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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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Daria and Joe met in 2012, fell in love, and were married in 2014. Joe works as a paralegal for a city agency and Daria works as a vision teacher in a school for children with traumatic brain injuries and multiple disabilities. They have wanted children ever since they were first married. Sadly, while they were able to get pregnant, Daria suffered a miscarriage. Unfortunately while mourning the loss of their child, their doctor told them they would be unable to have another child. Feeling hopeless and lost; they were still overwhelmed with the desire to become parents. Daria and Joe soon looked into adoption.
Daria always advocated for international adoption. One day, while inquiring about the necessary paperwork, their agency asked her to check the profile of a little girl in Eastern Europe, who was waiting for her forever family. When Daria and Joe saw photos and video of “Jenna”, they fell in love with her almost instantly. They found their daughter. As an infant, “Jenna” was born very prematurely. Due to receiving life-saving oxygen, she has retinopathy of prematurity, resulting in almost total blindness. Due to a brain hemorrhage, “Jenna” has developmental delays, and a possibility of Cerebral Palsy. She also has hydrocephaly as a result, but this has been stabilized. Her mother soon abandoned her and “Jenna” was moved to an orphanage upon her improved health. That was over three years ago. She has never known what it’s like to be in a loving family. Nevertheless, she is learning to walk, and is a very curious little girl.
“Jenna” is described as lively and loving by those that meet her, and Daria and Joe think she will be the perfect addition to complete their family. Won’t you help Daria and Joe bring her home by making a donation? Daria and Joe want to bring their daughter home. Your generosity will change three lives, and will be truly appreciated.
4/9/2018 — FIRST TRIP MAY 12
The Jast Family is made of John, Kelsey, and their 6 children. After having 3 biological children, they adopted their youngest domestically almost 3 years ago. That started an incredible journey for them that they know God had planned from the beginning. While navigating all the medical things their newly adopted daughter needed, they learned about the great need for families for kids who have special needs. They soon found Reece’s Rainbow and adopted 2 older boys from Eastern Europe. The boys have been an incredible addition and are settling nicely into family life. They are a joy to not only their family but to the entire community of people they have been placed in! While adopting them, the Jast family knew they would be going back because the need is too great and they have more room at their table. They believe each of these kids, no matter their need, deserve a family of their own. They are ready and excited to bring another child into their family and see how God is going to provide yet again. With adopting for the 3rd time in 3 years, they know it will be tough but they also know when God calls you to act, he always provides exactly what you need right when you need it. They are so grateful to everyone who has come alongside them the last few years and look forward to sharing this journey with you yet again!
3/21/2018 — APPT RECEIVED; APRIL 23
The Jast family has a $500 matching grant! When their FSP reaches $11743.91, they will receive another $500!
Ken and Sarah Schmidt are the parents of three girls: Grace and Isabelle, age 9 (twins) and Everly, age 3. They didn’t know when they were expecting twins that Isabelle would be born with Down syndrome and need lifesaving open heart surgery at six months old. There is not much that can prepare two young parents for that news. It took time to realize what a blessing it was to have a child with Down syndrome; it took time for them to be comfortable with the fact that their child had special needs, and their vision would not be what we had planned.
In doing research about children with Down syndrome and early intervention, they came across an advocacy group, Reece’s Rainbow, which advocates for the adoption of children with special needs who are orphaned. It didn’t take long before both Ken and Sarah knew that they would be adding to our family, another child with Down syndrome; a child that would be orphaned for the same reason they consider our family to be so blessed.
In May of 2016 Sarah and her mom traveled to China to bring home their daughter, whom they named Everly. They had the option of visiting the orphanage where their daughter lived. It was a very difficult decision, but they knew that it would be their only chance to get that information and save it for their daughter someday. Standing in the place where their daughter’s history started is the place Sarah knew in her heart that they would be back in China as soon as God would allow.
