These families are in country now… meeting their child for the first time, as a result of your life-saving donations.
Families are still eligible for FSP donations until they are HOME with their new child, so it is not too late to help them with your sponsorship gifts.
Gary and Teresa have been married for 9 years. They had 3 beautiful kids , then in 2009 Teresa found out she was unexpectedly pregnant. 9 months later they were blessed with the gift of Down Syndrome. Hope has positively changed their family’s life forever. Seeing and feeling how unbelievably special their chosen little angel is, has lead them with the overwhelming desire bring another DS child a loving eternal home. A home filled with a life of laughter and unconditional love. They are so excited about this new chapter in their life, and more importantly, their new little girl’s.
2/11/12—COURT THIS WEEK
Follow the Greeson family’s adoption journey on their blog at greesonadoption.blogspot.com
Ben and Juli have been married for 10 years and have 3 amazing kids. Nathan (6), Katelyn(4), and Analeigh(1). Ben is an engineer at Mid-States Aluminum and Juli is a stay at home mom. Juli has always known she wanted to adopt and after getting married they spoke about it often. After reading about a benefit being held in town to help raise money to bring a little boy home from EE with down syndrome Juli had to find out more. She began to research about the lives of those with special needs in EE countries and her heart broke. Juli continued to pour over all the little faces and fall more in love each day.
All she could think about was her aunt who had down syndrome. She remembered hearing a story how the doctors at the hospital wanted her grandma to put her Aunt Mary Kay into an institution. They told her how wrong it was to bring her home and how she was hurting her other children by doing so. That was not going to happen and Juli’s entire family was blessed to have Mary in their lives.
Ben was open to a child with down syndrome but thought it wasn’t the right time. Well soon enough Ben began taking some little peaks at RR’s website. It didn’t take long for that big smile that could light up the night to catch their eyes and they both fell in love. They are so excited to bring home their little guy from China! They ask that you pray for strength and the needed finances for them during this adoption process and they thank everyone for their support and encouragement!
2/11/12—TRAVELING FEBRUARY 22
Follow the Prevost family's adoption journey on their blog at http://addingbranchestoourtree.blogspot.com/
Adam and Lauren Evans met in November of 2004 in West Branch, MI while Adam was home on medical leave. Adam’s mom worked with Lauren and she couldn’t wait to introduce the two. They hit it off and started dating immediately. They continued dating even when Adam had to return to California, where he was serving in the United States Marine Corps. In May of 2005, they married in Las Vegas, and shortly thereafter, moved to Hawaii. It was in that beautiful state that they decided to grow their family. Kyle was born in Oct. 2007 while Adam was serving in Iraq. A little over a month after Adam returned home, they found out they were pregnant with their second boy, Brandon, who was born in Nov. 2008. In July 2010, their youngest boy, Seth, was born, and they thought their family was complete. Oh how little they knew. Not long after Seth was born, Lauren stumbled across a blog that was advocating for a little boy named Sam. He was listed on RR and was at risk of being transferred. The faces of those RR children never left Lauren’s heart but she thought she would never be strong enough to parent a child with special needs. After talking with Adam about it, much praying, and letting Jesus lead their lives, they finally made the decision to adopt and rescue a sweet girl instead of just watching from the sidelines.
1/23/12—FIRST TRIP FEBRUARY 11 !
Follow the Evans family's adoption journey on their blog at www.yourlovewillcarryme.blogspot.com
Autumn has known she wanted to adopt as long as she can remember, following her parents example of adopting and fostering children. She was blessed to be able to be a foster and adoptive sister. Ever since she received her first paycheck as a young adult, she has been supporting children around the world through sponsorship with Compassion International. Her heart is easily broken for the poor and orphaned. She is also involved in medical missions, traveling to Central and South America ten times in the past 6 years. She has been praying and seeking the right time in her life to add a child of her own through adoption. Initially, she was planning on adopting from Peru. She had started the process there, but God had other plans! As soon as she saw "Adam and Nessie" on RR, she knew they were her children. She took the leap of faith, and is now commited to adopting these 2 beautiful children. She can't wait until "Adam and Nessie" are in their forever home!
Autumn is a first time mom. She is an active duty member of the United States Air Force. She looks forward to adding many more children to her family through adoption from all around the world (and a husband too!). She is so grateful for any support she receives through family sponsorship, whether it be (most importantly) prayers or financial.
2/10/12—COURT IS FEBRUARY 17
Steve and Christy Oswald are nearing their final travel date to bring home Azeb (3) and Kahsu (2) who are sisters in Ethiopia. Azeb has Down Syndrome. They passed court 11/22/11 and are waiting on an Embassy date. At this point, Christy will travel alone, because after both parents being out of the country for the court date, even with excellent caregivers at home, there are still the eight kiddos at home – 12 to 17, two with type 1 diabetes. It is a busy household, that will provide tons of love and attention for these little ones. Please consider helping – your donation will go to the cost for airline tickets for the return trip!
Your help is GREATLY appreciated as they will be traveling SOON!
1/9/12—HOPING TO TRAVEL IN FEBRUARY
Follow the Oswald family's adoption journey on their blog at mommyturtle.blogspot.com
Jerry and Sandy have been married for 12 years. Jerry is a police sergeant and Sandy is currently a stay at home mom. They currently have 2 adopted children, Kaley age 10 (family adoption) and JP age 9 (adopted from Guatemala at 1 1/2 years old). With JP's adoption they realized how many children there are that need loving, caring homes of their own. For the past 8 years they have continued to think about adopting another child. Finances have always kept that idea at a distance. They recently met a family with a down syndrome little girl and started to think this might be a good fit for their family. That is when they started searching the internet and ran across Reece's Rainbow. They knew that an older child would be best for their family and started looking at children over 6 years of age. After prayers and following the stories of other adoptive families, decided that Lee would be a great fit for the family and look forward to the first meeting.
UPDATE: THE HARRIS FAMILY WILL ALSO BE ADDING MEGHAN TO THEIR FAMILY!
2/6/12—COURT IS FEBRUARY 28
A beach girl + a country boy = TRUE LOVE!! Lindsey and Justin met in October of 2007 in a beach city in Orange County, California while Lindsey was helping with an action-sports ministry event. Justin was riding professional freestyle motocross for a team called “Riders 4 Christ”, and the team rode and shared their faith at the event. When Lindsey heard Justin give his testimony and tell about his desire to live for the Lord and lead others to know Him, she stood in awe and prayed the Lord would give her someone awesome “like that”. The two connected briefly that day, exchanged contact information, and then Justin flew HOME to Kentucky. Lindsey and Justin kept in touch, and then Justin moved back out to California to stay active in his sport and ministry. After several amazing days of hanging out, attending church, and getting to know each other, both Lindsey and Justin say, they just knew. Through a series of God-opened doors and with the support of their family and friends, they both headed to Kentucky, and started a new chapter of their lives. Justin and Lindsey were married in June of 2009! They find the most joy in being able to share the love and hope found in Jesus Christ! They do not have any children of their own yet, but being parents has always been something the couple has been very excited about! Both have had incredible, life-changing experiences working with individuals with special needs. After being made aware of the multitude of orphans in need of loving families, they have decided, by the Lord’s faithful guidance, to start their family by bringing home a darling little girl with Down Syndrome from Eastern Europe!!! Words cannot express how GRATEFUL and EXCITED this couple is about their BEAUTIFUL GIFT from the LORD!!
2/10/12—Final Trip in March!
Blind dates do work! Lance and Erika were set up on a blind and knew by the end of this first date, that they had found their other half. After a year of dating, they chose each other for a lifetime and have now been married for almost 5 years. About 3 years into their marriage, they welcomed their son, Rowdy (2). They would learn shortly after his birth that Rowdy had been keeping a little secret, he was born with Down syndrome. Rowdy has been such an easy going, happy, social baby and is only recently really starting to live up to his name! He is a busy little body that would be swinging from the chandelier if he could get to it! Lance and Erika are working to keep up!
The couple's heart has grown for children with special needs, while parenting their son over the last 2 years. They have seen firsthand on a daily basis the value that their son's life has and the beautiful perspective of the world he has granted to all who know him. They wanted so much to grow their family, and the Lord was calling them to build it HIS way and in HIS timing. After struggling to conceive a second time, the couple felt that God was confirming what He had already been laying on their hearts for months, they were being called to adopt. Not just adopt, but being called to adopt a child with Down syndrome. Reece's Rainbow has been an organization that Erika has known about since being a part of what she calls her "modern day support group" of blogs of families with children who have Down syndrome. Erika was on Reece's Rainbow recently and the last photo she came across was sweet Mary…she knew instantly this little girl was theirs. The Lord was asking them to take a step of faith and not spend time figuring out details or asking questions, but to just put their "yes" card on the table and follow Him. Erika told Lance about Mary and the Lord's prompting, then just stepped back and prayed. She knew it would be a complete miracle for Lance to respond quickly, as he is known to really think through situations before making any move. That miracle came, not 24 hrs later Lance knew too that the Lord had chosen this little girl to be their daughter. We were now on a mission!
Lance and Erika know that God's plan for their life is ALWAYS so much more beautiful than what they could have planned themselves. They feel honored to be chosen to be Mary's mommy & daddy. They are looking forward to the journey of raising "twins," Mary is one month older than Rowdy! Now they have set out on a grand adventure to redeem their daughter and bring her home to her family that loves her so much already!
1/23/12—FIRST TRIP FEBRUARY 6
Follow the Gustafson family's adoption journey on their blog at http://redeemingourdaughter.blogspot.com
Steve & Lisa have been married almost 18 years and have 2 wonderful children. Joel (15) and Reva (12) enjoy playing lacrosse, running cross country, spending time with friends and enjoying family time in the warm Texas sun. Steve is employed by GameStop Headquarters as an IT Global System Senior Engineer which brought them to their new residence in Flower Mound, Texas while Lisa is a stay at home Mom.
They can’t say that adopting has always been on there mind, but during a recent trip God allowed them to experience what true NEED really is. God continued to work in their lives especially during Lisa’s weekly Bible study as she worked through “Navigating a Life Interrupted” which unveiled all the love they have to give. Steve, an adopted child himself fully realizes what unconditional love is and how it changes a life. While watching a talk show focused on International adoptions Lisa found their angel Lauren waiting in an Eastern European orphanage. That is when God impressed on their hearts a true love for a little girl they have never met. Please pray and consider supporting The Florko family as they begin their long costly journey to bring a child home.
Brent and Amanda Unroe have been truly blessed with a large family. Amanda knew even as a child that she wanted a large family and that most would come through adoption. Shortly after their marriage in 1998, Brent joined her dream to adopt. They could have neither imagined how blessed they would be or how fast the children would come.
