New Commitments
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Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome... |
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POPPY for the Koomen family — OH
Amy and Jason are a non-traditional couple who met at their children’s Catholic school. They met each other after both going through very heartbreaking divorces. After leaning on each other for help and comfort as single parents, they decided to blend the families together. Although they have a beautiful blended family with 3 at home and 3 in Florida, their hearts felt like the family wasn’t complete. Being unable to have any more children, Amy suggested adoption, as both her mother and brother were adopted, and Jason agreed without hesitation.
Amy and Jason’s children have loved spending the past several months discussing the situation, choosing genders, making suggestions as to special needs, and arguing over who gets to play with their new sibling first! The children are 100% supportive of the choice.
They are doing everything in their power to expedite the process and bring Poppy home as fast as possible.
2/27/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
TRUMAN for the McIntee family — AZ
Kyle and Kara have been blessed with 6 beautiful children. A few years ago, they discovered the plight of orphans around the world, and committed to adopting a little boy in Russia after Kara saw his picture on Reece’s Rainbow and fell in love. Unfortunately, this little boy is still stuck in Russia, and their hearts will never forget him.
They went on to adopt the sweetest little boy from Ukraine in 2013. Kara couldn’t imagine adopting again at first, but the faces of the children left behind haunted her. She kept advocating for the children of Reece’s Rainbow and then one day it happened, a little baby boy was posted and she fell in love again.
After much prayer and planning, the McIntees are ready to hit the ground running with paperwork and fundraising to bring little Truman home.
They are so proud to be part of this community and to be adopting again. They hope you will pray for them throughout the process and that you will consider donating.
Their family thanks you so much for being the voice of the voiceless and for any support you can offer.
“Like Jesus we belong to the world living not for ourselves but for others. The joy of the Lord is our strength.” – Mother Teresa
2/27/15—COMPILING DOSSIER
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at catholic-kara.blogspot.com
ELIJAH for the Wierenga family — MA
Colleen and James first met in college. Colleen was a freshman and James was a junior. After James graduated, they parted ways, then five years later they started dating. Two years after that, they got married, and they have been married for two years. After exploring state adoption and not really agreeing with their system, Elijah’s file basically fell in their lap, and James and Colleen knew he was theirs. Colleen and James have always wanted a big family, through adoption and biological children. Elijah will be their first child and they couldn’t be any happier. They cannot wait to show him the world.
2/26/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
BLAKE for the McBride family — NC
Ashton and Tony have been together for 6 years. They have 2 beautiful children and always knew adoption would be a part of their story. So when they made the decision to start the adoption process they thought it would take a long time and were open to several countries. They soon learned about “waiting children” and their life was changed. They had decided on a country and started the process to find their child and every time they visited Reece’s Rainbow, they were drawn to one particular little boy, listed online as “Blake”. The problem was this little boy, with beautiful curly brown hair and gorgeous brown eyes who captured their heart, was not in the country they thought they were adopting from. So for a while they kept looking. As time went by, they could not forget this little boy and continued praying that “his family” would find him and want him as badly as they did. After a few months, they knew they had to make the call to his agency to see if it was possible for them to qualify for his country and were elated to find out they qualified!
A few days after reviewing his file and prayerfully seeking direction, Ashton was contacted by a woman who was in Eastern Europe meeting her son. She shared her story of meeting this wonderful little boy with spina bifida, and how this little guy asked her if she knew where his mommy and daddy were. A few weeks later she went back to the orphanage and the nuns told him that the lady was going to America to find his mommy and daddy. This little boy put his hands together and prayed for his mama and daddy. This happened to be the same day Ashton and Tony asked to see his file. For them this was a sign that it was meant to be.
God has moved mountains and continues to show this family that this is the path they are supposed to be taking; this is the little boy that will change their world and brighten their days.
Every day that it takes them to get to his country is another day that he is losing hope that he will have a family. But he has a brother and sister and parents that love him so much! The McBride family hopes that they can continue to move through the process quickly and bring this amazing little boy home to so much love and happiness.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read their story, sharing their story and praying for them. Thank you so much for being a part of their journey and if you feel led; please make a tax deductible donation to help them bring their son, soon to be named Owen, home.
Please help them bring home their son where he will receive the therapies he needs and the love of a family he deserves.
2/25/15—HOMESTUDY COMPLETE
CODY + 1 for the Keir family — CO
Steve and Deanna Keir met in tech school for the Air Force 20 years ago, and a special connection was born. The military took them their separate ways, and life threw in some curve balls, and 10 years later they reunited and fell in love and began a life together. While pregnant with their 3rd child, they felt called to grow their family even more, and refused any preventative measures after his birth. Within 2 years they discovered their next children would not come through traditional biological methods. They knew the call of God was for them to grow and provide love and nurture to children, so they began to explore adoption. Steve shared his call for special needs, specifically for a child with Down Syndrome. Through Reece’s Rainbow they fell in love with their 3 year old Gwendolyn and committed to bring her home.
