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The families listed on this page have made it to “the end of the rainbow”. Your sponsorship is most critical now, as their final agency, country, and travel fees are coming due. Your help will make such a huge difference! |
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The families listed on this page have made it to “the end of the rainbow”. Your sponsorship is most critical now, as their final agency, country, and travel fees are coming due. Your help will make such a huge difference! |
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Alapaki and Joanna got married in 2009 and spoke of the desire to have a “larger family”. God has honored that desire and by 2013, they had 3 young children. But God knew of a little boy half a world away that needed a family and in 2014, Joanna traveled to Ukraine to bring home a little boy to grow their family to 4 children. God smiled and blessed them with another baby in 2015 and so the number became 5. Joanna and Alapaki agreed, they had very full hands and with a full mini-van, it was time to call it quits. Well, God is smiling again and stirred in their hearts for another little boy half a world away who wants nothing more than to be part of a family. They are overjoyed at the prospect of this little boy joining their crazy family and a bigger vehicle to accommodate! So please pray for them as they step out on this journey for wisdom, discernment, and peace. Thank you!
6/8/2017– DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at gomesohana.blogspot.com
Dennis & Cindy have been married 38 years and have raised 8 biological children ages 36 to 19 and 7 beautiful grandchildren. They started their journey of adoption 4 years ago with their little girl Adalyn in Russia, just 5 days after they returned home the ban became law. For a year with the other Russians parent they tried to bring her home and through the journey were open to children God would bring before them. They still Believe, Trust and Stand on Faith and Hope for the orphanage Gates in Russia to reopen for their little girl and all the other orphans that are caught in the ban. On Jan. 7, 2014 they stepped out to adopt their two little ones, Abraham and Sarah, biological siblings from Ukraine. Then the war broke out and Abraham and Sarah were in an orphanage in one of the 3 cities where the war was, but they still continued.
On May 7 their dossier was submitted and on June 7 they got travel dates. But joy soon turned to wait, it was unsafe to travel to their children because of the war. But they stood Believing in Faith against everything that was reported , because God continued to speak to Cindy, guiding her in each step, with clear messages of Hope and Promises. In July they found out Russia came in and tried to kidnap their children and the other 60 children in the orphanage but they were stopped. The next day the children were evacuated North to a safe region. For 6 weeks they heard nothing. Then in August God gave Cindy a date Sept. 27 and He also told her they would be home by CHRISTmas. On September 26 Cindy missed Nancy’s phone call and didn’t know it till 3 hours later. When she called Nancy, she was told the team thinks they have found a way be prepared to travel anytime. Cindy knew something was going to happen soon because of the 27 but it was still the 26, then Nancy told her it was the 27th in Ukraine! If Cindy had gotten the phone call 3 hours earlier it would not of been. Our Father is Amazing…
On Oct. 4 Cindy got the call to book her flight. She booked it for Oct. 11 and had 1 week to raise the rest of the funds because she couldn’t say anything until now and she couldn’t fundraise before because no one believed she would travel because of the war. Long story short God did provide all the funds on her 2nd trip. On her first trip she found out that their little girl had open heart surgery a week before, and was still in the hospital. After being in country 10 days their 21 year old son was in an air crash with 4 fractures in his back. She flew home for 7 days and then returned knowing her son would recover but healing would take some time.
On December 4, 2014, just like God said, Abraham and Sarah came home with their mommy and daddy. It has been a year filled with Miracles,Blessings and also some of the most difficult times they have ever gone through. Helping little ones heal from being in a war, with bombing, is heartbreaking; seeing their little girl who was neither walking or talking, who is now running and never stops talking. Hearing their little son now leading and Praying over his little sister in Prayer.
Now God is calling us to step out again for our little boy. God gave Cindy the name Ayden Samuel awhile ago and now we know who our little Ayden Samuel is. Once again God keeps speaking and confirming. So they are stepping out in Faith again, Trusting their Father in the journey. Little Ayden had a family committed who sadly had to release him and Cindy has been in contact with his first momma. God has a perfect plan for each of our lives and our children, His children and His timing is Perfect. We can’t always understand nor do we always have answers but in all of this we can Trust Him as He leads and guides us. They are Blessed that Ayden has large fsp, but they will still need to raise the rest of the funds. So they are stepping with joy into another journey to bring another little boy into their family and will be so humbly grateful to any help given for their little boy.
7/7/17 — DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Nate and Sanae reside in the Seattle area with four wonderful boys. Though God has always surrounded them at church with families who’ve adopted special needs children, they never seriously considered adopting a child themselves – perhaps because of the trials they were facing –unemployment, finances, and health and perhaps because they felt they had a full house. Last year, God specifically called Sanae to consider adopting a girl with a special need. At first, she was scared and fearful of the unknowns, so she started praying. God quickly filled her heart with the joy and excitement of being blessed with a long awaited daughter! After all, Sanae felt, this is not very different from being surprise-blessed with biological children. God then worked in Nate’s heart over the next several weeks. Now they are both anxious to bring their beautiful little girl from Asia! The boys? They have been ecstatic from the very first suggestion. “Norah” will be well loved by all the sweet, big brothers, the parents, the grandparents as well as our church family who are all waiting for her arrival.
The Garvin family (including little “Norah”) are forever grateful for the donations already made by many people through RR and though RODS.
7/5/17 —LOA RECEIVED
The Job family currently reside in Northern California and are thrilled to be adopting for the first time. Gary and Sasha have been married for nearly seventeen years and have been blessed with four amazing children. Their youngest biological child, Zoey, was born with a congenital heart defect as well as an extra chromosome – she has Down syndrome! Zoey has shown the family not only how strong she is, quickly recovering from open heart surgery at three months old, but also that life with Down syndrome is beautiful. The joy she has brought to their world is contagious and the family knew that one day they would add to their family through adoption … and they knew one thing for sure, they wanted a child with Down syndrome!
