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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! |
CJ and Ashtin McClure have two biological children- a four year old girl and a two year old boy, and they are a military family. They moved to Charleston two years ago from Japan, where they lived for four years and both of their kids were born. They have always wanted to adopt, but thought it would be later on in life. There were so many reasons to say, “No,” or “Later”. A few months after moving back to the US, both CJ and Ashtin felt compelled to pray for their adopted child every day, and neither knew the other was experiencing the same. After about a month of this, they came together and told each other what had been happening in their hearts. That was enough to get them praying seriously about adoption being something for sooner rather than later. After a lot of praying, talking, and researching, they decided to say yes to adoption, and started working on getting the funds together to get started. While waiting on the money, Ashtin looked at the ‘newly added children’ section on Reece’s Rainbow, and came across Noah, a three year old little boy that was stated to be deaf. Ashtin had made it a habit of praying for kids that stood out to her, and praying for their families to find them. She saved a photo of Noah and started praying for him. Around two months later, they finally had the money to get started, and Ashtin inquired about Noah, thinking that he was probably already matched with a family (I mean, look at how adorable he is!). He was not, and Ashtin and CJ prayed about him possibly being their child. Some time passed, and they realized they both felt that he was their own. They contacted the agency that represents Noah and got started on the paperwork to be officially matched!
After months and months of praying for this child they didn’t know to find a family, they get to be his family. They are almost finished with the home study process, and saving up funds to go see Noah in the next few months. The McClures are so very thankful for any donation to help bring their son home. There is a long road ahead, and they are so thankful for people that come alongside them on this journey. They would also love people to pray for them and their son, and to spread the word about their fundraising efforts!
9/23/16—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Jason and Rebekah Waller have been married for almost 14 years and have 4 beautiful children. Adoption was only something they had discussed briefly as a “maybe one day” or “we might eventually” kind of notion. One day, after following a Reece’s Rainbow link a friend had posted on facebook, Rebekah came face to face with Tyler. She immediately felt a connection, but knew she couldn’t make that decision alone. After weeks of crying, praying, and constantly thinking about this precious boy, Jason agreed that they should contact someone for more info.
It’s been tough, but they can already see the great rewards. Their kids (especially the oldest) are super excited! Please pray for the process and for sweet Tyler.
9/22/16—FIRST TRIP in OCTOBER
Ben and Tracy live in Texas with their six precious children, two of which were adopted back in 2014 with the help of Reece’s Rainbow. Both of the girls that the Thorps adopted have special needs. One girl has Down Syndrome, and according to the orphanage had no communication abilities. The other has renal agenesis. Both are healthy and thriving now. The girl with Down Syndrome quickly learned sign language and has learned to verbalize many words. She has even put together a 3 word sentence! While at one of the girls’ orphanages, the Thorps met an older child who desperately wanted a family. But, sadly, he had aged out. When Tracy asked if he could still be adopted in his country, she was told most people only wanted young, healthy children. That hopelessness stayed with Tracy, and when another adoptive family mentioned that Soleil was about to age out, Tracy’s heart broke. She emailed her husband the blog post and asked him to pray for a family for Soleil. Later that evening, Ben began to ask about the adoption fees, and so another adoption was begun. This time to bring home a child who has waited much too long for a family. The Thorp family is moving as fast as they can to bring Soleil home to her forever family. With your help, we will give her a future and a hope. Any prayers or donations for Soleil would be greatly appreciated!
9/21/16—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Hello from the Marshall Family! Billy and Laura were high school sweethearts (for about a month) and then decided to go their separate ways. Billy went off to college in Florida and Laura chose a university close to home in Virginia. Over the next four years life happened (as it so often does) and Billy thought about Laura often. Then one day they reconnected and Billy decided to come home for a visit (he actually wanted to see Laura). He asked Laura to lunch and she said “yes”. The rest is history!