Only a few days after submitting a letter of intent for Gwen, Deanna saw the file of a 13-year-old boy and she couldn’t get him out of her head and heart. He has hemophilia and will age out of the adoption system on his 14th birthday in July. Reading his file she discovered he has lived a life of fear, cautious of any injury. Thirteen years of reading and playing chess, because other activities could lead to a bleed and death. Having 3 boys at home, who are all very active on their 7 acres of land with 3 wheeling, sledding, football and more left her sobbing for this child. You see, in his country, the life expectancy for a child with untreated hemophilia is age 24. At his 14th birthday he would lose the support of his foster family and with no medical care his future looked bleak. This was not only a matter of providing a home and family, but providing him life. After 3 days of feeling the Lord say, GO, she confided in Steve. At first, they hesitated because the cost of two international adoptions seemed insurmountable. When they spoke with their pastor he said, “Adopting one child is a step of faith. Two would certainly be a leap.” After more prayer they realized where the Lord leads He would provide, and they were called to cast aside fear and step out in faith. So they moved forward to save Cody’s life, to give him a chance at growing into a man and experiencing a life with joy and free from daily pain from his treatable illness. It is not by accident the Lord placed them within an hour of quality medical care for both hemophilia and Down syndrome. They are excited to welcome these two blessings into their home, to care and share Jesus with them, to live out the call to care for orphans in need. But they need your help. Due to his age, their process is expedited and they have only a few months in which to raise the needed funds of over $50,000.
The love story of an active duty firefighter and a health coaching nurse is still unfolding as the Lord grows their family in number, faith, and love. Having lived overseas multiple times and seeing the poverty around the world, they knew they wanted to make a difference and give back in a long lasting way. Very few times in life do you get the opportunity to actually save a life….this is one such opportunity. Won’t you be a part of this legacy, offering two children hope and a future?
2/25/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at keirjourneytoseven.blogspot.com
WYATT for the Hall family — OK
This was the third trip to China for the Hall family. With each trip, Josh and Shauna volunteered at the same orphanage installing wood floors and working with the children. And with each trip, a seed of love from god was planted in their hearts. The Halls knew it was a blessing and an honor to travel to China to help change the lives of the children for the better, but little did they know that one of those children was going to change the Hall’s life forever. The trip was getting near to the end and the job was almost done before Mrs. Hall walked up on Wyatt standing outside of his home with his nanny. And from that moment, it was love at first sight for Shauna. Shauna grabbed Josh to introduce him to Wyatt and the trio seemed like an instant family and that’s when they knew god’s seed bloomed in their hearts and he was to be their son. The Hall’s proceeded with the adoption the minute they got home and the rest is history. Thank you so much for taking the time to read the Hall’s story as they hope it might plant a seed of love from god in your hearts. In remembrance of the “Waiting Children”.
2/25/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
ALBAN “Nugget” for the Vanchura family — MI
Britt and Jaime have a lot of little kids. Daisy (Libby on RR) came home from Ukraine in 2013. As they stood outside that door, holding their daughter for the first time in a little hallway, they felt something they didn’t know was real. Never before had they held a child who had no one. And in that instant, the little girl whose name they hadn’t even chosen…was theirs. She was a frail, tiny 18 month old infant, and has blossomed into a toddler with a sassy attitude and love of swinging. A year after she came home, little Seabee was born, joining her big siblings Cal (9), Jedi (7), Lumpy (5), Hoss (3), and Daisy (now 3). The Vanchuras continue to wait for Russia to reopen so they can bring home the son who began their adoption journey, Mac (Thadius on RR).
As you might imagine, with 6 kids, Britt and Jaime don’t get a lot of sleep some nights, the house is usually messy, and you don’t want to see their grocery bills. They drive a passenger van, homeschool, and teach second grade Faith Formation classes together…with two babies in tow. They recently moved to the country to raise the crew of six and some goats, maybe. Everything they do is busy and a little chaotic and costs just a bit more than they’d like. Everywhere they go they get don’tyouhaveyourhandsfull-ed. But that’s ok.
Because their hands may be busy, but they aren’t full. There’s still room for one more.
A little boy, lovingly nicknamed Nugget, has been in their prayers and on their minds. Three days before the first family who tried so hard to bring him home announced they couldn’t complete their adoption, Britt and Jaime had decided to start a new homestudy. They had just moved to a farm, and the timing wasn’t right at all, and the finances were going to require a leap of faith to make happen…but they could do it for Nugget. This little boy has been without a family for 6 birthdays. They hope he will be home forever on his seventh.
The Vanchuras named their farm Open Hands Acres, because the best things in their life together have been given and received with open hands. They thank you all for your support and encouragement as they bring their little boy home.
2/24/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at openhandsacres.blogspot.com
SIMEON + SISTER for the VanDyck family — MI
Joe and Jenny met working EMS and fell in love. They have always known they wanted a big family. They started creating their bundles of joy and now want to add more. They have been together almost 20 years and love their family with all of their hearts. They have 5 beautiful children who are so alike, but so different. Three are home grown and two are Ukrainian Princesses. They have meshed into one big, happy family. Now the kids are wondering when the family can bring more love into their home. They live in the wild wonders of the UP of Michigan where they live life to the fullest. Their children are well loved and accepted in the community and are missed when they are unable to attend events. They are excited to begin this newest adventure for their family. Adoption can bring such exciting adventures and bring so many people together.
2/24/15—HOMESTUDY COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at vandyckfamilyofhowmany.blogspot.com
DANIEL and BO for the Dewberry family — NC
The Dewberrys have been married for 15 years. They have six adopted children from Eastern Europe, Kolya 17 years, Angelica 17 years, Kristjan 15 years, Bogdan 11 years, Tania 8 years & Stopha 6 years. Kolya was adopted as a teen from Eastern Europe. The Dewberrys hosted him through a International Hosting Program. Tania, Stopha have the diagnosis of HIV. Nicole found Tania on RR when trying to locate an HIV child for a hosting program she volunteered for at the time. They were not looking to adopt at that point but God had different plans. When they found Tania they had just returned from Eastern Europe after losing a teen, Sergiy they went to adopt. They had hosted this young man but the pressure from his peers caused him to buckle. Joe and Nicole had used all their personal financial resources available to adopt Kolya & then Sergiy. There were no funds left to adopt Tania. Folks gathered around the Dewberry’s in the most moving & amazing way & helped raise ALL the funds needed to bring Tania home. When they were in country adopting Tania, Joe and Nicole could not figure out why funds were continuing to come in, then they met Stopha. Those extra funds along with fundraising brought home little Stopha. Stopha had a laundry list of medical issues along with his HIV but it was very clear with the right medical care he could have all his medical needs met in the US and flourish.
The Dewberrys over the years after Sergiy returned to Eastern Europe to adopt teens that they were lead to or reached out to them like a young man that sought Nicole out personally knowing she did mission work in Eastern Europe and advocated for teens. Each one was a massive loss as these boys buckled under the pressure or lies of others. There is much rejoicing in these losses as there has been redemption and relationships mended and the Dewberrys are still in touch with all the boys they lost. Gods word does not go void nor the love you show. Each loss was a hard hit to their family but they focused on God and what he wanted them to do. They now had a dossier ready to go but no child with their last loss. So they decided to adopt a child with a special need (HIV). That is when they found Bogdan on Reece’s Rainbow. They had to choose to waste a whole new dossier or jump. They prayed and decided to make the move. Nicole and her oldest son, Kolya left for Eastern Europe not even fully funded too adopt Bogdan but trusted God to meet their needs along the way. He did and while in country adopting Bogdan, doing mission work and advocating for children they met Angelica and Kristjan. They wanted a family but after spending time with Nicole they said only if it was their family. God orchestrated such an awesome set of events in what looked like an impossible adoption God made it possible. During the adoption Nicole was short on funds as she remained in Eastern Europ for 4 months until she and all the kids could return home together. God met their needs literally daily. They would have one days money worth for food and a donation would come in. There were times when the kids would ask Nicole how will we eat tomorrow. She would respond God will provide as He has and He did. They prayed for God met the need. And once gain the hands and feet of Christ, you all gathered around the Dewberrys to see them all home. Once they arrived home a grant had just arrived to cover all the remaining adoption expenses they owed. God is good! Good is faithful.
The heart and passion of the Dewberry family is to serve others no matter where they are at & where God leads whether is be with teens, special needs or our servicemen. Joe & Nicole together have been working with at-risk youth for a combined 22 years. Joe works as a Network Engineer. Nicole retired from her dog-training center to be a stay at home mom & foot solider for God. Nicole and her children go back and forth to Eastern Europe doing missions work reaching out to teens to teach them about Christ, show them love & advocate for the ones that want a family. In this past several years Nicole & Joe have witnessed the spiritual battles for these teens like no other time in their life in Ukraine and here in the United States. The Dewberrys know God does not make any promises when He calls you to seek after His children, the orphans but they do know He does call you to make a move. Even if it I just praying for a family adopting. Prayer can and will move mountains. God never gave up on the Dewberrys so they believe they have no right to give up on anyone. They know it is not about them but about being Christ centered & in the service of others.
How did the Dewberrys meet Daniel and Bo? Bo is nicknamed Banana by a joke he told Nicole thinking she would walk away. It did not work, Nicole made a wise crack back at him. The two of them connected at that point. Nicole and Kolya would go to his soccer games and cheer Bogdan and Bo on. Bo and their son, Bogdan were best friends. The last times Nicole was with him he called her Mama across the yard in front of all the school and staff, then a couple days later said he hoped for a family to come for him and he wanted to be adopted. Nicole wanted to adopt him but wanted to make sure if was Gods calling not her own so she knew the best way was to advocate for him and see the family God would bring fourth. For over 9 months she advocated for him with many families wanting to adopt him but no one fully jumped. Daniel, Nicole met him through a young man that is very dear to their family as this was his little brother. Nicole had no idea the plans God had for adopting Daniel as many had inquired as well to adopt him, but no one jumped. But over the 9 months of advocating for him, the last 5 months as the family was praying over the remaining boys they were advocating for and they felt lead they were the family for him as God impressioned Daniel deeply on their hearts like Bo. Daniel had told Nicole he wanted a family, and told his brother to relay messages to Nicole over the months that he still wanted a family and would do anything to help them. He would work or clean, just to have a family. But as tradition goes with the Dewberrys, they knew they needed to push the boys back out there and let God lead. Then The Dewberrys were all brought together as it has been 9 months and they knew it was time to jump for these two boys that mean so much to them. They are ready to see them home.
Our family thanks you for all your prayers and support & helping us bring home our children that have made it home & the ones that have not. We know the Lords word does not go void nor does the love given. He will always be glorified no matter the outcomes!
2/24/15—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at andthisonematters.blogspot.com
MAEY for the Snyder family — AR
Daniel and Abby met as freshmen in college. Both moved from more urban areas to attend a smaller, close-knit university, Southern Arkansas University, where they enjoyed being muleriders and ambassadors for the university. After two years of dating and six months of engagement, Daniel and Abby were wed. During nearly eight years of marriage, Daniel and Abby have enjoyed many adventures, the greatest yet has been the adoption of their daughter, Evalena Claire, from Ukraine. Eva is an absolute delight. She was a Reece’s Rainbow child and has arthrogryposis. After being home with Eva for two years, Daniel and Abby are excited to bring their second daughter, Audrey Mae, home from China. Audrey, too, has arthrogryposis. Daniel, Abby, and Eva are so glad to welcome Audrey to their family. Adoption is full of surprising joys.
2/20/15—DOSSIER COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at awhiteriverrunsthroughit.blogspot.com
HOPE for the Farley family — KY
Married in 2003, Adam & Cynthia Farley knew that it was Gods plan to create His ultimate masterpiece of their family through adoption.
Their first adoption journey began in 2005 when they traveled to China for their daughter Keegan. Wanting to expand their family further, they were back in China just 13 months later bringing home their second daughter Romy.
A few years had passed and they felt God nudging at their hearts again so in 2010 they traveled to Taiwan for their son Asher. It wasn’t long after Asher arrived home, they returned to China “one last time” to bring home little Lucy in 2011.
With four speedy adoptions and four young kids, the Farley’s THOUGHT their precious family was complete until…
Cynthia came across an adoption blog one day featuring a precious little girl named “HOPE” and felt an instant connection to this sweet girl even with her a world away. The blog listed her as having untreated hydrocephalus and due to it being “untreated” Hope had suffered a “massive stroke-like event” in May of 2014. She was expected to die. Hope was unable to swallow, talk, walk, eat, hold her head up, etc. This precious little girl had gone from a rather normal 22-month old toddler to literally no hope.
It is obvious God has bigger plans for this sweet girl. It is a miracle she is even alive. Today she is no longer considered a “waiting child” because now she has a family and SHE is waiting on a THEM. THEY ARE THE FARLEY’S AND THEY ARE HER FAMILY! As long as HOPE keeps fighting, they will keep fighting to get to HER!
HOPE needs medical attention and she needs it FAST! Adam & Cynthia are expediting this adoption in all areas possible. Every day Hope is left untreated means more fluid builds up causing more brain damage. Hope has many other special needs as well: CHD, PFO, external hydrocephalus, enlarged ventricles, brain damage syndrome, porencephaly and hearing impairment of the right ear.
The Farley’s are expecting to travel in April. They said YES when they knew funds would be tight but they knew this little girl just needed someone to take a chance on her. Time is running out and they still have a long way to go financially to make this adoption happen. You can read more about Hope (her name to remain HOPE when she comes home) and the Farley’s on their blog. God has been preparing the Farley’s for this journey to HOPE…won’t you join them in helping them bring her on home?
