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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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The Hadley’s adoption journey is the culmination of a long awaited heart’s desire. Jon and Kari had discussed adopting or fostering multiple times. However, God was clear that the time was never right either through multiple military moves and deployments or Kari’s numerous (4) pregnancies. Then after the birth of their 4th son, Kari began to look for ways to use her love of running to help children in need. It was during the registration for the Walt Disney World Marathon that Kari found RODS (Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome). Kari has always had a heart and passion for children and adults with Down Syndrome and a longing to maybe one day adopt a special needs child. Partnering with RODS allowed Kari to use her running in advocacy and awareness for children that captured her heart. Kari was glad she was helping a child with Down Syndrome find a forever home. When Kari joined RODS, Laura was not the RODS Orphan. Shortly after joining RODS, Laura became the new RODS Orphan. Kari immediately felt a draw towards Laura but it was a few months before she really began to try to find out more about her. Kari soon began to feel that God was directing her toward Laura but did not know how Jon would feel about an international special needs adoption. Jon was certainly surprised when Kari suggested that they adopt Laura. Jon requested Kari get more information on the process and Laura and from there things just took off. Every question asked was answered in a way that led Jon and Kari to feel that this was what they were called to do. All the information they could find on Laura only confirmed for Kari that she was the daughter God was giving them. Kari and Jon are now trying to bring Laura home in record time to join her four anxiously awaiting brothers.
8/6/2017 — FINAL TRIP AUGUST
Together since 2001, Seana and Dan thought they were following their dreams, taking on new challenges on the work and home front and living life to the fullest. By 2012 Dan had started his own business and they, with their two children, had moved away from NYC to the country to start a little homestead. Life was good and they felt like they were on the right track. Little did they know that in just a few years, their lives would burst open with even more challenges and possiblities.
2012 was also the year that Seana came across the Reece’s Rainbow website and became overwhelmed by the faces…she had always wanted to possibly maybe adopt, but adopting a child with special needs seemed daunting and way out of her league. At the time, turning away from the enormity of need, the overwhelming sadness was the easier thing to do.
Everything changed when their third child was born with a surprise diagnosis of Down syndrome in June 2014. The tender and fierce love that roared in their hearts opened up a new world–disability was no longer a scary or uncomfortable “other”–it was their son. And now they strongly felt that ALL life is precious, and that all lives have meaning and value.
Drawn back to the Reece’s Rainbow website, the faces became personal. Each of these precious children could easily be their child. Each of them deserved a family, and now their family felt completely capable and inspired. Now it was impossible to turn away.
Dan and Seana look forward to adding beautiful “Maeve” to their family. This gorgeous girl has captivated them since she was listed in early 2015. She will be their “baby” and will join their three children, who are thrilled and can’t wait to meet their little sister.
They are so thankful to Reece’s Rainbow, and all the people who work and advocate on behalf of these precious children.
8/16/17—FINAL TRIP AUG 26
Jason and Celeste Klassen were kids when they first met, but have now been married for 6 years. Once they decided they were ready for kids of their own, they decided to be a little unconventional! They wanted to start their family by adopting a child that needed a home, instead of making another one. They knew they wanted to adopt a child who needed medical care, but they didn’t understand this was “special needs.”
Once their homestudy was done in early 2015, they settled in for a long wait in the Bulgaria program. They were matched with sweet “Tenley” from RR almost immediately! “Tenley” – now Siobhan – came home in December of 2015. She was 4 years old, tiny, non-verbal, not mobile, and had a host of medical needs. Just over a year later she never stops talking or running around their little house. Her successful surgeries post-adoption have made her medical concerns a second thought.
The Klassen family knew they would adopt again, but due to unfortunate circumstances during most of 2016, they were not expecting to adopt again so soon. They made the decision after much prayer and felt very strongly that this was the right thing to do! This means that they have a significantly larger portion of their adoption to fundraise than last time. Every $10 will pay some postage, every $30 will cover a notarization, every $100 will dent an agency fee!
Jason, Celeste, and Siobhan are so excited to bring home a sibling very soon! They are fundraising hard and are so grateful for the support!
8/16/2017 — TRAVELING SEPT 10
Jarret and April have been married for 10 years with three biological children. Their youngest daughter, Amelia, who is two, has Down syndrome. Here’s their story:
We received Amelia’s suspected diagnosis of Down syndrome the day she was born. Basically a doctor walked in and said, “You know your daughter probably has Down syndrome, right?” We did not. Afterwards, we were bombarded with questions, hypothetical scenarios with what her future might look like, social workers, specialists, and a lengthy heart test. To say that our joy over having a beautiful and precious newborn was replaced with instant fear would be an understatement.
Fast forward two years and all that uncertainty and fear has been replaced with absolute joy. Our daughter is one of God’s greatest blessings to our family, bringing us laughter, love, frustration, and all the typical emotions a two-year old brings. Those painful days of medical terms and fear of the future are replaced with love and hope. During the early days of Amelia’s birth, I saw God’s hand in so many things. We emerged stronger and more faithful, and I know God has a plan for Amelia’s life.
So how does this relate to today? One day, I clicked on a link to help a friend who was raising money to adopt a little boy with special needs. At the site, I also saw a picture of a little girl who is one-years old and has Down syndrome. She was adorable. She reminded me of my daughter. However, this little girl’s life is vastly different from Amelia’s world. She lives in an orphanage in Eastern Europe, given up for adoption because she has Down syndrome. Her name is Emma. My heart ached for her.
I thought of Emma over the next weeks and months. I wondered what her daily life was like. I thought of Amelia and all of the support our family gives her. I wondered if Emma gets any support. I wondered if she has ever been outside of the orphanage. Who feeds her? Plays with her? Bathes her? I knew that she should not be growing up in an orphanage and someone should do something.
More time passed, and I prayed that “the someone” who should do something would. I felt God’s nudges that “the someone” might be us. I thought of the objections I had to this plan. First, we don’t have money saved for an international adoption, and it’s a long and complex timeline. I watched Emma’s profile. I was sure she would be adopted soon. I struggled. I wanted God to take this off my heart, and he did not.
So, here we are, in the middle of the process to try and adopt Emma. To be honest, we are scared, nervous, and excited. We are asking for your prayers for Emma and our family, and if led, we invite you to make a tax-deductible monetary gift to Emma’s Reece’s Rainbow account to help us bring her home as soon as possible. Together, we can change her life. We know God is asking us to trust in him. We hope you will join us on this journey, because if not us, then who, and if not now, then when?
8/10/2017 — FIRST TRIP COMPLETE; AWAITING COURT
“Mari Rose” was born with Down syndrome and Congenital Heart Defect, because of this her family abandoned her at birth and now she lives in an orphanage. Luckily a non-profit in the United States found out about “Mari Rose” and her life threatening need to have immediate open heart surgery, they quickly raised the money and found a surgeon from the United States to go and successfully perform the surgery.
She had to spend weeks recovering from surgery without a family to love and care for her. She is a fighter and is doing great. The Collins are doing everything they can to bring her home to their loving family.
You and/or your company can make a tax deductible donation to help bring “Mari Rose” home to the Collins family. These donations will go directly to helping with adoptions costs in Eastern Europe. It is estimated that just the international costs for courts, paperwork, and in country fees will be $15,000.
Lee and Diana Collins met while on a high school graduation trip in 1994, and they knew right away that fate had brought them together! Over the next 23 years as a couple, 18 years of marriage, Lee and Diana created their fairy tale life.
They were blessed with three amazing biological children – two sons, ages 15 and 16, and one 8 year old daughter. Lee and Diana absolutely LOVE being parents, so naturally the thought of adding to their family has always been a topic of conversation.
They have an abundance of experience with children of all abilities through their work, and they have so much love to give.
While most people look forward to their children growing older and eventually moving out, Diana and Lee have always been quite the opposite. They have never felt the need for “easier days”, in fact, their best memories are filled with the laughter, chaos, and love, that only a house full of children can provide!
It was meant to be to find that beautiful little angel and she will be an extremely loved baby sister. They want to hold her in their arms and make sure she finally knows that from here on out, everything is going to be ok…she is home with her family forever ❤
Thank you for reading about “Mari Rose” and consideration of making a tax deductible donation to help reach the goal of $15,000. If your company has an employee matching program, please see if Reece’s Rainbow is on their list of non-profit organizations.
8/7/2017 — APPT on AUG 15
The Bowman family is excited to be adopting for the 1st time. Angie and Tim met while in college and have been blessed with 4 biological children. Their oldest daughter Allison graduated with a biology degree, and she lives in the same city as Angie and Tim. Their second daughter Brittany is currently working on her doctorate degree in physical therapy. Joshua, their third child, is studying fire science, as he wants to pursue a career as a firefighter. Their youngest son Jacob is still in high school and is an avid runner. Angie and Tim have always been committed to children in a variety of ways. Angie is a Kindergarten teacher, but ran an in-home daycare while her children were young. Tim works in management for Simon Property Group but has always been a coach and referee of youth soccer, football, and basketball.
In January 2016, Angie and Brittany were reading a Facebook story, which led them to Reece’s Rainbow. The whole family felt such empathy and compassion for the many children in need of homes, but they were particularly drawn to one beautiful little girl. Mallory is two years old and has Down syndrome. For months, Mallory’s picture and story kept tugging at their hearts until they finally said, “YES,” in May. The entire family jumped on board as the family discussed, prayed, and planned for the addition of another child to become a part of their lives. There were so many signs from God that this was what He had clearly planned for them.
The Bowman family is ecstatic to welcome Mallory into their home, and the Bowman children are thrilled to have a little sister on whom to dote. The Bowman’s cannot wait to bring Mallory home and to hold and cuddle her. They are looking forward to providing her with experiences such as zoo trips, time spent at the Children’s Museum, dance lessons, and religious education. They are also excited to celebrate holidays, read books, and play soccer and other games with her. They are currently trying to raise the adoption funds and appreciate your prayers as well as any financial support to help them bring Mallory home as soon as possible. There are no words to express how much they already love her, and they pray for her every day as they anxiously await the arrival of their newest family member.