The Marshall’s have been married for 10 ½ years and have two lovely daughters (Tessa and Bella). In the beginning of their marriage, the couple talked about adoption but quickly discovered they were too young to pursue an adoption from China. Again, life happened and the Marshall’s kept busy with children, school, work and family life. Last year Laura came across the file of a sweet little girl, “Pepper”, and she knew right away that this little girl was hers. Billy saw the sweet little girl and agreed she was wonderful, but he wasn’t so sure that she was their daughter. After much consideration and prayer, Billy and Laura decided they must wait for now. Laura was so sad and prayed for God to reveal to Billy that Pepper was his daughter. As time passed, Laura began to pray that God would give Pepper a family, even if it wasn’t theirs. Periodically, Laura would check for Pepper and read her file (again and again). Laura kept praying and life continued for the Marshall family.
Then one day, Billy spoke with Laura and told her he was ready! He knew that Pepper was their daughter and that they should commit to her that very moment. Laura was so surprised! They had not discussed Pepper for many months and Laura thought he had forgotten. After prayerfully considering all the information available, Billy and Laura decided Pepper would be their third daughter. What a happy day! After applications and pre-approval Billy and Laura told Tessa and Bella that they would be big sisters. Both girls were so excited they bounced like jumping beans all around.
Now the Marshall’s are happy to become a family of 5. Bella is especially excited to pass the role of “youngest sister” and wear the “big sister” hat. Tessa is thrilled to have two little sisters and thinks it’s great that they all share the same birth month. Billy is excited to be Pepper’s Baba and teach her all the things only Babas know. Laura is so happy to be Pepper’s Mama and can’t wait to kiss her little cheeks and cuddle her. What joy little Pepper has brought to the Marshall family!
As you may know, it will require a lot of hard work to bring Pepper home. There are many applications, forms, meetings, and fees before the Marshall’s can welcome Pepper into their family. The Marshall’s are committed to doing everything in their power to bring Pepper home. Billy is working overtime (lots of long hours) and Laura is picking up odd jobs while Tessa and Bella are in school. Billy’s mom is making (and selling) quilts and Laura’s mother is picking up extra (night) shifts at the hospital. Even Tessa and Bella are working hard to bring Pepper home. Tessa and Bella decorated jars; every time they have change it goes into the jars and every time (anyone in the family) saves money, the difference goes into the jars as well. Even though they are working hard, they can’t do it alone. They need your help too. Thank you for joining the Marshall family on this journey and supporting them with your prayers and financial gifts. The Marshall Family appreciates you!
9/19/16—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine…..to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen!” Ephesians 3:20-21
Ellen and Jon, along with their family, have been interested in opening their hearts and home to an orphan for many years. One of their daughters started an adoption “bucket” years ago and began collecting money, but the time to adopt never seemed right.
Last fall, Ellen read about the Bamboo Project, created for orphans with Down Syndrome who are considered unadoptable. Ellen and Jon’s hearts were quickly drawn to want to provide a home for one of these children that had the same special needs as their own 8 year old biological son!
Earlier this year, the Lindblom family began working on all the paperwork and applications involved in international adoption. They are very excited to be bringing a 4 year old girl into their family, hopefully by early 2017. The Lindblom family is holding to the promise in Ephesians 3:30-21 that “God is able to do immeasurably more than [they] can ask or imagine….” as they trust God in bringing their beautiful child home.
