Almost There
.
|  |
|
Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome... |
 |
CALLIE for the Maples family — FL
Jonathan and Sarah met on Mother’s Day 1999 and were married less than a year later. Almost from the start they knew that adoption was going to be the method they would use to grow their family. In 2005 they brought home Samuel from India and through an odd set of occurrences Ivy from China at the end of the same year. While on these trips they saw the huge need of the orphans looking for a forever family, and felt especially connected to children with special needs. So in 2006 they adopted Ian from China who was born with sever bilateral cleft lip and palate. In 2008 they felt the call to adopt again and brought home Iris, who has a hand deformity, from Guatemala. Most recently in 2009 Jonathan and Sarah adopted Grace, who has Down Syndrome, from Serbia.
Now Jonathan and Sarah are feeling the call again to adopt a child with Down Syndrome. They immediately fell in love with Callie from China and have started down the path to bring her home. In addition to being an amazing addition to their family she would be a wonderful companion to grow together with Grace.
4/21/14—AWAITING LOA
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at gatheringangels.blogspot.com
WESLEY for the Vinson family — TX
Tim and Jamie Vinson married in 2004, and adopted their first child in February 2011, a beautiful 2 year old with albinism. This lucky little boy was named Chanz. Three years later, after much therapy, rehab and love, Chanz was ready for a sibling! The Vinson’s expected to adopt a tiny girl, but God had other plans. As soon as Jamie saw Wesley’s story, she knew that boy belonged to them. Tim agreed immediately, and so the journey began!
7/25/14—LOA RECVD
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog quietandconfident.blogspot.com
LUKE for the Boroughs family — NJ
Adam and Amy Boroughs are the parents of 11 children, 8 of whom joined their family through the miracle of adoption. They had just brought their newest daughter Maddie home from Bulgaria, when their FB newsfeed began to fill up with beautiful children in need of host families for the summer. One little boy immediately grabbed their attention as he had Down syndrome, like 5 of their children. The deadline for him to be chosen arrived, and they felt God prompt them to commit to be his host family. The instant they met him, they knew he was meant to be a part of their family! They are now paperchasing as fast as they can. They hadn’t planned on starting another adoption so soon, and had no time to raise funds. They are incredibly grateful for all the support in bringing their son home!
7/31/14—USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at justamomofseven.blogspot.com
FULLY FUNDED!!
A Family For Lettie
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.
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 her 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 she’s theirs, you’ll be bombarded with pictures!
Thank you all for your prayers, and support!!!!
7/24/14—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
HUGH for the Brangers family — SC
Phil and Jenn have been married for 4 years. They met at Morehead State University in Kentucky in 2004. After Jenn completed graduate school they married and moved to Summerville, SC. They found their church home at Journey Church, a church plant pastored by Phil’s good friend and high school youth minister.
They have had a heart for adoption since they married. Adoption has helped build them a beautiful extended family including 3 adopted nephews, 3 biological nephews and 1 niece who live in Kentucky. After a year of trying to conceive, knowing they always planned to adopt, they began searching for the child God had planned for them. They began their search through Reece’s Rainbow, as this organization was integral in the adoption of their amazing nephew Artem, from Ukraine. After several months of prayer and information gathering with different agencies, one 3 year boy from China was consistently placed in front of them. They knew that little guy, Micah (Hugh), was meant to be their son!
As Jenn is a physical therapist, the Lord stirred in their hearts, and led them to a son who has some physical special needs. They desire to teach him that he is wonderfully made by a God who loves him, and that his differences do not have to be limitations. They are eager to bring Micah home and give him the love and attention he truly needs and deserves.
Though Phil and Jenn can provide Micah the love and stability he needs after he arrives, they are trusting in God’s provision to overcome the financial barriers involved with his adoption. They welcome you to partner with them in prayer throughout this journey, and especially for their son, who is still waiting in an orphanage in Southeast China. They will be forever grateful to those who feel lead to help financially with their adoption and share in their blessing.
7/31/14—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at pbj-family.blogspot.com
LANIE’s family — MD
Two years ago, this family began the process to adopt from Russia and they spent four beautiful days visiting with two precious children in Russia in December 2012. Before they were assigned a court date to finalize the adoptions, however, Russia passed a law banning American citizens from adopting Russian children. The little ones they want so much to bring home remain in orphanages despite the blood, sweat, tears and prayers of many people on both sides of the Atlantic. This family remains ready return for the children they met in Russia just as soon as they are allowed, but as time has passed they have determined that there is still room in their family for one more child – specifically, for one more little girl who has waited a long, long time for someone to make her their daughter.
6/18/14—OFFICIAL MATCH RECVD
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at foxberryfarmalmanac.blogspot.com
JACHIN for the Barrett family — FL
Michelle is a single mother to six children. Her 22 year old daughter and son-in-law have blessed her with an almost 3 year old granddaughter and a grandson due in early 2014. She has two college children, and 18 year old daughter working on her degree in Social Work and a 20 year old son working on his degree in the police academy. She has a son who is a junior at a private Christian school. She adopted a sibling pair in 2012. Her son is 6 years old and has prosthetics on both legs and Arthrogryposis. Her 5 year old daughter wears leg braces, has cancer in remission since she was 1 1/2 years year old, and limb differences due to the cancerous tumor.
Michelle’s parents were foster parents for over 18 years and she always knew that she would adopt. She is adopting a little two year old boy from China. She lives in a small town but so many have adopted and begun a support group that meet monthly.
7/24/14—LOA RECEIVED
ALIA for the Snow family — WI
Michael and Julie Snow were married in 1999. They became foster parents in 2000. They spent the next eight years actively fostering children of all ages with a variety of needs. Their eyes were quickly opened to the many children in need; so they set aside any pursuits to conceive biologically. They became aware of the unplanned pregnancy of a foster child’s birth parent, which led to their first adoption of a domestic infant in 2001. While most of their foster children did not remain in their home permanently, they also adopted four children through foster care from 2005-2008. In 2006, they felt God stir their hears in a new direction and began the process to adopt internationally from Ethiopia. Having eight children in the home closed the door on their foster care ministry; the diversity of their adoptions and family gave them a worldview vision of the need. Julie’s involvement in and connection to the adoption circle provided an opportunity to reach out to other adoptive families. Serving in that role brought three more Ethiopian born children into their family, whose first adoptive families had decided to dissolve their adoptions. The Snows completed two more domestic processes to finalize these adoptions making their own family now a family of thirteen!
The Snows have parented over sixty children in their home. Michael and Julie have found that helping to heal children who have suffered trauma is what they do best. They have dedicated their lives to this purpose. They don’t believe they are special, but that God has called them and equipped them through education and experience.
Michael and Julie previously explored adopting from China, but it wasn’t until a friend traveled to China in late October, 2013, and met this little angel, that they felt compelled to respond. the Snow children are very excited to welcome a new sister! The Snows also hope to adopt a second child. Well aware of the work and sacrifice involved, they know they will be the most blessed by this. They have total trust in God’s provision, but would like to invite others to share in the blessing by having an opportunity to give.
6/17/14—DOSSIER EN ROUTE (DTC)
BENJAMIN and JUNE for the Williams family — PA
Clive and Frances are devout Christians who always wanted children. Married 25 years they have 3 children. It took 16 long years of infertility before the Lord blessed them with children & then 3 came along in 4 years! Benjamin 9 through IVF, Abigail 10, adopted from China when Ben was just 3 months old, & then a total surprise, Daniel, born with Down Syndrome & other health issues. Taking a few years to recover…….Clive & Frances realized they still had room in their hearts & homes, for 1 more…….but quickly the Lord showed that in fact they could take 2.
Clive had gone on a medical mission to Africa, another place blighted with parent less children, & came back wondering what else he could do. A quote that had always stuck in his mind – “I cant change the world………but I can change someones world, somewhere”. Driven by this & other factors Clive & Frances feel they have a responsibility to adopt children into their family, & use the resources God has given them – just the way God has modeled this in their lives with their adoptions into the family of God. They have identified 2 children, and have pre-approval & I800A, & have therefore started the process of “changing their lives forever”, by bringing them into their “forever families”. The financial burden of adopting one, let alone two special needs is pretty immense – would you please consider help in bringing these children home to their “forever families”?
7/22/14—LOA RECEIVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at felixofmedia.blogspot.com
SETH for the Speelman family — OH
The Speelman family consists of J.T., Ginny and their 2 sons. They have been married for nine years. They have been planning to be a family of five and originally hoped our newest addition might be a girl. Ginny worked in college with adults and children with disabilities, which led to a career change, becoming a rehabilitation counselor, working with adults with disabilities in the workforce. Sometime after having their second son, Ginny stumbled upon Reece’s Rainbow and was struck by the little boys the same age as her own were orphaned because they were HIV positive. Sadly that country no longer allows Americans to adopt. Ginny began to peruse Reece’s Rainbow and other advocacy sites more frequently and joined an advocacy Facebook group. She also began assisting in a group to raise funds for families adopting. During this process she learned boys often wait longer than girls to find families and that even just being a boy is considered a special need. She knew then if we adopted it would be a little boy. In the early spring of 2013, Ginny saw a little boy listed in an Asian country. Something about his picture and description stuck with her. She continued to check on him regularly, then daily, to see if a family had found him. The summer of 2013 she asked JT to please consider adoption and this little boy specifically. A few days later she placed his picture on the refrigerator, and that night JT called from work to say he was thinking very much about this little boy. God continued to move in JT’s heart, and they submitted the paperwork in September to commit to this child, listed on Reece’s Rainbow as Seth. He is a little more than a year younger than their youngest, and everyone is very eager to have him home!
7/31/14—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at speelmanhome.wordpress.com
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.
6/23/14—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at
EMMA and SHAILEY for the Dubbs family — NC
Brad and Lori were high school sweethearts and have been married for more than 28 years. They have adopted 9 daughters from China – the first three through the traditional program and the other six through the waiting child program.
Brad works from an in-home office doing risk management for a company, and Lori is a stay-at-home mom.
Brad and Lori did not set out to adopt again, however, this one special little girl kept coming to their attention. First, they saw her on a waiting child list and advocated for her. Later, they decided to sign up for a hosting program, although they did not realize at the time that the child needing hosting was the same child they had advocated for previously. Unfortunately, the hosting program was closed and they were unable to host her. Once she was listed with her current agency for adoption, they saw all of her photos and realized that this was the same child that Lori had been advocating for months earlier and the same one they would have hosted. It was then that they realized that she was their daughter! Brad and Lori applied and were matched with “Emma”, and they began compiling their dossier.
They became aware of another adorable little girl named “Shailey” who had the same special need as “Emma” (deafness). They quickly applied for her and have received pre-approval for her as well!
Brad and Lori are so excited to be blessed with two more daughters! All of the Dubbs children are very happy and eagerly await their arrival as well!
6/24/14—DOSSIER SUBMITTED (LID)
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog followinghisleadtochina.blogspot.com
KOEN for the Gomes family — HI
Joanna and Paki have been married for almost 5 years and have been blessed with 3 children. From the time they met said they’d like to have a “larger” family and had talked about adoption. In late 2012, Joanna and Paki felt God’s call for them to look into adoption. Paki reached out to a friend that had recently adopted through Reece’s Rainbow and she informed them about the website. After much contemplation, they saw a little girl who truly stirred their hearts, but were frustrated when they realized they could not begin the adoption process until Paki came home from a military deployment. Shortly after Paki returned, baby #3 was born and life became a bit more hectic. With their youngest turning 5 months old, Joanna felt God again, gently stirring the desire to adopt. Joanna and Paki returned to Reece’s Rainbow website and were devastated to learn the they little girl they had hoped to find again had passed away.
Paki continued to look through the little faces and came across sweet Koen. Surprisingly, he looks a lot like their oldest son and they absolutely fell in love with this him. They are so excited for God’s calling to bring this little boy into their hearts and family! Please pray for this family as they move forward in this exciting journey.
7/4/14—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog gomesohana.blogspot.com
DRAKE for the Theisen family — ID
About 18 months ago God started whispering to Meg’s heart about considering adoption when their Student Ministries Pastor and his wife were at the beginning of their own adoption. At the time Meg’s body was a mess of unchecked Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and chronic back & neck pain; not the best scenario to introduce a little one into.
Meg started praying about it and, during yet another experience in hearing God’s desire for them to adopt through a speaker at a Homeschooling Conference, Meg asked Rich to start praying about it too. The subject of adoption kept coming up through any avenue God saw fit to use; movies, books, bible studies, and of course, scripture. It was undeniable and unavoidable; Jesus had a plan for their family. Rich and Meg have taught their 5 sons that it doesn’t matter how much you study the bible; you have to live it. In short, the boys were on board long before their parents were.
