Almost There
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Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome... |
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MAUREEN for the Walter family — TX
Shawn and Lola Walter have two beautiful little girls ages 3 and 6. In the early part of 2014, they felt God tugging at their hearts to add another girl to their family. This time they were led to adopt a special needs child and came across the Reece’s Rainbow website, this is where they found “Maureen” and the lives of this whole family would change forever. They instantly fell in love with her and knew she was the one for their family. International adoption is not an easy process, there are a lot of documents and it is quite a lengthy process to finally get approval from the USCIS and Eastern Europe, but after a long road of jumping through many hoops to please everyone, they finally received all the approvals needed to travel to Eastern Europe. Shortly after the approval came, they received heart crushing news, the baby girl “Maureen” whom they loved so dearly, prayed for daily and had a room ready for, was not legally ready for adoption. This news was devastating and left them sad, confused, and with the feeling of their hearts being ripped from their chest. What were they to do now? While praying to God for answers as to why she was taken away from them and mourning her loss, they were presented with another baby girl whom they accepted and traveled for in June 2014. She was successfully brought home August 6, 2014. As soon as they met her, they knew they made the right choice to adopt a special needs child and still today she blesses everyone in the family daily. It was a hard road as she only weighed 12 pounds at 11 months old and needed open heart surgery which was performed October 2014, just a few short weeks after getting home. The surgeon is world renown for pediatric surgery and is the top in his field, he told the Walter’s it was a good thing they brought her and she was able to get the surgery needed, as she would have deteriorated and eventually died. She now weighs almost 18 pounds, sits on her own and is trying to crawl. She laughs and giggles with her big sisters and is growing and thriving!! Shortly after their baby girl had open heart surgery, they learned that “Maureen” was now legally ready for adoption and they prayed all the time she would find a good loving family. But after weeks passed and passed by, Maureen was still available and still tugging at their hearts. Then they found out the region Maureen is located in has horrible living conditions once she is transferred at the age of four and she would be guaranteed a death sentence if she remains. The Walter’s therefore decided they needed to bring her home where she belongs. This time the approvals were already in place, but the expenses to make a second trip and pay the fees for a second time are going to be tough, since so much money has been spent on the first trip and on out of pocket expenses for the open heart surgery. Little Maureen will need open heart surgery as well, once she arrives home to repair her heart so she can grow and thrive. They are trusting God to provide the money needed to bring Maureen home. If you are reading this and find it in your hearts to help bring this beautiful baby girl, who deserves a loving family and proper medical care, home, your tax deductible donations would be much appreciated by this family and mostly by the baby girl who will benefit from it. God bless you!
1/22/15—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at godshandonus.blogspot.com
TIMMY for the Abrams family — CA
The Abrams have been married for 22 years and have been blessed with 3 amazing daughters age 20, 16 and 12. They live in San Diego, CA where Tim is a firefighter and Michele homeschools their daughters. They are a silly family with lots of joy and they have always wanted to adopt. The Lord opened a door when their 16 year old daughter, Ember went to China on a mission with close friends. The Abrams fell in love with all of the disabled orphans Ember cared for. But one sweet blind boy stole their heart and the Lord began to give them faith to adopt him. They are working hard to get their dossier finished and bring their son home.
1/22/2015—DOSSIER SUBMITTED; AWAITING LOA
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.adopttimmy.com
NADIA and NANCY for the Collier family — NC
Marc and Becky Collier began a relationship in the summer of 2003 and were married in August of 2005. God gave them two beautiful little boys, one in 2008 and one in 2010. After the birth of their youngest, they were sure they were done having biological children, but they were also sure that God had more children in store for them.
From an early age, both Marc and Becky understood the importance of God’s call to care for orphans in James 1:27, and they both wanted to be used of God to reach out and care for orphans. They just weren’t sure how that would look.
Throughout the year of 2013, both Marc and Becky, through studying God’s word, praying, and receiving Christian counsel, felt as though God was bringing them nearer to the world of adoption, but they had so many unanswered questions. How would this fit into their world financially? How would this affect their two boys, one of whom has his own set of special needs? Should they adopt internationally or domestically? Two things they knew for sure: they would NEVER adopt special needs, and they would NEVER disrupt their children’s birth order.
Ha, ha.
God placed two families into their lives who were starting the adoption process near the end of 2013. One family adopted a girl domestically; the other family planned to adopt two boys internationally. When shown the two situations, God immediately drew Marc and Becky to the pictures and the stories of the chilren who were wasting away in institutions, who were born into countries that chose not to see the beauty and importance in all human life. And it was apparent to them both that God was softening their hearts towards international adoption.
Early in January of 2014, their friends posted a blog called “Perfect Timing.” On it were links to several other children that were in need of homes. All of them had special needs. Becky read the blog and clicked on the links. She went through them once, and said a prayer for each child, asking God to find them a family. When she was finished, she clicked on the last link for a second time. It led to a set of twin girls, born in August of 2007. And though she had just read their bio and seen their pictures, something happened the second time she looked at them.
Becky immediately sat down and wrote out a list entitled “Ten Reasons Why We Should Adopt Nadia and Nancy Now.” She hung it on the door for her husband to see when he came home from work. He read it, chuckled, and hung it on the fridge.
The next four months were a time of very difficult growth for both Marc and Becky as they realized that the note on the fridge meant more to each of them than they wanted to admit. They began discussing the possibility of adopting children with special needs who were, in fact, older than their boys. Several times they decided that the idea of adoption needed to be put on hold for one reason or another, but the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the words of scripture would weigh so heavily on their hearts that the idea would once again be brought out for discussion.
Finally, in May, God made it clear that it was time for them to step forward, and so in faith, they committed to adding two to their family.
1/22/15—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the Collier family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.Rebeccathesaint.blogspot.com
WILLOW and ERNIE for the Quinn family — FL
The Quinn Family adopted Dunham and Edgar from Ukraine Spring of 2014. Their two oldest children had begun their own journey to adulthood and God laid it on their hearts to adopt following the birth of their son Gage in 2013. Their three boys ages 1,2, and 3 keep their hands busy and their hearts full! Jennifer and Marty felt once again called by the Holy Spirit to adopt. This time a girl! They fell in love with Willow and know she will bring just the right amount of Pink to their house of Blue! When their home study approved them for two, they had their minds set on another girl. But sweet Ernie was tired of being ignored. He came every night to his mother in her dreams. He tugged at their hearts and soon it was clear the “little boy in pink”was destined to be their fifth son! The Quinn’s are delighted to be adopting Willow and Ernie but they need YOUR help to bring them home! They invite you to LIKE their Facebook page at Facebook.com/growingupwithdowns and visit their blog.
1/22/15—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at walknfaithquinnfamily@blogspot.com
RUTHANNE for the Enger family — UT
If you knew me you would know that I have a rather shy personality. I don’t like to share personal experiences or do things that might draw too much attention to me. But if you knew me you would also know that I LOVE being a mom more than anything else in the world. I LOVE having babies. I love the entire process. I pray daily for the blessing of more children. I can’t wait until I can have another baby. I know it might sound crazy when I already have 5 beautiful children, but I dream every day about having more children. I have always wanted 7 children, my 7 beautiful dwarfs in my fairy tale life. My children bring me more joy than I ever knew existed, and they make my life perfect, each in their own unique way.
I have always thought about adopting a child. I can do without all the different social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest, but I find myself searching Reece’s Rainbow constantly. Even though I have this overwhelming desire to adopt, the thought of not going through my favorite part of being pregnant got in the way of really considering it. I worried that by adopting a child I would be taking away from my family, and I was afraid.
In November of 2013, I came across a little girl on Reece’s Rainbow that stole my heart. She is a Down Syndrome girl from China that is 2 years old. It was love at first sight. Her eyes were calling to me and I felt an instant connection to her. I really don’t know how to fully explain it even now, but I knew in an instant that she was meant to be a part of my family. I sent her picture to my husband and told him that this was our baby. He didn’t know whether to take me seriously or not, but he fell in love with her on that day, too. Time went by and I looked up this baby daily, and my husband, seeing that I was indeed serious, agreed that we needed to look into making Ruthanne a part of our family. We inquired about her, but did not hear back.
The next thing I knew I was pregnant. I was SO excited, but something inside told me something wasn’t quite right. I could not stop thinking about Ruthanne, but thought that because I was pregnant that I was not meant to adopt her. I tried to move on, but I still had a nagging feeling that something was not right. It was so hard to let go of my thoughts of Ruthanne and it was very confusing for me. I also knew in my heart that my pregnancy was not going to be okay.
I remember lying in my bed, so scared because I felt inside that the road I wanted to take was not the one that my Heavenly Father had planned for me. The next day I started to miscarry my baby, and I was beyond devastated. I have never felt such pain and heartache. As I prayed for comfort I had an overwhelming feeling that Heavenly Father had a different plan for me, and later that day I received a phone call from an adoption agency telling me about Ruthanne. When I got off the phone I knew from the top of my head to the tip of my toes that this was the plan my Heavenly Father had for me. I remember dropping to my knees and praying and feeling complete peace. As the weeks went on I tried to convince myself that I was just emotional and was making myself grasp onto something to try and get over losing a baby, but tiny miracles each day verified that this truly is a divine plan.