9/15/16—COMPLETING DOSSIER
Life turned out to be very different from what Nancy had expected. The beauty of the unexpected brought with it confirmation of the strength of family, regardless of its shape and size. For many years, Nancy’s family consisted of herself and her Down syndrome son, Nicky. Deep down, Nancy always knew her family was not complete. Two and a half years ago, Maria (Margit on RR) joined her family. It was during the process of Maria’s adoption that Nancy was introduced to the dismal reality of life for many special needs children in other parts of the world. Nicky, now 22 years old, is and had always been a happy, joyful child. It was heartbreaking for Nancy to learn about what his life might have been like had he been born in a different part of the world. Maria had lived her life in an institution without having anyone to love her. The reality is harsh and difficult to see. Nancy and Nicky were thrilled to bring Maria into their family and embrace her with love and support. Maria has thrived and is full of joy. She brings joy to everyone she encounters. Nicky has loved taking on the role of big brother and Nancy now knows the blessing of opening your heart and family to a child in need. It really is possible to make a difference. For this reason, Nancy has decided to adopt again. Nancy, Nicky, and Maria are opening their hearts and their family to embrace Kade. Nicky and Maria are excited to have a new brother to share in the fun and Nancy eagerly awaits the gift of another child, giving him the love and support to thrive in a foundation of family love.
The Guarino family is very thankful for all types of support as they take on the journey of bringing Kade home to his forever, loving family.
9/13/16—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
The humanity in all of us is touched by thoughts of the loneliness experienced by any child waiting for adoption. The story is all the more profound if the child has some special medical need that means his/her passage into adulthood without the love and protection of a family will result in an already desperate prospect having a truly hopeless outlook–most especially when the special need secures little sympathy or help from in-country institutional sources.
This is a story about a little girl called Temperance, and the family she was meant to have.
Temperance has just turned 8. Her prospects of adoption are hugely compromised not only by her age but also and more particularly by her very special need—a chronic blood disorder which is not well understood in her country. She does well in school and is respectful to adults. She is pretty and sweet, but she will not survive under the current circumstances.
The Sims married later in life but faced the prospect of a childless marriage because Dean had the exact same medical condition that Temperance has. Consistent care, persistence, intelligent medical management and the advance of science not only enabled him to manage this condition and live an active, healthy life but it allowed Mary and Dean to have two healthy biological children. This story, if we had space to share the details, would itself leave you watery eyed in terms of its improbability.
Mary and Dean want to try to give something back by way of thanks for their good fortune. Their age now puts them just over the line of ineligibility for many adoption programs, but their preparedness to embrace Temperance into their family and their unique ability to offer medical care and personal experience in successfully managing her condition has opened up an opportunity for them to adopt Temperance. The cost of this adoption (nearly $60,000) is a harrowing obstacle even after making sacrifices and putting aside other wants and needs as all adoptive parents must do. The high cost is due not only to the extensive in-country fees, but also to the requirement for a six-week stay in country for the whole family.
They are resolved to make it happen. They feel they have to. Without this lifeline, Temperance would seem to have little chance at a full and happy life. In fact, now that she is eight, she may be moved to the school for children with mental challenges, which is where many children with miscellaneous conditions seem to end up. This would be a terrifying prospect even for an adult, but imagine yourself looking through the eyes of a smart and aware, but defenseless, little girl! Even without that, she could find herself suffering extreme prejudice and hardship upon aging out, due to her health condition (if she remains healthy long enough to age out) as well as having spent time in a school for mentally challenged children (of which she was not one). In the arms of her family she would be loved and nurtured and have her condition safely managed so that she could have a full, happy and long life of achievement and strong relationships.
We hope you will join us in bringing this precious child home, and saving a soul worth saving. Maybe in the process, we can begin to break down the bureaucratic paradigms that prevent other children in similar circumstances from finding salvation. But for now—Temperance.
9/13/16—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
“Really? But your children are all grown up?” A common response when some people hear that the Wagner family are adding their fifth child at the same time their youngest graduates high school. With two adult children who are married and two in college, it seemed crazy that they would become parents at the same time they were being blessed with grandchildren…
It all started with a hosting program in the winter of 2015 that was sponsored by the same agency they used when they adopted their two youngest daughters over 18 years ago. As John and Amy perused all of the photos of available children, they were drawn to “Brooke,” an eight-year-old with Down syndrome. Her personality seemed to jump off the page! They were certain she was the child they were to host and they literally knew of three families who were considering adopting special needs children … so it seemed the advocacy part of hosting would be easy. They felt sure Brooke would have a forever family as a result of the hosting program.
Brooke got off the place from Asia and walked right up to them; grabbing their hands and announcing to everyone that they were her “Mama” and “Baba.” They were instantly in love with her; but still convinced that their role was to find her a family — not be her family. As the month went on, every interested family and actually a few additional families had something happened that blocked their ability to go through the the adoption. All the while, the Wagner family and all of their extended family were falling deeper and depper in love with this previous child. Brooke fit in from the first moment and was the most adaptable and happy child they had ever seen. That is not to say there weren’t trying moments during her weeks in their home; but if they were to used one word to describe Brooke it would be pure JOY! She sang and laughed and entertained from morning to night. Laughter permeated their home, their neighborhood, their church, literally everywhere they took her! When she had to return to Asia, everyone that she had met was sad. Her dance class held a “birthday party for her. Her soon-to-be grandparents cried and all of her soon-to-be siblings and siblings-in-law were heartbroken to watch her go. However, this was not the end … it was the beginning!
The day after Brooke boarded the plane (one of the hardest days ever); they began the paperwork to bring her back to her forever home. Brooke was meant to be a Wagner! Like an actual pregnancy, the process to bring her home took a little more than nine months; but unlike childbirth, the labor pains came through every step of the paper process … yet it will be worth it when they to to bring her home!
What John and Amy thought would be the most difficult part was telling their grown children and their own parents that they would be adding Brooke to their family. They expected their extended family to question their sanity for bringing a child with DS into their lives at a time when most are preparing for an “empty nest.” Surprisingly, not only was everyone accepting of it, they wondered what took John and Amy so long to figure out that they were Brooke’s Mama and Baba.
It has been months of adoption paperwork, prepping of Brooke’s bedroom, meeting with the IEP team at the local elementary school, shopping for clothes and school supplies, and whatever they could do to keep themselves busy during the wait. Now, it is nearly time to travel! We will be there soon, Brooke! Everyone thinks the Wagners are doing some great thing; but they know the truth … it is they who are blessed by the addition of the newest Wagner! Counting the days until you are back at home, Brooke! XOXOXOXO
9/9/2016—TRAVELING SOON
We’re the Anderson family. Two years ago, we brought home two older boys with fairly significant special needs from China. Before we even brought the boys home, we knew we had one more child to bring home. We didn’t know who that child was, but we had no doubt, before even starting, that there were three more Andersons waiting somewhere!
The time has now come to join our family together! We’re traveling back to one of our favorite places, the massive continent of Asia, to bring home our daughter, known as Shari here on RR and Piper on Love Without Boundaries. She’s rocking those designer genes, and we’re so excited to round out our group with the blessing of Down Syndrome. Our theme seems to be threes. When this adoption is finished we’ll have three girls and three boys. Three American born, three China born. Three adopted, three home grown. Three teenagers, and three children just beginning the stages of elementary school.
We believe in patience. We believe in taking very little seriously. We believe in fun, in humor, in board games, museums, family time, horrible puns, and dad jokes. Most of all, we believe in doing the things that God has asked us to do, with a faith that promises, not that it will ever be easy, but that it will be right. To follow our journey, please check out our blog, and walk with us while we do just as the hymn that inspired our blog name suggests. “It may not be on the mountain height, or over the stormy sea. It may not be on the battle’s front my Lord will have need of me. But if by a still small voice He calls, to paths that I do not know, I will answer dear Lord, with my hand in Thine, I’ll go where You want me to go.”
9/7/16—HOMESTUDY COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at whereyouwantmetogo.blogspot.com
We are the Joss family. We live in awe every day at what God has chosen to do in us. He took a young couple who thought they would never have children and has filled our home with love and laughter. He has truly done more than we could have ever asked or imagined. (Eph 3:20) At almost 22 years of marriage, we now have 18 children, plus our daughter, Brooke, in heaven.
Each day we learn to trust Him more to provide for all we need. Each day we thank Him for the precious lives He has brought to us. Each day, we seek His face and what He has for us next.
Our current journey is to bring home our daughter, Nora, who we hosted this summer. We love this beautiful girl – sweet with plenty of spunky mixed in. This will be our ninth adoption in a little over 3 years. We are trusting Him to provide as He always has for each step of this journey. Won’t you please be a part of this story? Please pray for us as we journey onward following Him.
9/3/16—HOMESTUDY UPDATE IN PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at redemptionwhispers.blogspot.com
Okay I know I’ve said this before, MANY times before, infact. And I must admit I really did BELIEVE it as well. That being said, we do ultimately serve a God, who is much wiser than I am, andddd in His ultimate wisdom, He has decided ONE more TIME…So here we go.
So without further ado,We are the Steinhoff family, so NOT new to adoption! We have children from China and Ethiopia and Ukraine. YUP we are MIGHTLY Blessed, and we are excited to see how God brings us our last, but NOT least precious kiddos home!! Please join us and Pray fully, consider how you can help families just like ours, because we need it, and we CANNOT do it without you!! If you don’t know what to pray for, or how you can help. Please ASK…If you want information on how you can adopt, message me I would LOVE to help you plan your journey as well. Adoption is sooo Gods heart, and He makes it pretty clear we are to care for the orphans!!
Sincerely the very BIG and the VERY Blessed Steinhoff Family
8/26/16—HOMESTUDY COMPLETE
Virgil and Cindy Willoughby have been married 33 years. Virgil is a policeman and Cindy is a stay at home mom. If you had told the Willoughby’s 8 years ago that their family of 5 would soon be a family of 13 they would have laughed. After all, their children were all grown (the youngest was soon to graduate from high school) and they were both middle-aged. But God loves to do the unexpected. He whispered into their hearts as they read a devotion that talked about getting out of their comfort zones and really LIVING. The devotion gave several suggestions, one of which was adoption. It spoke to them both and after talking and praying, they soon began the process to bring home a daughter from China. Once they learned of the Waiting Children’s List, they knew that was the route they wanted to go. They went into the process knowing nothing about adoption. That first adoption they checked only some minor special needs. In 2010 they brought home a 6 year old daughter. It wasn’t long before God was calling them back. Less than a year later they were back in China adopting a 7 year old and one who turned 14 (the age children can no longer be adopted in China) minutes after landing back home. Their 14 year old would spend a month in the hospital less than a year after coming home for four very difficult surgeries to correct severe scoliosis that was limiting her lung function. Their 7 year old has already had numerous cleft surgeries, with more to come. No longer did the medical needs list concern them. They went from being willing to handle very few needs to almost any need. 2013 was another joyful year of welcoming 2 more daughters from China. Both were 5 years old. One is legally blind and the other has many neurological problems. In 2015 they were once again in China to adopt a completely blind 12 year old and a 6 year old with some hearing issues (now repaired) and cleft issues.
They have been blessed with 7 beautiful children from China in a little less than 7 years, and God is once more calling them back. This time they are working on paperwork to bring home Hattie, a 10 year old girl with cleft lip/palate and VSD (repaired). It is hard to believe that at the age of 53 and 51 they are soon to be parents again. God has worked in mighty ways and continues to do so every day. They covet your prayers and are grateful for any gifts that will help them bring this child, who has waited so long for a family, home.
