These are the families who have taken a leap of faith and committed to adopt one or more our orphaned children most recently.
We are thrilled to have them, and so grateful for this life-saving step to rescue our angels!
Your continued financial support will give them the strength and courage to continue this journey!
Jared and Jamie met and started dating in high school. They have been together for 15 years and married for 8 years. They are blessed with three biological children, ages 6, 4, and 1. Jamie was a special education teacher working with children with severe disabilities before she and Jared had their children. She put in many hours working with “her” children, and 2 of them were flower girls in their wedding. Jamie knew she would love to bring home a child with a disability but Jared wasn’t sure if the time was right.
Over the past few years Jamie and Jared have felt called to help children in need, and began following and donating to other families who were making this journey. Jamie found Eli’s picture and emailed it to Jared. She asked a friend to pray that he would find a family quickly if it wasn’t meant to be them. Jared saw his picture and immediately fell in love with him. He contacted Reece’s Rainbow on his own to find out more about him! He and Jamie decided that he was the one meant to be their second son, rounding out the family to 2 boys and 2 girls. They are very excited to bring Eli home and their children are excited about their new brother!
2/21/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://sunshinedaysandpeacefulnights.blogspot.com/
Natalie Keller comes from a family of 6 children – 3 of which are adopted. Two of these three children have pretty significant disabilities. Adoption and children with special needs have always been a part of her life. She has always known that, at some point, she would adopt. For years, she has said that she wouldn't be upset if God decided to “bless” her with a child with Down Syndrome.
She has been living in the Chicago area since she finished college. During that time, she has been teaching special education at a Christian school. She’s also spent a significant amount of time in Mexico working with special needs children and learning the Spanish language. Since she returned from a 9 month stay in Mexico in 2009, she has been toying with the idea of adopting a child with Down Syndrome.
When she started this process, she had some pretty stringent criteria for what she was looking for. She knew that when a child met these criteria, she would know they were the one that God had for me. Just when she decided to start seriously pursuing adoption through Reece's Rainbow, Charlotte was posted. She immediately fell in love with her picture and could see her being a part of her family. Since this process has started, she has seen God answer lots of prayers and solve lots of problems. She has no doubt this is what she is supposed to be doing with her life right now.
2/17/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at nataliekeller.blogspot.com
Carey and Steve Schwenzer met at the University of Connecticut in the fall of 1994. They began dating in the Spring of 1995. Steven proposed to Carey in June of 1996 on her 21st birthday. After both graduating from college, they were married on August 16th of 1997. Following the wedding they moved from Connecticut down to Fredericksburg, Virginia and soon started their family. Kacey Leigh was born in May of 1999. Over the next five years they experienced the heartbreak of several miscarriages. The idea of adoption entered into their conversations at this point because they were not sure they could have anymore biological children. God had different plans at this time. Ethan Connor was born in September of 2004, followed by one more miscarriage. Then in quick succession came Regan Kelly in July of 2007 and Evan Alexander in May of 2009. At this point, after a very difficult pregnancy with Evan, they decided not to have any more biological children. When Evan was one, the topic of adopting was discussed as something to happen when Evan was a few years older. Shortly after putting off the idea of adoption to the distant future, God led us to Julia on Reece’s Rainbow. During the initial phases of paperwork, they decided to adopt a second child, Aaron, from the same orphanage. In April of 2011, Aaron and Julia arrived home and have thrived with their new family. But God wasn’t done with Carey and Steven’s hearts yet. While visiting Julia and Aaron in the orphanage, Carey met another precious little girl, Marina, as she escaped from her room to come out and play. A year later, they have decided to go back and make her a part of their family. And so they start their journey anew…
2/16/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://schwenzerfamilyupdates.blogspot.com
Adam and Jodi met almost 20 years ago on a blind date in high school. They first started thinking about adoption 7 years ago when their 2nd child was born with Down Syndrome. They realized quickly how exceptional these children were and it broke their hearts to know that so many of these beautiful children didn’t have families of their own. They started asking questions about international adoption, but God closed doors and they felt that it wasn’t the right time. They now have four wonderful children and were just starting to relax and enjoy a diaper free house. One day, Jodi was out on the Reece’s Rainbow website in an attempt to talk someone else into adopting a special needs child. Adam was out on a different website looking at tractors. Jodi saw Joshua and instantly fell in love. She showed Adam the picture and he knew he wasn’t going to be getting his tractor anytime soon. God was moving them and they had to do everything possible to adopt Joshua, even if it meant stepping out of their comfort zone and traveling to the complete opposite part of the world to get him.