In November Sasha saw “Angel” on Reece’s Rainbow. Immediately something grabbed her, she couldn’t look away from “Angel’s” photo. She read her bio and sat there, staring at her sweet little face on the computer screen … she knew she was this little one’s mama! Soon the entire family had fallen in love with her as well. It was becoming clear that they were definitely “Angel’s” family! The financial aspect of adoption being the only thing holding them back, but after much prayer they chose to step out in faith … confidently saying “yes” to this sweet girl!
“Angel” is four years old. She has a congenital heart defect as well as an extra chromosome (Down syndrome). She is perfect and so loved! The family signed with the agency “Angel” is listed with and submitted paperwork in December. They got the best Christmas gift imaginable, pre-approval to proceed in adopting this precious girl. Now officially on their adoption journey, they are doing everything they can to get to her as quickly as possible.
They hit the ground running and began fundraising immediately – and they continue to do so. They are nearing completion of their homestudy and have begun to work on their dossier. Please keep this family continually in your prayers and if you feel led, please donate toward their adoption to bring “little sister” (as they now affectionately call her) home!
6/20/17— DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Michael and Katie Manuel are proud parents to 5 (almost 6) amazing children. They started their family about 12 years ago when they welcomed home their first baby girl. Through the years they continued to have 2 more biological children. As they grew their family they never thought having 6 children, both through biology and adoption, was the journey they would take. But they knew all along they would adopt one day. Katie, has always had adoption on her heart even as a young girl. Both Michael and Katie share a heart for children with special needs and adopted their son, who was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect through domestic adoption. They continued to grow their family through adoption and welcomed home another son from Asia a few years later. Feeling like their family was complete, but still desiring to make a difference in the lives of orphans, the Manuel family decided to host a special 12 yr old girl over the Christmas holidays. Katie states “We saw her picture and knew she was special, we had no idea why we chose this specific girl, but we knew we were supposed to”. This amazing girl is known as “Layla” on Reece’s Rainbow. She is 12 years old and rocks an extra chromosome! Knowing her country has an aging out rule, they knew how important it would be to advocate for this sweet girl to find a family before she turned 14. She had a ticking clock on her future. The Manuel’s completely stepped into this process with Advocate only intentions. They have a special place in their heart for children with down syndrome and telling the world how amazing these kids can be. They had a plan to share her story daily so that the world could see how amazing she is, and she could find a forever family during her time in the U.S. Little did they know, she would steal their hearts. From day one, both the family and this sweet girl made a life changing connection. She filled their home with love and laughter every single day. Through much prayer and discussion, they knew what the right decision would be. Sweet girl was their daughter! This girl is a treasure! They could not imagine her fate if she was to remain in her birth country. Although it is apparent that she is well loved, because of her special needs, she would go to a special needs home at the age of 18. They also found out that she would be the very first child with Down syndrome to be adopted from this orphanage! They are so excited that a life in America is so bright and beautiful and full of opportunity for this sweet girl despite her needs. The Manuel family was so sad for their 4 weeks together to come to an end, but have great hope they will see each other again soon. They now have their daughter’s picture hanging on the wall. 3 sons and 3 daughters take their place in the frames of their home.
Michael and Katie are trusting the Lord for provision to bring their daughter back home. Funding another adoption was not the game plan for this family, but they know the Lord will provide through overtime, fundraising, and grants. Any support through prayer or monetary donation is highly appreciated.
6/16/17 —LOA RECEIVED
Bernie and Marabeth met in 2009 while working together at a helicopter plant. Eighteen months later they were married in a small ceremony surrounded by their five children, Meghan, Nicole, Brian, Joe and Shane. A little bit later Michael, who is blessed with Down Syndrome, came along. Shortly after that came the youngest, Maggie. Adoption was never something they knew much about until 2012 when a family from their church adopted a child through Reece’s Rainbow. After learning, through the other family’s journey, more about orphan situation and seeing the kids listed on Reece’s Rainbow, Marabeth was deeply moved and envisioned someday adopting a child with Down Syndrome. However, at the time she was pregnant, with a one year-old, and there were several seemingly impossible obstacles to overcome.
Still, she prayed over the next few years for God to either open the doors for them to adopt a child with Down Syndrome or else to give her a more practical vision for their lives. Then on November 18th, 2017 she felt an unusual urgency to pray about adopting a child again and this time she asked God to show her the next day in a specific way if they were meant to adopt or else she would drop the idea. Well, the next day mountains started moving out of the way for them as they started seriously investigating the adoption process. On December 27th, 2016 they saw Bella on a friend’s Facebook page and felt would she be a great fit in their family. Her siblings are all very excited to meet her, especially her younger sister Maggie who has been very busy making a giant stack of drawings to give Bella when she gets home, as well as big plans to share bedrooms and ballet classes. Bernie and Marabeth are also anxious to get her home and help her to learn to live as a beloved daughter in their family. They truly appreciate any and all support, prayers and well-wishes as they go through this process to bring their daughter home.
6/15/17—DOSSIER EN ROUTE
Kim lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. She has four daughters, two biological and two whom she adopted internationally. She considers her daughters to be the biggest blessing of her life!
This past summer, Kim and her daughters decided to participate in a summer hosting program, hosting a 12 year old orphan for four weeks. When she first saw “Mollie’s” picture in her email, Kim was drawn to her. Then during the four week visit, Kim and all her daughters fell in love with Mollie and knew she was meant to be a part of their family!
Despite her hard first years, living in an orphanage, Mollie is sweet and kind with a heart of gold. She fits perfectly into their family and Kim and her daughters look forward to the day when she is home forever!
6/19/17 —TA RECEIVED; TRAVELING in JULY
Markus and Sarah Linke met at church 11 years ago and have now been married for 8 years. A lot has happened in their 8 years of marriage; from experiencing miscarriages, to dealing with infertility, to the adoption of their miracle baby Hope in 2013.