7/27/2017 — HOPING for PICK UP TRIP in LATE AUGUST
Christina and Bill have been blessed with eight biological children. Although for some people that’s “more than enough,” they do not look at life that way. It’s been quite a few years that they have been thinking about making their family even more blessed by adding one or more children with special needs to it. They have been following the journeys of friends who adopted challenged kids, and they both felt that was something they definitely wanted to do as well. Yet, their plans were placed on hold when in 2015 Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks be to God, treatment was successful, and now Christina can consider herself cancer free. When she asked her oncologist for a letter specifically stating that she was medically fit to start an adoption process, the physician did not hesitate to say yes and give her a bill of good health. Still the Quicks decided not to be so extremely quick and give themselves a little more time following Christina’s treatment. Despite such determination, she kept on longingly going over the little faces of waiting children listed on Reece’s Rainbow. The family fell in love with a little girl with cerebral palsy in Eastern Europe. Sadly after months of thinking of her as their own, they were not able to proceed with adopting her. Their hearts were broken. After much searching and contemplation about how and when to proceed with adopting, one sunny morning, Christina saw a picture of a newborn baby boy with Down syndrome. The family knew right away that this child was the one meant for their family all along. The country they are adopting from now, is a quick process. They may be able to bring him home in 6 months if all the paperwork goes well! This leaves little time to fundraise, but time cannot be wasted as their new little boy has a heart defect that needs to be monitored and possibly fixed by experienced doctors here in the USA. We hope you will follow the Quicks along in this journey to bring home this sweet little baby and consider helping in whatever way you can.
8/7/2017 — APPT on AUG 15
Michael and Katie Manuel are proud parents to 5 (almost 6) amazing children. They started their family about 12 years ago when they welcomed home their first baby girl. Through the years they continued to have 2 more biological children. As they grew their family they never thought having 6 children, both through biology and adoption, was the journey they would take. But they knew all along they would adopt one day. Katie, has always had adoption on her heart even as a young girl. Both Michael and Katie share a heart for children with special needs and adopted their son, who was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect through domestic adoption. They continued to grow their family through adoption and welcomed home another son from Asia a few years later. Feeling like their family was complete, but still desiring to make a difference in the lives of orphans, the Manuel family decided to host a special 12 yr old girl over the Christmas holidays. Katie states “We saw her picture and knew she was special, we had no idea why we chose this specific girl, but we knew we were supposed to”. This amazing girl is known as “Layla” on Reece’s Rainbow. She is 12 years old and rocks an extra chromosome! Knowing her country has an aging out rule, they knew how important it would be to advocate for this sweet girl to find a family before she turned 14. She had a ticking clock on her future. The Manuel’s completely stepped into this process with Advocate only intentions. They have a special place in their heart for children with down syndrome and telling the world how amazing these kids can be. They had a plan to share her story daily so that the world could see how amazing she is, and she could find a forever family during her time in the U.S. Little did they know, she would steal their hearts. From day one, both the family and this sweet girl made a life changing connection. She filled their home with love and laughter every single day. Through much prayer and discussion, they knew what the right decision would be. Sweet girl was their daughter! This girl is a treasure! They could not imagine her fate if she was to remain in her birth country. Although it is apparent that she is well loved, because of her special needs, she would go to a special needs home at the age of 18. They also found out that she would be the very first child with Down syndrome to be adopted from this orphanage! They are so excited that a life in America is so bright and beautiful and full of opportunity for this sweet girl despite her needs. The Manuel family was so sad for their 4 weeks together to come to an end, but have great hope they will see each other again soon. They now have their daughter’s picture hanging on the wall. 3 sons and 3 daughters take their place in the frames of their home.
Michael and Katie are trusting the Lord for provision to bring their daughter back home. Funding another adoption was not the game plan for this family, but they know the Lord will provide through overtime, fundraising, and grants. Any support through prayer or monetary donation is highly appreciated.
8/10/17 —TA RECEIVED
Hello! We are the Chinchak Family from Central Florida and we hope to be the Forever Family for a special little boy in Eastern Europe. It is such an honor to be returning to Reece’s Rainbow for this adventure.
Throughout 2015 we worked especially hard to earn the privilege to become the family to a little boy, also from Eastern Europe, who has Down Syndrome. We can not express how much he has brightened our lives and our home. What a joy it would be to add another child to our home.
Throughout the the upcoming year we will again be fundraising, making and baking, and sowing into the needs of other families and we are excited!
If you feel led to assist us in this journey we would appreciate anything and everything you can offer. God Bless and Happy New Year!
8/2/17 — APPT on SEPT 14
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at ASecondChanceFamily.blogspot.com
Kyle and Leilani are excited about growing their family through adoption. They have three energetic little boys at home (21 months, 4.5, and 6 year old). This boy family is ready to shake things up and welcome a sister/daughter. They cannot wait to have “Scarlett” home. This sweet girl has just turned three and has Down Syndrome. Kyle and Leilani knew that adoption was in their future at some point, but being a busy military family made that a challenge. Moves have slowed down and now is the time! Leilani is a former preschool special education teacher, who now stays at home with their three young boys. Kyle is a dedicated Army officer who serves our country and sets a wonderful example to for his children. Kyle and Leilani would appreciate your support, please help them raise some funds to bring this precious little one home.
8/2/2017–TRAVELING AUG 9
Duane & Kimber are not young parents. They have 4 children (10 yrs-31 yrs) & 14 grandchildren (11 months – 17 yrs). On any given day if you were to visit the Klopp house you would find many children at their home. They are not new to the special needs either, as they have twin grandsons with Williams Syndrome. Kimber also has a family member with Cerebral Palsy & her oldest brother was born with several birth defects.
One evening Kimber was on Facebook & saw a post shared from someone who had grown up in the same small town she had. His daughter & her family were working as missionaries in an orphanage. The blog was on Wide-Awake Family titled, “Fighting for my babies.” It was a night with little sleep & lots of tears after reading the blog. Kimber asked to join Wide-Awake Family on their Facebook page where she also learned about Reece’s Rainbows. She tired to hide the feelings she had for one of those precious little boys. She shed many tears over the next several months every time she thought about that little boy she had seen in the pictures & by now she had also seen a few videos with him in them as well. She went to other adoption pages but she found herself always looking for that “one” little boy.
For several months their prayers were for Isaiahu to find his forever family. They’ve shared many posts to family & friends about him & his need for a family. Then on Friday, March 4, 2016 there was another blog written, “Fatherless Friday.” This is when God let them know his family were none other than them.
Kimber & Duane had talked about adoption several times over the years. They decided to investigate the process of adoption & more specifically on this one little boy they feel is “the missing piece” in their family.
Please pray for Isaiahu’s adoption, that all will go smoothly & quickly so that they may bring this little boy home into a family full of love & security. The Klopps know that this little boy is worth it! The family is hoping to raise everything they need to cover adoption expenses between now & the beginning of September. They would be grateful for your support, either financially or through prayer, as they go after their little boy.
Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
8/2/17 — APPT on SEPT 11
Rob and Julia Nalle have been happily married for 24 years, and have two biological sons: 22-year-old Benjamin and 18-year-old Elijah. They brought home their first adopted son, Aaron, in 2010. That first adoption turned out to be as life-changing for Rob and Julia as it was for Aaron; for it opened their eyes to the suffering of institutionalized orphans all over the world. Aaron’s institution was the saddest place Rob and Julia had ever seen, filled with lovable boys who didn’t deserve what was happening to them. The Lost Boys of Aaron’s world had no stimulation of any kind. They wasted their days in gloomy sheds— doing nothing, seeing and hearing nothing, idly waiting for the next meal or snack time to arrive. The sight made Rob and Julia want to help more of them find homes. Since bringing Aaron home, they have done their best to raise awareness and funds for special needs orphans overseas.
Their second adoption came in 2014, when they added John to their family. Though Aaron and John came from different regions and different families, they had the same name (Ivan), similar diagnoses and similar stories of abandonment and loss. Fortunately, John’s institution was far better than Aaron’s. Even so, it was more proof that any orphanage is a hard place to grow up.
After much prayer and consideration, Rob and Julia are adopting again. A little girl has need of a family, and the family with four sons has need of a little sister.
7/25/17—TRAVEL DATE RECEIVED 8/28
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com
The Nalle family has a matching grant of $175 — when their FSP reaches $15,985.70, they will receive an additional $175!
Jensen has received a $5,600 Older Child Grant.
Cory and Kate Jones have been married for 10 years and live in northwest Montana. They have 3 boys ages 6, 5, 2, and a daughter age 2. Christ is the center of their lives and they strive to live and love the way Christ loves. They adopted their 2 year old daughter, KyLynn, in July 2016 from China. She has a blood disorder called beta thalessemia. They have experienced firsthand what family, love, and proper medical care can do for a child. Their daughter is growing and thriving in ways they never imagined. Just two months after being home, they saw their sweet Magnolia’s face. Kate knew that she was going to be their daughter, but they were a bit scared to say yes. They had just exhausted their resources bringing home KyLynn. After lots of prayer, God has confirmed to them in many ways that this is their daughter and they are not going to let money be a hindrance from following what God is calling them to. They are confident that what God calls them to, he will provide while they trust and wait on Him. They are choosing to walk by faith and not by sign as they work to bring sweet Magnolia home! Magnolia Joy has Down syndrome and she rocks it, the Jones family knows that she will bring so much joy to their home!
7/24/17 —TA RECEIVED; APPT on AUG 9
The Bloom family is heading back to adopt again, this time for one last extra special girl. This is an adoption built on miracles. Our family met her during a previous adoption. She was a lonely girl confined to a crib. Everyone thought she couldn’t be adopted. Everyone thought she had already aged out. Her health has been deteriorating quickly. Our family began making inquiries as to how we could care for her within her own country. We began talking about plans to move our family to her. Everyone thought she was ineligible for adoption. But we were wrong! It is not too late; she CAN be adopted. Her paperwork is being prepared now. This is just the beginning. Many more miracles are needed to get this special girl home where she can receive love and immediate medical care.
We have been racing through paperwork at record speeds. This is going to be a “hurry up and wait” process, where we rush as much as possible, then sit tight until her paperwork is finally completed. We are praying things move just as quickly on her end. She has waited in a crib for nearly 16 years, without hope. She has hope now. We are coming.
8/2/17—REFERRAL ACCEPTED
Jim and Amy McBride live in rural Georgia with their two daughters and two sons who range in age from 6-16. Jim is a beloved middle/high school band director in a very small community. Amy stays home to home school two of the children and tend to their family farm.
Adoption has been an important part of their lives for many years. They have one son and one daughter who joined their family by adoption. Amy also works to advocate for orphans and has a special place in her heart for children with cleft lip/palate. That’s how the McBride family learned of Ellis and Tanner.