By early spring Ken and Sarah knew they were ready to start the adoption process again, and this time they knew they would like to adopt a little girl again, as that is what they’ve had experience with. They also knew they would be comfortable adding a child with minor or correctable needs, such as a limb difference or repaired heart defect. However, God knew that there was much greater work to be done. He has shown them that with the knowledge and support, our comfort zone is much larger than they anticipated.
God helped in making connections for the Schmidt family with a family that had adopted children with beta Thalassemia, and helped them to understand the needs of those with Thalassemia. Ken and Sarah were presented with the file of a BOY that is 3 years old, and he has a very severe type of anemia, called beta Thalassemia. He is getting transfusions, however; not frequently enough as his hemoglobin has dropped significantly. Also, he is not getting chelation therapy which is imperative for those who have beta Thalassemia. While this was not their plan, God is greater! Saying yes to God is often the most challenging step… watching all the pieces come together confirms the “Yes!” We know that God will continue to guide us and bless us with everything we need to get to our son and help provide the care he needs as soon as possible.
4/7/2018 — TRAVELING APRIL 12
Don and Erin Lafreniere met on amateur radio when they were in high school and began an international on-the-air romance (Don lived in Canada and Erin in the United States). These high school sweethearts celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in January 2018. Erin, a former teacher, is now the stay-at-home/homeschooling mom of 13-year-old Peter, 6-year-old Simon, and 1-year-old Clara. The Lafreniere family has lived in both the US and Canada but now lives in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a wonderful place to raise a family. They enjoy visiting Lake Superior beaches, hiking in the woods, and visiting waterfalls together.
After years of Erin being interested in adoption and Don feeling reluctant about it, Erin saw 10-year-old “Valentine” in a summer hosting photolisting and recognized him as a child listed years earlier on Reece’s Rainbow. Knowing that being hosted would significantly increase his chances of being adopted, she convinced Don to host him in the summer of 2017. Once they started hosting, the whole Lafreniere family fell in love with Valentine and Don saw how desperately Valentine needed a family. Seeing his joy in simple things like seeing wildlife, jumping on the trampoline, and running through the sprinkler on a hot day, his pride in learning new skills like riding a bike, playing card games, and telling time, and his obvious desire to belong, and knowing the bleak future that awaited him in his country if he was not adopted, Don and Erin decided to pursue their first international adoption to make him a permanent member of their family. They embarked on the grueling process of preparing and submitting their dossier, dreaming of the day they would welcome Valentine back to their home to stay permanently.
However, in March 2018, just after receiving an invitation to travel to Valentine’s country, Don and Erin learned that Valentine had been adopted by a family in his country just weeks before. Although shocked and distraught, they decided not to let all the work they had done go to waste; they chose to travel anyhow and seek a referral for another child. They continued to face obstacles in their path, as the first child they met was not ready to agree to be adopted, even after almost a week of daily visits. After losing Valentine and not being successful with their first referral, they were filled with trepidation as they faced their appointment for a second referral. Happily, the second child they met was excited about the prospect of being adopted, and they hit it off immediately.
The Lafreniere family is eager to welcome this 10-year-old girl to their home and share their love with her. They are humbly asking for financial support to make this adoption possible.
4/16/2018 — COURT SCHEDULED MAY 10
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at burckeri.wordpress.com
Tim and JoLynne have been married for 9 years. They were high school sweethearts and married two years after graduation. They have four beautiful children- Dexter (6), Beatrix (5), Martina (3), and Simon (2). They adopted Martina from Bulgaria in November of 2016 and knew they weren’t done with adoption- or more accurately, they knew God wasn’t done growing their family in this special way. They weren’t planning on adopting again so soon, but that’s the thing about orphans- once you know their names and see their faces- you don’t forget. And recently, JoLynne and Timmy have realized they have room at their table for “one” more, they have room in their hearts for “one” more, and they are hoping their friends and family will support them as they work toward bring their “one” more home.
3/23/2018 — TRAVEL DATES RECEIVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at writteninyourbook.blogspot.com
I wanted to introduce myself and my family to this new community we have been recommended to join!
I am Amy, my husband is Benjamin, and we have two little girls. Lily has been home from Asia since October 2013 and she is 4 years old and our other little girl, Gabriella, is waiting for us in Asia, we are praying her home by February or March 2018. Both our little girls have a very rare genetic condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or more commonly known as brittle bones. Their bones may break but their spirits are unbreakable!
Since May 2015, we have been trying to get Gabriella’s file but through various reasons, outside of our control, we could never get her file. Lots of hope, waiting, praying, and heartbreak. But now, joy, blessings, miracles, and answered prayers. We have been given this incredible privilege after over two years of trying and waiting to officially pursue Gabriella and make her our daughter! Our family is so thankful for this wonderful gift of adoption.
We welcome you to follow along on our journey to reach Gabriella!
3/16/2018 — TA RECEIVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at faithandroses.wordpress.com
The Horst family is so excited to be adopting again! They have prayed many years for this time and God has moved their hearts that now is the time. Harlan and April have 5 children; two which they adopted from foster care and three biological children. They love spending time together as a family working on their farm and caring for the animals. They also have a garden and grow a lot of their own food. They enjoy fishing, going to the zoo, and visiting friends. One thing they enjoy most about adoption is watching the change in a child when they have a loving family.
They would love your prayers and support as they work to raise the money needed to bring their new daughter home to her forever family.
4/5/2017 — TRIP 1, TRAVELING SOON
Robert and Louisa have been married for twenty-three years. They are the parents of five children, all through the blessings of adoption.
While traveling to Russia, Guatemala and Ukraine, Robert and Louisa saw the unforgettable faces of children in orphanages they had to leave behind. They witnessed the heartache and misery that comes from growing up without the care of loving parents and living in austere conditions. As Roman Catholics, they believe in the sanctity of every human life.
It was through Reece’s Rainbow they learned about children with special needs needing families. In 2013, they welcomed home a baby girl with Down Syndrome. Being older parents, they thought their family was complete. But, God helped them to trust in His plan. One day, a little boy caught their eye. Something about him spoke to their hearts. He was three-years old and still waiting for his forever family. They knew right away they wanted him. After many prayers they decided to say, “Yes!”
Robert and Louisa want to thank their family and friends that have loved and supported them over the years. Most of all, they want to thank Jesus Christ for His sacrifice on the cross. It would mean so much if you would pray for Bruce and the Ramirez Family. Reece’s Rainbow is so worthy of any support you can give.
3/13/2018 — TRAVEL DATES RECEIVED
We have a very long story. We started hosting this young man years ago. We hosted him and his younger sister first initially. We actually started the adoption process for the both of them before hosting them on blind faith. Our hosting went fairly well, but we learned quickly his sister did not want to be adopted. She was very happy with her foster mom and she didn’t want to leave Eastern Europe. So, the adoption stopped as they had to be adopted together since they were a sibling group. We hosted Daniils again the following hosting season and his sister did not come with him this time. We had 3 straight years of hosting him off and on during Christmas & then in the summer. Our girls literally grew up with him. During this time period we moved my husband’s parents into our home with us so we could care for them as they were both terminally ill. They both sadly passed away within four months of each other and we were able to care for them for a year.
One day I was driving down the road and the adoption agency called me and asked me to brace myself that Daniils had worked to get himself legally separated so we could indeed adopt him as this is what he truly wanted. We quickly started the adoption process back up and by winter we were traveling for trip one. We were in country for 3 weeks with our daughters to bring him home. On the third visit with the social worker he said “no” to the adoption. We were shocked and devastated. We never saw that coming. We sadly had no translator support in country and at this point Daniils would no longer speak English to us. We left, crushed and confused as you can imagine. There was no word for this loss at the time as I knew his future would be very bleak. Three months went by and his sister called me. She asked if I would like to speak to Daniils. I of course wanted to and it was so great to hear his voice. The first thing he said to me was. “Mom, I am so sorry”! Those words rung in my head and it was like ripping a band aid off. He also told me, ‘he made a huge mistake and he tried to come back to us the day after he left us but they told him we had already left the country”. It was all so hard. About five months after Daniils said no to the adoption his foster mom had the court place him in an orphanage as she could no longer handle him.
About 6 months went by and God placed on our hearts to adopt again and China was placed in our hearts. We locked in a little boy and we were very excited. Then two days later I found another little boy through advocacy. We like to say that, “God obviously thinks we can handle much more than we think we can”. We traveled in the summer of 2016 to China to bring them home. They have adjusted so well and are a true blessing.
I have always continued to stay in touch with Daniils. He was always so happy for his new brothers and never bitter. We would facetime and send messages back and forth via facebook. We talk every other day currently. Our relationship continued to blossom and a few months ago it hit me like a ton of bricks the reality that he was aging out in March. My son would no longer be adoptable and would forever be classified as an orphan. I thought to myself that I have made so many mistakes in my life as a young adult and I always had my family to fall back on. We spent about 3 weeks asking Daniils questions about what he wanted. We openly talked about our feeling with the adoption loss with him, that we truly loved him, that he had always been our son and always would be no matter what. He never once brought up us coming back to adopt him. We decided to ask him if he would want this and he sobbed. He told us that he wanted this more than anything and that he was so sorry for saying no. We of course spent a long time talking to him about making sure he truly knew in his heart that, “yes” was the only answer for him because our family could not handle that kind of heartbreak again. My son is gypsy and has a very rough go at life in Eastern Europe.
We heard a sermon this summer and the visiting pastor spoke of “living uncomfortably” and asked were we doing all that we have been called to do? So, this will be number 4 adoption in two years. We used our savings for the first adoption in Eastern Europe. No funds from that adoption were returned to us. We took out a home equity line of credit on our home for our boys from China and we honestly don’t have the money to adopt our son in Eastern Europe. My dear friends had an online “square buying fundraiser” a few weeks ago and that paid for our first large fee with our adoption agency. We just had two huge yard sales and raised money doing that. I have sold all designer anything I have to make money at the women’s consignment sale. I’m doing a shirt fundraiser currently and a Mud Love fundraiser currently. I am starting to put together an online auction to fundraise now. I literally am doing everything I can to make this happen and I’m still coming up short. My son ages out in March so we are in a rush to get all approvals and funds raised as soon as possible.
We believe in forgiveness, we believe in second chances and we believe in redemption! Please, I ask for your consideration for help! We would be forever grateful!
2/27/2018 — TRAVELING MARCH 9
3/5/2018 — TRAVELING in MARCH
Raymond and Alison Vis met in high school and after losing contact for a few years have now been married for four years. They have two adorable biological children, Katie aged 3 and Ezra aged 1. They have their hands full with two young toddlers and were not planning on expanding their family again so quickly. But, God!
Alison stumbled across the blog of a family who had recently adopted from Eastern Europe and and was instantly drawn to their story. Many late nights and prayers later Raymond and Alison both accepted what they believed to be a calling to expand their family through international adoption of a child with special needs from Eastern Europe.
Raymond and Alison began the process with great urgency, believing that their child was out there somewhere, just waiting to be found. After many ups and downs Alison and Raymond believe that God has relived the child that they are to go and bring home to their family.
This little one will be a twin for Ezra, being only six weeks apart in age. He will also bring a little something extra to the family as he happens to have Down Syndrome and is rocking that extra chromosome!
Mountains are truly being moved to take this little one from lost to loved. Alison and Raymond are so grateful for all support to help get their little one home!
3/15/2018 — TRAVELING MARCH 15
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at bringinghomebrave.wordpress.com
Jennifer knew since childhood that her place in life was to adopt. When she was 11 her younger brother was born with Down Syndrome and from that moment on she knew she’d be adopting a child or children with Down Syndrome. Jennifer stumbled upon the Reece’s Rainbow website about 7 years ago and her eyes were opened to the plight of these children in other countries. There were many reasons standing in her way when she first found RR and she just wasn’t in a position to adopt. Finally last year she felt like it was the right time.
2/7/2017 — TRAVEL DATES RECEIVED
Kathy lives in West Michigan, where she was born and raised. Kathy was introduced to adoption – especially international adoption, and Reece’s Rainbow, when her daughter decided to adopt a little girl with Down syndrome from Eastern Europe. Her daughter and granddaughter returned home in December 2015. While following her daughter’s adoption and the year since, Kathy has helped as many families as she could, financially and prayerfully. She has also advocated for many children in need of families. Reading story after story about the life altering effects of adoption – for the child and parents – has been an inspiration to her.
After reading about the conditions children who have aged out face, and knowing those children would never know the love of a family, she knew she needed to do more. For the last few months Kathy has been contemplating and praying on what more she could do to help these children. So she is excited to announce that she is going to bring ‘Lana’ home before she ages out and loses the chance to live happily ever after knowing the love and joy of having a family!
Kathy raised her daughter as a single parent and knows the struggles it involves and the additional work it requires, but she decided that now is a good time to adopt an older child who is also from the same country where her granddaughter is from. Like her granddaughter, Lana rocks that awesome extra chromosome!
Any prayers and support, financially or emotionally, are greatly appreciated during her adoption process!
4/4/18 — FINAL TRIP in APRIL
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lifealteringeffects.blogspot.com
Michael and Elizabeth are eagerly waiting to bring Cara home! Michael comes from a family of 14 siblings, and has always wanted a house full of children. Together, Michael and Elizabeth now have 8 children. They both serve at their local church, where Michael helps lead worship. Theirs is a house full of music and worship. Elizabeth is a full time mother, and home-schools their children on their small farm in Oregon. She has had a longstanding desire and call on her life to adopt a child with special needs, and has been patiently waiting for the time God would open that door in her life. Several months ago, the Lord began leading Michael and Elizabeth down a meandering path to prepare for adoption. Doors seemed to open and close, but each bend in the road only reinforced their confidence that God was leading them. They began a homestudy to prepare for a child they had not found yet.
Finally, when they saw Cara’s profile on Reese’s Rainbow, they both fell in love. They found the little girl who had been waiting for them! Cara is an amazing, shining little girl from eastern Europe. Michael, Elizabeth and all of their children are excitedly and impatiently waiting to bring Cara home. Their home is overflowing with love and affection for this little girl. Please, won’t you consider investing in making this family whole?
2/12/2018 — TRAVELING NOW
Follow along on the family’s adoption journey at: grandtdreamteam.blogspot.com
Trent and Amber have been married for eight years. They have three children. The oldest, an 11 year old daughter who joined their family with Amber, is a sweet, loving child who enjoys softball and soccer. Together, they have two young sons. The four year old is hilarious and loves helping Dad with yard-work and car repairs. The baby is two and he is obsessed with tractors and trains. As a family, they enjoy being active in their church, escaping to the outdoors, and engaging in community activities.
Adoption was something they talked about from time to time. They always considered it down the road, when their children were older; when timing was more convenient. After watching local friends go through a domestic adoption, their hearts started to stir. They considered becoming respite caregivers for foster families. It was during this time of consideration their eyes were opened to the orphan crisis in the world. They were introduced to Reece’s Rainbow, particularly children with special needs in Eastern Europe. After watching a close friend commit to a child and go through the adoption process, Amber prayed that if this was God’s will for their lives now, that He would make it known to them. One day, she showed Trent a picture of a little boy, which had become pretty routine in their house, but this time he responded with, “OK. Find out what we need to do to get him home.” They knew then that they couldn’t say “but later” any longer. God had called them to make a difference to one.
They are thrilled to welcome home their son and cannot wait to start their journey as a family of six!
3/26/2018 — AWAITING COURT
The Ewer family has started their adoption journey to adopt a little boy named Jonathan.They are so excited to bring him home and call him their son! Along with the title son he will also gain the title of “big brother”, “little brother”, and of course gain the title of “orphan no more!”
Jonathan will not only have parents who love him but ten siblings to love him as well! He desperately needs LOVE and a FAMILY! International adoption is very expensive but they know that this is the path God has called them on. Please help them get to their son by helping them chip away at the mountain of expenses that lies in their path! Thank you so much!
“We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes.” – Radical by David Platt
2/9/18 — TRAVELING in FEB
Matt and Sara have been married for 15 years and have 7 children, 2 of them adopted from Ukraine. Shortly after their 5th child was born, they saw a photo on the Reece’s Rainbow website of a young girl who looked like she could be their daughter. They began the adoption process, and God richly blessed their journey and unique way of adding to their family. They also brought home a young son that year. The transition has gone well overall and both kids are absolutely amazing! They are so loving, and the family cannot imagine life without them. Looking back, it feels like they have always been with them. Their other children have been very supportive and also want to adopt someday.
Fast forward to 2017. Matt and Sara have never stopped thinking about adoption and whether adopting again would be right for them. Would they still be supported if adding to their family again? After all, even 7 children is far past the national average in America. Would others understand the great need that is out there? After a recent road trip with much time to think, they saw two boys newly listed on the Reece’s Rainbow website and decided to follow their hearts and step forward in faith once again. It truly felt like their family was not yet complete and that adoption would grow their family yet again.
One evening, their oldest daughter also asked for the Reece’s Rainbow website address and began looking through photos of waiting girls. She brought a few to Mom and Dad’s attention, and soon 3 of the girls were looking at profiles together. As a result, the family also hopes to bring home an older daughter if it is God’s will. Altogether, it would even out the kids – 5 girls and 5 boys.
In addition to road trips across the US and Canada, the Baerbock family enjoys nature walks, family movie nights, and trips to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and State Fair. They are also involved in their church through Sunday School and the church council. The girls enjoy track and gymnastics, and one daughter has even made it onto the local gymnastics team!
The family would be honored and humbled by your support and encouragement to help bring their children home. Please pray for them that all may go smoothly. You can follow their journey at their blog: www.postzero.com/adoption_journey
2/5/18 — TRAVELING NOW
Mark and Rachel Parkinson have been happily married 16 years. We have three beautiful children.. Christian, Naomi and Ella. We have a fun farmette where we enjoy all of our animals and plenty of fresh air!
Adoption has been on Rachel’s heart since she was a little girl…she dreamt of having her own orphanage one day. As time has gone by and prayers for direction made, the Lord opened their eyes to the needs of the orphans of Eastern Europe. Thus has begun our amazing journey leading us to commit to a beautiful little girl “Emma”. We feel so blessed to be called to bring her into our home and call her our own……she is in a very tough place and we are raising funds to bring her home as soon as possible!
1/22/2018 — TRAVELING NOW
God has given the Wade family the privilege to parent three biological children. Although tough at times, being a parent has been one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.
Upon beginning the journey of adoption, they started in the State of Georgia Foster Care program through The Department of Family and Children Services, feeling strongly that God had called them to pursue children from hard places. Because Kalee’s brother was adopted through the foster care system and she had been around foster children all of her teenage life, this felt like the obvious place for them to stand in the gap.
After spending a year praying, reading profiles of children and waiting for what God had in store for them, they came across their son’s profile — who will soon be named Leo — on Reece’s Rainbow. They learned that he was in an orphanage and had Down Syndrome, and that statistically, was highly unlikely to get adopted. They decided to take a month to pray and ask the Lord if they should pursue him, understanding that God would open all of the doors necessary if he was their son. They were so excited when we filed commitment paperwork and they came back with a match. Their only reservation was the amount of money it would to take to get him home. The Wades are a family of five on one income, so they really had to trust that God would provide every fee along the way. He is faithful to complete the work He has called them to and He has no limitations. The Wade family feels like adoption is such a tangible way to live out the gospel. When they envision how God left the comforts and glory of heaven, to pursue us and bring us into His family, they are beyond grateful. Even though we had nothing to offer Him and the cost was great, He did it because of His love for us. It is God’s heart for the fatherless that has grown this family’s affections for adoption.
1/5/2017 — TRIP 1 JANUARY 12
Please follow the family’s journey on their blog: thewadeclan.wordpress.com
Laurie was raised in a large family, in a small town near the shores of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota. There were eight children in the family including Laurie and her identical twin sister. With many cousins growing up in nearby towns, crowds were always expected during holidays or weekend getaways at the family cabin. Eventually, children grew up and moved away to school or jobs as far away as Alaska and Indonesia. Nieces and nephews joined the family and Laurie settled in central Minnesota. While working at a group home there she became licensed to do foster care and soon a four year old boy moved into her home. Three years later Laurie adopted him. When her son was eight years old the little family moved to Minneapolis and Laurie attended school, graduated and moved back to the northeastern part of the state. She began working as a Educational Sign Language Interpreter in the public school system and has been doing that for the past 28 years.
While browsing on line one day, Laurie came upon Reece’s Rainbow and was immediately drawn in, looking at children’s photos and reading family adoption stories. Children with a variety of needs were of special interest ever since high school when Laurie developed a friendship with student who had Down syndrome. Laurie was also involved in the Special Olympics, both while working at group homes and while raising her own son. The picture of one child on the Reece’s Rainbow site caused Laurie to return to the site again and again. She began advocating for that child, posting information about Reece’s Rainbow on social media and donating to families. That did not seem as though it were enough and after eight years that child who had caused her to return to the site so many times, was aging out. This meant he would lead a life without a great deal of learning and opportunity. Sooooo … Laurie is stepping into the world of adoption once again after 30 years! Let’s see where this journey takes her!
3/27/2018 — FINAL TRIP APRIL 14
Mike and Ruth have been married for 18 years. They have 4 children – ages 18 to 5 years old and in addition an 18 month old foster to adopt African American child. When their 5 year old daughter, Emma was born, the family discovered she had Down Syndrome. Having Emma in their lives opened them up to the heart of the Father – which is those orphaned and those with special needs. The family began to open their homes to international orphans thru a hosting program.
Ruth met “Susana” while on a trip to her orphanage in September 2015. Susana lives in a war-stricken orphanage in Eastern Europe. Many of the children in her orphanage have seen first-hand the effects of war & conflict.
The family brought Susana home in December 2015, to spend Christmas with their family and for her to be seen by a team of specialists at UNC Chapel Hill. She has what is known as lymphatic vascular malformation. While it is not necessarily life threatening, without treatment the growth will continue to grow and affect many aspects of her daily life, including her jaw and her ability to eat. She will need to receive treatment for this genetic issue for the rest of her life.
The family soon discovered that Susana is not defined by this malformation! She is sweet and spunky, full of life and laughter! She steals hearts with everyone she meets. Her potential knows no bounds!
As an orphan advocate family and ministry, when the family first met Susana there were no thoughts regarding adoption – our focus and prayers was to help her find a forever family! Over the months however, God was making it clear to the family that she is their special gift, their reward from the Lord!
Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from Him.
Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
Psalm 127:3-5
3/23/2018 — COURT PASSED!