They have 12 children (one via birth and 11 via adoption of waiting children from foster care) currently, with another on the way via an adoption from foster care. Their children range in age from 4 to 19 years old. They are all still at home and are so very ready for more brothers and sisters. Julianne is the youngest at the moment and she has Down Syndrome. She stole the hearts of all her siblings from day one. They are all very excited to add more "Chromosomally Enhanced" children to their family. Their family believes that special needs are just one of the ways that God has chosen to make each of us special.
The family has looked at Reece's Rainbow's site off and on for a couple years. They didn't believe that international adoption would be possible for them because of their family size. God has moved mountains though! They have committed to adopting Paula, Anjelina, Nicholas, and Ahnja.
International adoption is a new adventure for them and they would appreciate your prayers. They worry about the children waiting and would appreciate your prayers for a speedy quick process. They can't wait for the day when these children will be home with their family to learn about love, family, and God's love as well.
Follow teh Unroe family's adoption journey on their blog at http://godsrainbowsinourlives.blogspot.com/
1/23/12—FIRST TRIP FEBRUARY 4
Dave had volunteered as a counselor at Special Needs Church Camp for many years when a new counselor arrived in June 2003. The evening before the campers arrived, Carla found herself eating dinner at the same table as Dave. It didn’t take long for the two to begin conspiring about a practical joke they would play on the camp director. After camp, a long distance romance budded before Carla left her home in Pennsylvania to move closer to Dave in Wisconsin. They were married in 2005 and have since added two biological sons to their family. Dave and Carla always knew they wanted to adopt and started pursuing Domestic Infant adoption prior to the birth of their second son. They were still waiting for a placement when Carla became aware of Reece’s Rainbow in September 2011. It didn’t take long for her to spot a little guy that she couldn’t imagine not bringing home. Thankfully, Dave agreed.
Dave continues to work as a Physical Therapist while Carla (also a Physical Therapist) is blessed to be a Stay-at-Home Mom. Dave and Carla are greatful for your prayers as they work toward bringing their little boy home.
1/29/12—FIRST TRIP FEBRUARY 3!
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog bringinghomealittledude.blogspot.com
Derek and Rachelle Evensen have been married for 12 years. They live on their small farm in western Washington with their three precious biological children: Isaac is 8, Josiah is 4, and Gracie is almost 3. Rachelle is a stay-at-home homeschooling mom, and Derek is an electrician. They keep busy with their goats, ducks, chickens, rabbits, and dog, and enjoy Cub Scouts, AWANA, family game nights, and just about anything that involves them all being together. They have always wanted a large family, and they knew early on that they wanted to add to their family through adoption. They planned to find their children in US foster care, and became licensed foster parents in 2002. However, despite fostering many children over the years, none of those have become available for adoption.
Rachelle has always had a real heart for orphans, and one evening as she was doing an internet search on the topic of orphans, she came across Reece’s Rainbow. She immediately fell in love with the darling little faces posted on the site. Over the next year, she and Derek returned to the website often. At first, they looked and prayed over the children, and despite being strongly drawn to the RR children, they felt convinced that their calling was to foster care, but definitely NOT international adoption! But over the next several months, the Lord worked on their hearts. They began to realize that many of the reasons to NOT adopt internationally were actually just fear and uncertainty talking. The cost, the time away from home, the uncertainty, the language barrier, the cultural differences . . . one by one the Lord eased these fears from their hearts, until all that was left was, “Why not?” They could not think of a single reason to NOT commit to one of these dear children.
Eddie’s sweet, hopeful smile drew them to his profile again and again, and this little boy soon filled their dreams and discussions. They are very eager to kiss his little head and wrap him in their longing arms and to shower him with love and to never let him go. He has been waiting too long, and Derek and Rachelle are working as quickly as possible to get him home. He has two brothers and a sister who are so excited to welcome their new “forever brother” home. He is already so very loved.
1/26/12—COURT IS FEBRUARY 14
Follow the Evensen family’s adoption journey on their blog http://addtothebeauty-evensen.blogspot.com/
Kyle and Jody have been married for 12 years and live in Kearney Nebraska with their four sons Reese (10), Payton (7), Jackson (5), and Hudson (3). Kyle has worked in vocational ministry for the last 15 years and is currently a collegiate pastor at the University of Nebraska and a chaplain candidate in the Army National Guard. Jody was a full time kindergarten teacher until Payton was born, and has been a full time mom until this past year when she returned to work as a part-time preschool teacher. The Dellevoet's enjoy travel, sports, and the outdoors.
Kyle and Jody have always thought about adoption, especially the adoption of a daughter. In 2002 they pursued the adoption of a little girl that Kyle had met in an orphanage in Haiti, but she was blessed with a forever family before they could complete the process. In the summer of 2010 Jody met two families who had adopted with Reece's Rainbow and God immediately put a desire in her heart to do the same. Kyle was unsure about adopting a special needs child until this past winter when he met one of the Reece's children in their community and the two hit it off right away. During the spring as Kyle challenged college students to submit to God and to do things that change the world for the sake of His kingdom, he was convicted that he too had the opportunity to do something and was challenged to stop dragging his feet.
The Dellevoet's have fallen in love with Angela. They know they are just in the beginning of this great adventure, but they can't wait to bring their little girl home.
1/4/12—APPOINTMENT IS JANUARY 25
Follow the Dellevoet family's adoption journey on their blog at angelaswings.tumblr.com
Chris and Kim were married in 2003 and have three biological children. David is seven, Henry is six, and Jack is three. Kim works as a legal assistant and office manager for a small law firm and Chris is a stay-at-home dad and student.
Chris and Kim have long discussed the possibility of adopting a child. Those discussions turned very serious after meeting a little boy whose family found him through Reece’s Rainbow. After three boys, Chris and Kim are ready to add some pink to the mix at the Simpson house! They spent several hours over several weeks searching the Reece’s Rainbow website and kept coming back to Chloe. Her sweet face and pretty smile would not allow them to turn away. After lots of discussion, they decided to finally add a little girl to their family.
Chris and Kim’s first experience with special needs was with their eldest son, David who was diagnosed with apraxia of speech at 18 months old. He had many years of speech therapy and made great progress. He was later diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome and Sensory Processing Disorder. After getting David into an amazing, unique occupational therapy program, they cannot believe the progress and improvements they’ve seen. Chris and Kim have worked hard to ensure that David has the best therapies available to him and are always researching ways to help David improve and manage his needs. Both David and Henry attend a magnet school for high achieving children and are active in sports and scouting. Jack is an energetic, fun, happy, smart little boy who is curious about everything around him. The Simpsons are so eager to welcome a little girl into their family and their home. They have a happy house where laughter is always a part of the day. Chris, Kim, and their boys have so much love to share and cannot wait to bring Chloe home and make her a part of their family!
2/1/12—FIRST TRIP FEBRUARY 25
Follow the Simpson family's adoption journey on their blog at thesimpsonsix.blogspot.com
Jeff and Linda Benham have been married for 10 years and have 3 children at home, a 5 year old daughter and soon-to-be 3 year old boy/girl twins. They thought their family was complete….God had other plans! They began to feel God working in their hearts like never before and felt a distinct call to pursue adoption. A short time later, they found Alana and knew she was the one God had chosen to be part of their family. All of their children already love the Lord, and they adore other children, especially ones younger than them! But God had been especially working in the heart of their oldest: When Linda was delicately bringing up the subject of adoption with her and asking how she might feel about it, her daughter thought for a few moments and then said “Mom? I think adoption is like the narrow gate, you know? And worrying about money and stuff is like the wide gate.” Those wise words from their 5 year old cemented what they already knew in their hearts—Alana needs to come home!
They ask that you pray for Alana’s protection and health while she waits, and for a smooth adoption process. They thank you all for your support and encouragement!
12/27/11—FIRST TRIP JANUARY 28
Follow the Benham family's adoption journey on their blog at www.ourlostcoin.blogspot.com
Mike and Gail both grew up with the desire to serve Christ. When they married in 2003 they committed themselves to serving God as a couple and to seek His will for their lives. After they were married they both had a strong desire to start a family. After a year of infertility treatments, however, they felt called to adopt domestically and in 2006 God blessed them with a precious baby boy. Three years later as they were pursuing adoption again, God blessed them with a “surprise” pregnancy, and Gail gave birth to another precious boy in February, 2010. Mike is an elementary school teacher and Gail taught special education before she became a stay-at-home mom. God has given both of them a deep love for children, and Gail has always been passionate about the needs of children with disabilities. In January, 2011 while following blogs, Gail learned of the desperate needs of orphans around the world. In her research, she discovered Reece’s Rainbow and after sharing the information with Mike, they stopped looking anywhere else. Their hearts were immediately burdened for orphans with disabilities in Eastern Europe, specifically those at risk of being sent to adult institutions at a young age. In an effort to discern God’s will for them and their young family, they immediately asked their family members and close friends to pray diligently for direction. Within the next few weeks, the Lord provided clear affirmation that they should initiate the adoption process, even prompting Mike with the name of a specific child they had learned about on the Reece’s Rainbow website…Daisey.
Throughout their lives, God has continually shown His faithfulness to both Gail and Mike. They are confident that He will continue to be faithful to provide as they wait to bring this precious little girl home.
1/20/12—FIRST TRIP JANUARY 28
Follow the Kenyon family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.kenyonadoptionjourney.blogspot.com
Kelly and Kyle have been married for just under three years, and both work in private sector education. They do not currently have any children of their own, and have chosen little Maria as their first! Opening their home to a child who needed one was always part of their plan for their family, especially because Kelly was adopted herself.
In looking at the Reece’s Rainbow website, they couldn’t quite decide if it was the ocean blue almond eyes or the slightly crooked grin that first made them stop and stare. Maybe it was the green leaf in her hair that functioned as a makeshift bow. They scrolled further down the page, and while all the children were stunningly beautiful, none of them captured their attention in quite the same way that Maria did. Kelly wanted to reach through the screen, hug her, and bring her home right that very moment. She deserved so much better than her start in life.
The more they learned about Maria and her life experience thus far, the stronger the voice inside them grew. Kelly and Kyle felt they needed to do something to help her. It didn’t take long for them to realize that that “something” was to commit to bring her to a home filled with opportunities, acceptance, and the chance to grow. She needed love and a family. And they wanted to provide her with all those things. They knew then (and know now) that the journey of chasing Maria wouldn’t be easy. But she stole their hearts–and Kelly and Kyle couldn't be happier!
2/22/12—Final Trip 3/17/12!
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at www.chasingcharlotte.blogspot.com
Jim and Jennifer Brunswick have been married for eight years and have two beautiful and active boys. Jack is almost 6 and is in Kindergarten. He loves to run (like his Dad) and he is an awesome big brother to Will who just turned 3 in October. Will was born with Down Syndrome and a heart defect that required surgery at 5 months of age. Although he still has some heart problems, Will is very healthy and attends a typical preschool where is has been nick-named "The Mayor" for his ability to charm the pants off anyone he comes in contact with. Jim and Jennifer had originally planned to stop at two children but then one day a family friend handed them a Reece's Rainbow refrigerator magnet and that little face on the magnet stared back at them for quite some time whenever they went to open the fridge or put up the newest piece of the boys artwork. Little did they know, that magnet, that website, would start a discussion on how they had more than enough room in their hearts and their lives for a third child and once they found Lillian, it was love at first sight. They cannot wait to bring her home and give her all the love and care that she and every child deserves. She will have two doting brothers, a loving extended family and an extremely supportive community that cherishes and strongly advocates for individuals with Down Syndrome. (Keep handing out those magnets!!)
1/17/12—COURT IS FEB 21
Follow the Brunswick family's adoption journey on their blog at
The Patterson Family currently has 10 children, but soon they’ll have 12! They adopted Chrissie, one of Reece’s Rainbow’s “other angels”, from Serbia in 2009. On May 19, 2010, Chrissie went to live with Jesus following complications from open-heart surgery. In the summer of 2011, the Pattersons hosted two Ukrainian boys in their home for 5 weeks, and they pursued adopting both boys after God confirmed for everyone that this was His will. Well, God had a big twist in those plans, all intricately laid out by the Author of life, and while in Ukraine in December 2011 to adopt their host boys, God closed the door on adopting their host boys and opened it to adopt Oleg and Shane! It’s a crazy story that could only be written by God.
APPOINTMENT IS JANUARY 12
Follow the Patterson family's adoption journey on their blog www.AllArePreciousInHisSight.blogspot.com
The Clark family has decided to bring home Allie, too!
After living just a few states apart their entire lives, Ron and Trish Clark moved halfway across the world to meet each other in 1980. Stationed together in Germany while serving in the U.S. Army, Ron and Trish were married in Trish’s hometown of St. Louis seven months after meeting. Just under a year later, they lost their first child, Anna, shortly after her birth. After leaving Germany, they relocated to Green Bay, Wisconsin and kept praying for the day that they would bring a child home.
Six years after losing their first child, Ron and Trish welcomed their daughter Kate, now 23. Their only son, Sam, was born three years later and is now 20. Their youngest biological child, 11-year-old Jamie, is very excited to take her turn at being a big sister! In the last couple years, they have also welcomed a son-in-law, Brian, and their first grandchild, Anna, to the family. Ron works as a plant manager, while Trish is a stay-at-home mom. Very active in their church, Ron and Trish have heard God’s call to complete their family through adoption.
Much prayer has guided Ron and Trish through this process. The first time that Trish and Ron saw Ella’s picture, they knew that she was meant to be their daughter. They look forward to bringing her home and having her join her two big sisters and big brother. The whole family asks for prayers for them, for Ella, and for a smooth and quick journey.
2/10/12—FIRST TRIP FEBRUARY 17
Follow the Clark family's adoption journey on their blog at http://acinder-ellastory.blogspot.com/
Sarah has always had a heart for adoption, and prior to getting into a committed relationship with Todd, she told him she could only marry him if he would someday be willing to bring a child home through adoption. He agreed that he could love a child through adoption just as easily as a bio child. Now, after eight years of marriage and with three little boys to keep them busy, Sarah came across Reece's Rainbow and realized in her heart that the time to adopt was upon them. Todd had reservations at first; after all, they are a busy household already, why would they want to create more work for themselves? But he realized Sarah's request was upon him, and decided he still felt he could love an adopted child just as much as he loves his three little boys. After much prayer and consideration, the couple agreed that they would follow God's lead and journey wherever he takes them. The family is blessed with open, compassionate hearts, so whenever fears of the unknown come along, they remind themselves that God is leading this journey to care for the orphans just as He commands. The boys are excited about the prospect of finally having a sister! Sarah is a special education teacher turned stay-at-home mom, and Todd works hard as a school administrator. The family is blessed with a large extended family, so their new daughter will be not only gaining new parents and siblings, but lots of grandparents, aunts, and uncles as well. It is a journey that started in the heart long ago, and they are thrilled to finally be moving along the road to bringing their little one home!
1/4/12—COURT IS JANUARY 27
Follow the White family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://alongtheroadadoption.blogspot.com
Brad and Sara just celebrated their 10th Anniversary this past June. In their 10 years of marriage they have seen the Lord move them all over the world, including 4 years in Southeast Asia. In each place they strived to be a light to those without the hope found in Christ. They are now living in New York City with Elijah and Anna their two children. When Brad and Sara first met, they both felt that they would one day adopt, but did not know when the Lord would allow them to make this a reality. After discovering Reece’s Rainbow through a Blog fundraiser for another child, they began looking through the waiting children. Easton immediately stood out to them, and they began to advocate for him and pray that God would bring him his forever family. The idea that this little boy was already 5 years old and facing a lifetime in an institution, kept them awake at night. He is the same age as Anna and they couldn’t imagine her going through life with no one to love her when she was scared or to tell her how wonderful she is. Easton gripped their hearts and a few short weeks later, God revealed to them that THEY were supposed to be his Mama and Daddy. The Walls are hoping that Easton doesn’t have to spend another birthday alone and are trying to bring him home as soon as possible. They appreciate your prayers, donations, encouragement and advocacy for Easton.
12/27/11—APPT IS JANUARY 16
Follow the Wall family’s adoption journey on their blog at alandfarfaraway.blogspot.com
Stephanie and Sean Carmichael have been married since 1998. Stephanie brought two children into the marriage with her, Danielle (19) and Cody (16). Since that time, they added two more….Cole (4) and Caden (2). Both Cole and Caden have Down syndrome and were adopted in 2010 from Ukraine through RR. Sean had an uncle, Mac, with DS and he left a spot in Sean’s heart that is indescribable. Since returning from Ukraine, both have fought the urge to jump right back in and gather as many as possible, but wanted to make sure that Cole and Caden were able to find their spot in the family before introducing someone new. Well, that time is here and everyone is ready to add another one to the mix. Stephanie has looked at Andrey’s picture and profile before and she always thought he was a little doll baby. They are happy to add him to their crew. Any prayers would be appreciated due to the fact that Cole and Caden have never spent more than a couple of hours away from either Mom or Dad!
12/27/11—APPT IS JANUARY 16
Follow the Carmichael family's adoption journey on their blog at carmichaeladoption.blogspot.com
Robert and Jen met at a Bible study when they both were working in North Carolina. Before long, they knew they always wanted to be together. When Robert proposed, Jen's response was "No way!", but it was a shocked, "Yes!" sort of no way. When their second child turned one they decided to move back to Jen's home state of NH to be near family.
From early on in their marriage, they both felt sure that they were being led to adopt "someday", but knew that "someday" was in the future. At that point, the faces of orphans were vague. They just knew that all children deserved to know the love of a family and the love of Jesus for them.
Earlier this year they both, almost simultaneously, came to the realization that they were feeling God nudging them to take the next steps. They began looking at Reece's Rainbow's photos and particular faces began to stand out. No longer were the faces vague. Each little face was a special blessing, fearfully and wonderfully made by God that was crying out to be saved.
When they came across the photos of Bradley, Bryant, and Brooks they were ready to commit. It also seemed to them that God has specially prepared their family for these particular boys. Robert and Jen's daughter also has hearing loss, so the entire family has already learned a significant amount of sign language. The entire family can't wait to bring these boys home to a house full of love.
12/27/11—APPT IS JANUARY 18
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at fillingthehousewithblessings.blogspot.com
When Angela was 20 years old, she worked at a Community College that had a program called Compensatory Education. This program educated and assisted persons with mental and physical disabilities. Angela's life was forever impacted by two special students, who had Down Syndrome. These young men always treated others with respect, kindness, and compassion. Angela knew that when she became financially capable and emotionally ready that she would adopt a son with Down Syndrome. Angela is now an attorney and looking forward to adding mother to her resume. Since turning 30, she had been diligently praying to God that the right person would enter her life. When she first visited Reece's Rainbow after reading an article in People Magazine, it was abundantly apparent that her prayers had been answered and she found her future son, Carter. She now is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her 6-year old son.
11/11/11—FIRST TRIP DECEMBER 2011
Michael and Jennifer have been married for 16 years and have been blessed with three amazing children. Their daughters are 14 and 11, and their son is 5. Last summer, long before the couple had decided to adopt, someone asked their little guy if he had any brothers. They were a bit taken aback when he said, “Not yet!” It was sometime later when he announced that he wanted a brother and made this request, “And when you do get me a brother, make sure he can talk to me.” Clearly, their son wasn’t dreaming of a newborn sibling! It was in 2009, when friends of the couple traveled to China to bring home their four-year-old daughter, that Jennifer became aware of this world’s orphan crisis. (It was also at this time that she developed an incurable addiction to adoption blogs!) She would share stories with Michael and the children regularly. She stumbled on Reece’s Rainbow when one blog she was reading included a donation button for two little girls with Down Syndrome. They have prayed for many families and supported some financially as they have been able. Through all of this, inspired by other families’ testimonies, they began to ask what God’s will was for their family when it came to caring for orphans. In May the couple agreed that it was time to start their own adoption journey, and in July, thanks to another Reece’s Rainbow family’s blog, they learned of Patrick. They had not planned on bringing home an older brother for their son, but Patrick’s story touched their hearts and inspired them to action. They know they are in a race to get their little boy home as quickly as possible to avoid his transfer from his “baby house” and to get him the medical attention that might help him one day walk. Your prayers are requested, and any donations are gratefully accepted.
12/27/11—APPT IS JANUARY 19
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at www.doloski.blogspot.com
UPDATED: Kolina will be joining the family, too!!
Linda has always known that children were part of her calling. In high school she volunteered at the State School for the Retarded where she fell in love with a little girl named Coleen who had Down Syndrome. Coleen forever changed Linda's life. Through that experience Linda learned that institutions were no place for children. Linda and Coleen have had a life long love for each other. It is in honor of Coleen and for God's glory that led Linda to adopt special needs children.
Linda began her adotpion journey as a foster parent for special needs kids and adopted nine of her children through the State. But God's calling to Linda wasn't completed with those children. He connected her to Reece's Rainbow and through this ministry she adopted her next three children, two from Latvia and one who was born in the Republic of Georgia.
Now, through His grace, Linda is bringing home two more little girls with Down Syndrome from Bulgaria. Please pray that the adoption process will go swiftly and in accordance with His plan.
2/10/12—COURT FOR MOLLY IS FEBRUARY 17
Dan and Chrisy have been married for almost nine years and have three biological children including a five year old daughter, a two year old son, and a five month old baby girl. Dan is a firefighter/ paramedic and Chrisy is a stay at home mom. When close friends started their adoption through Reece’s Rainbow in early 2010, Dan and Chrisy, who had considered adoption in the past, said “let’s do it!” Two days later they found out they were expecting number three and put this decision on hold. The Reece’s Rainbow web address never made it far down the address bar drop list on the couple’s computer over the year as they watched amazing families bring these children home! Now that baby Stevens is here, they are ready to make the journey themselves. The family has started signing in preparation for Gigi’s arrival and the kids are loving it, and learning it much faster than Mom and Dad! The family lives about twenty-five minutes from the deaf school of Indiana and feels that “Gigi” will have access to some great resources! The couple can’t wait to bring her home and show her the love that already fills the house that is waiting for her.
Follow the Stevens family adoption journey on their blog at www.stevensadoption.wordpress.com
12/9/11—WAITING FOR COURT
Scott and Connie have been married nearly 24 years. They have five daughters…Elizabeth, Alexandra, Victoria, Catherine and Sophina. Sophina changed their lives dramatically. She has DS and had 6 procedures in her first six months of life, including open heart surgery and a feeding tube being put in. She has taught their family what their priorities SHOULD be about-Jesus and people!
The Lord brought up adoption EVERY SINGLE DAY for months this past year through their church, radio, books, friends,schoolwork,etc. It got to the point where the family would erupt into laughter each time it happened. Connie finally told the Lord that she would not live by fear but by obedience to whatever the Lord asked and adoption was what was asked. Connie obeyed that very afternoon by clicking on a 'button' on a friend's blog on FB which brought her to Reece's Rainbow, it changed her life and the lives of their family forever.
Scott works in North Dakota while the family lives in Minnesota. Every day since finding RR Connie has tried to put up a new child from RR for her friends and she to pray for on FB. She and her girls fell in love with the children. Scott had never been interested in adopting so the girls knew it would be miraculous if he would agree that they should adopt. Alexandra gave her father every Biblical reason why the family should adopt -sending him an email and talking on the phone. The girls were shocked when on his first visit home a few weeks later he said YES! The Holy Spirit had also been working in North Dakota! Scott even said that he wished he could take an airplane and fill it with children to bring home. God has changed the whole family’s lives.
Connie thought that they would have a girl since that is all she knows (coming from a family of 3 sisters & their being 10 girl cousins with one boy cousin from them) but God had other plans. Ethan kept coming up and Connie finally agreed with the family that a boy would be a blessing for their family! Scott, Connie and the girls cannot wait to see Ethan and Sophina together as they are fifteen days apart from each other! They are both special treasures from the Lord and the family can't wait to have Ethan in their arms.. The Lord has already taught them SO MUCH through the process this far. They have already done their home study and they pray they get Ethan home before his birthday. They are completely living by faith that the Lord will take care of the needs that are there and would love for people to follow their story, pray for them daily and give as the Lord leads.
11/21/11—FIRST TRIP DECEMBER 16
Follow the Lindquist family's adoption journey on their blog at http://godsadoptioncall.blogspot.com/
Shanna is a single mother embarking on her 2nd adoption journey. Shanna has had a strong desire to adopt since she was a child and became aware of the many children without families. She has two beautiful daughters, one birth daughter and one adopted daughter. Shanna has always had a heart for those with special needs. She has worked with people with developmental disabilities for the past ten years. She also assists children (including some special kiddos with disabilities) and widows in Kenya through a grassroots initiative she started called Projects of Hope. Shanna’s family has a lot of love and joy to share with their new blessing! They know they will be immensely blessed with their new addition! They are so excited that God is leading their happy family on this adoption journey. They ask for your prayers and support for all families on the path to adoption, and the children who await them.
11/18/11—FIRST TRIP in DECEMBER 2011!
Follow the Branciforte family's adoption journey on their blog at http://presentslove.blogspot.com/
Michael and Katie have been married since July 2003. They have a beautiful daughter, Sophia, whom they adopted from Ethiopia in April 2010. She is 18 months old and brings them so much joy everyday. Michael works full-time for a major communications company and they are co-owners of a performing arts academy. The burden they have for orphans became heavier while in Ethiopia. In October, Katie stumbled upon Reece’s Rainbow, but it wasn’t until the end of March they began seriously discussing adopting a child with Down syndrome. They read other stories of couples falling in love with one particular child, but they hadn’t yet had that experience. So many of the children captured their hearts.
They thought maybe it just wasn’t the right time.
Then, Katie decided to go the RR yahoo group and search for information on a particular child who had caught their eye. She began reading and her heart started pounding. The precious 4 ½ year old girl was about to face the institution. She was getting ready to go from a wonderful baby house, where she had toys, stimulation, love, food, etc., to a mental institution.
The yahoo group had links to a couple of blogs with more pictures and she clicked on them. She was tiny – about the size of a two year old. She was precious. As her heart continued to pound she thought, “This is her.” She told Michael about her as soon as he got home and told him she was about to be transferred to the institution and he said, “Nope. Not going to happen. We will do something about it.” In an instant the decision was made. They prayed a lot, researched and talked to others who have experience parenting a child with Down syndrome. Within two days they moved forward to adopt the little girl who had captured their hearts. That little girl is Constance.
They feel very strongly that God wanted them to take the leap of faith and move forward to adopt Constance. Since taking that step they have been in awe of the mountains He has moved so that Constance can come home. They are so grateful for all of the support, prayer and financial contributions they have received so far. They know that there are MANY people who advocated for Constance before they even knew anything about her, and they are so thankful. They appreciate all of the continued financial support and prayers. They can’t wait to bring Constance home!
12/1/11—FIRST TRIP DECEMBER 19
Follow the Morris family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://www.thegatherednest.blogspot.com
Aaron and Molly have been married for two years and this is the second adoption for them in a year! In December 2010, Aaron and Molly added Reed and Lena to their family from Ukraine. They were praying about adopting again, and learned about Helen’s situation. They prayed for her and after several crazy twists and turns, they decided to pursue her adoption. Unfortunately, after making their first trip and meeting Helen, she suddenly became unavailable for international adoption. They prayerfully considered bringing another child home and are now pursuing Anderson's adoption. They appreciate your prayers and support as they work their way through the process.
