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These are the families who have taken a leap of faith and committed to adopt one or more of our orphaned children most recently. Your continued financial support will give them the strength and courage to continue this journey! |
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These are the families who have taken a leap of faith and committed to adopt one or more of our orphaned children most recently. Your continued financial support will give them the strength and courage to continue this journey! |
Since the day they met, Nathan made it known that adoption was a dream of his. Seven years of marriage and two children later, Amber got on board! Once fully committed to the adoption, things rolled along quickly and God matched them up with the newest member of their family, a spunky little deaf daughter from Asia.
Nathan and Amber are anxious to bring her home and get acclimated to their new life with “virtual twin” daughters, sign language, and so much love!
10/13/2017 — DOSSIER COMPLETE
Chris and Tia have been married for 8 years. They are over the moon excited to adopt a beautiful baby boy from Eastern Europe. They already have an amazing 15-year-old daughter named Morgan.
Morgan plays soccer at the High School she attends and is involved in several clubs in the school. This past summer Morgan Volunteered at a Non-Profit Hospital which happens to be where Chris and Tia both work. Chris is the Communications/Technology Manager and Tia works in Patient Financial Service.
A Few months ago, Tia learned about Reece’s Rainbow from another RR family. The more Chris and Tia learned the more their hearts were breaking for all the children. The minute they saw Corin’s sweet face everything changed for both of them. They both knew that was their son and they had to bring him home.
Chris, Tia and Morgan cannot wait for this baby boy to be in their family to shower him with LOVE.
10/10/2017 — HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
Please follow our journey at allthingspossible.blog
Forrest and Valerie’s journey toward adopting a child with Down syndrome started in May of 2014, while they were at the beach with family. In a still, quiet moment, as the sun was setting and the waves were lapping at the seashore, a vague perception came to Valerie that she might someday adopt a child with special needs. Forrest and Valerie were not at the time ready to act on the “message”, but thinking it might be from God, they held the moment and tucked it away for safekeeping.
In the subsequent months, they became involved in the life of an adult friend who has an intellectual disability, has limited family support, and is full of great joy and the love of God. While caring for this friend, he began to refer to Valerie as his “play mom” and Forrest as his “play dad”. Becoming surrogate parents for this friend with special needs made Forrest and Valerie’s thoughts turn toward adoption, and, at the same time, they felt a tug on their hearts to learn more about Down syndrome.
Over the course of many months, they found books to read, watched movies, and gathered information from the internet pertaining to Down syndrome. In early 2016, they found Reece’s Rainbow and were excited to learn about an organization devoted to raising awareness of and grant money for adoptions of children with Down syndrome. Through Reece’s Rainbow, they found out about a then two year-old little boy, “Mick”, who loves music and enjoys dancing and riding his rocking horse; he touched their hearts powerfully.
Shortly thereafter, Forrest and Valerie committed to pursuing adoption of Mick. Forrest and Valerie traveled to Mick’s home country in July 2017 to register for his adoption and to meet their future son. That was a joyful event, and they eagerly hope to return to finalize the adoption and bring Mick home in late 2017 or early 2018.
10/9/2017 — FIRST TRIP COMPLETE
About twelve months ago, Chris and Mandy’s eyes were opened and they saw the orphan crisis clearly for the first time. Immediately they began to pray about how they could help. Their adoption journey began a few months later when they submitted to a country in Eastern European for a sibling set. Government changes closed those doors, but not before they began the process to bring a 10-year-old girl into their home for the summer as part of a hosting program. Their time with her was short and she left holding onto a piece of their hearts. After she returned to her country, they found out she was not able to be adopted at this time. Disappointed, they intended to step back and wait. But SURPRISE! God had other plans for them!
He saw their brokenness, and in His goodness, brought beauty from the ashes.
He showed them the child who will become their daughter.
“V” or Noelia, as she is known on Reece’s Rainbow, is an active and spunky 7-year-old girl. She was born with cerebral palsy and is in need of a life changing surgery only performed at a few hospitals in the world, and one is just an hour away from their home! Chris and Mandy are excited and humbled by what God is calling them to do for this little girl. They intend to put every spare penny aside for the purpose of giving this child a home, a mother and father, and two crazy little sisters! They greatly appreciate any help you can give.
John 14:18 says “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” He has not forgotten this child. He has called this family to be His hands and His feet, and so to her they will go.
10/6/2017 — HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
Leon and Gloria grew up in an Amish home where adoption was rarely heard of. After getting married and being blessed with 3 children, they often talked about adoption but always said “maybe someday”, and never really pursued it any further.
