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Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome... |
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These families are in country now…meeting their child for the first time as a result of your life-saving donations.
Joe and Nicole have been married for 14 years. They’ve been involved with at-risk youth ministry in their 14 years together.
In 2010, they were called to the orphan ministry and hosted an Eastern European boy who is now their son, Kolya. In early 2012 they tried to adopt another boy who told them no. He succumbed to the peer pressures and decided that family life was not something he wanted. He deeply regretted his decision later and wanted them to return for him but by that time it was too late for the Dewberrys to return for him. This was devastating to the Dewberry family. In May of 2012 God brought them to RR and their little Tania. Tania is an HIV+ girl from Eastern Europe. This was truly a God thing, the Dewberrys were broke using all their financial resources after two adoptions, one failed. In the space of just over three weeks so many amazing people came to Joe and Nicole’s aid to raise all the money needed to bring Tania home. The Dewberrys went to Eastern Europe not expecting to bring home Tania’s “wing man” Stopa (Stepan). Stopa is also diagnosed as HIV+ along with many other health issues. The donations kept coming in when they were in country for Tania and God made it clear to return for Stopha. The bond with Stopha and the Dewberrys was right from the get go. Nicole and Stopha joke about stalking each other because they hated to be apart. In 3 short months with all the support of others which was truly amazing and fundraising Stopha’s adoption was fully funded for Nicole to return for him. God is truly good! Nicole and her oldest son Kolya travel to Ukraine approx. every 3 months doing mission work in the orphanages, loving on the children and advocating for the children that have no voices and want families that cannot be brought into hosting programs to visit America. On this trip in March 2013 they met 3 teens they soon returned to adopt a few short months later. All three boys wanted to be adopted by the Dewberrys. They talked often and the boys were all ready to come home but they all succumbed under pressures by others by the time Nicole had arrived to adopt them. This once again devastated the Dewberrys but they held to the fact they know Gods word does not go void and these children are worth the fight and battle to bring home. The boys knew they were dearly loved by God and the Dewberry family even after Nicole arrived back home with continued communication.
October 2013 after Nicole claimed to God and her family she will continue to do mission work in Ukraine BUT not anytime soon although a mission trip in March was in the making with the team she serves along with AND adoption was off the plate for her. God showed to the occasion exactly the next day to show her whom was and is boss. Through a series of events she was reached out by a 14 year old boy by the name of David on the Russian facebook not asking but begging for Nicole to find him a family. Nicole advocates for children she meets but had never had a child reach out to her and ask for her help in such a manner. This young man rose to the occasion and poured his life out to Nicole letting him know everything about himself in order to find a family. Nicole told him to write a letter to his “future family” telling them about himself and his hopes and dreams so she could post it up with his story to help advocate for him. Funny enough Nicole noticed it matched her families passions. She took mental note of that. David made a bold move not only did he send this letter to her to help advocate for him but he posted this letter up on his Facebook page for every one of his 280+ friends to see and willing to take on humiliation and teasing to make his stance of his hearts longing and desire for family. Nicole & Joe were floored, never had they seen anything like this. Every request Nicole made that he needed to change he was on it like a bad habit and he never questioned a thing, never fought back, never tried to sweet talk her into continuing what he was doing or involved in. Nicole was put in contact with several people that have known David for years and not a darn bad thing was said. Everything that was shared was about what an incredible young man he is and he is easy and hard NOT to love because he is so well liked and wants to help others and is kind and giving of himself. Nicole and Joe were told he has been longing and wanting a family for so long. It was clear to Joe and Nicole he has a total commitment to family no matter the cost. He believes in Jesus so Nicole and him would talk in depth about their faiths. Nicole, Kolya and David would talk on the phone every other day learning more about each other again to advocate for him. Then Nicole started to question everything she convinced herself of…no more adoption. But God was showing her something different. Then David wrote Nicole and said “I love you, Nicole. I want to be in your family”. Speechless….Nicole wrote others that new David to see was he just saying this to others in order to just get any family and the anonymous response was nope, it is you Nicole. Joe told Nicole how soon can we get there. Get ready we are going. It was clear time over time again that God was calling us to David. The more Nicole and Joe pulled back at different times since they met him to make sure it was not their hearts desire to adopt David God rose to the occasion mightily to let them know He himself has orchestrated this adoption.
Once again they are short on funds for David’s adoption and very little time before they go to adopt him as their dossier is already submitted and they are just awaiting their travel date. But God has shown them He can indeed handle this and He has put this all divinely together and they just need to trust and obey Him. So once again they are taking a leap of faith to bring home one less orphan, David.
11/26/13—APPOINTMENT ON DEC 5
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at andthisonematters.blogspot.com
“Indifference makes excuses, but love, love finds a way.”
Love crossed an ocean to bring Paisley home from Russia in 2011. Now, almost two years later, Steve and Renee are being called again, but this time to Eastern Europe. The call, from a girl who simply reached out and in tears said, “Please help me find my family.” Her younger brother was adopted years ago while she waited, prayed, hoped that one day, she too would be FOUND, LOVED, CHERISHED. And our God, who hears every prayer, sent a call out across a community…..who will be moved, who will love this child like I love her?
We will, God, we will.
11/8/13—APPOINTMENT IS DECEMBER 10
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lollygaganddawdle.blogspot.com
FULLY FUNDED!
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!
11/26/13—FIRST TRIP DEC 15
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lifeamongtheacorns.blogspot.com
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!
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
11/21/13—TRAVELING DEC 6
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at winslowsix.blogspot.com
Doug and Lynda have been together almost 26 years, and are the parents to 6 children. The older two girls are out of the home with one married, one off to college, and the last 4 are at home. The ones at home are Katrina 14, Erikka 9, Andrei 8 (just adopted Feb 2013), and Riana 4. Lynda is adopted herself, and always has wanted to adopt due to that. Doug has family who has adopted, and so his heart was touched by it which opened his heart for expanding his family through adoption. While on the first visit for Andrei, and meeting with their foundation, mention was made of a little boy who was in a bad orphanage but had recently been transferred to a foster family. Their desire was conveyed to the foundation to please get the file of that little boy so that they could make him part of their family despite still being in process for Andrei. Two months later, their adoption agency notified them that they had the file of the little boy that they were interested in, but it was not with the same foundation. They talked it over and decided to go for it as they feel it’s what God wants them to do.
Doug and Lynda are very thankful that despite being deaf, they lead a very enriched life with their children. Their 5 bio daughters can hear, which made for some interesting times. However Andrei is deaf, and the little boy they are now adopting is also deaf. God truly places the lonely in families, and He knew what he was doing by placing Andrei and Brett in their family as now their language will flourish by sign language and actually understand that they have a mommy and a daddy who loves them.
Funding a second adoption so soon after bringing home Andrei this past February is very daunting, but any financial help no matter the amount would greatly be appreciated!
Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.
Psalms 68:5-6
11/26/13—COURT PASSED; FINAL TRIP in JANUARY 2014
Justin and Melanie have been married for 6 years. In 2012, their lives were turned “right side up” with the birth of their first child, a beautiful girl with Down syndrome. After their prenatal diagnosis Melanie heard about families like theirs who would then adopt another child with Down syndrome. Melanie remembers the moment she told Justin about these amazing families who were seemingly much more capable of such a feat. Little did they know that the Lord would call them to do that exact thing in a year’s time! Justin and Melanie are pleased to be part of the Reece’s Rainbow family and are so very eager to bring home another precious little girl! Thank you for your prayers and generous support as they navigate this adoption journey.
11/25/13—APPOINTMENT ON 11/28
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at thetreasureofourhearts.blogspot.com
Asa and Katherine Killen of Huntsville, Alabama are walking by faith and following what the Lord has called them to do. They met when Asa was only 15 and Katherine was 16. From the very beginning they put God first. They were married December 9th, 2006. They were later blessed with two gorgeous little girls, Zoe and Piper. Katherine is also an adopted child; her and Asa knew from day one that adoption was in their future. They were blessed enough to meet some Ukrainian orphans at their church one Sunday; they touched their hearts in more ways than they could have ever dreamed possible. They went home that night and prayed. Katherine then found herself searching through websites that had pictures of waiting children. They, honestly, had no intentions of pursuing an adoption any time soon. They had always been in the mindset of, “Maybe when our girls are out of high school we will adopt” or ” Perhaps in a few years …”. Then Katherine came across Aidens picture on a web site and she instantly knew, without a doubt, that he was meant to be their son. They felt the Lord whisper assurance into their hearts and they formed an instant love for this little boy. He was their son, no questions asked. At the time they were unaware of all his special needs but it didn’t matter; they knew they would love him, accept him, and praise God for him…sight unseen. They knew they had to “trust and obey” so they started their home study and prayed for Aiden. They later came across his picture again on Reeces Rainbow and that was it…they knew they would do whatever it took to get him home.
John 14:18 “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you..”
It’s amazing how God can change your heart and call you to love someone you have never met. They want nothing more than to be his parents…to love him, comfort him, help him, support him, and raise him to walk in Gods light. He is PERFECT; just the way he is.
“We are the lucky ones; to be blessed with such an amazing child. Praise God for this sweet sweet boy…”
- Katherine and Asa Killen
11/7/13—APPOINTMENT DEC 3
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at ourfamilyhisway.blogspot.com
FULLY FUNDED!!!
Our family heard about Naomi through our pastor’s own adoption. He told us his story when we approached him with questions about adopting. He then asked if we knew who we wanted to adopt and we said no. He said I have the perfect little girl. So we prayed and God spoke to us and said we need to bring the little girl to her forever home. We have raised nearly 17 thousand dollars since January in donations, yard sales, tamale sales and online auctions. We really need every little bit of help we can get. We currently have been approved by Ukraine and only waiting for the date to travel letter. We are being told there is a possibility we could be traveling before Christmas. Thanks for your prayers and donations. God Bless.
11/24/13—APPOINTMENT DECEMBER 18
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at thenewsadoptionjourney.wordpress.com
Aaron and Dana have been married for 14 years and have 5 amazing children. About a year ago, they started looking into adoption and decided this is something they wanted to do. After an unsuccessful trip to Eastern Europe over the summer, they are now taking a huge leap of faith and heading back to finish what they started. Time is of the essence, and Aaron and Dana will be traveling very soon. The whole Smith family greatly appreciates your support to help get Corbyn home.
11/11/13—APPOINTMENT NOV 19
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at smithpaint.blogspot.com
Kevin and Michelle have been married for 27 years, and even while they were dating they knew they would adopt one day!
They are parents to 5 biological children, ranging in age from 23 down to 13. Almost 3 years ago, the Welshes added to their family with a sibling group, now ages 11, 10, and 8, from the Eastern European country of Latvia.
About a year ago, Kevin and Michelle began to pray about adoption again. The Lord gently closed the door on a couple of domestic opportunities, but He kept the spark alive in their hearts for adoption.
11/6/13—APPOINTMENT IS NOVEMBER 27
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at anewthingspringsforth.blogspot.com
Daniel and Nicole have six kids, the youngest three they recently adopted from Uganda. They always knew adoption would be a big part of expanding their family, and they had discussed adopting an HIV+ child after learning more through project hopeful and doing research on how many children are simply waiting for a loving family. With access to proper medication these beautiful children can live a full and healthy life. So many people do not understand all of the advances made in treating HIV and this weighed heavily on their hearts. Prior to completing their previous adoptions, they had seen Wilson’s photo on Reece’s Rainbow. The similarity to their 9 year old son was so striking that they were immediately drawn to him. As they continued finalizing their adoptions of their girls, they found themselves hoping and praying this sweet boy would find a family too. They loved him already, and pictured him in their family, but they felt it unfair he was still waiting. They wanted someone to see what a treasure he was and claim him as their son, even if it meant he would not be in their family. Once their three new girls settled in and their family was firmly planted in their new groove, they decided to look and see if Wilson had found a family. It broke their hearts that nearly a year had passed and still he waited. They thought of him daily and decided to ask for more information. It has been said that rarely will an update be received in a timely manner, if at all, in a lot of the children’s cases, but less than 24 hours later they had more information. Enough information to take a leap of faith and shout out loud that they wanted to bring sweet Wilson home! The entire family is in agreement and busily preparing for his arrival.
11/6/13—APPOINTMENT IS NOVEMBER 25
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at readyforseven.blogspot.com
The Taylor family is excited to start yet another adoption journey. With three adopted and four biological children the Taylor household is abounding in love and noise! Phrases frequently heard in the Taylor household are, “Mom, Dad, when do we get to adopt again?” and “It feels like someone is missing. Who are we going to adopt next?”
The Taylor’s adoption journey began because of the faithfulness of fellow believers. After watching friends foster and adopt children for many years the Taylors humbled their hearts and obeyed God’s call to love children who were not theirs biologically and who they might not even be able to adopt. By God’s grace, the first two children placed with them became permanent Taylor-Tots in a joyful adoption ceremony 16 months later. The foster/adoption journey gave the Taylors a glimpse into the pain experienced by children who have been severely neglected, and the joys of having God use them to bring healing beyond all expectations.
Two months after that adoption God gave the Taylors their fourth biological child, who happened to have many special dietary and developmental needs. Those needs introduced them to the world of medical and dietary specialists, which would come in handy two years later when God literally dropped the opportunity to adopt a special baby into their laps. This baby came with her own special needs and spunky personality.
Somewhere between Taylor-Tots #6 and #7 God introduced the Taylors to the Musser family, who were in the process of adopting their little girl from Bulgaria. The Taylors ‘knew’ that special needs orphans did not receive adequate care in orphanages around the world, but through the Musser’s adoption they realized just how little hope special needs orphans actually had. After much prayer, God provided the way for the Taylors to begin a special needs international adoption.
God planted the seeds of love in their hearts for Sara & Samuel long before they knew the siblings existed. The Taylors have been reading the blog of Julia Nalle for quite some time and had their hearts broken for The Lost Boys. When Julia announced that Samuel & Sara were available for adoption, the Taylors quietly began to petition God for them. After reading about the children’s special needs the Taylors rejoiced to see how God had been preparing them all along to parent Sara & Samuel, through their other adoptions and through the support of a sweet and determined friend who also happens to ride a wheelchair.
Through God’s amazing providence, the Taylors are also seeking to add Patience to their adoption! Sweet Patience’s story of being unloved simply because of her heritage broke their hearts. As a multi-ethnic family the Taylors can not wait to show Patience that God’s love is based on His holiness, not our skin color.
The Taylors are in absolute awe at how God has ordained each of their adoptions. They can’t wait to see what God has in store for Sara, Samuel, and Patience as well. All the Taylor-Tots are clamoring to bring Sara, Samuel, and Patience home as soon as possible! Now the phrase, “When do we get to bring Patience, Samuel, and Sara home?” reverberates through the house.
Through all the challenges of this adoption the Taylors are clinging to the truth that “by grace [they] have been saved through faith; and that not of [themselves], it is a gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For [they] are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that [they] would walk in them.” They are Taylor-made for His purpose.
11/6/13—APPOINTMENT IS NOVEMBER 27
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at taylor-made-for-his-purpose.blogspot.com
FULLY FUNDED!!!
Jode and Kelley met later in life, so when the discussion of marriage and starting a family began, Kelley was very sad that she could no longer give Jode children. However, Jode’s gentle reassurance surprised her when he said “I wasn’t born a Robinson, Kelley. I was adopted, and I know that one can love someone just as much as being born to them.” Kelley cried, of course. Having adopted two daughters as a single mother, she too knew that biology does not dictate ones heart. And so their adoption journey began.
Shortly after marrying in 2007, God blessed Jode and Kelley with a beautiful 1888 Folk Victorian home, and He placed in their hearts the desire to fill it up with a rainbow of children. Jode and Kelley soon became foster/adoptive parents and are now the proud parents of three beautiful babies! Kelley questioned whether they should continue to adopt. Surely three blessings were enough? But God had a different plan.
When Caius’ picture was posted, his adorable little face won their hearts. After discussing his diagnosis, doing some research and prayfully considering whether they could be the family he needed, they decided they just had to bring him home. Jode and Kelley also wanted very much to add another little girl to their family. Hattie’s precious little self continued to draw their hearts and prays so they decided she will be their little bitty princess.
They will have two brothers and one big sister, to encourage them, love them and help them grow into the man and woman God created them to be. They are all very excited about bringing Caius and Hattie home.
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Eph 3:20)
Follow the Robinson family’s adoption journey on their blog at blessedindeedandexpandingourterritory.blogspot.com
11/6/13—APPOINTMENT IS NOVEMBER 14
Jeri and I met in college, got married six months after graduating in 1981 (yes, we’re old). After graduate school, we settled down to have a child, Nate, who was born in 1986. We were both busy with work, and kind of figured one was enough. Some friends of Jer’s were adopting though, and showed her a video of a spunky 3 ½ year-old with arthrogryposis whose name was Christina. We couldn’t get her off our minds for some reason, and were wondering if we ought to think about adopting her. Jer asked God for a sign (she’s always doing stuff like that). While wandering through the doll aisle of Toy ‘R’ Us a few days later, Jer saw a Cabbage Patch doll that reminded her of Christina. Those Cabbage Patch dolls each have names on the backs of the boxes. When Jer reached up and turned this box around, she saw this doll was named – you guessed it – Christina. Well, that was the sign. So Christina joined our family.
When the director of her former orphanage tragically passed away a few years later, leaving a 13-year old son, Misha joined our family. After that, Christina’s 10 year-old friend, who lived in foster care down the street, but who was about to go into a new placement – Kristine – signed on to our family as well. This mélange of stories and characters (we include ourselves in that description!) managed reasonably well, with a lot of ups and a few big downs over the last couple of decades. Our youngest was in her second year of college, and we were enjoying our empty nest. And, all of a sudden, we started to feel that tug of the Holy Spirit that maybe it was time to do more than just slide through middle age and live for ourselves after all those years of raising a family. So, we sort of started over by adopting two ten-year-olds, Yulia and Vika. After being in our family for about three months, we feel like they’re adjusting pretty well. They’re starting to get a little English down. We’ve begun the normal round of appointments: glasses, a few dental extractions, some speech therapy, and beginning the process at Shriner’s Hospital in Philadelphia of getting Vika up and walking (she’s got arthrogryposis too). All is going well.
A funny thing happened over in Eastern Europe though. When were there and spending a couple hours a day in the orphanage for two-and-a-half weeks, we kept running into this teenaged girl who just was… charming. She helped get the other kids where they needed to be. She has a kind face. We saw her in a dance program, and she is a graceful dancer. We said over and over that she would make a lovely daughter for someone… but we were done adopting kids.
Then, a couple days ago, she – Madeleine — appeared on the Reece’s Rainbow site. It took us about 12 minutes to decide that we could do it one more time – ONE. We know adopting teenagers can be hard. They’ve often been pretty wounded by the time they make it home. We trust that love, patience and persistence will win the day. It did with our son, who was the same age when we adopted him. We are excited to continue our adoption journey!
10/10/13—APPOINTMENT IS NOVEMBER 18
Jon and Carly have been married for 6 years after meeting at Texas A&M and then falling in love while serving on a mission trip in Nairobi, Kenya, Africa. Carly is a Pediatric Registered Nurse with a desire to advocate and care for children with special needs and medical conditions. Jon also feels the tug at his heart to help protect and care for these amazing children with the same love and protection God has shown him. They would consider it an honor to care for a child with Down Syndrome and are responding to what the Lord put on their heart (Nehemiah 2:12)! They are thrilled about adding this little guy to their family.
11/1/13—APPOINTMENT IS NOVEMBER 14
Mabel’s family is so very grateful to everyone who has advocated for Mabel and raised money for her grant. They are humbled so many have loved her and prayed for her before they even knew she existed. Thank you for your help in bringing Mabel home to her forever family.
11/13 — APPT RECIEVED
We are so excited to add a child to our family! Any financial donation would be incredibly appreciated, as would prayers and emotional support. Thank you for helping us bring this child home!
2/10/13—WAITING FOR COURT DATE
Scott and Judy have been together for 10 years. They have a daughter, Amanda 22, who is in her last year of college studying to be a speech language pathologist and Reece 7, who’s rockin’ his extra chromosome in second grade. Scott and Judy have been involved with Down syndrome education and fundraising groups like Reece’s Rainbow and the Down Syndrome Association Annual Buddy Walk for several years. Through their involvement with these causes, they have become acutely aware of the plight of children with special needs in Eastern Europe. The Robinson family learned through their son Reece that a child with Down syndrome is a blessing and look forward to having Ryan home with the family.
Please consider making a donation to help the Robinson’s bring their son home.
11/1/13—COURT on NOV 5
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://robinsoncrewadoption.blogspot.com/
Dave and Stacy have been married for seven years and have four wonderful children ranging from 6 years old to 18 months. When they first met they knew that adoption was on their hearts and attempted adopting a little girl with special needs, but due to administrative difficulties, the adoption was unable to be finalized. Both Dave and Stacy wanted to use their talents to help children in need as they both had dedicated their lives to pursuing social justice. They did not give up on their dream to adopt and continued their passions for special needs children as treatment foster care parents in North Dakota. After giving their home, time, and energy to the foster care system, they decided to step away from foster care after their youngest son was born in 2011 in order to focus on raising their four children. They always knew, one day that they would love to adopt a special needs child, one specifically with Down Syndrome.
In Spring 2013, Stacy had multiple spontaneous conversations with others that included international adoption, all of which appeared to be a leading of God. Dave and Stacy had both prayed for the past seven years for God to lead them in seeking a special child to adopt and were both convicted that the time is now. Stacy stumbled upon Reece’s Rainbow and instantly fell in love with a little Eastern European girl named Treva. They both knew that she would be another arrow in the quiver of their family (Psalm 127:3-5). They are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the fifth addition to their family and are vigorously working to raise the funds to bring her home as soon as possible. We believe that every family deserves the blessing that a child with Down Syndrome brings and hope to raise double the money needed so that another family can have the opportunity to be blessed with a special child as well!
10/25/13—APPOINTMENT IS NOVEMBER 7
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at theultimateblessing.blogspot.com
Roberto and Louisa have been married for 20 years. They have been blessed by God with four children, ages 12, 12, 9, and 6. They were each welcomed home through the blessing of international adoption from Russia (three) and Guatemala (one). When Louisa discovered Reece’s Rainbow, she recognized God’s merciful, perfect love among a group of people who were joyfully caring for and rescuing the most outcast littlest members of our world—the child with special needs. Shortly after they welcomed home their fourth child, an older boy from Russia in 2011, they made plans to return to Russia to adopt another child from Russia. But then Russia decided to close its doors to American adoptions. This was a bitter disappointment. As in all trials, when God closes a door, he opens a window. After a time of prayer, He showed them a beautiful baby girl in Eastern Europe who happens to have Down syndrome. After talking over the prospect of a fifth child and sibling, and a baby at that, with their other children, Robert and Louisa decided they wanted to bring baby Justice home for their fifth child, youngest daughter, and sister to her two brothers and two sisters. The Ramirez Family would like to express to their family, friends, and Reece’s Rainbow community, and most of all, to our Lord Jesus Christ, their sincerest thanks for making this special adoption possible.
10/28/13—APPOINTMENT IS NOVEMBER 7
“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
10/21/13—FIRST TRIP NOV 1ST
Kent and Kirsten met for the first time in Junior High,who would have thought years later they would marry! When they finally clued in on life they tied the knot. They have been married for 10 years and have two boys. Their oldest is 8 and their soon to be middle child is almost 5. While they never knew were life would actually take them they are extremely happy that by chance they ran across a story of a Utah family who had worked with Reeces Rainbow and had recently brought home their little girl. It was so inspiring and of course how can you go to the Reeces Rainbow website and not fall in love with all of these beautiful children. So the search began, much to Kirsten’s surprise! When Kent got the adoption fever their was no looking back. They started researching websites, countries and the process. It all kept leading them back to China. They at one point pulled out the globe and had the boys close their eyes and point just to see were their little fingers may land! Yup, closest to China. There was a turning point after watching a video on adoption and being very torn as to were their hearts were leading them that Kent announced ” China! We are supposed to adopt from China!”. Many have asked the family if they are nervous to adopt a child with Special Needs. That decision was pretty simple, Kirsten has worked for a non-profit that provides assistance to individuals with special needs for over 12 years. That also means that as a family that has been over 12 years of coming to different activities. So to be honest that was not Kent and Kirsten’s fear, it was the cost that seemed scary. They decided to jump in ( more like ungracefully dive in) and that’s were the story really begins for this family. They have been matched to a little girl, Corina, that is waiting for them in China. Soon, baby girl, soon we will be heading your way!
10/1/13—LOA RECVD
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at murdochsaregrowingby2feet.blogspot.com
Hope to travel in November!
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at jessiegunderson.com
The Johnsons have been married for 22 years and have nine children. The Lord has blessed us with nine children through birth and adoption. They believe all children are a blessing from the Lord, regardless of abilities each one of us are created the image of God. Every person is precious and loved by the Lord.
They view adoption as a gift from God. Our Savior, Jesus, was adopted! God sent Jesus to Earth to be born to an unwed virgin. Joseph was a righteous man and he married Mary and adopted Jesus as his own son. We think it is totally cool and love sharing with our adopted children what they have in common with Jesus. … Also Moses and Samuel!
In 2011, they became acquainted with Reece’s Rainbow and adopted three children from Ukraine. See their “Already Home” profile here http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorjohnson.
They are excited to welcome “Bria” and “Safiya” into their family.
Would you pray for the Johnson Family and consider a financial donation to help them get their girls home?
10/9/13—FIRST TRIP OCT 2013
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://www.letsfillthevan.blogspot.com/
Dane and Misty have been married for 20 years, and have 9 children. They always knew they would have a large family, it was a frequent topic during their dating months! Misty was adopted as an infant and always felt she would mother an adopted child. She found Reece’s Rainbow after following a link from a blog. As she read about the children and their desperate need for homes she felt completely undone. After discussing it with Dane they felt the time just wasn’t right for their family to adopt. Misty would let herself go on Reece’s Rainbow every so often, to pray for the little ones listed there, wondering when the time would be right. Just a few short weeks ago she approached Dane asking him to pray about it and see if now would be the right time. Dane prayed and looked at the children with Misty and felt the Lord tell him, yes!
They are very excited about adding Morgan and Jolie to their family! The 6 boys and 3 girls are anxious to have 2 new sisters to add to the joyful chaos!
10/10/13—APPOINTMENT IS OCTOBER 19
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at AndersonAdoptionAdventure.blogspot.com
Kyle and Kara met in 2004 and quickly fell in love. They were blessed with 4 beautiful daughters soon after that and live a blissfully busy life.
When Kara discovered Reece’s Rainbow, it was like a dream come true. She has always been called to orphans and especially the work of Mother Teresa, but didn’t know how to help. So, having a tangible way to advocate for these children was amazing. Kara spent months advocating for a sweet little redhead, Nico, and the family committed to bringing him home in September of last year.
Unfortunately, political tensions in his country and legislation unfriendly to international adoption closed that door, and after months in limbo, they felt called to continue their journey for another little boy who needs a home and family. They pray that they will able to bring Nico home someday, but until God makes that possible, they will work toward giving sweet Colton the stable home and loving family that every child deserves. God willing, someday Nico and Colton will be brothers.
The McIntees are thankful for this opportunity and hope you will pray for them and the boys as they continue their journey to Colton.
10/11/13—TRAVELING SOON
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at catholic-kara.blogspot.com
$14,705.92 is available towards the cost of my adoption!
FULLY FUNDED!!!
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.
10/9/13—FIRST TRIP OCTOBER 18
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at aseventhsister.blogspot.com
Ricky and Monica Sotolongo have been married for almost 6 years, and have 4 beautiful children. For some time now God has placed a burden for orphans on their hearts. A few years ago then decided to move on their passion and hosted a child from Eastern Europe for Christmas. It was during this time that gained a love and passion for Eastern Europe and its children.
Since then the Sotolongos have hosted several times and volunteered with a couple hosting programs, all of which work with Eastern European children. Even though working with hosting children is great, the Sotolongos still felt the call to adopt. After years of prayer and consideration, they felt God show them the green light to go.
Through the support of a sweet friend, Ricky and Monica came to know of “Nevada”. Shortly after seeing him for the first time the Sotolongo’s decided to pursue this sweet boy. Ricky and Monica are very excited to begin their God adventure and so are their children. The two Sotolongo boys are excited to have a new brother to share a room with.
Even in the short time since making the decision to adopt the Sotolongos have experienced God’s love and provision. They realize that God loves children and those who are children of God hear and listen to His voice. God is calling his children, whom He has redeemed and adopted, to rescue the lost children of this world. Ricky and Monica feel privileged that God is using them to redeem a child and pray that others also heed the call to adopt.
10/2/13—APPT on 10/29
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at pursuedandtreasured.blogspot.com
It started with Henry. We brought him home in September of 2011 at the age of 1. He was very sick and had a much more severe and rare disability than was originally thought. We loved him through ICU admissions and surgeries and therapies and learning how to eat and clap and laugh. He was our precious youngest of 7 and the treasure of our entire family.
He died on November 28, 2012, a few months after his 2nd birthday.
We grieved. We knew his short life made a difference from the hundreds of emails and cards and Facebook and blog tributes to him. We knew he changed us.
Now God has shown us our next adventure. Not to replace Henry. Never that.
But to give AND receive love and family in a different way. To a sibling group that DESERVES to stay together…
with a baby girl whose who needs a little extra help to figure out exactly what help she needs.
We are up for the challenge and we know Henry is cheering us on from heaven.
Thank you so much for your prayer and financial support to help us bring ALL THREE home.
9/20/13–APPT IS OCTOBER 28
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.bringinghenryhome.blogspot.com
Arturo and Jennifer came from different parts of the globe: Arturo from Santiago, Chile and Jennifer from West Virginia. Their shared passion for music brought them together while studying with the same cello teacher in college, and their shared passion and love for Christ has enriched their marriage ever since.
Jennifer has known since she was a child that God was calling her to serve orphans through adoption. As their relationship grew, Arturo came to recognize that same calling from God in his life as well. While perusing pictures of waiting children on Reece’s Rainbow, the plight of many deserving children touched their hearts deeply. However, it was through Shawna and Seth’s photo that God told them that now was the time to begin their adoption journey. They started slowly, first signing up as “Guardian Angels” for the siblings and committing to pray for the children daily and fundraise for their adoption grant. Barely a week passed, however, before God was again working on their hearts. Being Guardian Angels was just the beginning. They realized that their role in Shawna’s and (hopefully) Seth’s lives will be as parents, not only as prayer warriors.
Arturo and Jennifer are thrilled to be starting their family with these two beautiful children and are excited to begin this journey of faith. They trust God to provide and guide, as He has always done for them. As Jennifer’s favorite Psalm exclaims, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains; where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
9/27/13—APPOINTMENT IS OCTOBER 30
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.fromhouse2home.us
Joel and Holly met their Senior year of high school. After dating for 4 years, they were married in 1997. They always knew they wanted to have children someday, but wanted to wait for a couple of years before trying to become pregnant. As their 2 year anniversary was approaching, they decided it was time to start having children. After many disappointing months of not becoming pregnant, they began to seek medical advice as to why they were not achieving a pregnancy. It was soon discovered that without assisted reproductive therapy they would not likely become pregnant on their own. They tried infertility treatments for a couple of years, without success. They then decided it was time to move on to a different route for building their family.
In February of 2003 they officially decided to begin the adoption process. They were quickly matched with a wonderful birth mother who was pregnant with TWINS! Jacob and Lane were born in November of that same year. When the boys were about 9 months old they began talking about having another child. On the same day, but at different times, Holly and Joel both heard a newscast about President George W. Bush supporting something called Embryo Adoption. On that day they both knew that embryo adoption was how they would have their next child, but they would not begin that process until the twins were two years old. When the boys turned two, Holly began researching Embryo Adoption. A few short weeks later they applied to an embryo adoption a clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee. By September of 2006 they had a match with a wonderful donating family and the transfer occurred. A little girl, Karissa, was born into their family in June of 2007.
Following the birth of their daughter, Holly always felt they needed one more girl to complete their family. Joel, however, didn’t desire any more children. Over the course of the next several years, Joel began to have a heart for orphans. They both began to pray and seek God’s will about adding another child to their family. After getting settled in a new state, they began to explore the possibility of adopting a little girl through domestic adoption. They completed a home study and submitted their profile for several different adoption situations. After several months they became increasingly aware of orphans around the world. They signed up with a website that lists special needs orphans and sends out e-mails of children in need of a loving family. One day Holly received an e-mail with the profile of a little girl with severe scoliosis. Since Holly also has scoliosis, this e-mail caught her attention. After sharing the e-mail with Joel, they began to pray and wonder if this was their little girl. After several weeks of discussing and praying about this particular girl, they decided to take a leap of faith and pursue her through adoption.
10/5/13—-AWAITING COURT DATE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at bulgariaorbust.wordpress.com
Brian and Cortney met in 2007 when Cortney was a student at Penn State involved in the campus ministry Brian worked for. Before they got married in 2011, they both had a heart for adoption and knew they wanted to adopt children.
Eventually the Seays decided that they would like to adopt their first child, prompted by God’s call to care for orphans. But they never would have imagined being parents to children with special needs. While adoption was on their minds for quite a while, this past year God opened their eyes to the needs and blessings of children with special needs through Reece’s Rainbow and the blogs of families who have adopted through Reece’s Rainbow.
After months of praying and discussing it, they finally decided to take the plunge, initially one but then two children. It broke their hearts to think of leaving one of these little ones behind…to see them at the same orphanage and leave them there. But then they heard the exciting news that they were eligible to adopt BOTH children!
They’re looking forward to many adventures ahead as they welcome Zinnia and Vytas into their family! Brian and Cortney would appreciate your prayers for them, and especially for Vytas and Zinnia, throughout the whole adoption process.
10/4/13—APPOINTMENT IS OCTOBER 17
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at homeismeanttobeshared.blogspot.com
Joey and Victoria met over 12 years ago at Liberty University. They always knew children were in their future. Fast forward to 8 years into marriage and 4 biological children later they felt the call to adopt. Joey was adopted at the age of 3 and it has always been in their hearts. God brought them to Reece’s Rainbow. The family is thrilled about their future additions to the family. We are excited to see God work in the steps to come.
9/27/13—APPOINTMENT IS OCTOBER 10
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at breakfields.blogspot.com
Paul & Maureen Huizinga have been married for over 12 years and have 6 children. Paul works developing curricula for social workers and Maureen works as a nurse practitioner for a surgical unit. They home school their children, are active in their church, enjoy gardening, and keeping up with some four footed companions.
Their hearts have always been tender towards children and adoption, but they were unaware of the magnitude of need for those orphans with special needs until dear friends adopted from Bulgaria. While following their story, the Lord began to work on each of their hearts. They helped support other adopting families and kept an ongoing prayer log of waiting children in their kitchen, and there was great rejoicing as these children found their forever homes. One curly haired little girl, who didn’t look so dissimilar to some curly haired Huizinga kids, never was chosen. They couldn’t imagine why not, and they continued to pray for her. The Lord then whispered , as is His way, that she wasn’t chosen, because she was to come home to them! With fear, trembling, and a stack of paperwork 16 miles high, the family has embarked on an adventure to rescue Princess Penny and BRING HER HOME.
8/28/13—FIRST TRIP SEPT 30
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.zingermama.blogspot.com
Jamie and Jared have been married for almost 10 years. They are a high-school romance that bloomed into a true and lasting love. They have 4 children, ages, 7, 5, 5 and 2. They recently returned from adopting their son (age 5) from Lithuania with Down Syndrome. He has shown them the joy and happiness that can happen when parenting a child with Down Syndrome, and they are eager to begin this journey again. They saw little Lillie’s face and knew she was the one for them!
They are so grateful for any donations to help them bring this second little love with Down Syndrome into their loving home!
12/3/13—COURT IS DECEMBER 9
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at sunshinedaysandpeacefulnights.blogspot.com
$33134.11 is available towards the cost of my adoption!
FULLY FUNDED!
Chris and Jenn have been married for thirteen years. They have four beautiful daughters – Karissa, Riley, Peyton, and Milana. Their youngest daughter Milana has Down Syndrome and was brought to them through the blessing of adoption. Milana came home from Ukraine in September 2010. It wasn’t long after Milana came home that the family began to talk about adopting once again. After much consideration and prayer they decided if they were going to adopt this time they had to adopt a boy!
They can not wait to get Danny home to their family so that they can love on him. Milana is already beyond excited to be a big sister. She looks at the picture of Danny and says “baby brother!” Chris is beyond excited to no longer be the only guy in the house.
They know this will not be an easy road. Adoption is hard work. Please consider supporting the family in any way you are able. They appreciate your prayers, well wishes, and any support you are able to provide them.
10/29/13—USCIS APPROVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.jennandchrisandkpr.blogspot.com
After completing their education at the SEC-dominant, perennial powerhouse Bulldog nation known as the University of Georgia, the Ehlers embarked on their opening act in Oklahoma where their first two wonderful, beautiful kids were born (Kristen, then Adam). A few great years and a couple of jobs later, they landed in Greenville, SC – closer to their Georgia and Florida roots. In 2000, lovely, young Grace was born, and this little family settled in, thinking that their ranks were full. In 2008, mom felt a call, and she started praying about adoption, unbeknownst to dad. So one night shortly after her prayers commenced, dad (still oblivious to her little plans) called her in to listen to a Focus on the Family broadcast about adoption. Taken as a sure sign, this little family started its journey toward Ethiopia. A few months before their referral, God intervened and routed them to Ukraine for a Christmas union (the first court date was on Christmas day) with their newest family members – the elegant and joyful young Dariya and Anastasia. In the fall of 2012, they were hooked by a little fellow named Denis in a video. As tender folk themselves, they were very touched by his tearful farewell to his special friend in the orphanage, and now, they excitedly work toward bringing him home in this 25th year of their marriage.
11/9/13—WAITING FOR COURT
Lara is a homemaker and David is a System Administrator for the local electric company. David and Lara both had a heart for adoption before they met, and knew they would pursue it at some point in their lives. But, it was always put on the back burner because they ached to have a baby of their own first. Just as the Lord used other believers and a series of circumstances to guide them together, He has used these same tools to bring them to this new step. After a painful struggle through infertility they finally came to the agreement that they would find out more information about adoption. They began to fill out an application with the intent of adopting a healthy infant. Meanwhile, Lara began to get involved with Reece’s Rainbow as a prayer warrior, about 6 months ago. At an early age she was inspired by church friends that fostered and adopted, abused and neglected, disabled children. And she loved working with children who had a variety of needs in the school district, and at a private school for children with autism. David had less experience with this and didn’t think it was the Lord’s will for them, so Lara just tried to submit and leave it in the Lord’s hands. All the while, Lara continued to pray and advocate to open the eyes of anyone who’d listen, about the blessing and joy of adopting a child with special needs. And she knew that with David’s loving heart, if God moved, he would be a wonderful father to a special needs child.
8/21/13—APPT IS SEPTEMBER 18
Eric and Elizabeth have been married for 8 years and have three children – their oldest, a boy named Isaiah Victor is 7, next is Annie Faith who is also 7 and then is Eva Isabelle who is 1. They have been amazed to see how God has perfectly orchestrated their family… combining them into something beautiful. Their family is excited to add Kurt to their lives. They first saw Kurt’s picture and short profile on an advocacy website. His big, brown eyes were worth remembering! Their previous adoptions (of Isaiah and Annie) have centered around children who were at significant risk of being “lost in the system.” We believe strongly in the verse from Proverbs 31 that we are to “defend the rights of the poor and needy; speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” They want Kurt to know that he is loved and that he is a precious child of God who was created for a purpose. Please join them as they pray specifically for God to protect Kurt physically and emotionally and that Kurt would be ready to receive them as his family.
9/4/13—APPT IS OCTOBER 14
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at holdingoutmyheart.blogspot.com
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.
8/26/13–FIRST TRIP AUGUST 31
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://themayrmadness.blogspot.com/
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
High school sweethearts, Cliff and Erin Forbes have been married for almost 15 years. Erin felt drawn to adoption even as a young child and somehow she knew that adoption would be in her future. She let Cliff know this when they were still dating in high school so that he wouldn’t be surprised later on! Shortly after getting married, and while still completing college, Erin was drawn to international adoption and began researching. She quickly realized that not only were they too young but they hadn’t been married long enough, and weren’t financially stable enough either. So, international adoption was put on the back-burner for many years but orphan care has always been tugging at their hearts. Throughout the years of welcoming biological children to their family, the desire to adopt never waned. Cliff and Erin have been involved in orphan care through being on their local statewide adoption list, but because of the push for kinship care in their state they never received a placement. They also pursued a private adoption in which the birth mother decided to parent her baby, and they have also been involved in the foster care system for the past four years. Cliff is a pastor and Erin recently left her teaching career to be at home full-time with their four children–Olivia (9), Sawyer (7), Collin (4), and Makena (1 1/2). Recently, they have decided to investigate the possibility of international adoption yet again. This time, the investigation took a different turn as they became aware of the plight of special needs orphans around the world. Cliff and Erin begin to considering what it would be like to parent a special needs child. Erin became acquainted with Reece’s Rainbow’s ministry and began to talk to Cliff about the possibilities, and it was there that they “met” Micah. Although this is new territory for them as a couple and as a family, both Cliff and Erin are excited to see all that God has in store for their family!
11/27/13—COURT IS DECEMBER 6
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at theforbesfive.blogspot.com
Every adoption is an adventure and a leap of faith, whether it’s your first time – or your 5th like Scott and Rachel Whitmire.
Scott and Rachel met in college and have been married for almost 12 years. Scott is a police officer and Rachel is a stay at home mom and until recently worked for Reece’s Rainbow as our Post Adoption Care Coordinator. They have 4 beautiful children through adoption, including two precious girls with down syndrome, and they thought their family was complete. God must have smiled when they told Him their “plan”, though, because one more child has touched their hearts.
Scott and Rachel are excited to “yes!” to one more Whitmire – a tiny boy waiting in Eastern Europe. Nicholas is 4 years old and weighs only 15 pounds due to the poor conditions in his institution. He has cerebral palsy that has not been treated and is very much like an infant as a result. To the Whitmires, though, Nicholas is perfect and they can’t wait to have him join their family!
This adoption is a complete leap of faith for the Whitmires but they are trusting that God has got this and that He’ll provide! Will you help with their adoption expenses? Every dollar brings them just a little bit closer to welcoming Nicholas home.
12/14/13—COURT IS DECEMBER 9
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at promotingwhatwelove.blogspot.com
James and Christy met in the spring of 2007 and they married three years later. Combined they have 5 children. Their youngest 3 children are teenagers and reside at home. James works for a local hospital in Behavioral Health and with children who have special needs. Christy works for a large telecommunications company in Information Technology as a Service Management Specialist. James and Christy are looking to expand their family and are pursuing an international adoption. They have a 1.5 year old son on hold in an Eastern European country and are very excited to meet him!
Christy started researching adoption in the spring of 2012. She feels strongly that God has led her and James to adopt a child with special needs. She found the Reece’s Rainbow website and was shocked by the sheer volume of children that need to be adopted. She continued to research adoption and talked to James about it at great length. After looking at many profiles for children she found their son. Once she saw his picture she knew he was theirs without much hesitation at all. Within hours they committed to him. Everyone in the family has watched the videos of him and are anxious to bring him home.
11/17/13—HOPE TO TRAVEL IN DECEMBER
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at motherslittlehelper004.blogspot.com
Wyatt (Zane)
James and Michelle love life and there family. They have 4 kids (Megan 11, Madison 6, Erin 3, and Gavin 17 months) and the youngest has Down Syndrome. Michelle is a home maker and her husband James has been in the Marine Corps for19 years! Prior to having children, Michelle was a pre-school teacher for 10 years! Michelle had seen lots of pictures of these beautiful children before, but it was one that stole her heart. It was of a little boy named Zane # 49-5! For her it was love at first sight. She knew she should be his mommy! Michelle spoke with her husband and after discussing it there was no doubt that they should be Zane’s mommy and daddy and give him a forever home, with all the unconditional love and support every child deserves! They have decided to rename him Wyatt James Young. The whole family can’t wait to have him home! Zane has no idea just how loved and wanted he is by his forever family! So please come join the Young family on this beautiful journey of bringing Zane aka Wyatt home!
11/21/13—FINAL TRIP DECEMBER 15
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://bringinghomewyatt.blogspot.jp/
Brian and Stephanie are passionate advocates for orphans and especially those with special needs. They are blessed to live their ministry and hearts! They have previously adopted 4 daughters with special needs via international adoption. Sasha is nearly 16 and adopted from Russia. Ellianna is turning 8 years old and adopted from Taiwan. Angelina is 6 and 1/2 and adopted from Bulgaria and Avigayil is 6 and adopted from the Philippines.
Stephanie has worked for years in international adoption/advocating for children and helping families bring home their precious children. They have recently spoken at adoption/foster care conferences on International Special Needs Adoption. Brian and Stephanie also are the founders and directors of Ting Ministries – a non-profit orphan ministry working in the Philippines and also Ukraine. They are called by the LORD in His Word to care for the least of these – such verses as James 1:27; Proverbs 31: 8 – 9 and Psalm 68:6 are verses that not only encourage them as they minister to the orphans but these verses also speak clearly as to the LORD’S Mandate to care for the least of these.
Brian and Stephanie are now proceeding to bring home two more precious daughters and would be blessed and honored to have many partner with them in prayer as they work quickly to bring these two beautiful lives home where they belong! A song that speaks so loudly to Brian and Stephanie is called “The Prayer of the Children” by Kurt Bestor and the first line of the song says…
CAN YOU HEAR THE PRAYER OF THE CHILDREN?
Can you hear? What will you do? BE A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS!
8/10/13—DATE RECEIVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.marianaorphanfund.blogspot.com
Never would Don and Amy have guessed over 20 years ago the amazing path God would take them on. Sometimes the journey has been exhausting – most times faith-stretching – and always worth it! When they did not get pregnant after years of trying, they finally followed God’s leading to US foster care. A beautiful daughter was placed in their arms – after so much struggle to adopt her, Amy thought, “Will this be our only one?” God laughed and sent 3 bio children to them. Then He took them to Guatemala for their twin sons. Don and Amy were exhausted and were willing to be “done”. God smiled and sent them another bio daughter to love. Very soon afterward, He called them to Ethiopia for their son waiting for them there. Next up was a very special blessing – God sent them a bio daughter with an extremely rare chromosomal deletion. God used this special little girl to completely open their hearts to whoever God lead them to next. He smiled and sent another bio son for good measure. But they knew there were other little ones with precious needs waiting for someone to love them – so they were ready when God sent them to Taiwan to rescue a little girl that needed care much like their other daughter. As they were waiting for this next precious gift to arrive, they sighed a tired, but content sigh and thought, “Now our family is complete.” God laughed and laid an overwhelming love on Don’s heart for little Serenity and Anita (whom they will call Hope). It seemed impossible, but God began throwing the doors open wide and asked them to walk through in faith. Now the Joss Posse is 13 kids strong….God is able to do exceedingly more than we can ever ask or imagine! Eph 3:20-21
11/25/13—FINAL TRIP NOVEMBER 30
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at redemptionwhispers.blogspot.com
Jerry and Sandy have been married for 14 years. Jerry is a Sergeant with the police department and Sandy is a contractor working in a telecommunications company. Jerry has 2 grown children from a previous marriage. Even prior to marriage, they often talked about the importance of family. Both wanted children, but who knew at that time how big their family would become. They currently have 4 adopted children, Kaley (12) was adopted through a family adoption as an infant. About 2 years later, along came JP (11) adopted from Guatemala. They thought their family was complete at that point. When they joined a new church, they were befriended by a wonderful family who had a daughter with Down Syndrome. They talked about the possibility of having a Down Syndrome child for their family. In researching this possibility, Sandy came across Reece’s Rainbow. With all the beautiful children looking back at them, they both new right away that this was for them. Just this past year they adoption Kaden (10-Down Syndrome) and Meghan (9) through Reece’s Rainbow. They came home in April. Sandy would continue to keep an eye on the web site with no plans to adopt again then the face of a little 2 year old boy called to them. They made the decision to try to add him to their family, but by then he was matched to another family. But, then they new they were ready and they came across “Troy” and knew he was right for their family. He will fit in wonderfully as the little brother. They can’t wait to have him home and give him all of the love and experiences of family life.
11/5/13—COURT PASSED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at makingitfive.blogspot.com
In September of 1992, Aaron’s family moved to a small country town in northeastern Oklahoma where Tosha had lived all but a couple of years of her life. That little town was all she knew, and Aaron was different than anyone she had ever met. Within a month’s time they were dating and fell in love. They have been together ever since. In August of 2012, they celebrated their 18th year anniversary together.
Aaron and Tosha have 13 children in total; 7 of whom never took their first breath and 6 who keep them very busy in various activities including homeschool. Aaron works for an oil and gas company based out of Houston, TX and is studying to become a pastor/elder. Together, he and Tosha founded a mission in their home town where they give baby essentials to mothers in need.
As they were looking into expanding the mission’s reach to include helping orphans, they became broken after learning the plight of what Jesus calls, “the least of these”. Their youngest daughter was born with down syndrome, and the fact that children like her are thrown away, locked in cribs and left alone with nothing, their whole lives, really crushed them and set their hearts on fire for orphans.
They are determined to help rescue as many precious children as they can and advocate for those that they leave behind. They are ready for this journey that God has called them on, and while they do not understand why, God has been so sweet in grace, love, and, mercy to them.
They are excited to see God orchestrating their adoption of Katiya and can NOT wait to get her HOME, where she belongs.
11/26/13—FINAL TRIP JAN 4-11
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at tanquarysarrows.blogspot.com
FULLY FUNDED!!!
Troy and Tiffany met in 1991 in Aggieland and were married in January 1994. Since that time, they’ve been blessed with four beautiful girls and one crazy little guy. In a world and culture that increasingly views children as a curse, they believe children are a true blessing from God. While neither Troy nor Tiffany set out plans early to have a large family, God has continued to lead them on this journey and has placed it on their hearts to provide a nurturing home and opportunity for a better life for children in addition to their own.
In following this calling, Troy and Tiffany have considered a number of different options over the last few years; however, the call came loud and clear to both of them when Tiffany found Steven on Reece’s Rainbow. Over the last three years, God has given all the means to provide for this special little guy including a loving home with plenty of space indoors and out to give Steven an opportunity to enjoy a great life far beyond his current future can offer. All five of their children are excited about their potential new family member and look forward to providing a wonderful, nurturing home and family for Steven. The family requests and looks forward to the prayers and support from their friends and family as they move forward in this new adventure.
11/13/13—FINAL TRIP in DECEMBER
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at fiveplusonemore.blogspot.com
Al and Lisa Gemmen have been married for 7 years and have two energetic little boys, Josiah (5) and Gideon (3). They are in the process of adopting a little girl with Down Syndrome from Haiti. Al and Lisa first heard about Sonia through an urgent e-mail requesting immediate medical assistance for her. She needed open-heart surgery and a pediatric cardiologist in Haiti was not available. Immediately Lisa’s heart swelled for this little girl and she, along with her husband, began campaigning for a team of doctors and medical facility willing to donate their services to save Sonia’s life. After 3 months of phone calls, paperwork, prayer, and help from hundreds of people nationwide, God opened the doors! Miami Children’s Hospital agreed to treat Sonia and an amazing cardiologist, along with the hospital facility, donated their services.
Sonia came into Al and Lisa’s life in April 2011. She arrived in Miami with a bone infection that set back her heart surgery and kept her hospitalized for 3 weeks. Her surgery day came in June and it was one of the most amazing days in this families’ life. Sonia didn’t just have successful heart surgery. This precious little life was carried in the palm of God’s hand to be healed. One orphan of 46 million was saved and given a second chance. It’s too big of question to ask, why Sonia not another orphan? Al and Lisa do know that God did a miracle through Sonia. Her story touched the entire hospital staff. People saw Jesus in the eyes of Sonia.
Sonia became a part of the Gemmen family during those 3 months. It was a very stressful yet beautiful time for their family. Their two boys adored Sonia as their sister. Al and Lisa cared for her with the love of a father and mother. Al and Lisa prayed that God would bring Sonia into their lives again through adoption.
In July, they brought Sonia back to her orphanage, God’s Littlest Angels. Although it was heartbreaking to say good-bye to Sonia, they both felt a sense of peace that God would bring them together again as a family. They are pleased to announce that their Dossier for Sonia’s adoption arrived in Haiti December 2011.
Please join with the Gemmen family as they raise funds to cover the expenses of Sonia’s adoption.
4/18/13—WAITING FOR FINAL TRIP
Immanuel’s Last Hope
“I would love to start by telling people how I felt led to adopt, how hard I worked to pay for my other children’s adoptions, and a little of our stories…Since Immanuel’s need is so pressing and he hasn’t been a child featured on Reese’s Rainbow before, I feel like he’s the only place I can begin.” Immanuel turns 14 on January 1, 2014. Fourteenth birthdays in a Chinese orphanage bring sadness. Children there become ineligible to be adopted by anyone anywhere on that date. Due to the societal stigmas of being an orphan and having limb differences, Immanuel faces a grim future without a family. It is even more pressing than bringing him home before his birthday, “I have at most nine weeks to get all of the adoption steps done that I am able to do before traveling to bring Immanuel home. I must leave by December 7th at the latest because the process in China takes at least two weeks. His adoption must be fully completed by December 23rd or I will lose him–even if I am in China already.”
Immanuel’s Chinese name means “joyful” and even though he’s not exactly smiling in his pictures, you can see joy just beneath the surface. Speaking about Immanuel’s video, his courage clearly awes Terry, “Here he is–this 12-year-old boy–and he has to do what unnerves so many adults: answer the question, ‘So, tell me about yourself?’ He does so looking confidently and directly at a crowd of people he’s never met, and in a clear, loud voice telling people why he should be adopted–even though he must have been shaking in his shoes!” He melts Terry’s heart every time she views his video. She goes on to say this past spring, Immanuel’s school presented him with an award for excellent school work, noting how hard he works, and how highly the teachers, orphanage staff, students and other children all think of him.
Back Story:
Terry knew she would adopt at least some of her children since she had been in high school. She never envisioned it would be all of them! In 1999, she began exploring adoption requirements, changed jobs to better afford an adoption, and bought a fixer-upper house. She worked seven days a week, most of them 10-hour days, for two and a half years to pay for her first adoption. In 2003, when the ‘call’ came, God spoke in her ear, “This is your daughter.” She didn’t need to hear a name. She didn’t need to see a picture. She knew.
Terry knew her family wasn’t complete and she continued to earn extra money whenever and wherever she could. In 2004, a bright shining face called from the pages of a waiting child album. He had an extremely rare genetic syndrome with some potentially very serious conditions. Terry says, “I didn’t know if I was enough for him. His needs seemed so great!” When she voiced her concerns to a friend, her friend said, “Terry, if this child calls you like that, then there’s something there and you need to pursue it… Someone will stand in the gaps.” She felt God speaking through her friend. It was all she needed to hear. Seemingly insurmountable obstacles loomed testing her faith again and again. Each time, she prayed for the mountains to move so the little boy could get what he needed, not what she wanted. Two years later, in the darkest hour, the mountains moved.
By 2010, Terry’s professional life had turned to serving the special needs community–something she feels very passionate about. Having had a life filled with folks who have individual needs, she also feels passionate about adopting more children whose needs are more than typical. Since her other children were born in India, she began pursuing adopting another child from there. For various, unrelated reasons, she lost girl after girl. India’s adoption system changed. Then, Terry aged out. She asks, “Did you ever read the “Misty of Chincoteague” books? In them, Grandma BeeBee told the kids, ‘When God closes a door, he opens a window.’” Even before India closed to her, Terry found herself looking longingly at waiting children from China. To fund this adoption, she has held yard sales, sold crafts, done Tupperware and Scentsy fundraisers, crowd-funded, applied for grants, and yes, worked very, very hard to raise the needed money.
Kindly remember Immanuel in your prayers, share his story, visit the family’s blog, and fight for him by donating to his adoption fund. Don’t let him go into the night.
11/22/13—USCIS APPROVED; TRAVELING in DEC
Michael and Heather have been married for almost 8 years (has it really been that long?). They have two wonderful little girls who we cherish with all their hearts (R and S). In 2008, Heather started hinting to Michael that she wanted to adopt but Michael had many misconceptions of adoption (ex: only people who cant have children adopt). So, Heather prayed and hinted A LOT that she wanted more children and she wanted them through adoption. You see, Heather has had adoption on her heart for years. She wanted a child from every continent if God would allow her (well that is what she thought when she was a teenager). Heather prayed daily that God would open Michael’s heart to adoption. Then, the craziest thing happened, He put families who had adopted in he’s path. He saw what adoption really looks like. He saw children who had possibilities because they had a loving family. One night, while surfing the web, Heather got on the this advocacy website, Reece’s Rainbow, because one of those families that God was using to soften Michael’s heart where adopting two beautiful little ones. We identified a little girl in a country in Eastern Europe and we began the process.
As the months went on, they found themselves done with the home study and own to the dossier stage. They where moving right along and it felt great. Then road bumps started to occur but no bump is to big for God so they continued with faithful hearts. Then one day, the door was slammed shut, and our adoption was put into limbo. They lived on a roller coaster; with good days and very bad days. They continued because they new this was what God wanted. Then one night with tears in her eyes, Heather prayed that God would give them a yes or no….Heather needed a direct answer…no maybe. The next morning, He gave her that answer and while it was not the answer she was hoping for, it was the answer they would except.
So, here they are, starting again, not from the start but close to it. They have gone from the red bear and have chosen to go the red thread journey. While it is not the journey they started out on, it is the journey God intended them to go on.
12/4/13—TRAVELING DECEMBER 12
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://accordingtohisglory.blogspot.com
12/2/13—USCIS APPROVED!!!
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at fitzpatrickfamilyadoption.blogspot.com