In the beginning of their relationship, long before they experienced infertility, Markus and Sarah realized they had a common desire to adopt. And in 2013, less than 2 years after they experienced the heartache of miscarriages, their baby girl Hope practically fell into their laps. She is by far the biggest blessing in their lives. In 2015, when Hope was 2 years old, they saw the profile of a little boy with special needs and decided to try to adopt again. But just as they were nearing the end of their home study, the foster family decided to adopt the little boy. So they decided to put adoption on hold for a little while. Late in 2016, they saw “Anderson’s” profile on Reece’s Rainbow, a little boy with special needs available for adoption. Yes, the thought of the adoption falling through again crossed their minds. There is no guarantee in adoption; there are always risks. But they knew they had to try again! They have room in their hearts and home for more children, and Hope is so very excited to be a big sister!
Markus and Sarah feel so blessed and are thrilled to be on this adoption journey! They would greatly appreciate your prayers and welcome any financial support as they work hard to bring their son home as quickly as they can.
6/13/17 — USCIS APPROVED
Chris and Grace first found out about Mateo through an American couple they knew who were living in Asia and short-term fostering different children. When they saw Mateo and heard his story, their hearts were moved towards him. They had never planned to adopt a child with special needs, let alone an almost 5 year old with severe hydrocephalus, but when they met Mateo (online), all that changed.
Chris and Grace began praying for Mateo daily and getting updates on him often. God called them to be the ones to adopt this precious boy. So after many months and lots and lots of paperwork, Mateo is almost ready to go to “Merica!” ( as he calls it).
Grace and Chris have raised 4 children, all whom are grown and out of the house. While they know there is a long journey of work and healing ahead, they have no fear, only love and excitement to see how God will work. Mateo’s life up until now has been miracle after miracle-there is no reason to believe they will stop now!
6/19/17 — TRAVELING MID-JULY
The Speck family — Adam, Tiffany, Elijah, Avelyn, Malachai, Brynley, and Truenne — are excited to be adding to their family again, this time through adoption. While Adam and Tiffany had briefly discussed adoption when they were first married 16 years ago, the arrival of 5 biological children in a few short years and the busy life that results from a home blessed with many children, caused the idea of adopting to fall out of sight. God clearly had other plans however, and brought the idea of adopting suddenly back into the forefront of their minds this past spring, when a friend unexpectedly introduced them to Reece’s Rainbow. One beautiful child immediately caught Tiffany’s eye, and she and Adam began to pray and discuss the idea of adopting this child with special needs.
Over the following several weeks, the more they prayed and discussed adopting, the more God confirmed that this plan was from Him– through an unexpected sermon series (about adoption and foster care) at their church, random interactions with strangers who spontaneously shared adoption or foster stories of their own on an almost daily basis, and devotional topics discussing our own adoption into God’s family through salvation. After several months of praying to confirm that this idea of adoption was truly from the Lord and for this time, the Specks contacted Reece’s Rainbow to make a commitment to the little girl who had initially grabbed at their hearts, only to find another family had recently committed to her adoption. For several weeks after this, Adam and Tiffany wrestled through what felt like a loss to them, and realized fully that God was truly laying adoption on their hearts for their family.
It is with great excitement that they are able to announce that they will be welcoming Adelaide into their family! They are also currently trying to raise additional funds to be able to commit to a second daughter, and appreciate your prayers and any financial support to help them bring home Adelaide as soon as possible, and to be able to fully commit to this additional beautiful daughter.
UPDATE: The Speck family will also be bringing home Gertie!
6/13/17—DOSSIER COMPLETE
Kathy lives in West Michigan, where she was born and raised. Kathy was introduced to adoption – especially international adoption, and Reece’s Rainbow, when her daughter decided to adopt a little girl with Down syndrome from Eastern Europe. Her daughter and granddaughter returned home in December 2015. While following her daughter’s adoption and the year since, Kathy has helped as many families as she could, financially and prayerfully. She has also advocated for many children in need of families. Reading story after story about the life altering effects of adoption – for the child and parents – has been an inspiration to her.
After reading about the conditions children who have aged out face, and knowing those children would never know the love of a family, she knew she needed to do more. For the last few months Kathy has been contemplating and praying on what more she could do to help these children. So she is excited to announce that she is going to bring ‘Lana’ home before she ages out and loses the chance to live happily ever after knowing the love and joy of having a family!
Kathy raised her daughter as a single parent and knows the struggles it involves and the additional work it requires, but she decided that now is a good time to adopt an older child who is also from the same country where her granddaughter is from. Like her granddaughter, Lana rocks that awesome extra chromosome!
Any prayers and support, financially or emotionally, are greatly appreciated during her adoption process!
6/13/17 —DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lifealteringeffects.blogspot.com
Ben and Amber have been blessed with a blended family that includes 5 children: two teenaged girls and three teenaged boys. They have been praying for a few years about expanding their family via adoption however they knew it had to be in God’s timing and not theirs.
Ben’s cousin who has adopted six children from overseas advocates for different children and happened to one day share a post about a girl from Asia who was best friends with their newly adopted daughter. Immediately Ben was overcome with a feeling that this was their daughter and called Amber to talk about this beautiful little girl. Within days they had contacted an agency and shortly afterwards received pre-approval to adopt “Bridget” — soon to be named Emmalee.
The entire family is excited to be adding another child to the mix. They know when we wait on God that amazing things happen. It is only through his grace and mercy that Ben and Amber will be able to go through this process and hopefully soon bring their daughter home.
6/6/17 — LOA RECEIVED
Jarret and April have been married for 10 years with three biological children. Their youngest daughter, Amelia, who is two, has Down syndrome. Here’s their story:
We received Amelia’s suspected diagnosis of Down syndrome the day she was born. Basically a doctor walked in and said, “You know your daughter probably has Down syndrome, right?” We did not. Afterwards, we were bombarded with questions, hypothetical scenarios with what her future might look like, social workers, specialists, and a lengthy heart test. To say that our joy over having a beautiful and precious newborn was replaced with instant fear would be an understatement.
Fast forward two years and all that uncertainty and fear has been replaced with absolute joy. Our daughter is one of God’s greatest blessings to our family, bringing us laughter, love, frustration, and all the typical emotions a two-year old brings. Those painful days of medical terms and fear of the future are replaced with love and hope. During the early days of Amelia’s birth, I saw God’s hand in so many things. We emerged stronger and more faithful, and I know God has a plan for Amelia’s life.
So how does this relate to adoption? One day, I clicked on a link to help a friend who was raising money to adopt a little boy with special needs. At the site, I also saw a picture of a little girl who is one-years old and has Down syndrome. She was adorable. She reminded me of my daughter. However, this little girl’s life is vastly different from Amelia’s world. She lives in an orphanage in Eastern Europe, given up for adoption because she has Down syndrome. Her name is Emma. My heart ached for her.
I thought of Emma over the next weeks and months. I wondered what her daily life was like. I thought of Amelia and all of the support our family gives her. I wondered if Emma gets any support. I wondered if she has ever been outside of the orphanage. Who feeds her? Plays with her? Baths her? I knew that she should not be growing up in an orphanage and someone should do something.
More time past, and I prayed that “the someone” who should do something would. I felt God’s nudges that “the someone” might be us. I thought of the objections I had to this plan. First, we don’t have money saved for an international adoption, and it’s a long and complex timeline. I watched Emma’s profile. I was sure she would be adopted soon. I struggled. I wanted God to take this off my heart, and he did not.
So, here we are, in the middle of the process to try and adopt Emma. To be honest, we are scared, nervous, and excited. We are asking for your prayers for Emma and our family, and if led, we invite you to make a tax-deductible monetary gift to our Reece’s Rainbow account to help us bring Emma home as soon as possible. Together, we can change her life. We know God is asking us to trust in him. We hope you will join us on this journey, because if not us, then who, and if not now, then when?
6/9/2017 — DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Austin and Allison are high school sweet hearts! Austin is a 23-year old and has been a Fire Fighter in the New Hampshire Air National Guard since 2013 and Allison is a 22-year-old elementary school teacher who transitioned to being a stay at home mom. Austin and Allison met their Junior year of high school and married in 2014. They have two biological children (Landon is 4 and Lilah is 2) and a foster daughter, and now, they find themselves in the middle of an effort to bring the newest member of their family home for next year’s holidays.
Adoption was never on the Routhier’s radar until they found out about Reece’s Rainbow. Allison found out about Reece’s Rainbow in the Spring of 2016 and began researching international adoption. Allison was still in school and it wasn’t the right time. They decided to become licensed foster parents through DCYF until the time was right for them to begin the adoption process.
In October of 2016 Allison mentioned adopting a child from Eastern Europe who has Down Syndrome. Austin agreed that reaching out to agencies to gather more information would the next appropriate step. One of the agencies sent The Routhiers a waiting child’s profile from Eastern Europe and they fell in love. The child was a 1 year old girl who has Down Syndrome and a Congenital Heart Defect. She is, in a word, adorable.
They have been racing through paperwork at record speeds. This is going to be a “hurry up and wait” process, where they rush as much as possible, then sit tight until her paperwork is finally completed. Thank you for being a part of our daughters adoption story!
6/9/2017 — DOSSIER SUBMITTED; AWAITING TRAVEL
Follow our adoption journey on our Facebook page & our Etsy page with handmade hair bows and hair accessories.
Duane & Kimber are not young parents. They have 4 children (10 yrs-31 yrs) & 14 grandchildren (11 months – 17 yrs). On any given day if you were to visit the Klopp house you would find many children at their home. They are not new to the special needs either, as they have twin grandsons with Williams Syndrome. Kimber also has a family member with Cerebral Palsy & her oldest brother was born with several birth defects.
One evening Kimber was on Facebook & saw a post shared from someone who had grown up in the same small town she had. His daughter & her family were working as missionaries in an orphanage. The blog was on Wide-Awake Family titled, “Fighting for my babies.” It was a night with little sleep & lots of tears after reading the blog. Kimber asked to join Wide-Awake Family on their Facebook page where she also learned about Reece’s Rainbows. She tired to hide the feelings she had for one of those precious little boys. She shed many tears over the next several months every time she thought about that little boy she had seen in the pictures & by now she had also seen a few videos with him in them as well. She went to other adoption pages but she found herself always looking for that “one” little boy.
For several months their prayers were for Isaiahu to find his forever family. They’ve shared many posts to family & friends about him & his need for a family. Then on Friday, March 4, 2016 there was another blog written, “Fatherless Friday.” This is when God let them know his family were none other than them.
Kimber & Duane had talked about adoption several times over the years. They decided to investigate the process of adoption & more specifically on this one little boy they feel is “the missing piece” in their family.
Please pray for Isaiahu’s adoption, that all will go smoothly & quickly so that they may bring this little boy home into a family full of love & security. The Klopps know that this little boy is worth it! The family is hoping to raise everything they need to cover adoption expenses between now & the beginning of September. They would be grateful for your support, either financially or through prayer, as they go after their little boy.
Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
5/15/17— DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Mike and Theresa Grimes met in a tiny college town in Emmitsburg Md. We have 8 wonderful sons ranging from 28-8 years old. While there is never a dull moment at our home we know we have lots of love to share. People keep telling us “your plate is full” our answer is “We have a lot of room in our hearts”.
Both Mike and Theresa always wanted a daughter and are thrilled to be getting her through the blessing of adoption.
We are so happy to have found Reeces Rainbow and are thankful for all of the support from this amazing community.
