Homestudy In Process
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Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome... |
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RANIA for the Centrella family — NJ
Margaret and Danny have volunteered and worked with people with special needs since their high school and college years. They met 29 years ago while volunteering at the Special Olympics. After they married, Margaret took time off while they raised their 4 children. Benny and Sammy are working and living on their own. Helen is a sophomore in college and Harry is in middle school. Margaret and Danny talked about and looked into adopting a child with special needs. Their search started and ended with Reece’s Rainbow when one beautiful smile from Rania captured their hearts! The whole family is very enthusiastic and excited about adopting Rania and their children are looking forward to having a new sister!
1/23/15—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
TRUE for the Wallace family — MO
Ben and Nicole were married in March 2008. Prior to starting a family, they both agreed adoption would be part of their story. Before their second daughter was born in September 2011, adopting a child with special needs had never crossed their minds. After Reese came along, they knew adopting a child with Down syndrome was the only way to go.
Ben & Nicole have been blessed with three amazing biological daughters (ages 5, 3 & 21 months) and are currently in the process of adopting a three year old girl with Down syndrome, True, from China. Soon they will have four girls, all five and under, running around the house and they can’t wait. Their already chaotic life is about to get a little crazier!
As stated above, adopting a child with Down syndrome has been their goal since their middle daughter was born. Reese was diagnosed with Down syndrome and an AV canal heart defect on her birthday & underwent open heart surgery when she was seven months old. Although True has no diagnosed heart issues, Ben & Nicole feel prepared & confident in parenting a child with special needs and in navigating the world of therapists, specialists and IEPs. They have a wonderful support system in place who are all desperate to bring True home.
1/15/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at babyreesereport.blogspot.com
FOREST for Brian and Kathryn — OK
Brian and Kathryn met as 6th graders and began dating their senior year of high school after many years of friendship. They tied the knot a few years later, and have been happily married for 14 years.
They have a shared desire for a larger family, and hoped to grow their family through birth and adoption. The couple was blessed with four biological children before they started looking into special needs, international adoption programs. Because Kathryn’s brother has Down syndrome, they felt this was a need they could handle.
In October 2012 they fell in love with a little girl in China who has Down syndrome. She faced some serious health issues while living in her orphanage, leaving the family racing the clock to bring her home. August 2013, Meghan was placed in her mother’s arms and forever welcomed into the family. Though her needs were great and at times overwhelming, this precious girl has absolutely thrived since adoption. She has an army of people who wholly love and treasure her, and see her for the blessing that she is.
Adoption changed the family forever, and Meghan’s older siblings frequently talk about how smart Meghan is, how wonderful she is, and how thankful they are that she is a part of the family.
Because of the impact of their adoption trip, and especially seeing firsthand innumerable children in orphanages, Kathryn began advocating for waiting-children, especially those with Down syndrome. It was on an advocating website in Fall of 2014 that she first saw Forest. The family requested his file, and began praying and talking about how to proceed.
On Christmas Day 2014, the family was granted pre-approval for this precious 4 year old boy. Forest has a different history and different needs than Meghan, but the family is completely committed to bringing him home. They can’t wait to show Forest what a family is. They can’t wait to show him what unconditional love means. They can’t wait for him to see how treasured he is, and they look forward to the day they are forever his.
1/26/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at notthecrazyone.com
ELOISE for the Baerbock family — MN
Matt & Sara met in college and have been married for nearly 13 years. They have 5 biological children ranging in ages from 11 down to a newborn, 3 girls and 2 boys. They had discussed the possibility of adoption in the past, but thought it was a long time away, someday after they were done having children of their own – and then domestically.
A few weeks after their son was born, a friend happened to post a picture of Eloise. Sara passed it along to Matt, praying hard and hoping against hope that he’d feel what she felt – a strong bond & connection. Surprisingly to both of them, he did! It was completely out of the blue, and they had no inkling God was about to add to their family again so soon and in this way, which is why they decided to pursue adopting Eloise.
The kids are very excited to have another sister and have been asking tons of questions. The whole family is excited to meet Eloise and bring her home where she belongs as quickly as possible before she is transferred out of the orphanage and no longer available for adoption. That is a very real possibility as it sounds like she is the oldest there.
Please pray as Matt, Sara, and family take up this journey for a child in need. Your support and prayers are appreciated!
1/13/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at postzero.com/adoption_journey/
GRADY for the Hartman family — WA
Ben and Melanie have been together for close to 10 years, having met on a blind date. In that time we have been down some crazy roads that have grown us, stretched us, and bent our hearts more and more toward a life of surrender to the Lord. Early in our marriage we both shared our hearts toward adoption with one another, having no clue what the future would hold. In the last 8 years we have grown our family from 2 children to 6. In the fall of 2010 we first heard of Reece’s Rainbow. It wasn’t long before God broke our hearts for a little boy across the ocean with Down syndrome living in a mental institution. In the Summer of 2011 we were able to bring that little rascal home and it has been an amazing and wild ride ever since. He was known as Brady on RR and is now our beloved Judd. While we were visiting Judd in his institution we met another boy. We have prayed about him for the last 3 1/2 years and have told anyone that would listen about him. Just recently God began to make it very clear to us that we needed to go back for the one we left behind. His name is Grady on RR and we are committed to doing everything in our power to bring that boy home before his chances at a family are lost forever. Please pray for us and if God pricks your heart, help us. Thank You.
1/26/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the Hartman family’s adoption journey on their blog at
happyhartmanfarm.blogspot.com
ANTOINETTE for the Oden family — OK
Jeff and Shanda got a bit of a non-traditional start. When Jeff and Shanda met, Shanda was a divorced single mom of two boys. They quickly merged into one tight knit family though, and were thrilled to soon celebrate the birth of a little girl. A few months after the princess joined their family, they realized she wasn’t developing at the typical speed and began seeking answers. The princess was soon diagnosed with Chromosome 15q Duplication Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Not long after that, their family expanded again, this time with the addition of an 8 yr old through kinship foster care. They were later blessed to adopt this sweet boy, who fit perfectly into their family from day one. But God wasn’t done – Jeff and Shanda then welcomed the newest addition to their family – a sweet baby boy was born in December 2012! Their family now has 4 boys, ages 15, 12, 11, & 1, and one sweet little 3 year old girl. Their family was complete – so they thought. One day they read an article about the plight of special needs kids in other countries. Their eyes were opened and their hearts were broken. Children just like their sweet princess, routinely abandoned to spend their lives in institutions. The magnitude of that injustice was beyond their comprehension. Their journey parenting a special needs child and also adopting had taught them many things. It brought their family closer together, it made them stronger. It made them realize that the important things in life are smiles and love, not IQ and test scores. They learned that every child brings pride and joy and blessings, regardless of a diagnosis or a biological connection. As a family who had seen first hand the blessings of both adoption and special needs, they had to do something. So, they prayed. They knew that it was their job as Christians to join the fight against this injustice. So they prayed about how. And soon God gave them an answer – their part is to adopt. So they made plans to adopt. Someday. But God changed that plan when they ran across a picture of sweet Antoinette! They took some time and prayed over it, and God confirmed that she is their child. God has already begun moving mountains – after a long search, they recently bought a big house that could easily accommodate another child. The purchase of the house has depleted much of their savings and made the process of adopting at this time very daunting. But God promised – if they just said “yes”, that He would provide. So they enter into this adoption completely on faith that God will move the mountains and they will soon bring home another sweet little princess.
2/2/15—HOMESTUDY STILL in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog 15milesfromnowhere.blogspot.com
HARLEY for the Steinhoff family — WI
Yeah know, Its never easy when God closes doors.But I have learned over the years that His will is always BEST.We have had a few doors close when it comes to adoption…Gods peace was always there,and I knew God would reveal the child He has chosen for our family .I am NOT a patient person and quite often infact I speed ahead of God and THINK I know who that child is.Now you would think I would know better,because we have traveled this road many times,knowing we were called to adopt again,feeling it in our hearts and hearing Gods voice clearly every time.Once I KNOW that..Im all over finding THAT child..hehehe…Oh how God must grow weary dealing with me and my crazy heart for orphans! With all that said..Here we go again..Clearly we have heard Gods call once again and we are honored and in awe of who God is bringing into our family!! Sweet precious Harley,you have waited so long,I cannot wait to wrap my arms all around you .To look into your beautiful precious brown eyes and tell you that you matter and that you were created in the very image of Jesus! What a treasured,blessing you are sweet girl! We are working fast,to get all the paperwork going and we pray Harleys 15th Birthday will be with us in June.We covet all prayers,and help to get our girl home.
P.S. Oh yea,we are the Steinhoff family.We have adopted children from Ethiopia,China and from foster care.We LOVE how God builds families !!!
1/30/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at steinhofffamily22.blogspot.com
BROOKE and JILLIAN for the Joss family — WA
We have a sign in our home that says, “Our family ~one of God’s masterpieces.” He has truly done great things. We began as a couple struggling with infertility, thinking we would never have children to hold and love. But by His grace we now have 7 biological children and 7 adopted children. Our children have come from all over the globe with many different abilities and gifts. God has truly done more than we could have ever asked or imagined (Eph 3:20).
Now God has called us onward again. Each time it is a little greater step of faith…a little more to trust Him for. We added 4 children to our family within 14 months. He again has called us to go back for more. We are trusting Him for all that we will need.
We are so proud to introduce our two new daughters, Brooke and Jillian. Precious Brooke was blessed with an additional chromosome. She is 3 years old. Beautiful Jillian is just a year old and has Apert Syndrome just like our Serenity. We are so amazed that God is giving us such amazing treasures to care for. To Him be all glory, honor, and praise!
1/9/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.redemptionwhispers.blogspot.com
TRISHA and TYLER for the Cowan family — IL
Chris and Amy are excited to bring home two beautiful siblings! The have ten kids, Britney 25, Pam 23, Sierra 16, Ainslee 13, Kara 10, Reagan 8, Lawson 6, Annabelle 5, Hadley 5, and Jackson 3. After being blessed through adoption last year, they knew that God was calling them to adopt again, and excitedly started the process! Amy’s favorite part of the adoption process is not just being blessed with children, but also growing their children’s hearts to be loving and compassionate and seeing God work in amazing ways! Chris is a farmer and Amy is a stay at home mom and runs a gymnastics program with her daughters. The kids are very excited to bring home their brother and sister, and Chris and Amy can’t wait to bring home their son and daughter! Please pray for Trisha and Tyler and for the Cowan’s through this adoption process!
2/1/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
NATHANIEL for the Chaves family — VT
Ernest and Ruth Chaves have eleven children. Four of these children are biological children who are grown and on their own. Seven of their children joined them through the gift of adoption and reside with them in their home. Ruth and Ernie felt early in their marriage a desire to adopt. However when they first began to pursue their desire they found they were expecting their first child and decided to wait. Four children later the urge still present they started to talk and look for ways to adopt.
In 1997 they received a ministry letter from dear friends who lived and ministered in Haiti at Maranatha Children’s Home. In this letter were pictures of beautiful children who were in need of forever families.
And so it began. Calls made, papers gathered, money raised, and after just over a years time they brought two beautiful little girls home from Haiti. And the wonderful story of love and family in adoption began. Since that time they have brought home 5 other children, from the countries of Haiti, Vietnam and China. Each addition brought deeper joy to their hearts and home.
And again love has gripped their hearts and they have heard the cry of a sweet little boy known as Nathaniel on RR but to them Zebadiah Brighton and the process begins again. The process to bring home a little boy who will add joy and laughter to their home and hearts. This precious little boy has touched the heart of many in his four years of life and much prayer has gone before him. It is time he comes home to join his family, forever his. Please continue to pray and stand behind this family as they seek to make this child their own.
1/21/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
BETSY and BROCK for the Lourcey family — TX
Rob and Emily talked about wanting to adopt before they were ever married. They were starting the process in 2013, when Emily found out she was pregnant with their 3rd daughter, Margaret. They sadly lost Margaret on April 18, 2014 when she was stillborn on her due date. Several months later, Emily found Brock and Betsy on the RR site. They prayed for several months and in December 2014, God confirmed it to both of them that they were supposed to move forward with the adoption.
Their other daughters, Jane (5) and Cora (3), are SO excited to welcome home a big sister and brother!
2/2/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at thelourceys.blogspot.com
JOAQUIN for the Spence family — KY
Back in 2002, Lynn was raising her two children and going to the University. One afternoon she received a phone call from her sister, who was on a work trip in Nevada. Her co-worker John was with her at the time. John picked up the phone and began to chat with Lynn. They discovered a similar sense of humor and many mutual interests: hiking, kayaking, traveling, books, music, etc. History was made.
Fast forwarding several years, after being a family of four, with two growing children, their family grew even more and they were blessed with 2 more wonderful children. Their family now includes four extraordinarily bright, talented and loving children including a son (20) in college, a daughter (15) and two younger sons (7 and 5). With their oldest son enjoying success in college and getting out on his own, the time seemed right to try to fulfill a dream of trying to help a child in need.
As a teenager, and after reading of the struggles of Eastern European orphans, Lynn dreamt of being able to help, to be able to give them the life that every child deserves with a loving family. John, who has an adopted cousin, was on board with the idea. Both John and Lynn believed that no child should be denied the basic things we often take for granted. Loving parents, a supportive family, education, and good healthcare, in a place where people with disabilities may enjoy every opportunity.