2/13/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Melanie and Gabe have been married 10 years and have always talked about adopting one day. They have 3 biological children: Eva (8), Eli (6), and Millie (3) and one adopted, Victoria (4) home from Russia in October 2011. Victoria has blended in so well and has brought so much joy since her arrival. Her siblings adore her and love teaching her new things. After visiting Victoria’s orphanage and reading so many other families’ stories, the Jims are more aware than ever of the tremendous needs that orphaned children have. The damage done growing up in an orphanage is real, but the potential for growth and development in a family is just as real. Seeing Victoria bloom has encouraged them to open their home to one more little one. They have chosen a boy , Spencer, this time (Eli really wants a brother) and are so looking forward to the time when he will be racing around the house with his siblings, learning to do all the things little boys are supposed to. The Jim family believes it is a privilege to be allowed to serve God by caring for an orphaned little one. What else could be more worthy of our time and resources?
2/13/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://gracenotes-melanie.blogspot.com/
Daniel and Abby Snyder live in Northwest Arkansas. They are involved in TEAMworks, an international therapy initiative group (www.teamworksukraine.com). While in Eastern Europe in April 2010 and October 2011, Abby met and advocated for Anastasia, or Nastia. Nastia is a precious little girl whose family felt they had to give up their rights to her because they could not meet her medical needs. Upon returning to the United States, Daniel and Abby began to pray for Nastia. They prayed for her health and that she would be adopted soon. During the process of advocating and praying for Nastia, Daniel and Abby began to feel led to adopt her.
After months of praying, Daniel and Abby felt that God led them to be Nastia's parents. They are currently completing their homestudy and necessary paperwork in order to adopt Nastia and bring her home. The full story of how God led them to adopt Nastia is here: http://danielandabbysoldhouse.blogspot.com/2012/01/we-have-news-very-long-post.html
2/13/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://danielandabbysoldhouse.blogspot.com
Heidi and Mike have been married for 8 years, and have three biological children, all boys. The past few years, however, they’d felt a pull on their hearts to adopt a child with special needs into their family. Both felt that their family not only had the love and nurture to give to another child, but that they had the ability and skills to care for a child with special needs.
After much prayer and discernment, Heidi and Mike decided to start the adoption process and to welcome a little angel into their family. Almost unbelievably quickly, their prayers were answered with the picture of an adorable little boy. God’s call to love and nurture this child grew stronger with every minute that the email sat open on the computer.
Heidi and Mike (and the boys) are excited to journey towards bringing their little angel home. God has blessed them with an incredible home and family to share, and they are confidant that He will continue to provide for this little one to come home. Your prayers and financial support are appreciated more than Heidi and Mike could ever express. Bringing their son home is a tremendous responsibility (and joy!), and they will be forever grateful for your support on the journey. God has created a home full of adventurous, giggling little boys, and is leading Zechariah home!