“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for forgotten by everybody, I think that is much greater poverty than the person that has nothing to eat.”
– Mother Teresa
Please pray for our family and follow our journey on our blog: www.bowties2bows.com
6/1/2017– DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Daniel and Stacy have 5 children at home (Noah-7, Zoey-7, Eli-5, Selah-4, and Emma-3) and one daughter in Heaven. Daniel works for Nissan and Stacy homeschools. They enjoy their life out in the country and spending time outdoors.
They are perhaps considered experienced adoptive parents as Zoey and Selah were both adopted and have been home for a year. They experienced a miraculous homecoming with their girls, as Zoey arrived from China and Selah arrived from Congo on the exact same day. Their journey getting to that point was filled with years of waiting and heartbreak. But they serve a faithful God and they are amazed not only at the way their children came home but also in the way they have seamlessly blended into the family.
Even with their ‘hands full’ as everyone seems to say, they felt the call to go back for another child with Down syndrome. After seeing the children and the need first hand, they could not turn away. And after seeing Zoey and Selah blossom before their very eyes, their minds constantly went back to the untold numbers of children waiting in orphanages.
Then they saw her face. ‘Emma Jane’ was easy to say ‘yes’ to and they can’t wait to add her to their family. She is a jewel. A bright light. Pure joy. And they are thankful they get to be her forever family. All of the kids are so excited as well! So while they are not new to adoption and not naive to the challenges ahead, they also personally know the joy that awaits.
They are so thankful for the prayers as well as the emotional and financial support they receive along the way.
7/12/17—LOA RECEIVED
Rob and Julia Nalle have been happily married for 24 years, and have two biological sons: 22-year-old Benjamin and 18-year-old Elijah. They brought home their first adopted son, Aaron, in 2010. That first adoption turned out to be as life-changing for Rob and Julia as it was for Aaron; for it opened their eyes to the suffering of institutionalized orphans all over the world. Aaron’s institution was the saddest place Rob and Julia had ever seen, filled with lovable boys who didn’t deserve what was happening to them. The Lost Boys of Aaron’s world had no stimulation of any kind. They wasted their days in gloomy sheds— doing nothing, seeing and hearing nothing, idly waiting for the next meal or snack time to arrive. The sight made Rob and Julia want to help more of them find homes. Since bringing Aaron home, they have done their best to raise awareness and funds for special needs orphans overseas.
Their second adoption came in 2014, when they added John to their family. Though Aaron and John came from different regions and different families, they had the same name (Ivan), similar diagnoses and similar stories of abandonment and loss. Fortunately, John’s institution was far better than Aaron’s. Even so, it was more proof that any orphanage is a hard place to grow up.
After much prayer and consideration, Rob and Julia are adopting again. A little girl has need of a family, and the family with four sons has need of a little sister.
5/22/17—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com
Mark and Brenda Simmons have been married for twenty years and have five biological children ages ranging from 3 to sixteen. They have always had a heart for children and although having a large family had always been part of their plan, they had not considered that adoption was part of their life story. God was constructing other plans though, and had been working in their lives for many years preparing their hearts to love and care for others in need. They initially pursued helping children in need through the foster care system. After completing their last foster care class though, they came across the Reece’s Rainbow website quite by accident. They immediately felt as if they were being led in the direction of special needs adoption. They were both drawn to siblings, Cody and Caren, and became convicted to make these beautiful children part of their family. Mark and Brenda are blessed to be surrounded by family and friends who love and support their values and their desire to grow their family through adoption. God has always guided with love and faithfulness. Mark and Brenda and their children are so excited to be a part of Gods leading in this wonderful journey of adoption. Please help them bring Cody and Caren home soon!
7/18/2017 — APPT DATE AUG 23
This is the Speelman’s second adoption. They have three boys, two biological boys and their third son who was adopted from Asia in 2014. The summer of 2016 they determined they still had a child waiting in Asia and Ginny began looking. She stumbled upon a little girl but due to changes in their family it was not a good time to start an adoption. J.T. started a new job in September and on the first day of his new job they decided to request the paperwork of the little girl who had now been waiting most of the summer. After extensive research on her medical conditions and treatment options they decided the Speelman family was a good fit for this child and began the adoption process a second time around.
Lucy likes to listen to music, gets along well with other children, likes to play outside on swings and slides, prefers to play with other kiddos than alone and is described as a fighter full of spunk. The boys are thrilled to be getting a little sister! The Speelmans cannot wait to get their little fighter home where she will have a family to fight with her!
The Speelmans request your prayers for Lucy’s health, speedy paperwork process, safe travel, adoption finances, and for Lucy to be prepared for a family.
7/15/17—LOA RECEIVED
Follow the family’s journey on their blog: speelmanhome.wordpress.com
Antigone is the mother of eight incredible children, who just wasn’t ready for an empty nest as her oldest near adulthood. No stranger to adoption, Antigone and her two biological children first decided to grow their family through adoption in 2005, when they were 4 and 6 years old. Their new sister was almost 3, a waiting child from China with arthrogryposis, who could not walk due to club feet and a congenitally dislocated hip (that same sister is now a competitive dancer). In 2006, the family opened their hearts again and brought home a two year old sister from China, a spunky little girl with albinism and visual impairment. Antigone’s one son begged and begged for a brother, so in 2007, he traveled to Ethiopia with her to bring home an 8-½ year old brother.
After some time for adjustment, Antigone and her family felt that their hearts and home were big enough for more, so two more siblings, age 7 and 9, joined the family through domestic foster care adoption in 2011. The family connected through church, dance, hiking, cooking, art, music, gardening, caring for pets, and other activities that they could do together to build connection and joy.
