Homestudy In Progress
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Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome... |
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ZOLA for the Obenauf family — MI
Stephani has always wanted to be a mother. Since she was a little girl, she knew she would have a big family and at least some of her children would arrive through adoption. She thought her family was going to be starting in 2009, when she found out she was pregnant. Sadly, God had other plans and her daughter Emma was stillborn.
Stephani found Reece’s Rainbow in 2011, through a friend that was adopting, She would spend hours looking at the children, reading their stories, hoping that soon, the time would be right to adopt. When a friend posted about “Zola”, Stephani knew instantly that hits little girl was meant to be her daughter.
Stephani was raised by a single parent and understands the struggles that lie ahead but knows that with God’s blessing and the love and support of her family, she is ready to provide “Zola” with a bright and happy future.
A sincere thank you to everyone for your prayers and financial support.
11/1/13—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at snowandhotcocoa.blogspot.com
Raymond for the Kingma family — MI
Called to Adoption: An Invisible Red Thread
There’s an old Chinese proverb that says, “An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle but will never break.” The Kingma family is connected by many red threads, woven together carefully by God and joined together to create a family.
Henry and Liz have always shared a strong sense of calling to be adoptive parents. Adoption is part of the Kingma family’s response to the gift of salvation they have received from God. Their adoption into God’s family compels them to look at the world differently and to find ways to live out their gratitude. Jesus spent his entire ministry reaching out to those on the margins, including orphans. It is estimated today that there are over 150 million orphans worldwide! So how do you make a difference when there are so many? You do it like Jesus often did, one person at a time.
After Henry and Liz had been married for seven years, they began the process to adopt a child with special needs from China. A year later, they met and brought home their daughter Meili. She was born with a cleft lip and palate and she was a little bundle of energy and joy! Two years later, they began the process to adopt another child with special needs from China. The following year, they welcomed their son Willem home. He was also born with a cleft lip and palate and experienced many developmental delays – partly due to illness and diet, partly because of his environment. Since coming home, he has overcome many developmental obstacles, endured many surgeries and continues to grow and thrive! Meili was delighted to be a big sister and proved to be a very good one for Willem!
At this point, Henry and Liz thought that they were done with adoption. They had completed two adoptions, had accumulated a second mortgage on their home and had lots of debt from travel expenses, adoption fees and their kids’ medical needs However, this past winter, Henry and Liz felt a strong sense of calling to begin the adoption process again. This time the calling was harder for them to comprehend. Financially, they had exhausted all of their resources and didn’t know how they could make it happen again. However, they were encouraged by friends, family and the adoptive community at their church and were reminded that when we trust God to provide, we allow him to work miracles. It was because of all the support that they began the process to adopt again, this time a child with special needs from Hong Kong. They have received Matching Approval for a little one-year-old boy with Downs Syndrome from Hong Kong. They cannot wait to meet him and bring him home!
1/22/14—COMPILING DOSSIER
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at invisible-thread.blogspot.com
DELLA for the Feinland family — LA
Della
Adoption first struck Rachelle and Stephen’s hearts in 2012. That year they completed the adoptions of 2 boys from Ukraine, Silas and Andre with the help of Reece’s Rainbow and the wonderful team in Ukraine. The process was quite a whirlwind! After a few minor delays, they came home on November 29, 2012 which was SIlas’ 5th birthday! This gave them 5 boys!Upon coming home Silas suffered violent drug withdrawals, weighed only 17 pounds at 5 years old and had many other medical issues, many of which were a result of the care he was under in Ukraine. A year later Silas now weighs 43 pounds and is doing wonderful! Andre has also blossomed into a wonderful, delightful little boy! Their brothers adore them and they are loved, orphans no more!
Rachelle and Stephen thought that their family was complete, God had other plans. Della was put on their hearts. They decided to go for it and will now have their FIRST little girl!!!! They can not wait to get this tiny little girl home to show her the real love of a family.