In their search, it only made sense to reach out and try to help a special needs child, one of many such children all too often overlooked by adoptive parents because of the potential challenges they may bring. Little Joaquin was challenged at birth with Achondroplasia , a common form of dwarfism. He also has minor heart defects, and developmental delays, most likely for institutionalization. He will need continued monitoring for hydrocephalus (water on the brain), and orthopedic problems that are common with his condition.
Joaquin touched their hearts from the moment his sweet little face showed up in their search. The more that they learned about him, the more that they realized how very well he would fit in to their family. If already felt as though Joaquin were a part of the household. Gage, the youngest in the family wrote Joaquin a poem about how much he loves him. Matthew the next oldest is trying to find the perfect spot to put Yoan’s firetruck bed. The older children just cannot wait to meet their baby brother. The whole family is excited and anxious to help bring him home to his “forever family”.
Now, John and Lynn are trying their best to expedite Joaquin’s adoption. He has already been an orphanage for too long. He is behind in his development and needs to come home to bloom and flourish. John and Lynn’s desire to speed up Joaquin’s adoption are further fueled, by the knowledge, that in Bulgaria, when a child turns 4 , they will most likely be transferred from the “baby” orphanage into one for all older children. Imagining the fear a child would go through leaving the only people he has known to go to a whole new orphanage, John and Lynn decided to do whatever they could to try to avoid that and to make his next move be to their family instead.
Please join them along their journey to give Joaquin the life, love, family, and opportunities he deserves. Any help with fundraising and prayers to allow them to complete this process before he has to move again would be greatly appreciated. Blessings from our family to you and yours.
12/11/14—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
DYLAN for the Gagnon family — AZ
“We looked out at the whole world and have been blessed to choose a beautiful child named Dylan to be our son.” The Gagnon family is excited to welcome home Dylan! Darren and Stacey have 5 children and know that God is calling them to bring home one more. The Gagnons are blessed with a large home, big family and lots of love to spread around. Dylan will be welcomed by three brothers and two sisters. He will be embraced by a daddy and mommy who love Jesus and can’t wait to see the wonderful plans God has for him. Daddy is a teacher and mommy is a nurse, so he will be in good hands with his medical and physical needs. But best of all, Dylan will know the love and hope of a family.
The Gagnons are stepping out in faith and hoping for prayers, support and excitement at the arrival of their child. Will you join them in the rescue and ransom of Dylan?
10/10/14—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at ransomfordylan.blogspot.com
OWEN for the Viljoen family — NC
From the time they started planning their nuptials, Jacques and Tabatha Viljoen knew they wanted to grow their family with adopted and biological children. Fourteen months after they were wed, they were blessed to see two pink lines on a pregnancy test! In early 2013, they welcomed their son Hans into the world!
During her pregnancy, Tabatha felt there were other children somewhere in the world who belonged in their family. She prayed and prayed, without knowing exactly *who* she was praying for! Nine months after they announced they were going to pursue adoption, Tabatha was sent the profile for Owen. After sharing his information with Jacques, they decided that they wanted to make him a part of their little family.
In order to pay for the adoption, the Viljoens sold their first home in the city and bought a more affordable home in the small town where Tabatha grew up. Tabatha has also taken two temporary jobs in order to help bring their little boy home! Needless to say, this is a couple that believes that hard-work and dedication win the race!
The Viljoens are doing everything in their power to make Owen a member of their family, and greatly appreciate any help they receive along the way!
2/23/2015—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at steadfastparents.blogspot.com
OLEN for the Stewart family — ND
Harlan and Andrea met in junior high, became friends in high school, started dating in college, and were married in June of 2012. They were both born and raised in rural North Dakota and attribute their values of hard work, family, friends, and faith in God to their upbringing in this area.
Harlan and Andrea developed a love and passion for working with individuals with special needs while working at a local summer camp devoted to providing services to children and adults with disabilities in North Dakota.
The subject of adoption came up frequently and was talked about as something they would do “some day.” A divine encounter with a mom of a child adopted through Reece’s Rainbow changed their whole outlook on the plan to adopt. This mom told Harlan about the journey they went through to bring their son home – sparking an urgency to their plan to adopt.
Harlan and Andrea made the decision to grow their family through adoption. They are very excited to make this dream of theirs a reality. They appreciate anyone who chooses to partner with them by supporting financially, emotionally or through prayer for their little boy.
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” – Exodus 33:14
2/2/15—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.journeyforteddy.blogspot.com
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