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future – Jeremiah 29:11
2/20/15—DOSSIER COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at thefarley4.blogspot.com
SUPERMAN for the Kreb family — CO
Chris and Yvette met in college and have been married 20 years. They have 3 biological children 16, 13, and 8. Their youngest was born with a rare form of dwarfism. Along their journey they learned how bad conditions are for people with dwarfism, all over the world. Their adoption process began simply by wanting to open their home to one of these children, anywhere in the world. Eventually, they received their referral for a little girl with dwarfism. She came home December, 2011 along with their son who is a double amputee.
Yvette began advocating for children with dwarfism, as many orphanages still viewed this need as unadoptable. As she advocated and found families for many children with dwarfism, they have also grown their family with 2 more boys with this need. Tao is now 4 and came home 11/2012, and Dawson now 12 came home 4/2014.
They are unexpectedly in process for one more little boy. The more they learned of this child’s potential condition, the more they knew that although it wasn’t their plan, it was most definitely God’s. Their new son just turned 4 and obviously has albinism (meaning he will most likely be legally blind.) It was Chris who noticed he looked like he also had dwarfism. After researching the two conditions together they found he probably suffers from a rare syndrome that falls under the OCA-ID diagnoses. The most concerning part is they he is chronically and severely immunocompromised. Last year he almost died from a basic childhood illness. Treatment in the US is available, however left untreated it is expected he will die by age 6.
The Kreb family is racing to bring him home by summer to start treatment before fall. This adoption is unexpected and there is little time for them cut back and save has they have for the previous 4 adoptions. They are asking that you partner with them in raising the much needed funds, and praying Superman home (that is the exact translation of his Chinese name!!!)
2/18/15—HOMESTUDY COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at bringinghomeholland.blogspot.com
NOAH for the Carmichael family — TN
Stephanie and Sean are at it again. They have been married since the beginning of time and have 5 children. Their oldest, Danielle, is 22 years old, a recent college graduate and growing into a fine young lady. Next is Cody. He is 20 years old and in college now and working with special needs adults. The youngest three came to the family through adoption. Cole is 8, adopted from Ukraine at age 4. Caden is 6, adopted from Ukraine at age 2. Cooper is 8, adopted from Ukraine at age 5. We thought we were done, but God had another plan. They both love Ukraine and thought if they ever adopted again, it would definitely be from there, but when they saw Noah, they knew he should be part of the gang. The little boys are affectionately called the “DS Mafia” and we are all excited for Noah to be a part of that. Please help offset the cost of the adoption by donating to Noah’s grant. Thank you in advance.
2/18/15—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at carmichaeladoption.blogspot.com
JULIA for the LaDuke family — NY
Adam and Karen LaDuke met in college where they became fast friends. A college professor paired them up to share a painting studio assuring Karen, “Adam will be a great influence on you.” Though the professor was speaking in artistic terms, his statement proved to be much more true than he ever imagined. Karen and Adam were married in 1999 and their birth daughter, Naomi, was born to them four years later. Parenting was fantastic! They loved every bit of it and enjoyed their time with their sweet, sensitive, and imaginative Naomi at home. A week before Naomi turned three, she came to her parents and announced that they were to have another baby. “Her name is Sally and she doesn’t have a Mommy or a Daddy. Mommy will be the Mommy and Daddy will be her Daddy.” This was a remarkable statement for any nearly three year old, but it was especially breathtaking because Adam and Karen had been praying for about adding to their family. Having discussed future plans for adoption before they were even married, they weren’t sure if their next child should be biological or adopted. Their discussions had all taken place after bedtime and out of earshot of Naomi’s room, so they felt stunned by her “proclamation”. They were particularly shocked to find a little girl from China three weeks later on a waiting child website with the name “Sally”. When Karen called and asked for information concerning Sally’s special needs and found out that Sally had the same medical issues that Karen herself had dealt with as a child! Continuing to pray privately as they collected information, Adam and Karen needed to make a decision about adopting. No one had mentioned Sally to Naomi during this time, but praying with Naomi a month after her announcement, Karen asked God to send her just the right brother or sister at just the right time. Naomi, now three, interrupted to interject, “Yeah, God… Send us Sally.” Sally came home one year later and the two have been extremely close since Day 1. Eight years have now passed and Adam and Karen felt God nudging them toward adoption again.
2/18/15—I800 SUBMITTED
LORA and LOVEDAY for the Clark family — IL
Grant and Bobbie, best friends for almost 24 years, adopted their son (listed as “Robert” on Reece’s Rainbow) from Eastern Europe in 2011 and they feel like they are the luckiest parents in the world!