1/26/14—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at piecingourpuzzletogether.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…”
1/30/14—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at hecapturedourhearts.blogspot.com
HOLDEN for the Byrne-Cox family — KY
The Byrne-Cox family was over half way through completing their adoption of a precious little 8yo boy from China. He has spina bifida with mobility and continence issues. The day they send their dossier to their agency, they saw Holden’s profile online. What they saw was not just a young man about to age out of the orphanage system in China. They saw a young man who was full of love… a young man who took care of the smaller children in the orphanage because he cared about them and because he wanted to be cared for. It took less than 24 hours for the Byrne-Cox family to decide to bring this little boy home too. They know his heart reflected the heart of their family. They submitted their LOI the next day and received their pre-approval in less than 24 hours. The next 4 months are going to be a blur of flurried activity and this unplanned, surprise adoption before Holden ages out is going to make it difficult for the Byrne-Cox family to come up with the funds needed. Please consider helping them bring home Holden.
1/30/14—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at drmommyandherpumpkins.blogspot.com
LYDIA for the Montgomery family — PA
Seth and Ashley Montgomery live in Western Pennsylvania and have been married for seven years. They have three biological daughters; Ava-7, Evelynn-5 and Adaline-4. Ashley and Seth always planned on having a large family. They were once again considering on growing their family when Ashley “stumbled” upon Reece’s Rainbow. From that moment on they were both in agreement that God was calling the continual growth of their family to be through adoption-specifically special needs adoption. Together they have decided to say “YES” to however many children God directs them to make part of the Montgomery Family. Seth and Ashley feel privileged that God has called them for such a special mission and are very humbled that it will only be possible with God’s provision.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
5/29/13—HOMESTUDY UPDATE in PROCESS
NICK and KADE for the Cogan family — FL
Keely and Nick began discussing adoption when they were first married and starting their family. They were both drawn to opening their family to children and talked about fostering children in need as well as domestic adoption. Nick was finishing his schooling at the time and they decided that they needed to wait until they were in a more permanent position. In the meantime they had three children and moved multiple times. In 2005 Nick found a permanent, tenure-track position at Florida State University. they began discussing adoption again and Keely found, by chance, the local community of adopted Asian children. One of her good friends had adopted two girls and were in the middle of adopting a third, older child. They watched this process and were amazed at this family. They spent a lot of time discussing this with their children and began the process of adoption through Russia since Nick’s family background is Russian. They had done their homestudy when Russia closed the adoptions so they put their plans on hold. They started again about 6 months later and had not gotten far when they closed the adoptions again. They took this as an indication that they were NOT meant to adopt through Russia!
They began looking at China and things went very smoothly. They adopted their 9 year old girl last September and it has been one of the most amazing journeys of their family. It has gone very well and has only drawn them further towards blending their family. There are several reasons why they are going back to adopt. Their family is already conspicuous, but their adopted daughter is ‘more’ conspicuous both because she is Chinese and because of her special needs. Their family would have more balance and would be more integrated by adopting again. Additionally, their children are even more aware of the impact that adoption has on the children they bring home than they were before (Karwen has the most unique perspective or us all). Each and every one of them feels strongly that their family would be completed and that the impact on the little boys that they are adopting would be unimaginable.
This brings us to the children that they are adopting. There are two boys aged 9 and 5, both with special needs. The older has mild CP and has recently been moved into an institute for older children that has a questionable reputation. they first saw his file when they were adopting their daughter. There was a month long period when they did not think she would come home with them, and his file was the one they were going to move forward on. The younger boy is diagnosed with Arthrogryposis, which is the same diagnosis as their adopted daughter. They feel that bringing a child younger than all their children is an important part of the balance of their family.
They quite proud of their family. They homeschool and do many, many things together- from travels, to games, to chores. The most important quality that they impart on their children is teamwork. It is never Mom and Dad against the kids with respect to chores, but ALWAYS the family against the chores. The kids are ALWAYS on the same side.