After reading a family’s story on Facebook, Gloria came to know, pray for, and support the families of Reece’s Rainbow. It was there that her eyes were opened to the plight of so many orphans around the world. After lots of prayer and careful consideration they decided that now was the time to move forward with their “maybe someday”. They are all very excited to be able to provide a forever home for one little girl.
It is only through the help of family, friends, strangers, and a whole lot of prayers that will make this adoption possible. One of their favorite quotes is, “Do for one what you wish you could do for millions.”
You can follow along in their journey in their facebook group, A Journey of Hope.
10/4/2017 — HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Kevin and Marta have been married for 15 and are blessed with 3 amazing kids – Greyson (16), Kasia (13) and our youngest, Mila (3) who was adopted from China about a year ago. God had opened their hearts during their 1st adoption process to Down Syndrome and Mila became part of their family in 2016.
They had been sponsoring multiple children with heart defects, one of whom was Elora and they fell absolutely in love. They hoped there was a chance she would someday be theirs. Despite the doctors saying Elora was too old and that she was inoperable — thousands prayed and fought for this girl! Elora’s surgery was a great success.
The next hurdle would be getting her orphanage to write her file. Elora’s agency fought for a year to get her file to be written. They waited and waited and finally their family sent in a photo of with Mila to show the orphanage that children with Down Syndrome are loved, wanted and cherished dearly. After 9 months of pleading and prayer they received a phone call — Elora’s file has indeed been prepared! They are so very excited to welcome Elora Meredith Joy home!
They are beyond excited and are doing everything they can to be prepared to welcome a beautiful new life into their home. If you’re reading this, then you’re likely thinking about helping them bring their Elora home. For that, they are forever grateful and want to thank you for partnering with them in this amazing new adventure! They don’t take your support for granted, no matter how big or small the donation. Thank you in advance!
9/29/2017 — HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Michael Patrick & Sarah Hourigan were high school sweethearts and have been married for 10 years. They have been blessed with four biological children: Weston (8), Nellie (6), Trevor (5) and Collin (almost 2). Pat works in Biotech Manufacturing and Sarah is a full-time homeschooling mother.
Pat & Sarah have always wanted to adopt and desire a large family. Sarah’s first experience in international adoption was as a teenager, when a close friend’s family brought home a baby girl from Asia. Sarah decided back then that adoption would be in her future and she particularly hoped to have a girl from Asia one day. Pat is a family man and truly enjoys young children. He has said that he hopes to always have little kids in his life.
While scrolling through Facebook one day, Sarah came across a video about a family who had adopted children with Down Syndrome. It piqued her interest and she found herself googling more about Down Syndrome adoption and feeling pulled strongly in that direction. She shared her feelings with Pat, who was supportive. In early June, it was Brenna’s precious face that sealed the deal. Sarah fell in love with her instantly, and Pat’s heart soon followed. There were many tears and desperate prayers and lots of joy as they began the process to welcome Brenna into their family.
God has already provided miraculously for the Hourigan’s adoption. They are trusting Him to provide and equip them for the rest of the journey.
10/3/2017 — HOMESTUDY COMPLETE
Tyler will come home to a large happy family. He will be reunited with a longtime friend from his group home but this time as her brother.
9/30/2017 — AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
Tobin and Jen Lehman have been married for 11 years and have been blessed with three amazing kids; Rhys (8), Kathryn (5), and Elisabeth (2). Tobin runs an missions-minded marketing firm and Jen has been grateful for the opportunity to stay home and homeschool these three children.
Although Tobin and Jen have been aware of God’s heart for orphaned children and even participated in an orphan hosting program in 2014, adoption was not on their radar. But this spring they felt that God was preparing their hearts for the addition of a new child through adoption. Specifically, they felt that they were being specially equipped to welcome a child with special needs. As they thought and prayed about this, they felt that God was continually confirming this as a calling for their family.
Then, they saw a picture of Jacob and they immediately felt the desire to welcome him into their hearts and home. Jacob is six months younger than their youngest daughter and has Down Syndrome and mild heart defects.
Every step of the process has been met with support from their family and confirmation of this decision as provision for the adoption has been made as they have walked through the steps to bring this sweet boy home and show him that he is precious and loved.
They have already paid for and completed their application and home study and are now trusting God to help provide for the next steps. They hope to be able to bring Jacob home in the first part of the new year. They are thankful for the prayers and support of their family and community as they pursue the prize of bringing Jacob to his forever home.