I have never had to have faith to this degree. I am terrified and excited, both at the same time. I will be adopting a child from China with Down Syndrome. How will she fit in with my curlyhaired, green-eyed children? Will I be able to care for a child with special needs? This beautiful girl will be with me forever and she will need my full attention, will I be able to give her what she needs and deserves while still having enough left inside to give to the rest of my family? How will this change my perfect family? Will I feel the same about her as my naturally born children?
What will my family picture look like? Will people think I am crazy? After all, I will have 3 year old twins, two 2 year old girls, one with special needs, and yes, I still hope to have one more. How will we pay for the large adoption fees? These are all the thoughts that have been racing through my head. And every time I pray about it, to seek the confirmation that I am doing the right thing for my family and Ruthanne, I receive the same answer. Have faith, and everything will be as it should be.
So, here I am. I am adopting a beautiful Down Syndrome child from China. Right now I don’t understand why I am supposed to do this or why I am worthy of this important task. I am terrified. What I do know without a doubt is that I am meant to take this road, and Ruthanne is meant to take this journey with me. I know that if I have faith in my Heavenly Father and his divine plan for me and my family then we will all be blessed. This is not where I thought I would be in my life, but I now truly understand what it means that “My thoughts are not your thoughts neither are my ways your ways” and that sometimes you must forward with faith even when, or perhaps especially when, you can’t quite clearly see why. I will move forward with faith that I have never had before. I am afraid, but I have trust in the Lord and know that He is leading me on this journey. I know with all my heart that this is the path my family is destined to take, and I know that we will not take this journey alone.
1/16/15—DOSSIER SUBMITTED; AWAITING LOA
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog itstartedoutasafeeling.com
LYDIA JOY for the Pace family — SC
Jim and Wendy Pace have three children (all adopted). They adopted their boys (now 19 and 21) at ages 2 and 4 through DSS. Much later they adopted their 10 year old daughter from China at 11 months. Each time they adopted, they thought they were finished. When they adopted their boys it was hard for a long time. But love of a family and learning of God’s love provided lots of healing. In 2004, God very clearly directed them to China and they were blessed greatly with their daughter. They have seen all three of them grow into amazing people that love the Lord. But a few months back God began to burden their hearts and direct Jim toward adopting again.
They have been working very hard for the extra monies needed. They have sold items online and at the flea market, sold t-shirts and craft items, sold puzzle pieces, and most recently began applying for grants.
They are adopting from China. Their new daughter is 17 months old and has been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Disease and Cerebral Dysplasia. For the CHD, she will likely need a heart catheter but could require surgery. Cerebral Dysplasia is a very broad diagnosis determined from a CT Scan. They do not truly know and cannot know until she is home what this will entail. Physicians have told them that she could have seizures or Cerebral Palsy, but it is a catch all type diagnosis leaving much unknown to them. Both situations require evaluation and medical treatment once home. Early treatment could make all the difference! This makes them eager to fund her adoption and get her home as soon as possible.
1/22/15—DOSSIER COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at the127mandate.com
LENOX for the Lawson family — KY
Amanda & Michael married young and have been married 8 years now. While they were dating they talked about having a large family and knew adoption was going to be a goal for them. In 2009, after years of infertility treatments, Amanda & Michael found out that they were expecting a little boy. The day they found out, at 4 months along, they found out that their sweet boy had a congenital heart defect and his chances of survival were slim to none. The couple fought for their baby who they named Logan but sadly he was stillborn at 40 weeks. This loss took a great toll on the family and they realized that their dreams of a family was fading as well.
It was almost 4 years later on Valentine’s Day 2013 that the couple laid eyes on their next beloved child, Lenox. The couple had finally decided to meet with an agency to see how to prepare for the process and what was involved. They never dreamed God would put a child in front of them that very day. Amanda & Michael have been in love with Lenox since the moment they laid eyes on him and have worked diligently to bring him home from his Asian county.
It is now that they are ready to travel the couple can no longer find funds to finish. The couple has taken out loans, fundraised, and applied for grants but it simply hasn’t been enough to travel to get their sweet son. Lenox is 3, has been in an orphanage his whole life and he has several medical needs. It is important to the Lawson’s that they travel in a timely manner so that Lenox can get therapies, proper medical treatment and of course love from a mommy and daddy!
12/15/14—ARTICLE 5 RECEIVED
SHAWN and MURRAY for the Warren family — AZ
Scott and Lisa grew up in the same small town and attended church together. They started dating in college and have been married for 16 years. They have 6 children; Noah – 15, Luke – 12, Jack – 10, Kaia – 9, Josiah – 8 and Asher – 4. Adoption has always been on Lisa’s heart. When their second son was born with complications, they were thrown into the world of parenting a child who had special needs. When they began their first adoption in 2005, their experiences with their son led them to pursue a child with special needs. They brought home their first and only daughter from China the following summer. Adopting their daughter changed their family in ways they couldn’t imagine. They felt so blessed to be her parents. In 2008, Lisa traveled to China a second time to bring their 4th son home. Over the next few years adoption continued to be on Lisa’s heart and specifically, HIV adoption. It was during the summer of 2013 that “Shawn” first caught her attention. He looked so much like their son Jack. When she sent his picture to Scott, he though it was their son! She watched “Shawn” and waited for him to find his family, but he continued to wait. She contacted RR on 8/8/13 and asked about him. Scott was still certain that their family of 8 was complete, so Lisa continued to pray for the Lord’s direction. She couldn’t seem to shake this little guy and thought about him daily. Over the next few months, the Lord began to work in both of their hearts. Little by little the doors opened and hearts were changed. Scott surprised Lisa on Valentine’s Day with a journal that said, “Let’s go!”. After a lot of prayer and seeking, Scott and Lisa both knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that “Shawn” was their son. This will be a journey of faith from start to finish as they bring Shawn home. Scott and Lisa are trusting the Lord for his provision and direction every step of the way.
1/14/15—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lifeoutoftheboat.wordpress.com
SIMON for the Burckhard family — ND
“Boys become kings, girls will be queens
Wrapped in His majesty
When we love the least of these….”
The song played from Kevin’s phone. He felt Audio Adrenaline’s song was speaking right to his soul. And then, after he played the song for Paula for an untold number of times, she felt the familiar stirring as well. Up until this song pierced their hearts, they both thought their family was complete.
After praying, they returned to the place where they found their two youngest children—Reece’s Rainbow. There, they found a little boy who needed a family to save him from being sent to an institution: little Simon.
Living in North Dakota, the Burckhard family includes Kevin and Paula and their five children: Elizabeth (20), Samuel (17), Grace (14 w/Down syndrome), Bella (9 w/DS, adopted from Ukraine in 2009), and Nole’ (7 w/DS, adopted from Serbia in 2011).
Won’t you join them in this unexpected journey to bring Simon home and help him become a king? Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support are so appreciated and represent a tangible way to partner with the Burckhards to “love the least of these.”
1/18/15—USCIS APPROVED, DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.beautifulgiftfromgod.blogspot.com
LEAH and ROXIE for the Foerch family — IA
Chad and Erin Foerch met at Cedarville University and became college sweethearts. They have been married 13 years and have four biological children: three boys ages 11, 6, 1, and 1 girl, age 8. Erin graduated with Elementary Education and planned to return to school for a degree in special education. She has always had a heart for kids with special needs. Erin currently home schools their children and plans to continue home schooling after the adoption. Chad and Erin planned to have another biological child, but God began stirring individually in both of their hearts towards adoption. They found their daughter on Reece’s Rainbow and fell in love with her through her pictures and her profile. She will fit in perfectly in their family dynamic. Their children are all very excited to bring their new sister home, especially her big sister, Eden. They are currently open to adopting two children and are praying that the LORD will make His will clear. They greatly appreciate the financial support along with the ministry of prayer and encouragement that comes from Reece’s Rainbow.
1/14/15—AWAITING LOA
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog www.excuseourmess.com
ANNAMARIE for Kelli and Dustin – KS
Dustin and Kelli met 18 years ago at college. It was love at first sight! They were married 1 ½ years later in a simple, outdoor ceremony. A few years later, they became pregnant and lost their first precious joy in an early-term miscarriage. Shortly thereafter though, God blessed them with a healthy baby boy. They went on to have five more children, one pregnancy providing a set of twins! Dustin and Kelli feel blessed to have their dream jobs. Dustin is running his seventh generation, family farm. While Kelli is a homeschooling, stay-at-home mom.
Adoption had always been on their hearts, but it was just never the right time. Until one day, a photo of a beautiful 15 year old girl came across Dustin’s Facebook page. He knew immediately that God was calling them to travel to Eastern Europe and bring her home. They are sure that this is just the beginning of their adoption journey and look forward to expanding their brood, by traveling to whatever country God calls them to next. Their children are the joys of their life and the whole family is very excited to meet their new member. They ask for your prayers during this new season of life.
1/19/15—USCIS APPROVED, DOSSIER EN ROUTE
ASTOR for Eric and Blythe — SC
Eric and Blythe met in college in 2006 and soon married in 2007. While they were dating, they would talk about how they knew adoption would play a big part in our their family would grow. After their first son, Hendrix, was born in 2009, they started seriously looking into adoption and how the process of domestic adoption worked. God placed Emma Kate into their lives in 2011 and their family has never been the same! She is a spunky, loud, sweet, adorable, strong-willed little princess. When Emma Kate was 5 months old, Eric and Blythe got the surprise of their lives….they were pregnant! They had been told that they would never get pregnant on their own but it turns out that the Lord had other plans.
Bennett was born in 2012 and soon after his first birthday, Eric and Blythe started having friends who were adopting internationally. This really open their eyes to a side of adoption that they had never considered. After praying for several weeks, they decided this was the time and they would be adopting again!! They started looking at profile pictures on RR and just begging the Lord to show them their next child. Blythe was looking at the profiles during nap time and one day she came across Astor’s picture. She immediately called Eric and directed him to Astor’s profile. The rest is history!
They are extremely overjoyed to be starting the process of bringing him home. He already has two brothers and one sister that cannot stop talking about him. They are continually asking, ‘Does he get to come home tomorrow!?’. Astor is already loved by so many of our friends and family and now we are ready to fight to bring him home! Please consider helping us through prayer, encouragement, and financial donations. We are taking a huge step of faith and trusting that our Lord will provide everything we need.
10/27/14—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at bringinghomeastor.wordpress.com
LILY for the Thomas family — TX
Rob and Donna had the wonderful blessing of meeting “Anastasia” in Russia in September of 2012. Having four days to be her Mama and Papa was a joy beyond words. After the adoption ban, it has taken quite a while for them to discern what their next steps should be. Although they would go back to get Anastasia tomorrow if possible, God has given them a peaceful release and a new direction – with the promise that He will continue to guide them.
So it is with great joy for the future that they are going to be headed to Asia to adopt 5 year old “Lily!” What a blessing she will be to her new family!
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8
12/1/14—LOA RECVD, WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at hemmedinbyHim.blogspot.com
EZRAH and EDEN for the Thew family — CA
Nathan and I have been married for almost 10 years. We have 4 super fun kids. Three were born here in america and one was born in Uganda and adopted by us two and a half years ago. My husband is a United States Marine and I am a Waiting Child Advocate helping to find families for “harder to place” children.
We saw the files of these two children in China and fell head over heels in love with both of them. The boy is two years old. He has “joint contracture of both knees” and very low muscle tone so at this time, he cannot crawl, stand or walk. This could stay the same once he gets home, or seeing a doctor here and getting therapy may be a huge game changer for this little guy. Either way, he will be very loved and he will still have tons of fun. 
The girl we are hoping to adopt is six years old and she has brain abnormalities (listed in her cart are: hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus-UP bypass, atelencephalia, arachnoidcyst of left side). She needs to get into a family fast so she can also be loved, seen by doctors and have daily therapy to help her reach her full potential. She will fit right in with our eight year old and our five year old. They are super excited.
Thank you for reading this and considering helping us. We know that this can only be done by the grace of God, the approval of China and our “village” here. Without one of these three, we cannot do this. It feels vulnerable, but at the same time exhilarating to get “out of the boat” and “walk on the water.” Scary and amazing
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Meade
1/12/2015—LOA RECEIVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at adoptfunding.blogspot.com
LADYBUG for Chris and Kami — CO
Chris, Kami, and their two young daughters’ journey toward adoption started before they even recognized it as such. Even upon marriage, Chris and Kami talked hypothetically about a desire to adopt “one day.” In the midst of losing three sweet babies to miscarriage over the course of 12 months in 2011-2012, God revealed that “one day” was much sooner than they would have guessed. Slowly and surely, they have been reading and researching, praying for waiting children, supporting others’ adoptions, and prayerfully seeking God’s timing for their blessed opportunity to give a child a family. They are excited that the time has come!
They feel unequivocally called to adopt a waiting child from an Eastern European orphanage. They are excited to pursue little Ladybug to give her a family, the chance to learn about Jesus, and the opportunity to reach her highest potential. They acknowledge that this will be difficult work. But they know that our God is our Redeemer, our Comforter, and our Strength. And, they simply believe that every single child is a blessing – regardless of his or her abilities, history, future, or labels the world has attached to them. They covet your support in this endeavor and ask for your prayers for Ladybug and their family.
12/3/14—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog forgoodblog.wordpress.com
JACKSON for the Bouchard family — MO
Rick and Chante were married in 1999, and have been blessed with three biological children, Triston, Hadassah, and Kyron. The Bouchard’s live on a farm, and love anything they can do together as a family.
Adoption was something that God had laid on their heart even before they were married, and in 2001, when they heard about the children on Haiti, God led them to adopt their son, Ben. Four years later, they adopted Nesanet from Ethiopia, and thought their family was complete. After meeting some children with Down syndrome, they began feeling led to adopt a child with DS. When they saw little YiXi’s picture, they were in love! Six months after they welcomed YiXi home from China, some friends told them about a little girl they met in China, who also had DS. While the Bouchards were in China, picking up Amy, they met an amazing seven-year-old boy with CP. He stole their hearts, with his smile and loving personality, and they realized that even though they thought their family was complete, God had other plans. They have realized that God’s plans are so much more incredible than any plans they can make for their own future, and they are so thankful for the amazing kids He has brought into their lives. Their kids all have a heart from adoption and an incredible love for each other.
12/21/2014—DOSSIER in COUNTRY
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.changetheworld147.blogspot.com
NOAH and PAXTON for the Matthews family — ME
Addison and Kristen have been married for almost 4 years and have 5 children between the two of them. Addison raised two girls who are now 26 and 24 years old. His daughters are both married. The oldest has two sons and the youngest has one son. Addison and Kristen adore all three of their grandchildren and are praying for more! Kristen raised three children. Her oldest daughter is 21, her son is 20, and her youngest daughter is 18. They started talking about the possibility of having a child of their own but because both of them thought they were “done” years ago, that wasn’t possible. Adoption and fostering had been on Kristen’s heart for many years, she just had to convince her husband! They became licensed foster parents a little over a year ago and since then have had 8 foster children in their home. The first time they brought a newborn home to foster, Addison heart began to open to the idea of adoption. As you can imagine, their hearts were broken when they had to say goodbye to that little one. They knew then that they had to start the adoption process, they just didn’t know how they would come up with the money. Kristen began to research special needs adoption, specifically Down syndrome adoption when she came across the Reece’s Rainbow web page. After looking over the page and falling in love with several of the children, she just knew that THIS was what she was called to do. She showed her husband some of the babies she fell in love with and although his response was warm, he didn’t show the excitement that Kristen felt. Kristen decided to do what she could, and at the time, that was to make small donations to families that were in need. Then one day Kristen saw Greta’s profile and read several blogs about her and she knew she had to do something more. She talked to Addison again and showed him some of the pictures of some of the available children. She also showed him a blog that was written for Greta and she could not hold the tears back. Kristen’s heart was broken for the many orphans that needed a family so desperately and Addison could see how important this was to her. That day Addison’s heart began to change and eventually he was open to getting more information on some of the children. Although he was afraid because of the cost, they agreed to commit to a child and they chose Noah from PRC. They struggled with the thought of the cost and the mounds of paperwork but are convinced that they are meant to do this.
After committing to Noah (soon to be named Corbin), they saw the face of another boy they just KNEW was their son. They received PA for their second child, they call Paxton, about a month after receiving PA for little Noah. They are so excited and can’t wait to get their boys home. Addison and Kristen have stepped out in faith for these two boys and would appreciate any help they can get whether it be prayers, thoughts, or donations. They wish to send thoughts, prayers, and words of thanks to those that have and will be there to support them and to all the other families that are in this process. God Bless!!
12/24/14—DOSSIER EN ROUTE (DTC)
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at ourprincesfromchina.blogspot.com
MADDOX and AMOS for the Stickley family — MD
“Mom, we need to talk. I don’t know if it’s a thought that God keeps putting in my head or a thought that I keep putting in my head, but I think we should adopt a little boy.” “I don’t care which of you put it there, you need an eraser!” This was the conversation between my then 10 year old daughter and I in November 2009; a conversation that changed our lives forever. It was the springboard that flung us into the world of adoption! Within two weeks I went from being a single divorced mom of two biological daughters, to a committed adopting mom of a Russian son with Down Syndrome. Fourteen months of paperwork, praying, fundraising, paperwork, praying, 2 trips (5 weeks!) in Russia, and oh, paperwork and praying, my daughter and I brought home our little prince, Maxim Alexey.
After a crazy journey, I was committed to a 5 year old little boy in China, but his file hadn’t been prepared because “he isn’t as smart as the other children so nobody will want him.” Well, that was all it took for me to know that he’s a Stickley! They said that it would take a year to get his file prepared and that I would be looking at almost 3 years for the adoption to be complete. Did they really think that was going to scare me off? I decided that not only is he not “unlovable,” he is worth the wait!
Then, less than a month later, I was approached about adopting a little girl from China who was 13 and only had 5 months to be adopted. The timing was perfect in that I could adopt her while waiting for the little boy’s file to be compiled. Several agencies told me that it would be impossible to complete the adoption in the 4 month time-frame. Well, we proved them wrong! We have now had Ava Monet home for two months! God’s timing is perfect!
While in China, I got to meet some of the wonderful orphanage workers from Ava’s orphanage. I told them that I advocate for families for these children and asked if they had any other children for whom they would like for me to try to find families. They said that they would give me a website, but then we just all stood around socializing for a long time. Next thing I knew, they introduced me to a seven year old little boy, and the power between us silenced the room! “Mom, we have to come back for him!”
So, I am a blessed mom of two biological daughters (22 and 14), an adopted son from Russia (5), an adopted daughter from China (14), and I’ve just been approved to adopt BOTH little boys! Oh, did I mention that all 4 of my children from another mother have DS? Three of the four of them were listed on Reece’s Rainbow. So, adopting two little boys right on the heals of a previous adoption has caused me to reach beyond my financial comfort zone and step out in faith. Any help and support will be greatly appreciated and I pray that God multiplies it in return to all donors! Thank you!
12/3/14—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog tinastickleyadoption.blogspot.com
The Stickley family has a $5000 matching grant! Once their FSP reaches $5,246, they will receive an additional $5000!
A Little Girl for the Brockhaus family — CA
Before Amy and Andrew had kids and went to bed nightly before 10pm, they used to travel the world and visit orphanages. It was there that they discovered the needs of vulnerable children and how even two young people can make a small difference for kids in need. Fast forward to now, they have 3 kids, a couple of them adopted from Russia a year and a half ago. These kids have made such a profound difference in their lives as they grew and experienced real love, that here Andrew and Amy are again, one more time. Although they have a fun and busy family life, they knew that they can provide a family for one more little one.
And when they told the kids it would be a little sister, they FLIPPED and talk about and pray for her daily, “Get one more apple sauce — for me LITTLE SISTER!”
She will be loved, she will be cherished. She will be read to, cuddled and eat a variety of home grown healthy food, go to the beach and have dance parties at home with her siblings. For anyone who donates to our little girl and helps us bring her home, we will love you forever. Literally.
11/16/14—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog tinygreenelephants.com
LYDIA for the Whicker family — MT
The Whicker family is excited to be bringing Miss “Lydia” into their family! Since adopting their daughter Thalia (who also has Down syndrome) from China just over a year ago, they have experienced joy they never could have imagined! Although they thought their family was complete, Lydia quickly changed their minds about that! The Whickers know that God placed her in their path for a reason and look forward to the day that they can finally be together. Once home, Lydia will enjoy a house full of fun siblings, laughter, pancake breakfasts, blanket forts in the basement, backyard water fights, family talent shows, movie nights, cookie making sessions, snowman building contests, picnics in the park, and Saturday morning snuggles. She will be showered with love and affection by her big, crazy family! You’re invited to follow along with the Whickers via their blog as they work to get Lydia home where she belongs.
1/8/15—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at harmonyandhavoc.blogspot.com
ASHER for the Mack family — VA
Justin and Lindsay have been married for almost 4 years. They have always had a special place in their hearts for individuals with special needs but never knew the true reason why until now! They finally heard God’s calling loud and clear and took a step in faith & began the process of adopting this sweet little boy.
The Macks currently do not have any children of their own but they are excited to start their family with such a precious gift. They look forward to filling their house and hearts with an angel like Asher.
The Macks will be able to provide Asher with a loving and caring home where he will be loved by many! The family greatly appreciates prayer warriors through the process and any financial assistance they may receive.
1/8/15—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at bringinghappinesshome.org
FRANKIE for the Deerman family — AL
God has richly blessed our family. God allowed me the honor of marrying my “high school” sweet heart. He blessed us with two children who are an amazing gift to my wife and I. We are a close family who loves time together and are thrilled to be in the process of bringing home our son from China! We began our adoption journey with a beautiful little boy we met on Reece’s Rainbow by the name of “Ellison”. The door to adoption closed when the Russian adoption law changed. Like many families our hearts were broken and we grieved…but God in his wonderful timing led us to this precious little guy who we can not wait to bring home as part of our family. I am a pastor in Alabama and my wife is a social worker. We, along with our children, are grateful that God in His great mercy is allowing us the privileged of adopting Frankie. I can not wait for the day when we are able to bring Frankie home. We love him dearly and he already is being used by God to teach us more about God’s great love and mercy.
Please pray for us as we continue in the adoption process. Pray for “Ellison” and the other children of Russia that God would provide loving homes for each child. Pray for Frankie… God has wonderful plans for the wonderful little boy and I am honored to have a front row seat to watch His beautiful work unfold.
12/4/14—DOSSIER LOGGED IN
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at rickdeerman.wordpress.com
TALIA for the Reed family — PA
Wendy and Jeff Reed have been abundantly blessed with 9 precious children, four born to them, and five through the miracle of adoption! Many of you are very familiar with the Reed’s last adoption journey to China in February 2014 to bring their son Joel home as well as their loss of their sweet daughter Sophia who passed away just days before they were to travel for both of their children. The Reed’s are so very thankful to all who were a part of helping to bring Joel home and were a tremendous support in their time of loss and grief. Jeff and Wendy are so very excited to introduce you to their newest treasure, Miss Talia Grace, and the incredibly amazing journey God has set them upon to bring their daughter home.
“Beauty from Ashes” has been a theme that has been entwined throughout the Reed’s journey to Talia since they first found out about this beautiful little girl, and from the very beginning of her tiny fragile life. Talia was born with a life threatening condition called biliary atresia that really has no treatment options in the area of China where she is from. Since surgery was not performed at an early age, Talia’s liver sustained severe damage, and her only hope for survival was to receive a liver transplant (almost completely non-existent in China!). Her story could have ended there in despair and ashes, but she was given hope when she was moved to a Foster Home in Beijing, China where she miraculously received a liver transplant. Talia has continued to recover and BLOSSOM from that life-saving surgery…a beautiful story of” beauty from ashes” only made possible by God’s intervention!
The Reed’s were originally in process to adopt BOTH Joel and Talia when they began their adoption journey two years ago. Talia’s adoption file was just being compiled and they were eagerly awaiting its completion so that they could adopt both Joel and Talia at the same time. As time went on, there were issues that arose that would stop all adoptions coming out of Talia’s region.
After a year into the adoption process, Joel had already been waiting far too long and the Reed’s had to make the heartbreaking decision to move forward with his adoption without Talia. The Reed’s attention was then turned towards a beautiful little girl on their adoption agency’s waiting child list who desperately needed a family that was traveling soon to come for her. Sweet Sophia had a serious heart condition that was inoperable in China and her only hope was for a family that was close to travel to come for her as quickly as possible so that she could receive life-saving heart surgery here in the US. The Reed’s wanted to give sweet Sophia the same opportunity for the hope of a healthy future that Talia received with her life-saving liver transplant surgery and so they agreed to move forward towards bringing precious Sophia home. Jeff and Wendy were just 6 days from traveling for both Joel and Sophia when they received the devastating news that Sophia had suddenly passed away. Their sweet baby girl had gained her heavenly Princess Tiara and was now in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Heartbroken over the loss of Sophia, Jeff and Wendy clung to their faith that in time God would bring “beauty from ashes” once again. Our God is FAITHFUL and He did just that! Shortly after Sophia’s passing, the Reed’s found out that Talia’s adoption paperwork had been released and was finally moving forward again! It took a bit of time and a great deal of patience, but on May 30th the Reed’s FINALLY received Talia’s adoption file from their new adoption agency and submitted their request to make Talia part of their family!!! They have received Pre-Approval from China to move forward towards bringing Talia home, and so the Reed’s begin one last journey to China for their precious daughter! Wendy and Jeff are so excited to see the beautiful painting that God is creating from those ashes and are looking forward to having Talia home in their arms!
Wendy and Jeff invite you to follow along on their journey for Talia Grace, and covet your prayers and support as they work towards bringing her home! Your encouragement and support have been instrumental as they worked towards bringing each of their beautiful treasures home from China and they would not be here without YOU!
***UPDATE! The Reed Family is THRILLED to announce that along with receiving their LOA for Talia, they also received another special gift for Christmas…PA (Pre-Approval) for their newest Princess, Caitlyn Nicole!!! Caitlyn just turned two and is just 10 months younger than her big sister Talia! These sweet sisters are going to have so much F~U~N playing together and growing up with one another!!! Caitlyn has “Designer Genes” (better known as Down Syndrome) just like her sisters Mikayla and Khloe at home. She is developing well and we can’t wait to see all that is in store for her with the love and support of a family as well as access to proper medical care and therapies! You can read more about the amazing way that God led the Reed family to Caitlyn on their blog!
The Reed’s are expecting to travel in just a few short months (end of April/early May) to bring Talia and Caitlyn home. EVERY single dollar donated to help them bring their darling daughters home is a HUGE BLESSING and so very much appreciated!
1/6/15—LOA RECVD for Talia/PA and USCIS Approval RECVD for Caitlyn!
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.paintingbeautyfromashes.com
TWO BOYS for the Pellegrino Family
Although Kim and Eric met in middle school, they married later in life (ok, so meeting in middle school is a stretch as they were both teachers there). Once they were married they left their home state of New York to move to Maryland. They continued to teach with the hopes of filling their home with the blessings of children. As the years passed they came to realize that birth children were not in God’s plan for them. Rather than search for answers in biological terms, they chose to begin their search in the many faces of orphaned children. In September of 2012, they brought their first son Anthony home from China. His cleft lip and palate was likely the reason he was abandoned and his age was likely the reason he was still available. Knowing the joy that Anthony brought to them, they soon found Anthony’s little brother. Gabriel came home from China exactly one year after Anthony. He too is considered by China to be special needs with psychomotor developmental delays. While they were considered “special needs” all Eric and Kim know is that they are SPECIAL. Both boys are so full of life and personality! Eric and Kim only wish that the boys birth parents could see the thriving, happy, beautiful children they have become. Anthony is now five and Gabriel will soon be three. As time went on Eric and Kim knew that they had the space in their hearts and home for an older child who didn’t know the love of a forever family. It wasn’t long after their second that they knew God was guiding them to their next child. Little did they know that it was actually TWO and yes, boys again! Michael and Matthew are from the same orphanage and are friends. They have been waiting too long for a family and China only recently decided to process their paperwork and let them be known. Michael will be 10 in July, 2014. Although he was born without feet, he runs, jumps, and plays with the energy of a 10 year old. Matthew recently turned nine and has the most precious smile. While he can hear well, his special need is the absence of an ear. While in China these children have three strikes against them – their special needs, their age and the fact that they are boys – little do they know that they are already loved by a family that is eager to bring them home. Can you imagine the look on these boy’s faces when they are told they are being adopted AND together as brothers?! Please take a second to think about the moment they get the wonderful news……and consider helping the Pellegrino’s make it possible.
1/25/15—AWAITING TRAVEL APPROVAL
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog faithhopeloveadoption.blogspot.com
$400 flash grant! They have 54 hours – Match to close at 8pm EST Sunday! The goal is to get to $10,120.19 — and then they’ll receive an additional $400!
BRAVE and SAIGE for the Wetherington family — FL
We are the Wetherington Family. We have been married for 15 years and have 7 amazing children. Our journey into the world of special needs began long ago, but never did we imagine that we would one day become the parents of our own children with special needs. Nearly 4 years ago, our youngest son, Isaac, was diagnosed with many special needs in utero, including a very severe heart defect, and was not expected to survive until delivery. Not only did he survive, but we were gifted with 18 AMAZING months with him. He had numerous open heart surgeries and other numerous surgeries and procedures during his short lifetime, and spent many of those months recovering in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU, and we were so thankful for every moment we shared with him. Never could we have imagined the immense joy and unimaginable heartache that would come from birth of our amazing boy. He was such an INCREDIBLE gift who forever changed our lives. In our complete heartbreak, we knew we had two choices. We could either choose to be angry at God for taking our sweet son from us, or we could be thankful for privilege of being his family, even though our time with him on this earth would feel far too short. We knew we needed to choose the latter. We knew that we had to do something with the lessons that our amazing son taught us. As we were learning to live our lives without our son, we knew that there were children in the world who were learning to live their lives without a family by their side. They had no one to fight for them…..no one to be their voice….no one to love them every second of every day…..and no one to show them their incredible worth. We knew we had to do something, and thus began our journey into the world of adoption. In October of 2012, we brought home our two incredible sons from Ukraine, Max and Ryder. Ryder has Down syndrome and Max has a complex heart defect and other genetic syndrome. They are both 3 ½ years old now, and are such amazing blessings in our lives. Once we were home with Max and Ryder, we knew even more how desperately children needed families, and in July of this year, we welcomed our newest son and daughter, Anchor and Stori, into our family from China. Our daughter just turned 14 years old, and she has Cerebral Palsy, and our son is 5 ½ years old and he has Down syndrome. They are both so amazing, and we are so blessed to have them in our lives. While in China, we were able to meet our daughter’s friend who had recently aged out. In that heartbreaking moment we knew that we could do more….that we had to do more. Shortly after coming home, we saw someone advocating for an incredibly brave little boy who has been longing for a family. But, his chances of finding a family were pretty slim because most would consider him too risky. He was considered too risky because he had a serious heart defect that had gone unrepaired for nearly 10 years. He has been deemed inoperable and terminal in China. I pleaded for people to be willing to take the chance on him…..that he was worth it. We knew how incredible of a blessing he would be to a family if they would be willing to push their fear aside and take the risk. As I pleaded for others to be willing to take the risk, I wondered if we would be willing to do the same if God asked us to take the risk. And in that moment, we knew that He WAS asking us. We are so excited to push our fear aside to welcome our incredible son, Brave, into our family. “You make me brave. You call me out beyond the shore into the waves. You make me brave. No fear can hinder now the love that made a way.” (Bethel Music)
1/28/15—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at journeyoftheheart5.blogspot.com
SUSAN for the Colfack family — NE
Rex and Melissa have a wonderful family and have been blessed with three biological children, but adoption has always been in the forefront of the couples mind as a way to grow their family. Melissa, especially, has been thinking of adopting since she became familiar with Reece’s Rainbow back in 2007. In her early career, Melissa worked with many young children with special needs and was drawn to the work being done through Reece’s Rainbow. After filling their tree with ornaments of the precious kids that had touched their hearts Rex and Melissa were drawn into the idea of adoption after falling in love with one of the children featured on the website, Susan. After much discussion and prayer, the couple, along with the support of their children and families, made the decision to look into adopting the little girl that had captured their hearts. After contacting the placing agency they began researching the adoption process and decided to make this precious little girl part of their family.
12/14/14—DOSSIER SUBMITTED (LID)
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at all4hannah.blogspot.com
SHELBY for the Patrick family — NC
Randy and Angela Dawn Patrick have been married 18 years and have 6 children ranging from the age of 3-20. God has truly blessed them allowing them to care for these children. Adoption has always been a plan of theirs that is why they have 3 belly babies and 3 chosen from their heart and minds babies. All have been equal blessings and the occasional trials as well. They look forward to adopting from China and seeing how the journey unfolds. Please join them in prayer and support as they work hard towards bringing Sunshine to Shelby.
1/8/15—AWAITING LOA
AUTUMN and ABBY for the Fraley family — OH
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.
11/16/14—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at cardamomandpoprika.blogspot.com
PATTON for the Lanz family — OH
In July of 2014 the Lanz family attended a reunion for children from the orphanage where two of their girls spent the first six/seven years of their lives. There were many other adopted children in attendance with their families. It was so much fun to meet online friends and give the girls a chance to reconnect with children they knew.
Also at this picnic were a group of children who are still orphans but who were being hosted in the states for a few weeks for the cultural experience. One of these children rated a GASP from their daughter Abigail when she saw him. Later when he saw their girls, he took Jen’s hand and quietly said her Chinese name. It was a very sweet moment! It seemed obvious that there was a “connection” between him and their daughters. After all, they were infants together and grew up in the same place. He even shared a room with Jennifer until she was adopted in 2013.
They had the unusual opportunity to spend many hours with “Pat” over the course of the next three weeks and came to love this gentle boy who seemed to genuinely care about the people around him. He was quick to share and didn’t demand his own way. He was cheerful and happy and had a smile that lit up their world. He was helpful, and especially looked after Jen. He fit in so well with their other children, and they dreaded the day that they had to tell him, “goodbye”. He returned to China at the end of July.
What followed were days of heart searching and questioning themselves and wondering how in the world they could do this again one more time. They adopted two girls in April of 2013 and returned in March 2014 for Isaac. Again?
BUT, they spend hours with Pat. They spent days with him. They know this child! In his book, “Radical” David Platt wrote, “We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes.” On August 19, 2014 they received their pre-approval from China to proceed with Pat’s adoption.
Ethan and Randi appreciate your prayers and support as they work to bring Pat home and welcome you to follow the journey.
1/21/15—LOA RECVD; USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lanzadoptionadventure.blogspot.com
SAMUEL for the May family — PA
Joe and Audra May knew that a seed had been planted in their hearts and that adoption was in their future when they left a Steven Curtis Chapman concert in February of 2002. Expecting their first of what was to be 3 biological daughters at that time, they didn’t know when that might be. However, they committed to praying and seeking the Lord. 10 years later their bio daughters now 9,6 and 3, God had indeed called them forward to adopt, as they had already started the process in July of 2011. They were seeking to adopt a special needs little girl through China’s waiting child program. At the end of February 2012, they had found their daughter, Emmalin. She was living at Maria’s Big House of Hope, the same home co-founded by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth Chapman in honor of their daughter Maria. God had brought the connection to Steven and the seed for adoption had blossomed in their hearts and came full circle.
After traveling to China and visiting not only the orphanage Emmalin spent time in but also Maria’s Big House of Hope, as well as experiencing the miracle of adoption, their hearts had been forever changed. Joe and Audra began to pray and seek the Lord’s plans for their lives and whether God was calling them to adopt again. They had also learned and were very heartbroken for the thousands of little boys, more than little girls waiting for their forever family in China. February 2014, Audra stumbled upon the picture of a little boy on a waiting child page and she was immediately smitten. She was also surprised to realize that he was the same age and had the same medical condition, a form of Spina Bifida, as their daughter Emmalin. After sharing the little boy’s picture with Joe, who wasn’t ready to leap yet, they committed to praying. After a few weeks of prayer God revealed to them that the little boy was indeed their son and they were blessed to be able to pursue adopting him. This adoption, as was Emmalin’s is a complete leap of faith. Having no adoption funds to begin, God continues to pour out his blessings and open the doors as they pursue Samuel. Joe and Audra know that God can easily call the able to adopt but he often calls the willing and that’s what they are, willing to do the Lord’s work and to go where he calls them.
The May family is very excited and eager to bring Samuel home. They are eager to have their first little boy in the family and their daughter Emmalin is especially excited. Joe and Audra have been very open with Emmalin concerning her adoption. Through many conversations she already understands and likes to share with others wherever they go, that Samuel is from China and will be adopted just like her!
The May family would covet your prayers for their family and Samuel as they journey to bring him home. They are also blessed and so very thankful for any financial blessing they receive, no amount is too small.
1/7/15—AWAITING ARTICLE 5
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at mayblessingsflow.com
TIMOTHY for the Embry family — KS
Derek and Michelle are high school sweethearts who can’t wait to bring home a big brother for their two sweet girls, ages three and one. Their story began in 2006 and is still very much being written. Michelle remembers adoption being laid on her heart while she was still in the hospital after delivering their second baby (only one short year ago!). It may have been the anesthesia, or just God’s divine intervention that opened their hearts to adoption that day, but from then on they have been working tirelessly to make adoption a reality for their family. Michelle knew it was meant to be when she nervously told her husband she’d felt called to adopt a child with Down Syndrome and he replied “Let’s do it!”. They believe their love for all children (regardless of chromosomes) and Michelle’s experience as a nurse will help prepare them for welcoming an older child with Down Syndrome into their family. They are working day and night to bring home a son who they found through Reece’s Rainbow from a country in Asia. He has been waiting 5 long years for a family. It is unfathomable to the couple that he has waited this long, but know that God does nothing on accident and believe he has been waiting for them the entire time. Every day spent waiting is a day he goes without knowing the love of a family, and they are grateful for any donation, big or small, that will help them bring him home.
1/8/15—HOPE TO TRAVEL IN MARCH
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog weareembry.blogspot.com
ARIC for the Kojak family — FL
Chris and Ali have been married for 7 years and have two beautiful children already entrusted in their care. Their spirited little girl is three, and they have a sweet man cub who is one. Adoption has always been on Ali’s heart and a number of years ago she somehow found Reece’s Rainbow. The babies on this site haven’t left her thoughts since. You can’t unknow what you know — and they both felt convicted to ACT as a result of what they learned about children with special needs in other parts of the world. God has been working on growing their family biologically the last couple years, and recently made it clear that NOW was the tie to pursue adoption. They are over-the-moon to be adding this little love muffin to their family, and would sincerely appreciate your prayers for him and their family as they learn and grow and stretch over the course of this journey.
1/19/15—TRAVELING FEBRUARY 25
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog therighttoholdyou.com
BECKHAM for the Groen family — SD
Chad and Kayla have been together for 10 years, and just celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary. Kayla has and in home daycare, and Chad works for a local coal mining company. They have been blessed with 4 beautiful children. Bella is 11, and Chad adopted her when they got married. Asher is 7, Cylus is 4, and Peerson is almost 2.
Chad and Kayla always knew that they would adopt. A friend was in the process of adopting and added them to a group on facebook that had profiles of waiting kids. 6 months later they saw a 3 year old boy named Beckham that was beautiful. They knew he would get a family quickly, but every time they would see his picture, they couldn’t help but think he could be their son. He had a family committed to him, but something happened and he was listed as available again. Chad and Kayla talked about whether now was the right time to adopt. Beckham has untreated hydrocephalus, agnesis of the corpus callosum, and a cyst on his 3rd ventricle, so they had to make sure the care he needed would be available in their area. They got the confirmation that every month a team from mayo would be 45 minutes away, and wanted to take Beckham as a patient. This was the time, this was their son! He would finally have his forever family, and they would have the final piece of their puzzle.
1/19/15—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
LEANDRA for the Averett family — UT
Dean and Tori have been happily married for 25 years and have 6 beautiful biological children, 4 boys and 2 girls. They recently adopted 1 amazing little boy with Down Syndrome that they found here on Reece’s Rainbow (Percy on RR) and are now adding to lifes adventure by adopting Leandra. They always knew they wanted a large family. Dean and Tori talked about adopting several times throughout their marriage because they love children and love sharing their lives with them. They are active and have many passions and hobbies and do everything together. Their youngest son with Down Syndrome has lightened their lives and brings more happiness and laughter to the family everyday. After finding and donating to Leandras Angel Tree Grant they knew that she too belonged in their family.
Please consider helping Leandra and the Averetts unite as a family and contribute with a tax-deductible donation. They are very grateful for everyones help, prayers, support and blessings as they embark on there next adoption journey.
12/1/14—USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://onemoremonkeyadoption.blogspot.com/
CHUCK for the Pitcher family — MT
Nate and Julie have been married for nearly 17 years now. They love their chaos filled life; chasing their five biological children from sports, to spelling bees to piano. It’s a simple life, but it’s what they would choose over and over again. Life is about faith and family. It’s about talent shows, Disney sing-offs, homemade pizza, family home evening, wrestling and yes, basketball.
Adoption was not part of their immediate plan when two years ago they stumbled across the profile of a child meant to be theirs on Reeces Rainbow. They spent a week in country meeting and falling in love with her, and then the birth country formed a law that banned this adoption. Their hearts, and those of their biological children, were broken. She would never come home. Starting another journey has been a difficult decision.
The knowledge that there was another child for their family nagged at them. After a few months, Julie and Nate began to study the profiles of children waiting for their forever families. This little face became familiar. And tender. And then, it became theirs…
This journey has taken such different direction that what they would have imagined. But they acknowledge their Heavenly Father’s hand in it, and are so excited to add to their family by bringing this little man home. He has NO idea how life will change with 2 brothers, 3 sisters and a mom and dad.
Bring on the ‘firsts’….
1/8/15—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at pitcherperfect.blogspot.com
CHARLEY for Aaron and Jenny
“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 almost nine years. God has richly blessed them with three precious children. Their oldest son is six, their second born son is four, and their newly adopted baby girl is 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, they welcomed their gorgeous daughter into their family through the miracle of adoption.
2013 was the hardest year of Aaron and Jenny and their children’s lives. They 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 now five 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. A day after Putin signed the ban, they were given the opportunity to adopt their daughter’s biological brother. Their birth mother changed her mind the week he was due in March and they were unable to adopt him. And they committed to a little boy in Uganda with Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus in June-but due to no fault of their own, his adoption fell through in late 2013. They were just one step away from bringing all three boys home.
Through their grief, they have clung to Jesus and hope in His promises for their little boys spread throughout the world. They pray that even if those precious boys never come to their home, that the Lord would adopt them as His beloved sons. And they trust that eternity is long enough to spend with their three lost boys. While Aaron and Jenny continue to wait on Russia, they have been led to bring home little Charley, soon to be Boaz, from China. He is nearing a year old and has Down syndrome and is the most adorable boy in the whole country. They are already so proud of him! The whole family is overjoyed at God’s unfailing love and new mercies He has poured out on them through the gift of sweet Bo. They cannot wait until he is united with his mama and baba and brothers and sister. They would be so incredibly grateful for your support in bringing him home.
“…In You the orphan finds mercy.” –Hosea 14:3
1/8/15—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at whatisunseeniseternal.blogspot.com
LAYLA for the Horn family — IA
Katherine has worked with children as a social worker for almost 14 years. Around 6 years ago she decided she was ready to become a mom. After carefully researching different options she decided on international adoption. She was hoping and praying for the perfect toddler to add to her life. After waiting for a referral for a year she found her first daughter in Bulgaria on the waiting child list. Katherine quickly updated her dossier to match her daughter’s age and special needs and excitedly prepared for her. Maria came home from Bulgaria June 2012 and Katherine entered parenthood with a preteen. The past two years Katherine has been focusing on managing Maria’s spina bifida and ensuring that Maria has the opportunities to experience life fully. Katherine also spent time helping Maria’s close friends find from the orphanage adoptive families. Over the past two years it has been obvious to Katherine that their family is not complete and that Maria misses having the close sibling relationship she had with specific peers in the orphanage. Over the past year Katherine has considered starting the adoption process, but that was put on hold this past spring due to Maria needing 3 unexpected surgeries. Thankfully Maria is recovering well. This summer Katherine saw Layla and knew that she would be the perfect little sister for their family.
12/26/14—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at adoptingsinglemom.blogspot.com
TRAVIS and DEVAN for the Horvath family — IA
Istvan and Anna met in 2006 in Debrecen Hungary. After Istvan aged out of a Hungarian orphanage he felt he Lord calling him to serve those in the same situation. Anna had traveled to Hungary to work in an orphanage for the summer and Istvan was working with GoodSports International serving those same children. They now live in Iowa where Anna uses her ability of dance to minister to children and teens and they are raising their two daughters.
It was a 7 year journey to get to this place of adoption. But January 1st of 2014 Istvan felt like God said “Now is the time” and the next day their journey began.
The Horvath’s are so excited to bring their two boys home early 2015!
They are adopting “Travis” and “Devan” from China. These beautiful little boys called to their hearts and they know that this time was the perfect time for them to adopt.
Thank you for being a part of their journey!
1/14/15—USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at
LAURENCE’s family — IL
We are so excited to have Laurence/Lance join our family. I have had a heart for orphans starting at a very young age. I currently enjoy working in the field of special education, and have a great schedule for raising a family. I went back to school to get my Masters in Social work to hopefully start a ministry for orphans/foster kids someday. Although I have these big dreams, for right now, I am using what God has given me in the present moment. I didn’t really plan to adopt overseas, mostly because of the huge expense. In fact, I got my foster care license so that I can adopt a child from foster care in this country. I guess God has other plans at this time, and I am trusting in Him to provide. Lance will join two brothers. My biological son is 8 years old and he is half-Chinese. Lance’s other soon-to-be brother joined us in June of 2013 through a program called Safe Families and will be with us long-term. We are all looking forward to meeting Lance and have enjoyed the pictures and stories from so many people who have already met him and love him.
12/12/14—LOA RECVD
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lovinglancehome.blogspot.com
CHANCE and CALLIE for the VanHalle family — NY
It’s only been 9 months since Angie and Jason brought their first daughter, Claudia, home after finding her on Reece’s Rainbow, but once again, they feel God calling them to abandon their plans, and to bring their son Chance home. Neither thought that they would be pursuing adoption again so soon after the first, but after seeking God’s will, and with the counsel of their close friends and family, they are ready to once again step out in faith.
Update, May 2014: Angie and Jason have felt God calling them towards older children since shortly after starting the adoption of Chance, and they made the decision to add Callie to their ongoing adoption after praying and seeking the council of friends and family.
Callie is going to be their oldest child (by almost 6 years!) and Angie and Jason are actually just barely old enough to be able to adopt her. They have high hopes that she will be a great big sister to Claudia and Chance, and look forward to seeing her thrive in a loving family. The VanHalles would greatly appreciate your prayers, and can’t wait to see God in action this time around.
1/8/15—TRAVELING MARCH 7
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at followingourcallingdaily.blogspot.com
JANIE for the Long family — NC
The story of redemption is powerful. One that speaks to the heart of all men and begs the question, “why me?” Yet in the life and very death of Jesus Christ – we see the act of redemption, reaching out to the poor and desperate, seeking those who needed to be found, healing those who were sick, sinful, and hopelessly lost. Ultimately Christ gave the ultimate gift, His very life, to redeem all people from sin and He continues to give the gift of eternal life to all who believe.
The theme of redemption echoes in our very souls, moving us forward to show the love of God to others – just as Jesus did for us. In Hebrews we are commanded, “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16.
It is with this in mind, that Matt and Katie have begun a new journey that God has laid before them. It will be a long road, with possible disappointment and frustration, but overflowing with blessing beyond measure and the fulfillment that comes when obedient to God’s leading. Adoption.
A little girl has been calling to their hearts, “come, take me home.” She is an orphan. She has been waiting her entire life for her very own family. She has Down syndrome and cataracts and needs a family who will love her, support her, and help her reach her full potential.
God has uniquely equipped them to understand the needs of children with Down syndrome, by giving them a son with Down syndrome. They are surrounded by an amazing network of family, friends, church members, doctors and educators who share the same passion for helping those in need. They have been uniquely prepared to welcome another child into their home, because they have 5 children of their own and have experienced a myriad of trials and tribulations .
Matt and Katie are anxious to meet their new daughter and covet your prayers, words of encouragement and partnership with them on this new journey.
1/8/15—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog hopeinadoption.blogspot.com
A Family For LETTIE and BRANDI
Once upon a time, there was this hilariously not-so-little family, who kept thinking they were missing somebody. The sisters in the family kept voting for a little girl, to help even out the numbers, and the boys thought a baby sister would be awesome. So the mommy and the daddy prayed, and talked, and waited for God’s direction. Then one day, it came! And WOW- it’s time to go! There’s a little girlie waiting, fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator, just waiting to be snuggled and kissed and loved to pieces by her well-prepared and experienced soon-to-be family.
And then, along with sweet Lettie, the family found out that a little girl they have prayed for and loved for a long time, was available again. She’s older now, and lost her cheerful smile, and has likely seen a lot of sad things, but they know bringing her home to their family, where she can begin healing and being loved, is exactly what she needs. Please pray with them for her healthy and safety until they can get her home!
They’re ready to travel soon, so if you have a few dimes or nickels or a random unused inheritance (haha!) that you’d like to toss in to help them get them home quickly, it would be greatly appreciated! While they’re keeping it all rather hush hush right now, you better believe that once that referral is accepted and they can share that the girls are theirs, you’ll be bombarded with pictures!
Thank you all for your prayers, and support!!!!
1/5/15—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
HALLIE and BROTHER for the Preciado family — TN
UPDATE! UPDATE! After the Preciado’s family’s adoption agency visited their sweet girl’s center, they came to see how attached and bonded “Hallie” and one of her foster brothers are. “Hallie” and “Luke” have lived as brother and sister in this center for most their lives, and since there is no need to separate them now, Ryan and Carmen are excited and honored to be able to keep them as forever brother and sister, and adopt “Luke” too! This is a blessing beyond what words can describe, and Ryan and and Carmen are so happy to be able to share this story of God’s beautiful plan with you all!
Ryan and Carmen knew since their first date they would choose adoption to begin their family. Ryan was adopted from birth, and always knew he wanted to provide a loving home to a child in need the same way his parents did to him, and Carmen has always had a heart for children with special needs. She remembers volunteering her recesses in elementary school to work with the precious students in her school’s special education classroom, and kept her love for helping others through her life, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Special Education. (Fun fact: first date was June 28th 2012, engagement was August 4th, 2012, and their wedding was on January 19th, 2013!–even “funner!” fact: the daughter they are adopting’s birthday is Jan. 18 (2004) (that time of year is going to get way more expensive for Ryan!).
Their adoption process began sooner than they imagined thanks to a dream Carmen had been having since before her and Ryan were married (or even knew each other!). Carmen had the same recurring dreams for several years where she arrived home to the Nashville airport with her newly adopted daughter. The beautiful girl had gorgeous darker skin and dark wavy hair on her sweet head, she also had significant special needs, and was met with tears of joy and prayers by Carmen’s family at the airport. Fast-forward a few years after having this same dream over and over again, and while looking at the sweet children on an adoption advocacy site, THERE SHE WAS! THE SWEET GIRL CARMEN HAD BEEN DREAMING ABOUT! Thankfully, she already had a family coming for her, but Ryan and Carmen took her to be their sweet little angel who was telling them now was the time to begin their adoption journey. And so they did. One day while praying for the children and families of Reece’s Rainbow, Carmen scrolled down a page to have her husband grab her hand and exclaim, “Why hasn’t anyone adopted her yet?!” he repeated this several time until Carmen smiled and said, “I don’t know, maybe because we’re supposed to?” And that was it-the beginning of the journey to bring “Hallie”/Lu (soon to be Lucy if she wants a new name!) home. (fun fact: Carmen and Ryan are not actually that big of “I love Lucy” fans, they just thought giving her the name “Lucy” would be a great way to keep her Chinese name incorporated into a name given to her by her forever mommy and daddy)
See, Carmen is the weepy emotional sort and Ryan is the confident strong one–it makes for a great balance in this crazy little journey of life and adoption. Carmen is also the fiercely outspoken passionate one and Ryan is the gentle humble one–making yet another perfect balance in the crazy little thing called love. Carmen traveled to Afghanistan a year and half after 9/11/2011 to teach in newly gender-integrated classrooms, she has also been to Burma to set up day medical clinics in secret house churches, rocked babies in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and lived briefly in Uganda. After having seen so much pain and suffering, she decided she was either part of the problem or part of the solution–impassioning her even more. Once when talking to a friend about how she could possibly maintain a quiet and gentle spirit (1 Peter 3:4) when she’s seen so much injustice and suffering she was handed this ditty: “if you see suffering and injustice, you better shout it from the rooftops”-and that’s what she’s been doing ever sense, shouting it from the rooftops. (“fun” fact: while teaching in Afghanistan, Carmen had the taliban sit on on several of her classes; luckily she doesn’t scare easily, unless it involves spiders-then her life is over )
Ryan is the operations manager for the Home Depot and is always looking for ways to bless the immediate community around him, from donating crates upon crates of watermelon to the homeless mission to doing workshops with individuals with special needs. He is generous and humble-hearted: whenever Carmen approaches him with a way to “save the world (for somebody)” he listens and plans with her on how to do just that. (fun fact: Carmen sometimes convinces Ryan and a few of his coworkers to come and do a mini-workshop with her preschoolers, and one time they made bug catchers and told Ryan they wanted to catch black widows and poisonous snakes in it–Carmen did the important thing and taught them later that snakes are actually referred to as “venomous” and explained the difference–there is always a learning opportunity!).
Since Ryan and Carmen had only been married a year when they began the process to become a forever mommy and daddy to a sweet child on RR, they had to write a letter requesting a waiver (China requires you be married for 2 years). Remember how Carmen has a knack for writing with tons of emotion and being weepy and incredibly impassioned, well she wrote such a letter and pled her (and her husband’s) case, and…it was approved! Then a few weeks later the PA came, and now their are giddy new parents-to-be of a sweet 10 year old. (fun fact: Carmen and Ryan’s first dance was supposed to be to “Fools Rush In”–because, well, that’s what happened, remember the first “fun fact”?, but someone started the playlist before they got to the reception, so they didn’t)
They feel truly blessed, and look forward to walking through this journey with such a beautiful community (Carmen wants to make sure you know that is you!)
Change the world, for somebody.
12/17/14—USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at beforeievenknewyou.blogspot.com
Little Brother for the O’Brien family –
Hi! I’m Cecelia! My mommy and daddy adopted me from Kazakhstan back in 2009. I came to my forever home a week before my first birthday. Mommy and daddy have been trying very hard since soon after I came home to adopt a sibling for me. They say that countries have closed and referrals have been lost (whatever that means). But FINALLY, we have found my little brother in India! While we aren’t allowed to publicly share his photo, you can take my word for it, he’s a cutie! Mommy and I have been working on a list of all the things we need to teach my brother when he gets home. Priority number one is to teach him how long we’ve wanted him here and how much we love him!
Will you please consider making a donation to help get my brother home? I’m dying to be a big sister! Thank you!
12/15/14—STILL WAITING FOR NATIONAL APPROVAL
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at alittlebrotherforcecelia.blogspot.com
LISA for the Bison family — NC
John and Heidi were married in 2001 and became proud parents of their daughter, Ariauna later in 2001 followed by their son, Jaeden in 2003. Heidi has a degree in psychology and has worked with the developmentally disabled population and John is a veteran with a degree in criminal justice. John currently works full time while allowing Heidi to stay home and homeschool their children. As a Christian couple, they attend and serve at a local church where Heidi just returned from a 15 day mission trip to Indonesia.
Heidi has always had a passion for the disabled, which prompted her search for a career in that field. The hands on work with these people only strengthened the love she felt. Growing their family through the miracle of adoption was something close to Heidi’s heart so when she felt the Lord was directing her to pursue that calling, she shared it with John. Through time and prayer, John felt the same nudge from God and as a couple, they knew they must be obedient to the Lord’s calling. John has a special love for folks, both young and old, who have a diagnosis of Downs Syndrome so it was without question that they would pursue a special needs adoption!
John and Heidi’s children could not be more excited to have a younger sister and are already advocating for her to be treated just like them. Their compassion and love will help their little sister to develop into all that God designed her for. She has no idea the impact she has already had on the Bison family and the Bison family has no idea the joy that this sweet little bundle will bring to their family.
The Bison family asks for your prayers as they venture through this journey. If you feel led to help financially, no amount is too small!
12/4/14—LOA RECVD
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog bringgraciehome.wordpress.com
KEEGAN for the Vantrease family — KY
Mike and Anita have been married for 28 years. Anita was adopted at 11 months old. Her dad was also adopted but at the age of 3. He actually was one of the last orphans to ride the orphan train. Anita and Mike had a heavy heart to adopt as it’s always been a part of Anita’s life. They have 4 children all adopted from China and began the journey back in Dec. 2000 when they brought home their first daughter Emmi from Nanchang at the age of 12 months with the nsn program. She is now 14 yo. In 2003, they found their second daughter Maggie on the first sn listing. Her need was cl/cp. She is filled with energy and bounces through the house twirling and doing cartwheels. Not even thinking about a son, they felt the call again to adopt. But this time, God had a different plan for them, it was a son. They found Jacob at the age of 3 also on a sn list. He had a club radial hand. Anita advocated for him and didn’t even realize he was to be their son. Then God layed it on her heart and she knew!!! Trusting in Him, they started the journey to bring him home. Again, what a joy he has been to their family. In 2009, their heart became heavy for the older child. With prayer and trusting in God, in 2010 they found their daughter, Faith, age 12 yo. She was listed with Sequalae from a brain injury, cp. Since coming home, Faith has adjusted very well and is learning with leaps and bounds. It is with great joy that she is coming to know Jesus and attends a Friday night Chinese worship group and then of course on Sunday too. Now as the Vantrease family starts the journey again to their second son, the entire family is giddy to get him home. As with the previous 4 children, Keegan will be loved and adored. He will grow and learn about the love of Jesus in a home where He is present everyday.
12/30/14—LOA RECVD
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at adoptmilesoftheheartoneless.blogspot.com
ALEJANDRO for the Greene family — MO
Although his country’s guidelines won’t allow us to show you little “Alejandro’s” face, we CAN tell you that he is an adorable, energetic and and quickly growing 6-year old who deserves and desperately NEEDS a family of his own! We are on our way! This precious boy is Deaf, has been diagnosed with Autism and global development delays. He was a mere 2.2 pounds when born and has endured several surgeries as a toddler and has shown what a fighter he is! To see him doing somersaults now, you’d never guess the tough start to life he has overcome !
The Greene family has been married almost 8 years and has always considered adoption to grow their family. They were pursuing domestic adoption when they discovered Alejandro. They were completely smitten and knew they had been led to their son. In June 2013 they committed to “Alejandro” and have been working incredibly hard to complete each step along the way. They are now preparing their travel documents to travel in January 2015! The long wait is almost over!
Charles was adopted as a child and knows firsthand the blessings that come from having your forever family find you. Denise has spent over 20 years working within the Deaf community and with individuals with special needs. She is anxious to introduce Alejandro to basic Sign Language to help him communicate for the first time EVER. Both are very prepared to offer this amazing boy a home full of the love, support and 1:1 care he needs to thrive and come out of is isolation.
This is their FIRST child and FIRST adoption and they are anxious to secure the remaining funding to allow them to complete the process!! Every single dollar donated is appreciated and needed! The Greene’s have exhausted all possibilities for further loans and grants and credit, and have held numerous fundraisers. They now are praying for their story to reach those in a position to give generously and help them cross the finish line!
Alejandro’s family estimates they will need $15,000 to complete their adoption and bring him home. EVERY dollar counts!
1/2/15—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at greeneadoption.blogspot.com
JUSTICE for the Scriven family — CO
We are the Scriven family. We have two biological little girls, three and six, and recently adopted our 14 year old son Luke from China four months ago.
We were in the adoption process for almost three years. For two of those years we were geared up to adopt a baby from the special needs waiting child list. Little did we know there would be no baby in our future, instead we fell in love with a 13 year old boy, and it was the BEST decision we ever made as Luke is joy and light to our family.
We thought we would wait a couple of years to help Luke bond and settle into our family, and then possibly adopt a baby. Once again, a baby is not in our future, nor is waiting. 13 year old Cole (who was listed as Justice), Luke’s best friend from the same orphanage, has stolen our hearts. We first ‘met’ Cole back when were making the decision to adopt Luke. We thought Cole seemed like such a sweet boy and were sure someone would adopt him quickly. Cole must be adopted before May 1st before he ages out and is no longer eligible for adoption. We never in a million years would have thought we would go back to China so quickly.
Luke and Cole have similar special needs. Both boys have heart conditions are small, each only coming in at 4’ 3” inches. How amazing is it that God put these two boys together with similar conditions, who are best friends, and then moved our hearts to adopt BOTH of them!
We could use all of the support you are willing to give. We cannot gather the funds to go back to China by April this quickly to adopt Cole after Luke’s adoption without your help. If you donate, please know that we appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for helping these two boys to reunite, for Cole to have a family, and get the medical attention he needs.
1/14/15—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
NIGEL and NELLIE for the Gadbois family — MA
Brian and Nissa have been married for 23 years and are the parents of nine children. Adoption was always part of the plan for the Gadbois family, since before they were even married. They have been around adoption for many years as orphan hosts and adoption advocates.
Brian is an ordained deacon and an electrical engineer. Nissa is a stay-at-home mother and a professional photographer. The Gadbois Family operates a 300 acre farm in central Massachusetts with the help of their adult children. They make maple and birch syrups and honey, raise vegetables, dairy goats, and sheep. They also run a herd of cattle for another local farmer. All nine children still live at home and lend a hand on the farm.
Their special ministry is to the family, believing firmly in the mandate to care for widows and orphans, and in their responsibility to build up and strengthen all families. The Gadbois’ eldest daughter Catherine is in homeless ministry, working with expectant mothers.
“Nigel” and “Nellie” came to the Brian and Nissa’s attention at a time they didn’t think they could adopt. Many weeks had passed when someone else recalled this beautiful brother and sister to them. It was obvious that the Holy Spirit was prompting them to move forward. After some prayer and discussion, they decided to step out in faith to make these two beautiful children a part of their family. Thus far, as needs have arisen, God has provided. They are trusting in His goodness, and to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who will read about them and their children to bring to fruition what God has planned for this family.
1/24/15—USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at gadboisfamily.com
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