When the last of Antigone’s children entered middle school, the family discussed and all agreed that it would be wonderful to have a younger sibling that all could get to know before they left for college, and Antigone was happy with the idea of not having an empty nest just yet. In 2015, Antigone brought home a 4 year old boy from China, who was diagnosed with albinism, visual impairment, and autism. He readily bonded to the family and, although he is nonverbal, he is thriving and is very interactive and strongly attached to mother and siblings. Over time, all of the siblings agreed that it seemed unfair that they grew up with the benefit of similarly aged siblings (they are now 18, 18, 17, 15, 15, 13, and 13), while he is so much younger (6).
Antigone returned to the advocacy lists and noticed an adorable little girl with visual impairment. The little girl caught her eye, but she was undecided until an update was posted, showing that this little girl was not thriving. She had not grown between ages 2 and 3, and had lost a pound. In the videos, she showed behaviors very similar to Antigone’s youngest son- social and curious, though quite delayed. Antigone showed the video to the kids and it was unanimous- that’s our girl and she can thrive here! Antigone contacted the agency for information and the paperchase began!
Being a large, single income family, Antigone is grateful that her daughter has some grant funding available through Reece’s Rainbow. She is incredibly thankful for all who have donated to the fund to help bring her daughter home.
5/5/2017 — LOA RECEIVED
Kyle and Leilani are excited about growing their family through adoption. They have three energetic little boys at home (21 months, 4.5, and 6 year old). This boy family is ready to shake things up and welcome a sister/daughter. They cannot wait to have “Scarlett” home. This sweet girl has just turned three and has Down Syndrome. Kyle and Leilani knew that adoption was in their future at some point, but being a busy military family made that a challenge. Moves have slowed down and now is the time! Leilani is a former preschool special education teacher, who now stays at home with their three young boys. Kyle is a dedicated Army officer who serves our country and sets a wonderful example to for his children. Kyle and Leilani would appreciate your support, please help them raise some funds to bring this precious little one home.
6/2/2017–LOA RECEIVED
Life turned out to be very different from what Nancy had expected. The beauty of the unexpected brought with it confirmation of the strength of family, regardless of its shape and size. For many years, Nancy’s family consisted of herself and her Down syndrome son, Nicky. Deep down, Nancy always knew her family was not complete. Two and a half years ago, Maria (Margit on RR) joined her family. It was during the process of Maria’s adoption that Nancy was introduced to the dismal reality of life for many special needs children in other parts of the world. Nicky, now 22 years old, is and had always been a happy, joyful child. It was heartbreaking for Nancy to learn about what his life might have been like had he been born in a different part of the world. Maria had lived her life in an institution without having anyone to love her. The reality is harsh and difficult to see. Nancy and Nicky were thrilled to bring Maria into their family and embrace her with love and support. Maria has thrived and is full of joy. She brings joy to everyone she encounters. Nicky has loved taking on the role of big brother and Nancy now knows the blessing of opening your heart and family to a child in need. It really is possible to make a difference. For this reason, Nancy has decided to adopt again. Nancy, Nicky, and Maria are opening their hearts and their family to embrace a new family member. Nicky and Maria are excited to have a new sibling to share in the fun and Nancy eagerly awaits the gift of another child, giving him the love and support to thrive in a foundation of family love.
The Guarino family is very thankful for all types of support as they take on this journey.
2/22/17—WAITING to TRAVEL
Shawn and Jenni Zupfer have been married for 10 years and have an incredible 4 year old biological son. While they felt their family of three was complete, they knew they had more love to share and opened their hearts to international adoption. They completed their home study and were soon matched with a toddler.
When visiting their prospective child in country this past July, Jenni met a young boy named John who was at the same interim care center as their toddler. She knew instantly there was something remarkably special about this young boy after meeting him and hearing his story.
At a young age, John fell from a mango tree an injured a disc in his back, but was not able to have the medical care he needed. She learned he was a true orphan, having lost both his parents to the recent tragic Ebola outbreaks, which forced him to live on the streets in one of the country’s worst slums, and fend for himself for survival. Despite all that was working against him, he managed to keep himself in school; he is very bright. He is one of the most loving, kind, and tenderhearted young boys you will ever meet. He maintains a sweet disposition, a strong inner drive to achieve his dreams, and a desire to once again have a family to call his own. Shawn and Jenni were grateful to learn he was matched with a family so that he would have the opportunity to have a loving family, continue his education, and pursue his goals.
Recently, however, due to unforeseen circumstances and no fault of his own, the family pursuing his adoption was unable to proceed. John was left with few options as he will age out of adoption eligibility in early January 2017 and once again be on his own, and alone.
Upon learning John was in need of a family, without hesitation, Shawn and Jenni stepped forward to pursue his adoption. They quickly completed a whirlwind of paperwork and updated their home study to include a teenager. Now it is a race against time for everything to come together, including raising the remaining funds, for John to join their family.
11/29/16—USCIS APPROVED
We are the Marshall Family! Billy and Laura met during high school and dated for about a month. Billy moved away for college and Laura chose a university close to home. A few years later they reconnected and the “rest is history”.
Billy and Laura will have been married eleven years in May. They have two daughters, Tessa Grace and Bella. The whole family is excited to welcome Pepper and Liam into their family! Billy and Laura began their adoption journey early in their marriage. After some research, they discovered they were too young for some countries and had not been married long enough for others. They became busy with jobs, children, and family life. The Marshall family was blessed to meet a little girl who happened to have Down Syndrome. As they got to know this precious child and her family, they learned about the difficult circumstances many orphans face when they have DS. Laura began to look at listings of children with DS. About 2 years ago, Laura came across Pepper’s file and knew she was her daughter. Billy was not so sure. After prayer and consideration the couple decided to wait. Laura prayed for this little girl to find a family (even if it wasn’t theirs) and thought about her often. Last summer Billy told Laura he was ready to commit to Pepper and they called the agency that very day. It was a joyous day when the Marshall family received pre-approval and shared the news with family and friends. The Marshall family went from being a family of 4 to 5!
