Traveling Now
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Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome... |
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LALI + 1 for the Tilton family — KS
Frank and Melissa Tilton live in Douglass, Kansas and have two children, Emily who is 20 and Frankie who is 10. In 2013, God gave them a love for a child whose Reece’s Rainbow picture they had seen on Facebook. It was love at first sight and they knew she was to be their daughter and a little sister to Emily and Frankie. Lali became their precious Gracie in their hearts. After prayerful consideration, they also fell in love with a little boy known as Bill. He melted their hearts with his smile and the Tilton family knew he would be a wonderful brother for Emily, Frankie and Gracie. Frankie is super excited to finally have a little sister and a brother. His dreams have come true! They have accepted “Bill”, now their sweet Oliver to be a part of their family as well. The Tilton family is anxiously awaiting the time when they can all be together. They would like to say thank you to everyone who shares in their dream of growing their family through love!
7/21/14—TRAVELING JULY 29
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at tiltonfamily5.blogspot.com
SIMON and SAMUEL for the Cianciolo family — VT
Roses are red violets are blue
We are here to tell our story to you
There once was two people from different states
They were lonely
As they were praying for their soul mate
Low and behold
They went to a site
This is the place
That God answered their plight
The wedding took place
Best friends they remain
Now there are four others
That carry the Cianciolo name
Two of our children diagnosed very young
Realizing that there were others who would some day come
Our camp and our ministry
God laid on our heart
We realize as we serve that we are ready to start
We sought God and we prayed
For one special child
God of course had two all the while
Twins they are
And we are blessed indeed
As we begin our journey to
Provide all their needs
We hope you’ve enjoyed
Our story through rhyme
We covet your prayers
During this time
The Cianciolo family
Announces our two precious boys
As our cup overflows
We count it all joy
7/21/14–APPOINTMENT IS JULY 24
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at tac4hymn.wordpress.com
MARIA for the Cox Family — GA
Allen and Kristi have been married for 19 years and have been blessed with four beautiful daughters: Allena, Leilani (who was still born as a result of multiple birth defects), Alivea, and Alea (who sports that extra special chromosome). Without even knowing it, when they lost Leilani, God was beginning to prepare their hearts for a journey of adoption that wouldn’t come to fruition until much later. Having no prior relationships or experiences with Down Syndrome when Alea was born, Allen and Kristi tried to learn all that they could and soon found their lives engulfed with therapy appointments, feeding team appointments and multiple medical appointments. Kristi found Reece’s Rainbow one night while searching for information about DS. Over the next 3 years, the family learned that children born with special needs are considered “broken” and not afforded the therapies and medical attention that Alea has access to. This broke their hearts as they celebrated the accomplishments and successes that Alea made each week and realized that all children with special needs don’t have that support system and love given to them every day. Kristi and the girls spent a lot of time looking at, advocating for, and fundraising for families that were in process. Then, when they saw the smiling face of a little girl on the RR website and they posted her picture on their refrigerator to pray over, their hearts knew that God was calling them to bring her home. They had seen her so many times before but this week was different; God sent confirmation and was opening the door for them to adopt.
The Cox family humbly asks that you pray for them during this time. John 14:18 (NLT) says, “No I will not abandon you as orphans; I will come to you.” Proverbs 24: 12 (NLT) tells us “Don’t try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul and he knows you knew! And He will judge all people according to what they have done.” Everyone is not called to adopt, but the Cox family knows that they have been called to this little girl. They would love for you to follow along on this exciting journey and pray that God open all doors so that they can bring her home quickly. They appreciate your prayers and support and thank you very much.
7/21/14—APPOINTMENT IS AUGUST 6
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at thecoxcourse.blogspot.com
CHAVA for the Chellson family — CA
David and Melissa have been married for 9 years and have two amazing boys, Ryan (8) and Mykhaylo (4). Their hearts were full with love after the adoption of their youngest son Mykhaylo (aka Misha or Aaron on RR) and they felt their family was complete with their two boys. However, after a year of being home with Misha, David and Melissa began talking about expanding their family once more with a third child (hoping for a girl), but were not excited about the road to having another baby after dealing with secondary infertility and failed fertility treatments prior to adopting Misha. Melissa had always browsed the Reece’s Rainbow website just to stay in touch with the adoption world and thought maybe one day they’d adopt again…It wasn’t until Melissa saw the picture of precious Chava and immediately knew that the day had come sooner than later that they would adopt again. Once Melissa showed David Chava’s picture, he agreed that they needed to bring her home. David, Melissa and the boys are excited to welcome a daughter/little sister into their family and are looking forward to the added touches of pink and purple she will bring to their family!!
7/11/14—APPOINTMENT JULY 24th
Follow the Chellson family’s adoption journey on their blog at chellsonfamilyadventures.blogspot.com
JUDE for the Jupin family — AL
After two years in process to adopt a child from Russia, John and Amy Jupin finally met their little boy in December 2012. They were elated! Davis was sweet and funny and wonderful. Excited and head over heels in love, the Jupins returned home to wait for a court date. One week later, Russia passed a ban prohibiting Americans from adopting children from Russia. The Jupins were devastated.
Almost a year since losing their sweet Davis, the Jupin family has decided to give adoption a try again. This time their hearts have found a young man from Eastern Europe who desperately wants a family. He is 11 and endearing and kind and so very deserving of the love only a family can give. Lord willing, he will finally get his wish and join the Jupins’ three other children, Joshua, Anna and Benjamin.
7/19/14—APPOINTMENT IS AUGUST 6
Follow the Jupin family’s adoption journey on their blog at jupinfamily.blogspot.com
THEODORE +1 for the Dailey family — AL
If you remember Ben and Kathy after almost 33 years of marriage have two bio children and three of his brothers children they took in when his brother died and 9 grandchildren when they adopted Harrison. Well Ben and Kathy had only been home two months after adopting Harrison from Ukraine. Their adopted son had a best friend they were able to meet and the few times they were able to spend with him and their son they grew to love him. One day as they were leaving from a daily visit with Harrison, he and Theodore ran up and ask if we could adopt him also, they did not know what to say because their home study was only for one child, how to you respond to this? There were a few times that Theodore was able to sneak in and would spend time with Harrison and when the workers would come to get him, he and Harrison would grab hold of each other not wanting to be separated. The day the Dailey’s were able take Harrison from the facility it was with bitter sweet tears because these two young men held to each other knowing they may never see each other again.
Recently as they were praying about whether or not to try and adopt him, it was Harrison that God used to direct their decision, you he came and asked them if they could adopt Theodore so they could be brothers like twins. That was all the answer they needed so they are again two months home with Harrison and ready to go back for Theodore. They ask that you pray for them that they are able to raise the needed funds they will need to go and bring Harrison brother, Theodore, home.
7/21/14—APPOINTMENT IS AUGUST 5
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at bddailey.blogspot.com
MIRABEL and OTTO for the Holland family — FL
Wow, what an amazing journey The Lord has James and Trish on! They are so excited for what the future holds and can not wait to get their babies home. James and Trish have been together nine years and married for four. They have two biological children, Gracie and Joshua. Trish’s life has always revolved around children; including babysitting, working with children at church, working at day cares, majoring in Child Development, and then finally having children of her own. James also has a huge place in his heart for children, so they knew even as they dated as teenagers that they would adopt one day. They were not sure when that day would be, but as God opened door after door they realized that the time was now!
They first found precious Rhys and committed to him right away. Around the time that they found Rhys they also found Mirabel. They prayed for Mirabel everyday and thought about her constantly. After several weeks of pouring their hearts out to God and seeking His wisdom and will for their lives they were given a peace that passes all understanding. With in 24 hours of each other they both knew that Mirabel was theirs!!
Their two year old daughter, Gracie, carries Rhys and Mirabel’s pictures everywhere and talks about them constantly. To her they are already her siblings. The waiting is hard and they have just began the process. What a sweet day it is going to be when they get to hold them for the very first time. Our God is so good and they know that He is going to provide what they need to get their little ones home. With the addition of Mirabel the financial burden becomes a little heavier, but they will do whatever is necessary to raise the funds. If you feel called to help, they would forever be grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read their story. God bless you.
7/19/14—APPT on JULY 24
VERA for the Bartelt family — KS
Todd and Nancy fell in love 19 years ago while working as counselors at a summer Bible camp. They sang, walked and laughed the summer away together, and when fall came, they agreed that they hadn’t had enough of each other yet. So they “weathered the seasons” together for a year, and finally decided that they’d never have enough — they wanted to spend their lives together! A year later, they married in the middle of Iowa on a lovely June afternoon and today have three biological kids: a daughter (13) and two sons (10 & 6). Several years ago, those kids discovered Reece’s Rainbow and even watched as some family friends found and brought home their Ukrainian daughter through RR. And they began hoping and praying that their family, too, might grow through adoption. Time passed, and two years ago, Todd & Nancy decided it was time to step out in faith and start the process to bring home a new daughter from China. Finally, this past May they were matched with a spunky 17-month-old girl with hearing loss and big brown eyes, and suddenly the person they had dreamed and prayed about had a face, a smile, and a name: Vera!
Her siblings are excited to teach her all kinds of things, and the whole family cannot wait to welcome her sweet spirit into their home and hearts, sharing with her all the things they love: music, theater, hiking, biking, baking, camping, and most of all, each other. They humbly invite you to join them — whether by prayer, encouragement or contributions — in this slowly-unfolding miracle that God is crafting within their family!
7/19/2014—TRAVELING JULY 30
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog veraclearacrossthesea.blogspot.com
BOBBY for the Decker family — TX
Rick and Kim have been blessed with 8 children (his, hers, and ours) ranging in age from 35 down to their youngest who just turned 7. They are no stranger to adoption or special needs. Kim had 3 children when she met Rick, two of whom were adopted. Her oldest son was adopted from US foster care as a baby and her next son was adopted from an orphanage in Lithuania. Fully aware of all the medical unknowns of this child, she was NOT aware of how much this child would change her life…….for the better! Cole was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and is autistic. He has taught, and continues to teach, their whole family whats most important in this life.
When God began stirring Kim’s heart again in 2010, she was pretty certain what He was asking her to do. About that same time, Kim “accidentally” came across Reece’s Rainbow and couldn’t believe the stories she was reading. She began sharing her heart with Rick and showing him what was happening to children with special needs in these foreign country orphanages. Children, just like their Cole. After much prayer, and continued prompting from God, they took a leap of faith and said “yes” to stepping out of their comfort zone and taking God’s adventure.
Their journey to Gabe began in Jan. 2011 and they brought home their little Russian treasure in Aug. 2011. Gabe has down syndrome and is quiet a little firecracker!! What a joy he is to this family and to all he comes in contact with. While in Russia, Rick and Kim saw with their own eyes what these children face, day in and day out. And although there are many people, and many reasons that it might seem crazy to do this again……..they believe there is not ONE good enough reason, in the Lord’s eyes, not to.
So following His lead, once again they are headed into the world of unknowns….international adoption! This time they will be going to China to bring home another little treasure who also has down syndrome. They know the path that lies before them is not an easy road to take, but they are totally confident in the One who has led them there.
They would love for you to come along for the journey, and would really appreciate your prayers for their new son, and for all of their family. Also, if you feel so led and want to donate funds to help bring their little guy home, they would be forever grateful.
“Once our eyes are opened we can’t pretend we don’t know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know and holds us responsible to act.”
7/13/14— TRAVEL DATE RECD
Follow the Decker family’s adoption journey on their blog at wheremercymetgrace.blogspot.com
ISABELLA for the Proctor family — UT
Travis and Angela have been married for 13 years. Angela had three children from her first marriage, a 20 year old daughter, a 19 year old son, and a 17 year old daughter. Travis and Angela have two little girls together. A 9 year old daughter with Down syndrome, a 7 year old little girl, and a 1 year old grandson. Travis and Angela are host home parents to a 19 year old boy with Down syndrome/Autism he has been with them for 8 years. They live in Utah where Travis is a 5th grade teacher and Angela works with children and adults with special needs and their families to make sure they get the support they need at home and in the community. Angela has wanted to adopt children with special needs since she was a little girl. When their daughter was born with Down syndrome, Angela found Reece’s Rainbow and her heart broke when she learned about all the children that spend their lives in orphanages because they have Down syndrome. Angela not only has a passion for adoption but for educating and equipping families in other countries with the skills and resources they need to keep their children home instead of placing them in an orphanage. And also, training orphanage staff how to better care for the children with special needs in their care. It has been a long journey but they never lost faith in God’s plan. Angela found Isabella on a China waiting child page and when she told Travis about her they both knew she was meant to be their daughter. The Proctors are excited and grateful that they will be traveling to bring Isabella ho me the end of July/first part of August.
6/23/2014—TRAVELING JULY 23
DAMION for the Rafferty family — NC
Chris and Traci met at a coffee shop in Raleigh, North Carolina. As they started talking they realized they had criss-crossed the country, from Montana to Alabama and back, before they both moved to Raleigh for school. After this first meeting they were merely acquaintances for a couple years until they got to know each other more when they both happened to move to Turkey for jobs. As their friendship bloomed into love they realized their mutual travel wasn’t the only thing they had in common. They both cherished other cultures and people and both loved God and desired to serve Him with their lives.
They got married and had two precious daughters early in their marriage. With a desire for more children, they felt the Lord was directing them to adopt. To be honest, Chris was ready before Traci. It wasn’t that Traci didn’t like adoption, she was just fearful that she wouldn’t love an adopted child as much as she loved her biological children. After much prayer and counsel they desired to follow what they believed God was leading them to do and start the adoption process. The first adoption was lengthy and difficult but God used this to get Traci’s heart ready. When the adoption was finalized in January of 2012 they were both eager to welcome their Bulgarian son, Alex, into their family with their whole hearts.
It’s been a little over a year now and they feel the Lord leading them to adopt another child. They were praying about this when they learned about Damion through a fellow church member who is finalizing an adoption through Reece’s Rainbow. When they saw Damion’s information Chris and Traci knew immediately he was to be part of their family. Within two days they had filed the necessary paperwork to begin the process of bringing him home.
A while back Damion wrote a letter to his future family, “I want to have a family because I love the family. I would love to have a mummy and a daddy who I will love.” (Then he signed it to make it official.) Well, Damion will not only get the mummy and daddy he greatly desires but will also have two sisters, a brother, and the dog he said he wanted. Don’t you just love when a story has a happy ending?!
7/7/14—FINAL TRIP 8/4
EDWARD and JOYANNA for the Winslow family — NH
Let me introduce you to a New Hampshire family whose mission field is adoption! Residing on a small farm they have named Grace Abounding Farm, this family has 2 biological daughters and 6 adopted children. They take seriously God’s command in James 1:27 which states..”Care for the orphans”. Glenn and Mary have been married for 24 years. Glenn is a self employed carpenter, and Mary is blessed to be a keeper of the home and a homeschool Mom. They are in their 13th year of homeschooling. Their eldest biological daughter is married and age 22. She and her husband have the Winslow’s 2 beautiful grand daughters who live just a few towns over. The Winslow’s other biological daughter is 17, and a senior in high school for homeschooling. Glenn and Mary first stepped out in faith to adopt 2 children from Haiti, 7 years ago. Grace, now 16, and Jon, now 9, are thriving in their home. Their next adoption came 4 years later, in 2010, when they adopted a set of 10 year old twins from the NH foster care system. Edward and Elisha are now 13. Next came little 5 year old Nicole. She was also a NH foster care child. She was adopted officially in August of 2012. She is 7 now. Their latest adoption came in the form of a private adoption of a little drug addicted baby that no one wanted. Rosalinda is now 10 months old and doing really well!
Zoey
God first put a Bulgarian adoption on their hearts with a plea that came out from Adeye’s No Greater Joy Mom blog for a family for Theodore. Glenn and Mary stepped out in faith willing to bring Theodore into their family. God had other plans for Theodore, and he was matched with another family. God also had plans for the Winslows. It was last week that God made known the needs of Zoey. Glenn and Mary immediately fell in love with precious little Zoey. Knowing that according to God’s word, whatever they did for the “least of these” they would do for God Himself! They also felt called to Edward, too. Now, God is moving mountains for both Zoey and Edward to join the Winslow family! Thank you all so much for taking the time to read about our family, and to encourage us in this way! Please visit our blog for updates!
“We thank our God upon EVERY remembrance of you!” Philipians 1:3
Precious Zoey passed away in January 2014. We are so grateful she was able to know the loving embrace of a family, before going to Heaven. The Winslow family is continuing on to bring Edward (soon to be Jeremiah!) home, and JoyAnna. JoyAnna is almost 7 years old, and lives in the same orphanage Zoey was in.
7/5/14—FINAL TRIP JULY 22nd
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at winslowsix.blogspot.com
RANDALL and BRETT for the Feinland family — LA
Adoption first struck Rachelle and Stephen’s hearts in 2012. That year they completed the adoptions of 2 boys from Ukraine, Silas and Andre with the help of Reece’s Rainbow and the wonderful team in Ukraine. The process was quite a whirlwind! After a few minor delays, they came home on November 29, 2012 which was Silas’ 5th birthday! This gave them 5 boys! Upon coming home Silas suffered violent drug withdrawals, weighed only 17 pounds at 5 years old and had many other medical issues, many of which were a result of the care he was under in Ukraine. A year later Silas now weighs 43 pounds and is doing wonderful! Andre has also blossomed into a wonderful, delightful little boy! Their brothers adore them and they are loved, orphans no more!
Rachelle and Stephen thought that their family was complete, God had other plans.
7/7/14—APPOINTMENT IS JULY 23
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at piecingourpuzzletogether.blogspot.com
CARLIANA for the Rowan family — MS
Carliana has a family that is trying to adopt her as quickly as they can, but they need your help. Their oldest child, Ana, always wanted an older sister, so for Christmas they hosted Carliana. Carliana is a true orphan that is 14 years old and has dropsy, or edema of the cranial cavity. She also has developmental delay and takes special needs classes at her school. Because her head is so large the edema has probably not been treated, and if left so could cause brain damage or even death. Because of recent conflict in her country, the family has rushed all the paperwork which has added additional expenses. Please consider helping this family bring their snow girl home!
This has been such a special story because the younger sister’s love for her new older sister truly will save her life. She was chosen because the girls look so much alike they could be twins, even having a beauty mark in the exact same place! They are the same exact size, the only difference being the color of their eyes. This is not the story of a mother wanting another child, but of a sister wanting to save her sister! Please help these two Ana’s with their happily ever after by giving to their adoption.
5/29/2014— TRAVELING in JULY
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog anotheranarowan.wordpress.com
FAITH ANNE for the Callahan family — FL
The Callahans are hopeful that Faith Anne will be joining their family in Florida soon. Bob and Jaime married in 2010 and desire to expand their family, which currently consists of four adult children and three teenagers. Bob is a recently retired physician, and Jaime is an accountant. Although they knew instinctively that their family would be enriched by the addition of a special needs child; they were initially somewhat hesitant about adopting a child in a foreign country. However, on the very first day of their search, they found Faith Anne (or Faith Anne found them). The moment they saw her, it was love at first sight. Their hesitation about the adoption process was quickly replaced with an urgency to bring little Faith Anne home. Bob and Jaime are very hopeful that they will have the opportunity to provide a happy, stable, and loving home for Faith Anne so that she can achieve her fullest potential. Although they haven’t met Faith Anne yet in person, they already feel like she is a part of their family and are anxious to bring her home. They wish that they could tell her that they’re on their way!
7/3/14—APPOINTMENT IS JULY 10
FULLY FUNDED!!!
A CHILD for the DeClue family — MO
Ron and Amy met in 2003 and married in 2005. They were not sure of the specific details of God’s plan for their family, but knew that it was going to look a little different than the norm. The DeClue family consists of two biological children and one adopted child. In 2007 their daughter was born, and shortly followed by a little brother in 2009. Since Ron and Amy were dating they always discussed adoption as a way to build a family, along with having biological children. Feeling the call to adopt, they traveled in the summer/fall of 2012 to bring home their beautiful 8 year old daughter from Ukraine. After seeing all the sweet faces in need of a family, they knew they would be starting the process again shortly to add yet another sibling to the group. This time they felt they were being lead to adopt a child with Down Syndrome. After much prayer and research they decided to begin the adoption process again. This time for a little boy. One thing they learned from the first adoption was that when God calls you to GO, He shows up in a big way and paves the path to your child. They are anxiously waiting for the day they get to see their sweet little boy and tell him what he deserves to hear, “We love you son. Its time to come home.”
7/4/14—TRAVELING NOW
DIANA and ANNE for the Michaletz family — WI
Bill and Amy Michaletz have been married twenty years and have five children—Jenny, Jack, Joe, Nate and Ellie. They are adopting Diana and Anne and are thrilled to be on this journey! The whole family is excited to bring the girls home.
Both Bill and Amy have traveled to Ethiopia to serve in orphanages, including a teen orphanage and a HIV+ orphanage. When they met the precious children living there, they saw each one of them as a child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made—each child with potential and uniqueness, each with a name, their own story and each with worth. Not a statistic, but a child.
Amy and Bill see Diana and Anne as just that—not just two of the 147 million orphans, but two precious girls. Two girls that God sees as just as special as their other children. Two girls, who despite their “codes” for their “disabilities” have so much to offer a family—the beauty of seeing a child truly blossom and become the work of art God designed them to be. Two girls whose special needs are not a list of diagnoses and codes, but the special needs God sees them having—-the need for a family.
Bill and Amy are familiar with the types of delays the girls have as one of their sons has some of the same delays. They are anxious to get the girls home and use the things they have learned with their son to help Diana and Anne learn and grow.
They thank you for your support—especially your prayers as they journey to bring their girls home!
5/19/14—COURT on JULY 4
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at ourjourneytothegirls.blogspot.com
EBONY and GIDEON for the Sutton family — VA
The Suttons believe children are a gift from God and they have been abundantly blessed with 9 children, ages 11 and under, to love and raise up so far! They always knew they would adopt someday and they completed their first adoption in January 2013.
Just four months after returning home from Eastern Europe with their son, Benjamin (Mikale on RR), the Suttons discovered he had a younger brother at the same orphanage that they didn’t know even existed. They knew they had to go back for him as the brothers deserved to grow up together. It was a difficult decision at first because the timing was not in their plans and they had no chance to save up and prepare before beginning the process again. Once it had been confirmed, they submitted an official request to adopt Gideon. For some reason, the officials in EE could not find his file and so the Suttons waited for 4 months with no word or hope that it would be possible.
While they were waiting, they saw a picture of a little girl and knew she was supposed to be theirs. During their first adoption, they had hoped to adopt a little girl along with Benjamin, but were not able to find the one meant to be in their family. The decision of whether to commit to Ebony was a hard one because it put a tight timetable on how long it would be possible to wait for Gideon to be found. The Suttons decided to take the leap of faith and move forward, trusting that if Gideon was indeed supposed to be their son that God would work out all the details to make it happen before their time ran out to be able to add him. Just two weeks after committing to Ebony, Gideon’s file was found and the Suttons were able to commit to him as well!
Ebony and Gideon face a bleak future growing up as orphans in their home country. They both have been waiting for a family their whole lives and the Suttons cannot wait to bring them home to make them their daughter and son, and to reunite the brothers once again. They never expected to be going back so soon, but when you see your child’s face looking back at you, you realize there isn’t time to wait and prepare, you need to step out in faith and do whatever it takes to bring them home now.
Would you please consider helping the Suttons, with a tax deductible donation? No amount is too small and they are grateful for each and every gift and prayer.
“Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” I John 3:18
6/12/14—FIRST TRIP JULY 12
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at blessingseternal.blogspot.com
NATHAN for the Dasher family — CO
Johnny and Amy Dasher have been married for 30 years. They have 11 biological children and three adopted children. Their eleventh biological child Jillian is six years old and she has Down syndrome. After she was born they have often wondered why the diagnosis of Down syndrome is taught to be such a fearful thing. Their journey with Down syndrome has been an adventure!
Amy discovered Reece’s Rainbow in 2007 and the dream was set in place to adopt another child iwth the same diagnosis as Jillian. Jillian was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2008. Adoption was set aside while she went through treatment. By 2010, she was in remission and doing very well! In April of 2010 they began their first adoption journey. In June of 2011 they brought home a little girl named Josie from China. Josie had a heart defect that was repaired after they brought her home. In nine months the transformation they watched was incredible! In 2012 they adopted Janna and Jamie who also have Down syndrome.
They are now in the process to adopt a little boy with Down syndrome from China. They would appreciate your prayers and financial support as they prepare to make the journey again!
4/21/14—TRAVELING IN JULY
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at anincrediblejourney-dashers.blogspot.com
TWO BOYS for the Johnson family — PA
Jody Johnson is a single mother with three sons. In 2011, she committed to adopt Oksana from Russia. God intervened in miraculous ways to bring her to the other side of the world to meet the little girl for which she would promise to return. Five months later, she was ready to return to court when Russia halted all adoptions to U.S. families. While she has not given up on Oksana and hopes to return for her as soon as she is given the opportunity, she knows there are others whose needs must be met in the meantime. Christians are called by God to minister to orphans and through such ministering bring glory to God. Because they are specially drawn to orphans who are difficult to place due to special needs, the Johnsons hope to touch the lives of those who have little chance to find the love of Christ and a family. Though abandoned and broken in our sin, God, the Father, sent His Son to take the punishment we deserved, that we may become His children. He loves us when we are most unlovable and through our weakness, He shows His strength.
“Adoption is a real-life illustration of the gospel. It shows us how God transforms spiritual orphans into family members. He changes our names, identities, and families by His grace. Orphan care is acts of mercy that flow from the heart of one who has been changed by the gospel.” Tony Merida, “Orphanology”
The Johnsons know from experience that the road to adoption can be long and require great patience, but they are committed to the task and will follow as the Lord leads them. After inquiring with Oksana’s placing agency about other waiting children, Jody received and accepted a referral for a four year-old boy with some significant cognitive delays. About a week later, the agency mentioned an older boy, healthy, but difficult to place due to age. Having much experience with boys, she knew she needed to give this boy a home, too. To that end, now the adventure extends to another corner of Eastern Europe where God will make two special boys a part of their family. The Johnsons appreciate your prayers and would be happy to have you follow along with them as they blog their way through the process. Please pray that throughout this journey, God will open the hearts of those who may not know Him and cause them to want to know more about the Love that drives people to seek out and rescue orphan children the way that Jesus sought out and rescued us.
6/29/14—TRAVELING in JULY
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at aservantinhousebeautiful.
ALONZO, MARY ELLEN and SOPHIA for the Vargas family — PA
Adam and Chastity have been married for 15 years. They have six children. There have always been children in their lives – even their first date was surrounded by neighbor children playing in the snow. In 2002, the Vargas family began a Christian adventure camp that is held at their home twice a year. The camp has grown to approximately 34 children from both city and rural communities. Camp IGUANA (In God’s Universe Accepting New Adventures) encourages children through hands-on activies and trips to look at everytyhing in their lives as adentures. This has also become how their family looks at each day as well. Their family has hosted 9 children from orphanages in EE over the last 4 years with the hope to adopt that grew more and more. They eagerly look forward to adding to their family through adoption and are grateful for your prayers and support.
6/25/14—FIRST TRIP JULY 9
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at beyondwhatmyeyeshaveseen.blogspot.com
VALENZ’S Family
There is a woman who is working very hard to become “Valenz” Mom. She cannot wait until he comes home! He will be surrounded by uncles who share his extra chromosome and an extended family who can’t wait to meet him.
Thank you for your prayers!
6/28/2014—TRAVELING SOON
TOMMY for the Knuth family — NE
Ten years ago, Grace never would have believed she would one day be a single, adoptive mother, let alone a mother to two children with special needs. But God, in His goodness and wisdom, has filled her life with challenge, purpose, and LOVE.
Grace is blessed to be on staff at her home congregation. She serves the Lord as a disciple who makes disciples who makes disciples of Jesus Christ. What she likes best about her job is that God does all the work! For four years she has been given a front row seat to watch Him draw people to Himself and make them new.
That same mighty, life-changing God has also been at work in Grace’s heart and home. He is continually proving Himself strong and faithful on her behalf. His best and most miraculous work so far was in the recent adoption of her first child, Samantha Love. Sam came home last year from an orphanage in Eastern Europe where she was abused, neglected, and unloved. Both mother and daughter have been changed forever by the miracle of her redemption. Now, with room and love to spare, Grace knows it is only right that she extend that love to another child.
“Tommy” has been living in Sam’s former orphanage for 13 years. It’s time for his miracle. His redemption! Grace and Sam cannot wait to bring him home.
Adoption is a spiritual battle field. If you believe in the power of prayer, Grace would welcome you to join her in praying for “Tommy”, his orphanage, and this adoption process. And if you are so led, she and Sam would be blessed by your partnership in raising “Tommy’s” ransom.
6/19/14—COURT IS JUNE 27
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at lovesransom.blogspot.com
GABRIEL and BETSY for the Elkins family — TX
JoLynn has dreamed of adopting children since she was a teenager, even before she dreamed of marriage. She just couldn’t imagine a child being tossed aside due to poverty and illness, and there being no one there to pick the child up. She knew God had laid it on her heart to love the abandoned. Charles had thought of adoption as something he could see in his future, and once they were seriously involved, Charles was 100% in agreement when JoLynn told him she wanted to adopt, regardless of how many biological children she had. Charles and JoLynn were married in 2007 while Juniors in college. In 2008 they welcomed Isak, their bundle of joy, and in 2011 Malkolm, their child of peace came into their lives. But 2009 and 2012 left Charles and JoLynn heartbroken from miscarriages. They felt like there were “gaps” in their family, and while those children could never be replaced, they felt that their family was smaller than it was supposed to be. Feeling a gentle urge from God, they moved up the time table to adopt. JoLynn assumed that International adoption was a distant dream, something that would happen after their children were older and they had fostered and adopted domestically. But when doors refused to open for foster/adoption, a simple phone call “for more information” quickly led to an email with the file of a little boy . Twenty photos and a small, sad life summed up in a few paragraphs shook their hearts in a powerful way- a little boy who had never known a mother’s kiss or felt a father’s embrace had waited for someone to come his entire life. They could not walk away. Charles and JoLynn already consider “Gabriel” their child, and their sons are excited that they will soon have another brother.
“Gabriel” is 3 years old, and lives in an Eastern European orphanage that has been his home since the day he left the hospital. Born premature at a very low birth weight, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. He also has Strambismus and a handful of other easily-treatable conditions. Even with the minimal therapy he receives, he makes great strides towards better control of his limbs. He has moderate institutional delays, but once in a family environment, he is expected to improve greatly. But whatever the case, Charles, JoLynn, Isak and Malkolm cannot wait to give him the love he has missed out on for so long.
Your prayers and support will be greatly appreciated. While they are planning on paying a great portion of the costs out of pocket, the Elkins will need to raise approximately 1/3 of the cost of their adoption.
What was meant to be a single adoption has turned into a double- when they saw Betsy’s photo in April Charles’ and JoLynn’s hearts were opened to having a daughter. They prayed, asked hard questions and reevaluated what was a necessity in life. Finally they decided that their lives would be blessed by having Betsy as a daughter, and her needs were more outside of their comfort zone than outside their capabilities. Those who have met her have high hopes for her future, and think she and Gabriel will do well adopted together. The adoptive parents of blind children and even blind adults encouraged them again and again to take the leap- that the rewards were innumerable and the challenges are much smaller than imagined.
6/25/14—FINAL TRIP JULY 25
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at engulfedbytheswell.blogspot.com
DYLAN for the Kindall family — UT
Gavin and Mali Kindall have been married for almost nine years; after only seven weeks of dating! You could call them crazy, but when you know you know, right! They have a beautiful two year old boy named Jeton, they call him Jet! It has always been in their plans to adopt one day. In their minds it would happen in a few years, but what they didn’t know, was that their beautiful daughters Harmony and Penelope were already here and waiting to be brought home. One night Mali happened upon Reece’s Rainbow and after a few days of falling in love with all the children and being forever changed, Mali knew God had his own plans for them. It didn’t take long before Gavin knew, too.
While in the process to adopt Harmony and Penelope, their girls’ country banned Americans from adopting. Gavin and Mali have complete faith that the ban will be lifted one day and they will bring them home. They will never forget or give up on their sweet little angels! In the meantime, they have prayed about and have decided to change countries and bring a big brother home for the girls and Jet!! Through much heartbreak has come something very beautiful and that is bringing home another son. They cannot wait to bring home their handsome and amazing Dylan!
So much love has already been shown and given to our Dylan that will help bring him home…..we would like to thank everyone with our whole hearts!
3/28/14—1ST TRIP APRIL 6 to MAY 6
VERONIKA and EMILIJA for the Jenks family — WA
Mark and Rebecca are the proud parents of six children; four biological children and their youngest two, who have Down syndrome, were adopted just last summer from Ukraine. The Jenks family thought that if their family grew again it would be another young child, and more than likely from foster care. Sometimes God points you in unexpected ways, because God had other plans. Rebecca kept feeling drawn back to Reece’s Rainbow and the girls age 10+. They had not even been home a full year when Rebecca noticed an preteen girl with Down syndrome and once again her heart skipped a beat, but Rebecca threw off the idea with her being so much older. That night, Rebecca and Mark prayed and asked God, “Break our hearts for what breaks yours, Lord!” The following day Rebecca asked about Veronika and the response she got from that inquiry was overwhelming. When Rebecca found out that Veronika had been listed on Reece’s Rainbow since BEFORE 2010, instantly she knew that this was the next child to join the Jenks Clan. Mark and Rebecca never imagined they would be working on another adoption in less than a year, but the Lord’s plans were greater than their own. They ask for your prayers as they embark on this journey, and if you feel lead to help bring Veronika home, please know that no gift is too small and they are thankful for any help you can offer! Veronika has waited twelve years to become part of a family. We can not let her wait any longer.
7/25/14—2ND TRIP IN AUGUST
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at becauseyouareloved.blogspot.com
RYAN and CHLOE’s Family
“Siblings that haven’t met”
These two don’t even know they have each other or a whole bunch of brothers and sisters waiting for them when they get home to America. Their mother and father have been married for over 13 years. (They have been in ministry for most of those years.) This is the first adoption for the family! Both children have Down Syndrome. She is 4 and he is 5. His birthday just happens to be on mom and dad’s wedding anniversary!! Both parents have felt the call to adoption (specifically special needs) for many years and were waiting for the right timing. When mom found out she wasn’t able to have more biological children they knew the time to adopt would be soon upon them. Shortly after finding out the heartbreaking news, they found these two precious ones. The entire family is beyond excited to bring these two beauties home.
The family covets your prayers as they wait. If you feel led in any way to help bring these two darlings home, we just want to say THANK YOU. Blessings!!!
6/4/14—TRAVELING JULY 4
DELIYA for the Parker family — WA
The Parker family is so excited that their dream of adopting is finally becoming a reality!
Sean and Amy have always had a heart for adoption, and decided in Jan 2013 that it was time to start taking the first steps towards adopting a child . Once Sean and Amy decided to adopt from Bulgaria, it wasnt long before they found Deliya on Reeses Rainbow. That was it, she was their daughter and they began to pursue her! Sean and Amy have 4 biological children who share in the excitement, they cant wait to meet their new sister!
Deliya has several special needs, but the Parker family is so excited to bring her home and to help her face any and all challenges she faces in regards to her vision and development. The Parkers hope is that they will have their precious little girl home with them sometime in the Spring of 2014.
7/4/14—FINAL TRIP JULY 19
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at newteammember.blogspot.com
THEO, ORION, BARTON & EVAN for the Bloom family — OH
Christian and Kayleigh are very excited to be on this journey! They have talked about adopting since they were first married, but the time has never been right. When they began discussing it again recently, things started coming together in ways that they never could have imagined. They decided that was their sign to jump in! They have been working hard to get all of their paperwork and training completed. Now they have completed most of the work they are responsible for, and they have more time to focus on fundraising while they wait for all of their approvals and their invitation to travel!
UPDATE: They will also be adopting Barton, an incredible young man who aged out back in December. Their family is one of very few whose paperwork makes them eligible to adopt him, and they are thrilled to see what his future holds.They already have four wonderful children at home, and they can’t wait to add to their family. They are in awe of how amazing Theo is, and can’t wait to meet him. Now they will also be bringing Orion home! They are both loving boys who have waited for families for a very long time. These boys have grown up together at the same institution, and now they are going to be brothers. Isn’t that exciting?
The Bloom family would appreciate any financial support or prayer you can offer as they proceed on this adventure.
UPDATE 6/16:
Theo, Orion and Evan are now home with their family! They are all getting settled in and accomplishing new things every day. Theo is finding so many things he can do independently, Orion is speaking much more clearly than he was in the orphanage, and Evan is learning what is like to experience love and attention for the very first time. Court for Barton was delayed and is now scheduled for July. This will require an additional trip, more time in country, and extra expenses. It will all be worth it to see him have his chance to blossom in a family too!
3/19/14—APPOINTMENT IS APRIL 15
Follow the Bloom family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://handsfullofblooms.blogspot.com/
ABRAHAM for the Bailey family — SC
This little sweetheart is “Abraham” and he is one of God’s masterpieces! He has spent his whole life in an orphanage in Eastern Europe, waiting for his family. Tragically, children with special needs in Eastern Europe can be transferred to an adult mental institution at an early age, so “Abraham” really needs a family who will love him, care for him, and be blessed by him.
The Baileys were joined in Holy Matrimony in 2003, and welcomed their first two biological children in 2004 and 2007. Then, in 2009, right around the time that “Abraham” was born halfway around the world, the Baileys felt God calling them to expand their family through adoption. They had just welcomed their third biological child and due to other circumstances at the time, they could not actively pursue adoption. They prayed to discern the “when” of God’s call to adopt and eagerly awaited the day that they would be able to take more active steps to expand their family through adoption. The family was blessed with the arrival of their fourth biological child in 2012, and after much prayerful discernment (and more than one push of divine providence), the Baileys were able to start the process to adopt “Abraham” in June 2013. They feel immensely blessed and humbled to have been chosen by God to be “Abraham’s” family and cannot wait to hold their precious boy in their arms.
The Baileys can’t adequately express how much they appreciate any prayers for “Abraham” as he waits in the orphanage, and for their adoption process to go smoothly. And can you spare a donation of even a few dollars to help make this family’s dream a reality and give this little boy a chance to know the love of a Daddy, Mommy, brothers, and a sister? Each and every donation, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated!
“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” ~Matthew 18:5
6/23/14—COURT IS JULY 4
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at blagodarya.blogspot.com
DONALD for the Claus family — OR
Josh and Chelsea met at a small church as teenagers, dated for nearly 5 years and have now been married for 9 years. They now live right around the corner from the church where they met and have four beautiful biological children, ages 7 and under.
Chelsea has wanted to adopt since she first heard, as a little girl, that there were children in the world who didn’t have families. Josh agreed that adoption was important but wasn’t yet convinced that it was for their family. When friends of theirs adopted a child with special needs from an Eastern European country, their eyes were opened to the plight of the orphan, especially those with special needs across the globe. Their eyes could not be shut, and Chelsea began advocating for waiting children through Reece’s Rainbow, and became a prayer warrior for several orphans. God started to speak to both Josh and Chelsea about adoption. Through much prayer they came to believe that their family was called to adopt, but they didn’t know who or when. Well, God provided them with the who. A sweet 4 year old boy with Sotos Syndrome and Scoliosis had snuck into their minds and stolen their hearts. Once they knew who they should adopt, that also answered the question of when. NOW! 
They are stepping out in faith to rescue this precious child from his orphanage in Eastern Europe. Adoption is redemption, and redemption is costly. Please help them give this very deserving little boy a forever family who will treasure him always.
7/24/14—COURT PASSED, WAITING FOR FINAL TRAVEL DATES
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at insearchofpearls.blogspot.com
A CHILD for the Kunkle family — IN
Dale and Buffey have been married over 13 years and have two, handsome boy’s. Aaron is 13 and Andrew is 9. Buffey has always felt the calling to adopt, since the age of 10 years old. She would sit with her grandmother and watch Feed The Children on TV. She told her grandmother , that one day she would have a big house and help all of those children in need.
In 2002, Buffey and Dale were 5 1/2 months pregnant with a daughter, and they sadly miscarried. God had different plans for them and they knew, that one day, they would see their precious daughter again. Buffey and Dale then got pregnant with their youngest son Andrew, at the end of 2003′ and had him in June of 2004′, but with complications during the pregnancy and after. Andrew was a “Blue Baby”, with the cord wrapped twice around his neck, and wasn’t breathing, when the doctor delivered him. The doctor was a wonderful Christian woman (who wasn’t supposed to be there to deliver), who believed in the power of Prayer (as we do) and between her (THE DOCTOR) and GOD, their son’s life was saved. They decided after that pregnancy, that Buffey’s body could not endure another pregnancy, so Dale had a vasectomy done and they could no longer have children.
In 2009, they started thinking about having more children, and that their family wasn’t yet complete. They contemplated adoption many times over, but it just wasn’t coming together financially or spiritually, at that time. A year later, they decided to go and have a reversal done and tried to have more of their own biological children for two years following, but sadly found out, that the reversal didn’t work and they could not have anymore children of their own. They believed God again, had different plans for their lives.
Buffey and Dale believe that God has called them to adoption. On this journey, that they are about to embark on, they need to believe and have Faith with their whole hearts, that God will provide for them, a daughter, that they so long for…one that they can love unconditionally and cherish for the rest of her life. God says in “HIS WORD” to take care of the orphans(his beloved children) and the widows.
They truly believe God has a special plan for their lives and with all of the love, and support from their family, friends and Reece’s Rainbow, that their daughter will be with them, sooner than later. They have two big brothers and many family members that are elated to add a new member to their family.
6/4/14—APPOINTMENT IS JUNE 23
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at chosenbygodforus.blogspot.com
GAGE and MILLIE’s Family
This adoption is one that is just awaiting it’s fairytale ending. When Gage’s soon to be mama travelled in June with another family that was adopting they saw the little boy that they knew as “Gage” every day of visits. Gage had previously had a committed family when he was listed in the fall of 2012, but the adoption couldn’t be completed and he needed to be relisted, it broke their hearts to see him everyday and know he was still waiting, especially because he was listed at the same time as the 3 children that her and her friend were at the orphanage visiting. She would see him in passing and know she needed to find him a family when she arrived home, never in her wildest dreams would she have believed it would be her though!
Gage’s family never imagined that they would be crossing the ocean for not one, but two treasures! Millie is a child that has been listed since they first found Reece’s Rainbow in 20o9 and they had watched her age through pictures year after year. Prior to meeting Gage though, they had never considered adoption from her country. Much like with Gage, never in their wildest dreams did they ever think the child they watched grow up in pictures would one day be their daughter!
5/21/14—FIRST TRIP MAY 30
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at iwillcometoyou-john14-18.blogspot.com
KATHRYN for the Knofczynski family – GA
Like most adoptive families, the Knofczynski’s can testify to the need to be flexible and trust God. Adoption is an ever changing and unpredictable journey. As they prepare to bring their fourth adopted child into their family to make a total of 8 blessings, the journey has been filled with twists and turns. After adopting one child domestically in 2011 and two children internationally in 2012, their intention was to go back to the same orphanage they adopted their daughter Zoey from in order to adopt a little girl they met while there. Due to circumstances beyond their control, they are no longer able to adopt that sweet girl. While they are heartbroken for her, they trust that God has a perfect plan. As they sought His will, they were lead to Kathryn.
Very soon they will travel to bring Kathryn into their family. Everyone is thrilled! The Knofczynski’s are so thankful for the opportunity they have been given to step out in faith and be the hands and feet of Jesus. It is their prayer that the Body of Christ will stand with them in prayer and sacrifice to make it possible for Kathryn to know the love of their family.
5/27/14—APPOINTMENT IS JUNE 11
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at anothersuperk.blogspot.com
GEORGINA for the Wingfield family — TX
Jared and Debbie have been married for fifteen years. They met while attending college at Texas A&M University and are currently living in Kemp, TX where they are both teachers and coaches. After dating for two years they were married in June of 1998. With very busy work schedules, they waited nine years to start their family. They quickly learned that conceiving on their own was not going to be an easy process. After two years of trying, God blessed them with their precious little Carter Ellis in July of 2009. Jared and Debbie found out at fourteen weeks into the pregnancy through amniocentesis that Carter would have Down’s Syndrome. They were both so apprehensive about the unknowns, but as soon as they looked into the eyes of their little angel, all of their worries melted away. Carter has touched the lives of so many people, but none more than his parents. Four years ago Debbie discovered Reece’s Rainbow on the internet and began to empathize so much with every child she saw. She began to donate to children and used her role as a teacher to raise awareness to her students. She started her own class adoption program for Christmas. Debbie`s student donated and set a goal to receive a Christmas Angel ornament for the child that they chose. Every class met their goal and the ornaments still hang proudly in her Texas classroom. Still, she wanted to do more and knew that one day she wanted to add to her family and life with one of these special children. After a lot of prayer and two more years of failed attempts to conceive again on their own, Jared and Debbie finally recognized that God called them for a different purpose. It was then that they found Braeden. Jared and Debbie knew right away that fate and faith had led them to him. Over the past two years they have both watched Stasik (Braeden’s real name) grow healthy and happy. During that time, they also decided that their journey to adopt a child was not complete. Although two boys in the house definitely keeps things interesting, Debbie decided she was ready for a little bit of “Pretty in Pink”. The two decided that it was time for the boys to have a sister. They have found the perfect addition to their family with Georgina.
5/27/14—APPOINTMENT IS JUNE 5
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at georgina-onmymind.blogspot.com
3 Siblings for the Goerling family — AL
Tom and Mary have been married for 16 years and have 9 beautiful children, 2 of them adopted internationally. Tom, Mary and the kids were hoping to bring home a young man that they hosted in 2012, but because of political issues in his country of residence, they are not able to adopt him at this time. The Goerling family is heartbroken and will miss him very much and will continue to look for an open door to bring him home. As for now, Tom and Mary agreed that if God left the door open to that Eastern European country, then He must have someone else for them to bring home. God recently brought a sibling group of three (a 17 year old sister and two brothers 12 & 13) across their paths. They prayed and decided to move toward bringing home the siblings, it seems that this is the right path for them. They have come across obstacles and God has moved each one. Now one more remains, the extra funds needed to bring these three treasures home. Thank you for helping the Goerling family in this new adventure to turn three orphans into three new family members.
6/7/14—APPOINTMENT IS JUNE 17
BOLDEN for the King family — OH
For a long time the Kings felt God pulling their hearts toward “the least of these”. After being blessed with a vibrant young family of their own, they found it heartwrenching to know that there were other little children of God, no different than their own, langishing away in institutions all over the world. Wanting no more or no less than to do what was right, they prayed. After coming to terms with the fact that they are the hands and feet of God, the decision seemed obvious. God is not dead, He is alive inside of us. We are are His hands, we are His feet. Those are His children.
5/28/14—APPOINTMENT IS JUNE 16
FULLY FUNDED!!!
CHARLIE and LOLA for the Boyer — FL
On May 26, 2012 Dennis & Cindy committed to adopt a little girl named Adalyn. Adalyn had the same birth defect as 3 of their children. In December they traveled to meet Adalyn, while in country the threat of the ban was happening. On December 23 they returned home hoping to travel quickly back in Jan. since Adalyn needed surgery. Then the ban was made law the day before Adalyn`s 2nd birthday December 29. In February we found Adalyn did in fact have her surgery and was starting to gain a little weight, that was a blessing. In March they traveled to Washington with the parents of children with children still in Russia. Sadly nothing could be done. Still Praying and Believing for Adalyn they would move when God showed them other little ones that needed a home, however the door was not opened for another child yet. Until we saw a little brother and sister. We talked to two Moms who met these little ones. Three little ones in Brooksville have already come home from this same orphanage. Then on January 7, which is CHRISTmas in Russia we committed to adopting little Charlie and Lola. We had to work through a lot of emotions even after committing, that we are not abandoning Adalyn. Little Charlie is just 22 days younger than Adalyn and Lola is the same age Adalyn was when we started to adopt. Right after we made the decision to adopt these precious little ones I had my son put on Praise music and the song that came on God is Able. The very name we will give this little one. God had given me the names Sarah and Abraham in the beginning of our journey to adopt. Please pray for us as we start over again in adopting little Sarah Elizabeth and Abraham who will be called Abel, still have to pick out a middle name. They will be coming into a family of 8 children. Jennifer (Kevin) Westin,Trentin & Cindy Sue, Adam (Megan) Reese due in April, Andrew (Casey) Atlas, Aaron (Laura) Brandon due in march, Alex is on the mission field in Mexico right now and is based in Australia with YWAM, Austin is about to start apprenticeship under Steve Saint & his son Jesse , Addison seeking where God is leading him with music & Nora just returned from YWAM Australia , God is leading her to the Philippines next. Our home study update is almost done. This is moving very quickly and smoothly. Praying, Believing as the Hand of God leads us through this journey and He opens the orphanage Gates and provides for us to be able to bring our little ones home. We are incredibly blessed by the gift of two and still praying for the one. Blessings & so Grateful to everyone helping us. Dennis & Cindy
I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in Truth. 3 John 4 My Prayer for all Our Children…………
6/7/14—APPOINTMENT IS JUNE 19
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at journeytothegate.blogspot.com
The Boyers have met their $1000 matching grant!
They have now been offered a new matching grant! Through June 20th, all donations will be matched — up to $500! Please help them reach $6119!
BELLE for the Walter family — TX
Shawn and Lola married later in life. Shawn never having been married before and not having any children and Lola having already raised three children alone after her first husband passed away, were decided they did not want children. God had other plans for this family. In 2008 they were blessed with a beautiful infant girl through adoption and in 2011 they decided to follow God’s lead for them once again and adopted another infant baby girl. Once again they thought their family was complete, then God placed it on their hearts to adopt again, but this time a special needs child. After a lot of praying and asking God to find the right child for them, little Maureen’s profile came into their life and hearts and instantly they new this was their baby girl. This family is relying on God to provide the funding and bring this amazing precious baby girl home to them and her two big sisters so they can provide all the love, nurturing and medical care she needs and deserves.
6/7/14—APPOINTMENT IS JUNE 26
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at godshandonus.blogspot.com
NELIA for the Good family — VA
Hello we are the Good family. We are a Christian Air Force family currently living in Virginia with our three little children. We have two biological sons and a daughter from Korea. We are very excited to share God’s journey to our second daughter! Please pray for strength during our journey and for our daughter’s heart as she waits for us in Eastern Europe. God bless!!!
7/20/14—WAITING FOR COURT
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at sawgood13.blogspot.com
ROSE for the Bruno family — AL
Dana Rose 2014
After dating for 9 years, Katie and Paul were married in Birmingham, Alabama on July 26, 2003. Katie’s occupation is a stay at home mother to their two sons. Paul is the owner of a classic car restoration business.
Soon after they married they wanted to have children, but Katie was diagnosed with an uterine anomaly and was told not to have children. At this point they began their domestic home study. Soon after they had completed their home study, they became pregnant with their first son, Paul Vincent, born on April 13, 2006 at 4 pounds, 7 ounces. He just celebrated his sixth birthday. Three years later, they welcomed their second miracle baby boy, Christopher, born May 24, 2009 at 3 pounds, 2 ounces. He will soon celebrate his third birthday.
This past Christmas, they learned that they were pregnant, only to suffer a devastating miscarriage shortly after. They know that God has a plan for their family and they feel a strong connection to Rose. They both feel called to adopt her and feel confident that she will receive all of the love and services (as a child with special needs) that she desires!
In the past year, Katie and Paul have completed two addendums and are currently awaiting the news regarding an appeal to Rose’s region. They have been fighting so hard to bring her home. Please pray with them. May 2014 be a year of blessing for all!
6/15/14—TRAVELING JUNE 17
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog http://heavenslittlerose.blogspot.com/
SHEPPARD, PIERCE and SALOME for the Fahringer family — VA
Mary and Alden met on Wednesday, March 7th, 2007 at about 3:15 pm. It was Mary’s second day at her new job and she was looking forward to meeting this “Alden guy” she had heard her new co-workers talking about all the day before. Mary remembers exactly what she and Alden were wearing when they were introduced and how simply wonderful she thought this nice young man was. Alden thought Mary was pretty cute but that she would never go for a guy like him. Boy was he wrong! They quickly developed a friendship which grew into a romance. A little over a year after they had met, in June 2008, they were married and began their exciting new life together! Alden had
a background in working with youth groups and summer youth camps and Mary was quickly drawn in to the lifestyle of a youth leader. Mary helped Alden as he led the youth group at their church for 4 years. Through working with these wonderful and crazy kids Mary fell in love with teenagers too! She also went back to school during this time to get a teaching license in secondary English and enjoyed the challenges and joys of teaching her 10th grade and 8th grade students. They recently moved to a new town, bought their first house and plugged in to a new church family, making time to work with hurting kids and at risk youth through various ministry opportunities. It was right after their move, in December of 2011, that God used Reece’s Rainbow and adoption blogs to break Mary’s heart for orphans with special needs, especially the older aging out teens. After praying and searching God’s word about caring for orphans and widows, Alden too had his heart broken. With both of them on board with the idea of growing their family through adoption, they began researching various options and never looked back! Through many twists and turns in this adventure, God has led them to Sheppard on Reece’s Rainbow. Mary and Alden are beyond excited to adopt this wonderful teen and make him their forever son! They know God has brought them this far on their journey and will continue to move mountains until Sheppard is safely home and beyond. They are so thankful for the wonderful support from friends, family and their church family for rallying around them as they fight to get to their son before he ages out of the system. Any and all support and prayers are greatly appreciated!
6/10/14—APPOINTMENT IS JUNE 17
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at pouredoutblessings.blogspot.com
LARK for the LeBu family — IL
Mike and Kelly have spent the last year and a half working to bring home a little girl from Russia. After paperwork, travel, and nine months of the adoption ban, their journey ended in Sept. when their intended daughter was placed into a foster home. As they work to push through their grief, knowing that door has completely closed for them, they trust that God is opening a new door in a different country for a different little girl.
They have been married for 21 years and have 4 biological children. Their youngest daughter has Down Syndrome as well. As a military family getting ready for transfer next year, they have limited time to complete their new dossier and raise funds quickly. They gratefully appreciate your prayers and support as they strive to bring home this sweet little songbird.
6/9/14—TRAVELING IN JUNE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at followmethere4her.blogspot.com
BERKELEY +1 for the Williams family — TX
Jared and Crystal have been married for six years and have five awesome kids! Ashlyn who is 10 is Crystal’s from a previous relationship but she calls Jared “daddy”, Grayson who is 4 was adopted from Eastern Europe this spring, Callen who is 3 was also adopted from Eastern Europe out of the same orphanage Grayson was in, Kaeden who is 2 was adopted domestically at birth, and Savannah who is 1 was also adopted domestically at birth.
From the very first date they shared Jared and Crystal knew adoption would be in their future. Crystal’s father was adopted at the age of 2, and Jared has volunteered and ran fundraisers for Child Advocates, which is a domestic organization to help children in foster care and be those children’s advocates to the courts. Crystal is a stay at home mom and Jared works for a non-destructive testing company as a manager, and also does training on the side.
After the adoption of their two youngest domestically Crystal kept being drawn back to the beautiful faces on Reece’s Rainbow. In the summer of 2012 another Reece’s Rainbow family posted on Facebook about a girl from Eastern Europe needing a host family for the summer, they thought this would be a great opportunity and excitedly agreed to host her. They fell in love with this thirteen year old girl and started making plans to make her their daughter; up until this point Jared had not really been on board about going overseas for adoption. God had even bigger plans for them; they both felt someone would still be missing from their family. After much prayer they found Grayson and knew he was meant to be theirs as well. God still was not done in his plans for this family. The 13 year old girl was not able to be adopted by Jared and Crystal due to some extended family that she still had, and even though this devastated them they believed it was in God’s hands even if they could not see the plan yet. Just as God had led them to Eastern Europe he had then led them to Callen who was in the same orphanage as Grayson. They lost a daughter on that trip but gained another son.
They talked about going back for the girl if her circumstances were to change, but as the days went by they realized that the circumstances were not going to change even though they did not share their realizations with each other. God’s plan started to present itself right after court for Grayson and Callen when a little girl that Crystal had been a Guardian Angel for received a donation. This same girl Crystal had shown Jared several times before, but he would not listen at those times since they were already committed to a boy and girl. Jared knew that another year and a half of fundraising and saving would be too difficult with two new children being added and would take away from the bonding time that they needed with their new kids. After Berkeley received this donation Crystal mentioned what her account was, and little did she know that Jared was working behind her back already with Reece’s to check more on her and asking other people what they thought Crystal’s reaction would be after having just been devastated over the girl they had originally came for, and he was informed how Crystal had been inquiring about her non-stop, so Jared approached Crystal about her, and like he had been told she was ecstatic. They both knew that they would need to move fast on this and God had done his part of making that easier to do, and now it was up to them to take yet another leap of faith. The night before Jared was scheduled to return home they talked and decided to commit to Berkeley on one condition. That condition would be if their current kids were on board. When Jared arrived home he spoke with Ashlyn, and right away she began begging Jared to go get her, and bring her sister home. Ashlyn thought she would never have a sister close to her age after the 13 year old could not come, and as Jared discussed Berkeley with her she became very excited.
They thought at the time that God was leading them to Eastern Europe to adopt a 13 year old, but they now believe God was leading them there to find 2 boys and eventually open the door for Berkeley and her Guardian Angel to be united. He used the 13 year old as the vehicle to bring them there and open Jared’s eyes to what Crystal had been seeing all along. They are now ALL very excited, especially Ashlyn to be adding Berkeley to finish out their family.
6/20/14—APPOINTMENT IS JULY 1
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at buildingourfamilythroughlove.blogspot.com
IAN for the Kirk family — VA
Steve and Brooke Kirk have known each other since they were teenagers though it wasn’t until their twenties that the two became a couple. They were married in 2005 and welcomed their son, Nicholas, in 2006. Brooke’s pregnancy was complicated and Nicholas was born two months early with a host of complications, many of which the doctors did not feel lined up with his gestational age at birth. Nick spent 6 weeks in the NICU and came home with a g-tube and apnea monitor along with a list of follow up appointments with specialists and therapists. Later genetic testing would reveal that he had a genetic condition called a balanced translocation. The first year of Nick’s life had a lot of ups and downs but by 15 months he was walking, starting to talk, and no longer had his g-tube or any monitors though he continued to receive various forms of therapy through early intervention.
The couple has felt for a while that God was not done growing their family, but, fertility issues and the high risks of another pregnancy made the hope of having another child seem dim. About two years ago through a local homeschool support group Brooke met a couple that were adopting two little boys from Eastern Europe and her eyes were opened wide to the plight of the orphan. She discovered Reece’s Rainbow and quickly felt God break her heart for all of the waiting children. Steve was on board with praying, fundraising, and, advocating for the children but did not feel the same call that Brooke was feeling to adopt. Brooke signed up as a Prayer Warrior for a little boy who is now with his forever family then as an advocate for another waiting little boy. She continued to pray that when the time was right for them to adopt that God would break Steve’s heart the way he had already broken her’s.
Then in January of this year the same friend that first led Brooke to Reece’s Rainbow posted the picture and bio of ‘Ian.’ Immediately Brooke felt drawn to him and requested more information. She showed that information and Ian’s pictures to Steve who agreed to pray about it. Ultimately, just four days later after lots of prayer and research the couple made the joyous, and slightly overwhelming decision to move forward. Their family and friends are all excited to welcome this new child into the fold! Nick had always asked for a big brother but his Mama would tell him that he would be the big brother should a baby come. God must have been preparing Nick’s heart for his brother all along, because he is getting his wish, he will be the little brother by about 6 weeks!
The couple feels blessed to be in this process, however, every thing happened very suddenly with no time for them to prepare ahead of time for an adoption. But, they are working overtime to get paperwork done and funds raised to get their son home as quickly as possible. In all things they trust in the Lord’s provision and perfect timing.
“Do not be anxious about any thing, but in every thing, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
7/7/14—FINAL TRIP JULY 29
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at walkingthenarrowpathnow.blogspot.com
NETTIE and PATRICK for the Owens family — KY
Anthony and Krystal have been married for close to nine years. To say that they hit the ground running, as far as parenting goes, is quite the understatement. Krystal opened her home for foster care for two years before she and Anthony married. As a matter of fact, Krystal was a foster mom to two beautiful blonde haired girls the day the two married. The story goes that when Anthony was told he had six months to complete his foster care training, after marriage, that Krystal made it quite clear that she and the girls were a package deal. He couldn’t have one without the other. Without hesitation, Anthony chose the full package and nine months later, those beautiful blondes officially became part of the Owens “Forever Family”. One month after that, their son Harrison was born and very shortly after that, Anderson and Karrington came along to complete the Owens’ family…..or at least that’s what everyone else thought. Although the Owens family was settled on the outside, there was still a stirring in 
their hearts to adopt, again. The Owens’ feel strongly that adoption is a mandate from God. They know that God has called His people to care for the orphans and they don’t take that lightly. Although Anthony & Krystal knew they would adopt, again, they always assumed it would be another domestic adoption. However, God began to burden them for the special-needs children, overseas. It is the desire of the entire Owens’ family to rescue as many orphans as possible from a life of uncertainty and shower them with love, stability, hope in Christ, and a future…as well as a momma, a daddy, three sisters, and two brothers.
7/21/14—COURT PASSED, WAITING FOR FINAL TRAVEL DATES
ANTHONY, KRISTJAN and HANNAH for the Dewberry family — NC
The Dewberry’s are a family of 5 and have 3 amazing adopted children from Ukraine Kolya, Tania and Stopha. Joe and Nicole have a heart for aging out youth and special needs children as two of their children have HIV. Serving others, working with youth and serving in Ukraine has been the heart and passion of this family. This last year has been whirlwind for the Dewberry’s as they set out to adopt aging out teens in which none made it home for different reasons. They had their dossier submitted in April 2014 and the day it was submitted the teen they prepared it for, Brodie made the decision to remain in Ukraine. The decision for the Dewberrys came down to do they remove their dossier which had already submitted or trust God that He got it in before Brodie said no for a reason other then they clearly could not see. The night before they went to request to have their dossier pulled Nicole was in prayer asking God for clarity in this decision being they were over half way funded to bring Brodie home and their dossier submitted and yet no child to bring home. Then an email came in from a friend of the Dewberry’s who has been a huge prayer warrior for them through every battle. She mentioned all the many children still in need of homes because people were fearful with all the political unrest in the country. She did not mean for them to go on and look to adopt but God meant them to. Anthony who is HIV positive jumped out at Nicole that she had seen advocated for by friends. She had thought he had a family but he did not. After many exchanges of emails about Anthony with their friends and the RR team it became clear the direction God was asking them to go this one last time. The Dewberry’s for their family specifically they know this is this last time for them to adopt, this is their last dossier as they are ready to be home with their children and focus on their family. They will continue as God leads for missions work in Ukraine as a family as Ukraine is their second home and ever so dear to their heart.
With Nicole and her oldest son, Kolya currently in country adopting Anthony they met Kristjan and Hannah at Anthony’s school. Kristjan had always been standing back in the distance listening and watching everything said while they visited Anthony. He never left their side. They noticed when they came to the school to visit Anthony, he and Anthony would be waiting for them together. The bond was building and it was evident with all of them. Hannah his sister is an aging out teen and she wants to be a chef. Joe use to be a cook back in the day in a seafood restaurant. So many common interests between the kids, Joe and Nicole started to surface. Joe and Nicole went into prayer God would open the door if they were called to move for Hannah and Kristjan. The next day when Nicole and Kolya arrived they were greeted by Anthony asking if they would adopt Kristjan. Nicole asked Kristjan if he indeed wanted to be in their family and he said yes. Hannah said yes! The bond continued to build meanwhile legal clarity was needed if they could be adopted. Everyone was on pins and needles and praying constantly God would open a door for Nicole to adopt them while in country. Nicole told them she would do everything humanly possible to bring them home but if she could not she would fight to find them a family. Kristjan told Nicole they only trust her and will only go with her and want to be in their family. This only made Nicole fight harder and pray God would open a door for them to legally get them out as an amendment was needed to happen to parts of their dossier as well. Things did not look so good with laws changing and legal status but God opened the door at moments notice. Their homestudy is amended and they are just waiting on the USCIS update to arrive and the homestudy to arrive to the RR team so they can get the referral to adopt the children and the kids are legally free. Praising the Lord! So the Dewberrys are on the move to also bring home Hannah and Kristjan. The Dewberrys are fully funded in bringing home Anthony but are in need of raising funds to bring home Hannah and Kristjan and will remain in country until they can bring all 3 children home.
So please follow their journey as they are trusting God to bring home safely Anthony, Hannah and Kristjan to their family waiting for them with open arms.
3/19/14—APPOINTMENT IS APRIL 16
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.andthisonematters.blogspot
ADAM and DAVID for the Ray family — CA
After bringing Micah (RR) home in 2011, Barry and Shelly thought their family was complete. They were content with their four Littles running all over the house, happy, healthy and thriving (and their two Bigs out of the house). Then Shelly’s dear friend posted another “find his mama” post about Grant, whom Shelly had noticed and prayed over for the past three years. But for some reason, this day in November was different. She felt a strong gut-punch telling her to go for him. A few days later, another family committed to him and she thought she was off the hook. But the Holy Spirit kept telling her to go back for another child. She told Barry, and once he was on board, it was full steam ahead! At first they thought they’d go back to Ukraine, adopting another very young boy with Down syndrome, but they didn’t feel called to one specific child, so they decided they would do a blind referral this time. They had it in their heads how it would go, and they were SOOO excited to return to Ukraine because they left half their hearts there in 2011. It’s funny how God is in control because a couple weeks after that, Shelly noticed “Adam” and inquired about him and his country. Once they saw his videos, they knew he was their son!
Several weeks later, they found “David” and also felt drawn to him immediately. They are so excited to bring the boys home in 2014, and their current children are also very excited.
6/15/14—WAITING FOR COURT
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.rays-r-us.blogspot.com
KYLE and KALEB for the Anzaldua family — NC
Mark and Nuria Anzaldua, also known as Janeth, are high school sweet hearts which have been married for 8 years and have 4 beautiful children and one has Down Syndrome. Mark is in the Marine Corps, and has been for about 8 years and plans to make it a career and Janeth is currently a medical assistant/EMT. They are stationed in North Carolina, but have orders to relocate to California next summer. Mark and Janeth did not plan to adopt but somehow ended up on Reeces Rainbow looking at the pictures of all the children that are in need of a family. Searching through the older kids pictures they saw this little boy that resembled their son so much and could not help but feel this overwhelming sadness in their heart for him. From that point on all they did was think about him, and how he would fit perfectly in their family. Without thinking twice they decided they need to bring him home. He was going to be an Anzaldua! God was telling them this was their son and they needed to save him, to bring him home where he belongs, not in a mental institute.
Mark and Janeth, as well as their children, are very excited to bring this little boy into their family and give him the love he deserves.
4/30/14—FIRST TRIP MAY 31
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at dschangedmyife.blogspot.com
RAELYNN for the Yost family — AL
On their wedding day, Tabitha and Warren vowed to devote their marriage to serving the Lord. As they began to explore ways to fulfill the biblical command to care for orphans, God led them to a Know More Orphans conference. They knew that adoption was something they would do someday, but after speaking with a representative for Reece’s Rainbow at the conference, they realized they had no reason to wait. They are beyond excited to serve the Lord in a way that will bring such a sweet blessing into their lives.
7/18/14—COURT PASSED
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at deardanila.blogspot.com
FULLY FUNDED!!!
JAEDON for the Buchanan family — PA
Dale and Lori Buchanan met sometime in the fall of 2003 when Lori began working at Dale’s insurance agency. They would talk each time he came in to pay premiums and eventually discovered that they had a lot in common, both being raised on dairy farms. They formed a friendship and soon began dating and were engaged in June, 2005 and married in September, 2006. Soon after, they were ready to start a family and because of their love for Lori’s sister adopted from China in 2002, they felt called to adopt internationally as well and began paperwork in 2009 to adopt a child from Eastern Europe. They traveled to meet their daughter Kayti in October 2011 and brought her home in May 2012. Almost immediately after returning home, they began discussing the possibility of returning for another child and both agreed that they wanted to when the time was right, or when the right child came along. In May 2013, they saw a 2 year old little boy listed who sounded like he had a lot of the same delays as their daughter. After receiving a bit more information, they are in the process of adopting him from the same country and are so looking forward to this next journey. They can not wait to give Kayti a sibling and hope to complete this adoption quickly and bring him home as soon as possible. They are committed to giving their children the best life possible and are anxious to become a family of four.
7/23/14—FINAL TRIP AUGUST 3
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at loridalebuchanan.blogspot.com