2/13/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://bringingpeterhome.blogspot.com
Neil and Stephanie have been married for six years. They both committed their lives to Christ eight years ago, and desire to serve Jesus with all their hearts. They have three beautiful, precious children: a son who is four, a son who is two, and a baby girl born in 2011. They love children and have together dreamed of having a large family, as God wills. They also have a son in heaven, whom they named Joshua, who died very early in a pregnancy after their first son was born. After their deeply felt loss, God firmly planted seeds of adoption in their hearts. The seeds were rekindled during Orphan Sunday 2011, which fell on the anniversary of the loss of Joshua. Stephanie began writing prayers for orphans on facebook and came across an ad for Reece's Rainbow in a homeschooling magazine. She found Michelle's profile and felt an immediate bond. She began writing prayers for Michelle and raising funds for her adoption on facebook. She asked God to work in Neil's heart too, if it was meant to be. God responded, and very quickly, supernaturally, showed His will to Neil with the adoption. God showed both of them the needs of orphans in Eastern Europe, and gave them heaven sent promptings, that He is weaving together into a beautiful tapestry. One day when Stephanie was emotionally telling Neil about the conditions Michelle is living in, in the adult mental institution, at that moment their four year old son bit into a cookie and said, "look, Mommy, a rainbow." On another occasion, while reading a children's book to their kids by Max Lucado, called "The Crippled Lamb", they were both moved by the meaning behind the story…God was speaking directly to their hearts. The story is about a little lamb named Joshua who cannot go out to the field with the other lambs because he has a crippled leg. He must stay behind in a stable where the baby Jesus is born that night. Joshua warms the baby Jesus with his wool coat and realizes God has a special plan for him. At Christmas, Neil and Stephanie's children's Godparents unknowingly gave their children the DVD, "The Crippled Lamb". Finally, another significant piece of the tapestry was woven together on Stephanie's birthday. She had been asking God if Michelle is their daughter. While driving, she was listening to a radio program about Sanctity of Life Sunday. The broadcast was about a story of a lady who came into a pregnancy center, was ministered to, prayed over, and at the last minute, decided to give her baby life. The story paralleled the story of a mother named Michelle who had come to a pregnancy center Stephanie was volunteering at one day. She was prayed over by many, and also decided to give her baby life. The moment Stephanie was thinking about Michelle and her child, she passed Michelle Road. Stephanie knew in her heart it was an answer to her prayer, and another piece of God's truly beautiful tapestry. Neil and Stephanie know God has a beautiful plan and are relying on God to provide as His will unfolds. They know Michelle needs a home quickly as she has already been transferred, but know it will be in God's perfect timing.
2/7/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at
Kelly, Regina, DJ and Kalyn, also known as the Bradley Bunch are currently an active duty military family of four. They have served out country for 19 years and look to retire next summer. While they have enjoyed the military life, they are ready to settle down. This family has always wanted to grow in size through adoption. God placed this calling on their lives five years ago, but due to being in the military and transferring, it has made the process grueling. While discouraged at times, they pushed on the find Reece’s Rainbow. Choosing a child was not as hard as they thought, for their daughters chose them. While looking for a little boy, they came across Sunny’s photo and it immediately set in that she was to come home to them. When they found out about Serena, they all felt doubly blessed and agreed to bring home both little angels. They always knew that special needs adoption was something neat and dear to their hearts. These two precious girls have a huge family scattered all over the United States awaiting their arrival home. We are stepping out in faith, and we know that God has ordained this journey. Our adoption verses are Psalms 37:3-6 and James 1:27. These verses are what we cling to everyday until our daughters are home with us. Thank you Reece’s Rainbow for your wonderful ministry, God Bless each child on your website. May they all come home soon!
2/6/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://sunnyandserena.blogspot.com
Curtis and Tana are parents to 12 wonderful children, and were quite content with their “small” family. They completed their last adoption nearly 4 years ago, and felt strongly that they were DONE. One day, however, God made it clear that they were most certainly NOT done, and that a little someone was still missing. That someone is Miss “Pinecone” (her Chinese name – really!) in China!
Curtis and Tana have 4 birth children, 3 from China, 3 from Haiti, and 2 from Ethiopia. One of their daughters is deaf and uses bilateral cochlear implants, and another has albinism and is legally blind. Having parented children with special needs already, and having discovered the joys and blessings that come with these amazing children, they recognized that sweet Miss Pinecone would fit right in and be loved beyond expression in their home. God’s plan for the Whicker family is so much better than anything they could have dreamed up for themselves, and they are putting their faith and trust in Him as they await the arrival of their precious new daughter – lucky number 13!
2/5/12—HOMESTUDY IN PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://harmonyandhavoc.blogspot.com
Guy and Lindy House made the journey overseas just 7 months ago to adopt two boys, 6 year old Gabe (Gavin) and 6 year old Levi (Tristan), both with down syndrome. While at the orphanage they met and fell head over heals for a little guy that was in Levi’s group. Lindy and Genesis, their 12 year old daughter, got to hold and love on “Kory” during their visits at the orphanage. He completely stole their hearts.