8/25/16—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog a elliourgiftfromgod.blogspot.com
Michelle is a single mother to four biological children. Brittany (24 years old) is very happily married with three beautiful children. Chase (22 years old) is engaged and is a Police Officer and Correction Officer. Chelsea (21 years old) is engaged and has a newborn son. Andrew (19 years old) is preparing to enter the military at the end of the year. Michelle also has four children that she have adopted. Tynsleigh (11 years old) was adopted from China through Reece’s Rainbow’s help. Trevor (8 years old) and Arianna (7 years old) are biological siblings that she adopted from the US Foster Care System. Brennan (4 years old) was adopted from China also with the help of Reece’s Rainbow.
Brennan is one of the very few that was adopted from China with a special need listed but is actually healthy and no special needs. Trevor and Arianna were adopted in 2011. Arianna was born with a cancerous tumor on her lower spine. The tumor was removed at birth and it left her with damaged tissue and muscles. She now has lower limb limited paralysis and limb difference on her right leg and is missing half of her hip. She does not let this slow her down and loves to run and jump and keep up with others her age. Trevor was born with Arthrogryposis affecting every joint. He had a double lower limb amputation in 2013 and now can stand and walk with the help of his Iron Man prosthetics and his walking contraption. He has shown the doctors that said he would never walk or stand that he doesn’t like the word “never”. Tynsleigh was adopted from China with Cerebral Palsy. Michelle saw her face in 2013 right after Trevor’s surgery but new the timing was not right. Her little shaven head and her dimple in her right cheek just kept haunting her thoughts. After a year she finally began the process to adopt. Michelle’s agency matched her with a sweet little boy that she brought home in Oct 2014. The whole time she advocated for this sweet little girl with Cerebral Palsy and a bald shaven head. The little girl kept popping up on websites and Facebook groups. Michelle was in love but wasn’t sure she would ever be able to adopt again because of the cost. Several Reece’s Rainbow families encouraged her and she committed to this little girl that was now 11 years old and had been waiting since she was 5 years old on the shared list. She is now home and has changed so much. The first day when Michelle adopted her she could not sit up by herself, feed herself, or do any other self help by herself. Now 6 months later she is now fully independent and WALKING everywhere (with the help of her Kaye Walker and orthotics).
Michelle’s agency listed a sweet 2 year old girl with an infectious smile and a dimple just like Tynsleigh. Michelle tried again to forget the little face but she kept popping up everywhere. This little girl looked like a mini 2 year old version of Tynsleigh with the same exact special need. This little girl will now be Tynsleigh’s little sister. She will be coming home to Michelle’s family.
She has stated that her greatest responsibility as a parent is to ensure that her children know that family is the foundation of our lives.
Any child that enters our family will be loved by four older brothers, four older sisters, two nieces, two nephews, a brother-in-law, grandparents, uncles, aunts and Michelle, their mother. Michelle’s children are very excited to welcome another child into the family.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our family.
8/16/16—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at bringinghomefamily.blogspot.com
Russell and Megan have been blessed with a blended family that includes 5 beautiful children; two teenaged girls, two teenaged boys, and one spunky 8-year-old boy.
Plans for extending the Dahl family has always been a dream for Russell and Megan. They had talked about adoption, but not seriously until someone had shared a particular child’s picture in an online support group. This support group is for families of special needs children. This child, “Judah” just happens to have Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, the same syndrome as their youngest child in the household. In addition to the syndrome, “Judah” also suffers from a Heart Defect of which the severity is unknown at this time. After reading “Judah’s” profile and seeing a photo of his sweet face, there were no second thoughts. It was love at first sight! They were instantly convinced that adoption was part of gods plan for their family. They instantly filled out the paperwork as fast as possible because they knew in their hearts that “Judah” was meant to be their son. With a huge support system and many prayers, they are working tirelessly to bring this baby boy home to their family.
Sadly, Judah passed away while they were working to adopt him. The family is moving forward to bring home a little girl, Faith.
Russell and Megan are greatly familiar with the time and care that goes along with raising a special needs child. They believe it is Gods plan for them to now welcome another special child into their home. They ask for your prayers as they embark on this special journey to adopt this very special child.
8/15/16—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS