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Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome... |
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DELIYA for the Parker family — WA
The Parker family is so excited that their dream of adopting is finally becoming a reality!
Sean and Amy have always had a heart for adoption, and decided in Jan 2013 that it was time to start taking the first steps towards adopting a child . Once Sean and Amy decided to adopt from Bulgaria, it wasnt long before they found Deliya on Reeses Rainbow. That was it, she was their daughter and they began to pursue her! Sean and Amy have 4 biological children who share in the excitement, they cant wait to meet their new sister!
Deliya has several special needs, but the Parker family is so excited to bring her home and to help her face any and all challenges she faces in regards to her vision and development. The Parkers hope is that they will have their precious little girl home with them sometime in the Spring of 2014.
2/25/2014—TRIP 1 JANUARY 2014
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at newteammember.blogspot.com
MAELIE for the Olsen family — TN
Lisa and Paul have been married for 17 years. They have three biological children. Their boys (ages 7 and 9) are GREAT big brothers to their baby sister (almost 2) who happens to be a princess with Down Syndrome. The Olsens tried to adopt internationally a few years ago, but the country closed its doors to adoptions with the United States while they were in the process. They were unable to complete their adoption, which was devastating. Lisa’s heart remained tender towards adoption, but they were very reluctant to go down that path again. After the birth of their daughter, they discovered Reece’s Rainbow. Lisa visited the site often, looking at the waiting children and reading about the incredible families who opened their homes and hearts to orphans with special needs. The Olsens spent months waiting and praying, wondering if God was calling them to step out in faith and begin the adoption process again. One little girl in particular touched Paul’s heart. Even then, Paul said “God would have to hit him over the head with a shovel” to convince him it was time to move forward. Well, Paul’s head is still tingling! God flung the doors wide open for the Olsens to step forward to adopt Maelie! The Olsen family is humbled and excited to begin their adoption journey and welcome another princess into their home!
3/14/14—USCIS APPROVED
BRANDY and BRIELLE for the Casebier family –
Gary and Terri have been married for 12 years and have 4 children through adoption. When they had started the Ch*na adoption process in 2006 for their first child, they had planned on receiving a referral for a little girl and wanted to adopt many more as well. When the Ch*na non-special needs line slowed down, they stayed steady since their agency did not have a special needs program in Ch*na. They decided to adopt other children while they waited for their little girl. They ended up bringing home a surprise referral of a little girl from Russ*a with cl/cp and then a few years later, two more through embryo adoption from the US before their referral in Ch*na finally came in the Spring of 2012 as a little boy instead of the girl they had planned.
They were thrilled with him and thought that they were finished, but as they continued to watch other friends bring home their little girls, they realized that they were not done. The little girl they had planned on HADN’T come home!
So in early 2013, they started the process again to find their daughter. They wanted not one but two, but finances lead them to think that they should just adopt one at a time. An older one, just under the age of their daughter from Russ*a would be the first. As they looked they encountered many girls available and they found it challenging to figure out which child would best fit their family, so that all of them could grow together in the best ways. So, they tried to wait for a referral from their agency.
In July, their agency did send them a referral. But for an almost two year old girl. Amazed by her, and the fact that her referral mirrored their surprise Russ*an daughters referral, they could not turn her down. So now, instead of one girl, they were going for the two they originally knew they were supposed to bring home. 
Even before they could consider the financial issues, they still had to find their older daughter. The agency did not have any older children in their partnerships, so the family went back to the shared list to search her out. They came to RR in their search, but it wasn’t until an advocate explained Brandy’s needs more that they truly realized she would be a perfect fit!
Both girls would be shunned in Asia merely for their facial scars, and this is not the way anyone should live, let alone the innocent. There are so many families looking for the “perfect” child…or the child that looks perfect at least. This family wanted more. They wanted the child that was a perfect fit with personality, needs, and the whole package. As it is, both of these girls will be able to use the same doctors that their daughter from Russ*a already uses. There are lots of surgeries for both girls, therapy, and other things that the institutionalized children typically have to endure. But they will do it all together and get through each step as it comes.
They know that God has been in control of this entire process and know that He will see it through in His way. They are nearing the end of the very long journey so that these girls can have a forever family. Recently they found out that Brandy has been “latching on” to the people that come into the orphanage and calling them “Baba” or daddy. She so LONGS to be home, and this family longs to bring her home as quickly as possible. As they complete this journey, your prayers and help in any way are greatly appreciated.
4/6/14—TRAVELING APRIL 20
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lovejer2911.blogspot.com
MARGARET for the Thorp family — TX
Ben and Tracy met as teenagers through Scouts. They became pen pals and stayed in touch by writing (since they lived on opposite sides of Texas!). After a couple of years hiatus of not writing, Tracy decided to start writing Ben again while he was on a Navy deployment. They fell in love after that and have now been married for 17 years. Ben works as a Utility Forester and Tracy stays at home and homeschools their 4 biological children (ages 15, 9, 5, and 3). Both have had adoption on their hearts for years, but had not expected Reece’s Rainbow to be where God would lead them. Tracy had always been moved to adopt from the Russia area while Ben had thought of adopting domestically one day. A deployment to the Horn of Africa with the Navy changed Ben’s thinking about children overseas. While there, he was able to volunteer to work at a boys’ orphanage and was moved by the plight of children overseas. The Thorp’s children were also able to help by collecting items for the orphanage which Ben then gave to the base Chaplain’s office to distribute. The adoption snowball has been rolling ever since.
Please pray for Margaret and Merry, and for this family as they work to bring these precious girls home – together – to their Forever Family. Any financial support you can give no matter how big or small would be greatly appreciated as it helps to bring these girls that much closer to being home.
UPDATE: Merry passed away in early 2014. The family is deeply saddened, and moving forward to bring Margaret home to a loving family.
4/9/14—APPOINTMENT IS APRIL 23
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at alwaysroom4love.blogspot.com
JEREMY and JAIS for the Speicher family — PA
Dave and Kathy met in 2001. Both were single parents to 7 and 5 year olds. After two years of courtship they married and made an instant family of 6. They soon started the process to adopt each others children. One year later the papers were signed and they felt their family was complete. They worked on strengthening their blended family.
In 2007, the family was shocked to find they were expecting another child. In the spring of 2008 a little girl was born to the family that was truly the “tie that binds.” She was the bond between everyone. God blessed them! Little did they know, God had more plans for the Speichers. In August of 2011, their sixth child was born five weeks early. After the dust settled on his early entrance, the family was informed that their youngest bundle of joy had Down Syndrome. Though they desperately loved their youngest child, they didn’t know how to feel. So their newborn led the charge, and showed them that life was okay and that an extra chromosome was just different, not bad. The whole family was very happy and fulfilled. People often joked about them having”his-hers-ours, you just need a ‘theirs’ to complete the family.”
Through new local Down Syndrome contacts, the name Reece’s Rainbow would soon be discussed. Kathy searched their website to understand why so many people interested in it. She scrolled through the pictures and prayed for those children. Then she came to to a picture of a little boy. God brought her to her knees. There was a line from a popular worship song that kept echoing through her head; “break our hearts for what breaks Yours!” Kathy knew that was God telling her to go and do. She proposed the adoption to Dave. Dave is one to analyze and process ideas and so had to really be in prayer about adoption. Two months of prayer resulted in God revealing to Dave this was the right thing to do. So now as they work through the paperwork to bring home their 7th child, they ask that you pray for their journey. If you feel lead to help financially, the family would certainly be grateful!
4/4/14—APPOINTMENT IS APRIL 17
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at 9willbejustfine.blogspot.com
MURRAY and ANTHONY for the Dewberry family — NC
The Dewberry’s are a family of 5 and have 3 amazing adopted children from Ukraine. Joe and Nicole have a heart for aging out youth and special needs children as two of their children have HIV. Serving others, working with youth and serving in Ukraine has been the heart and passion of this family. This last year has been whirlwind for the Dewberry’s as they set out to adopt aging out teens in which none made it home for different reasons. They had their dossier submitted in April 2014 and the day it was submitted the teen they prepared it for Brodie made the decision to stay in Ukraine being he wanted to be an only child in a family. The Dewberry’s could not offer him that. The decision for the Dewberrys came down to do they remove their dossier which had already submitted or trust God that He got it in before Brodie said no for a reason other then they clearly could not see. The night before they went to request to have their dossier pulled Nicole was in prayer asking God for clarity in this decision being they were over half way funded to bring Brodie home and their dossier submitted and yet no child to bring home. Then an email came in from a friend of the Dewberry’s who has been a huge prayer warrior for them through every battle and she mentioned all the many children still in need of homes in Ukraine because people were scared to go with all the political unrest in the country. She did not mean for them to go on and look to adopt but God meant them to. Two boys that are HIV positive jumped out at Nicole that she had seen advocated for by friends. She had thought they had families but they did not. After many exchanges of emails about the boys with their friends and the RR team it became clear the direction God was asking them to go this one last time. The Dewberry’s for their family specifically they know this is this last time for them to adopt, this is their last dossier as they are ready to be home with their children and focus on their family. They will continue as God leads for missions work in Ukraine as a family as Ukraine is their second home and ever so dear to their heart.
So please follow their journey as they return to Ukraine trusting God to bring home safely Anthony and Murray to their family waiting for them with open arms.
3/19/14—APPOINTMENT IS APRIL 16
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.andthisonematters.blogspot
A child for Marc and Katie — SC
Marc and Katie have been married for six years and adoption has always been an important part of their lives. As an infant, Marc was in foster care and later adopted. Marc and Katie were foster parents with their state department of social services and they adopted their oldest daughter through the foster care system. They now have three children, one through adoption, and two by birth. Marc and Katie thought that their family of five was complete, however they realized that God had other plans for their family as He placed adoption on their hearts once again. The couple spent increasing amounts of time researching international adoption, and they began to prayerfully consider what it would mean to open their lives up to a child with special needs. Your prayers are appreciated as they place their trust in God and follow Him on this journey.
3/19/14—APPOINTMENT IS APRIL 16
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at isaiah40vs31.wordpress.com
XAVIER for the Gilreath family — GA
Kathy and Scott have been married for 16 years. They have two biological sons, Noah age 6.5 and Aiden, age 3. They have a daughter, Claire age 2, who was adopted from China in January 2013. Claire was born with Cleft lip and Palate, and has had several surgeries already. She will need a few more surgeries in the future as she grows. Kathy and Scott knew they wanted to adopt again, and fell in love with Alex’s picture. HIV was always a special need they were open to, and feel very comfortable caring for a child who happens to be HIV positive. They are very excited to have another son. Noah, Aiden and Claire share Alex’s picture with whomever will look at it. They can’t wait until their brother comes home.
3/25/14–TRAVELING 4/9
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at miraclesandmudpies.blogspot.com
STEVE for the Smith family — WA
Joel and Alicia met in late 2004, and were married just over a year later on the beautiful island of Kauai. After a few years of living a relatively quiet life in North Bend, WA with their 2 huskies, they welcomed their daughter Brenna in 2010. A surprisingly short time after that, they brought home their son Evan in 2011.
Joel was happily working in the energy efficiency field while Alicia worked from home on the online toy store she owns with her mom and sister, and they thought their family was complete. Then in early 2013, they both felt that God was leading them to look into international adoption, and they soon found a little boy that stole their hearts! Now they are hoping and diligently praying that this little man from China will soon make them a family of 5.
3/28/14—TRAVELING APRIL 11
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at aperfectfamily.wordpress.com
MIKEY for the Powell family — VA
This journey has many beginnings. By His grace, God called Jim and Tisha each to new life in Christ and brought them together in marriage. From 1998 to 2011, He taught them selflessness and provided an object lesson on the infinite nature of love through the blessings of eight biological children. By making these blessings all girls, He showed them how delightfully fun life could be.
In 2012, as He called the couple to adopt a special-needs child, God taught them about the obedience of faith and the unexpected joys that accompany even modest (but genuine) sacrifices. Most recently, He has graciously taught them that following Christ in faith and in joyful obedience is a journey that doesn’t end … at least, not yet. There is always MORE … more to pray for, more to do, more to give for His glory.
As they pursue a second adoption, Jim and Tisha are thankful to their local church for its compelling call to “90 Days of Generosity,” to their nine girls for the encouragement they have given to such imperfect parents, and to their Heavenly Father for His great grace and the living hope He has given us in Christ.
3/19/14—APPOINTMENT IS APRIL 10
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at addingtoourblessings.
THEO, ORION & BARTON for the Bloom family — OH
Christian and Kayleigh are very excited to be on this journey! They have talked about adopting since they were first married, but the time has never been right. When they began discussing it again recently, things started coming together in ways that they never could have imagined. They decided that was their sign to jump in! They have been working hard to get all of their paperwork and training completed. Now they have completed most of the work they are responsible for, and they have more time to focus on fundraising while they wait for all of their approvals and their invitation to travel!
They already have four wonderful children at home, and they can’t wait to add to their family. They are in awe of how amazing Theo is, and can’t wait to meet him. Now they will also be bringing Orion home! They are both loving boys who have waited for families for a very long time. These boys have grown up together at the same institution, and now they are going to be brothers. Isn’t that exciting?
UPDATE: They will also be adopting Barton, an incredible young man who aged out back in December. Their family is one of very few whose paperwork makes them eligible to adopt him, and they are thrilled to see what his future holds.
The Bloom family would appreciate any financial support or prayer you can offer as they proceed on this adventure.
3/19/14—APPOINTMENT IS APRIL 15
Follow the Bloom family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://handsfullofblooms.blogspot.com/
DUNHAM and EDGAR for the Quinn family — FL
Martin and Jennifer Quinn have three children, Alexis 19, Austin 15 and Gage 7 months! Last year they realized their children were getting older and no longer needed their constant attention. They were still young and couldn’t imagine having a silent house! One without laughter, children, and toys….. There were so many children in need. Without Mom’s and Dad’s to love, comfort and provide for them. They decided to embark on their adoption journey this January when they found out they were expecting!! They put their adoption research on hold and September 13th gave birth to their beautiful baby boy. They knew their next step was to adopt! Baby Gage needs playmates! They knew immediately when they saw Dunham that he was the one! After some prayer and an approved home study for two the Quinn’s committed to another little boy they had been praying over, Edgar! There will now be 7 Quinn’s! Their older children are as excited as they are to meet their new brothers and bring them home to meet their playmate and best friend forever, Gage. Their journey as parents is continuing and they are overjoyed at the blessings they have received. They know God’s hand is at work.
If you have been following Dunham or Edgar and praying for them to find a family, we would love for you to be a part of our journey. Please do not hesitate to contact us on Facebook at “Bringing Home Dunham”! God Bless!
3/19/14—APPOINTMENT IS APRIL 3
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at walknfaithquinnfamily.blogspot.com
TAVIN for the Anders family — VA
Steve and Chrystal met as bridesmaid and groomsman in a wedding 13 years ago. A short year and a half later they were married and stepping out on a lifelong journey together. Steve’s career brings him in close contact to at risk youth, everyday, and he sees firsthand the need for a strong, loving family structure that can provide a safe and secure environment for children to live. Chrystal is a stay-at-home mom, home schooling their oldest son, who just started kindergarten. She also serves on the board of directors for a non profit organization that raises money to build safe homes and care for orphans around the world.
While dating, they found out that both of them had a desire to adopt at some point in their lives. Five years later, as they tried unsuccessfully to start a family, they wondered if adoption would be a reality sooner, rather than later. God blessed them, however, with their first biological son, who is now 6. He is such a sweet and caring boy, and is a joy and blessing greater than they could have ever imagined! Three and a half years later they welcomed their second son, now almost 3. He is spunky, rambunctious, full of life, and makes every day an adventure. Through the years, each would express the continued desire to adopt “at some point”, but those conversations never developed into action. As they prayed about adding to their family again, they felt the Lord leading them towards adoption. They announced their decision to their families and friends, and began exploring the process and options for adoption. Chrystal came across Reece’s Rainbow early in their search, which started to stir the desire in their hearts to adopt a waiting child.
Fast forward through five months of prayer, research, hoping, and doubting (lots of doubting!), until one day when Chrystal came across Tavin’s profile. They couldn’t get him out of their minds. There was something in his eyes that captured their hearts. They knew they needed to do everything they could, to make him a part of their family, and they began their journey.
Adoption is like skydiving – totally worth it…but its hard to jump out of the plane! They have finally jumped. Will you help them land?
3/14/14—APPT 3/20
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at daffodilsandearthworms.blogspot.com
ABRAHAM for the Bailey family — SC
This little sweetheart is “Abraham” and he is one of God’s masterpieces! He has spent his whole life in an orphanage in Eastern Europe, waiting for his family. Tragically, children with special needs in Eastern Europe can be transferred to an adult mental institution at an early age, so “Abraham” really needs a family who will love him, care for him, and be blessed by him.
The Baileys were joined in Holy Matrimony in 2003, and welcomed their first two biological children in 2004 and 2007. Then, in 2009, right around the time that “Abraham” was born halfway around the world, the Baileys felt God calling them to expand their family through adoption. They had just welcomed their third biological child and due to other circumstances at the time, they could not actively pursue adoption. They prayed to discern the “when” of God’s call to adopt and eagerly awaited the day that they would be able to take more active steps to expand their family through adoption. The family was blessed with the arrival of their fourth biological child in 2012, and after much prayerful discernment (and more than one push of divine providence), the Baileys were able to start the process to adopt “Abraham” in June 2013. They feel immensely blessed and humbled to have been chosen by God to be “Abraham’s” family and cannot wait to hold their precious boy in their arms.
The Baileys can’t adequately express how much they appreciate any prayers for “Abraham” as he waits in the orphanage, and for their adoption process to go smoothly. And can you spare a donation of even a few dollars to help make this family’s dream a reality and give this little boy a chance to know the love of a Daddy, Mommy, brothers, and a sister? Each and every donation, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated!
“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” ~Matthew 18:5
3/21/14—FIRST TRIP MARCH 28
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at blagodarya.blogspot.com
VERONIKA and EMILIJA for the Jenks family — WA
Mark and Rebecca are the proud parents of six children; four biological children and their youngest two, who have Down syndrome, were adopted just last summer from Ukraine. The Jenks family thought that if their family grew again it would be another young child, and more than likely from foster care. Sometimes God points you in unexpected ways, because God had other plans. Rebecca kept feeling drawn back to Reece’s Rainbow and the girls age 10+. They had not even been home a full year when Rebecca noticed an preteen girl with Down syndrome and once again her heart skipped a beat, but Rebecca threw off the idea with her being so much older. That night, Rebecca and Mark prayed and asked God, “Break our hearts for what breaks yours, Lord!” The following day Rebecca asked about Veronika and the response she got from that inquiry was overwhelming. When Rebecca found out that Veronika had been listed on Reece’s Rainbow since BEFORE 2010, instantly she knew that this was the next child to join the Jenks Clan. Mark and Rebecca never imagined they would be working on another adoption in less than a year, but the Lord’s plans were greater than their own. They ask for your prayers as they embark on this journey, and if you feel lead to help bring Veronika home, please know that no gift is too small and they are thankful for any help you can offer! Veronika has waited twelve years to become part of a family. We can not let her wait any longer.
3/20/14—FIRST TRIP MARCH 26
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at becauseyouareloved.blogspot.com
RAELYNN for the Yost family — AL
On their wedding day, Tabitha and Warren vowed to devote their marriage to serving the Lord. As they began to explore ways to fulfill the biblical command to care for orphans, God led them to a Know More Orphans conference. They knew that adoption was something they would do someday, but after speaking with a representative for Reece’s Rainbow at the conference, they realized they had no reason to wait. They are beyond excited to serve the Lord in a way that will bring such a sweet blessing into their lives.
3/12/14—FIRST TRIP APRIL 5
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://deardanila.blogspot.com/
FULLY FUNDED!!!
GWENDOLYN for the Goocher family — GA
Isaac and Amy have been married for 7 years! They have five biological children, Elizabeth, Naomi, Abigail, Maverick and one little princess in heaven, Eden. They always dreamed of having a big family and knew from the beginning that adoption would play a role in growing their family. They had considered adopting a special needs child even before their sweet Eden was born. She suffered a severe birth injury resulting in a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. She was very medically fragile and passed away at age 2.
When their family saw beautiful Gwendolyn on Reece’s Rainbow, they knew she was the one! Gwendolyn has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. They are so excited to make her a part of their family. The Goocher family realizes the amazing value that special needs children have and they firmly believe that every child deserves the love of a family. They have a lot of knowledge and skills to help her thrive to her fullest, and look forward to nurturing and loving her. Unfortunately, there is no hope for Gwendolyn to reach her full potential in her current Eastern European orphanage. She will soon be transferred to live out the rest of her life in an adult mental institution. They feel truly blessed to be able to adopt her and make her a part of their family. Please partner with the Goocher family in bringing this precious child of God home to her forever family. Donations and prayers are deeply appreciated! Thank you!!!
UPDATE: The Goocher family will also be bringing Tessa home!
3/19/14—APPOINTMENT IS APRIL 1
RITA for the Mayr family — CO
Paul and Kelly got married in 1997. At the time Paul was and engineer and Kelly was a special education teacher. Their first child came in 1998 and it has been a world wind ever since. With a total of five children they knew that they were done birthing children, but not done growing their family. So when they heard that there was a homeless teen that needed a family…..we said….we can always fit one more. A year later we began fostering infants and toddlers. Our journey into the world of special needs began in 2000 with the birth of our daughter Grace. She was diagnosed with Noonan syndrome at one year of age. So they are already connected in the special needs community. We knew that if we were going to adopt, that we would adopt a child with special needs. We saw sweet Rita’s profile and knew that she would be a perfect fit for our family.
3/13/14—FINAL TRIP APRIL 12
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at themayrmadness.blogspot.com
DYLAN for the Kindall family — UT
Gavin and Mali Kindall have been married for almost nine years; after only seven weeks of dating! You could call them crazy, but when you know you know, right! They have a beautiful two year old boy named Jeton, they call him Jet! It has always been in their plans to adopt one day. In their minds it would happen in a few years, but what they didn’t know, was that their beautiful daughters Harmony and Penelope were already here and waiting to be brought home. One night Mali happened upon Reece’s Rainbow and after a few days of falling in love with all the children and being forever changed, Mali knew God had his own plans for them. It didn’t take long before Gavin knew, too.
While in the process to adopt Harmony and Penelope, their girls’ country banned Americans from adopting. Gavin and Mali have complete faith that the ban will be lifted one day and they will bring them home. They will never forget or give up on their sweet little angels! In the meantime, they have prayed about and have decided to change countries and bring a big brother home for the girls and Jet!! Through much heartbreak has come something very beautiful and that is bringing home another son. They cannot wait to bring home their handsome and amazing Dylan!
So much love has already been shown and given to our Dylan that will help bring him home…..we would like to thank everyone with our whole hearts!
3/28/14—1ST TRIP APRIL 6 to MAY 6
DONALD for the Claus family — OR
Josh and Chelsea met at a small church as teenagers, dated for nearly 5 years and have now been married for 9 years. They now live right around the corner from the church where they met and have four beautiful biological children, ages 7 and under.
Chelsea has wanted to adopt since she first heard, as a little girl, that there were children in the world who didn’t have families. Josh agreed that adoption was important but wasn’t yet convinced that it was for their family. When friends of theirs adopted a child with special needs from an Eastern European country, their eyes were opened to the plight of the orphan, especially those with special needs across the globe. Their eyes could not be shut, and Chelsea began advocating for waiting children through Reece’s Rainbow, and became a prayer warrior for several orphans. God started to speak to both Josh and Chelsea about adoption. Through much prayer they came to believe that their family was called to adopt, but they didn’t know who or when. Well, God provided them with the who. A sweet 4 year old boy with Sotos Syndrome and Scoliosis had snuck into their minds and stolen their hearts. Once they knew who they should adopt, that also answered the question of when. NOW!
They are stepping out in faith to rescue this precious child from his orphanage in Eastern Europe. Adoption is redemption, and redemption is costly. Please help them give this very deserving little boy a forever family who will treasure him always.
3/7/14—1ST TRIP MARCH 21
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at insearchofpearls.blogspot.com
ZACH and PIPPA for the Haydon family — TX
Kevin and Wendy Haydon don’t remember when they officially met, but they are pretty sure it was sometime in the fall of 1995! After a couple of years of friendship they started spending “a lot” of time together and decided they should start dating and they’ve been together ever since! Kevin and Wendy have been married since September 2000. Wendy is a Registered Nurse with a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education and works for a large health system in Southeast Texas. She has spent her entire nursing career working with cancer patients and their families and can’t think of a better job! Kevin currently works for a national Christian bookstore and education retailer.
Kevin and Wendy have patiently been waiting for God to bless them with children, when He was ready, thinking that it would happen biologically; up until recently that is! Kevin and Wendy had been following the journey her cousin’s have been taking in adopting two beautiful girls in Eastern Europe through Reece’s Rainbow. One day Wendy’s cousin posted a picture of a precious little angel, Sydney, that had just come up for adoption and she showed her picture to Kevin. The next day they told each other that they couldn’t stop staring at her picture and how her eyes seemed to have looked straight into their hearts! After talking about what was happening in their hearts, they realized that the Lord had been placing adoption on both of their hearts for many years. They had both been praying that He would bring them “onto the same page” when the time was right. While they were in the homestudy process, a law banning adoptions from that country was passed and once again their dream of becoming parents was put on hold.
After months of praying and waiting, it became clear that they would not be able to proceed with bringing Sydney home, due to their early stage in the process. God began to place the desire to bring home an older child into their hearts. They are heartbroken yet thankful that God has renewed their hope of bringing a child into their lives. They would be grateful for prayers, that He would prepare their hearts to be a new family.
3/5/14—APPOINTMENT IS MARCH 18
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://haydonfamilygrowing.blogspot.com/
FULLY FUNDED!!
ILYSSA and CHRISTIAN for the Saunders family — AZ
Adam and Ashley met in 2004 on, of all places, eharmony.com and were married the following year. In 2007 they welcomed their first daughter, Charlee, into their family followed by a second daughter, Andee, in 2010. Adam and Ashley have always considered themselves open to adoption as Adam’s mom was adopted and there is quite a bit of adoption on both sides of the family. It wasn’t until 2012, however, that God really began stirring Ashley’s heart towards adoption. Ironically, this stirring began shortly after she commented to Adam, “I love our little family. It’s just right.” Just a few short weeks later, she wasn’t so sure about that comment…not so sure their family was complete.
After sharing with Adam her desire to adopt, Ashley prayed that if the Lord wanted them to pursue adoption, that He would move in Adam’s heart and stir up in him the same desire. Ashley wanted the two of them to be united, that it would not be because of her own desire that Adam would “agree” to adopt, but because God would place within Adam the awareness of God’s call of each of us to look after the orphan and widow in their distress (James 1:27).
God answered Ashley’s prayer. Over the next several months, God gently began opening Adam’s eyes to a distinct calling upon their life together as a family and He continued to strengthen the desire within Ashley’s heart towards adoption. Several things furthered this desire including watching as Ashley’s brother and sister-in-law adopted two children from Russia. Two children with whom they and their girls have since fallen in love. He has also called the couple to host an orphan from Eastern Europe this summer, something that excites them and their girls to no end! The excitement that Charlee and Andee have for their summer guest has further confirmed their desire to adopt this precious girl.
More than anything, Adam and Ashley see adoption as the ultimate picture of the Gospel. They recognize and rejoice in the fact that they have been adopted by the heavenly Father based nothing on who they are or what they have done. It is by His grace alone that they have obtained an inheritance with Him. They now know that they are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that [they] should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). It is because of His love for them that they desire to love this little girl and to give her a place in their family, to become a sister, a daughter, a granddaughter and a niece.
4/1/14—COURT APRIL 24
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at beholdingbeautiful.com
GUNTER for the Maslanka family — AK
Anna has long been familiar with adoption, having a brother through adoption who has special needs, and she felt the call to adopt from a young age. She haunted adoption websites, including Reece’s Rainbow, for a number of years, while waiting to be old enough and financially secure enough to be able to adopt children of her own. In the mean time, she became a foster parent, and became friends with Will, after meeting him at work. Will has two adult sons of his own, but had always wanted more children. Though an unlikely match, they found that they had much in common and greatly enjoyed each other’s company. Still, it was quite unexpected when they fell in love. One day Anna came across the profile of a little boy with special needs in Eastern Europe, listed on his country’s adoption website, and fell in love for the second time. Later, when he was listed on Reece’s Rainbow around the same time Anna and Will were getting married, they knew it was meant to be. Although an international adoption is not the best financial decision when they are in the process of buying their first home together, they are determined to raise the necessary funds to bring him, and hopefully one or two other little ones, home to start their family.
2/14/14—APPOINTMENT IS MARCH 5
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at newcovenantchristian.blogspot.com
JAEDON for the Buchanan family — PA
Dale and Lori Buchanan met sometime in the fall of 2003 when Lori began working at Dale’s insurance agency. They would talk each time he came in to pay premiums and eventually discovered that they had a lot in common, both being raised on dairy farms. They formed a friendship and soon began dating and were engaged in June, 2005 and married in September, 2006. Soon after, they were ready to start a family and because of their love for Lori’s sister adopted from China in 2002, they felt called to adopt internationally as well and began paperwork in 2009 to adopt a child from Eastern Europe. They traveled to meet their daughter Kayti in October 2011 and brought her home in May 2012. Almost immediately after returning home, they began discussing the possibility of returning for another child and both agreed that they wanted to when the time was right, or when the right child came along. In May 2013, they saw a 2 year old little boy listed who sounded like he had a lot of the same delays as their daughter. After receiving a bit more information, they are in the process of adopting him from the same country and are so looking forward to this next journey. They can not wait to give Kayti a sibling and hope to complete this adoption quickly and bring him home as soon as possible. They are committed to giving their children the best life possible and are anxious to become a family of four.
2/4/14—1ST TRIP MARCH 1
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at loridalebuchanan.blogspot.com
MARGIT for the Guarino family — PA
Nineteen years ago, shortly after the birth of her special needs son, Nicky, Nancy knew she would someday adopt a special needs child. Although life didn’t turn out exactly as planned, Nancy felt blessed to know the joy and inspiration that comes with parenting a child with Down syndrome and for many years, felt the tug at her heart to bring another child into her family. Initially considering domestic adoption, Nancy stumbled onto the Reece’s Rainbow website and immediately knew she wanted to adopt one of the beautiful children listed. It didn’t take long for Nancy to fall in love with Margit and to know Margit was meant to be Nancy’s adopted daughter and Nicky’s new sister. Nancy and Nicky are both thrilled at the possibility of sharing their happy lives with Margit and hope to liberate her from a life of institutional commitment.
Thank you to everyone who is able to help Nancy and Nicky rescue Margit from a life in an institution and bring her home to her loving forever family.
3/13/14—COURT IS MARCH 28
EDWARD and JOYANNA for the Winslow family — NH
Let me introduce you to a New Hampshire family whose mission field is adoption! Residing on a small farm they have named Grace Abounding Farm, this family has 2 biological daughters and 6 adopted children. They take seriously God’s command in James 1:27 which states..”Care for the orphans”. Glenn and Mary have been married for 24 years. Glenn is a self employed carpenter, and Mary is blessed to be a keeper of the home and a homeschool Mom. They are in their 13th year of homeschooling. Their eldest biological daughter is married and age 22. She and her husband have the Winslow’s 2 beautiful grand daughters who live just a few towns over. The Winslow’s other biological daughter is 17, and a senior in high school for homeschooling. Glenn and Mary first stepped out in faith to adopt 2 children from Haiti, 7 years ago. Grace, now 16, and Jon, now 9, are thriving in their home. Their next adoption came 4 years later, in 2010, when they adopted a set of 10 year old twins from the NH foster care system. Edward and Elisha are now 13. Next came little 5 year old Nicole. She was also a NH foster care child. She was adopted officially in August of 2012. She is 7 now. Their latest adoption came in the form of a private adoption of a little drug addicted baby that no one wanted. Rosalinda is now 10 months old and doing really well!
Zoey
God first put a Bulgarian adoption on their hearts with a plea that came out from Adeye’s No Greater Joy Mom blog for a family for Theodore. Glenn and Mary stepped out in faith willing to bring Theodore into their family. God had other plans for Theodore, and he was matched with another family. God also had plans for the Winslows. It was last week that God made known the needs of Zoey. Glenn and Mary immediately fell in love with precious little Zoey. Knowing that according to God’s word, whatever they did for the “least of these” they would do for God Himself! They also felt called to Edward, too. Now, God is moving mountains for both Zoey and Edward to join the Winslow family! Thank you all so much for taking the time to read about our family, and to encourage us in this way! Please visit our blog for updates!
“We thank our God upon EVERY remembrance of you!” Philipians 1:3
Precious Zoey passed away in January 2014. We are so grateful she was able to know the loving embrace of a family, before going to Heaven. The Winslow family is continuing on to bring Edward (soon to be Jeremiah!) home, and JoyAnna. JoyAnna is almost 7 years old, and lives in the same orphanage Zoey was in.
4/8/14—WAITING FOR COURT
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at winslowsix.blogspot.com
NETTIE for the Owens family — KY
Anthony and Krystal have been married for close to nine years. To say that they hit the ground running, as far as parenting goes, is quite the understatement. Krystal opened her home for foster care for two years before she and Anthony married. As a matter of fact, Krystal was a foster mom to two beautiful blonde haired girls the day the two married. The story goes that when Anthony was told he had six months to complete his foster care training, after marriage, that Krystal made it quite clear that she and the girls were a package deal. He couldn’t have one without the other. Without hesitation, Anthony chose the full package and nine months later, those beautiful blondes officially became part of the Owens “Forever Family”. One month after that, their son Harrison was born and very shortly after that, Anderson and Karrington came along to complete the Owens’ family…..or at least that’s what everyone else thought. Although the Owens family was settled on the outside, there was still a stirring in their hearts to adopt, again. The Owens’ feel strongly that adoption is a mandate from God. They know that God has called His people to care for the orphans and they don’t take that lightly. Although Anthony & Krystal knew they would adopt, again, they always assumed it would be another domestic adoption. However, God began to burden them for the special-needs children, overseas. It is the desire of the entire Owens’ family to rescue as many orphans as possible from a life of uncertainty and shower them with love, stability, hope in Christ, and a future…as well as a momma, a daddy, three sisters, and two brothers.
4/2/14—WAITING FOR COURT
LISA for the Livshin family — NC
James and Jamie met 10 years ago through family members when James’ brother married Jamie’s cousin, however they lost touch until 4 years ago when they met up again and there was an instant connection. A friendship was formed over the next year and now 3 years later they have a wonderful marriage that grew out of their friendship. They are so proud of their blended family, two girls Emillie (15) and Bella (8) from James’ previous marriage and their son Jacob (2).
The Livshin’s were introduced to Eastern European orphans when their church sponsored a hosting program during the summer. James was born in Russia and still speaks the language and Jamie was involved in the children’s ministry so it seemed like a great volunteer opportunity. Little did they know God had a bigger plan. It all started when the hosting program was one host family short. They agreed to host a 10 year old boy and in just 3 weeks fell completely in love with him and wanted to adopt, but were unprepared for the process and the cost. After many tears it was decided it was not the right time for them to adopt but were open to it in the future. Two years later they were approached with the idea of adopting an 8 year old boy who had participated in the same hosting program, but was not adopted. After speaking with his host family they decided they would walk by faith and start the journey of a lifetime. Everything seemed to be moving smoothly and then the email came… the little boy had been referred to another family. Jamie took the news the hardest, she was heartbroken. The tears turned to anger, the anger turned to questions… why would God do this? Then the questions turned to prayer. Knowing that God is in control and has a plan for them they prayed for their hearts to be open and their minds to be patient and they would trust in Him.
James went on a mission trip to the Eastern Europe the last week of March where he met Lisa. A beautiful, kind, smart girl who has so much love to give but so little hope. She is turning 16 in two months and that means will age out of the system. She will have completed the 10th grade and be on her own all alone to face a great big world. James and Jamie can change this girl’s future. They can give her a loving home where she can be party of a family for the first time. She wants to be a chef and they can help her realize that dream. She deserves more because God has a plan for her too.
9/9/13—TRAVELING in FEBRUARY
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at godsizedadventure.blogspot.com
4 Siblings for the Herr family — PA
God is faithful, and His timing is perfect. Jim and Linda met each other in Bible college, a short two months before Linda graduated. They corresponded for two years while Jim finished his education. During this time, God was speaking to Jim about the blessing of children and allowing God to plan his family. Before proposing to Linda, Jim made sure that she was also willing to receive any children that God would give them. They married in 1985 and have been blessed with 9 sons (one being stillborn at 26 weeks) and 4 daughters ranging in age from 5-26. Three other pregnancies also ended in miscarriage. It seemed in those early years of marriage that Linda was either pregnant or nursing. The most common question they received after each birth was, “Are you done now?” Since it has now been 5 and a half years since their youngest child was born, people assume they are done. However, God has been impressing on them that He is not done. God has been burdening them to continue building their family through adoption. The thought of adoption has always been in their minds, but they never seriously thought it would be possible. They didn’t know any big families who adopted until recently. When some friends with 11 children adopted 2 more, they began to ask themselves if they could also qualify for adoption. They began reading blogs on Reece’s Rainbow and saw that there were many large families who adopted. With much prayer, they began the adoption journey. It is a journey of faith, but as they trust Him, God is proving that He is faithful. Please pray for Jim and Linda and their family as they welcome the children God has handpicked for them.
2/6/14—APPOINTMENT IS FEBRUARY 26
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog
at allgraceabounds.wordpress.com
ISAAC, MARIAH, COOPER, and CLYDE for the Hommel family — TX
David and Sherry have been married for 33 years and have raised two children. The oldest son (special needs) sadly passed away last year and the oldest daughter lives nearby and has two girls of her own.
God placed a strong burden on David’s and Sherry’s hearts to pursue adoption. During the last thirteen years they have adopted ten children, four domestic and six internationally. Ages range from 1 to 17 years with several having special needs.
God has continued to put a burden on their hearts to continue adopting, especially children with special needs and with older children that have no family. They have committed to three older children including one that will be aging out of the system later this year.
12/30/13—APPOINTMENT IS JANUARY 29
SERGEY and CROSBY for the Harlin family — WI
What does God call us to do? He has called us to open our hearts and homes for children in desperate need. Brian and Laurie Harlin have been married for 23 years. They have been blessed with 7 children, 3 biological and 4 adopted through the foster care system. Currently 5 are at home and are excitedly waiting for a new brother or sister! (Or maybe both!!!) Brian and Laurie were foster parents for 6 years for medically fragile children prior to adopting. Laurie has been blessed to be a stay at home mom. She was formerly an elementary teacher. Brian works for a local company and is in the supply chain part of the business. International adoption of a child or children with special needs has been placed on their hearts. Brian and Laurie and the kids want to thank everyone in advance for prayers, words of encouragement, and support on their new adoption adventure! Please also continue to pray for all the children waiting for a family and that God will move others to pursue adoption or the support of it.
“The Lord is good; for His mercy, tender kindness and steadfast love endure forever.” Jeremiah 33:11
1/11/14—APPOINTMENT IS FEBRUARY 10
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at amillionstepstosergey.blogspot.com
GABRIEL and BETSY for the Elkins family — TX
JoLynn has dreamed of adopting children since she was a teenager, even before she dreamed of marriage. She just couldn’t imagine a child being tossed aside due to poverty and illness, and there being no one there to pick the child up. She knew God had laid it on her heart to love the abandoned. Charles had thought of adoption as something he could see in his future, and once they were seriously involved, Charles was 100% in agreement when JoLynn told him she wanted to adopt, regardless of how many biological children she had. Charles and JoLynn were married in 2007 while Juniors in college. In 2008 they welcomed Isak, their bundle of joy, and in 2011 Malkolm, their child of peace came into their lives. But 2009 and 2012 left Charles and JoLynn heartbroken from miscarriages. They felt like there were “gaps” in their family, and while those children could never be replaced, they felt that their family was smaller than it was supposed to be. Feeling a gentle urge from God, they moved up the time table to adopt. JoLynn assumed that International adoption was a distant dream, something that would happen after their children were older and they had fostered and adopted domestically. But when doors refused to open for foster/adoption, a simple phone call “for more information” quickly led to an email with the file of a little boy . Twenty photos and a small, sad life summed up in a few paragraphs shook their hearts in a powerful way- a little boy who had never known a mother’s kiss or felt a father’s embrace had waited for someone to come his entire life. They could not walk away. Charles and JoLynn already consider “Gabriel” their child, and their sons are excited that they will soon have another brother.
“Gabriel” is 3 years old, and lives in an Eastern European orphanage that has been his home since the day he left the hospital. Born premature at a very low birth weight, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. He also has Strambismus and a handful of other easily-treatable conditions. Even with the minimal therapy he receives, he makes great strides towards better control of his limbs. He has moderate institutional delays, but once in a family environment, he is expected to improve greatly. But whatever the case, Charles, JoLynn, Isak and Malkolm cannot wait to give him the love he has missed out on for so long.
Your prayers and support will be greatly appreciated. While they are planning on paying a great portion of the costs out of pocket, the Elkins will need to raise approximately 1/3 of the cost of their adoption.
What was meant to be a single adoption has turned into a double- when they saw Betsy’s photo in April Charles’ and JoLynn’s hearts were opened to having a daughter. They prayed, asked hard questions and reevaluated what was a necessity in life. Finally they decided that their lives would be blessed by having Betsy as a daughter, and her needs were more outside of their comfort zone than outside their capabilities. Those who have met her have high hopes for her future, and think she and Gabriel will do well adopted together. The adoptive parents of blind children and even blind adults encouraged them again and again to take the leap- that the rewards were innumerable and the challenges are much smaller than imagined.
3/6/14—USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at engulfedbytheswell.blogspot.com
DAMION for the Rafferty family — NC
Chris and Traci met at a coffee shop in Raleigh, North Carolina. As they started talking they realized they had criss-crossed the country, from Montana to Alabama and back, before they both moved to Raleigh for school. After this first meeting they were merely acquaintances for a couple years until they got to know each other more when they both happened to move to Turkey for jobs. As their friendship bloomed into love they realized their mutual travel wasn’t the only thing they had in common. They both cherished other cultures and people and both loved God and desired to serve Him with their lives.
They got married and had two precious daughters early in their marriage. With a desire for more children, they felt the Lord was directing them to adopt. To be honest, Chris was ready before Traci. It wasn’t that Traci didn’t like adoption, she was just fearful that she wouldn’t love an adopted child as much as she loved her biological children. After much prayer and counsel they desired to follow what they believed God was leading them to do and start the adoption process. The first adoption was lengthy and difficult but God used this to get Traci’s heart ready. When the adoption was finalized in January of 2012 they were both eager to welcome their Bulgarian son, Alex, into their family with their whole hearts.
It’s been a little over a year now and they feel the Lord leading them to adopt another child. They were praying about this when they learned about Damion through a fellow church member who is finalizing an adoption through Reece’s Rainbow. When they saw Damion’s information Chris and Traci knew immediately he was to be part of their family. Within two days they had filed the necessary paperwork to begin the process of bringing him home.
A while back Damion wrote a letter to his future family, “I want to have a family because I love the family. I would love to have a mummy and a daddy who I will love.” (Then he signed it to make it official.) Well, Damion will not only get the mummy and daddy he greatly desires but will also have two sisters, a brother, and the dog he said he wanted. Don’t you just love when a story has a happy ending?!
4/2/14—WAITING FOR COURT
MATTHEW for the Richey family — TX
Clay and Jenny met their freshman year at Baylor University. They have been married almost 10 years and have two biological children. Their son, Jack, is 6 years old and their daughter, Chandler, is 3 years old. Clay works in Marketing for a publishing company and Jenny works part time as an RN. They have lead a full happy life and they thought their family was complete, until about 6 months ago. The topic of adoption was something that Clay and Jenny discussed on and off during their dating years and early years of marriage. But the past 6 years since having children, those desires were pushed aside while caring for their biological children. This past fall, God started to stir up the idea in Clay’s heart again. And one night, while reading a friend’s blog, Jenny discovered Reece’s Rainbow. The blog was advocating for a Down’s syndrome child and Jenny immediately felt that it was now time to answer God’s calling for their lives and start the adoption process. Amazingly enough, the very next day at church was adoption Sunday. Clay and Jenny both knew it was time and there was no turning back. Clay and Jenny have been blessed tremendously the past few months by this process. They are so excited to bring “Matthew” home and give him the life that he deserves.
4/2/14—WAITING FOR COURT
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.completingthericheys.blogspot.com
GARY and MARNIE for the Horton family — OR
“Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5)
Don and Lauren Horton live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest (Oregon) with their five adopted children and their much loved foster son.
They are blessed to have three grown children living nearby, as well as three fantastic grandchildren!
Their adoption journey began in 1999 with the adoption of a beautiful baby girl with Down syndrome. This opened the Horton’s eyes to the joy and beauty and the lessons to be learned from children that others view as “different”. Their next three adoptions brought them children with a variety of special needs who light up their lives and the lives of those around them.
They returned home just this past November with their fifth adoption….a four year old girl with Down Syndrome who weighed just ten pounds. With lots of love and the proper nutrition Sophia has blossomed. She is a true joy.
The Hortons have been blessed with the opportunity of adding another son to their family …a seven year old boy with limb difference. The thought of this child never having a mama and daddy to tuck him in and night, never running errands with daddy in his big truck, never camping and swimming and playing ball with his brothers and sisters…..was heartbreaking. They could not turn their backs on him.
Funding a second adoption less than six months after Sophia’s is daunting. Any financial help no matter the amount would be greatly appreciated!
“Once our eyes are opened we cannot pretend we do no know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows we know and holds us responsible to act.” Proverbs 24:12
3/31/14—FINAL TRIP APRIL 11
Abby-Kate for the Lewis family — AL
Charlie and Jeanie have been married for thirteen years. After meeting at church when they were just children, Charlie and Jeanie were reunited later in life. They fell in love and were married at the church where they had met. They, along with their three boys, have a wonderful story to share.
Did you know that elephants can carry their babies for an incredible 21.5 months? Can you imagine having to wait that long to meet your precious little one? The Lewis family understands the pain of the wait. They have waited to complete their adoption for 10 years. After committing to a child in 2003, they completed almost the entire adoption process—minus travel—of a beautiful visually-impaired young girl.
Two years into the process, they were joyfully awaiting a travel date to adopt their daughter when they received a phone call no parent ever wishes to receive. Though they had steadfastly exhausted themselves to raise funds, enjoyed the process of preparing a bedroom, celebrated with an “adoption shower,” and were fully approved…..their daughter would not be coming home. Her country had politically closed its doors to adoptions from U.S. citizens. Stunned, they were left to heal and wonder what would ever come of the precious one they had come to love.
After a second trimester miscarriage, they decided a few years later to try to adopt a child through the Department of Human Resources. With full approval of DHR (having taken 10 weeks of classes and received an approved home study), they patiently waited to have a child placed in their home. Encouraged to be patient, the Lewis family worked with DHR for over a year and did not receive one placement.
Now the Lewis’s have come full circle. They have taken time to pray and seek God for what His perfect will would be for their family. And, believe it or not, they have received the referral of a perfect little girl who just so happens to be visually-impaired. In fact, this child has the exact same eye condition that their previous “daughter” had. And though she will need surgery and will remain partially blind, she will be able to “see” and feel and know the love that her family has for her every day of her life.
Overjoyed, the Lewis’s await bringing their daughter home after a 10-year “gestation” of the heart.
3/19/14—TRAVELING MID APRIL
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at crazyadoptiondreamer.wordpress.com
FULLY FUNDED!!!!
PRISCILLA for the Einfeld family — WA
Daryl and Ruth have been married since 1985, after a 4 year friendship. They have 12 biological children, ages 26 down to 1 year old, 10 of whom are still living at home. Their 4 yo daughter, Esther, has Down syndrome and is such a blessing to their family. Ruth runs a home business selling cloth diapers and training pants, which focuses on products for children, youth and adults with special needs, so this has allowed her many contacts to other families with children who have special needs. Last year, Ruth discovered Reece’s Rainbow. Last spring she began to advocate for children and families there. But the desire to help these children took a deeper root in her heart, and the thought of adopting began to take root. After much discussion, research and prayer as a family they decided it was time to step out in faith and attempt to adopt a little one with Down syndrome. They have learned so much through their journey with Esther, and they want to use this experience to bless another little one by bringing that child into their home and giving them a forever family.
3/12/14—FINAL TRIP in MAY
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at aseventhsister.blogspot.com
IAN for the Kirk family — VA
Steve and Brooke Kirk have known each other since they were teenagers though it wasn’t until their twenties that the two became a couple. They were married in 2005 and welcomed their son, Nicholas, in 2006. Brooke’s pregnancy was complicated and Nicholas was born two months early with a host of complications, many of which the doctors did not feel lined up with his gestational age at birth. Nick spent 6 weeks in the NICU and came home with a g-tube and apnea monitor along with a list of follow up appointments with specialists and therapists. Later genetic testing would reveal that he had a genetic condition called a balanced translocation. The first year of Nick’s life had a lot of ups and downs but by 15 months he was walking, starting to talk, and no longer had his g-tube or any monitors though he continued to receive various forms of therapy through early intervention.