9/21/2017 — HOMESTUDY COMPLETE
Mike and Rebecca, along with their 6 children, are eager to bring their sweet boy home soon! The Phelps family began their journey into the world of adoption back in 2008 when the original five traveled to meet Maylee for the first time. Since that time, the Phelps family has added Sam David and Emma Clair to their growing family.
Rebecca and the kids recently spent some time volunteering in Southern Asia. They were able to be a part of an incredible organization and help to open and oversee the day to day operations of a foster home for babies with Down syndrome. It was during this time, that God began to put a special boy on their hearts. It first started with Maylee feeling the call to add a little brother to their family. Soon, everyone else was on board and eager to start the process of bringing sweet “Pierce” home.
Would you be willing to partner with the Phelps family as they journey to Asia once again and add this precious baby boy to their family?
9/15/2017 — HOMESTUDY COMPLETE; AWAITING FINGERPRINT APPT
Samantha and Caleb have been a happy couple for the last 13 years. They met at an outdoor festival in Minnesota, and have been together ever since. After all these years, they still respect and love one another deeply. They have a large extended family that includes 10 wonderful nieces and nephews that they love to spoil and spend time with!
It has been a dream of Samantha’s since she was a little girl to adopt. No one was surprised when they announced their plans to close family to bring home two children from Eastern Europe. Everyone is waiting in anticipation for the arrival of Bronson and Sophie! Caleb and Samantha cannot wait to add to their family, and look forward to the many adventures and challenges that go along with international, special needs adoption!
9/13/2017 — DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Laurie was raised in a large family, in a small town near the shores of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota. There were eight children in the family including Laurie and her identical twin sister. With many cousins growing up in nearby towns, crowds were always expected during holidays or weekend getaways at the family cabin. Eventually, children grew up and moved away to school or jobs as far away as Alaska and Indonesia. Nieces and nephews joined the family and Laurie settled in central Minnesota. While working at a group home there she became licensed to do foster care and soon a four year old boy moved into her home. Three years later Laurie adopted him. When her son was eight years old the little family moved to Minneapolis and Laurie attended school, graduated and moved back to the northeastern part of the state. She began working as a Educational Sign Language Interpreter in the public school system and has been doing that for the past 28 years.
While browsing on line one day, Laurie came upon Reece’s Rainbow and was immediately drawn in, looking at children’s photos and reading family adoption stories. Children with a variety of needs were of special interest ever since high school when Laurie developed a friendship with student who had Down syndrome. Laurie was also involved in the Special Olympics, both while working at group homes and while raising her own son. The picture of one child on the Reece’s Rainbow site caused Laurie to return to the site again and again. She began advocating for that child, posting information about Reece’s Rainbow on social media and donating to families. That did not seem as though it were enough and after eight years that child who had caused her to return to the site so many times, was aging out. This meant he would lead a life without a great deal of learning and opportunity. Sooooo … Laurie is stepping into the world of adoption once again after 30 years! Let’s see where this journey takes her!
10/5/2017 — HOMESTUDY COMPLETE; AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
Chandler and Dani have three biological children and a desire to grow their family. Little by little their hearts have been led to international special needs adoption. While following a co-worker’s Reece’s Rainbow adoption, Dani could not stop looking through the faces on Reece’s Rainbow, wondering if one would stand out as their child. Specifically, they were looking for a little girl with Down Syndrome. They asked about a few little girls, but none of them were meant to be part of the Stoneman family. They decided to wait until they knew which direction to go. Surely, they would know their child when they saw him/her. However, they felt a sense of urgency to keep pushing forward. They decided to work with an agency to prepare their home study so they would be a few steps ahead when they found their child on Reece’s Rainbow. Before their home study was complete, they found a little boy with Down Syndrome. They had passed over little boys before, thinking they were in search for a little girl, but Howie stole their hearts. While his circumstances and conditions may not be ideal to most, he is 100% perfect in their eyes. Isn’t that how every parent sees their child?
Things have moved quicker than expected. They have witnessed many miracles to get their family and Howie to where they are now. They have been blessed with support from angels both seen and unseen.
Fundraising has been an exciting family affair. Their 6 and 4 year olds started a neighborhood business of collecting cans to “save money for adoption.” And their 3 year old says every day, “Mom, we should go get my brother.” Soon, but not soon enough, the Stoneman’s hope to travel Spring 2018.
9/6/2017 — HOMESTUDY COMPLETE
Michael and Colleen D’Angelo have been married for 22 years and have two biological daughters, ages 10 and 12. Having worked for years with foster children as a social worker, Colleen has seen firsthand how difficult the foster care system can be for children. Michael is also a psychologist, and therefore is familiar with the psychological issues that can arise for children who have been orphaned.
Neither Michael nor Colleen ever imagined themselves adopting a child, especially not an older child. However, that all changed after they hosted a 14 year old girl for the summer.
Having their eyes opened to the plight of orphans, and falling in love with their host daughter, caused them to immediately begin the process of adoption.
They are so excited to take this journey, and learn what the Lord has planned for them over the next 12 months. They proceed out of obedience to the Lord, and out of a genuine desire to provide love for someone who is in such desperate need of love.
8/28/2017 — HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Jonathan and Angela had been married for several years, and had four beautiful biological daughters when Angela came across an advocacy website for orphans with special needs. It was Reece’s Rainbow! After much prayer and talking with their daughters, the family decided to move forward to adopt Lily (listed on RR as “Flora”) from Eastern Europe. Lily has now been home for over a year and is doing wonderfully! She has cerebral palsy and having a family, along with good nutrition, medical care, and lots of therapy, she has come so far and continues to progress each day. The five sisters are a perfect team and you would never know Lily hasn’t been with the family from day one. About a year after Lily came home, the family felt like they had room at their table for one more…like maybe someone was missing. Marian is also in Eastern Europe and has been waiting for a family for seven years. The Higdons are incredibly excited to welcome her into their forever family and hope to bring her home in the Spring of 2018.
8/25/2017 — HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Jimmie and Rhonda Cooke are excited to adopt their third child from Eastern Europe. The couple adopted two kids almost a year ago. They have four kids ranging from 17 to 5 years old. They would love to add one more to the family. A friend of the Cooke’s opened their eyes to adoption and it completely changed their lives forever. Jimmie works as a production foreman for an oil company in Texas, and Rhonda is a stay-at-home mother. With many prayers, God has lead them to adopting another child with Down syndrome. One of the children they adopted prior to this adoption had Down syndrome. He has completely changed their lives for the best. He has taught them to love with no strings and to be everyone’s friend. They eagerly await for the day they can call this child her son.
8/23/2017 — HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Don and Erin Lafreniere met on amateur radio when they were in high school and began an international on-the-air romance (Don lived in Canada and Erin in the United States). These high school sweethearts will be celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary in January 2018. Erin, a former teacher, is now the stay-at-home/homeschooling mom of 12-year-old Peter, 5-year-old Simon, and 1-year-old Clara. The Lafreniere family has lived in both the US and Canada but now lives in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a wonderful place to raise a family. They enjoy visiting Lake Superior beaches, hiking in the woods, and visiting waterfalls together.
After years of Erin being interested in adoption and Don feeling reluctant about it, Erin saw 10-year-old “Valentine” in a summer hosting photolisting and recognized him as a child listed years earlier on Reece’s Rainbow. Knowing that being hosted would significantly increase his chances of being adopted, she convinced Don to host him in the summer of 2017. Once they started hosting, the whole Lafreniere family fell in love with Valentine and Don saw how desperately Valentine needed a family. Seeing his joy in simple things like seeing wildlife, jumping on the trampoline, and running through the sprinkler on a hot day, his pride in learning new skills like riding a bike, playing card games, and telling time, and his obvious desire to belong, and knowing the bleak future that awaits him in his country if he is not adopted, Don and Erin decided to pursue their first international adoption to make him a permanent member of their family.
Now they are trying to raise the funds to make it possible. They can’t wait to welcome Valentine back to their home to stay permanently, to build on the bonding developed during hosting and to continue to share their love with him.
8/18/2017 — HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at burckeri.wordpress.com
Tim and JoLynne have been married for 9 years. They were high school sweethearts and married two years after graduation. They have four beautiful children- Dexter (6), Beatrix (5), Martina (3), and Simon (2). They adopted Martina from Bulgaria in November of 2016 and knew they weren’t done with adoption- or more accurately, they knew God wasn’t done growing their family in this special way. They weren’t planning on adopting again so soon, but that’s the thing about orphans- once you know their names and see their faces- you don’t forget. And recently, JoLynne and Timmy have realized they have room at their table for “one” more, they have room in their hearts for “one” more, and they are hoping their friends and family will support them as they work toward bring their “one” more home.
8/15/2017 — HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at writteninyourbook.blogspot.com