1/30/14—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at
MARIA for the Cox Family — GA
Allen and Kristi have been married for 19 years and have been blessed with four beautiful daughters: Allena, Leilani (who was still born as a result of multiple birth defects), Alivea, and Alea (who sports that extra special chromosome). Without even knowing it, when they lost Leilani, God was beginning to prepare their hearts for a journey of adoption that wouldn’t come to fruition until much later. Having no prior relationships or experiences with Down Syndrome when Alea was born, Allen and Kristi tried to learn all that they could and soon found their lives engulfed with therapy appointments, feeding team appointments and multiple medical appointments. Kristi found Reece’s Rainbow one night while searching for information about DS. Over the next 3 years, the family learned that children born with special needs are considered “broken” and not afforded the therapies and medical attention that Alea has access to. This broke their hearts as they celebrated the accomplishments and successes that Alea made each week and realized that all children with special needs don’t have that support system and love given to them every day. Kristi and the girls spent a lot of time looking at, advocating for, and fundraising for families that were in process. Then, when they saw the smiling face of a little girl on the RR website and they posted her picture on their refrigerator to pray over, their hearts knew that God was calling them to bring her home. They had seen her so many times before but this week was different; God sent confirmation and was opening the door for them to adopt.
The Cox family humbly asks that you pray for them during this time. John 14:18 (NLT) says, “No I will not abandon you as orphans; I will come to you.” Proverbs 24: 12 (NLT) tells us “Don’t try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul and he knows you knew! And He will judge all people according to what they have done.” Everyone is not called to adopt, but the Cox family knows that they have been called to this little girl. They would love for you to follow along on this exciting journey and pray that God open all doors so that they can bring her home quickly. They appreciate your prayers and support and thank you very much.
1/31/14—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at thecoxcourse.blogspot.com
CHANCE for the VanHalle family — NY
It’s only been 9 months since Angie and Jason brought their first daughter, Claudia, home after finding her on Reece’s Rainbow, but once again, they feel God calling them to abandon their plans, and to bring their son Chance home. Neither thought that they would be pursuing adoption again so soon after the first, but after seeking God’s will, and with the counsel of their close friends and family, they are ready to once again step out in faith.
12/10/13—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at followingourcallingdaily.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.
1/31/14—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at piattfamilyabc.blogspot.com
MERRY and JACK for the Simmerman family — UT
Wendy is a single mom of four amazing kids, all adopted. These kids have been wanting a sibling FOREVER! Mom finally came on board a few years ago. For three years they gave up vacations and donated their allowances in order to save up the money to adopt a sibling from China. Last summer their family received approval to bring home a four-year old little boy from China. In the middle of completing the paperwork for his adoption, they learned about Merry and unanimously voted to include her in the family as well. They’ve received preliminary approval for Merry’s adoption, and hope to travel by summer and bring home TWO new family members.
1/16/14—COMPILING DOSSIER
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lifewithducks.blogspot.com
BURGANDI for the Ledlow family — AL
Jason and Tori have been married for 12 years. They have 2 biological boys, Joshua, 8, and Caleb, 6. They have known since they married that adoption would most likely be a part of their life at some point. In October 2009, the Ledlow’s felt the Lord lay China’s special needs program on their hearts. Little did they know at the time, though, that God still wanted them to wait a little longer. Soon after that first meeting, Jason’s mom got sick and passed away, and Jason and Tori cared for her aging parents until they passed away as well. Through all of this, adoption has still been close to their hearts and minds. Finally, in April 2013, they submitted their application to adopt. In July 2013 they laid eyes on this precious little girl, Burgandi, who will be called Zoe when she gets home.
Please pray for Zoe as we prepare to bring her home. We are all SO excited about our new “baby sister,” as the boys call her. But we know that while we have been waiting and praying and hoping for her for so long, she knows nothing about us. Jason, Tori, Joshua, and Caleb are very excited about bringing this precious girl home. Please partner with the Ledlow family in bringing this precious child of God home to her forever family. Donations and prayers are greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!
2/3/2014—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at 147minusone.blogspot.com
VIOLET for the Greene family — ID
Alison is a single Registered Nurse. She has always dreamed of having children, but has not been so blessed. Alison has worked with children and adults with special needs in the past, including Down syndrome, and has always enjoyed it. One night, she had a dream that she and her sister were looking at a website of children for adoption with Down syndrome. When she woke, she did a search on her computer, and found Reece’s Rainbow. After years of looking at the site, and much encouragement from family and friends, she decided to give it a try! There have been many roadblocks in the process, but she has finally fallen in love with the little girl she feels was meant to be her daughter!
12/29/13—HOME STUDY UPDATE in PROGRESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at achildforali.blogspot.com
FELIX for the Barnett family — TX
David and Stephanie met in 1991 at First Baptist Church Frisco through David’s sister, Cindy, who was Stephanie’s Sunday School teacher. Stephanie grew very close to Cindy and her family as she began babysitting Cindy’s son and daughter. David and Stephanie were only initially family friends who only saw each other at church when David came to visit his family since David was in college and Stephanie was in high school. Once Stephanie graduated high school and began college, their relationship forged into a friendship where they occasionally met up to hang out. However, all of that changed in November 1996 when David’s mother was in the end stages of terminal cancer. Stephanie rallied around David’s family and became a strong support and source of comfort to David. It was during this time that God made it abundantly clear that their relationship would become more than “just friends.” In the month that followed, they began praying and seeking God’s will and timing for their new dating relationship. A month later, in January 1997, David and Stephanie became engaged to be married. Over the next eight months, as Stephanie finished her senior year in college, they continued to seek the Lord in their relationship and prayed for ways to serve Him together. In September 1997, David and Stephanie were married.
Initially they did not want children, so David continued his career as an accountant and Stephanie began her career as a secondary English and Reading teacher. For the next four years they happily continued on their career paths and continued to pray that God would open doors for them to serve Him in a mighty way through their daily lives. In May 2001, Stephanie’s life was shattered when her brother, Shane, tragically passed away. During this time of unspeakable grief, David and Stephanie sought comfort in God and remained steadfast in their desire to serve Him. God, in return, began to change their hearts in relation to their views on having children. Within a few short months, Stephanie was pregnant with their first child. What started as an uneventful healthy pregnancy changed when Stephanie entered her second trimester. On December 23rd, during a routine sonogram, the Barnett’s were informed that their precious baby no longer had a heartbeat. They were completely devastated and in mourning, but found comfort in knowing that, without a doubt, their precious baby was in the arms of Jesus and that they would one day be reunited as a family. The Barnett’s also found solace as they continued to place their trust in God and believe that, in His Sovereignty, God still had a plan for them that included children.
In February 2002, the Lord led the Barnett’s to begin an apartment ministry and Stephanie took a leave from teaching to focus on the ministry full time. They absolutely loved the diverse apartment residents and cherished the fact that they were serving the Lord through ministering to this community. As they were serving, they could not help but feel that God was using this apartment ministry to prepare them for a bigger life-changing permanent ministry. They continued to pray and ask God to lead them where He wanted them to serve by opening the doors “to get there.”
On a Thursday night in April 2002, God widely opened the first door that would place David and Stephanie on their life ministry. Stephanie was on her way home from a ladies’ night out event for the apartment community when she received a call from a family member. This family member knew of a perfect blonde-haired newborn baby who needed a family because his birth mother was unable to care for him. Immediately, Stephanie told the family member that she and David wanted this baby! It was only after she hung up the phone did the word “adoption” form in her mind and sear into her heart. Her very next thought was, “Oh my goodness, I just committed to this baby and did not even consult David!” Oops! When David got home from work later that night, Stephanie informed him that he would be a daddy in a matter of days. Thankfully, David reacted with more enthusiasm over adopting their son than Stephanie did! Several days later, the Barnett’s became first time parents through the beautiful world of adoption. They named their precious gift from God Copeland Shane after David’s grandpa, Copeland, and Stephanie’s brother, Shane. It was at this moment David and Stephanie knew their family would be built through adoption and not biologically. They could not believe that God would bless them in this way and could not wait to see how He would grow their family!
In 2004, the Barnett’s moved to San Antonio and began to earnestly pray that God would once again open the doors to adopt another child. Stephanie had returned to the high school classroom by then and, in 2005, met a teenager with Down syndrome who changed her life forever. Although he was not Stephanie’s student, this amazing boy asked her to help him with his homework each morning. As Stephanie tutored him, she could not help but fall in love with him and marvel at just how perfectly and beautifully God had created him. So, for the next three years, David, Stephanie, and Copeland prayed that God would bless them with a child with Ds whom they could adopt. In 2008, their many prayers were answered when God blessed them with a beautiful blonde-haired hazel-eyed newborn baby with Down syndrome! God had now wonderfully added the words “Down syndrome” to the word “adoption” while building their family. They named their new son Silas Eli. In the New Testament, Silas was one of the first Christian missionaries who served beside the Apostle Paul. It was only fitting that they chose this name because this was the missionary journey that they had been praying for and that God had called them to. Eli was David’s grandpa’s middle name.
From the moment the Barnett’s brought Silas home, he absolutely rocked their world! They now knew that God would call them to adopt more children with Ds. In 2010, Stephanie happened to be reading her weekly People magazine when she came across an article about Andrea Roberts and why she was inspired to start Reece’s Rainbow. The Barnett’s lives were forever changed because of Andrea and RR. There were absolutely devastated and their hearts were broken when they learned that special needs babies are abandoned at hospitals as newborns and then sent to mental institutions by age three or four to live out the rest of their lives, with a large percentage of them dying within the first year of transfer as a result of malnourishment and mistreatment. They could not believe that the majority of people in this world could not see just how worthy and capable children and adults with special needs are. They immediately realized that God was calling them to action in order to show the world just how wonderful, worthy, and capable those with special needs are. The Barnett’s had living proof: Silas Eli.
Over the next few months, the Barnett’s found themselves praying about RR and growing their family again through “adoption” and “Down syndrome.” During Thanksgiving week 2010, Stephanie reached out to RR for the first time. She made contact with Andrea and implored about the possibility of adopting ONE boy from Ukraine. Over the next couple of weeks, God made it clear to the Barnett’s that they would be bringing home TWO boys from Ukraine as He led them to Igor’s and Tihon’s pictures and profiles on the RR website. As David, Stephanie, and Copeland prayed over their two boys’ pictures on RR each night, they could not help but scroll past the picture and profile of a tiny little girl named Leeza with both Ds and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Stephanie found herself literally knocked to her knees late each night for almost two weeks sobbing as she begged God to bring Leeza a mama through a forever family. Little did Stephanie know that she was actually praying for herself, David, Copeland, and Silas! Through a series of miraculous events, the Lord completely opened the doors for the Barnett’s to bring home THREE children. A few days after Christmas 2010, they officially committed to bringing home Igor, Tihon, and Leeza. In October of 2011, David and Stephanie landed on US soil with Igor (whom they named Teague Josiah), Tihon (whom they named Trenton James), and Leeza (whom they named Maclayne Faith – Mackie for short). The Lord had now graciously added the word “orphan” to the words “adoption” and “Down syndrome” as He continued to grow their family.
Now, a little over two years after bringing home Teague, Trenton, and Maclayne, the Lord has answered the Barnett’s prayers of adopting again by opening initial doors for them to bring home Felix, a tiny 10 year old boy with Down syndrome in Eastern Europe. They are absolutely head over heels in love with Felix and cannot wait to bring him home and officially make him a Barnett. Please join the Barnett’s on their journey through prayer and support as the Lord once again grows their family through “adoption,” “Down syndrome,” and “orphan.” The Barnett’s are forever blessed and humbled by all those who have joined and will join them on their beautiful journey to fulfill God’s calling for their lives and ministry. Thank you!
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it. – Proverbs 3:27
2/4/2014—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at obedient2hiscommand.blogspot.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.
2/10/2014—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at
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.
2/11/2014—HOMESTUDY UPDATE in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at foxberryfarmalmanac.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.
12/27/13—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at whereyouwantmetogo.blogspot.com
AVA and MIA for the LaDuke family — NY
Adam and Karen LaDuke met in college where they became fast friends. A college professor paired them up to share a painting studio assuring Karen, “Adam will be a great influence on you.” Though the professor was speaking in artistic terms, his statement proved to be much more true than he ever imagined. Karen and Adam were married in 1999 and their birth daughter, Naomi, was born to them four years later. Parenting rocked! They loved every bit of it and enjoyed their time with their sweet, sensitive, and imaginative Naomi at home. A week before Naomi turned three, she came to her parents and announced that they were to have another baby. “Her name is Sally and she doesn’t have a Mommy or a Daddy. Mommy will be the Mommy and Daddy will be her Daddy.” This was a remarkable statement for any nearly three year old, but it was especially breathtaking because Adam and Karen had been praying for about adding to their family. Having discussed future plans for adoption before they were even married, they weren’t sure if their next child should be biological or adopted. Their discussions had all taken place after bedtime and out of earshot of Naomi’s room, so they felt stunned by her “proclamation”. They were particularly shocked to find a little girl from China three weeks later on a waiting child website with the name “Sally”. When Karen called and asked for information concerning Sally’s special needs and found out that Sally had the same medical issues that Karen herself had dealt with as a child! Continuing to pray privately as they collected information, Adam and Karen needed to make a decision about adopting. No one had mentioned Sally to Naomi during this time, but praying with Naomi a month after her announcement, Karen asked God to send her just the right brother or sister at just the right time. Naomi, now three, interrupted to interject, “Yeah, God… Send us Sally.” Sally came home one year later and the two have been extremely close since Day 1. Six years have now passed and Adam and Karen felt God nudging them toward adoption again. This time, Karen saw “Ava and Mia” on Reece’s Rainbow and immediately saw the kind of loving relationship between them that Naomi and Sally share. The age difference between the two girls was the same as well. Upon seeing the girls’ picture, Adam immediately felt God calling him to say “Yes!” When the girls’ picture was switched from the “Newly Listed Children” category to the “My Family Found Me” category, Naomi cried tears of joy and Sally screamed and did cartwheels. GOD IS GOOD! Please join with Adam and Karen as they pray for “Ava and Mia” in Africa and await for the girls to unite with them as their forever family.
9/19/13—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
DARLA for the Solano family — CA
Five years ago, our family was blessed with our son, Gabriel. He was born with Down syndrome, along with vision, hearing, digestive and other issues. From the onset, our challenges as a family have been many but it didn’t take us long to realize something in the process: the love we have received from our son has far exceeded any obstacle his challenges have brought. Instead, Gabriel has taught us to be more patient, less selfish and most of all, to have more fun! If that wasn’t enough, Gabriel’s unconditional love and Godly spirit has helped our family grow closer in love than we ever knew was possible.
Over the last three years, our family has considered adopting another child with DS, primarily because of our desire to become parents again but realizing both Gabriel and our new child would aid each other in so many levels: emotionally, intellectually, socially and physically. After much discussion and prayer, we have decided to take a leap of faith. Her name is Darla and she is in China. This sweet 1 1/2 year old has already endured heart surgery but has recovered well and is healthy. We understand she responds to her name, makes eye contact and is very alert. Darla is even starting to walk with help!
It is common knowledge that many countries, including developed nations such as China, still do not regard those with special needs as our country does. Special needs orphans, if not adopted young, are routinely released to the streets by their sixteenth birthday. It is a heartbreaking crisis as these physically or mentally delayed individuals have no means of survival. They are often abused and die of starvation. My heart literally breaks at the thought of a precious soul suffering in this manner, all because they are not considered “normal.” As a family, we realize we can’t right this travesty ourselves, but we can save this one little “starfish.”
As we’ve witnessed from many who have traveled this road before, the international adoption process is complicated, lengthy and financially draining. Our family is not rich, and while this process could prove to be taxing in more ways than one, we’re not about to give up just because of the challenges we will face. Our precious Gabriel has taught us that.
That is why we are asking for your help. We understand our economy is just beginning to rebound, and like us, you may feel the financial pinch or even live “paycheck to paycheck.” But whatever your financial situation is, we humbly ask you to consider helping us rescue Darla. No donation is too small to help, and the rewards your heart will feel will be worth its weight in gold!
Thank you for reading this, and for forwarding this link to as many people as possible. Most of all, thank you for your consideration in helping us assure Darla doesn’t end up like so many other precious souls. With your help, we’ll bring our little starfish home very soon!
12/19/13—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at bringdarlahome.com
CHAVA for the Chellson family — CA
David and Melissa have been married for 9 years and have two amazing boys, Ryan (8) and Mykhaylo (4). Their hearts were full with love after the adoption of their youngest son Mykhaylo (aka Misha or Aaron on RR) and they felt their family was complete with their two boys. However, after a year of being home with Misha, David and Melissa began talking about expanding their family once more with a third child (hoping for a girl), but were not excited about the road to having another baby after dealing with secondary infertility and failed fertility treatments prior to adopting Misha. Melissa had always browsed the Reece’s Rainbow website just to stay in touch with the adoption world and thought maybe one day they’d adopt again…It wasn’t until Melissa saw the picture of precious Chava and immediately knew that the day had come sooner than later that they would adopt again. Once Melissa showed David Chava’s picture, he agreed that they needed to bring her home. David, Melissa and the boys are excited to welcome a daughter/little sister into their family and are looking forward to the added touches of pink and purple she will bring to their family!!
2/10/14—HOMESTUDY STILL in PROCESS
Follow the Chellson family’s adoption journey on their blog at chellsonfamilyadventures.blogspot.com
FLORA and YORK for the Gerber family — TX
Kevin and Monica Gerber met in college at Liberty University and have been married for over thirteen years. They have 2 biological girls and 1 adopted son from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and have been amazed how God has grafted their son seamlessly into their family. God has used a simple act of obedience to love an orphan for his glory and they have watched with joy as countless others have had their hearts softened toward the plight of the orphans around the world.
They and their children are thrilled to be claiming York (Kennedy) and Flora (Ruthie) as their own from Asia. Kennedy is unable to walk due to post-operative hydrocephalus and Ruthie has Down syndrome. It is their sincerest hope that the gospel and God’s love for the fatherless would be made famous and multiplied. They would be so thankful for your prayers and financial support.
10/16/13—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.facebook.com/gerber.family.adoption
BOLDEN for the King family — OH
For a long time the Kings felt God pulling their hearts toward “the least of these”. After being blessed with a vibrant young family of their own, they found it heartwrenching to know that there were other little children of God, no different than their own, langishing away in institutions all over the world. Wanting no more or no less than to do what was right, they prayed. After coming to terms with the fact that they are the hands and feet of God, the decision seemed obvious. God is not dead, He is alive inside of us. We are are His hands, we are His feet. Those are His children.
1/14/13—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
FULLY FUNDED!!!
BO for the Christofferson family — IA
The Christofferson family is working on bringing home their son, Bo. Bo is 5 years old, and he rocks his extra chromosome. The Christofferson’s met Bo when they were in China last year adopting their two daugthers Ell and Mae. Bo stole their hearts, and they couldn’t stop thinking about him. Down syndrome is a passion in this family! On May 31, 2006, Carsten Douglas entered their world, and changed it forever. Shortly after his birth, Matt and Meg found out that Carsten had Down syndrome. They have spent the last 7 years not only fighting for the world to hear Carsten’s voice, but all of the individuals with Down syndrome in central Iowa. Megan is the founder of GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines, which services over 300 families touched by Down syndrome in central Iowa. While fighting for people to hear the voice of individuals with Ds, they realized they weren’t listening to Bo’s voice or their hearts. They started the process to adopt Bo after seeing his picture on Project 143′s hosting website. Seeing his face again set their hearts on fire, and they can’t wait to bring him home… where he belongs. Please help them on their journey to their son!
1/18/14—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at myimperfectextraordinarylife.com
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!
1/17/14—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.copycatrat.blogspot.com
DILLON for the Greeson family — TX
Gary and Teresa have been married for 11 years and have 5 beautiful children. They have 1 boy and 4 girls ranging from 10 down to 3. In 2009 their daughter Hope was born and unexpectedly diagnosed with Down syndrome. This has been the biggest turning point in their lives. It changed the way they look at everything. She became everything they never knew they always needed. She brings so much love and joy to everyone around her. She is nothing short of perfection in their eyes. This led them to adopting #5 from Russia in 2012. Mila is 4 weeks younger than Hope and also has Down syndrome. In a lot of the Eastern European countries a diagnosis of Down syndrome is shunned and at birth these mothers are told that it is best to leave them at the hospital where they are soon transferred to the orphanage, where they will stay until they turn 4-6 years old, where they are then transferred to a mental institution.
They know that they cannot “Change the world” BUT, they CAN make sure that the world does not change them. They CAN make a difference to someone’s life…an Earthly, and Eternal difference. They have the most accepting and wonderful children. They accepted Mila immediately as if she were always theirs.
They have fallen in love with a little boy with Ds, who needs a family. He is such a happy little boy despite his living arrangements, and never having a mother to kiss and hug him. He came so unexpectedly, but the love was undeniable. They cannot wait (especially their oldest son, Van) to bring home a sweet, little boy and always make him feel wanted. They know that they will learn as much from him as he will from them… together… as a Forever Family.
10/12/13—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at gatheringoursunshine.blogspot.com
SUTTER for the Smith family — IN
Jason and Emily have been married for 19 years. They have 4 children who make them very proud: Hannah (18) Julia (16) Noah (12) and Gracie (5). Jason has a heart for ministry and Emily is a stay-at-home mom. (i.e., she homeschools the kids and shows them love by taking them all over the world and back for the sake of their growth through various activities). While Jason and Emily had talked about adoption before they were married, it wasn’t until recently that they were confident that it was now time.
Jason and Emily ask that you would join them in prayer as they walk this journey to bring home the children God has for them. They also thank you for prayerfully considering supporting them through this process.
11/26/13—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the Smith family’s adoption journey on their blog at somewherebeyondallthis.blogspot.com
CHARLIE and LOLA for the Boyer — FL
On May 26, 2012 Dennis & Cindy committed to adopt a little girl named Adalyn. Adalyn had the same birth defect as 3 of their children. In December they traveled to meet Adalyn, while in country the threat of the ban was happening. On December 23 they returned home hoping to travel quickly back in Jan. since Adalyn needed surgery. Then the ban was made law the day before Adalyn`s 2nd birthday December 29. In February we found Adalyn did in fact have her surgery and was starting to gain a little weight, that was a blessing. In March they traveled to Washington with the parents of children with children still in Russia. Sadly nothing could be done. Still Praying and Believing for Adalyn they would move when God showed them other little ones that needed a home, however the door was not opened for another child yet. Until we saw a little brother and sister. We talked to two Moms who met these little ones. Three little ones in Brooksville have already come home from this same orphanage. Then on January 7, which is CHRISTmas in Russia we committed to adopting little Charlie and Lola. We had to work through a lot of emotions even after committing, that we are not abandoning Adalyn. Little Charlie is just 22 days younger than Adalyn and Lola is the same age Adalyn was when we started to adopt. Right after we made the decision to adopt these precious little ones I had my son put on Praise music and the song that came on God is Able. The very name we will give this little one. God had given me the names Sarah and Abraham in the beginning of our journey to adopt. Please pray for us as we start over again in adopting little Sarah Elizabeth and Abraham who will be called Abel, still have to pick out a middle name. They will be coming into a family of 8 children. Jennifer (Kevin) Westin,Trentin & Cindy Sue, Adam (Megan) Reese due in April, Andrew (Casey) Atlas, Aaron (Laura) Brandon due in march, Alex is on the mission field in Mexico right now and is based in Australia with YWAM, Austin is about to start apprenticeship under Steve Saint & his son Jesse , Addison seeking where God is leading him with music & Nora just returned from YWAM Australia , God is leading her to the Philippines next. Our home study update is almost done. This is moving very quickly and smoothly. Praying, Believing as the Hand of God leads us through this journey and He opens the orphanage Gates and provides for us to be able to bring our little ones home. We are incredibly blessed by the gift of two and still praying for the one. Blessings & so Grateful to everyone helping us. Dennis & Cindy
I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in Truth. 3 John 4 My Prayer for all Our Children…………
1/25/14—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at
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ABC NEWS: Hidden Angels
Diane Sawyer reports on the adoption of Mia Cox:
