TN – Reece's Rainbow

EASTYN for the Mitchell family — TN

When Gary and Carrie got married in 2003, they would have never dreamed their lives would look like this 20 years later. But God laid adoption on their hearts, so after having daughters Constance and Callie, they brought home their third daughter, Presley, from Eastern Europe in 2017. They thought their family was complete….until God planted that seed in their hearts again. A year and a half after bringing Presley home, Gary and Carrie started casually looking through Reece’s Rainbow children. As soon as “Mikah” was listed they knew he was their son! They began the process in June 2019 and passed court in March 2020 just two days before Covid shutdowns. They would have to wait 4 more months to bring Milko home. Then, only 17 days after bringing Milko home, they gave birth to their 5th child, Rhett. Adding Milko and Rhett at the same time was incredibly difficult. If you asked Gary and Carrie if they would add any more children to their family, they would have again answered that their family was complete.

However, on their first trip to meet Milko in January 2020, they both noticed this other little girl with spina bifida in the same orphanage. She always was sat in a little blue chair and was given a toy. She had the best personality and would talk to anyone who was in the room. She was the sweetest little girl and Gary and Carrie fell in love with her. The following month she was listed on Reece’s Rainbow and they prayed for her and advocated for her for the next three years, even signing up to be her MACC warrior. Many times they would say things like “I wish we could have just adopted her when we were there last time” or “we will definitely bring her home before she ages out”. Eventually that just became “let’s go get her now”. Even though most people think they’re crazy, they are so excited to finally bring home that little girl that touched their hearts three years ago. To read more about the Mitchell family, please visit Reece’s Rainbow Report featuring their family.

9/8/2023 — DOSSIER COMPLETE & AWAITING TRIP ONE

April 27, 2023/by Michelle Zoromski

Almost There

2 Children for the Reyes family — TN

Alo! We are the Reyes family and here is our story of how we stepped foot on the road to adopting from North America’s Caribbean location.

Timothy and Lanie met in the 2012 when both were in enlisted in the United States Army. Tim and Lanie were stationed in Fort, Lewis WA serving in the 66th MP Co. During their time of service they would deploy and grow to become the best of friends for roughly two years. They decided to step out in faith that the friendship established would not be ruined and became husband and wife in November of 2014. Tim and Lanie welcomed our first biological child Peyton (female) in July of 2015. Once their time of service was completed they would make the 2 day drive from WA to their current residence in TN. During the drive Timothy and Lanie had nothing but time to reflect and discuss the future. The topic presented being adoption!

Growing up Lanie knew adoption was always something she wanted to do and surprisingly Timothy had the same outlook, it was a win! The couple decided they would pursue adoption once they owned their own home and had finished having their own biological children both took place between 2019 and 2021. During those years they were faced with medical trials that would test their faith but also be the guide to them wanting to adopt a special needs child. In 2019 at 4 wks old their middle child (female) Valor was diagnosed with LSG, a rare form of Epilepsy that is hard to control. For two years they would watch their tiny baby face life head on with the strongest medical team guiding her. They would spend countless weeks in the hospital as well as time in the Pediatric ICU . All to repeat it again in 2022 with their final child (male) Emmanuel at two months old. Due to Covid complications Emmanuel sadly was diagnosed with Sever Gastroparesis. He is currently fed through a G/J tube. Since the placement of his tube he has been thriving! When many families would have said no the medical needs they have are enough Timothy and Lanie instead felt an even stronger calling from God to adopt a child with special needs.

August 26th 2022 Lanie joined a FB group because the family wanted to start gathering info on adoption. This is when God would place an angel in their path but also the child they would begin pursuing. This individual went out on a limb asking Lanie to view Reece’s Rainbow and the children in the Caribbean location. During the moments of scrolling there was a child Lanie kept returning to, she could not stop looking at her profile. The more Lanie looked the louder she could heard God calling her towards this child. Lanie presented this child to Timothy as their special needs are more than their current two and told him, “something in me is saying she is the one, a momma knows!” Not even 72 hours later God began opening doors calling the couple to run! Timothy and Lanie had originally planned on starting in May 2023 but God opened a door calling them to start September 2022 and the couple walked through it placing all their faith in Him following His lead. He has guided them spiritually, emotionally and financially proving this is His child for the Reyes family all they need to do is follow Him!

Update, Feb 2023: The Reyes family has been approved to bring TWO children home to their family!

The Reyes family has met their $2500 MATCHING GRANT!!

8/20/2023 — DOSSIER COMPLETE

November 28, 2022/by Michelle Zoromski

Already Home - 2022

DEBBIE for the Carter family — TN

Bulgaria

February 2, 2022/by Michelle Zoromski

Already Home - 2021

VAEDA for the Morgan family — TN

Ukraine

August 5, 2021/by Michelle Zoromski

Almost There

2 Girls for the Newsom Family — TN

Meet the Newsoms! The Newsom family is originally from Texas but moved to East Tennessee a little over two years ago. They love living in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains and exploring this beautiful part of the United States. Husband & father, Cass Newsom, was in the military for 8 years in both the Marine Corps and the Texas Army National Guard. Wife and mother, Kristin Newsom, was a public school teacher for five years before becoming a stay at home/homeschool mom. They have three biological daughters aged seven, four, and one.

They always talked about fostering or adopting. After watching many friends foster and adopt, they decided that international adoption was best for their family. At the same time, they came across two sisters listed on Reece’s Rainbow. While still contemplating and researching the decision to commit, Kristin came across a post by Keshia Melton containing the girls pictures. It was just the encouragement they needed!

Cass went on several mission trips as a teen when he was first introduced to special needs orphans. Kristin worked with middle school and high school students in both rural and inner city areas. Her last year of teaching, she switched to special education. Through challenges within their own household, they saw parenting through a different perspective.

These experiences have afforded them the ability to work with children from different backgrounds with unique needs. They believe that every child has value and is made and loved by God. While they do not know the extent of their challenges & capabilities, they do know that they need a family to love and take care of them!

1/22/2022 — DOSSIER SUBMITTED