, Enoch 14, Patience 9, Abraham 7 and Daniel 11 months. Five of their children have been adopted. With each adoption God has increasingly shown them the blessing of having children and built an amazing family unit. They thought perhaps they were done adopting or at least on hold for awhile until Cole showed up on a blog Sherrie reads regularly. When Jim saw Cole he knew this was his son. So they are excited to start their first adoption with Reece’s Rainbow, an organization they had already supported financially and with many prayers. One of the nice surprises about this adoption is that Jim was the one to initiate it. Something about Cole just touched his heart.
2/15/12—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the Duval family's adoption journey on their blog at duvalquiver.blogspot.com
The Rumbaugh family is excited to welcome “Garrett” into our family!
We will name him Elijah and he will be little brother to 8 siblings and big brother to 1 sibling. Our family wll be made up of two biological girls and 8 adopted kids from China! We are passionate about the plight of the orphan and serve the Lord through adoption and advocacy.
Dad, Bill, is the Pastor of a small independent church and also a part-time physical education teacher. He is very active in the workings of our home and is a master bed time book reader! Mom, Kelly, stays at home with the kids and keeps track of her online adoption care package business. She enjoys helping other families on their journey of adoption through e-mail and phone contact. In general, Bill and Kelly are dedicating their lives in service to the Lord in raising their family and through the adoption of two more sons from China. (Yes, we will also adopt another son while traveling for Elijah!)
Our family is blessed to have such a wonderful support network through our family and church. It has been said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This is so true when raising a child to serve the Lord. We are very thankful to all those who have helped us bring home our children from China. May God be glorified in our new journey to Elijah (and Jack)!
2/14/12—TRAVELING IN MARCH!
Follow the Rumbaugh family’s adoption journey on their blog www.mommymomentsandgodwinks.blogspot.com
Chris and Maria have been happily married for almost 10 years now. They were blessed with two sweet daughters whom they cherish very much. They are a military family stationed at Ramstein AB, Germany, where Chris proudly serves as an Air Traffic Controller with the United States Air Force. Chris and Maria felt God leading them to adopt long before they ever had their first child. However, they had no idea what God's timing would be. In 2008, God started guiding Maria's heart towards adopting a child with Down syndrome, but Chris did not have this same passion at that time. Maria chose to tuck those feelings away and simply trust God with the desires of her heart. She prayed and patiently waited upon the Lord to either change the desire of her heart or change Chris's heart to feel the same passion that she did. In 2011, a couple from their church adopted a child with DS from Ukraine and those feelings came flooding back to Maria. Little did she know that God had been working in Chris's heart as well, and he was open to the idea of adopting a child with special needs! Chris and Maria started researching DS and praying for God to lead them to their future child. They found themselves looking at the sweet boys on Reece's Rainbow and knew that God wanted them to give one of these precious angels a forever home. After continuous prayers by Maria, Chris, and many family and friends they knew that God was in this decision 100%. They are living by Romans 8:28 and James 1:27 and are very excited to see how God will work to bring home their little boy to his forever home where he will be loved beyond measure!
The Burman Bunch is blessed to be growing once again with the addition of two very special young boys. Our family first journeyed down the road of adoption in 2008 with the adoption of their son Mason who would be called home by Jesus just 5 weeks after being born 17 weeks early. They felt like it was Mason who led them to Reece’s Rainbow where they would first adopt “the triplets” from Ukraine in 2010 and then bring home two beautiful girls just this past March. Little Carrington was near death and was rushed immediately to the hospital upon landing in the United States. She would spend 5 weeks trying to take in nutrition and just grow. Now that precious angel is doing amazing but only through God’s amazing handiwork. Brian and Shelly realized God has called them to a very special path in their life and when asked if they are done adopting now have responded with the belief that their home and hearts will always be open to adoption. Sure enough just a mere 6 months of being home Brian and Shelly were reached out to about children in a country that were in the same condition as Carrington was. Their hearts immediately felt the incredible tug of God and began the work to bring home these very special boys. Yes, the Burmans have a very busy life but they know full well that God will equip them with what is necessary to let their children shine just as God intended.
2/11/12—FIRST TRIP MARCH 3
Follow the Burman family's adoption journey on their blog www.atorchforteagan.blogspot.com
UPDATE! The Brown family will also be bringing home Will, Butler, and Pam
God has told them to move again. Jenny and Steven have been married for 15 years. Never did they dream that their home would be filled with children. Steven always knew he wanted to adopt. Jenny felt the same way and spoke about it even when they were dating. After having 2 biological children , they became foster to adopt parents. They have to date adopted 15 children, 9 wonderful children from the US fostercare system and 6 special needs children from Ukraine. Those 6 children were featured on Reeces Rainbow. They could not ignore the loud call. Now they realize “It was as if God knew and made our children just for us, and God told us to not be afraid go and get them”, Nicholas, Oksana , and Noah have Down syndrome and arrived to the US in 2009. Oksana and Nicholas had open heart surgery one week apart once they arrived to the USA. Nicholas and Noah were unable to walk despite Noah being 4.5 years old because they had been bedridden. They now can walk! Praise only the Lord! Benjamin also has Down Syndrome, Ellia (at that time felt to be dwafism, now diagnosed as extreme short stature/weight due to malnutrition and FAS) and Ian (born with encephlocele and who will receive his 4th facial reconstruction) arrived in 2010. “Our children are beautiful and perfect the way God made them.” Steven and Jenny have completely devoted their lives to these children and their needs. They are not new to adoption but they feel that this is their toughest mission ever. The children they are adopting are literally bones and starving, bedridden for over 10 years! They request that you pray that these children hold and for God to keep the path clear as they bring them here to the USA, where they will get the medical attention they need immediately. Jenny is an ICU nurse and has worked in the pediatric ICU for many years. She now works in the burn unit. Steven is a stay at home dad and farmer to their 20 acre farm.
2/10/12—FIRST TRIP MARCH 3
Follow the Brown family's adoption journey on their blog at http://thesousabrownfamily.blogspot.com
Steve and Katrina have been married for 18 years. They have 3 boys, Joshua 17, Jared 14 and Jacob 12 and one adopted princess, Nevaeh 3. In 2003 they were pregnant with their 4th son when they went to a doctor’s appointment and found out there was no heartbeat anymore. Katrina was 6 months pregnant at the time. Because of this loss and the hard pregnancies that Katrina has, they decided to look into adopting. They looked into foster/adoption in Riverside County but did not feel right about it at that time.
In 2007 they decided to look into foster/adoption again and fostered 2 little girls before they got the call for Nevaeh. They knew they were only her foster parents but immediately feel in love with her. After 18 months Nevaeh’s birth parents decided it would be in her best interest to be adopted by Steve and Katrina. Her adoption was finalized in April 2010.
They thought their family was complete until Katrina was advocating for adoption during the month of November. She stumbled upon a blog that was talking about Reece’s Rainbow families. Katrina started to follow one of those families and by December had fallen in love with a little girl named Carlene. A few weeks later, Carlene had found a family and so Katrina started to look at other little girls with Down syndrome because she was feeling like God was calling their family to adopt again.
But every time she would start to pray about a little one, they would find a family. She was beginning to think that maybe it wasn’t something they were suppose to do and so she just started to concentrate on fund raising for other families. Then she noticed that Carlene was listed again and she knew that she was her child. Steve and Katrina prayed about it and together decided that the time was right and that they needed to go and get Carlene.
Carlene has already been moved to an institution so they are trying hard to get to her as soon as possible. They are excited about starting on this journey and experiencing the joy of having a child with Down syndrome. They would love for you to follow along with them. Any support or encouragement you can give would be greatly appreciated.
2/11/12—HOPING TO TRAVEL IN MARCH
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://operationorphannomore.blogspot.com/
Jennifer and James have been married for 17 years. During their engagement they often spoke about the kind of family that they would like to have. Both desired to have a large family. Although Jennifer was pregnant nine times, they were only able to carry four babies through to delivery. They turned to the Lord to ask for help in putting together the large family that they had always dreamed of. Through the beautiful gift of adoption, they have been able to add a daughter, adopted from Kazakhstan, and a son, adopted from China, to their family. James works in software development and Jennifer is a special education teacher who left her career to be a full time mother to their six children (ages 14,12,11,10,7 & 5).
Jennifer and James traveled to China early in 2011 to complete the adoption of their new son, Jacob. Jacob is five years old and has Down Syndrome and Moyamoya disease which required immediate brain surgery upon coming home. While in China, they were given the opportunity to visit their son’s orphanage. During this visit a special little boy (listed here as “Andrew”) was introduced to Jennifer and James as “Jacob’s special friend.” They were told that Andrew “was like Jacob’s big brother” and that he had taken care of Jacob during their time together in the orphanage. Jennifer felt immense gratitude for this sweet little care giver and knelt down to hold his hand and express her thankfulness and appreciation. They had a few moments before their time together was interrupted by Jacob who grabbed Andrew’s hand and led him to the playground.
When Jennifer and James returned home they could not stop thinking about the sweet little boy who had cared for their son. They felt very strongly that Jacob and Andrew should be reunited…this time as true brothers, never to be separated. Feeling that it was the Lord’s desire for this precious boy to come to their forever family, they approached their children with idea that Andrew should join their family. The children were so excited to have another brother!
Please help us reunite Jacob and Andrew! Andrew took care of Jacob before he came home to his forever family. Now it is Andrews turn to come home to that same forever family. These sweet little “brothers” deserve to be together forever!
1/26/12—LETTER OF APPROVAL RECEIVED
Follow the Grover family's adoption journey on their blog www.bringmhome.blogspot.com
Dewey and Suzanne met in Lexington, MO in 1995 while taking care of a terminally ill patient and his family. With much encouragement, by the family, Dewey asked Suzanne out. After 3 short months they married and have now been together over 15 years. When they married Dewey had 3 children, living with him, and Suzanne had none. She had been told, by Doctors, that she never would have any. Dewey knew Suzanne had a desire to go to China and adopt and that she had been saving money for that reason. But, God is kind and gracious and two months later, Suzanne found herself pregnant. They now have 7 living children (ages 27- 2), one in heaven, and 3 grandchildren. Fours hours after the birth of their youngest daughter, they were told she had Down syndrome and several heart defects. Dewey and Suzanne love their big family, but Suzanne felt something/someone was missing. She started looking at Reece’s Rainbow. She was constantly showing Dewey pictures of children she wanted to bring home, but he wasn’t as sure. God works in mysterious ways and while at a Down syndrome conference, along came two ladies whom had already adopted through RR. So a question and answer session started that was cut short for a young man, with Down syndrome, to speak about how God doesn’t make junk. Dewey was moved to tears and agree that they should adopt. So, the search began. After several failed attempts, Suzanne stopped looking. One day while reading on RR yahoo group, someone was advocating for a princess from China, she read the post but chose not to go to the blog. The next day there was another post about this princess. This time she obeyed the calling and visited the blog, where she found their long lost daughter. She called her two children over, showed them the picture and they too agreed she belong to them. When Dewey got home from work he was bombarded with pictures, a video and information. He too, fell in love with this little princess and her big beautiful smile. The entire family looks forward to adding princess Clare to their family.
2/10/12—LETTER OF APPROVAL RECEIVED
Follow the Fristoe family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://bringinghomeourchinesebutterfly.blogspot.com
Craig and Melissa have been married almost 15 years. They have known one another since the 10th grade. They have 4 children, which consist of 3 boys and 1 girl. It has always been Melissa's dream to have two daughters so they could be sisters. She has a close bond with her own sister and is hoping her girls will share the same experience. Melissa came across Reece's Rainbow in 2007. After the birth of their little girl, Melissa and Craig decided to expand their family through adoption. The Reece's Rainbow website revealed itself in her search efforts. She read about the plea for children with Down Syndrome and shared it with her husband. Craig agreed to welcome a little girl in his home and looks forward to meeting his new daughter. They have done research on Down Syndrome since 2007 and have investigated many community resources. In fact, she was suprised by the amount of resources and theraputic services in her area. The Gross family feels they will be a perfect fit for a child with Down Syndrome. Melissa has worked extra hard to raise funds for their future daughter. The children are very excited to add a new sibling to the family and talk about their new sister often. Their daughter was not found on the Reece's Rainbow site. Unfortunately, they are not permitted to post a picture of Sunny per agency guidelines.
Your support is much needed and appreciated whether it is through prayers or financially.
1/11/12—HOPING TO TRAVEL IN MARCH
Follow the adoption journey of the Gross family on their blog at www.heavensent2ourhearts.blogspot.com
Tim and Janice Rowe met during college and have been happily married for the past 15 years. Tim is in sales and estimating for a demolition company and Janice is blessed to be a stay-at-home, homeschooling momma. Janice told Tim from the beginning of their relationship, that no matter how many biological children they had she knew that adoption would be a part of their future, and Tim agreed.
After having 4 children, they knew it was time. God was finally calling them to take the leap to adopt and they decided that fostering-to-adopt was the way to go. This past December 2010 their family was overjoyed to finally, officially call their 10 year old daughter their own when her adoption became finalized after two long years!
Shortly afterwards in January of this year Janice and her eldest son Evan traveled to China for their family's adoption of a 14 year old son. They had been made aware of his need for a family back in October and scrambled to gather their paperwork and finalize his adoption in 3 1/2 short months– adopting him just two days before his 14th birthday! He would have lost his hope for a family forever if they had not gotten to him before he turned 14, and from the moment they first saw his picture they knew they could not have allowed that to happen.
God truly moved mountains for them on that adoption journey, and that experience has built their faith and given them the desire to step out again for God's orphans. This time it is for sweet Masha and Christopher!!!
Ever since Janice came across the RR website last summer she has felt that God has opened her heart for the children in this world with special needs. Her husband would see her emerge from their office with tears streaming down her face night after night and after many conversations together, he knew an RR adoption was somewhere in their future! Along came these two precious ones, so in need of love and a family to care for them. After much prayer, discussion, soul searching and prayer again, Tim gave Janice the best Valentine's Day gift ever– the go-ahead to commit to these two children! Their other 6 kids ,who range in age from 15 down to 7, cannot wait to have younger siblings and little ones to take care of again. They were BIG advocates for this adoption (you should have heard the whoops and hollers when Daddy told them!) and cannot wait to bring their newest siblings home!
The whole family is praying constantly for the health and safety of these little ones and for God's protection over them while they strive to bring them home. Please pray for them too. The Rowes hope to be able to travel quickly and cannot wait to meet their newest little blessings!!
2/8/12—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the Rowe family's adoption journey on their blog at www.weretakingbabysteps.blogspot.com
Jon & Yvonne Clanton have been married for 22 years and have three children, Steve (16) , Sam (7) and Shad (8 ). Jon pastors Grace Church and is the prison chaplain at Zephyrhills Correctional. Their story is very unique. Sam was born premature but did ok. The day after he was born they were allowed to hold him for the first time. He rewarded them by opening his eyes and his parents saw for the first time that something was incredibly wrong. His eye were different sizes and very cloudy. Somehow in all the drama of his birth, this had been overlooked by medical staff. The Clantons feel now that it was a holy moment they shared with their child as the enormity of their situation sunk in…. He was to be diagnoised with Peter’s Anomaly a very rare eye condition that also affected his development. When Sam was one, the Clantons saw a picture of a little blind boy in China. He tugged at their heart even tho they had NO savings left & Yvonne had quit her job as a probation officer supervisor. But they stepped out in faith and God provided every penny! Yvonne picked Shad up in china, 9 months & 6 days after they began the paperwork! BTW, he is only blind in one eye!!! He has no other physical or developmental problems.
Recently they became aware of Reece’s Rainbow. Yvonne is always on the lookout for blind kids so she saw Genesis & Dmitry and it upset her so much she clicked off her picture. Genesis looked so much like her son Sam that all she could think of was “what if that were Sam?” Then their church took up an offering for orphans and she went back to RR to find a child to put the money on…again she saw Genesis and Dmitiry. They decided to work on finding funding to put on the children for grants. Within a few days, the family realized that God was calling them to step out in faith and adopt Genesis, and soon they realized they could not leave Dmitiry behind.. They have now committed to both of them and the process has begun! They are looking forward to both of the children having the same surgery their son Sam had and are hopeful the surgery will give them some sight!
2/8/12—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the Clanton family's adoption journey on their blog http://www.myreallifebyyvonne.blogspot.com
David and Melissa met 8 years ago and have been happily married for almost 7 years. They have a beautiful little boy named Ryan, who is 6 years old. David works as a Deputy Sheriff in Marin County as well as a Sergeant in Army National Guard. Melissa is a stay at home mom and also goes to school full time and is working towards a degree to become a teacher. Ryan keeps busy with sports and keeping Melissa and David on their toes!
Throughout their 8 years together David and Melissa have faced many challenges together, from David being deployed twice to their heartbreaking struggles with infertility. After a few tries with fertility treatments and no success, they have found their road to expanding their family to be much different then they had envisioned. After researching many different adoption sites online they came across Reece’s Rainbow. And amazingly along with finding Reece’s Rainbow they have met a few families who have and who are going through the process to become forever families for some of the adorable children on Reece’s Rainbow.
Although their journey has just begun David, Melissa and Ryan have fallen in love with a little boy named Aaron. They are so excited and ready to become Aaron’s forever family and can’t wait to have him home to start making new memories as a family of four!
2/8/12—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the Chellson family's adoption journey on their blog at chellsonfamilyadventures.blogspot.com
Beth and Lee met 20 years ago and have been happily married for almost 16 years! During those 16 years they have been blessed with 5 of the most amazing children. Beth And Lee and their children, Katie (14), LeeAnn (12), Abigail (11), Jack (8) and baby Chloe live in Roseville, CA. Beth stays at home and Lee is a police sergeant in the Sacramento area. The older Herrington children are involved in a variety of school and sport activities. Chloe was a double surprise for all as she was born with Down Syndrome. Beth and Lee have embraced the newest Herrington’s differences just as they embraced the differences in all of their children.
Two weeks after her birth, looking to learn more from the Down Syndrome community, the Herringtons went to a local Down syndrome event and were introduced to beautiful Sofia Sanchez who was adopted through Reece’s Rainbow a month prior from Eastern Europe by Hector and Jennifer Sanchez.
The Herrington family is looking to repeat recent history and follow in the footsteps of the Sanchez family. Through Reece’s Rainbow they have fallen in love with a baby girl named Olivia. Olivia is a beautiful Angel who is waiting to come home and join her forever family. Please keep the Herrington family in your prayers as they follow the path that God has chosen for them.
2/8/12—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the Herrington family’s adoption journey on their blog at bethherrington.blogspot.com
Richard and Laura have desired to adopt since they were first engaged and have always been open to children with special needs. However, it was always assumed that the "right time" for them would come much further down the road. They were prompted to consider adoption more seriously over the last year, after talking with adoptive families at their local church, and seeing the process unfold on multiple occasions. In fact, it was through one of these families that they first found Reece's Rainbow. This family brought home a precious little girl from the Ukraine earlier this year, and their journey has had a profound impact on Laura and Richard. After looking on the Reece's Rainbow website, they saw Kylen and they both immediately agreed that they wanted to bring her home! Their children are anxious to meet their new sister and have her home with them!
Laura and Richard are so excited to have the opportunity to adopt precious little Kylen. With much prayer and financial support, they are hopeful they will be able to bring her home quickly.
2/8/12—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the Rector family's adoption journey on their blog http://therectorblog.blogspot.com
Jay and Caroline have been married for almost 18 years. They married while Jay was in the military [Air Force] and moved around the United States. During that time they were raising their 6 sons and had their first daughter in 2004. Jay retired from the Air Force in 2004 after serving 20 years. In 2006 they were blessed with a second daughter, Gabriella. She was born with Down Syndrome and a complete joy to their whole family. They knew that Gabrielle had Down Syndrome before she was born and felt blessed that God choose them as parents to this wonderful baby girl. Even Grandma came for her birth. Gabrielle has taught her family so much and is such a joy. Jay and Caroline wanted to connect with other families that have a child/children with special needs and found that through facebook. Thats when they were introduced to the special needs orphans on Reeces Rainbow. Adoption is something they have discussed many times and wanted to do but now Reeces Rainbow was the path to that child that God choose for them. They knew it was their time to adopt. Josephine took their heart as soon as they saw her picture. Josephine has struck to the core as being the right child in the most need. She is five years old and will be six years old soon. Josephine is on the verge of being transferred to a mental institution from the baby house. She deserves to be at home with her awaiting family and going to school with her siblings. Jay and Caroline are committed to bringing Josephine home as soon as possible. Please pray for them. Any kind of support, donations and prayers will help bring Josephine home to her forever family.
Ryan and Amber met on their very first day of college through a mutual friend. They have been together ever since, happily celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary this past summer. They have three beautiful children, ages 7, 4, and 1. Although very happy with their busy bunch, it soon became clear that God had plans for their family to grow! One day, seemingly out of the blue, Amber found herself on the Reece’s Rainbow website, learning about all of angels listed and the fantastic mission of the organization. Soon she was staring into the beautiful eyes of a very special little girl, and hearing a voice in her heart saying, “She belongs with you.” After much prayer, they realized that she belongs in their family, and they are very excited to begin the road that leads to their newest daughter.
2/3/12—FIRST TRIP FEBRUARY 20
Follow the Gager family's adoption journey on their blog www.wearespeechless.blogspot.com
Susan and Jerry have four biological kids, ages 11-almost 2. Although they had talked about adopting when they were first dating, life quickly became very full with so many young kids! Susan is a theology professor at Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota, and was doing some research on Christian outreach to people with disabilities when she came across a person adopting with help from Reeces Rainbow. After live-interviewing Andrea for her undergraduate ethics class (!), she became convinced to support the ministry. And after she and Jerry helped advocate for two children (“Tori” and “Anthony”), she and Jerry realized that they were called to bring one home to their own family. Jerry is a stay at home dad and free lance writer, and they are relying on the providence of God and the kindness of strangers to help them welcome one of these beautiful children home. They firmly believe God wants all children to have a family, and that love is not divided, but multiplied by more. They look forward to the challenges and graces another child brings.
1/10/12—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Jason and Breanne have been married for almost 5 years and live in British Columbia. In 2010 they were blessed with the birth of their daughter who is now 1.5 years old. Jason works as a law enforcement officer and Breanne is a Registered Nurse who works only 4 hours a week so she can stay home with her daughter. Adoption was something they had talked about since they were first married. Last Halloween they were looking at the blog of a family who adopted 2 children through Reece’s Rainbow. Their hearts were absolutely shattered when they learned about children with special needs being sent to adult mental institutions. They immediately felt that adoption of a child with special needs was what God wanted for their family. The next day they contacted a local adoption agency and started the process of international adoption. Jason and Breanne have been following Reece’s Rainbow for over a year and have been praying and raising funds for many of the children. They are excited to now start raising funds to bring their son home. They are so excited to meet their son and tell him that they are his forever family! They are ready to hold him, love him, and help him become anything he wants to be. They ask for your prayers and invite you to follow their story.
12/28/11—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Jeff and Wendy have only been married for 18 months but have been friends for many years. They have 6 children between them: Britnee (24), Zachary (22), Miranda (18) , Seth (11) , Cassie (10) adopted from Kazakhstan in 2003, and Makenzi (6). Jeff and Wendy knew when they married that they wanted an “ours” and that this would happen through international adoption. While researching adoption, Wendy found Reece’s Rainbow and began to pray that God would reveal his will about adding a child with special needs to their family.
Jeff found Lina’s picture as he and Wendy perused through the RR website and he was immediately smitten by this little girl’s face. Jeff and Wendy had planned to adopt a son with Down Syndrome and found Mario in Bulgaria soon after they made the decision to adopt a child with special needs. Lina continued to burden their hearts, and the more they learned about her and her special needs, they were convinced that this should be their daughter. Lina has Dwarfism and an un-repaired cleft palate so they are very anxious to get her home and get the medical interventions that she desperately needs. This is truly a leap of faith for this family. Your prayers and financial support are greatly needed and much appreciated.
2/6/12—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the Shupe family's adoption journey on their blog at http://shupefamilydreams.blogspot.com/
Ron and Shannon Shpak, married 14 years and have 5 children: Noah(10), Asher(8), Lily(5), Isaac(3)and Ethan(1). Their youngest son, Ethan, has Down Syndrome and was adopted in the US via the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network. Ron works as a Cabinet Specialist and Shannon stays home with the children and homeschools. Both Ron and Shannon always knew they would adopt. Ron worked as a volunteer with the Special Olympics for years and Shannon as a Special Education teacher. They both felt called to Down Syndrome. “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8” After years of praying about an international Down Syndrome adoption, Ron and Shannon have decided to follow God’s call with reckless abandon. They were led to “Shannon” and know without a doubt, this beautiful little girl is the missing piece of their family. Completely trusting in the hand of God and taking it one day at a time, they will go above and beyond to bring her home where she belongs. Prayers or donations on behalf of “Shannon” are so greatly appreciated, as they set out on this rescue mission.
2/6/12—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the Shpak family's adoption journey on their blog at www.faithsetfree.blogspot.com
The Westbrook clan consists of Mark and Kirsten and their 9 children. Mark and Kirsten each brought a son into their marriage, Roy (23) and Jordan (21). Soon, their 3rd son, Samuel (12) was born. After that, they began the process to adopt from China. The seeds of adoption had been planted early in Kirsten’s life and she always knew she wanted to adopt a little girl from China or Taiwan. (Her 2 oldest sisters were adopted from Taiwan in the early 60’s). They had completed their home study and had begun the dossier when they found out they were pregnant again. They were disappointed to have to put the adoption on hold, but were very excited to welcome their 4th son, Mark Daniel (10). After that, circumstances (mostly financial, but later realized that it just wasn’t God’s timing) prevented them from pursuing the adoption from China again. They felt like they had to give up the dream and that they probably would never be able to adopt a little girl from China.
They still wanted to adopt, so they became foster parents and continued that for the next 8 years. They were blessed to adopt their 5th and 6th sons, Dillon (8) and Justin (4) through the foster care system in 2005 and 2009. Also in 2009, they were surprised to find out they were pregnant with their first daughter, a beautiful baby girl who turned out to be blessed with an extra chromosome. Between the love they had for her and their heart for adoption, they soon discovered Reece’s Rainbow. Their eyes were opened to God’s heart for orphans, and especially the many children who are born with Down syndrome in other countries. They began the process to adopt 2 beautiful little girls from Eastern Europe, something they thought they would never get to do. In October, 2010, they brought home their 2 new daughters, Anna and Victoria, with the wonderful help of the Reece’s Rainbow team.
Two months after bringing the girls home, around Christmas time, they first saw Hailey’s picture. There was a definite tugging at their hearts, but they did not feel they could adopt again so soon after their recent adoption. They prayed for her to find a family quickly. Months passed and in June, they saw that Hailey had a new picture on RR. That grabbed their attention (or rather, God did) and they began to pray for her as a family. God started speaking to their hearts constantly and finally they decided to research it. If they didn’t meet the requirements for adopting from China, then they would know it wasn’t supposed to happen. Many doors started opening and instead of thinking “there’s no way we can adopt her”, they began thinking “there’s no way we can NOT adopt her”. God had definitely been working in this situation and the family is so excited to officially be in the process to adopt little Miss Hailey! God is so good!!! He is giving them back their dream of adopting a little girl from China….11 years later. That’s how AWESOME God is!!! And being able to go back to the culture near where Kirsten’s sisters are from, make this adoption extra special for the family!
Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
2/2/12—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at www.bringinghomeourgirls.blogspot.com
Larry and Erin Loraine have been happily married for 15 years. Erin’s degree in Special Education, as well as their faith, have led them on the path of special needs adoption for the second time. Larry and Erin have 2 biological boys, Clayton (12) and Evan (9). In 2010 they added the first girl, Oksana (6), to their family through adoption from Ukraine. Oksana has Cerebral Palsy and was a Reece’s Rainbow “other angel”. Larry and Erin knew even during Oksana’s adoption process that their family was not complete. After Oksana adjusted they began researching different countries and options. They chose their country and began praying about who their child would be. When Joanna became available they knew, just as with Oksana, that they were looking into the eyes of their next child. The whole Loraine family is thrilled to be on this journey again to bring another Eastern European princess into their family!
2/16/12—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the Loraine family's adoption journey on their blog at www.lorainefamily.blogspot.com
YAY, Valerie has a family too!
Patrick and Amanda Phillips met in the fall of 1999. Within 6 months, they were engaged. Marriage came 2 years later, while Amanda was in nursing school. Amanda is now a cardiac nurse at a local hospital and Patrick is in pest control.
Their first son is 12 years old and his name is Anthony. He is a wonderful, caring boy that loves his brother and sister. In 2005, they started their first adoption journey. Before the formal application was complete, they had already found their daughter Ananya. She was 10 months at the time and has cerebral palsy. After many delays, Patrick, Amanda and Anthony finally met Ananya at her orphanage in Kolkata India on February 15, 2007. It was 1 week before her 2nd birthday. Before even leaving for their trip to India, Amanda was already inquiring about another child at the orphanage who has cerebral palsy. The Dillon staff encouraged them to meet the little boy but warned they would have to wait at least 6 months before beginning the process again. In India, they met Prasun for the first time. Three months after arriving home with Ananya, Patrick and Amanda committed their hearts to adopt Prasun. Once again, the process was full of delays. November 3, 2008 Amanda held Prasun in her arms and he was theirs forever.
After only 6 months home, Patrick and Amanda attended a meeting to adopt from foster care. This time they were looking at children 7-10 years old. This avenue was not to be at this time. The family tried several avenues before finding another Indian princess on Reece's Rainbow. She will soon be 8 years old. It was exactly what they were looking for in an unexpected place.
Please help bring dear Valerie home. She has spent 7 years waiting for a family and they finally found her.
1/27/12—PASSED COURT, HOPING TO TRAVEL IN MARCH 2012
Follow the adoption journey of the Phillips family on their blog at www.alwaystryingagain.blogspot.com
FULLY FUNDED!
Bob and Amanda Drinkrow are high school sweethearts that have been happily married since May 2007. They have two beautiful children, Bobby (3) and Olivia (1). Bobby was born with Down syndrome along with a heart condition, an AVSD, which required open heart surgery at only four months old. He was back in the hospital a month later with a large pericardial effusion and has been doing very well ever since! God truly does have a plan and they feel everything they have been through has led them to this decision to adopt another child with Down Syndrome. Amanda is one of the founding members of the Down Syndrome Association of Northwest Michigan, and has done much in the way of advocacy at the local level. Also, their church is the only church in the region with a children's program specific to special needs. They have been so blessed and they have room from one more of God's blessings… Hunter!
Hunter also has Down syndrome, is close to the same age as Bobby, and would give Olivia another big brother to love! They had discussed adoption many times before, but never felt truly compelled. After much prayer and reflection they discovered James 1:27, as well as other scriptures, that were inspirational. This introspection provided the spark that led to this post, this child, and to Reece's Rainbows. Being that their beloved son Bobby already had Down Syndrome and they were so connected in the community, specifically in regards to Down Syndrome, they felt this adoption to be part of their calling in life.
After seeing Hunter and the other children on Reece's Rainbows everything clicked, it all made sense! Hunter has already captured their hearts and they cannot wait for the day they can wrap their arms around him! Please help to bring this family together, so they can start their journey in providing Hunter with a loving forever home! They appreciate any monetary support you can provide, especially in these trying times, but more importantly ask that you pray for them in this journey.
1/15/11—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
My husband and I have adopted a number of special children, three of whom have Down syndrome. We love all our children but since many of our children have moved to more supportive care and some to more independent care and two passed away, we felt there was a hole in our family. I looked on the Reece's Rainbow site and was thrilled to see so many great children. I saw Carl and thought he looked so sweet, I never thought we would have a chance at a child from China, but they have granted exceptions for children with special needs. We are finishing our homestudy now and then will work on the rest of the paperwork so we will be able to pick him and bring him home. Thank you Reece's Rainbow for helping so many great kids find homes.
12/24/11—USCIS APPROVED
Tim and Diana have been happily married for almost twenty-two years and have five biological children. Kaylee is 19, Christian is 17, Ashlynn is 15, Emilie is 11, and Levi is 4! They recently became aware of the many children in need of a family in Eastern Europe with special needs through a Facebook post about a little boy who was “aging out” of the system and needed to find his forever family quickly. They began as a family to pray for God to find this sweet boy a family. One day while praying, they felt like God asked,” why not your family? Why are you praying for someone else to do what you yourselves could do?” After much prayer and discussion, they realized that this was something they felt called to do. They love being parents and felt that they could offer a hurting child the love and support that a family could provide! They are excited to see their family grow through adoption and God is growing their faith daily as they face the unfamiliar process of international adoption. The child that God used to break their hearts for the things that break His, was adopted by another family but God used his story to show them how many others are still hoping for a family to call their own! While searching the waiting children’s’ profiles on Reese’s Rainbow, they came across little Ali. Immediately everyone in the room gasped and said, “Ahhhhh” at the same time! She captured her family’s heart with one little smile! They are so excited to have another child and they can’t wait to bring her home and give her the love that she deserves! Please pray for the Walker’s as they work to raise the funds to complete their adoption and for peace as they follow the path God has chosen for them to their beautiful new little girl!
11/4/11—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Doug and Cara always knew that adoption would be a part of their life. What they didn’t realize is how blessed they would be by adoption! In 2005 they hosted a young man named Max for the first time. He came for hosting a total of 5 times during a three year period. Max planted the seed for the Layne's dreams of adoption. They were in love with this little boy and wanted to make him a permanent part of their family.. Just months before traveling to his country in 2007, they learned that his Mother had come to the orphanage take him home. They Layne's knew that God had lead them to adoption, so with heavy hearts they went to Ukraine and asked for a blind referral. They came home with Hannah; a 3 year old with Cerebral Palsy.
In the spring of 2009, right before Cara and Doug were set to travel to adopt Mila (adopted through RR @ age 3) from Serbia, they learned Max was back in an orphanage again. The family was able to correspond with Max via translated letters back and forth. In December of 2010, Max was able to come to Ohio for a 3 week hosting experience. He loved meeting his sisters and being "home" again. Doug and Cara had said if they ever returned to Eastern Europe, their plan was to bring home two children—and that is just what they are doing.
Doug and Cara have adopted before and know the ups and downs of adoption. When they traveled to Eastern Europe in September 2011, they did not expect to hear that one son could come home immediately, and one would need to stay until April 2012. Elijah came home in October, but Max will have to stay due to a court decision. Though the Layne's did not expect to make a third trip, they are praying the time passes and April 2012 will be here quickly.
Hannah, (now 7) and Mila (now 5) are over excited to have their little brother Elijah (age 1 - has Down Syndrome) at home, but are asking for their big brother. Doug, Cara, Hannah, and Mila know there is a big brother missing from the table each night at dinner.
The Layne's would appreciate any and all prayers and financial assistance they receive to make their third trip in the spring to bring Max to his forever home!
10/27/11—Waiting to bring Max home
Follow the Layne family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://laynejourney.blogspot.com/
Jeff and Lisa have been married for 24 years. They were high school sweethearts. After having three biological children, Cason 22, Kelissa 18, and Kade16, it became evident that there was more to give. In March 2006 Jeff and Lisa began to search their hearts and after having been on a mission trip to Guatemala several years before, decided to adopt a little girl. Once into the journey they decided to adopt a little boy that same year. On October 2007 they became the proud new parents of virtual twins Chloe now 5, and Chi now 4 1/2. This was a family decision. Looking back everyone can say that adoption has been the one single greatest blessing that has allowed them to see the heart of God.
Believing their family was now complete they have been heading to wrestling tournaments, cheer practices, dance lessons, t-ball games, school programs and getting their older children ready for college life.
One evening Lisa came across of story of Vanya , The Boy From Baby House 10, and was so broken in heart and spirit for the children who face institutionalization that she could not shake the idea that God had a spot for just one more little Sanders. Finding RR was the special avenue that God allowed them to find the way into the life of Emilio from Eastern Europe. Now excited and expectant they can’t wait to add a little brother to the family!
6/23/11—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the Sanders family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://sanders07.blogspot.com
Ernest and Ruth Chaves have been happily married for 30 years. They are the very proud and blessed parents of ten children, four by the blessing of birth and six by the amazing gift of adoption. Ernie is the Pastor of a small church in Vermont and Ruth teaches at the independent school that their children attend.
Early in their marriage Ernie and Ruth began discussing the possibility of adoption and their deep longing to add to their family through adoption. However shortly after starting to make the contacts to pursue their desire to adopt they discovered that Ruth was expecting their first child. So they made the difficult decision to put their desire on hold. Four children and sixteen years later the desire to adopt had not disappeared and they began, once again, to make the calls to see what God had prepared for them. And indeed He had prepared rich blessings in the form of six very wonderful children, three beautiful girls of Haitian descent, a darling little boy of Chinese descent and two charming older boys of Vietnamese descent. Now, though many might think they should be done, God has once again opened the door to them. They are taking the steps, doing the work, and believing God to bring their precious little princess Cameron home to join her large family. They recognize that their family has been blessed by the love of their Father in Heaven who saw fit to do all that He could do to bring them into His family by the amazing gift of adoption. Giving God thanks for His gift of love they are blessed to love and welcome, Cameron, an amazing treasure into their home.
2/8/12—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