Once back home Lindy would dream about “Kory” and wish that he could be part of their family. She just knew he was meant to be theirs. Genesis would write letters to him on her blog and post pictures of his sweet little face on her computer. Well, God never ceases to amaze! Through events totally orchestrated by God’s hands, the House’s will be returning to rescue their son!!! He will be reunited with his buddy Levi, and Gabe. He will also join their other two sons, 4 year old Zane and 7 year old Jude. And of course his big sister Genesis! The House family is bursting with excitement and can’t wait to share their story and journey with you all!!
2/4/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at www.lindyhouse.blogspot.com
Genesis Blog, letters to Kole - www.dearsunshineboy.blogspot.com
BJ and Jenn met in their late teens. The best of friends at first, that friendship soon turned to love and the couple married in 2004. Adopted at birth, Jenn always had positive feelings about adoption. When they decided to start a family BJ and Jenn discussed what they would do if they couldn’t conceive. They agreed to pursue adoption if infertility became an issue, but were so excited about the prospect of adoption that they chose to adopt first and worry about conceiving later. So began their journey.
As a history major in college, Jenn developed a strong attraction to Eastern Europe. Little did she know God was preparing her heart for her son. When BJ and Jenn decided on international adoption she knew right away that God was calling them to Eastern Europe, but she never dreamed He would call them to adopt an older child with special needs. Then one day her friend Chrissy, whose family was finishing up their own adoption through Reece’s Rainbow, posted a link about an orphan to her Facebook page. Jenn took one look at that sweet face and felt compelled to read more. BJ and Jenn prayed for guidance (all the while feeling certain Gregory was their son) and finally received affirmation. Now they can’t wait to bring precious Gregory home! They are overwhelmed with gratitude that God would give them such an amazing gift and can’t wait to return God’s blessings and love to their son.
2/3/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://bjandjenn.blogspot.com
Dee has always had a heart for foster care and adoption. She has worked in the child protection services field for 10 years and is a licensed clinical social worker. Dee became a foster parent in 2009 but has not had any permanent placements and has no children of her own. She has always known she would adopt children one day but had never really considered international adoption as she thought it would be unaffordable. After being referred the book “The Connected Child,” Dee did a web-search which led her to Reece’s Rainbow and immediately fell in love with these beautiful children. She began focusing her prayers and attention on certain children and eventually saw “Brigita’s” beautiful smile. However, Dee still thought of international adoption as unaffordable, especially being single mom. One day she clicked on the Prayer Warrior emblem under Brigita’s name by chance and followed it to other blogs of people who were advocating for Brigita. Seeing how loved she was by others made Dee love this child more and more. She found herself checking on the children she had chosen for concentrated prayer daily. But especially on Brigita. Then one fateful day in September, Dee misread an old blog and thought Brigita had found a family. Instead of being happy for Brigita like she had the other children who found their families, Dee was very sad and upset. It was that day that God opened Dee’s heart to Brigita with a strong whisper: “This is your daughter.” However, it was not an easy decision and she struggled to say yes. Dee was able to speak with someone who had not only spent time with Brigita, but also was a foster parent and could give her personal insight into parenting a child with special needs. After much prayer and consultation with friends and family, Dee knew that leaving Brigita behind was not an option. She loved this little girl and knew that God was directing her in this path. This child has already found a special place in the hearts of so many people who are eager to welcome her to the Etheridge home. Dee can hardly believe this decision could have ever been difficult when it is so right.
2/2/12—HOMESTUDY IN PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://faithlovehopeandcourage.blogspot.com
Amy and Andrew Brockhaus met while both working at Starbucks, and have been in love ever since. When they were first dating, Amy went on a missions trip to Romania where she was first confronted with the orphan crisis and was heartbroken for the silent babies she held in the orphanages. She and some friends snuck upstairs to the ‘special needs’ room where the children grabbed onto them, desperate for attention in the upstairs room. When Amy and Andrew got engaged, they discussed adoption, and Andrew was at first uncertain. That year they did a missions trip together to Ecuador, living on an orphanage and Andrew, or ‘Barba roja’ was the most popular person among all the kids, tiny to teenaged, and his heart for the orphan was sealed. Amy and Andrew have been married for 5 years, have a beautiful 1 year old son named Finley and 2 worthless cats who they love. Andrew has his own IT business and Amy teaches Spanish part time at a private high school. They love their family and friends immensely and meeting new people. They have been involved in youth ministry for 8 years and they love kids. They believe there is nothing better than seeing God work in the life of youth. When they first saw Maya, their hearts were captured. They prayed and prayed about it, and despite questions, they knew she is their sweet daughter who they can’t wait to bring home and pour love and encouragement on her each and every day. We welcome every single prayer for the adoption process and for sweet Maya girl, and for any person who donates to our fund; you are our instant best friend for life, serious.
1/31/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://tinygreenelephants.com
Whitney is a practicing small animal veterinarian who has always felt that adoption would be part of her life. God laid the idea on her heart at a young age and as she became an adult she knew that special needs adoption would also be part of that calling. She is a planner by nature, and with her plans she would have been waiting another year or two before moving forward, but that wasn’t what God had in mind. Once she saw Walker on Reece’s Rainbow she was especially drawn to him and started praying for a family to find him. After several months of prayer and consideration she realized that God was calling her to be his family and has stepped out in faith to make this happen. She is currently awaiting her home study date and is excited about bringing her son home! He has a passel of cousins, aunts, uncles, and his grandmother eagerly waiting to meet him as well.
1/30/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://bringingcalebhome-now.blogspot.com/
Patricia is a single mother dedicated to serving the Lord and her three children. Her two older daughters are off to college, and Ralphy is her 6 yrs old son. About three years ago, Ralphy, (at the short age of three), started telling mommy Patty “Mama, I am going to have a baby sister. Amelia is her name, and she is going to be born soon.” Patricia has always felt in her heart to adopt a baby girl, and Ralphy has always prayed to be the big brother. Now that Patricia had a name for her daughter, she knew this was the way God will show her who and where she is. The adoption search began, but for almost three years, Patricia & Ralphy could not find Amelia. It was on Sept 5, 2011 they came across Amelia’s photo on the Reece’s Rainbow website, and their hearts seemed to skip a beat. They could not believe their eyes! They were seeing Amelia’s photo for the first time! Patricia recognized her immediately as her daughter as she felt in her heart that God was whispering to her “This is your daughter Amelia.” Ralphy started jumping up and down of excitement! His baby sister had found them! Amelia is now 2 yrs old and is a special needs child. After much prayer and seeking confirmation with their pastors, friends and family, they have decided to bring Amelia home. They depend on God for provision, your prayers and financial contributions if you are able to do so. They are stepping out by Faith, as they know that God called Amelia by name to be part of this beautiful Christian family. “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine” Isaiah 43. Please help bring Amelia home to her forever family! God bless you.
1/30/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://bringamelia.blogspot.com
Seth and Ashley Montgomery live in Western Pennsylvania and have been married for seven years. They always planned on having a large family. Seth and Ashley have three biological, healthy, beautiful daughters; Ava-6, Evelynn-4 and Adaline-3. They were thinking about growing their family once again when Ashley “stumbled” upon Reece’s Rainbow. From that moment they were both in agreement that God was calling that the continual growth of their family would be through adoption-special needs adoption. After much time and prayer Ashley and Seth believe God is leading them to beautiful ‘Maribel’. They are privileged that God has called them for such a special mission and are humbled that this mission will only be possible with Gods’ 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.”
1/27/12—HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog
Jason and Kendra met at a singles Bible study and went on their first date Valentine’s weekend. Kendra was a single mom who had recently moved 1500 miles across the country from California to Arkansas with her 5-year-old son Carter. While they were dating, Kendra had to undergo surgery and was told by the doctors that she had only about a year to get pregnant if she wanted another child. She thought it might be a deal-breaker for Jason who always wanted to have children, but he loved her and Carter too much to let that stop him. It didn’t take long for them to know God had meant for them to be together, and they married just over 7 months later.
Jason and Kendra left pregnancy in God’s hands and began discussing the possibility of adoption. Kendra is a special education teacher and has always has a heart for children with special needs. In fact, she didn’t know when she earned her MA in special education with a focus in Autism, that her own son would one day be diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. They set a timeline to undergo fertility treatment before committing to adoption. During that time, God brought other adoptive families into their lives and they were introduced to Reece’s Rainbow. Jason was hesitant at first as they were looking at children with Down Syndrome and gaining exposure through events like the Buddy Walk.