Wes & Jessica have been married for two years and during that time they have discussed adoption a number of times, but never about adoption of a special needs child. Since the loss of their daughter with Turner’s Syndrome they have become very good friends with a little girl from church who has Down Syndrome. She lights up their world and has shown them what love and joy truly are. At the request of her mother Jessica looked at Reece’s Rainbow’s website one Sunday afternoon. After three or four weeks of serious discussion, prayer, and Jessica’s lurking on RR they both felt that their calling had finally come. Wes and Jessica can’t wait to bring their son home to join Lucy and Shiner, their two dogs.
11/21/11—FIRST TRIP JAN 1, 2012
Follow the Whiteaker family’s adoption journey on their blog at the-white-acres.blogspot.com
Ryan and Marj Ochs always felt God's call to adopt, but they thought it would be when their biological children were older – sometime in the ambiguous future. One day Marj was reading a blog about a sweet family who were adopting a boy through Reece's Rainbow. When she clicked on the link to look at the waiting children, one little girl caught her eye. Elvira. She looked just like Ryan's baby pictures! Marj tried to forget about Elvira, but she just couldn't get that sweet face out of her head. She showed the picture to Ryan, and Ryan said, "She's beautiful." This was the same thing Ryan said when he saw their daughter, Georgia, for the first time. They both agreed to pray. After many prayers, tears, and God soothing their fears, they agreed that God was calling them to Russia to meet Elvira. They could ignore God's call no longer.
Big brother Colvin (3) and sister Georgia (22 months) are excited to meet their new sister. Colvin wants to give her one of his trains.
Any contributions toward their adoption would be a blessing. But most of all, their prayer is that anyone reading this would be open to God speaking into their lives on behalf of children who need mommies and daddies of their own.
11/2/2011 — FIRST TRIP IN NOVEMBER
Follow the Ochs family's adoption journey on their blog http://aplantingforhisglory.blogspot.com/
Mike and Amy met in college and have been happily married for 14 years. They have three biological children: Kaylin-8, Justin-6, and Evan-19 months. Evan was born with Down syndrome and has brought SO much joy to the family. Amy found Reece’s Rainbow from an online Down syndrome community and instantly fell in love with the angels on the site. While contributing a little here and there to several children’s funds, she dreamed of someday bringing home one of her own, thinking maybe after Evan started school. Amy first found Lina's page on Reece’s Rainbow many months ago, but thought for sure she would be scooped up quickly with her beautiful photo and wonderful description. Then, a friend on Facebook posted Lina's page, advocating for her, and Amy showed her picture to Mike who agreed to inquire about her. At first the response received back was that Lina had at least one family hoping to bring her home, so Mike and Amy were relieved that she did appear to have a family. Another month passed and Amy found herself checking on Lina more and more, until finally some new requirements were posted for Lina's adoption; requirements Amy was fairly certain that many other families wouldn’t meet- living in Maryland and having a child with Down syndrome. She just had to inquire again. Lo and behold, Amy’s suspicions were true, and Lina would indeed be their very own. They truly believe this was God calling to them. The family is bursting with excitement and can’t wait to bring her home!
2/2/12—COURT IS IN MARCH
Follow the Livingston family's adoption journey on their blog at http://gracefulbutterflywings.blogspot.com/
Baby Tony has a family working hard to bring him home, to give him the love and care he needs. We will update when we can.
1/17/12—COURT IN FEBRUARY
The Blatt family lives in Ohio where Susan directs a non-medical home care agency. She has three wonderful daughters, Grace (15) adopted from China in 1997, Martha (13) adopted from China in 2000, and Kristina (11) adopted from Bulgaria in 2011. Because two of the girls have significant special need, this family has developed a deep love for all special needs children. And God has also shown them His heart regarding the love and care of children who are without forever families. They want to be His hands and feet in caring for the most vulnerable among us.
Shortly after bringing Kristina home through Reece’s Rainbow, Susan and the girls decided to open their home once again to yet another little girl. Their new daughter and sister, Delia, is just 9 months younger than Kristina, and she shares that same special extra chromosome of Down Syndrome that Kristina has! The Blatt family is thrilled that the Lord has provided another perfect match for their family, and they are so grateful that He will also provide the resources necessary to bring Delia home.
1/18/12—WAITING FOR COURT
Marty and Mandy Rhodes met in high school and have been married for 11 years. They have two beautiful children. Eli is 8 years old and Julianna is 5 years old. Mandy is privileged to be a stay at home Mom, who homeschools the kids. Marty works as a Correction's Officer. After serving his country in the US Navy for five years, he and the rest of the family are glad to be settled back at home in Virginia. The most important thing Marty and Mandy are teaching their children is that Jesus loves them and came to make all the sad things come untrue. When the couple learned about the sad things that were happening to the very special orphans of Eastern Europe, they knew that as the hands and feet of Jesus, here on earth, they had to help make this sad thing come untrue. Their family is excited to take this journey and watch as God does the miraculous in adding a very special little boy to their family. Dawson will be so loved and cherished just the way God intended when he created him.
UPDATE: The Rhodes Family has decided to bring home Isaac, as well!!
1/18/12—WAITING FOR COURT
Follow the Rhodes family's adoption journey on their blog at www.findingourlittleone.blogspot.com