Amy spent a year advocating for these two boys to find a family. This summer the boys became available for hosting and the McBrides were given the opportunity to have both boys in their home for four weeks. It was a “real life” four weeks with hard moments and fun moments. The hardest moment came when the boys had to return to the orphanage. Everyone was heartbroken. It was at that time that the McBride family knew these two boys should be their sons/brothers.
We have been able to watch God open doors and provide during each step of this process. We are continuing to trust Him as we work to bring our sons home. We know it won’t be easy bringing in two 12 year old boys, but we know that He has prepared this path for us and He will walk with us through this. Would you like to join us on this journey? Would you like to help us as we open our homes and hearts to these precious boys? Thank you for any support and prayers.
7/24/17—TA RECEIVED
The Turner Family would like to introduce you to a very special little boy. This is their child, Marcus!
Although they do not know Marcus yet, Carl and Martha are adopting him from Eastern Europe. What they do know about Marcus is this:
He has never known the warm and loving embrace of a mother, or the joy of a piggy-back ride from a father. He doesn’t know what it feels like to be tucked in and kissed goodnight, warm and safe in a caring home. He has yet to receive full medical attention, proper, nutritious food, a childhood that allows him to be a child and an environment where he can thrive and flourish and reach his full potential. He needs a loving family the most.
The Turners cannot wait to bring Marcus home, to hold him in our arms, to read stories with him, to watch him play with his big sister, to take him to Sunday School, and always provide a hand for him to hold as he grows. No words can capture the true joy and excitement we feel as we anticipate the blessing of his presence in our home.
Carl and Martha would like to invite you to be a part of our adoption. They have two goals, the first is to create a community of friends, family and neighbors, locally and globally, who are ready and excited to welcome our Marcus into their lives and will commit to pray for our family over the next few months. The 2nd goal is to raise funds to bring Marcus home. Thank you for joining the Turners in this journey both in prayer and in financial support.
7/19/17—FIRST TRIP COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at: responsivelove.weebly.com
The Tenenika Family is working hard to bring home their daughter Elsie from Eastern Europe. Elsie has Down Syndrome. The Tenenika Family has two biological sons. One of their boys has Down Syndrome also! Pavel and Maryana are originally from Ukraine!
7/8/17–TRAVELING JULY 14
The Schaus family is excited to be adopting for the first time. Chris and Amanda have been married for 15 years and have two beautiful biological children – Esme (10) and Gavyn (7). They are both teachers – Chris is a high school English teacher and Amanda is a Chairperson for Special Education. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking walks in the neighborhood, and snuggling up with a good book together. Life is full of extra curricular activities, church functions, and sports, but their hearts are not full yet.
For the last year Amanda and Chris have been discussing adoption and Andre’s picture continued to resurface. But on October 23, 2016, a Facebook post by another Reece’s Rainbow adoptive parent, Natalie Tena, who was raising funds for Andre’s Christmas Miracle Maker sealed the deal and they haven’t turned back since.
The Schaus family is excited to welcome Andre into their home and their family and friends could not be more supportive. They are currently looking for prayers and support to make this adoption financially, emotionally, and spiritually successful. Andre is already a member of their family in heart and mind. Please consider partnering with them to bring him to his forever home.
7/13/2017 — TRAVELING AUG 14
Krista has worked in private (domestic and international) adoptions as well as Social Service adoptions for her entire 15 year career. Krista is an only parent to an 8 year old son who has always wanted a little brother. They have often discussed expanding their family through adoption, however were looking at options through the foster care system; but the doors were always closing. On June 30, 2016 Krista was looking through Reece’s Rainbow photo listing and saw her son! He is a beautiful little boy, with Spina Bifida. She was shocked and surprised and after wrestling with it for a few days decided to bury it deep and write it off as a “crazy thought.” However, she could not stop thinking about those big brown eyes and dreamed about bringing him home. After almost three months she was completely broken and realized that she was not just imagining a fairy tale. She was hearing the Lord speak to her that this was her son! She needed to put her worries away and fully rely on God.
All the worries and anxieties: How would she pay for this as on a single income? What will her family think? Will her coworkers be angry that she is not adopting from the system she works for? How will she meet the needs of this special little boy who deserves so much? After thinking and obsessing about these questions over and over for days, into the wee hours of the morning, she finally realized that NONE of that is up to her! There was absolutely nothing she could do to control those things, but needed to be obedient. The only way that any of this would happen was in her absolute surrender and faith that God would provide. She keeps going back to II Corinthians 12:9: in my weakness His power is made perfect; His grace is sufficient. Krista is working on putting her worries away and fully relying on God to make this precious little boy her son!
7/11/17— TRIP ONE JULY 24
Follow the family’s journey on their blog: redeeminggracethroughadoption.blogspot.com
Jared and Michelle Graves have been happily married for 11 memorable years. They have been fortunate enough to have 3 biological sons, Andrew (16), Evan (12), and Jake (9). They are hoping to add just one more boy to their family, Joseph. Michelle comes from a large family of four sisters, two brothers, and nine nieces and nephews. Jared on the other hand not as big, he had one sister. Both families are waiting opened arms for Joseph to make his way ho me. When Michelle first started researching the idea of adoption, which they have considered for many years, Joseph caught her heart and she instantly knew that he was going to be her son and the newest addition to their family. Joseph is seven years old and has Down syndrome, but that is exactly what Michelle and her family wanted and needs. Their youngest son, Jake, also has Down syndrome and has changed their lives in unimaginable ways. The Graves family is fighting with everything they have to adopt Joseph. The family has raised money and collected hundreds of shoes for a fundraiser that helps those in need. They want more than ever to bring Joseph into their lives and nourish him with love and affection, because that is what every child deserves.
After learning that Joseph had recently passed away, the Graves family took some time to regroup — and are now moving forward with adopting Ryder.
7/18/17—APPT on JULY 27
Shawn and Kara live in Memphis TN with their two beautiful daughters adopted from China. Shawn works at St. Jude children’s hospital by day and as an artist at night. Kara works from home as an artist. Their adoption story begins when they brought home Chandler in December 2012. In 2014 Perry joined the family. Suddenly life got very busy and with two fun feisty six year olds and the family seemed complete. That is until they saw a picture of a girl with intelligent eyes and a dazzling smile. Keely has Cerebral Palsy which affects her mobility. She will be soon be thirteen years old. For orphans, birthdays are not always happy occasions; if she is not adopted by fourteen she will lose forever her chance to have a family. When the family saw her profile on Reese’s rainbow they knew they would be going back to Asia. They are thrilled and cannot wait to bring their daughter and sister home.
7/5/17—TA RECEIVED
Follow the family’s adoption journey: Shawn and Kara’s adoption page
Joseph and Katie met while working at a feed store and going to college in northern Arizona. They have been happily married for three short years and have been blessed with a one year old daughter.
Katie has always had a heart for adoption and Joseph agreed that one day they would adopt. Neither of them expected to be called to adopt so soon into their marriage! While browsing through Facebook one day, Katie saw Kiara’s picture posted. Katie couldn’t get Kiara and her immediate need for a home out of her head for the next couple of days. She sent Joseph Kiara’s picture and, after much prayer, they knew that she was meant to be part of the McAndrew family.
Joseph and Katie are so anxious to finish their paperwork, raise their funds, and bring this little girl home. They know that God is in control and He is able to do abundantly more than they could every ask for or think of. Joseph and Katie simply request your prayers and support as they journey through adopting Kiara.
6/29/17—TRAVEL DATE RECEIVED
This family is so excited to once again be adopting. They would greatly appreciate your prayers and would welcome any financial support as they race to try and get Bentley home to treat his cancer and Clara before she ages out in March!
6/20/17 — TRAVEL DATES RECEIVED
The Adams adoption adventure actually spans several years. It was a desire Diane had since she was young. Diane always loved children and raised a wonderful son (Nick). However, with pay equivalent to a teacher and single, it took several years to actually be in a position to be able to afford adoption. Diane saved over the years, but hadn’t quite gathered the entire amount needed to cover the expenses. There were garage sales and she grew a garden and canned the vegetables to save money here and there. Slowly her nest egg grew. Then sadly, her brother passed away after a long illness. Her brother was aware of her desire to adopt, and Diane was surprised to learn he provided a small sum of money to jump start the process. He would have been so happy to know that he had a part in her adventure.
In 2009, after what seemed forever, Diane began her first adoption. The referral was an incredibly small, sickly little girl in Eastern Europe. At the time of the first visit this little one-year-old was not able to sit independently, crawl, stand or support herself. She had digestive problems and was not able to absorb food adequately. It was felt she possibly has celiac disease or some other digestive disorder. She was failure to thrive, and the international adoption medical specialist said she had severe global delays. On the first visit, this little one looked up at Diane when she held her and just smiled. Diane knew that this little girl belonged with her. The adoption was complete in 2010. It was later learned that this little one was hearing impaired. Today, Makenzie is thriving in every way. While she wears bilateral hearing aids and does have celiac’s disease, her daughter reads in the top of her class and does equally as well in math. She enjoys gymnastics and is beautiful, loving and amazing in every way. She adores having a big brother, and he adores her.
In 2014, Diane began to feel that tug to add to her family again and pursue another adoption. She started having garage sales and her co-workers helped by donating items. She had a pastry fund raiser and even posted a go fund me page. Makenzie helped by selling homemade brownies at the garage sale. One day, in 2016, while Diane was looking on a web site that posts profiles of orphans with special needs, she saw a picture of a sweet little girl (Layla), in Eastern Europe. Layla had a rough start with club feet (now corrected), microcephaly and a genetic eye defect. She also had developmental delays, but she seemed to be a perfect fit for the Adams growing family. The Adams family is excited to add this sweet little girl to their family but still has a few financial hurdles before they can get there. We hope that others will want to make the difference in the life of this special little girl as well.
6/21/2017 — TRAVEL DATES RECEIVED
Jeff and Wendy were married in 2010. Having both come from previous marriages, they each brought with them 3 children…..six all together. Wendy had experienced the joy of adoption in 2003 when her daughter Cassie was adopted from Kazakhstan. Jeff and Wendy knew that God was calling them to bring another child into their family, so they started on the journey to find the child that God had for them. One evening, while researching adoption from Eastern Europe, Wendy came across a website that changed everything. Reece’s Rainbow lead them down the path that brought them to their beautiful children…..Avery and Caden. Avery is a sweet, spunky little girl who has Dwarfism and Caden is a precious boy with Down Syndrome who is truly all boy! They have been such a blessing to the Shupe family! But, God wasn’t done adding to this family. The Shupes were recently contacted about another little girl with Dwarfism in an orphanage in Eastern Europe. What a miracle it was to find out that this little girl was Avery’s biological sister. The Shupes were shocked and amazed that she had been located, and even more amazed that they made the family connection to their daughter Avery. Jeff and Wendy did not know that adoption was in God’s plan for them again, but they have committed to follow God’s will for their lives. The Shupe’s have started their fundraising and are appreciative of your support and prayers as they raise the funds to bring their new daughter home.
SPRING 2017–FIRST TRIP COMPLETE
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at theshupestorycontinues.blogspot.com
William and Lee-Ann Cotner had a whirlwind romance that has set the tone for their adventurous, fun loving family. William is an Active Duty Military Police officer. Lee-Ann is currently a stay at home mom but, with a background in education, which is where her heart completely fell in love with her students blessed by Down Syndrome. They always knew they wanted to adopt but, always dreamed it was when their four biological kiddos were older. One day in 2015, sitting at the breakfast table and scrolling Facebook, they came across the profile of little boy on Reece’s Rainbow and they immediately knew he was to be their son. In 2016 Harvey became an official member of the family. Harvey has been such an amazing blessing to their family. He is rocking his Down Syndrome and brings such joy to everyone his smile meets.
The Cotner children IMMEDIATELY began asking for another brother or sister. But, so soon after Harvey’s adoption financially, William and Lee-Ann knew it would be best to wait. Lee-Ann came across Martin’s profile and felt that tug. She kept going back to his profile reading it over and over for several days. She made the inquiry to the agency and saw the most precious little boy’s face. Three year old Charlotte walked over the computer… looked at the picture and said “Oh THERE’S my baby brother”… and that was the sign of all signs that he in fact was meant to be their son. They live by that saying that there is ALWAYS a way…you just have to believe and remember God bless the broken road.
William, Lee-Ann and their five children, Peyton, Parker, Charlotte, Quinn and Harvey are so overjoyed to have you as part of the adventure bringing Martin home. They are grateful for those that show their support both financially and spiritually. Every donation will leave a lasting impact on their hearts and helping bring Martin home into his forever family, where we will be a cherished and welcomed member of the family, who they can’t wait to see shine!
6/21/2017–TRAVELING JULY 7
Justin and Codi Howell are high school sweethearts who have now been married for nine years. Codi has wanted to have a large family and to pursue adoption ever since she was a little girl and Justin was adopted himself. Adoption has always been something that is close to their hearts.
The Howells currently have four children at home and one in heaven. Anna is seven, Levi is four, Amelia is three, and Claire is two. Both Amelia and Claire have Down syndrome. The couple adopted Amelia from Eastern Europe in 2015. She has thrived in their home and the Howells feel so blessed to be her parents. Their daughter, Emelyn, was born with a very rare condition and passed away due to complications in 2010.
In May 2016, while scrolling through her Facebook news feed, Codi saw a picture of a sibling group that was available for summer hosting. Not knowing much about hosting but feeling a tug on her heart and an instant connection to the children in the picture, Codi sent the picture and summary to Justin who immediately felt the same connection. It was the siblings’ last chance for hosting and the couple had just one week to raise the full amount of funds needed for the children’s hosting fees. They prayed and God provided the full amount in just THREE DAYS! The couple hosted the children in their home for five weeks. Their love for them was instantaneous and all members of the family bonded quickly and easily … it was meant to be! Saying “goodbye” to the children who so quickly became their own was one of the hardest things the couple has ever done. The Howells are working quickly to be reunited with their children.
The Howells appreciate your financial support as they, once again, “step out of the boat” in obedience.
6/21/17 — TRAVELING JULY 7
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at siblingsforthehowells.blogspot.com
Things in ‘Alexis’s’ country didn’t go as planned, and we are very disappointed to tell everyone that ‘Alexis’ is not going to be joining our family. After working towards her adoption for a year, we are obviously upset.
Through a very difficult time, we decided to remain open to the possibility of adopting a different child who could still be a good fit for our family. Angie was able to review the files of waiting children while still in country, and we gravitated towards one of the available children after some discussion about what we felt we could handle. Angie was able to spend a significant amount of time with him at his orphanage, and we felt comfortable making the decision to move forward.
We are now ready to introduce everyone to ‘Ashton’. Angie was fortunate enough to celebrate his 10th birthday with him while in country, and our hope is that he will join our family forever, before Christmas this year. ‘Ashton’ has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, and bilateral second to third degree neurosensory hearing loss, so he communicates solely with the sign language used in his country. Angie and I have a lot to do to get ready for ‘Ashton’ to come home!
Because of all the unknowns in the process due to recent changes in the government, Angie had to fly to ‘Alexis’ and ‘Ashton’s’ country on a one way ticket, and spent much, much longer than expected in country, so this trip was quite a bit more expensive than we had anticipated. How long she had to be there also means that she was forced to take quite a bit of time off of work, and we have concerns that when she goes back to bring ‘Ashton’ home, the situation will be similar. Thank you to everyone who has contributed towards our adoption so far, and if anyone has the desire and the means to help us moving forward we greatly appreciate it.
We greatly appreciate all of the prayers and encouragement we have received throughout this adoption process. We would also love everyone’s continued prayers while we move forward, and try to prepare for the new normal for our family.
6/19/17—FIRST TRIP JUNE 24
Jacob and Rebecca are the couple that everyone looks up to and inspires to be because they know each other so well and have the most open communication. Rebecca is very sweet and caring. Jacob is very supportive and understanding. They met online when Rebecca was 18 and Jacob was 19. Instantly there was a strong connection between the two and they got married in 2006. Their relationship grew and they had 4 beautiful girls but felt their family was destined for more as they grew by 3 more girls last year. Jacob and Rebecca’s strengths to support their growing family are through their faith and dedication to God and their family. Their weakness is the same as any family that has seen the inside of an orphanage; that their hearts are forever burdened with the never ending suffering of orphans that will never know the love of a mother and father. They strongly feel led to the ministry of adoption even more now that they have seen first hand how amazing adoption can be when they brought home 3 beautiful sisters from Ukraine in 2016. Overall, they feel their adoption experience has been one of the best as their girls have integrated into their family so easily thanks to the ministry staff and other orphanage staff who did an amazing job preparing them for a life with a family to love and support them forever. This next trip they intend to add two more wonderful girls (biological sisters) into their ever expanding and loving home. Patiently waiting for their days to travel, they need all the help and support possible to bring these girls home and welcome them to a lifetime of family, friendship, and happiness.
7/10/2017–APPT on AUGUST 7
We are the Millward family. Carolyn and Eddie have been married for 26 years and have two incredible boys; Christian 18 and Brian 13. We cannot forget the other members of the family; their cat and dog Goober and Maggie.
Adoption has been a consideration for many years, but a recent blog rekindled the fire and pointed them in the direction of Reece’s Rainbow. Soon after, a Facebook post focusing on the plight of Emmaline really struck a chord with the family. Emmaline is an 11-year-old with cerebral palsy, and the thought of her spending the rest of her life institutionalized was not something they could accept. A good amount of thought and even more prayer led them to the decision to move forward with the adoption.
Please pray for Emmaline that she will soon be home with her family, receiving the love and medical treatment she deserves.
“Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues” – John Stott
6/8/17 — APPT on JULY 18
Martha and Mike live on a family farm in North Carolina. They have 2 children, one of whom they found on Reece’s Rainbow way back in 2009. Their daughter was completely deaf when adopted and now hears with the aid of Cochlear Implants. They knew their adoption story was not over but had not heard clearly the call of the Lord again until 2 years ago. They hosted a boy who lived in the same country from which they adopted their daughter. The hosting did not go well, and they were unsure about how to proceed. They prayed for this child when he went back to the orphanage and helped a wonderful local family with his needs that were not being met in the orphanage. During this past winter, the Evans family visited his orphanage to provide supplies and gifts.
Then they did something they never thought they would do…. they hosted the same boy, now a teenager, again. This time, the once scared, angry boy had seen and felt unconditional love. He knew people prayed for him and believed in him. He finally knew someone cared about him. His hosting experience went MUCH better!
When he left to return to his country, the Evans family prayed about whether they were supposed to move forward to adopt him. A few months later, the answer was a YES from the Lord. This young man was to be added to the Evans family!
Mike and Martha understand the challenges to be faced by adding an older child to the family and will do all they can to equip this boy to become a man of God. He knows he is already loved by God, and the Evanses long to show him the love of a family!
6/8/2017—APPT on JULY 24
Follow the family’s journey on their blog thelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
FULLY FUNDED!!!
The Johnston family is excited to be adopting for the second time. Chris and Julianna have been married for almost 10 years. Chris works for an international relief organization, and Julianna works at home, educating and caring for their 5 children.
One day, the couple read Stephen’s story through Wide-Awake’s post, and after learning more about him, they knew they would go as far as God would take them in bringing Stephen into their family. God graciously introduced them to the blessing of special needs when their son Isaac was born in 2010, and they have since welcomed their daughter Providence with Down syndrome into the family through adoption two years ago.
The Johnstons are uniquely blessed with a community of friends and family who support, celebrate, and value life. They are grateful for others they continue to meet through organizations like Reece’s Rainbow.
8/5/17 — COURT PASSED!!
We are Robert and Jennifer Clements. We live in Texas and have been married for almost four years. We both have a special love for children and a heart for serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have each been involved in our nephews and nieces lives growing up and have served in children’s ministry at our church as well as doing VBS with kids on mission trips to South Texas, Cuba, South Carolina, Guatemala to name a few places across the world. We have been unable to conceive children naturally, yet both have a strong desire to grow our family. Adoption is prevalent on both sides of our immediate families and something we talked about while dating. We were introduced to an orphan hosting organization through Robert’s older sister and about a year ago we learned the story of 4 precious boys in need of a family. They had been living in an orphanage in Eastern Europe for over 6 years. We hosted the 3 younger boys (the oldest has been adopted by another family) for 5 weeks last summer and they captured our hearts. We were told a story about the youngest a couple of Christmases ago who all he wanted was “joy”, “love”, and “peace”. He told us our family gave him joy, love, and peace. We have felt God’s hand orchestrating the entire process of Him choosing us to give these sweet, active boys a family they deserve and to love them unconditionally as He loves us.
8/17/17— COURT SUCCESSFULLY PASSED
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.
6/1/2017 — AWAITING COURT DATE
The Waller family has also received an Older Child Grant of $10,000 for Tyler.