Being first time parents in 2011 did take some getting used to – after spending almost 20 years together with just each other to take care of! But after learning some of the parenting ropes, and with their little one finally beginning to have better health and getting ready to start kindergarten, their life seemed on its way to becoming more predictable and settled . . . maybe even, could it be, “easy?” Uh oh! The two of them knew they wanted to adopt again someday, but was that time now? They hadn’t really planned on “right now.” But while recently reading the blog of an adoptive parent and child advocate, one young girl’s description grabbed their hearts – Bobbie and Grant just knew that “Loveday” belonged in their family. Grant’s words as soon as he listened to the description that Bobbie read to him were, “We should go get her.” They later learned that it would be possible to bring little sister “Lora” home during their journey if they could obtain home study approval for two children – and they did! Now all three of them are excited to be bringing home their girls – a big sister and a little sister!
Although Bobbie and Grant are a little nervous to be climbing onto the adoption roller coaster ride again, they both have felt an overwhelming sense of peace about their decision to once again venture into the world of being new parents. And they are excited to get their girls home, where they belong. Thank you for being a part of this family’s journey!
2/18/15—DOSSIER SUBMITTED
Follow the adoption journey of the Clark family on their blog at gethimhome.blogspot.com
CADEN for the Young family — PA
Trevor and Jodi met in Scotland while Jodi was studying abroad in 1998 (Trevor was a native Brit!), and their adventure as a married couple began in 2000. The Lord blessed them with four daughters by birth before God first knocked on their hearts about adoption. They adopted their one and only boy (so far!), Niko, from Bulgaria in 2012. While they were meeting him, a little girl also stole Trevor’s heart. They went back and brought Delia home in 2013. (And in the meantime, God graciously also gave them two more daughters by birth!)
At first, they thought they might be done adopting with their two Bulgarian blessings now home, but Jodi was never able to make herself stop looking at faces on Reece’s Rainbow, and we all know where that leads! A casual chat on a long road trip over the summer revealed that both Trevor and Jodi were feeling more open to adopting again than they expected. “Maybe someday” quickly turned into “let’s pray about Caden until Christmas!” (This was in September.) Less than a week later, Trevor sat down at the lunch table and announced, “I was thinking at church this morning…” We all held our breath and waited, until our oldest daughter Pippa (10) finished his sentence hopefully,”…that we should adopt Caden?!” And that was it! We called our social worker the next day to begin the process. We are all so very excited to bring this little boy with the sweetest face ever home as our son. Probably no one is quite as excited as Niko, our only boy among seven sisters, who will finally have someone to share bunk beds with.
2/17/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog attheyoungpages.com/jodis_blog
PAISLEY and ELSA for the Staley family — WA
Paul and Elizabeth have been together for 8 years and have three wonderful bio kids between them Carl 25, Bethany 21 and Ethan 17. Carl is in school to be a child psychologist, Bethany just finished 4 years at a local university (she will begin her Master’s program in public health and is on her way to becoming a physician) and Ethan is in high school and is a talented musician and computer geek like his father.
This family of five started their adoption journey 2 years ago when asked to adopt a little girl from Ecuador. Ultimately the laws would not allow an identified child adoption. They were heartbroken this little girl would not become part of their family. It was then the Staley’s realized they were in fact missing a piece or two from their family.
They did a lot of research on adoption, although for some reason Elizabeth kept coming back to Asia over and over again. She had always wanted to adopt internationally and more specifically from Asia. Finally speaking with a couple of agencies and getting some very good advice, they decided to proceed. Originally they had planned on adopting one child with a mild special need, but sometimes you don’t get to make the plans.
After seeing receiving an e-mail about a little girl with a serious heart problem in October of 2014 they decided it would be too serious a special need for their family. Then little “Elsa” popped up on the advocacy page. Elizabeth kept coming back to check on this little girl every day, watching the videos and peeking to see if anyone had stepped forward for her. Several families reviewed Elsa’s file but there were no takers.
In the meantime a little girl with Albinism also popped up on the advocacy page with another agency on December 1st, they requested “Paisley’s” file. At that time they were told there were 7 families waiting to see her file. Elizabeth wanted to be on the list no matter what (“I just had a feeling” she says). They pressed on continuing to look at little faces and learning about all the special needs. Out of the blue on Dec 15th Paisley’s file was in her in-box. They knew this little angelic girl was their daughter.
They had been talking about adopting two. Both Paul and Elizabeth were only children and knew they did not want that for these kids. The couple wanted two and the only consideration would be one trip or two? There are pretty big pros and cons on both sides.