God has moved mountains in our world to accommodate obedience. He’s addressed nearly all of Meg’s physical issues, including the latest surgery on her back that should resolve most of her daily pain! The fitting response to getting a second chance at a normal life is to extend that blessing to a little one who’s chance at basic survival is disturbingly low. (They read that Internationally, 80% of special needs children who age-out and are then institutionalized, die within the 1st year.) Then finally, God softened and spoke to Rich’s heart on the subject; although in his defense he is already pretty dang tender!
So where do we start? There’s so much need. I looked at so many websites and read so many biographies of waiting children and what captured their hearts was a 3 year old little boy with Down’s syndrome named Drake and he lives in Lithuania. He was the only one out of all those kids that had stated in his bio, “He’s 3 years old and nobody visits him.” Meg’s (and Rich’s) heart broke. The Holy Spirit whispered, “Yes.” and that’s all it took. Meg was blessed and burdened with a glimpse of how Jesus feels about these forgotten little ones… there’s no turning away from that.
Now, they are within months of meeting their son; Homestudy in motion, Dossier package on it’s way to them to start the mad dash towards completion. They are watching God’s plan unfold for their family in awe of His thoroughness and provision. Not only provision in their fund-raising efforts through the generosity of others but also God’s provision in the form of redemption. To make a long story short; Meg’s heritage on her mother’s side is full Lithuanian, the side where the generational sin of abuse occurred. But God, by His grace, is doing a new thing! He is bringing something good and honorable and loving from what was damaged and broken and ugly by redeeming this long tainted Lithuanian blood. What an unforeseen blessing! God is so good.
They pray that Jesus is whispering in Drake’s ear… “Your parents are coming soon and they love you so much…”
6/25/14—OFFICIALLY MATCHED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at hecapturedourhearts.blogspot.com
JIMMY for the Duvall family — IN
Jon and Carly Duvall have been married for 9 years, and have three wonderful children ages 7, 6, and 5. They met at the small Christian school they both attended and got married after 4 years of dating. They live in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they were both born and raised.
The Duvall’s talked about their desire to adopt early on in their marriage, but ended up having three children very close together and were caught up in the busyness of raising a young family. As their children have grown, God has been bringing the call to adopt to the forefront. They did not set out to adopt a child with special needs, but God had a different plan. When they found Asher (Jimmy), they knew he was their son and it began to make perfect sense. Carly had lost a younger sister who had Down syndrome and died from a hole in her heart. God was completing His perfect plan!
Jon, Carly, and family are so excited to bring Asher home and give him the love and family he deserves. They are trusting in God’s provision in the financial aspect of this process and would be so grateful for any support as well as prayers.
6/25/2014—DOSSIER LOGGED IN
Follow the Duvall family’s adoption journey on their blog at bringinghomeasher.blogspot.com
LEO for the Aschoff family — MN
Ted and Jodi met in 2001 and married in 2005. After many years of infertility they chose to pursue adoption as a way to grow their family. Initially they encountered some bumps in the road including a domestic reclaim (of a boy with DS) but in their hearts they knew that adoption was the right choice and in 2011 they completed the adoption of their daughter (with DS), Kayella, from Latin America. They knew that Kayella should have a sibling and decided to pursue international adoption again specifically hoping to add another child with Down Syndrome to their family. Once they were ready to begin the process, their search of options for another adoption led them to Leo’s profile and they fell instantly in love with him and knew he would be the perfect addition to their family.
6/17/14—USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at tedandjodicolombia.blogspot.com
NICHOLAS for the West family — TN
Fifteen years ago, Nathan and Amber were love-drunk teenagers dreaming of a future together. They agreed adoption was in the cards from the start, and hoped for a house full. Layla was the first to arrive. Now nine years old, Layla has the sweetest spirit and a zest for reptiles. Twins Brynn and Cale joined the family via domestic adoption and recently turned seven. Brynn loves to entertain with song and dance and has a servant’s heart. Cale, the only boy so far, loves anything with wheels and is the very definition of charming. Anna Gray joined their family from Ukraine through Reece’s Rainbow in 2012. She keeps the whole house grounded in love and shines brighter than the sun. Not long after Anna Gray made it home, the older kids started asking where “Brother” was. After taking some time to adjust as a family of six, it became obvious that he was missing. Initially, the family decided to be very specific about who Brother was going to be and that another international adoption was just too much work. God said very clearly for them to “Stop trying to make the rules.” and brought them back to Reece’s Rainbow to see Brother’s face staring back at them. His interests are listed as: signing, dancing, cars, and zoo animals. HE IS THE MISSING PIECE. Trading rules for faith, they are now working to get Brother home. He has waited too long for a family of his own. Now, he has one ready and waiting for him.
6/3/14—AWAITING TRAVEL APPROVAL
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at growingwests.blogspot.com
RUTHIE for the Hoang family — MD
Ann and Lam met at a prayer meeting and were married shortly after and they have been on a great adventure together ever since! They had always wanted a big family – but who knew it would be first through adoption? Through an amazing series of events in their lives, the Lord led Lam and Ann to a precious treasure named “Ruthie”. Their adventure continues with the adoption story of this beautiful girl from China who happens to have Down Syndrome and congenital heart disease. They are excited to be able to share with you the journey of bringing home their first child and through it to be able to show matchless love of God for every person He has created.
6/10/14—LOA RECEIVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at childlikehope.wordpress.com
LAYNE for the Garrett-Gardner family — NC
John and Joanne met through mutual friends in 2001. They were both musicians and enjoyed playing guitar and collaborating with other musicians. They began writing songs together, and quickly became close friends. They soon fell in love and in 2005 were married. They always knew that they wanted a family, and it had been a dream of theirs to grow their family through adoption. In 2008, that dream came true when they were blessed with a wonderful son, Zachary, who is from Vietnam.
The visit to Zachary’s orphanage in Vietnam had a profound impact on John and Joanne. It was very difficult for them to see so many special needs children being overlooked for adoption. At that moment they knew they would be adopting again. They just weren’t sure when!
In December 2012 John and Joanne decided it was time! They signed with an agency and started the adoption “paper chase”. They intended to complete their dossier and wait for a referral for a daughter with special needs. However, one day Joanne began looking at photos of waiting children, and immediately was drawn to a beautiful baby girl name Layne who has hydrocephalus. From the moment they saw her, John and Joanne knew that Layne was meant to be their daughter…and they can’t wait to be her parents! Zachary is so excited to be a big brother and asks every day when they will be able to travel to bring Layne home.
Thank you for your help in bringing Layne home.
11/7/13—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
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.
4/22/14—USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at cardamomandpoprika.blogspot.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.
6/5/2014—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog weareembry.blogspot.com
ARMANDO for the Short family — OK
Margo is a Christian woman and family medicine doctor who desired to be a mother. God provided that opportunity in 2009 with her first adoption from Ethiopia. She now has three daughters adopted from Ethiopia, ages 9, 5, and 3. Her 3 year old has Down syndrome. By the grace of God and love of her family and ffriends, this little girl went from only being able to roll over, to being able to sit up, crawl, then walk, sign, and speak a few words, all within 1 year.
Margo and her daughters are excited to add a precious boy to their family!
5/12/14—HOPING FOR COURT IN JULY
AMBER and PATRICK for the Marion family — WV
Dave and Lisa have been married for 20 years. They were blessed with 3 children through adoption – 2 domestic and 1 from China, and for several years their family felt complete. While remaining open to adoption, they focused more on encouraging other families, and helped their agency to open a branch in their own town. When asked to participate in a panel on International adoption, they eagerly agreed to share their experiences. The next day, Dave told Lisa, “I think we need to go back to China.” The kids were enthusiastic, preferring adoption to a trip to Disney World and a pet “hampster” and it was decided that a brother and sister would be just the right addition to the family. Because Dave and Lisa were open to adopting older children with minor special needs, they started watching their agency’s Waiting Child list. After much searching and prayer, they chose 10 year old Patrick and 6 year old Amber. The paperwork trail is complete, and they hope to travel in October to bring their children home!
7/20/2014—DOSSIER LOGGED IN
STEPHIE for the Pickett family — VA
Scott and Chandres met in 2000, were married in 2003, and by 2010 were expecting their third child. During an early difficult pregnancy, there were markers for heart defects and chromosomal disorders, so they began researching Down syndrome and met with a cardiology team. After their daughter’s successful heart repair in 2011, the Picketts knew they were ready, once again, to add to their family. They began exploring different adoption routes, discovered Reece’s Rainbow, and brought Viktorya and Denny home from Bulgaria in March 2013.
After a year of adjusting and settling, Scott and Chandres saw a picture of a young lady in the same country so dear to their hearts and began praying about adding her to their family. Scott, Chandres, Viktorya, Ayden, Elijah, Denny, and Sadie are excited to welcome “Stephie” into their family!
7/7/14—DOSSIER COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at upcycledpurpose.blogspot.com
SAVANNAH for the Piatt family — CA
Tami is a single mom to four beautiful girls. Her oldest, Suzanna, is grown and working as an engineer. Her daughter Elisa, adopted from Bulgaria and Lara, from China were joined by Mary, adopted in 2007, also from China. She thought her family was done but God had other plans and she knew she had another child waiting to come home. Over the last few years many children have touched her heart and she liked to think that she had prayed many children home. Last April, she saw Savannah and knew that this was her long awaited daughter. She prayed for many months that God would provide a way for her to bring her daughter home. God opened those doors this fall, and now the whole family is excited to be welcoming 5 year old Savannah into their hearts and home.
7/31/14—DOSSIER SUBMITTED, WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at piattfamilyabc.blogspot.com
JACKSON for the Simmons family — TX
Jody and Julie have been married almost twenty years and have three children: Hannah-17, Joshua-15, and Caleb-7. Over the years, they have seen God’s faithful hand of redemption in their marriage and family, and believe that he is now writing the next chapter of this beautiful story: ADOPTION.
After feeling God’s call to adopt in 2012, Jody and Julie began researching agencies and searching photo-listings for the child that they felt would be a good fit for their family. However, God had greater plans than theirs. Over time, God began opening their hearts to the possibility of adopting an older child, one with special needs. When they saw Jackson’s photo on Reece’s Rainbow on April 26, 2013, he took hold of their hearts and hasn’t let go! They know that Jackson will need lots of patient instruction and unconditional love to overcome the delays he has experienced from spending six years in a crib, but they also know that God has called them to be his family and do whatever it takes to capture his heart and meet his needs. They are trusting God to provide both the financial provision to bring him home and the wisdom to parent him. Jackson’s older brothers and sister are preparing for his arrival by raising money, and even learning Mandarin and sign language to help him learn to communicate. The Simmons family won’t be complete until Jackson is finally home!
7/31/14—WAITING FOR TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at simmonsadoptionjourney.blogspot.com
EDMUND for the Hinz family — FL
Brian and Erin have been happily married since August of 2008. After a wonderful honeymoon cruise with family friends, they decided that they wanted to start trying for a family. However, God had other plans. After two years of battling infertility and a year of infertility treatments, the Hinzes gave up on having children naturally and began to research adoption.
After weeks of adoption research, Erin came upon the Reece’s Rainbow website and immediately became sold on the idea of adopting a child with Down syndrome. However, she kept this a secret for several weeks while she figured out the best way to approach Brian with the idea. Then, one day, she found a picture of a little boy she knew was meant to be hers. She approached Brian and, after months of research a prayer, they commit to adopting Sterling.
Sterling has Down syndrome and was adopted from Ukraine in October 2011. Now 7, Sterling has been home for over two years and is thriving in a loving home. He has been the greatest blessing the Hinzes could ever imagine. He has helped them to become better people and has given them a love that they never knew existed. You can read all about Sterling’s adoption here: bringingsterlinghome.blogspot.com
Now, the Hinzes are pleased to announce that they are adding another little man to the family! They cannot wait to get him home and they hope you will join them on this mission.
7/31/14—DOSSIER COMPLETE, USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog: twolittleketchupcrocodiles.blogspot.com
SHAWNA for the Cassel family — VA
Dean and Andi Cassel have been married for eight years, and have three wonderful children, ages 7, 5, and 3. They met while both were serving in the Marine Corps, and married a few years later. Now out of the military, they have settled in Virginia, and truly live dependent on the grace of Christ.
The Cassels have felt the call of adoption on their hearts for several years, but over the years, the call has matured with new light and life. It took seven years for them to act on God’s prompting, but it was through those years that they realized God was preparing them for a specific adoption. He had grown their hearts and turned them toward the child with special needs; and more specifically, to a child with Down syndrome. This seemed out of the blue, and perhaps bigger than they thought they could handle; and yet there was no fear. Only peace, and excitement.
Dean and Andi feel humbled and privileged at the same time, and whole-heartedly anticipate the arrival of their newest little one. The whole family is excited about the prospect of bringing home their daughter/sister, Shawna!
They would appreciate Prayers, and if you feel compelled, financial support as they move forward in faith to bring Shawna home!
7/29/14—LOA RECEIVED
Kiril and Dell’s Family
Kiril has waited so long! It’s finally his turn to have a family of his very own! Kiril’s family cannot wait to bring him home where he will be treasured and loved unconditionally. The family greatly appreciates your prayers and financial support as they follow God’s calling to bring him home.
UPDATE: The family will also be bringing home Dell!
7/31/14—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
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 5-year old who deserves and desperately NEEDS a family of his own! This precious boy is Deaf and 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 7 years and has always considered adoption to grow their family. They were busy pursuing domestic adoption through the state of Missouri when they stumbled upon Alejandro. They were quickly smitten and soon realized they had been led to their son. Last summer they began the long process to adopt him and now they are finally THIS close to traveling to get their precious son and bring him home! (As soon as September 2014)!
Charles was adopted as a child and knows firsthand the blessings that come from finding your forever family and realizing how loved you are. 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. 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 to start to understand his confusing and silent world!
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 have held numerous fundraisers. They now are praying for their story to reach those in a position to give and help them cross the finish line!
Their goal to be fully funded is $18,000.
5/29/14—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at greeneadoption.blogspot.com
DANNY and WAYNE for the Anderson family — NM
Michael & Amber met in a choir class at the University of New Mexico Institute of Religion way back in 1998. They have been married just shy of 14 years. They have three bio children, Seth who is almost 13, Evie who is almost 10, and Gillian who just turned 4. They decided they would have a large family, probably six children, and then, when those children were grown, they would start a new wave of children through adoption. As it turned out, biology made that initial plan impossible. Instead of mourning, they moved up their adoption plans! They are certified foster & adoptive parents through their state, but were unable to secure a permanent placement.
They came to Reece’s Rainbow, not to seek international adoption, but because a friend posted a link on FB that spoke of a third friend’s adoption. The Anderson’s viewed international adoption as ‘something rich people did’ and didn’t plan for it to be part of their future. However, once Amber discovered Reece’s Rainbow, she began to research the terrible conditions in foreign orphanages and their hearts were softened that international adoption wasn’t for ‘someday’ when they had more money but that, as MLK said, “The time is always right to do what is right.”
They found their son, Danny, in a large Asian country. Sometimes orphanage conditions are better in his country, sometimes they’re not. But Danny has a special need, which means, no matter what, his future in his home country is grim. His personality is dynamic and fun and he’d be perfect in a large, crazy family like the Anderson’s. He deserves a chance based on his potential, not his ability to move, and the Andersons are so excited to be a part of his future. They hope to add a second child before travelling, but pick children based on just the right feeling and have not discovered their second child yet.
They believe that Frederick Douglass was so very right when he said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”, and they hope you will join with them on their journey to build strong children in the arms of their crazy, loud, togetherness seeking, wacky joke telling, hug giving, game playing, trip taking, knowledge seeking, and very, very loving family.
7/8/14—LOA RECVD, AWAITING TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at whereyouwantmetogo.blogspot.com
MEREDITH for the Lehmann family — WI
Brian and Keri have been blessed with 14 years of marriage and counting, with God as the glue…Marriage takes three! They always thought they would have their own children, when and if it was God’s will. But so far it has not happened…yet! They have been blessed with 4 legged furry kids, horses, dairy goats, dogs and cats,…but are still waiting for a 2 legged non furry kid or kids. 
After thinking maybe it was not in God’s plan for them to be parents, a phone call from one of Keri’s brothers in Nov. 2011 changed all that. Her brother told her that the baby he and his wife were expecting in the Spring might have Down Syndrome. Long story short…they would not be able to keep the baby…was this how God planned for them to finally become parents?! Keri told her brother they would adopt the baby in a heartbeat. Keri works in health care and Brian and Keri help care for a family friends child with special needs. This beautiful child with CP has been a blessing to them and really helped take away many of their fears and softened their hearts to a special needs child. Then began the research on Down Sydrome. Through research Keri came upon Reece’s Rainbows website, wow look at all these beautiful sweet children that need homes…how would you ever choose? Brian and Keri were still thinking that maybe they would be adopting her brothers baby. After much prayer time another phone call came, God’s answer was no. Keri’s brother and sister-in-law would be keeping the baby whatever the health of the baby, praise God! But ouch…will they ever be parents?!
Keri then returned to a list of Reece’s Rainbow kids, one child over and over again kept standing out among the others. After a lot of time in prayer, digging into God’s word and with many family, friends and their church praying for them. The answer and peace of what God was calling them to do became clear… sweet Meredith was to be their daughter! Wow, Praise the Lord! Even though there are still many answers unknown and concerns about finances. They continue to trust their Heavenly Father through this unknown journey and have faith that His will and timing is always perfect. As He has shown them many times through their 14+ years of marriage.
God is Good! Praying for Meredith’s health and safety!
Your Mommy & Daddy can’t wait for the day they can bring you home to your forever family…
7/24/14—FINALLY TRAVELING AUGUST 26!!!
A CHILD for the Shoger family — FL
Andrew and Kristin have been married for 10 years and have 3 biological boys! In the spring of 2013, God began to open their eyes to the needs of children around the world who are without families. Seeing how much they have been blessed by God with a loving family, faith, and a warm, cozy house, the Shogers felt God calling them to open their arms to another child. They began to have a strong desire to give a child in need a family, love, security and the chance to know and love Jesus. As they prayed about adoption, the Lord began showing them over and over again children with down syndrome and other special needs. As their eyes were opened to the life that awaits children with down syndrome in Eastern Europe, they decided to follow their hearts and pursue the adoption of a special little one with an extra chromosome. They hope to add a little pink to all the blue that’s currently in their home! Though they don’t know her name and have never seen her face, they know without a doubt that God has knit this special little one together in her mother’s womb and, even now, is knitting her together in their hearts!
Please join the Shoger’s on their journey of faith by following their blog. They covet your prayers, your support and your love as they embark on this exciting and life changing journey!
4/16/14—DOSSIER in COUNTRY
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.copycatrat.blogspot.com
FULLY FUNDED!!!
STEVEN for the Davis family — UT
Taylor and Katie met at Brigham Young University on the very first day of college as freshmen. After a couple of really fun years dating and Taylor serving a mission for the LDS church, they were married in August of 2005. They have four incredible children ages 8, 6, 4, and 2, and are excited to make it five. Katie is a stay-at-home mom and loves it. Taylor works as a Statistician at KLAS Research. As a family the Davises are happiest when they are spending time together. For the past few years Taylor and Katie have felt that adoption would be part of their family’s story and they are thankful for the experiences they are having as they work to make Steven part of their family. They have already learned a lot from their adoption journey and they love this little boy and look forward to their future with him.
6/9/14—DOSSIER SUBMITTED; MATCH APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at tkdavis.blogspot.com
AUBREE and LAELIA for the Robinson family — SC
Shortly after marrying in 2007, God blessed Jode and Kelley with a beautiful 1888 Folk Victorian home, and He placed in their hearts the desire to fill it up with a rainbow of children. Jode and Kelley soon became foster/adoptive parents and are now the proud parents of three beautiful domestic grown babies and three Eastern Europe babies. With so many children needing families, love and medical care, they knew they would adopt again someday; however, they did not think it would be any time soon. But . . . God had different plans.
Aubree, who has arthrogryposis, has long been on their hearts and now little Laelia, who also has arthrogryposis, has come along. Both children are beautiful and share the same diagnosis as their precious youngest son who has made great strides since coming home. They know that these two girls will also grow and development as they receive all that they need to become the amazing women God created them to be. We are excited too experience all that God has in store for them as part of our family. Please follow us through our blog as we once again begin this amazing journey.
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Eph 3:20)
7/31/14—APPOINTMENT IS AUGUST 20
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at blessedindeedandexpandingourterritory.blogspot.com
