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Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome... |
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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!
Christy and Nigel have been married for 12 years. Nigel was adopted and Christy was raised in a family that had foster children in and out. Both of them have been passionate about adoption through foster care. Christy and Nigel have six children: one biological child and five adopted through the U.S. foster care system. They always though their adoptions would take place domestically. Once Christy began reading about children with special needs in other countries, their ideas of what adoption looked like in their family drastically changed.
They are now on the journey of international adoptions and are seeing God setting orphans in families one precious, valuable life at a time. The Irons are overjoyed to add Augustin to their crew.
12/5/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at thesometimes8irons.blogspot.com
Kevin and Wendy Haydon don’t remember when they officially met, but they are pretty sure it was sometime in the fall of 1995! After a couple of years of friendship they started spending “a lot” of time together and decided they should start dating and they’ve been together ever since! Kevin and Wendy have been married since September 2000. Wendy is a Registered Nurse with a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education and works for a large health system in Southeast Texas. She has spent her entire nursing career working with cancer patients and their families and can’t think of a better job! Kevin currently works for a national Christian bookstore and education retailer.
Kevin and Wendy have patiently been waiting for God to bless them with children, when He was ready, thinking that it would happen biologically; up until recently that is! Kevin and Wendy had been following the journey her cousin’s have been taking in adopting two beautiful girls in Eastern Europe through Reece’s Rainbow. One day Wendy’s cousin posted a picture of a precious little angel, Sydney, that had just come up for adoption and she showed her picture to Kevin. The next day they told each other that they couldn’t stop staring at her picture and how her eyes seemed to have looked straight into their hearts! After talking about what was happening in their hearts, they realized that the Lord had been placing adoption on both of their hearts for many years. They had both been praying that He would bring them “onto the same page” when the time was right. While they were in the homestudy process, a law banning adoptions from that country was passed and once again their dream of becoming parents was put on hold.
After months of praying and waiting, it became clear that they would not be able to proceed with bringing Sydney home, due to their early stage in the process. God began to place the desire to bring home an older child into their hearts. They are heartbroken yet thankful that God has renewed their hope of bringing a child into their lives. They would be grateful for prayers, that He would prepare their hearts to be a new family.
12/4/13—DOSSIER COMPLETE, USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://haydonfamilygrowing.blogspot.com/
Gavin and Mali Kindall have been married for almost nine years; after only seven weeks of dating! You could call them crazy, but when you know you know, right! They have a beautiful two year old boy named Jeton, they call him Jet! It has always been in their plans to adopt one day. In their minds it would happen in a few years, but what they didn’t know, was that their beautiful daughters Harmony and Penelope were already here and waiting to be brought home. One night Mali happened upon Reece’s Rainbow and after a few days of falling in love with all the children and being forever changed, Mali knew God had his own plans for them. It didn’t take long before Gavin knew, too.
While in the process to adopt Harmony and Penelope, their girls’ country banned Americans from adopting. Gavin and Mali have complete faith that the ban will be lifted one day and they will bring them home. They will never forget or give up on their sweet little angels! In the meantime, they have prayed about and have decided to change countries and bring a big brother home for the girls and Jet!! Through much heartbreak has come something very beautiful and that is bringing home another son. They cannot wait to bring home their handsome and amazing Dylan!
So much love has already been shown and given to our Dylan that will help bring him home…..we would like to thank everyone with our whole hearts!
12/4/13—USCIS APPROVED
Once upon a time, in a small town on the East Coast, Alan and Renee listened to God and took the plunge into international adoption. They had a lot of experience in working with kids with special needs, whether medical, behavioral, intellectual, physical or psychological, from doing therapeutic foster care and from Renee being a social worker. So in 2011, they found themselves plunged deep into the exciting world of international adoption dossier paperwork (hurray!) and fingerprinting and homestudy visits. In early 2012, they crossed the ocean to a very wonderful Eastern European country and met their beautiful daughter. She was almost six years old, had spent too much time in a lying down room, but had been able to spend the last nine or so months in a classroom type setting within her institution. She was tiny- only 22 pounds, wearing a 2T/3T, her legs tightly scissored from CP, her back curved with scoliosis, her eyes crossed, her hips out of socket, her arms tightly bent with clenched fists. She couldn’t sit up on her own, couldn’t walk, couldn’t write, couldn’t feed herself- but she could talk. And she LOVED to talk! God worked a miracle for this sweet girl, putting her in an orphanage with compassionate caregivers who listened as she begged to be taken out to “see the sun” and she began to get more opportunities to escape the bed. One day, Renee and Alan arrived, and this sweet little girl was asked if she would like to be adopted. She did not hesitate one second- but responded in her high-pitched little voice “Da! Mama eh Papa! Doma Amer- eeka!” followed by her saying that she wanted to learn to walk. Renee and Alan were captivated by her- and just a few short weeks later, were bringing her home forever. Barely a month home, she began to ask over and over “want brudder”, followed by “want TWO brudder,” followed by “want two brudder AND a sistra baby!”
First four; Spring 2013
Alan and Renee prayed hard- and listened to God, and their daughter, “Moxie”- and went back again to adopt in summer of 2012. There they met sweet “Bandit”, a fireball of a blue-eyed blonde 3.5 year old boy with two open heart surgery scars and FAS, and his best friend, a tiny little girl (“Sassypants”) who was only 2.5, who had some unique features and many delays (Coffin Siris Syndrome). A couple of weeks later, they went to a very bad camp to meet Bandit’s other best buddy, who had been transferred from the wonderful babyhouse to a place that treated him quite differently. “Warrior” was 5.5, and only weighed 20 pounds. His body had wounds and layers of multi-colored bruises. He rarely spoke, liked to play off by himself waving around a string, and walked with a very uneven gait. Two months after they began, they brought home all four of their children- Moxie, who was now 6.5 and making remarkable progress in sitting and standing and learning to walk, Warrior, who also has FAS and a neural tube defect as well as hearing/vision issues due to the abuse he suffered, Bandit, who also weighed 20 pounds, and Sassypants, who only weighed 14 pounds when she arrived home at 2.5 years old.
Fast forward a year- and you have four beautiful, smart, talkative, hilarious children who love each other and Renee and Alan beyond description. Moxie is walking with a walker, and has had a couple of surgeries to fix her eyes and legs, and is in first grade and thriving- loving learning how to write and read. Warrior, who had to be treated in the hospital upon arrival in the USA because he was so badly malnourished and dehydrated and sick, is now a happy kindergartner who loves to talk and build things and sound out words. Bandit brings sunshine to the whole household with his happy little singing and whistling and funny little inventions from household items. Sassypants- well, she’s sassy!!!! but in the most wonderfully charming and delightful way! Each one of the kids has faced challenges- but they are always there for each other, to offer a helping hand (Sassypants is vertically challenged and cannot reach lightswitches, Moxie’s CP limits her extension as well), to encourage each other when they struggle (Warrior has struggled with speech), and to offer love and acceptance and hugs (Bandit is terribly scared of storms). Alan and Renee wake up daily joyful- thankful for the four little blessings that call them “Daddy” and “Mommy,” unable to imagine a better life!
But several months ago, Moxie began talking- about what life was like “before”- in the lying down room. She talked of having itches that she couldn’t stretch her arms out to scratch, of calling for help and no one coming, of being lonely and sad and wishing someone would hold her. She broke Alan’s and Renee’s hearts. She began asking them to please go back to EE and find her a brother or sister who has CP like her, and who is lying in a bed- promising she would teach them to “walk and talk and use a fork and scratch their legs and learn to write and read!” At bedtime prayers, she asked God to “take care of them in their beds and help them to not hurt” and would sometimes weep because she remember what it felt like to have a leg cramp and no one to rub it.
It didn’t take Bandit long to join in- if they were going to get more kids, he wanted another sister or brother with BLUE eyes! (he’s the only one in the house with blue eyes- even the dog has brown eyes!) Sassypants wants “a babeech (baby) to cwuddle”. Warrior started out wanting a frog- but then solemnly started telling us “I want brothers AND sisters. So nobody does hit them no more!” He too remembers his life “before”…and has processed some of his feelings this summer as two of his friends were adopted, in equally poor health.
So, Alan and Renee are doing it again. After prayer, and seeking God, they know this is the path they are to be on. Their home is adapted- they have wheelchair ramps and safety toilet seats and bath chairs and special car seats and an activity chair. They have the adaptive toys- they have the knowledge. Their backyard is equipped with parallel bars and playground equipment, a therapy garden and everything they need to see more children thrive and recover from years of neglect. They have a strong system of medical and therapy providers, and are armed with knowledge of stretches and procedures and most importantly- God’s healing power, grace and mercy, and love.
The one thing they don’t have much of, after adopting four kids in two years, and taking care of necessary medical needs, is spare money lying around for the pre-adoption fees- the airplane rides, the facilitation fees, the in country fees, the visas and passports. They have the love- they have the space- they have the knowledge- they have a family ready and eager to welcome more kids home. So if you pray, and God leads you to help them out, they would be incredibly grateful- because the only thing keeping several current orphans from becoming loved and cherished sons and daughters, with access to medical care and school and love and nutrition and therapy and the hilarity of brothers and sisters who love to play and sing and hug- is money for the adoption fees.
11/28/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
If you’d like to read more about Alan and Renee, Moxie, Warrior, Bandit and Sassypants and the incredible journey they’ve been on, you can visit them here: butbygraceitcouldbeme.
Ten years ago, Grace never would have believed she would one day be a single, adoptive mother, let alone a mother to two children with special needs. But God, in His goodness and wisdom, has filled her life with challenge, purpose, and LOVE.
Grace is blessed to be on staff at her home congregation. She serves the Lord as a disciple who makes disciples who makes disciples of Jesus Christ. What she likes best about her job is that God does all the work! For four years she has been given a front row seat to watch Him draw people to Himself and make them new.
That same mighty, life-changing God has also been at work in Grace’s heart and home. He is continually proving Himself strong and faithful on her behalf. His best and most miraculous work so far was in the recent adoption of her first child, Samantha Love. Sam came home last year from an orphanage in Eastern Europe where she was abused, neglected, and unloved. Both mother and daughter have been changed forever by the miracle of her redemption. Now, with room and love to spare, Grace knows it is only right that she extend that love to another child.
“Tommy” has been living in Sam’s former orphanage for 13 years. It’s time for his miracle. His redemption! Grace and Sam cannot wait to bring him home.
Adoption is a spiritual battle field. If you believe in the power of prayer, Grace would welcome you to join her in praying for “Tommy”, his orphanage, and this adoption process. And if you are so led, she and Sam would be blessed by your partnership in raising “Tommy’s” ransom.
11/27/13—USCIS APPROVED, DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lovesransom.blogspot.com
Mike and Kelly have spent the last year and a half working to bring home a little girl from Russia. After paperwork, travel, and nine months of the adoption ban, their journey ended in Sept. when their intended daughter was placed into a foster home. As they work to push through their grief, knowing that door has completely closed for them, they trust that God is opening a new door in a different country for a different little girl.
They have been married for 21 years and have 4 biological children. Their youngest daughter has Down Syndrome as well. As a military family getting ready for transfer next year, they have limited time to complete their new dossier and raise funds quickly. They gratefully appreciate your prayers and support as they strive to bring home this sweet little songbird.
11/26/13—DOSSIER COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at followmethere4her.blogspot.com
Anthony and Krystal have been married for close to nine years. To say that they hit the ground running, as far as parenting goes, is quite the understatement. Krystal opened her home for foster care for two years before she and Anthony married. As a matter of fact, Krystal was a foster mom to two beautiful blonde haired girls the day the two married. The story goes that when Anthony was told he had six months to complete his foster care training, after marriage, that Krystal made it quite clear that she and the girls were a package deal. He couldn’t have one without the other. Without hesitation, Anthony chose the full package and nine months later, those beautiful blondes officially became part of the Owens “Forever Family”. One month after that, their son Harrison was born and very shortly after that, Anderson and Karrington came along to complete the Owens’ family…..or at least that’s what everyone else thought. Although the Owens family was settled on the outside, there was still a stirring in their hearts to adopt, again. The Owens’ feel strongly that adoption is a mandate from God. They know that God has called His people to care for the orphans and they don’t take that lightly. Although Anthony & Krystal knew they would adopt, again, they always assumed it would be another domestic adoption. However, God began to burden them for the special-needs children, overseas. It is the desire of the entire Owens’ family to rescue as many orphans as possible from a life of uncertainty and shower them with love, stability, hope in Christ, and a future…as well as a momma, a daddy, three sisters, and two brothers.
11/26/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has born? Though she may forget, I will not forget you. Isaiah 49:15 That verse that was the devotional for Casey’s mother in early May. She considered it a gift for Mother’s Day. For Casey’s family, it was a winding road to find him. Although they were open to what God wanted for their family, they didn’t know a trip around the world to tell a child that God would not forget him would be part of their journey.
11/21/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Thank you for supporting and Casey and his family here and with their collaborating fundraiser willpaint4babies.wordpress.com
Danny and Sara met in college. Danny was going to be a pastor. Sara was going to be a doctor. They both enjoyed each others company, sense of humor, and love for Christ. A few years, they became boyfriend and girlfriend. A year later they decided to get married. Danny became a teacher and Sarah went to law school. After Sara had her first child, Michelangelo, she knew she wanted to stay home to raise her beautiful baby. Throughout their 18 years of marriage, they added three more beautiful children, a total of three boys and one girl. Danny has been teaching for many years. However, God is calling him back to the ministry. Therefore, he runs the Men’s Ministry at his church, preaches in different churches, and will start his M.A. in Pastoral Ministry in the near future. Sara and Danny enjoy having a loving God centered home where their children can be encouraged, loved, and trained in a Godly home.
Sara’s sister decided to adopt a beautiful down syndrome baby from the Ukraine through Reece’s Rainbow this past year. Although Sara and Danny have wanted to adopt for a long time, seeing Sabrina adopt a child, really made them think of adopting a child. Danny and Sara found a beautiful hearing impaired girl and would like her to be part of their family. Rosalia, their daughter, is very excited to have a new sister. The whole family is excited to have Leah as part of their family. Danny and Sara were very concerned of never having enough money for the adoption. However, after seeing so many families walking on faith, they decided to take a leap of faith. Come home Leah, come home…you have a family that loves you. Danny and Sara would like to thank everyone for their support and showing your great generosity as they embark in this beautiful journey.
11/25/13—DOSSIER EN ROUTE (DTC)
In 2007, Aaron and Danielle moved from Pennsylvania to St. Petersburg, Russia, where Aaron teaches science at an international academy. They have been married for almost 14 years and have two girls, ages 7 and 4, and a son, who is almost 2. They have been thinking about adopting a child since before their first daughter was born, but it never seemed like the right time. God had placed the idea in their hearts, but the doors were never quite open… that is, until now! This time, as Danielle searched for information about adopting a child, she came across Camden’s picture. Almost immediately, they felt a connection to him, and after much prayer and discussion, they felt sure that God was saying, “This is the one, and now is the time!” At first, their girls were hoping for another sister (of course!), but now both are excited to have a new brother join the family. With the Lord’s help, the Miners desire to provide this precious boy with the love, family, hope, and future that he might otherwise never know.
12/5/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at stpetersburgfamily.blogspot.com
What does God call us to do? He has called us to open our hearts and homes for children in desperate need. Brian and Laurie Harlin have been married for 23 years. They have been blessed with 7 children, 3 biological and 4 adopted through the foster care system. Currently 5 are at home and are excitedly waiting for a new brother or sister! (Or maybe both!!!) Brian and Laurie were foster parents for 6 years for medically fragile children prior to adopting. Laurie has been blessed to be a stay at home mom. She was formerly an elementary teacher. Brian works for a local company and is in the supply chain part of the business. International adoption of a child or children with special needs has been placed on their hearts. Brian and Laurie and the kids want to thank everyone in advance for prayers, words of encouragement, and support on their new adoption adventure! Please also continue to pray for all the children waiting for a family and that God will move others to pursue adoption or the support of it.
“The Lord is good; for His mercy, tender kindness and steadfast love endure forever.” Jeremiah 33:11
11/21/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at amillionstepstosergey.blogspot.com
Chris and Amy have been blessed in their marriage and have 9 wonderful kids, Britney, 24, Pam, 22, Sierra, 14, Ainslee, 11, Kara, 8, Reagan, 6, Lawson, 5, Hadley, 3, and Jackson, 2. Chris is a farmer and Amy is blessed to be able to stay home and take care of her family. Since they both came from a large family, they love and appreciate having a large family. Although they had thought about adopting for several years, when God blessed them with Hadley, they knew they wanted to adopt another child with Down Syndrome. After praying and searching, the whole Cowan family fell in love with Catherine from China. She is a beautiful three year old girl with an amazing smile!
Please support them by praying for Catherine, who will be called Annabelle. Pray for her safety and health. Pray that the process goes smoothly and quickly, so they can get their daughter/sister home! Thank you!
11/22/13—DOSSIER EN ROUTE (DTC)
After dating for 9 years, Katie and Paul were married in Birmingham, Alabama on July 26, 2003. Katie’s occupation is a stay at home mother to their two sons. Paul is the owner of a classic car restoration business.
Soon after they married they wanted to have children, but Katie was diagnosed with an uterine anomaly and was told not to have children. At this point they began their domestic home study. Soon after they had completed their home study, they became pregnant with their first son, Paul Vincent, born on April 13, 2006 at 4 pounds, 7 ounces. He just celebrated his sixth birthday. Three years later, they welcomed their second miracle baby boy, Christopher, born May 24, 2009 at 3 pounds, 2 ounces. He will soon celebrate his third birthday.
This past Christmas, they learned that they were pregnant, only to suffer a devastating miscarriage shortly after. They know that God has a plan for their family and they feel a strong connection to Rose. They both feel called to adopt her and feel confident that she will receive all of the love and services (as a child with special needs) that she desires!
10/21/13—STILL WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog http://heavenslittlerose.blogspot.com/
Back in 2009, Neil and Christine had 4 children and thought their family was complete. That was until they saw a picture of a 1-year old little boy in China who needed life-saving surgery. They contributed to his surgery and prayed for his recovery. But they felt like they had missed something. Though his surgery was successful, he still did not have a family. By God’s grace, in 2011 they brought him home. This summer they saw a picture of Marjorie and again their lives were changed. Please pray for Marjorie and her family as they begin the process to bring her home forever.
11/13/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Nineteen years ago, shortly after the birth of her special needs son, Nicky, Nancy knew she would someday adopt a special needs child. Although life didn’t turn out exactly as planned, Nancy felt blessed to know the joy and inspiration that comes with parenting a child with Down syndrome and for many years, felt the tug at her heart to bring another child into her family. Initially considering domestic adoption, Nancy stumbled onto the Reece’s Rainbow website and immediately knew she wanted to adopt one of the beautiful children listed. It didn’t take long for Nancy to fall in love with Margit and to know Margit was meant to be Nancy’s adopted daughter and Nicky’s new sister. Nancy and Nicky are both thrilled at the possibility of sharing their happy lives with Margit and hope to liberate her from a life of institutional commitment.
Thank you to everyone who is able to help Nancy and Nicky rescue Margit from a life in an institution and bring her home to her loving forever family.
11/22/13—AWAITING I800 APPROVAL
11/20/13—LOA
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at ourgirlyinchina.blogspot.com
Jay and Trina’s current journey started a couple of years ago with the adoption of their son. There was a child that was listed on Reece’s Rainbow at the time that stirred their hearts. Through series of events and the Lords confirmation, He showed them that this was their son. Believing Gods word was true they have waited for him to be internationally adoptable for several years. Upon seeing Iris’s picture being advocated for the Lord started stirring in their hearts that she may be their daughter. Again through series of events and confirmations, the Lord has told them to trust Him completely and that this treasure is theirs. They don’t desire to play on any ones emotions, but they do ask that you prayerfully ask that you consider helping them in any way you can. Thank you for taking part in our journey, and watching Gods miracles unfold before us.
11/7/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at jamesfourseventeen.blog.com
Matt and Betsy are a Christian couple who LOVE being parents and are so excited about their family growing! They appreciate so much the work that Reece’s Rainbow does to match up families. While it is certainly a blessing to the children, Matt and Betsy know firsthand that parents receive the lion’s share of the blessings when a child is born into a family through adoption. They are so anxious to bring sweet Maia home and have their family all together!
Matt and Betsy have been married for 15 years. God has blessed them with 2 biological sons, Timothy and Titus, and one adopted daughter, Anne. Anne can’t wait to have a sister! Every night she prays for a sister to share “bump” (bunk) beds with. How exciting that her prayer is being answered! Home is down the street from Betsy’s parents and grandparents and they spend a lot of time with extended family. Everyone is thrilled about Maia and can’t wait to have her home.
Faith is an important part of family life and Matt and Betsy regularly spend time in worship and socially with friends from church. The congregation they attend has many families with children and Maia will be welcomed with open arms by her church family.
11/26/13—APPOINTMENT on JAN 21
Dale and Lori Buchanan met sometime in the fall of 2003 when Lori began working at Dale’s insurance agency. They would talk each time he came in to pay premiums and eventually discovered that they had a lot in common, both being raised on dairy farms. They formed a friendship and soon began dating and were engaged in June, 2005 and married in September, 2006. Soon after, they were ready to start a family and because of their love for Lori’s sister adopted from China in 2002, they felt called to adopt internationally as well and began paperwork in 2009 to adopt a child from Eastern Europe. They traveled to meet their daughter Kayti in October 2011 and brought her home in May 2012. Almost immediately after returning home, they began discussing the possibility of returning for another child and both agreed that they wanted to when the time was right, or when the right child came along. In May 2013, they saw a 2 year old little boy listed who sounded like he had a lot of the same delays as their daughter. After receiving a bit more information, they are in the process of adopting him from the same country and are so looking forward to this next journey. They can not wait to give Kayti a sibling and hope to complete this adoption quickly and bring him home as soon as possible. They are committed to giving their children the best life possible and are anxious to become a family of four.
10/11/2013—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at loridalebuchanan.blogspot.com
Ted and Jodi met in 2001 and married in 2005. After many years of infertility they chose to pursue adoption as a way to grow their family. Initially they encountered some bumps in the road including a domestic reclaim (of a boy with DS) but in their hearts they knew that adoption was the right choice and in 2011 they completed the adoption of their daughter (with DS), Kayella, from Latin America. They knew that Kayella should have a sibling and decided to pursue international adoption again specifically hoping to add another child with Down Syndrome to their family. Once they were ready to begin the process, their search of options for another adoption led them to Leo’s profile and they fell instantly in love with him and knew he would be the perfect addition to their family.
9/16/13—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at tedandjodicolombia.blogspot.com
When Gideon and Anne Moore were dating in 2001, they shared with each other that adoption was something that they wanted as part of their family. They just weren’t sure how and when.
They started life together in 2002, and they have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl and two amazing boys along the way. They also experienced three painful miscarriages of four unborn children.
Through that journey of joy and pain, they felt the strong call to adopt and to open their home to the children God has for them no matter where they were born. They started the process to adopt in 2008 and have successfully completed multiple home studies and dossiers along the way. Unfortunately, as they waited, there were numerous setbacks and delays along the way (including most recently the bankruptcy of their initial adoption agency).
In those delays and setbacks, God was at work. In February, they came across the most beautiful little girl with Down syndrome on a waiting child list with their new adoption agency. They immediately sought and obtained preapproval to adopt this little angel and have now completed and submitted yet another home study and dossier.
Over the last 5+ years, the setbacks, delays and costs have been difficult to bear at times, but as they wait to bring their daughter home from China, there is a realization that but for those setbacks and delays, they likely would not be bringing home THIS little girl … this daughter that they can’t imagine their future without.
11/1/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Billy and Angela have been married for thirteen years. Angela desired to expand their family as she has a strong love for children and always dreamed of a large family. She worked as a social worker for seventeen years with most of that time spent working with children and their families. Due to infertility issues they began to seek adoption. Billy has always had a strong love of the Asian culture and it soon became apparent that God had been preparing Billy’s heart all along. They adopted their first daughter from China in 2004. They saw firsthand the dire conditions in the orphanage and knew they would return. In 2006, they once again returned to China to adopt another daughter. At this point they felt their family was complete. In 2010, God placed special needs adoption on Angela’s heart. After a night of prayer asking God if this was His plan, she awoke and the first Bible verse she saw was “I will not leave you orphan. I will come for you. John 14:18″ This was the answer! And what a gift they received! They received their now 3 yo daughter on Christmas Even in 2012! While in China they visited their newest daughter’s orphanage as well as their oldest daughter’s orphanage. Seeing all the waiting children burdened their hears especially for the older children. Since one is allowed to reuse their dossier from China to adopt a special focus child, this family was in prayer again asking God if this was His will. One night Angela saw “Darcy” on Reece’s Rainbow and she KNEW without a doubt their “daughter”. Since they just adopted in December of 2012 and they are a one-income homeschooling family they are in need of assistance with funding. They appreciate any donation no matter how small. They also would greatly appreciate your prayers and they prepare and embark on another journey to China.
11/1/13—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at anothercampbellkid.blogspot.com
“Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.” –Isaiah 55:5
Aaron and Jenny live in beautiful north Georgia and have been married for eight years. God has richly blessed them with three precious children. Their oldest son is five, their second born son is three, and their newly adopted baby girl will soon be two. In January 2011 Jenny read the book, “Choosing to See” by Mary Beth Chapman. Her eyes were opened to the plight of orphans worldwide and she knew in her heart that their next child would be adopted. Through much prayer and research Aaron and Jenny’s hearts became tender to “defend the weak and the fatherless.” After only nine months Aaron and Jenny welcomed their gorgeous daughter into the family through the miracle of adoption.
Aaron and Jenny are grieved to be caught in the middle of the Russian adoption ban. They were in the process of bringing precious Vitaliy home when they were blind sided by the new legislation. Sweet Vitaliy is four years old and has Down Syndrome as well as several heart conditions. Vitaliy calls them, “Mama and Papa” and is waiting on them to come bring him home. Please continue to pray for mercy on Vitaliy’s behalf as Aaron and Jenny continue the fight for him. While they continue to wait on Russia, they have been led to bring little Moses home from Uganda. He is about a year old and has Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus. Aaron, Jenny, and the kids are overjoyed at this amazing gift they have been given and cannot wait to have Moses home with them. They would be so grateful for your support in bringing him home.
“…In You the orphan finds mercy.” -Hosea 14:3
10/17/2013—AWAITING COURT DATE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at whatisunseeniseternal.blogspot.com
Aaron and Julie first met in seminary and have been married for 17 years now. They have two biological children – Winter (12) and Noah (10). Aaron is a pastor and Julie is working for the local school system.
When Aaron was in seminary he tried to make a few deals with God. First, he told God that he would do anything for Him – except be a youth pastor. Second, he would do whatever that was anywhere in the world- except India. Well, God has a really great sense of humor. After graduating from seminary, Aaron took a job as an accounting clerk with the University of Maryland, biding his time and waiting for a ministry opportunity to open up. Four years later, he really was ready to do anything just to be in ministry…. even be a youth pastor in the inner city. And guess what, he loved it! During those years working for the university, Aaron met his best and lifelong friend, Suresh, whose family is from India. Do you hear God giggling yet? Because this man who wanted to do anything but work with kids or go to India is now desperate to go to India and become a father to more kids.
For Julie, it began at age 12 when her mom took the family on a missions trip to Mexico. It was there in the hotel pool that she was baptized and felt that she was called to the ministry. Every summer following this, Julie traveled with missions teams working in orphanages throughout Mexico and Guatemala. She attended seminary and married Aaron and 2 kids later, the passion for orphans and adoption was still burning in her heart. Right around the time that things were looking financial stable and they were ready to pursue adoption, Julie’s father became ill. She quit her job so that she could care for him in his own home, as was his wish. Julie’s father was also adopted (domestically as an infant). The years caring for him were overwhelming, but priceless. When he passed away, Aaron and Julie took the inheritance they received and used it for the upfront adoption costs. Now, not only will a lifelong dream of Julie’s heart be fulfilled, but her father’s legacy will be carried on as his granddaughters are adopted into this loving family.
10/7/13—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at cardamomandpoprika.blogspot.com
Lisa and Paul have been married for 17 years. They have three biological children. Their boys (ages 7 and 9) are GREAT big brothers to their baby sister (almost 2) who happens to be a princess with Down Syndrome. The Olsens tried to adopt internationally a few years ago, but the country closed its doors to adoptions with the United States while they were in the process. They were unable to complete their adoption, which was devastating. Lisa’s heart remained tender towards adoption, but they were very reluctant to go down that path again. After the birth of their daughter, they discovered Reece’s Rainbow. Lisa visited the site often, looking at the waiting children and reading about the incredible families who opened their homes and hearts to orphans with special needs. The Olsens spent months waiting and praying, wondering if God was calling them to step out in faith and begin the adoption process again. One little girl in particular touched Paul’s heart. Even then, Paul said “God would have to hit him over the head with a shovel” to convince him it was time to move forward. Well, Paul’s head is still tingling! God flung the doors wide open for the Olsens to step forward to adopt Maelie! The Olsen family is humbled and excited to begin their adoption journey and welcome another princess into their home!
9/17/13—HOPING FOR APPROVAL IN OCTOBER
Brian and Keri have been blessed with 14 years of marriage and counting, with God as the glue…Marriage takes three! They always thought they would have their own children, when and if it was God’s will. But so far it has not happened…yet! They have been blessed with 4 legged furry kids, horses, dairy goats, dogs and cats,…but are still waiting for a 2 legged non furry kid or kids. 
After thinking maybe it was not in God’s plan for them to be parents, a phone call from one of Keri’s brothers in Nov. 2011 changed all that. Her brother told her that the baby he and his wife were expecting in the Spring might have Down Syndrome. Long story short…they would not be able to keep the baby…was this how God planned for them to finally become parents?! Keri told her brother they would adopt the baby in a heartbeat. Keri works in health care and Brian and Keri help care for a family friends child with special needs. This beautiful child with CP has been a blessing to them and really helped take away many of their fears and softened their hearts to a special needs child. Then began the research on Down Sydrome. Through research Keri came upon Reece’s Rainbows website, wow look at all these beautiful sweet children that need homes…how would you ever choose? Brian and Keri were still thinking that maybe they would be adopting her brothers baby. After much prayer time another phone call came, God’s answer was no. Keri’s brother and sister-in-law would be keeping the baby whatever the health of the baby, praise God! But ouch…will they ever be parents?!
Keri then returned to a list of Reece’s Rainbow kids, one child over and over again kept standing out among the others. After a lot of time in prayer, digging into God’s word and with many family, friends and their church praying for them. The answer and peace of what God was calling them to do became clear… sweet Meredith was to be their daughter! Wow, Praise the Lord! Even though there are still many answers unknown and concerns about finances. They continue to trust their Heavenly Father through this unknown journey and have faith that His will and timing is always perfect. As He has shown them many times through their 14+ years of marriage.
God is Good! Praying for Meredith’s health and safety!
Your Mommy & Daddy can’t wait for the day they can bring you home to your forever family…
11/18/13—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Steve and Brooke Kirk have known each other since they were teenagers though it wasn’t until their twenties that the two became a couple. They were married in 2005 and welcomed their son, Nicholas, in 2006. Brooke’s pregnancy was complicated and Nicholas was born two months early with a host of complications, many of which the doctors did not feel lined up with his gestational age at birth. Nick spent 6 weeks in the NICU and came home with a g-tube and apnea monitor along with a list of follow up appointments with specialists and therapists. Later genetic testing would reveal that he had a genetic condition called a balanced translocation. The first year of Nick’s life had a lot of ups and downs but by 15 months he was walking, starting to talk, and no longer had his g-tube or any monitors though he continued to receive various forms of therapy through early intervention.