Even with all of this going on Elizabeth is still checking Elsa’s page and reporting everything to Paul every night. When a new update came out Paul then said they should see if Elsa could be transferred to their agency. When BAAS was contacted they said another family has the file but we will let you know. Waiting was really hard.
That family passed on Elsa’s file and the file was pulled before it could be transferred and Elsa was gone. She was nowhere. The not knowing was the worst. They questioned if maybe they were pushing something that was not meant to be.
Out of the blue Elsa popped up on the Shared file and their agency snapped her up for the Staley’s. They wrote the LOI the next day. Elsa’s heart issue is really big and really scary, Elizabeth talked to several other moms with heart babies, she wondered “Could we do it?”, “Can we handle it?” It was one of those moments where adoptive parents are on the ledge and need a minute and to hear from the “Been there done that” moms. Paul told her that Elsa was already meant to be in the family no matter what happens. It has been full steam ahead ever since.
A very gracious mom to several heart babies from Asia referred them to a cardiologist at Children’s. This doc is going to assist in requesting “Elsa’s” file be expedited for the family and the treat “Elsa” as soon as she arrives home. “Elsa” has TOF with Pulmonary Atresia. This means there are 4 structural abnormalities of the heart and a malformed or missing pulmonary artery.
They are ready to be family of seven, the girls’ room is almost ready. There are books and puzzles, blocks and stuffed animals and a rocking chair for story time. There are bottles, sippy cups, little plates and bowls all ready. Two highchairs stand ready and waiting in the dining room. A double stroller in the hall is waiting for trips to the zoo.
Paisley will be named Isabella and Elsa will be named Gabriella. The family is still working on middle names. Dad is very fortunate to have a flexible position working in IT and mom will stay home with the girls. They believe every single child counts and should be treasured because they are our future.
Now the family is scrambling to get all the funds together so the girls can come home and Elsa can get the medical care she so desperately needs.
2/24/15—HOMESTUDY COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at bissynut.com
LOUIS for the Bachelder family — TX
Before they even met each other, Kasi and Chip had their hearts set on adopting… someday. Seven years of marriage and three precious biological children later, that “someday” is now the present! Chip has visited China many times and Kasi has visited once before and both of them have fallen in love with the people and culture there, so it only made sense to pursue adopting a child from this country. Also, Kasi is a former special education teacher and Chip and Kasi both have years of experience mentoring and working with children and adolescents with all sorts of backgrounds and special circumstances, so it only made sense for them to pursue adopting a child with special needs. For years, Kasi and Chip have adored the children listed on Reece’s Rainbow and in the Fall of 2014 they found “Louis ( aka Louie).” Their whole family felt very strongly that they were being drawn to pursue adopting him. They are beyond excited to lavish love on Louie and include him as part of their family! Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, and support!
2/13/15—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
GARY and MARTY for the Lowman family — NH
Darrell and Louisa met in college and have been married for 26 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters and 7 amazing adopted children from foster care. Their journey towards adoption started in their hearts long before they ever took their first steps in the adoption process. They have been on an amazing journey that has blessed their socks off! We love each of our unique children and seeing how God is working in their lives. Recently, Louisa was in the Reece’s Rainbow aging out file praying for the children who are about to lose their chance at a family when she spotted Marty and his best friend Gary. She prayed for a few days and felt they were part of there family. She presented it to Darrell and he too took it to prayer. When presented to the kids it was a unanimous decision to pursue these 2 boys. They are excited to welcome Marty and Gary home and thank you for your prayers and support.
2/10/15—HOMESTUDY IN PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at hoperisingfarm.blogspot.com
ALAN and TORI for the Tilton family — KS
Frank and Melissa have been married 24 years. They have a beautiful 21 year old daughter, Emily, who is in college. Emily spend the spring 2014 semester in China learning Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. The Tilton’s have a homegrown son, Frankie, who is 10 and in 5th grade. In August 2014, the Tilton family traveled to China for the adoption of Oliver and Gracie. Oliver is 5 and he is flourishing with his forever family. He was excited to start school in January. Gracie is 7 and she is our Reece’s Rainbow sweetie. The Tilton family fell in love with a picture on RR and she started this amazing adventure of adoption. She spreads love everywhere she is. Even though they have only been home a few months, the Tilton’s are thrilled to be returning to China. They are adopting 2 Reece’s Rainbow sweeties, Alan and Tori. Frank and Melissa have a passion for children with Down syndrome and other special needs. Melissa is a special education teacher, specializing in working with children with emotional and behavior disorders. Frank and Melissa believe every child has value and unlimited potential. Their hearts’ desire is to pour their love into their children and they are thrilled to be growing their family through love.