The Marshall’s have been busy filling out forms, compiling papers and getting their house ready for Pepper. One day, shortly after the Marshall’s sent their Dossier, a family sent a cake to their little boy living in the same orphanage as Pepper. They posted a picture of the “cake Party” and off to the side was the sweetest little boy Laura and Billy had ever seen. It only took a minute for them to decide they wanted to find out it he had a family coming for him. After a couple weeks the Marshall’s were able to locate little Liam’s file and submit for him. Now the Marshall’s will be a family of 6! They never imagined a simple cake and picture could change their lives in such a wonderful way!
The Marshall’s are hard at work preparing for Pepper and Liam. It has take a great deal of hard work, sacrifice, and prayer to get this far in the process. The Marshall’s are so thankful for their family, friends, and special donors who have joined their team and are helping bring these precious children home.
6/28/17—HOPING to TRAVEL in JULY
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at pursuingping.blogspot.com
Joe and Hannah are specifically hoping to adopt a child with special-needs. Their youngest child has several special-needs of his own, including prematurity (born at 26 weeks) and Down Syndrome. They have already learned so much through caring for their son, who is now 4 years old, and therefore feel as though they are equipped to take on the responsibility of caring for another special little blessing. Joe and Hannah also have a 7 year old daughter and a 5 year old son.
Both of them want to add to their family. They had talked about adoption before they even had biological children, so they knew it was always something they wanted to do. They had always dreamed of having a large family and when they realized Hannah would no longer be able to have more biological children (Hannah had to have an emergency hysterectomy at the age of 23), they knew that we were meant to adopt! They love kids and feel as though their family is not yet complete. Adoption is the perfect option for them! They have the space, the time, the desire, and most importantly, the love to give. Adoption has become a passion and a calling for their family.
Many people have asked Joe and Hannah “why are you choosing to adopt?” To them, the reason is simple – because their hearts are telling them to!
Joe and Hannah have open hearts and arms and look forward to adding an addition to their family.
6/6/16—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at thentherewas6.blogspot.com
“Mari Rose” was born with Down syndrome and Congenital Heart Defect, because of this her family abandoned her at birth and now she lives in an orphanage. Luckily a non-profit in the United States found out about “Mari Rose” and her life threatening need to have immediate open heart surgery, they quickly raised the money and found a surgeon from the United States to go and successfully perform the surgery.
She had to spend weeks recovering from surgery without a family to love and care for her. She is a fighter and is doing great. The Collins are doing everything they can to bring her home to their loving family.
You and/or your company can make a tax deductible donation to help bring “Mari Rose” home to the Collins family. These donations will go directly to helping with adoptions costs in Eastern Europe. It is estimated that just the international costs for courts, paperwork, and in country fees will be $15,000.
Lee and Diana Collins met while on a high school graduation trip in 1994, and they knew right away that fate had brought them together! Over the next 23 years as a couple, 18 years of marriage, Lee and Diana created their fairy tale life.
They were blessed with three amazing biological children – two sons, ages 15 and 16, and one 8 year old daughter. Lee and Diana absolutely LOVE being parents, so naturally the thought of adding to their family has always been a topic of conversation.
They have an abundance of experience with children of all abilities through their work, and they have so much love to give.
While most people look forward to their children growing older and eventually moving out, Diana and Lee have always been quite the opposite. They have never felt the need for “easier days”, in fact, their best memories are filled with the laughter, chaos, and love, that only a house full of children can provide!
It was meant to be to find that beautiful little angel and she will be an extremely loved baby sister. They want to hold her in their arms and make sure she finally knows that from here on out, everything is going to be ok…she is home with her family forever ❤
Thank you for reading about “Mari Rose” and consideration of making a tax deductible donation to help reach the goal of $15,000. If your company has an employee matching program, please see if Reece’s Rainbow is on their list of non-profit organizations.
7/21/2017 — DOSSIER SUBMITTED
After four sons, Bobby and Michele McCarthy are excited to announce, the Lord is bringing them their FIRST DAUGHTER!!! They have been married for 17 years. Their boys are ages 15,14,9, and 8. Their youngest son was adopted in May 2016. He has complex CHD including HLHS. Through his adoption, the Lord grew their faith even more. They knew God planted in their heart the desire to continue adopting. And this time, the Lord brought them their very first girl! After wrestling with God about adopting a child with Down syndrome, He changed their hearts. God made it clear that “Mae” is their chosen daughter. She is 6 years old. All their sons are supportive and encouraged them to adopt “Mae” even when Michele and Bobby were scared themselves. With fear and then surrender, they said “YES!” They are incredibly grateful for your prayers and support. They are thrilled to welcome their first daughter full of spunk and spice and who just might help keep their boys in line!
To learn a little more about this family, please read Michele’s “He Is A Gift” post on No Hands But Ours about their first adoption.
7/13/2017 — USCIS APPROVED; DOSSIER COMPLETE
The small seed of adoption was planted in the Holloway family during an annual dinner for a local ministry in 2010 and soon blossomed into a growing awareness that God was not done creating their family yet. Married for five years and raising their three children in the panhandle of Florida, Lenny and Roberta started the process to adopt a child with special needs from China in 2011 but listening to God’s prompting, changed their path to domestic infant adoption. Their family was thrilled to welcome baby Zoe into their family in Spring 2013 and they continue an open adoption relationship with her birth parents. But Lenny and Roberta knew in their hearts their family wasn’t yet complete. Roberta would sit in the nursery, rocking Zoe in the early hours of the morning and knew God was calling them to adopt again. Roberta says, “At that time, my only prayer was OK, but not yet.” In the fall of 2015 they knew it was time again, but felt drawn to teenagers who were running out of time to find a family. Lenny says, “With both of us working in local law enforcement we have seen how important family, good role models, and a support system are and what a positive impact in can make, even if it’s later in life.” They completed the process to adopt from state foster care, but again felt God calling them in a different direction. They became aware of a teenage boy who needed a family through friends who had adopted a sibling group of 3 from the same orphanage in Eastern Europe. They saw his picture, knew he was supposed to be a part of their family and started the process in February 2017 to bring him home. They are flying through the paperwork and praying to welcome him home this year.
7/18/2017 — USCIS APPROVED; DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Jill is a single mom to two girls adopted from China. Jill always felt that she would adopt someday. She never thought that she would be doing it on her own, but feels incredibly blessed to be their mom. Jill adopted Ella in 2009 and Lexie in 2012. Both girls were adopted through the special needs program. They each have medical needs that require regular follow up but are very manageable now. Jill has found that she’s never really been doing this on her own, after all. God has directed every step and she and her girls are loved by Him as well as a community of family and friends. Her daughters are the joy of her life.
Jill and her daughters hosted Lexie’s best friend from her orphanage in December 2015 with the purpose to find a family for him. He is Reece’s Rainbow’s “Beau.” The two friends were reunited and he was recently adopted by family friends. That was a wonderful experience and Jill agreed to consider hosting again per Ella’s request. Ella wanted to host a little girl this time.
Jill, her daughters, and her mom (who takes care of her daughters when she works) looked at the next list of children available for hosting and were drawn to a 5 year old little girl. They watched her video and couldn’t imagine why she was still waiting for a family. Jill requested her file which had a long list of medical conditions in it that seemed daunting on paper but didn’t seem to fit the little girl in the video. Jill is an RN and felt like they could certainly help her find a family. Selah spent three weeks with them in their home last summer. They quickly fell in love with this sweet, funny, and determined little girl. Though she has challenges and the medical needs in her file proved to be true, it was obvious that they won’t define her. She doesn’t let anything stop her! Jill had a tearful goodbye with Selah at the airport when she went back. While Selah was here, Jill saw how well she fit into their family but hadn’t planned to adopt again and kept telling herself that she couldn’t do this… add a third child with multiple medical needs as a single mom… but she could also feel God saying, “No, you can’t. But I can.” After Selah left, she knew what she needed to do. Four days later, Jill emailed the adoption agency to begin the process to adopt Selah and bring her back to them, forever this time.
Selah has a long list of diagnoses and is in need of medical care and surgeries which may still include open heart surgery. There will be some travel required in the Midwest to provide her with the best options for medical care that will improve her quality of life. Selah is known as “Amelinda” on Reece’s Rainbow.
Jill hopes to travel for Selah’s adoption in the summer. Ella and Lexie are excited to bring their little sister home. They appreciate your prayers for the journey that lies ahead. “Once our eyes are opened, we can’t pretend we don’t know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act.” Proverbs 24:12
6/20/2017—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
From as far back as Brianna can remember she has been inspired to adopt because of her sister. Her sister was adopted from Korea back in the 70’s. So, when Brianna and Josh got married it wasn’t a question that at some point they would adopt. They have almost been married 13 years and now have 7 biological boys ranging from 1 to 10 years old. The discussion has always been very open with their boys about adopting, but they have always said down the road. Maybe 10 years. Their 8-year-old is already making plans to adopt teenagers from foster care when he grows up. He talks constantly about adoption and ask every question under the sun. Adopting a special needs child hadn’t always been the plan though. Brianna has always been drawn to Down Syndrome kids and has looked through Reece’s Rainbow numerous times over the years. She’d always show kids to Josh, but they knew it wasn’t the right time. Special needs kids made him nervous. Then a little over a year ago he had a change of heart. He was completely on board with adopting a special needs child. Brianna continued to read blogs about other families adopting. One family in particular that was adopting 4 kids lead her to this specific country, so all she would look at was kids from there. One day though she pulled open 4 kids pages and when Josh got home she showed him. One adorable, little boy they closed instantly because there wasn’t a ton of information and it scared them. They both agreed to pray about the other 3 kids. Ultimately, they didn’t feel like God was telling them to adopt any of these 3 kids. A month or so later one of the pages Brianna follows on Facebook shared a blog by Wide Awake International. The little boy in the preview photo oddly looked familiar so she opened it up. And there right in front of her was that little boy that they had closed the webpage instantly on! It was love at first sight. His giggle and smile stole her heart. When Josh got home he couldn’t believe it. They both agreed to pray about this little boy, but already could tell God was speaking to them about him. A few days later as Brianna was carrying their youngest to the changing table after he had cried in the middle of the night she felt an overwhelming feeling that the little boy was meant to be there son. She texted Josh at work instantly and he agreed! They gave it fully to God to help them figure out the funds to commit to this little boy by Thanksgiving and He came through instantly. All their other boys are so excited! They had always begged for a sister, but the mention of a new brother brought no request for a sister and just the question of how fast can he be their brother. So now we are praying and doing whatever it takes to get him home and make him Branscum Boy #8!
7/14/17 — USCIS APPROVED
Chris and Amy have been married for twelve years, and have hearts for growing their family through adoption. They have five young children, aged 1-9 years old, four of whom are adopted from Ethiopia, USA and China. They believe that family is more than blood, and built through love. Though some may say their hands are full, they firmly believe their hearts have more love to share.
With joyful hearts they ask for your prayerful support as their family embarks on a new chapter of life’s journey: bringing home a ten year old daughter from Asia. They are ever thankful for all who advocated for “Calina” over the past eight years until God prepared their hearts to bring her home.
The Weatons have chosen to name her Teresa, after Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a woman who “got it” with being Christ to those around her, and inspired us to change the world with little acts of big love. St Teresa’s Feast Day is September 5th, the day Chris and Amy got engaged!
The Weatons’ yearn to have her home, but if adoption has taught them anything time and time again, it’s to trust in His timing! Until then, their five children take turns with Teresa’s picture next to them in an empty chair at the dinner table each night, and pray that she can feel their love from across the ocean.
7/13/17 —LOA RECEIVED