The couple has felt for a while that God was not done growing their family, but, fertility issues and the high risks of another pregnancy made the hope of having another child seem dim. About two years ago through a local homeschool support group Brooke met a couple that were adopting two little boys from Eastern Europe and her eyes were opened wide to the plight of the orphan. She discovered Reece’s Rainbow and quickly felt God break her heart for all of the waiting children. Steve was on board with praying, fundraising, and, advocating for the children but did not feel the same call that Brooke was feeling to adopt. Brooke signed up as a Prayer Warrior for a little boy who is now with his forever family then as an advocate for another waiting little boy. She continued to pray that when the time was right for them to adopt that God would break Steve’s heart the way he had already broken her’s.
Then in January of this year the same friend that first led Brooke to Reece’s Rainbow posted the picture and bio of ‘Ian.’ Immediately Brooke felt drawn to him and requested more information. She showed that information and Ian’s pictures to Steve who agreed to pray about it. Ultimately, just four days later after lots of prayer and research the couple made the joyous, and slightly overwhelming decision to move forward. Their family and friends are all excited to welcome this new child into the fold! Nick had always asked for a big brother but his Mama would tell him that he would be the big brother should a baby come. God must have been preparing Nick’s heart for his brother all along, because he is getting his wish, he will be the little brother by about 6 weeks!
The couple feels blessed to be in this process, however, every thing happened very suddenly with no time for them to prepare ahead of time for an adoption. But, they are working overtime to get paperwork done and funds raised to get their son home as quickly as possible. In all things they trust in the Lord’s provision and perfect timing.
“Do not be anxious about any thing, but in every thing, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
12/6/13—WAITING FOR TRAVEL
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at walkingthenarrowpathnow.blogspot.com
Adam and Rebecca already had 2 young biological daughters when they decided to add to their family by adoption in 2008. After beginning and ending an adoption from Ethiopia, started unknowingly with an unethical agency, they welcomed home their 3rd daughter through a domestic open adoption. She was born in Florida at the end of 2009 and they brought her home at 10 days old.
So, with 3 beautiful daughters, WHY would they want to add MORE? Just look at “Polly” and you will know! When they saw her picture and how long she had already been waiting, even through their human fears and lack of funds, they knew they didn’t want the world and their family to miss out on her little life.
“If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat.” John Ortberg
They decided to get out of their boat, can you help them bring her home?
11/12/123—LOA RECVD, HOPE TO TRAVEL IN FEB
The Grady family is about to become a Party of 10.
Jason & Juley had 4 biological children when they began to feel God pulling their hearts towards adoption. In 2010, their journey led them to China and their daughter Ava Lin. Ava was born with CL/CP. When visiting Ava’s orphanage their eyes were opened to the many orphans that needed a family. Shortly after returning home, they began talking about adopting again. And in 2012, they returned to China to bring home their daughter, Lola Jaye. Lola is severely delayed and has Bilateral Hip Dysplasia as a result of neglect. She has undergone two surgeries to correct her hips and will need at least one more.
Four months after Lola joined their family, they came across the picture of a 12 yr old boy that lived in China and needed a family. This little boy had the biggest smile. A smile they couldn’t get out of their heads. They kept going back and reading the boys information and watching & rewatching the video that had been made of him. They knew this was their son, Hudson. And so, they turned in their application to begin the adoption process for a third time.
They were open to adopting two children, but God had not revealed if that was His plan or not. Then one day while looking on an advocacy page on facebook, Juley saw the face of the most precious little girl. Instantly, she knew that was their daughter. She had no idea what the little girl’s special need was, just that God meant her to be in their family. Immediately, she clicked on the link and it went to the little girl’s information. The phrase under the beautiful picture of this girl took her breath away and made her heart sink. It read “Please do not inquire about this child unless you are okay with the diagnosis ‘Inoperable’. ” She had seen a cardiologist who diagnosed her “inoperable” and put her on a medication and sent her back to the orphanage for “compassion care”. Juley didn’t think twice about it. This was their daughter, Evie. They locked her file and began the journey to adopt two very special kids from China.
And so here they are paperchasing their way to China, on the journey to become a Party of 10. Thank you for helping Hudson & Evie join the Grady family.
10/24/13—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at gradycrew.blogspot.com
Wes and Karen Blake will have been married seven years come August 2013. She has been a school teacher for 13 years while he is currently studying to be a Paramedic. They have been happily and lovingly caring for their four animals over the years, hoping that one day they would have a baby. Adoption had been something that they had discussed almost right from the start, but they never quite seemed at peace with the process. As the years passed, with no successful pregnancies and still not quite ready to move forward with adoption, they lived a quiet, peaceful life together. Until one Saturday morning while breathing heavy on a cardio machine next to her friend at the Y, Karen was told about Simon. He was a 15-year-old boy in Eastern Europe who desperately needed a home. Throughout the day, thoughts of Simon struck her randomly. When Karen finally told Wes about Simon, he was quiet for a moment before saying, “When can we go get him? Can I take him fishing? We definitely have a home for him.” Suddenly the adoption process was something they were ready to begin. It seemed overwhelming but they wanted to bring Simon home and be his parents. It is their hope that Simon will be their first adoption and that they would soon make him a big brother. They know many challenges lie ahead, but they know Simon will be an amazing son. Wes and Karen have faith and trust in the Lord and know that all of this is in His hands.
10/31/13—DOSSIER COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at blakebloggers.wordpress.com
And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world
John 11:52
Luke and Melissa met in high school, became best friends, and have remained that way for the past 12 years. In 2003 God blessed them with their first child. They fell head over heels in love and found their new lot in life. The Lord has since blessed them with four more “arrows”. ~Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.
Psalm 127:4
The desire to fill their home with His blessings has remained strong throughout the years. Every child that the Lord entrusts them with is seen as nothing less that a direct blessing from the One who gives generously.
Luke and Melissa have long felt led to adopt “some day”. After a very difficult pregnancy that resulted in their youngest son being born still and miraculously revived their son was given a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis. Doctors advised them that another pregnancy would be difficult and very risky. With information in hand and seeing the pure joy that a special needs child brings to a family they heard God saying He’s not done filling their home.
After time researching and coming across Reece’s Rainbow they clearly heard the Lord saying, YES!
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families
Psalm 68:5-6a
So, with “on the job training” and God’s Word behind them they were ready to take step #1 and commit to the precious child put before them.
God says go into all the world and preach the gospel to every nation. The route the Tannehill family has decided to take to fulfill that is, go into all the world, rescue the least of these, love them, teach them the gospel, and prepare to release His arrows.
Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:17
12/5/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.werecomingnumbersix.blogspot.com
Anna has long been familiar with adoption, having a brother through adoption who has special needs, and she felt the call to adopt from a young age. She haunted adoption websites, including Reece’s Rainbow, for a number of years, while waiting to be old enough and financially secure enough to be able to adopt children of her own. In the mean time, she became a foster parent, and became friends with Will, after meeting him at work. Will has two adult sons of his own, but had always wanted more children. Though an unlikely match, they found that they had much in common and greatly enjoyed each other’s company. Still, it was quite unexpected when they fell in love. One day Anna came across the profile of a little boy with special needs in Eastern Europe, listed on his country’s adoption website, and fell in love for the second time. Later, when he was listed on Reece’s Rainbow around the same time Anna and Will were getting married, they knew it was meant to be. Although an international adoption is not the best financial decision when they are in the process of buying their first home together, they are determined to raise the necessary funds to bring him, and hopefully one or two other little ones, home to start their family.
10/28/13—DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at newcovenantchristian.blogspot.com
God is faithful, and His timing is perfect. Jim and Linda met each other in Bible college, a short two months before Linda graduated. They corresponded for two years while Jim finished his education. During this time, God was speaking to Jim about the blessing of children and allowing God to plan his family. Before proposing to Linda, Jim made sure that she was also willing to receive any children that God would give them. They married in 1985 and have been blessed with 9 sons (one being stillborn at 26 weeks) and 4 daughters ranging in age from 5-26. Three other pregnancies also ended in miscarriage. It seemed in those early years of marriage that Linda was either pregnant or nursing. The most common question they received after each birth was, “Are you done now?” Since it has now been 5 and a half years since their youngest child was born, people assume they are done. However, God has been impressing on them that He is not done. God has been burdening them to continue building their family through adoption. The thought of adoption has always been in their minds, but they never seriously thought it would be possible. They didn’t know any big families who adopted until recently. When some friends with 11 children adopted 2 more, they began to ask themselves if they could also qualify for adoption. They began reading blogs on Reece’s Rainbow and saw that there were many large families who adopted. With much prayer, they began the adoption journey. It is a journey of faith, but as they trust Him, God is proving that He is faithful. Please pray for Jim and Linda and their family as they welcome the children God has handpicked for them.
12/5/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog
at http://allgraceabounds.wordpress.com/
Hermann and Erin met in 2009 when he picked her up at the airport as a favor to a mutual friend. Hermann had just graduated from an Orthodox Christian seminary, and Erin was starting her first job as a pediatric nurse. When she looked for him online, one of the first things she noticed was that he was always the one playing with the kids.
They married in 2011 and moved to MN where Erin started work as a PICU nurse. They were on the fence about kids when they got married – not sure how to come by them, or how many, but there would be kids. They started donating to Reece’s Rainbow when one of Erin’s patients introduced them to it, and it was only a matter of time before the children convinced them that adoption was the way God wanted them to go. When their beloved god son was born with Down Syndrome, it sealed their fate because they couldn’t imagine a child like him growing up anywhere but in loving arms. With Erin’s nursing experience, and Hermann’s love of children, it seemed natural. They started praying for Marshall’s family to find him the day he got listed. He just kept waiting, but the wait is over! They are so excited to bring him home and give him all the loving home experiences a child needs.
They thank you in advance for your prayerful support in this journey to their son.
11/28/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Bryan and Jenifer Parris have been married for fifteen years and are the parents of four beautiful children….Ellie, age 8, Ethan, age 5, Ruby Kate, age 3 and Neely Jane, 11 months!
Bryan and Jenifer knew God was calling them to adopt a child with Down syndrome. It was always in the back of their minds but they had put off starting the long, paperwork filled process of adopting.
Then in June 2012, they gave BIRTH to a daughter with Down Syndrome!
They knew that God was still calling them to adopt a child with Down Syndrome. Bryan and Jenifer found Laura on Reece’s Rainbow and inquired about her immediately! Now they are working hard to bring their little girl HOME to her forever family!
10/30/13—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at minlanmatters.blogspot.com
Andrew and Andie have 4 kids, 2 biologically and 2 who were adopted. Last August, God put two little girls on Andie’s heart. They were both waiting children with special needs, but they were in two different countries, so Andie figured it would be impossible to get them both. Especially since their family was “done” adding children. As Andrew and Andie prayed, it became apparent that they were supposed to pursue the little girl, Kacey, in Eastern Europe. Tragically, the adoption ban was signed the day their home study was complete. In addition, their I-600A was returned on the same day, having wandered the postal system for 6 weeks and never arriving to it’s destination. At that time, Andie wondered if God would have them eventually file the I-800A for the other little girl in Asia.
After months of praying and waiting, it became clear that there was no way forward with Kacey, due to their early stage in the process. Meanwhile the Eggimanns had a lot of funding, a home study, and God had moved all the obstacles to keep them from pursuing Ruby. They are brokenhearted and grateful all at the same time, but very much looking forward to welcoming Ruby into their family. They would appreciate prayers for Kacey, that she would feel the nearness of God and that He would provide a family for her. And for Ruby, that God would sustain her health and prepare her to be part of the Eggimann family.
11/8/13—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
FULLY FUNDED!!!
JoLynn has dreamed of adopting children since she was a teenager, even before she dreamed of marriage. She just couldn’t imagine a child being tossed aside due to poverty and illness, and there being no one there to pick the child up. She knew God had laid it on her heart to love the abandoned. Charles had thought of adoption as something he could see in his future, and once they were seriously involved, Charles was 100% in agreement when JoLynn told him she wanted to adopt, regardless of how many biological children she had. Charles and JoLynn were married in 2007 while Juniors in college. In 2008 they welcomed Isak, their bundle of joy, and in 2011 Malkolm, their child of peace came into their lives. But 2009 and 2012 left Charles and JoLynn heartbroken from miscarriages. They felt like there were “gaps” in their family, and while those children could never be replaced, they felt that their family was smaller than it was supposed to be. Feeling a gentle urge from God, they moved up the time table to adopt. JoLynn assumed that International adoption was a distant dream, something that would happen after their children were older and they had fostered and adopted domestically. But when doors refused to open for foster/adoption, a simple phone call “for more information” quickly led to an email with the file of a little boy . Twenty photos and a small, sad life summed up in a few paragraphs shook their hearts in a powerful way- a little boy who had never known a mother’s kiss or felt a father’s embrace had waited for someone to come his entire life. They could not walk away. Charles and JoLynn already consider “Gabriel” their child, and their sons are excited that they will soon have another brother.
“Gabriel” is 3 years old, and lives in an Eastern European orphanage that has been his home since the day he left the hospital. Born premature at a very low birth weight, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. He also has Strambismus and a handful of other easily-treatable conditions. Even with the minimal therapy he receives, he makes great strides towards better control of his limbs. He has moderate institutional delays, but once in a family environment, he is expected to improve greatly. But whatever the case, Charles, JoLynn, Isak and Malkolm cannot wait to give him the love he has missed out on for so long.
Your prayers and support will be greatly appreciated. While they are planning on paying a great portion of the costs out of pocket, the Elkins will need to raise approximately 1/3 of the cost of their adoption.
What was meant to be a single adoption has turned into a double- when they saw Betsy’s photo in April Charles’ and JoLynn’s hearts were opened to having a daughter. They prayed, asked hard questions and reevaluated what was a necessity in life. Finally they decided that their lives would be blessed by having Betsy as a daughter, and her needs were more outside of their comfort zone than outside their capabilities. Those who have met her have high hopes for her future, and think she and Gabriel will do well adopted together. The adoptive parents of blind children and even blind adults encouraged them again and again to take the leap- that the rewards were innumerable and the challenges are much smaller than imagined.
11/6/13—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at engulfedbytheswell.blogspot.com
Matt and Shilo are a corn-fed, Nebraska-born couple about to celebrate their 6th wedding anniversary and currently calling Phoenix, Arizona “home”. And if that didn’t spark your interest: Matt is a network administrator (that means computers) and Shilo has a high school teaching certificate, though she is currently at home with their three biological children, ages 4, 3 and 2.
Adoption has been on Shilo’s heart since volunteering at a children’s home in Romania in 2004. Deciding it was time, they began paperwork to adopt a boy born in July 2008, the same age as their oldest son, or younger. Connecting with Stellan’s profile caught Shilo offguard, but she knew he was theirs. Matt felt the same. They did not expect to find their child on Reece’s Rainbow, but they cannot wait to get to Stellan and bring him home.
11/7/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at midaia.blogspot.com
Wendy and Jeff Reed are the proud parents of 8 wonderful children, 4 born to them and 4 that joined their family through the miracle of adoption! The Reed’s youngest biological daughter, Mikayla who is now 9, was born with Down Syndrome which they lovingly refer to as “Designer Genes”. Mikayla is such a great joy to her family, and she puts a smile on the face of everyone she meets! Mikayla opened the family’s hearts even further towards the blessings of parenting a child with special needs, and the Reeds went on to adopt four more beautiful daughters from China, all with various special needs including heart conditions, cleft lip and cleft palate, congenital corneal defect, cerebral palsy, and Down Syndrome. Mikayla even had the privilege of joining her parents on their last journey to China in September 2011 to adopt her baby sister, Khloe, who also shares the same “Designer Genes”. Mikayla was such an incredible witness to everyone she met in China, as to what a child with Down Syndrome can accomplish and do when given the opportunity, proper medical care and therapies, and of course… the love of a family! Khloe has been home just a little over a year now and is absolutely blossoming in the loving care of her family!
While in China, the Reed family had the opportunity to visit with Khloe’s Foster Family and met her Foster Brother, Joel. Joel is 8 years old and has spina bifida. Joel has such a sweet and gentle spirit and he is so clever! He has seen so many of his younger friends from the Foster Care center he attends for school and medical care leave to go home with their Forever Families and has wondered if he would ever be chosen. While playing with both Khloe and Joel during the visits with the Foster Family, the Foster Mom asked Joel if he would like to go to America with Khloe’s mom and dad. Joel enthusiastically answered that he would love to go home with the Reed’s and wished that they could be his mom and dad too. Oh, how the Reeds would somehow love to make his wish come true!
The Reeds knew that it would take some time for Khloe to adjust to her new family and that funding for a new adoption was slim. Still, Joel remained on their hearts and they heard God gently nudging them to bring home a son. In Sept 2012, the Reeds once again stepped out in faith to begin a new adoption journey, knowing that God had provided every cent needed to bring home their four precious daughters from China and would certainly do the same for Joel. The whole family is so excited to welcome Joel home to their family!
***Update!!! The Reed Family is happy to announce that they will be bringing a DARLING 14 month old baby girl home from China along with Joel! They will be naming their newest princess Sophia Elise! Sophia has a VERY complicated heart defect, and needs to come home as quickly as possible.
11/6/13—WAITING FOR TRAVEL APPROVAL
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.
David and Sherry have been married for 33 years and have raised two children. The oldest son (special needs) sadly passed away last year and the oldest daughter lives nearby and has two girls of her own.
God placed a strong burden on David’s and Sherry’s hearts to pursue adoption. During the last thirteen years they have adopted ten children, four domestic and six internationally. Ages range from 1 to 17 years with several having special needs.
God has continued to put a burden on their hearts to continue adopting, especially children with special needs and with older children that have no family. They have committed to three older children including one that will be aging out of the system later this year.
11/7/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Tim and Heidi have been married for almost 10 years and feel incredibly blessed with two amazing children. Freddie was born to them seven years ago, and Valerie joined their family through adoption nearly 3 years ago at about 2 years of age—she is will be 5 this summer. God used their struggle with infertility to open their eyes to the desperate needs of orphaned children all around the world, especially those with special needs who are less likely to be placed with families. Their precious daughter, Valerie, has Down syndrome (adopted from Hong Kong), and has been such a blessing and a ray of sunshine in their home. They can’t imagine their lives without her. When Tim and Heidi were in the adoption process with Valerie, a friend told them about Reece’s Rainbow, and Heidi has made many visits to the Web site since then to pray for the precious little ones who are waiting for families. In the summer of 2011 Tim and Heidi felt God stirring in their hearts to adopt again, and as they were praying and talking over what steps to take, a little face on Reece’s Rainbow grabbed their hearts. They joyfully committed to a little boy, and began the process to adopt him. This past August the Hopkins traveled and met this little boy and committed to another child as well. While the Hopkins where back in the US getting their paperwork in order for court, the country closed all adoption to Americans. After several months of praying and hoping and grieving for these children that they love and had wanted to make a part of their family, Tim and Heidi felt it was time for their family to move on and proceed with the adoption of another waiting child from another country. Heidi remembers noticing little “Elvis” when he was first listed on RR and was struck with how much he looks like their daughter. They and happened to run across his profile again, recently, while praying for direction and the resemblance to Valerie really struck both Tim and Heidi. The Hopkins are eagerly anticipating bringing this precious little boy into their home and into their hearts. They feel so thankful for the blessing of the grant that is available for “Elvis” as they had already invested a very large amount of financial resources to their previous attempt to adopt from Eastern Europe. Through the pain and unpredictable journey, God has brought Joy and He works all things for the good. The Hopkins invite you to join them in their adoption journey through your love, prayers, and encouragement. Please pray for them— for their sweet “Elvis” as he waits for his family to bring him home.
12/2/13—TRAVEL APPROVAL RECVD
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://hopkinsfamilyadoption.blogspot.com
Heidi and Mike have been married for 8 years, and have three biological children, all boys. The past few years, however, they’d felt a pull on their hearts to adopt a child with special needs into their family. Both felt that their family not only had the love and nurture to give to another child, but that they had the ability and skills to care for a child with special needs.
After much prayer and discernment, Heidi and Mike decided to start the adoption process and to welcome a little angel into their family. Almost unbelievably quickly, their prayers were answered with the picture of an adorable little boy. God’s call to love and nurture this child grew stronger with every minute that the email sat open on the computer. Heidi and Mike (and the boys) are excited to journey towards bringing their little angel home. God has blessed them with an incredible home and family to share, and they are confidant that He will continue to provide for this little one to come home. Your prayers and financial support are appreciated more than Heidi and Mike could ever express. Bringing their son home is a tremendous responsibility (and joy!), and they will be forever grateful for your support on the journey. God has created a home full of adventurous, giggling little boys, and is leading Zechariah home!
10/18/13—MATCHING APPROVAL RECVD
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://bringingpeterhome.blogspot.com
FULLY FUNDED!!
Charlie and Jeanie have been married for thirteen years. After meeting at church when they were just children, Charlie and Jeanie were reunited later in life. They fell in love and were married at the church where they had met. They, along with their three boys, have a wonderful story to share.
Did you know that elephants can carry their babies for an incredible 21.5 months? Can you imagine having to wait that long to meet your precious little one? The Lewis family understands the pain of the wait. They have waited to complete their adoption for 10 years. After committing to a child in 2003, they completed almost the entire adoption process—minus travel—of a beautiful visually-impaired young girl.
Two years into the process, they were joyfully awaiting a travel date to adopt their daughter when they received a phone call no parent ever wishes to receive. Though they had steadfastly exhausted themselves to raise funds, enjoyed the process of preparing a bedroom, celebrated with an “adoption shower,” and were fully approved…..their daughter would not be coming home. Her country had politically closed its doors to adoptions from U.S. citizens. Stunned, they were left to heal and wonder what would ever come of the precious one they had come to love.
After a second trimester miscarriage, they decided a few years later to try to adopt a child through the Department of Human Resources. With full approval of DHR (having taken 10 weeks of classes and received an approved home study), they patiently waited to have a child placed in their home. Encouraged to be patient, the Lewis family worked with DHR for over a year and did not receive one placement.
Now the Lewis’s have come full circle. They have taken time to pray and seek God for what His perfect will would be for their family. And, believe it or not, they have received the referral of a perfect little girl who just so happens to be visually-impaired. In fact, this child has the exact same eye condition that their previous “daughter” had. And though she will need surgery and will remain partially blind, she will be able to “see” and feel and know the love that her family has for her every day of her life.
Overjoyed, the Lewis’s await bringing their daughter home after a 10-year “gestation” of the heart.
9/16/13—HOPE TO TRAVEL IN NOV/DEC
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at crazyadoptiondreamer.wordpress.com
The Bouchards live on a small farm and enjoy raising animals and spending time together. They have been blessed with three biological children and three children through adoption from Haiti, Ethiopia and China. They love celebrating all of the unique cultural traditions of each member of their family. In 2012 they adopted a little girl from China, who has Down Syndrome. She has brought an amazing amount of joy into their family. The Bouchards have seen how amazing children with Down Syndrome are and the incredible potential they have when given a family who loves them.
They consider it a blessing to be able to add another child with Down syndrome to their family, and are counting down the days to when they can welcome Amy home!
10/28/13—LOA
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.changetheworld147.blogspot.com
Tim and Janice have been married for 18 years and have ten children, six through the blessing of adoption. They always knew that they wanted to adopt and said from the beginning that they wanted the children that others weren’t clamoring for- the older children or the ones with special needs. After adopting two younger special needs kids from Eastern Europe last May and then returning for two teenagers this past October, they have decided to go back again for Ianto- another teen they got to spend a lot of time with while there adopting in the Fall. During that time Ianto hung out with them at every visit playing soccer, doing crafts, and of course playing games on the iPad As a result, Tim and Janice got to know him well and learned about his desire for a family. He wants to be adopted so badly! The Rowes want nothing more then to be that family and give him the love, support and the security he deserves. He is such a sweet and fun loving boy, and at almost 15 his time is running out. After visiting EE twice this last year, the Rowes know all too well what happens to these kids once they age out.
Ianto deserves so much more than a life of uncertainty on the streets. But Tim and Janice are definitely going to need some help in order to get their son home where he belongs. After completing those two adoptions of four children just this past year, their resources to put towards this adoption are very limited. Anything you can contribute to help them in their fundraising efforts will be so appreciated! They are so grateful for the help they received in the past and know that yet again, they cannot complete this adoption alone. They thank you in advance for your support and your prayers, both for Ianto while he waits and for them during their adoption process. They are hoping they can get everything in place to bring him home to his new family quickly!
11/22/13—APPOINTMENT IS JANUARY 13
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at weretakingbabysteps.blogspot.com
Drew and Alyssa met in the summer of 2007, when Alyssa volunteered at Drew’s workplace. They started dating soon after and have been together ever since. Even before their marriage in early 2011, they had already discussed how adoption might play into their future. Alyssa spent the summer after her graduation from high school living and working in an orphanage in Nicaragua, and knew from that experience that God would one day make adoption part of her story. Drew agreed that he was open to adoption, but neither one of them could have prepared for where this journey would take them.
In November of 2012, Alyssa and Drew traveled on their first adoption trip. Meeting their “Little Man” absolutely changed their lives! Before they could complete the adoption however, Little Man’s country banned all adoptions to the US. The Pittman’s don’t know how long it will be until they can go back, but they will be overjoyed when the time comes. They think about their sweet son every day.
Over the past couple months, they felt God telling them that some of their other children were ready to come home. And boy were they surprised when they felt their hearts being pulled toward TWO sweet older boys. Alyssa and Drew are excited that God has called them to start their family in such a unique way, and they can’t wait to see where the rest of their journey leads. They are very close with their families, and everyone is anxious to meet the two newest members!
11/22/13—APPOINTMENT IS DECEMBER 18
Quin and Whitney have been married for nearly 13 years. With three biological children, they felt their family was complete. Their adoption story began over two years ago as they watched a friend bring home a little girl with Down syndrome from Ukraine and their eyes were opened to the need of so many orphans around the world. With plenty of love to give, they eagerly began an adoption of a beautiful little girl from Russia last summer. They traveled to Russia in December to meet her, and she stole their hearts from the minute she came into the room. They love her with all they have and have done every single thing in their power to bring her home to them. When the situation with Russia was not looking good still after 8 months of efforts, they reached out to the Canadian press and asked for a family to step forward and adopt their little Meg. Amazingly, a wonderful Canadian family has stepped forward and is eager to make her part of their family!
Quin and Whitney had committed to “Connor James” in May. Because he was an orphan and not getting the medical attention he needed, he passed away in August. Devastated, the Stephens’ didn’t know what to do. Two children they’ve loved, and two children they’ve lost. With over 57 million orphans in the world, though, they knew their adoption story couldn’t end here. They found another little boy they fell in love with and are committed to bring him home and get him the medical attention and love he so very much needs.
Though they never imagined their story would take so many twists and turns, they also never imagined all they would learn through the process and all the amazing friends they would make along the way. They are still hopeful that someday their story will end with the happily ever after they’ve been praying for!
10/3/2013—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at amiracleformeg.blogspot.com
Luke and Rebecca met in June of 2004, and after a whirlwind romance, were married just ten months later in April 2005. Family and children were of utmost importance and both pictured a larger family though number of children was never decided as they called themselves ‘one at time people.’ In 2008, they gave birth to their oldest son Micah. 2011 brought them their son Levi via domestic adoption. Though always wanting a larger family, in 2012 Luke and Rebecca both were feeling like their family might be complete. However, God had other plans, and it wasn’t many months later that God burdened their hearts for orphans, especially those with special needs and older children, and it became clear rather quickly that God was leading them once again to adoption. When Luke and Rebecca saw ‘Stella’ they just know she was meant to be their daughter, and they will be going to Eastern Europe to bring ‘Stella’ home to join them and the boys. They hope to bring home a 2nd daughter as well. They are excited about this adventure and journey that God has them on and appreciate your encouragement and support, both prayerfully and financially, as they prepare to meet their new daughter(s) and expand their family!
11/22/13—APPOINTMENT IS JANUARY 20
Ethan and Randy are the “Seasoned” parents of ten children, six biological and four through special needs adoption. Most of their children are grown ups now with families of their own. Ethan and Randy returned from China in May of 2013 with Abigail (6) and Jen (7), and were taken by surprise to discover they aren’t done yet! “Peter” a ten year old boy cared for by An Orphan’s Wish, captivated their hearts and their minds. Try as they might they could not shake the feeling that he was to be part of their family also. Through a sequence of events that they could not have orchestrated themselves, it became clear that they were to step out in faith and make this young man their son.
While they are very excited to make “Peter” (whom they will call Isaac) their son, there is much to be done, both in raising the funds needed to finance another international adoption and also to make their home and vehicle wheelchair accessible. They ask for your prayers as they being this journey again and invite you to follow along on their blog.
11/14/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lanzadoptionadventure.blogspot.com
Dale and Carrie have been married seven years and have two sweet children named Patricia (5) and Brayden (4). The call to adopt has been a growing nudge on the Bradford’s hearts as they considered growing their family. Dale works as an IT director in mental health and Carrie works in Special Education. She has been working with children and adults with Disabilities for ten years in various activities including Special Olympics, Special Needs Sunday School, tutoring, and Special Education. God has orchestrated so much in leading this family to Reece’s Rainbow. Early on in Carrie’s life, her parents made an example of investing in the lives of two children in need of love through the foster care system. Carrie’s brother, a source of inspiration and much love to both Dale and Carrie, also has special needs and has been a primary motivator for their commitment to special needs and the tender spot in their hearts for each of these children. However, loving children through a career did not feel like enough, and they are ready to open their home to a precious child with Down Syndrome. They humbly and prayerfully ask for your support as they begin this journey to bring a child in need of a family into a forever family.
11/12/13—OFFICIAL MATCH RECVD
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at brad4dadoptionjourney.blogspot.com
Clay and Jenny met their freshman year at Baylor University. They have been married almost 10 years and have two biological children. Their son, Jack, is 6 years old and their daughter, Chandler, is 3 years old. Clay works in Marketing for a publishing company and Jenny works part time as an RN. They have lead a full happy life and they thought their family was complete, until about 6 months ago. The topic of adoption was something that Clay and Jenny discussed on and off during their dating years and early years of marriage. But the past 6 years since having children, those desires were pushed aside while caring for their biological children. This past fall, God started to stir up the idea in Clay’s heart again. And one night, while reading a friend’s blog, Jenny discovered Reece’s Rainbow. The blog was advocating for a Down’s syndrome child and Jenny immediately felt that it was now time to answer God’s calling for their lives and start the adoption process. Amazingly enough, the very next day at church was adoption Sunday. Clay and Jenny both knew it was time and there was no turning back. Clay and Jenny have been blessed tremendously the past few months by this process. They are so excited to bring “Matthew” home and give him the life that he deserves.
8/31/13—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.completingthericheys.blogspot.com
Jason and Stephanie have been married for almost 14 years. They have been blessed with 5 incredible children: 9 year old Koah, 5 year old Abigail, 2 year old Max, 2 year old Ryder, and their son Isaac. They had always talked about adoption, but it wasn’t until they lost their 18 month old son, Isaac, to heaven last year that they decided to do something about it. Their son, Isaac, was born with many special needs including a very severe heart defect. Losing him was the hardest thing they have ever been through. He was such an incredible blessing to their family, and they loved every second of taking care of him. After they lost Isaac, they knew that they had enough love to bring another child into their family, but this time through adoption like they had always talked about. Because of the joy that Isaac brought to their family, they wanted to adopt a child with special needs. Last October, they brought home their two sons from Ukraine, Max and Ryder. Ryder was born with Down Syndrome and Max was born with a complex heart defect. The two boys have brought so much joy to their family, and God has truly created beauty through their pain. Shortly after returning home from adopting the boys, God began breaking Stephanie’s heart for the older children…those who had never been chosen… those who had been waiting so long for a family, but had been passed over time and time again. They saw Elliette’s profile on Reece’s Rainbow and fell in love with her. She was due to age out next year, at which point she would no longer be eligible to be adopted. Never would they have ever imagined that they would be bringing home a teenager. In fact, after returning home from Ukraine, Stephanie said that she would never, ever adopt an older child. Apparently, God must have found great humor in her statement. They are so excited and can’t wait to bring their daughter home to her family where she belongs. But, they know that they cannot do it without God’s help and your help. Thank you for helping make Elliette one less orphan!
12/7/13—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at journeyoftheheart5.blogspot.com