The couple has felt for a while that God was not done growing their family, but, fertility issues and the high risks of another pregnancy made the hope of having another child seem dim. About two years ago through a local homeschool support group Brooke met a couple that were adopting two little boys from Eastern Europe and her eyes were opened wide to the plight of the orphan. She discovered Reece’s Rainbow and quickly felt God break her heart for all of the waiting children. Steve was on board with praying, fundraising, and, advocating for the children but did not feel the same call that Brooke was feeling to adopt. Brooke signed up as a Prayer Warrior for a little boy who is now with his forever family then as an advocate for another waiting little boy. She continued to pray that when the time was right for them to adopt that God would break Steve’s heart the way he had already broken her’s.
Then in January of this year the same friend that first led Brooke to Reece’s Rainbow posted the picture and bio of ‘Ian.’ Immediately Brooke felt drawn to him and requested more information. She showed that information and Ian’s pictures to Steve who agreed to pray about it. Ultimately, just four days later after lots of prayer and research the couple made the joyous, and slightly overwhelming decision to move forward. Their family and friends are all excited to welcome this new child into the fold! Nick had always asked for a big brother but his Mama would tell him that he would be the big brother should a baby come. God must have been preparing Nick’s heart for his brother all along, because he is getting his wish, he will be the little brother by about 6 weeks!
The couple feels blessed to be in this process, however, every thing happened very suddenly with no time for them to prepare ahead of time for an adoption. But, they are working overtime to get paperwork done and funds raised to get their son home as quickly as possible. In all things they trust in the Lord’s provision and perfect timing.
“Do not be anxious about any thing, but in every thing, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
4/2/14—WAITING FOR COURT
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at walkingthenarrowpathnow.blogspot.com
SASHA for the Warner family — PA
Dave and Joy Warner are a pretty cool couple. Married for 12 years they love living life to the fullest with their three children, Caroline (6), Evy (4) and their new addition, Jude (5 months). The Warners love God, family, and warm sunny days in the park complete with ice cream!!
After hosting Sasha through Project One Forty Three for Christmas 2012, they knew that God was calling Sasha to be their son, and perhaps more importantly, He was calling them to be Sasha’s family. Sasha is 14 already and they urgently want to bring him home to give him all the love and care (and eventually driving lessons! Yikes.) that a teenage boy needs.
Will it be easy? No. Will onlookers raise their eyebrows at the family’s choice to bring home an older boy? Yes. Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!
They have an awesome extended family and friend base who are extremely supportive, but they still welcome all of the prayers and support that they can possibly muster up, even from complete strangers. And though they consider themselves blessed, they aren’t millionaires, so any extra pennies folks may have would also be greatly appreciated!
4/2/14—COURT IS APRIL 22
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at becomingmorethanfour.blogspot.com
CHAD for the Caiazza family — KS
John and Tami have been married 20 years, and have six biological children from age 14 down to 18 months. When their oldest children were still tiny, they heard a missionary speak about the street children of Romania. It was heartbreaking to hear what those abandoned children suffered. A desire to really help in some tangible way was sparked. That spark grew and simmered for years. Eventually the Caiazza’s learned about a family that was making a HUGE difference in the life of one particular little orphan girl, and they began following the story closely. It pained their hearts greatly to learn about the severe neglect she had lived with for years, and they rejoiced greatly as well to see how God was working in her life to bring healing through her new family. They began to wonder “What if …?? what if we could adopt? And how would you ever pick one child? Hmmm??” It was at this point that God gave a gentle shove and let the Caiazza Family know that the time to act had come. He led them to a particular little boy named Chad, and they are excited to now be part of God’s plan to place him in a family. While they look forward to being a blessing to Chad, they recognize that he likely will be an even bigger blessing to them.
4/2/14—WAITING FOR FINAL TRAVEL DATES
TOMMY for the Knuth family — NE
Ten years ago, Grace never would have believed she would one day be a single, adoptive mother, let alone a mother to two children with special needs. But God, in His goodness and wisdom, has filled her life with challenge, purpose, and LOVE.
Grace is blessed to be on staff at her home congregation. She serves the Lord as a disciple who makes disciples who makes disciples of Jesus Christ. What she likes best about her job is that God does all the work! For four years she has been given a front row seat to watch Him draw people to Himself and make them new.
That same mighty, life-changing God has also been at work in Grace’s heart and home. He is continually proving Himself strong and faithful on her behalf. His best and most miraculous work so far was in the recent adoption of her first child, Samantha Love. Sam came home last year from an orphanage in Eastern Europe where she was abused, neglected, and unloved. Both mother and daughter have been changed forever by the miracle of her redemption. Now, with room and love to spare, Grace knows it is only right that she extend that love to another child.
“Tommy” has been living in Sam’s former orphanage for 13 years. It’s time for his miracle. His redemption! Grace and Sam cannot wait to bring him home.
Adoption is a spiritual battle field. If you believe in the power of prayer, Grace would welcome you to join her in praying for “Tommy”, his orphanage, and this adoption process. And if you are so led, she and Sam would be blessed by your partnership in raising “Tommy’s” ransom.
2/6/14—FIRST TRIP FEBRUARY 22
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lovesransom.blogspot.com
BRANDON for the Swinigan family — MO
Kevin and Heather have been married for 13 years and have 3 daughters – Norah, Lucy, and Daphne. Kevin is a financial advisor and Heather stays at home and homeschools their girls. While Kevin and Heather had talked about adoption from early on in their marriage, it wasn’t until about a year ago that they were confident that this was something that God wanted them to do.
Kevin, Heather, and the girls were introduced to Reece’s Rainbow as they followed the adoption journey of some church friends. The girls began asking to get on the website so they could look at pictures and pray for various children listed with RR. Through the Reece’s Rainbow website, they followed many families through their adoptions of children with special needs. The girls would literally squeal and jump up and down as they rejoiced over the newly committed families.
As Kevin and Heather began the adoption journey, they knew that God had directed them to Reece’s Rainbow for a reason. After much prayer, they knew that God was calling them to adopt ‘Brandon,’ who will be called Levi.
Kevin and Heather ask that you would join them in prayer as they walk this journey to bring home their son. They also thank you for prayerfully considering supporting them through this process.
4/2/14—WAITING FOR COURT
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at theswinigans.wordpress.com
HANNAH for the Carr family — PA
Mac and Britney met on a summer college trip to China. After 19 hours sitting next to one another on a plane, they were friends and their friendship grew until 10 years later they were married. They returned to China, with their daughter Aila (2) and continued to teach, learn and serve among some of the world’s most beautiful people, but wondered about their part in ‘caring for the orphans’.
One day as they were looking at the children on Reece’s Rainbow (something they had done since their daughter was born) there was this little face that jumped out to both of them. They shared this with one another and were amazed that it had happened to both of them separately and thought, ‘We can at least inquire about her… ‘. So they did and what seemed impossible to them (adopting while living abroad), they then learned was possible, as are all things with God! So they are now in the process of adoption!
Although they started the process while living in China, they are now back in the US, preparing for their little girl to join them as a family soon. Thank you for reading part of their story, for praying for their family and ‘Hannah’ as they work to bring her home and for sharing their story with others. And for those who are able, thank you for donating to their adoption costs. They are so humbled and honored to become a part of this little one’s life, and can not wait to welcome her into their family!
3/217/14—COURT IS FIRST WEEK OF APRIL
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lifeamongtheacorns.blogspot.com
You don’t have to adopt to make a difference!
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ABC NEWS: Hidden Angels
Diane Sawyer reports on the adoption of Mia Cox:
