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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 |
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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 |
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Hudson and Patti have done a wonderful job raising other children with Spina Bifida, as well as able bodied children! Their goals are for all the children to be as self-functioning and independent as possible. They hosted Bolton for one month when he came to the USA last winter. There is no doubt that Bolton will do well with their family!
9/12/16—TRAVELING OCTOBER 4
We are Tony and Julee Huy and we are excited about our ever increasing family! We have 8 kids and are excited to be adopting 2 boys from China! We began our adoption journey this time with a 5 year old boy (Toby) who we will be naming Jayce Alexander. While in the process of adopting Jayce we hosted a 12 year old with the intention of advocating for him and finding him a family. We instantly fell in love and we’re ecstatic to also be adopting Jackson Fei!
We’ve taken a leap of faith in adopting two at one time and we’re so thankful for your support and prayer!
9/5/16—TRAVELING SEPTEMBER 14
The entire Bloom family is thrilled to be adopting again! In 2014, with the help of Reece’s Rainbow, they added four older boys with special needs to their family. 2 of them had been living in a group home, 1 had spent his entire life in a crib in a laying down room, and 1 had already aged out and would have been transferred to a very bad place. All 4 of them have thrived since coming home. Now they can’t wait to do it again with your help!
They sent in paperwork to be able to adopt another aging out child, a friend of their son who is headed to the same place. They are moving as quickly as possible to get to Amos because he has already turned 16.
The Bloom family will also be bringing home Daisy! Daisy has spent most of her life in a crib. She was scheduled to become unadoptable due to changes at the group home she was moved into, but instead will be adopted by the Blooms.
Lee is another child from a laying down room who the Bloom family spent time with during their last adoption. His medical condition is possibly complicated and he urgently needs medical care that he is not receiving in the orphanage.
Violet is a very sweet and gentle older girl with special needs. She was a friend of the boys who had lived in the group home. She will be a very loved addition to the Bloom family as well.
Any prayers and support you can offer are very appreciated!
9/8/16—APPOINTMENT IS NOVEMBER 2
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at handsfullofblooms.blogspot.com
Adam and Heather met in University, where both vowed they would not start dating within their first month there, but knew each other was too special to stay apart! They were married fresh out of University and have been together for almost 13 years. They spent much of their married life traveling the world, embracing culture through study and teaching, until they settled down in a small city in Canada where they could start growing their family.
They knew that adoption was always something that they wanted to pursue, but aimed to start their family biologically first, only to have the unfortunate experience of 4 miscarriages and infertility. But God used their experiences of loss to bring them the most beautiful gift they could ever have received: their son Pierce, through adoption.
NO child should be orphaned. Every child deserves to be embraced wholeheartedly by family, to be loved unconditionally and to never go without warm hugs. And because they know this to be true, they knew that adopting another child, particularly one that may not be considered by another family, was what they wanted to do.
After watching a documentary called “Ukraine’s Forgotten Children” and through a process of many google searches about the plight of so many children with special needs in Eastern Europe, they were brought to Reece’s Rainbow. It didn’t take long before they came across a boy who pulled strongly on their heart strings; he was their son, a brother to Pierce, made in the image of God, His masterpiece.
Already there are so many friends and family who can hardly wait to wrap this boy up in love and adoration, even though they don’t know him yet. We cannot wait to get him home and give him everything he needs to experience the fullness of life and the love of God.
9/8/16—TRAVELING OCTOBER 11
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://thisfamilyadopts.blogspot.ca/
Brent and Mary met in vet school and married in 2009. After their daughter was born in 2010, Mary stumbled upon Reece’s Rainbow. After following a number of families over the years, a beautiful little girl named “Celine” caught Mary’s heart. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards, her country banned adoptions to American couples. Her picture still hangs on the fridge. Mary continued to follow many of the Reece’s Rainbow families and, through the blog of an adoptive family, saw a picture of a handsome young man named “Charlie” who she immediately knew belonged in their family.
The Sanders’ have four daughters and are excited to be adding a boy to the mix. The girls cannot wait to have a brother and now Brent and Mary finally have an answer to the question, “so when are ya’ll gonna try for that boy?!”
9/6/16—APPOINTMENT IS OCTOBER 11
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at asonforthesanders.blogspot.com
Leon and Sheri Ricord have been married 10 years. They have an 8 year old daughter Lauren who is in the 3rd grade and attends a Spanish Immersion elementary school. The Ricords also have a 3 year old son Aaron who will begin Chinese Immersion Preschool this fall to prepare him for his future Chinese Immersion elementary school.
For many years now, the Ricords have seriously contemplated special needs adoption as they currently feel their family is not quite complete. Sheri, being a nurse, felt confident she could provide care and support to a child with special needs. In 2011, they began the journey of foster care parenting/adoption but that journey was cut short due to their wonderful surprise pregnancy of their son. The adoption journey was then halted but not forgotten.
Sheri first came upon the Reece’s Rainbow website and Facebook group in April 2014. She has felt very blessed and thankful to follow so many amazing adoption journeys. Sheri then became more and more involved in the Reece’s Rainbow adoption community and discovered the courage to possibly consider international adoption for her own family. The Ricords are no strangers to special needs care as both of their children were born extremely premature, requiring complex healthcare support following their births. Thankfully, their children are healthy and thriving, despite their very rough beginnings.
In January 2015, the Ricords discovered Perry, a precious beautiful 5 year old boy in China who has been waiting for an adoptive family his whole life. Perry has never experienced or understands what it means to have a mother and father care for him. Despite this harsh reality, Perry’s smile lights up a room. He is described as a true delight and joy to those who care for him in China.
Leon, Sheri, Lauren and Aaron cannot wait until they bring Perry home to be a part of their family. The Ricords look forward to providing him a loving and nurturing home life with the added comforts of the Chinese culture and language at his future public school! We trust he will truly thrive and grow in our humble little family.
9/8/16—TRAVELING SEPTEMBER 16
For several years, Phil and Kristie Graves had been discussing the idea of adoption. It would come up in conversation and then be put off for “later”. One day Kristie came across Reece’s Rainbow and found a girl named “Sage” and knew immediately that she was their child.
After beginning the process to adopt, “Sage” was adopted by a French family, leaving Phil and Kristie distraught and unsure of what to do next. Then their 11 year old daughter reminded them of another little girl they had seen in pictures with “Sage”. Her name was “Olivia” and they had considered adopting both girls. After much prayer and consideration, they decided that God had shown them “Sage” so they could discover “Olivia”.
The Graves’ have three biological children, Kara, Ethan, and Owen. Won’t you please help to take their family from five people to six? They have decided to call this process, “The Journey from Odd to Even.
8/22/16—FIRST TRIP SEPTEMBER 8
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at philandkristie.com
We are the Zittle family, and we are beginning a new adoption journey! The Lord has revealed to us that we have more room in our hearts and home for another little child. When we began our first adoption journey in 2006, we had been married for 5 years and were going through the struggle of infertility. It was our deep longing for a child, and God began to lay adoption on our hearts. We stepped out in faith and began the process to adopt a baby from China. Three years into our adoption process, Jen became pregnant with our oldest son, Braden! As we continued to wait to be matched with our China baby, the Lord opened the door for us to adopt a second child from China. When Braden was 3, we brought these two little boys home. Joshua and Micah have blessed our lives in so many ways! Today we begin the process of adopting a 2 year old little girl from China who we have decided to name Anna Joy! As a little girl born with Down Syndrome, she will have so many opportunities here in our home and community that she might never be given in an institution. She will know she is a beautiful child, created by a loving God, Who has a wonderful plan for her life. She will also have a Mommy, a Daddy and three big brothers who will adore her. Would you consider giving financially to help us bring Anna Joy home? If that answer is yes, we thank you with all of our hearts for joining us on this journey of FAITH in an almighty God, HOPE for a little orphan and LOVE that is in all of our hearts to bring her home. You will forever be a part her story!
8/24/16—TRAVELING SEPTEMBER 21
Follow the Zittle family’s adoption journey at zittlefamily.blogspot.com
John and Christina Carter call their home “Glorious Chaos”. They have six children, ranging in age from 23 down to 3 years old and love big family life. Circumstances surrounding the birth of six child and fifth daughter, Nora meant that there would be no more biological children. John and Chris always knew, from the very beginning that adoption would be a part of their story and this just confirmed it.
It was a “someday” kind of idea, but then the three youngest children began praying for an adopted child to join the family. They had watched another family walk through international adoption, and these little ones knew that it was something they wanted to do too.
Chris went on Reece’s Rainbow, thinking to choose three profiles to post on the bulletin board for the family to pray daily for.
But there were four, not three, that jumped out at her. All four were printed and tacked up in the dining room and the family began to pray.
One of those four just stayed on their minds and in their hearts. Shyla.
The rest is history! John and Chris can not wait to get this little girl in the midst of their Glorious Chaos and be the family that she deserves. It turned out that Somday was now!
“We can make our plans, but the Lord God determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9NLT
“Every good and perfect gift is from above…” James 1:17
“God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing…” Psalm 68:6
8/2/16—FIRST TRIP AUG 12
Follow the Carter family’s adoption journey at www.joel2twentyfive.com
The Montagues are excited to announce their commitment to bring home Tessa! They are at the end of the homestudy process and getting their dossier paperwork ready. She is part of the “Pearl Track” program which moves things along pretty quickly, with a May 9th deadline, so they are trying to raise whatever they can to help bring this sweet girl home!
This is their fourth adoption–they have adopted once from China and twice from Ethiopia. They have always said it is not the business of raising kids that is costly, it is getting them home! They know what it means to give up things other families have–fancy cars, fancy homes, expensive “stuff”–to be able to adopt, and they would do it all over again! Building a family through adoption, with a few bio babies sprinkled in, has been a wonderful journey for which they are grateful to be on.
They know there are lots of causes out there, and lots of things you can donate to, and they are grateful for any amount, small or large, that you see fit. If you can’t give anything to them, that’s OK too! Find a cause and support it with your whole heart!
8/26/16—TRAVELING SEPTEMBER 9
April will make 10 years Stephen and Rachelle have been married. They have 3 biological boys (1 is from Rachelle’s first marriage.) And four adopted boys from Eastern Europe through Reece’s Rainbow. Yes, that is a total of 7 boys ages 4 years to 17 years old: Maben is 4, Andre is 7, Silas, Felix and Tage are 8, D.J. is 13 and Ruslan is 17. Here is our story:
We came across Reece’s Rainbow in such a carefully weaved web of fate that only God Himself could create that has changed the course of our lives, the friendships that we have made and of course the way in which we have grown our family, live our everyday lives and bear witness to Jesus’ unconditional love and answer to God’s calling. And I just love to tell the story of how each person played a role in leading us to this very special place in our life in an amazing community of people whom I might never knew existed if things might not have happened exactly the way that they did.
A few years ago we were introduced to a blog by a family member went to school with the author of a popular blog, “EBing A Mommy” and the disease EB that her sweet baby boy Tripp was born with. Tripp won the hearts of so many. We began participating in fundraisers for Tripp and EB Awareness and also made some amazing friends within the EB community, both advocates and parents. A blog entry about a sweet boy in Russia by the name of Anton who was in the process of being adopted by an amazing family led us to the Reece’s Rainbow website.
WOW did we learn A LOT that we never ever knew even existed when coming across Reece’s Rainbow! Of course, like many, we became fascinated with the work of Reece’s Rainbow and hoped to one day become a part of the beautiful story that was written into the colors of that rainbow.
Many people we come across ask us the same questions “Why?” A popular Matthew West Song puts it so perfectly:
If not us, then who?
If not me and you?
RIGHT NOW
It’s time for us to do something
If not now, then when?
Will we see an end?
It’s not enough to do nothing
It’s time for us to do something
(Matthew West)
Well, sooner came rather than later, as when they saw Silas’s picture they had to DO SOMETHING and in 2012 Rachelle and Stephen embarked on their first adoption adventure.
We thought we would be adopting one child, Silas, a little boy with Cerebral Palsy. God made better plans, we came home with two little boys: Silas and Andre. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him,”
Andre has Down Syndrome. Silas was very sick when he came home, weighing 17 pounds at 5 years old, and suffering violent drug withdrawals, spent a few weeks in the hospital upon coming home. He now has a severe movement disorder as a result of the high dosages of medication given to him by the orphanage. He has had brain surgery to try to help relieve the disorder, with not much help but doctors are still working on a possible solution. Andre was our surprise added child in country while some paperwork issues were worked out for Silas. Andre is a ball of energy ready to take you for a ride anywhere and everywhere you want to go!
In 2014 we adopted again. Originally we thought we might adopt a girl or two but again, God made other plans. Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” We adopted two more boys instead as the girls we had committed to had other families adopt them. One of them was a little boy whose file we were shown in 2012. He was adopted at one time but was disrupted in country. His name is Felix and he has Cerebral Palsy. His transition has been a roller-coaster but one well worth the ride. He is a sweet, loving child with an enormous amount of potential that we see no end to anytime soon! The other boy we adopted, Ruslan, was 15 and a half, just 6 months away from aging out. Ruslan is so smart, funny, happy, lively and social. He lived in a place called the “Happy Home.” While there I met several other very sweet boys. One very lively boy has stayed on our hearts and minds since coming home. We have decided it is time to go back and reunite two former roommates as brothers!
We have learned so much through this wonderful journey, met so many wonderful people, made so many friendships, more like formed new family and we are so thankful to be once again embarking on this journey to add to our family once again! Never in a million years could we have imagined how our lives would have changed so drastically (in the most amazing way) and the wonderful path we would be taking! We love this life God planned for us!
8/17/16—APPOINTMENT IS SEPTEMBER 21
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at piecingourpuzzletogether.blogspot.com
Bill and Nancy have been married for 27 years. They have been blessed with 4 beautiful daughters and 6 amazing grandchildren.They have always supported charities involving children and are very passionate about a child’s right to feel safe and to be loved. Their oldest daughter, Audra, showed them a website, Reece’s Rainbow, and after seeing all that these children have endured knew they were ready to start the adoption process. They are so thrilled to be bringing home two more lovely daughters and an adorable son. The reality is this will not be easy but these children and every other child are worthy and deserve loving parents. They are asking for your prayers as they know this is what has brought them this far. If you feel led, any gift to bring their children home will be a huge blessing.
“You are the helper of the fatherless, Lord. You have heard the desire of the humble, You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed. That the man of the earth may oppress no more. psalms 10:14, 17-18
8/31/16—APPOINTMENT IS SEPTEMBER 20
The Anderson family isn’t new to international adoption, or special needs adoption for that matter. They have been to Eastern Europe to adopt twice. They feel called to return, there still is room at the table and love in their hearts for more children in need. Dane and Misty dreamed of a big family and always knew adoption would be a part of that dream. In 2013 they brought home two beautiful girls blessed with an extra chromosome. Upon returning, they felt they might go back, if ever God called them. They knew too much, they saw too much, too many children suffering, too many laying alone and unloved. And before they knew it, they were headed back! Another sweet girl with lower limb paralysis joined the 6 boys and 5 girls. A perfect dozen! But God wasn’t through with them yet, a move to a roomier house and the knowledge of children still suffering gnawed at their hearts. Every night the children would pray for those left behind at the orphanage, the ones without a family to cherish them. As Dane and Misty were praying about going back, they received news that one of the children they were considering was gravely ill and had been hospitalized. They knew then that they must go! That there was space at the table and love in their hearts for two more!
The Andersons are needing to move fast, they want to get to their sweet girl quickly before her health deteriorates any further, and they can’t wait to tell their new son that he has been chosen! Their home study is nearly done, they are moving right along!
What an amazing opportunity you have to partner with them and help bring home two orphans, to bring them into a family to be loved and cherished to know that they are chosen!
8/4/16—TRAVEL DATE RECEIVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at thesassafraschronicles.blogspot.com
We are the Huizinga family from Virginia! We are excited to announce we are adopting “Saleena” and “Polly”! They will join Dad & Mom, Paul & Maureen, as well as siblings Penny, Sarah, Nathaniel, Iain, Thomas, Fanny, Joshua, Greyson, Julia, one big fat dog named Ellie, and a silly barn kitty named Dingo (Mom says, don’t ask…) We have been married for 16 years. 2 years ago, we brought Penny and Fanny home to join our family, and our entire heart for orphans/orphan care was forever changed. We have waded through some challenging transitions and scary health concerns with Penny in particular and patiently waited to see if or how God might allow us to care for more children.
Thus enters two sweet tiny girls….
Saleena and Polly reside in Pen’s previous orphanage facility. This particular orphanage is near and dear to our hearts, and we have been blessed to see huge progress in the quality of care that is being provided there. The best facility in the world, however, can’t replace a FAMILY as the best place for children to grow & flourish! Saleena and Polly have some special challenges and delays, but we are familiar with the types of needs which are currently known (and know well enough to be prepared for more need, less need, or completely different needs, as they are revealed in the process!) Thank you for supporting our family. James 1:27.
8/27/16—FIRST TRIP
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.zingermama.blogspot.com.
Nate and Savannah have 6 beautiful children, 5 of them came through adoption! And this will be their second International adoption to Eastern Europe in just a year!
A while back, Savannah came across pictures and a video of Rogan and began praying about him. He has weighed heavily on her heart and after much prayer, her and Nathan have decided that Rogan needs to join their family as well. He needs to know the love of a mother and father and siblings.
This family has a strong passion for advocating for children with Down syndrome and especially for adoption! Their family would not be their family without the miracle of adoption.
8/17/16—APPOINTMENT IS AUGUST 30
You can follow this amazing journey with the Hawkins family at: www.samuelone27.blogspot.com
Dewey and Suzanne were married in 1996, after caring for a long term cancer patient and his family. They both loved children and agreed they wanted a big family. In 2009, after the birth of their daughter, Hannah, whom happen to be blessed with an extra chromosome, they learned about an organization called Reece’s Rainbow. Suzanne spent many hours looking at photos and reading about the beautiful children. She inquired about several, but Dewey wasn’t quite convinced that adoption was the way.
Then in January 2011 they attended a Down syndrome conference, where a young man spoke about how God doesn’t create junk. That was the sign Dewey needed to know this was indeed the path they were to follow. After 3 failed inquires, someone in the yahoo group kept posting about a princess in China. Suzanne was hesitant about looking at the blog for 3 days. On the 4th day of seeing the post, she felt a stabbing in her heart that SHE was the ONE that was supposed to go and look. That “Look” was the first time she saw her beautiful daughter, Clara. In 2012, while adopting Clara, Suzanne met another chromosomally enhanced princess, with a heart defect. After a few months home, they started the process to bring Ester Feng home, but in May 2014, their sweet princess passed away, in China, after open heart surgery. They still felt that tug to adopt and in July started their 3rd adoption for an aging out girl.
In November 2014, Rebekah, (Elizabeth on RR) joined their family, 19 days before aging out. In June of 2015 they started their 4th adoption, but soon stopped when Hannah was diagnosed with stage one liver disease. Not knowing what this meant to the family they returned the file of their new love. In November, Hannah’s health had improved and they were ready to start again. Going in this time they knew Gracie, (Ginny on RR), was their girl. She was still sitting there on the shared list just waiting for them. On March 5, 2016, their agency called and told them their sweet, freckled face girl had suffered a heart attack and passed away. They have taken some time off, from the adoption world, and after many prayers and discussions have decided it is time to move forward. They are finishing up their home study and reviewing files. They are so excited about the prospect of bringing home another princess … or two????
8/20/16—TRAVELING MID SEPTEMBER
Follow their journey at bringinghomeourchinesebutterfly.blogspot.com
Ron and Nina Polmateer are a proud military couple who have been married for almost 8 years. Their life is full of adventures as you never know what life as a military family is going to throw at them.
Ron and Nina have no biological children of their own. However, Ron and Nina do have two furry family members named Wicket and Leia. They have been trying for 7 years with no luck and recently found out that due to Nina being a cancer survivor the chances of having a biological child are very slim to none. Together they got through the news of not being able to have biological children and decided that adoption is the best route to make their dreams of becoming parents a reality.
Ron and Nina decided to do an international adoption after sponsoring a child while stationed in Korea. They contacted an agency located in their state and started the search for their child browsing a few photo listings of waiting children on Reece’s Rainbow and none of them stood out to them more than Noel.
Ron and Nina are very excited to add Noel to be a part of their family as are their furry family members. Wicket in particular loves kids and is always seeking out the neighborhood kids when they are playing outside. Any donations are greatly appreciated and the Polmateer family thanks you!
8/10/16—FIRST TRIP in AUGUST 2016
The Hardy family is bustling and busy with five children, ranging from a toddler to a teenager, however, for nearly ten years adoption has been pressing heavily on their minds and hearts. They are so excited that the time has come for them to move forward with this chapter of their family story. Evie’s picture, as well as several hand-drawn renditions, have been hanging on the refrigerator since they first found her and knew she meant to be a part of their family. She is already a regular part of the family prayers and conversation, and they cannot wait to bring her home.
8/17/16—APPOINTMENT IS AUGUST 29
David and Tracy Wiggs are returning to Reece’s Rainbow for their second and third and fourth adoptions. They adopted in late 2014 and their new son is thriving in his new family. David and Tracy have five biological children and three adopted children and know that this is their calling, to love the orphaned and welcome them into their loving family. David and Tracy would humbly ask for your support both financially and spiritually and would ask for your prayers as they once again set out on this new journey to adopt Gracelynn and Kristopher and Lazarus. Thank you, and God bless.
7/13/16—APPOINTMENT IS AUGUST 8
Richard and Ella have committed their lives to adopting and raising children to be godly men and women. They have thirteen wonderful children and are returning to Bulgaria to adopt three more. Richard and Ella consider adoption to be their ministry. Their goal is to show the world that all children deserve a mom and dad, and that special needs children in particular bestow a special blessing from God. What better way is there to show that all people are created in God’s image and worthy of honor and respect than adopting a special needs child? What better way is there to teach us patience and perseverance, and to step outside our comfort zone? In pursuit of this goal, Richard 
and Ella have purchased a large foreclosed home on 11.5 acres of land. They are filling the home with children. They believe children are happy and healthy when able to work and play outdoors. And there is plenty of opportunity. They have chickens, ducks, cats, and a dog, as well as a very large garden and an orchard. There is enough to do that everyone is involved. No job is too small! What started out as a ministry of Richard and Ella has now become the family ministry. All the kids are involved in the upcoming adoption and are excited to have new brothers and a sister.
Everyone is extremely happy to have found three wonderful children. Catherine and Mark are an older brother and sister pair who are very happy to be adopted together. Richard and Ella are also excited about adopting Nicolai, a two-year old boy with Down Syndrome. They have wanted to adopt a child with Down Syndrome for several years. The last time they went to Bulgaria, they were blessed to adopt a child with Noonan Syndrome. Now they have a chance to show the world that children with Down Syndrome are a blessing to all.
6/21/16—FIRST TRIP JULY 18
“It’s something that we will do. Because we feel called to do it. One time, one child.”
One child, turned into two, which has now turned into three.
Jason and Amy traveled to Eastern Europe last fall to adopt two daughters. It was the first time they had seen an orphanage and what they saw became deeply impacting and life changing. No one can ever get over what they see while there. In the midst of that sadness, they saw children with worth. When the two girls came home, they were greeted by six doting siblings who shower them with unending love and praise. And they don’t notice the differences. And the sisters are flourishing. After they were shown the pictures and told the stories, the selfless children were the ones who demanded to do more. They were willing to sell toys, give up space, make room for another child. The adoption has been life changing to everyone involved.
And then Jason and Amy showed the children a picture of Mackenzie. Her smile is beautiful and her eyes are happy. She is the older sister they have been waiting for.
7/13/16—APPOINTMENT IS AUGUST 8
Grant and Susan Lee have been married for 10 1/2 years and currently have six children. The breakdown of the half a dozen kids includes, four children from prior marriages, one child of our own, and one adopted child. Susan has always had a passion to adopt in her heart at a very young age, while Grant did not. When we, as a family adopted our youngest child Soo Min from South Korea seven years ago, Susan was elated as her dream of adopting a child finally came true. Grant was excited but did not share the same passion as Susan. As time passed by, Grant realized the passion for adoption and began to share these same feelings. The idea of giving his son a new life full of unconditional love became very important and special to Grant and he knew that they would adopt again. This feeling is shared passionately with our children. Our kids realize that they are so fortunate that God has provided all of them with a life full of love, grace, and opportunity. They also realize that they are all children of God and they need to have open sensitive hearts, to bring another one of God’s children to our family. A baby girl named Comfort is our child who were are bringing home. Comfort is HIV positive, our family knew immediately just by looking at her that she is the chosen one to join the Lee family. We will work together as a family to make sure she has all the medical care and love she deserves. We are often reminded of Galatians 3:26 – For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. We are all children of God and we need to help other children. The Lee siblings help each other, Grant and Susan help each other. It is now time for our entire family to bring Comfort into our home through the grace of God.
1/7/16— STILL WAITING FOR FINAL TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at thejourneyisonlybeginning.blogspot.com
While Todd and Melissa always felt a calling to adopt, their real adoption story began 3 years ago when they started the process to bring two boys home from Eastern Europe. Since that time they have learned so much more about the hearts and needs of children all over the world who are hurting and alone, waiting for a family to take a chance on them. A few months ago they started hearing that still small voice telling them their family wasn’t yet completed and they began once again seeking wisdom to know what this calling would look like for their family. After a lot of prayer and consideration there was one little face that stood out and said “Pick me!” A 7 year old little girl who is in severe need for medical intervention and simply someone to care about her. Much like Lance, the Schmitt’s 5 year old son, she is not able to sit up or roll over and suffers from severe muscle spasticity.
The Schmitt’s have learned so much from Lance in the past 2 years that a physical inability to do these things does not mean they are incapable of joy and love. As they watch Lance laugh and smile (things he wouldn’t do when he first came home) they want to be able to provide this little one with that same opportunity to experience joy, love, warmth, physical contact, and a full belly every day without question.
***While Melissa was visiting Ava on trip one she met a little boy who absolutely stole her heart. The Schmitts had been approved for 2 children, but hadn’t felt a call toward a specific second child until the first day Melissa met Ava and saw Nigel, she knew he was special and was meant to be a part of their family. They didn’t know if it would even be possible at that point to add him to their adoption and relied wholly on God to open the necessary doors to bring him home, as one door after another opened they have been so encouraged to get to add this special child to their family.
9/21/16—AWAITING COURT DATE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at onemorelightofmine.blogspot.com
We (Tim and JoLynne) are thrilled to announce our commitment to adopt Marla! We want nothing more than to bring our little girl home and we are asking that you consider coming along side us with prayer, financial, and emotional support. God has been calling us to adopt for quite some time, and our answer is finally YES!
While on a recent trip, JoLynne got to see first hand the reality of orphanages in Eastern Europe. The call to adopt has always been there for her, but suddenly orphans were no longer a blurry image in her mind– but names and faces– hands she held and feet she washed. Her heart was broken for these children without parents. The call to adopt became urgent. When she arrived home she found comfort with her children, Dexter and Beatrix, but Tim could see her devastation. Unbeknownst to JoLynne, God had been working in Tim’s heart– growing in it a love for orphans.
Two years after JoLynne’s trip, and one more biological child later (Simon), We (Tim and JoLynne) are at last stepping out in faith and declaring that Marla will be an orphan no more.
The story of adoption is about so much more than us- so much more than our story. It is about a Father that seeks out His child. A Father who says, “No matter where you are and no matter where you have been- I long to call you My own. No matter the cost- you are wanted and you are LOVED more than you can possibly fathom. I will change your status from lost to found and I will keep you in the palm of My hand.”
Thanks to God who sent His son to die on a cross for our sin- we can claim this promise of a Heavenly Father. We want to be Marla’s earthly parents and to ensure she knows that she is loved and wanted.
9/8/16—WAITING FOR COURT
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.writteninyourbook.blogspot.com
My husband and I have been married for twenty five years. He was my high school sweetheart. We married and had five beautiful bio kids. We felt a very strong calling for the orphans of the world. God was very strong in speaking to our hearts that there were children who needed Moms and Dads. I would like to say we obeyed immediately but we wrestled with it for a year or two. We are a home schooling family and felt we were finally “arriving” where we could have some time to just enjoy the kids. But God was faithful and patient. We became foster parents and got a call for placement of micro preemie twins. One was with bio Mom and the other waiting to be discharged with nowhere to go and would we take them? Well of course, the answer was yes! Haylee had a brain bleed, she needed a shunt and has cp. She got the shunt and walks with a walker. Baylee is healthy.
Having Haylee as a special needs placement changed me. I knew when I walked in the hospital I would never be the same. My heart grew 1000 times bigger in a matter of seconds. So we got little Miss Baylee on a Thursday night. The smallest baby I had ever seen and Haylee the next Saturday. We adopted the girls on Dec. 1 2014. Well Bio Mom had preemie baby twins again 11 ½ months after Haylee and Baylee. She requested we take them as well. So Joy and Jessa joined our family and became ours June 2015. All I can say is it is a life full of extreme craziness! It really is like having quads!
But I still felt like a special needs child needed me. I just did not feel complete. Which is weird and kind of scary considering we added four babies in a year and a half. So I have always followed Reece’s Rainbows. I saw Darren last Saturday and I knew he was my son. I have never in my entire life felt the way I felt when I saw him. Immediately I went before the Lord. I had so many questions…. How can I do it? The time, the money, the extreme amount of rehab he needs. But the Lord made it very clear that I would be doing all of that. I fell prostate on the the floor and the emotions that came over me are like nothing I have ever experienced. I know now, God was breaking my heart for what breaks his. It was hours before I could compose myself and days before I could stop crying. Just thinking about him all this time laying in that bed. My heart felt like it was in a vice. But then God showed me what his life is gonna be and I had hope and joy and then the “Momma Bear” kicked in and I worked 8 hours straight on Sunday readying all those forms to put a legal hold on him. We barely made it. His file was going back on Wednesday. By Wednesday, I have hired Datz foundation and express mailed the 2500.00 for an expedited home study. Of course, I borrowed the money with the promise to pay it back.
Now I feel like I have no other calling but to bring my son home. We are a family of 12. Soon to be 13. That is our story, his Dad and I are changing his name to Nathaniel James. Nathaniel means Chosen by God! And that he was. Hang on little guy Momma is on the way!!
9/27/16—COURT IS OCTOBER 28
For as long as she can remember, Elizabeth has had a heart for the orphans. After college, Elizabeth adopted two dogs, all the while waiting for God’s timing to say yes to adding a child. In 2012, she began to feel drawn towards international adoption. Through this journey, Elizabeth discovered Reece’s Rainbow.
In the fall of 2015, Elizabeth saw precious “Heavenleigh” – a tiny, spunky five year old girl rocking her extra chromosome. Although this was not the path she planned, she knew it was time to say “yes.” Elizabeth raced to bring her fragile daughter home. On November 9, 2015, “Heavenleigh,” named Wren by her mama, went home to Jesus.
Throughout the sorrow and heartbreak of losing this precious daughter, Elizabeth is so thankful for the hard yes. Because of Wren, Elizabeth was prepared to open her doors and heart to another precious gift – this time, a son.
Elizabeth cannot wait to bring home Wren’s big brother! He has waited so long for snuggles and love and medical care, and of course, a family of his own.
Thank you so much for being a part of this journey!
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Isaiah 1:17
9/28/16—WAITING FOR FINAL TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at spreadlovelikeglitter.blogspot.com
Jode and Kelley have been blessed through adoption with eight beautiful and amazing children. Although their lives and hearts are overflowing, they know their family is not yet complete. After much prayer and consideration, they feel led to adopt two precious children, a brother and sister, from Africa. The older sister has no special needs; however, the little brother is developmentally delayed and hearing impaired. Both children were orphaned due to the Ebola plague and have been through much in their little lives.
Jode and Kelley are asking you to partner with them to help bring these precious children home by:
Donating – No amount of money is too small or too large and all donations are tax deductible,
Praying – please agree with them in prayer that God will supply everything they need for this adoption and
Sharing – please share this family sponsorship page with your friends and family and ask them to pray and donate too.
Thank you so much for being a part of this adoption journey!
9/23/16—FIRST TRIP OCTOBER 5
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at blessedindeedandexpandingourterritory.blogspot.com
Kim and Nathan Woods have been married for almost 10 years. Kim is originally from Canada and Nathan is from New Hampshire. They have been living in Florida for the past 9 years. They have 3 beautiful daughters living at home, Lydia (9), Chloee (7), and Chanelle (5). Since the moment they met they both knew that one day they would adopt. They didn’t know how, when, or who but God has miraculously opened the door and they know that this is His perfect timing.
Please consider helping them as they step out in faith to accomplish God’s will in their lives.
Help them make this beautiful girl an orphan no more.
9/15/16—TRAVELING OCTOBER 1
Addison and Kristen are so excited to announce that they are adopting again! Addison and Kristen were married in August of 2010 and have five biological children ages 28, 26, 23, 22, and 20. In June 2015 they traveled to China to adopt 7 year old Paxton and 3 year old Corbin (Noah on RR), two precious boys with Down syndrome.
Paxton and Corbin are their only children that live at home and they have been such a huge blessing to their life. During their adoption of the boys, they felt the pull to also adopt a daughter but they knew they had to wait until their current adoption was complete before beginning the process again. They thought they would bring the boys home and possibly in a year they would begin the process to adopt again but God had other plans. Kristen felt the strong pull towards adopting a girl right away but since Addison wasn’t quite ready yet, she continued to pray for God to lead them to their daughter when the time was right. They continued to view the newly listed children on Reece’s Rainbow and hoped to see the little face that spoke directly to their hearts. One day Kristen came across a profile and she immediately sent it to Addison. Even though that child did not end up being their daughter (she already had a family waiting on PA), she was the one that unlocked his heart and he was ready to move forward.
Shortly after getting pre approval, from China for their daughter they heard about a little boy, with a complex heart defect, that lost his family right before that family was to travel for him. They knew this child needed medical care in the U.S. as soon as possible if he were to survive because the second heart surgery he so desperately needs cannot be done in China. They prayed for days over this child and decided to move forward. They felt if God wanted them to be this child’s family they would get pre approval from China for him as well. Two weeks after sending a letter of intent to China, they received PA for him. God had spoken.
Kristen has a huge heart for those with special needs. She also has a huge heart for orphans and seeing children in orphanages without families just breaks her heart. Addison and Kristen know that they cannot “save them all” but they know they can do their part and they will let God decide what that means. For now it means bringing these two children home as soon as possible and they know they can’t do it without God, their friends, family, the adoption community, and Reece’s Rainbow as each of you play your part in being the hands and feet of Jesus for this family. They are so happy to have you come along beside them in their journey. They ask you to hold their family up in prayer until their children are safely in their arms and for their children as they wait and as they adjust to their new lives once the adoption is complete.
Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me – Matthew 18:5
9/21/16—USCIS APPROVED, HOPE TO TRAVEL IN OCTOBER
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at ourjourneytoowenandaddilyn.blogspot.com
The Sotolongo family recently adopted their son “Nevada” as named on Reece’s Rainbow. The Sotolongo’s have four other children all under 6 years old. Nevada’s first year has been nothing short of a miracle. He has undergone corrective heart surgery, which in his country was deemed impossible based on his condition. He is flourishing in a family, learning to sign words and perform daily tasks. He bond’s and interacts very well with his siblings. While adopting Nevada, the Sotolongo’s met a few other children at the orphanage that grabbed their hearts. When leaving, the Sotolongo’s already felt that they would be back. The Sotolongo family is very excited to revisit Nevada’s orphanage and leave with new additions to their family. The Sotolongo’s want to thank you for your support and prayer as they continue on this adoption journey.
9/16/16—APPOINTMENT OCT 18
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at pursuedandtreasured.blogspot.com