2/10/15—HOMESTUDY in PROCESS
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at tiltonfamily5.blogspot.com
MALACHI for the Clark family — VA
Jim and Valerie met when they were 13 and kept in touch writing letters all through high school. They actually didn’t start dating until many years later. Having been married for almost 14 years now, Jim and Valerie feel so fortunate with all that God has blessed them with! God has blessed them with 5 biological children and Jim and Valerie could not be more grateful. Yet they feel called to reach out to children who need a family. It breaks their hearts to see so many children with no families. Another adoptive mom on Reece’s Rainbow recently said that they didn’t need another child in their home but there was a child out there who needed a home. The Clarks want to help a little boy with special needs to join his forever family. They have been considering this for many years and are taking a leap of Faith that God will help them down this daunting path with the emotional and financial struggles. Their children couldn’t be more excited to welcome their new sibling home! And their son can’t wait to play football with his little brother!
2/8/15—COMPILING DOSSIER
GABRIEL for the Bird family — OK
When Steve and Sheri visited China last September, they had no idea it would lead to an adoption. As parents of FIVE boys, many teased that they would come home with a baby girl, but that was not the case. While installing wood floors in an orphanage outside of Beijing, Steve and Sheri had lots of opportunities to play with the kids. They would step outside and were instantly smothered in little orphan love! Out of the corner of her eye, Sheri saw three teenage boys. She told herself, “If we adopt, it will be one of those boys.” After returning home, Sheri “liked” Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village on Facebook, just hoping to see some pictures from their trip. The first post she viewed was a video about Gabriel (Li Zhong Fu), and the urgent need for him to be adopted before he ages out in July. Sheri knew she could not watch this young man forever lose his chance of having a family. She shared the video with her husband, and they decided right then and there to pursue Gabriel’s adoption. Sheri’s prayer has been, “If this is meant to be, make it easy!” The first agency that Sheri called, had Gabriel’s file. Of the millions of orphans and the thousands of agencies, this was the first little miracle of many along the way. If you would like to be a little miracle in this family’s adoption, please donate below.
2/4/15—COMPILING DOSSIER
SCARLETT for the Valenzuela family — UT
Robinson and Marcy met at church, and became engaged after only 1 month of meeting. Robinson immigrated from Chile in 1997, started college and learned English. He now holds a bachelors in 3-D animation and works as a special effects technician, loves gymnastics, martial arts and being outdoors. Marcy was a nanny in Switzerland after high school, became a pharmacy technician then a massage therapist. She has been involved with music, singing and theater her whole life and loves the arts. Robinson and Marcy were married October 2006. A year after being married they were expecting their first child, a baby boy. Juan Armando was unexpectedly delivered via emergency C Section. It was unknown to them until the birth that little Armando had severe heart issues, and Down Syndrome. He lived only 3 short hours, but left an imprint on the entire family that changed everyone’s world. Days before his birth, both parents unexpectedly lost their jobs. Through a series of miracles, they grew and got on their feet again.
Marcy had several health issues after this dramatic unexpected trauma and her body was not able to sustain a pregnancy. She had numerous early miscarriages, and one 19 week miscarriage, then FINALLY was able to sustain a pregnancy to full term. It was a little baby girl, delivered at home with a midwife. A dream come true. Ariana looked exactly like Armando, but the parents were in denial that they could have 2 children born to them with Down Syndrome. It took the couple 2 months to finally consent to getting genetic testing done, where it was confirmed that YES Ariana did have down Syndrome, a miracle that only time was able to disclose.
This couple has been through some amazing strengthening trials, including a full recovery from testicular cancer in 2012. They have felt that if the Good Lord blessed them with two Children born into their family with Down Syndrome, that they were intended to raise two children with Down Syndrome… and then they found her.
When Marcy saw Scarlet (Who will be named Sofia Ava) it was like lightning. Through a series of miracles and personal revelation, the couple knew that adopting this little girl was always meant to be. Marcy and Robinson have been interested in adoption since the time they were engaged, but until only recently the puzzle pieces started falling into place. Location didn’t matter, only the child mattered. The couple would go to this little girl, with a heart defect and Down Syndrome, no matter where in the world she was, which means a journey to Eastern Europe.
Despite the fact that they have no idea how adoption would be possible financially, they RAN forward with faith, praying like it’s all up to God and working like it’s all up to them. Having full faith that somehow, someway the Lord will provide a way for this little girl to come home to the family she was always intended to have. Marcy and Robinson have full faith that this miracle will happen, it is happening. They have no idea where their feet will take them next, They have met many wonderful people that have helped along the way and are prayerfully searching for others to help this journey have a happy ending. They have seen too many miracles in their lives to believe otherwise.
2/9/15—USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at ShoutingForSofia.com
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