It was a few months into looking at the waiting children on Reece’s Rainbow and discussing what types of disabilities would work best for their family that Pollyanna was added. They immediately knew she was the one God had chosen for them. Carter was also very excited as he wanted a child who was able to play with him. He has written a letter to the Russians telling them he “means peace” and wants to teach Pollyanna English and will take good care of her. He even bought her a Christmas ornament, read a book about Russia and made room for her to put DSi games for girls in his case. He wants to sell hot chocolate to raise money for her adoption so she can be home in time for him to teach her how to Call the Hogs when football season starts. Everyone is very excited to bring her home and complete the family.
1/25/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://www.penniesforpolina.blogspot.com
Michael "Goose" and Gillian have been married for 10 years and have two biological chilren, a boy and a girl, ages 8 & 9. Adoption has been close to their hearts for many yeart but they were waiting for "just the right time" to start their international adoptions. Until Orphan Sunday in November of this past year when the family found the beautiful chidren on Reese's Rainbow. They decided to take the leap of faith and not wait any longer. They soon discovered the children they fell in love with were in Haiti! Haiti had always been close to their hearts and their church is in the process of building an orphanage in Haiti and many of their friends had done their mission trips there. Soon they learned friends had been to the orphanage where these children were living! It was all the confirmation they needed to know God's hands were in this and all they needed to do was take each step as He lighted the way.
Just two days before Christmas they recieved their referrals for two blessings from Haiti, William (aka Wilson) and Sandeline. Wilson is 3 years old and may have mild CP and autism and has a history of seizures. He has been at the orphanage longer than most having been abandoned at 6 months old. All those who have worked with him over the years have fallen in love with the sweet boy. He has a smile that would melt anyones heart and kind and gentle eyes. He just learned to walk recently and loves kicking a soccer ball. The Fitzpatricks have spent many moments looking at pictures of Wilson and falling in love with the little boy who has melted the hearts of so many that have been blessed to meet him. They are thankful that God chose them to be the family that gets to finally bring Wilson home.
Sandeline is 2 and wieghed only 12 lbs when she was admitted just days after her second birthday. She has Down Syndrome but Praise the Lord she doesn't have a heart condition. She hasn't been at the orphanage long but those who work with her say she looks like a porcelin doll and has a sweet personality. She loves to be held and is learning to walk and talk. When the Fitzpatrick family first saw the pictures of Sandeline and saw the sad look in her eyes they knew she was ment to be theirs. They knew God had chosen them to provide the little girl with a lifetime of smiles and love.
The whole family has been involved in fundraising to bring Wilson and Sandeline home. Their daughter has been crochetting dish cloths, Christmas stockings and other crafts to sell and their son has been sketching pictures of the children for popsicle stick framed magnets to hand out as a "Thank you" to those who have donated to their adoptions. They have the support family and friends and a wonderful church family. All in their community are excited to bring these beautiful children home. The Fitzpatricks are trusting in God and taking each step as He lights the way.
Luke 1:37 "For Nothing is Impossible with God."
1/22/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://fitzpatrickfamilyadoption.blogspot.com/
On June 13, 2009 the Bonners were blessed with their first child, a daughter, Kaelyn Ruth. Kaelyn’s life is a miracle in every sense of the word. She was born 2 months early weighing in at only 1 lb 11 oz. At her 20-week ultra sound she was diagnosed with significant heart defects, IUGR and Down syndrome. She spent the first 105 days of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the local children’s hospital. After only a few days she was dubbed as being feisty, and that was exactly what she needed to get her through those first difficult months.
Two and half years later Kaelyn is thriving and loving life. She has opened her parent’s hearts and eyes to the world of Down syndrome, pre-maturity, heart defects, medical fragility and special needs; and they are so blessed to be part of such a beautiful journey. In September of 2011 they were blessed with their second daughter Bryn and they can’t wait to see the relationship between their girls unfold.
Shortly after Kaelyn came home from the hospital the Bonners found out about Reeces Rainbow and just felt like they would one day be a family that would rescue one of the children listed there. Three months after the birth of their daughter Bryn they knew it was time, they couldn’t explain why, they just knew. After seeing Victoria’s profile they were instantly drawn to her. She just looks like she belongs in their family; she literally looks like an older version of Kaelyn. They are excited to bring her home to her two soon-to-be sisters and mommy and daddy that can show her the love and life she deserves. They have an amazing support system of family and friends that will be as welcoming to Victoria as they have been to their two other girls. There is an abundance of love in their world and they can’t wait for Victoria to be home with her forever family. Bringing her home is most definitely a continuation of the miracle of her little sister’s life.
1/22/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://rescuingvictoria.blogspot.com/
Chet and Amanda met 3 years ago via the internet. When they met they instantly clicked and have been together every moment since. They enjoy going to see all that Missouri has to offer and they also have a menagerie of pets to keep them entertained. Amanda is a braillist for a living at the local elementary school while Chet works with HUD to provide a housing program for families on disability. Even before they met Chet and Amanda had a heart for missions and adoption. In 1993, and 1994 Amanda went to Hong Kong/China and Jamaica while Chet has been to Peru and Uganda. That said, after becoming foster parents recently, Amanda realized she has a real heart for the orphans of Eastern Europe. So when she came across Reece’s rainbow she was hooked!
Since God hasn’t blessed Amanda and Chet with Children yet they decided to pursue adoption. After the Braille Challenge 2010 (A spelling type bee for blind kids) Chet also felt that it would be ok to adopt children who were blind or with other special needs. Though both Chet and Amanda work in service jobs and they are not sure how they are going to they have decided to take a leap of faith and trust that God will help with the rest. Please consider giving financially to help with the many adoption expenses as they are civil servants to their community and church. Blind kids are often the last to be adopted and since Amanda is fluent in Braille and knows all the ins and outs, they feel this beautiful little girl is for them!
1/12/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at theresoneless.blogspot.com
2/1/12—COMPILING DOSSIER
Follow the Heirigs family's adoption journey on their blog at http://buildingtheheirigsfamily.blogspot.com
Jeremy and Heather have been married for 17 years and have six children, ages 3-15. Five came to them through birth, then last spring, they adopted Anya from Russia. They never dreamed that having a child with Down Syndrome could be so amazing! Since the time they started their adoption of Anya, they felt like there were two children that The Lord had in mind for them. Bringing them both home at once was not possible, but after less than a year, they are ready to go to Eastern Europe again, to rescue Little Princess #2. They invite you to join them on their journey to bring Hazel into their forever family.
1/21/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at www.hopingforhazel.blogspot.com
Wayne and Anita have been married for 13 years and have 5 energetic, biological children blessing their lives. After becoming very good friends with a handful of families that had adopted through a local organization and becoming involved as a host family for this organization (hosting waiting families and once, an expectant birth mother) they began to feel the leading to open their hearts to adoption. The Wyatts didn’t know how, when or where from but just wanted to be open and ready when the Lord spoke. In August of 2011 a good friend from their church small group asked for prayer for his upcoming trip to some Ukraine orphanages with a therapy team. After the brief description of the circumstances regarding these children, Anita felt the pull. Anita and Wayne began to discuss the possibility of adopting a special needs child and in November of 2011 the decision was made. Their friend, Mike had the opportunity to share with their small group about his trip to Ukraine and spoke of a boy that captured their hearts. “Sargent” was full of life and had a ready smile, yet was facing transfer to an adult institution in around 6 months. This time they were both feeling the Lord’s leading. They decided that evening to begin the process of adopting Sargent. The next morning Wayne talked to the children about it and they were all very excited. At dinner that evening when Anita asked their 6-year-old son, Luke if he thought they should adopt Sargent he said, “Yes, because I think it’s what Jesus would want us to do”. They definitely couldn’t argue with that!
About one month later, Anita was reading a family’s blog about the adoption of their sons from the same orphanage and decided to email the mother to ask a few questions. She linked the pictures and information she had of “Sargent” and to her surprise she learned that this mother knew of him from Reece’s Rainbow and had been praying for him for a year and a half! So here we are, connecting with him through this wonderful organization. The entire Wyatt family is hoping and praying that a day will come soon when Sargent is a part of their family!
1/21/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://seekingtheprize.com