God has been working miracles in their hearts, and the Harmon family is adding a sweet little boy to their family! As their own four children slept safely in their beds, bellies full of food, hearts knowing they are loved, Nikki and Mikey wept as they scrolled through profiles of abandoned children who did not know the safety and love of a family. As they scrolled through page after page of profiles, they kept going back to one little boy who had touched their hearts. He was familiar to them somehow, and before the night was over they had emailed the agency for more information. They hardly slept that night as the weight of these forgotten children weighed heavily on their hearts and wet their pillows with tears. Over the next few days it became clear that God intended for this little boy to teach them about sacrifice and love. Suddenly their perspective had changed and nothing felt as important as bringing him home. Their children did not hesitate for a moment when Nikki and Mikey told them there was a child without a home who needed a family. They cannot wait to hold Landon in their arms!
3/16/2018 — COURT on MARCH 20
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at theharmonsadopt.blogspot.com
Jason and Rebekah Waller have been married for almost 14 years and have 4 beautiful children. Adoption was only something they had discussed briefly as a “maybe one day” or “we might eventually” kind of notion. One day, after following a Reece’s Rainbow link a friend had posted on facebook, Rebekah came face to face with Tyler. She immediately felt a connection, but knew she couldn’t make that decision alone. After weeks of crying, praying, and constantly thinking about this precious boy, Jason agreed that they should contact someone for more info.
It’s been tough, but they can already see the great rewards. Their kids (especially the oldest) are super excited! Please pray for the process and for sweet Tyler.
3/16/2018 — COURT PASSED in OCT; AWAITING FINAL TRIP
The Waller family has also received an Older Child Grant of $10,000 for Tyler.
Jennifer and Ryan have been hosting children from Eastern Europe, and are now on a journey to add these siblings to their family. With a 5 month old baby and busy 7 year old they started on their adoption adventure!
The children they are adopting are a part of a larger sibling group. They were hoping to adopt all 7 children, but at this time they are only able to adopt 4 of the children.
4/17/2018 — AWAITING COURT DATES
Chris and Tia have been married for 8 years. They are over the moon excited to adopt a beautiful baby boy from Eastern Europe. They already have an amazing 15-year-old daughter named Morgan.
Morgan plays soccer at the High School she attends and is involved in several clubs in the school. This past summer Morgan Volunteered at a Non-Profit Hospital which happens to be where Chris and Tia both work. Chris is the Communications/Technology Manager and Tia works in Patient Financial Service.
A Few months ago, Tia learned about Reece’s Rainbow from another RR family. The more Chris and Tia learned the more their hearts were breaking for all the children. The minute they saw Corin’s sweet face everything changed for both of them. They both knew that was their son and they had to bring him home.
Chris, Tia and Morgan cannot wait for this baby boy to be in their family to shower him with LOVE.
4/11/2018 — APPT on APRIL 16
Please follow our journey at allthingspossible.blog
Boy, born 2016
esophageal obstruction, GERD, bronchopneumonia, VSD, malnutrition
benign intercranial hypertension
DAP APPT in MAY
Christiaan and Kayla have been married for 3 years. During this time, they have had 2 beautiful children. Mila is a sweet and sassy 2-year-old. Maks is a cuddly and loving 1-year-old. It was during their years of dating that Christiaan and Kayla discussed their hope to adopt one day. They were unsure of the timing or any of the details. It was this year that they felt God tugging on their heart. He told them that It was time. A few years ago, Kayla stumbled across the Reece’s Rainbow page. It was at this time that her eyes were opened to the reality that orphans with special needs face every day. It was then that their hearts were turned toward special needs adoption. When they stumbled across a picture of Cole, they commented on how sweet his smile was and kept going. Over the next few days, their hearts and minds kept returning to him. They requested more information and prayed about it. They knew that this little boy was their son. Now they are working diligently to bring Cole home to his forever family!
4/16/2018 — FIRST TRIP APRIL 21
