Our children have an orphan bracelet ministry that started when they desperately wanted to bring their little sister Lacie (now Lily) home. We didn't have any savings with which to adopt again (having just adopted Sean) but in faith they asked their Daddy if they could start fundraising. It was wonderful to see God bless their efforts in helping bring their sister home.
Now that she is here (and their brother Joshua too) they still want to help orphans... right now they are seeking to raise some money to help the Malone family bring a little boy named Ethan home. Ethan is a disabled orphan already in an institution who desperately needs surgery and who has a family he doesn't know about that is working hard to bring him home. Their dossier (official paperwork) is already overseas and they await its submission and to receive a travel date! God has worked wonders to get it all together for them in a short time and they are trusting God to provide the money needed (international adoptions here cost about $22,000)
If you'd like to make a donation for a bracelet, please visit our children's blog at:
www.laciesbracelets.blogspot.com
where there are pictures of bracelets (special orders are also available)
They are asking for donations of $6 or more which can be done through the chip-in on paypal, or you can email them if you prefer to use a check at:
childrenpreciousinhissight@gmail.com
It is a precious thing to see the Lord giving them hearts for the orphans and trusting Him that He can use even them and it is something that several of our kids have enjoyed doing together.
So please consider helping them to help bring Ethan home! The bracelets would make special Christmas (or birthday) gifts for someone special in your life!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Urgent Prayer Request
Did you know that there is a vote coming up that could stop all adoptions in the Ukraine (where we adopted SEan, Lily and Joshua)? Below is from a post of another family who just adopted from there and who knows alot more about it than me. Please read it ...pray and share this prayer need with others.
A few weeks ago I posted about a vote on a bill that would put a moratoriam on adoptions in Aaron's former country. The bill passed once, but needs to pass a second time before it goes to the President and is signed into law. If the bill stays as it is written then adoptions in that country will come to a screeching halt. I've heard a lot of differing information, advice, thoughts etc. about when the second vote will take place. It is very possible that the vote will take place next week. Thanksgiving week. Some say November 22 and some say November 24. Some say it will not happen until spring. Only the Lord knows when that vote will take place. It is an extremely serious matter and we need to be praying hard that this bill will either not pass or that the wording of the bill changes so that adoptions, especially the special needs adoptions, will not be hindered. Consider the following:
Next Thursday is the LAST day this year when that country will be accepting dossiers until the end of February. This is a normal process that takes place each year. Those families who are not submitted in the next two weeks will have to wait until early next year for submission.
If the bill passes and if it is signed as it it currently written:
Then those families who have been racing against time to get their dossier to that country by the cut off date will find all their work to have been done in vain.
All the families who are currently in that country and have met their child BUT HAVE NOT HAD COURT will be sent home.
All the families who have bags packed, plane tickets in hand and are ready to walk out the door to go get their children will not get to go.
All the families who have had all their paperwork submitted over there and are just waiting for a travel date will be left hanging.
All the families who have mailed their dossiers and are praying they will be accepted either this week or next week by the agency that processes adoptions will not be submitted.
There are about 30 Reece's Rainbow families in the above situations. 30 families who are hoping to bring home over 40 children. FORTY. There are over 40 other families who are working hard on their paperwork in order to be submitted early next year. We are talking over 100 SPECIAL NEEDS children who have families right now willing to sacrifice everything to get them home.
It is a battle. A spiritual battle that needs to be won. Four years ago these children were hidden from society. They were unwanted. They were dying in their cribs. Alone. But God has raised up an army of loving families who want these kids. They want the unwanted ones. They are shocking the orphanage directors, the nannies, the doctors and the social workers. Each time one of the 'least of these' is selected, they are making a powerful statement to the powers that be in this country and others that these little ones have value. They deserve life, love and families. They don't need to be discarded at the hospitals. They can grow and learn and thrive. Hearts are changing and the powers of darkness are not pleased. It is a spiritual battle. As the church is waking up, realizing its call in this forgotten realm, the battle lines are being drawn.
Pure and simple - we need to pray. We have on our side, a Mighty God. He is the One who has called the church to action and He is the One who is leading this battle. I have in my house the sweetest little guy because God placed it in on our hearts to GO GET HIM. Our call did not end when we walked off the plane. One child whisked out of darkness is not enough. We need to battle with the rest of the families who are fighting against the odds to get these children out. They have been called by God and we need to stand with them in prayer that NOTHING will prevent them for fulfilling His plans.
Pray church. Pray that the bill either doesn't pass or that it is reworded. Pray that God will continue to move in the hearts and minds and souls of each and every orphanage and institute director. Pray that the doors of these places would be flung open and that the church would be able to march inside. Pray that through the testimony of every single family who goes over there, that the system of discarding the special needs children would come to an end. Pray. Pray for the vote. Pray for the people God has put in place who are working around the clock to address the issue. Pray for the families. Pray for God's peace to reign in their hearts as they journey in this unknown. There are numerous other families who are trying to adopt in Aaron's former country who are also deeply affected by this vote. They are not Reece's Rainbow families but they are just as much in need of our prayer covering. We know many in this group and we agonize with them also. They too desperately need our prayers. This vote affects thousands of children stuck in a very harsh system. Pray not only for the families, but for God's call for you. Pray for discernment as you wrestle with whether God is calling you to adopt. Pray hard, church.
Those who are unable at this time to rescue a child, you are not off the hook. You are called to support the families who are going. You are called to GIVE. You are called to be an encourager, a supporter. You are called to pray. So pray. And lest you forget for whom we pray:
All of the precious little ones pictured above need families. I can't look at their faces without wanting to cry. They are helpless, needy and desperately in need of your prayers and support.
Posted by Julia at www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com (you can see the pictures on her blog post)
I know--though its pushed far in the back of my mind as it is a hard thing to think about-- that Sean and Joshua would be in an institution right now if we were not able to adopt them, and Lily would be going next year. At their orphanage, the caregivers seemed to care about them and even though they didn't see their potential or do things as we would have and the children didn't receive the nurturing and therapy they needed, they took care of them and even fussed about certain things, like wearing a bonnet if it was 60 degrees or lower. If they'd been transferred, their lives would have changed dramatically as they would not have received such care at a mental institution (along with older children and adults with mental disabilities)and most likely they would have perished very quickly. You can go and read on Reeces Rainbow's webpage for statistics, but they are not good. If they did survive, their hope of having a Mommy and a Daddy, loving care, opportunities to learn, receive therapy and have everyday freedoms we all enjoy would have been gone. I pray that God will keep the doors open for all the families who have opened their hearts to welcome these special children into their lives. Please pray with us.
You can also read it directly on their blog at:
http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2010/11/lest-we-forget.html
A few weeks ago I posted about a vote on a bill that would put a moratoriam on adoptions in Aaron's former country. The bill passed once, but needs to pass a second time before it goes to the President and is signed into law. If the bill stays as it is written then adoptions in that country will come to a screeching halt. I've heard a lot of differing information, advice, thoughts etc. about when the second vote will take place. It is very possible that the vote will take place next week. Thanksgiving week. Some say November 22 and some say November 24. Some say it will not happen until spring. Only the Lord knows when that vote will take place. It is an extremely serious matter and we need to be praying hard that this bill will either not pass or that the wording of the bill changes so that adoptions, especially the special needs adoptions, will not be hindered. Consider the following:
Next Thursday is the LAST day this year when that country will be accepting dossiers until the end of February. This is a normal process that takes place each year. Those families who are not submitted in the next two weeks will have to wait until early next year for submission.
If the bill passes and if it is signed as it it currently written:
Then those families who have been racing against time to get their dossier to that country by the cut off date will find all their work to have been done in vain.
All the families who are currently in that country and have met their child BUT HAVE NOT HAD COURT will be sent home.
All the families who have bags packed, plane tickets in hand and are ready to walk out the door to go get their children will not get to go.
All the families who have had all their paperwork submitted over there and are just waiting for a travel date will be left hanging.
All the families who have mailed their dossiers and are praying they will be accepted either this week or next week by the agency that processes adoptions will not be submitted.
There are about 30 Reece's Rainbow families in the above situations. 30 families who are hoping to bring home over 40 children. FORTY. There are over 40 other families who are working hard on their paperwork in order to be submitted early next year. We are talking over 100 SPECIAL NEEDS children who have families right now willing to sacrifice everything to get them home.
It is a battle. A spiritual battle that needs to be won. Four years ago these children were hidden from society. They were unwanted. They were dying in their cribs. Alone. But God has raised up an army of loving families who want these kids. They want the unwanted ones. They are shocking the orphanage directors, the nannies, the doctors and the social workers. Each time one of the 'least of these' is selected, they are making a powerful statement to the powers that be in this country and others that these little ones have value. They deserve life, love and families. They don't need to be discarded at the hospitals. They can grow and learn and thrive. Hearts are changing and the powers of darkness are not pleased. It is a spiritual battle. As the church is waking up, realizing its call in this forgotten realm, the battle lines are being drawn.
Pure and simple - we need to pray. We have on our side, a Mighty God. He is the One who has called the church to action and He is the One who is leading this battle. I have in my house the sweetest little guy because God placed it in on our hearts to GO GET HIM. Our call did not end when we walked off the plane. One child whisked out of darkness is not enough. We need to battle with the rest of the families who are fighting against the odds to get these children out. They have been called by God and we need to stand with them in prayer that NOTHING will prevent them for fulfilling His plans.
Pray church. Pray that the bill either doesn't pass or that it is reworded. Pray that God will continue to move in the hearts and minds and souls of each and every orphanage and institute director. Pray that the doors of these places would be flung open and that the church would be able to march inside. Pray that through the testimony of every single family who goes over there, that the system of discarding the special needs children would come to an end. Pray. Pray for the vote. Pray for the people God has put in place who are working around the clock to address the issue. Pray for the families. Pray for God's peace to reign in their hearts as they journey in this unknown. There are numerous other families who are trying to adopt in Aaron's former country who are also deeply affected by this vote. They are not Reece's Rainbow families but they are just as much in need of our prayer covering. We know many in this group and we agonize with them also. They too desperately need our prayers. This vote affects thousands of children stuck in a very harsh system. Pray not only for the families, but for God's call for you. Pray for discernment as you wrestle with whether God is calling you to adopt. Pray hard, church.
Those who are unable at this time to rescue a child, you are not off the hook. You are called to support the families who are going. You are called to GIVE. You are called to be an encourager, a supporter. You are called to pray. So pray. And lest you forget for whom we pray:
All of the precious little ones pictured above need families. I can't look at their faces without wanting to cry. They are helpless, needy and desperately in need of your prayers and support.
Posted by Julia at www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com (you can see the pictures on her blog post)
I know--though its pushed far in the back of my mind as it is a hard thing to think about-- that Sean and Joshua would be in an institution right now if we were not able to adopt them, and Lily would be going next year. At their orphanage, the caregivers seemed to care about them and even though they didn't see their potential or do things as we would have and the children didn't receive the nurturing and therapy they needed, they took care of them and even fussed about certain things, like wearing a bonnet if it was 60 degrees or lower. If they'd been transferred, their lives would have changed dramatically as they would not have received such care at a mental institution (along with older children and adults with mental disabilities)and most likely they would have perished very quickly. You can go and read on Reeces Rainbow's webpage for statistics, but they are not good. If they did survive, their hope of having a Mommy and a Daddy, loving care, opportunities to learn, receive therapy and have everyday freedoms we all enjoy would have been gone. I pray that God will keep the doors open for all the families who have opened their hearts to welcome these special children into their lives. Please pray with us.
You can also read it directly on their blog at:
http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2010/11/lest-we-forget.html
Monday, November 15, 2010
Our daughters fundraiser: Great Christmas gift idea...for a great cause!
Our children have an orphan bracelet ministry that started when they desperately wanted to bring their little sister Lacie (now Lily) home. We didn't have any savings with which to adopt again (having just adopted Sean) but in faith they asked their Daddy if they could start fundraising. It was wonderful to see God bless their efforts in helping bring their sister home.
Now that she is here (and their brother Joshua too) they still want to help orphans... right now they are seeking to raise some money to help the Malone family bring a little boy named Ethan home. Ethan is a disabled orphan already in an institution who desperately needs surgery and who has a family he doesn't know about that is working hard to bring him home. Their dossier (official paperwork) is already overseas and they await its submission and to receive a travel date! God has worked wonders to get it all together for them in a short time and they are trusting God to provide the money needed (international adoptions here cost about $22,000)
If you'd like to make a donation for a bracelet, please visit our children's blog at:
,
where there are pictures of bracelets (special orders are also available)
They are asking for donations of $6 or more which can be done through the chip-in on paypal, or you can email them if you prefer to use a check at:
It is a precious thing to see the Lord giving them hearts for the orphans and trusting Him that He can use even them and it is something that several of our kids have enjoyed doing together.
So please consider helping them to help bring Ethan home! The bracelets would make special Christmas (or birthday) gifts for someone special in your life!
Now that she is here (and their brother Joshua too) they still want to help orphans... right now they are seeking to raise some money to help the Malone family bring a little boy named Ethan home. Ethan is a disabled orphan already in an institution who desperately needs surgery and who has a family he doesn't know about that is working hard to bring him home. Their dossier (official paperwork) is already overseas and they await its submission and to receive a travel date! God has worked wonders to get it all together for them in a short time and they are trusting God to provide the money needed (international adoptions here cost about $22,000)
If you'd like to make a donation for a bracelet, please visit our children's blog at:
,
where there are pictures of bracelets (special orders are also available)
They are asking for donations of $6 or more which can be done through the chip-in on paypal, or you can email them if you prefer to use a check at:
It is a precious thing to see the Lord giving them hearts for the orphans and trusting Him that He can use even them and it is something that several of our kids have enjoyed doing together.
So please consider helping them to help bring Ethan home! The bracelets would make special Christmas (or birthday) gifts for someone special in your life!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sean's 5th bday (updated pictures)
I added a few more pictures of Sean....
not sure why some ended up sideways after I flipped them but enjoy anyway!
Today was Sean's 5th birthday, November 11th, the 2nd birthday he has celebrated with us. He is a precious, active, happy little boy, and we are so glad we were able to adopt him! :)
This is what we did for his birthday:
We had some of Sean's favorite foods (he loves to eat!)..
Breakfast: toast, banana, BAnilla yogurt (banana vanilla), and cereal--banana's are his favorite!!
Lunch: chili with chips
Dinner: hotdogs, potatoes, steamed veggies
Desert: cake and banana splits-- with pineapple orange apple homemade icecream!
For his birthday, Sean got a bop bag (a blow-up bag that you hit and it bops back up) and a bouncing ball (where you hold on to a holding thing, sit on the ball and bounce). Sean and everyone else had fun playing with them!
We went on a nature walk down the driveway and played ball(we like to take walks everyday!)
In the afternoon, we went to a nearby park that has a fun playgroud which we like to go to and played there and our Daddy met us after work there.
When we got home, Sean and the other little kids watched "Signing time", which Sean calls "Leah" --Leah is the name of the little girl in the video (Sean loves the Signing times!)
Sean loved all the things we did together on his birthday, and before he went to bed, he got to wrestle with Daddy which was great fun for him!! :)
Haylee Adamson
not sure why some ended up sideways after I flipped them but enjoy anyway!
Today was Sean's 5th birthday, November 11th, the 2nd birthday he has celebrated with us. He is a precious, active, happy little boy, and we are so glad we were able to adopt him! :)
This is what we did for his birthday:
We had some of Sean's favorite foods (he loves to eat!)..
Breakfast: toast, banana, BAnilla yogurt (banana vanilla), and cereal--banana's are his favorite!!
Lunch: chili with chips
Dinner: hotdogs, potatoes, steamed veggies
Desert: cake and banana splits-- with pineapple orange apple homemade icecream!
For his birthday, Sean got a bop bag (a blow-up bag that you hit and it bops back up) and a bouncing ball (where you hold on to a holding thing, sit on the ball and bounce). Sean and everyone else had fun playing with them!
We went on a nature walk down the driveway and played ball(we like to take walks everyday!)
In the afternoon, we went to a nearby park that has a fun playgroud which we like to go to and played there and our Daddy met us after work there.
When we got home, Sean and the other little kids watched "Signing time", which Sean calls "Leah" --Leah is the name of the little girl in the video (Sean loves the Signing times!)
Sean loved all the things we did together on his birthday, and before he went to bed, he got to wrestle with Daddy which was great fun for him!! :)
Haylee Adamson
Monday, November 8, 2010
Help Vika & Orphan Sunday
Orphan Sunday was this past Sunday, and we were blessed to be able to visit a church which acknowledged the need of the orphans, and where 2 families shared about what God has done in their family through the blessing of adoption. We were invited to come to the service, as one of these families was also sharing about Reeces Rainbow, the ministry where we learned about orphans with Down Syndrome (and found our son Sean. I'm glad that churches pause to think about the needs of the orphans and our calling to care for the orphan, and I pray that God will touch many hearts to have His heart for the orphans and be moved to help.
My last post talked about the bottom line "why" we adopted 3 special needs orphans into our home. THe hardest thing about adopting is not raising the money, having to put together your paperwork for many months (and redo it and redo it) and go through homestudies and doctor visits etc, deal with being in a culture different from your own for an extended time, or even being separated from loved ones (though it is very difficult!)...I think the hardest part is seeing so many precious children that don't have families. Especially the disabled ones...because of knowing that they generally lack any kind of positive future as they are transferred at the age of 4 to a mental institution where there are very poor conditions, lack of any comforts or toys or stimulation, and where it is very unlikely, sometimes not even possible, that they will be adopted and know the love of a family. Please see the post below and the links that describe more in detail the institutions that 2 families we know adopted from.
I wanted to share a link to learn about how you can help bring home a precious little girl with Cerepral Palsy whose name is Vika.
Isn't she beautiful? Apparently she was just transferred to an institution.
You can read about her on our friend's blog at:
http://theroadlesstraveledcontinues.blogspot.com/?zx=5e9315717f252e29
There is an $800 Best Buy giveaway to raise funds for Vika! For every $5 donation, there is one entry, or 6 entries for $25. Please pray for Vika and spread the word about her fundraiser...and help bring Vika home to a loving family.
My last post talked about the bottom line "why" we adopted 3 special needs orphans into our home. THe hardest thing about adopting is not raising the money, having to put together your paperwork for many months (and redo it and redo it) and go through homestudies and doctor visits etc, deal with being in a culture different from your own for an extended time, or even being separated from loved ones (though it is very difficult!)...I think the hardest part is seeing so many precious children that don't have families. Especially the disabled ones...because of knowing that they generally lack any kind of positive future as they are transferred at the age of 4 to a mental institution where there are very poor conditions, lack of any comforts or toys or stimulation, and where it is very unlikely, sometimes not even possible, that they will be adopted and know the love of a family. Please see the post below and the links that describe more in detail the institutions that 2 families we know adopted from.
I wanted to share a link to learn about how you can help bring home a precious little girl with Cerepral Palsy whose name is Vika.
Isn't she beautiful? Apparently she was just transferred to an institution.
You can read about her on our friend's blog at:
http://theroadlesstraveledcontinues.blogspot.com/?zx=5e9315717f252e29
There is an $800 Best Buy giveaway to raise funds for Vika! For every $5 donation, there is one entry, or 6 entries for $25. Please pray for Vika and spread the word about her fundraiser...and help bring Vika home to a loving family.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Remembering why
When we learned about Reeces Rainbow orphan ministry God changed our lives in many ways, as He began to give us His heart for the orphan, in particularly the orphan with disabilites. We were grieved, burdened, overwhelmed when we learned of the plight of these children in many other countries...who at age 4 are routinely transferred to a mental institution (unlike their quote "normal" playmates who go on to an older orphanage, something like a boarding school) Here they face very poor conditions, lack of care, stimulation, therapy, love and the opportunity to be adopted into a family. Many do not survive very long.
When we saw all those faces of so many disabled orphans facing this, we could not forget about it and that led us to pray and open our hearts and home to special needs orphans...first one little boy with Down syndrome in 2009 and then a little girl with DS and a little boy with a chromosome 18 disorder.
We've also been changed by other people who have also been burdened by the Lord to care for these orphans. Its been a great blessing to us to follow their journeys, to see the Lord changing hearts and lives, and we're amazed by the growth of Reece Rainbow in reaching and saving these precious lives. We feel like we know these other families, just as when you meet new people who are believers in the Lord Jesus, you share a strong and deep bond of His love. If you go to www.reecesrainbow.org you can click on "sponsor an adoptive family" and on their sponsor pages is often a blog address link so you can read their stories.
One family we know just brought their son home from an institution where they were the first to adopt a disabled boy. Their adoption was not easy....both to get the approval and to face in person the inhumane and horrifying conditions that their new son had to deal with and that is the reality of many boys still there...whom they call the Lost Boys. They are advocating for 2 little boys there who are able to be adopted through Reeces Rainbow named Heath and Brady...who desperately need to be rescued and given the hope of a loving family.
Brady
Heath
They are SO precious and would heal and thrive in a loving family where they were meant to be safe and grow and love and be loved. You can read more about them on their blog on some older posts. Oir RR friends have been sharing what it was like at this institution and I think it is something everyone should know, so here is the link:
http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2010/11/sad-reality.html#comment-form
Another family we know from RR shared on their blog about an article written by someone who had visited the same institution that they adopted their son from. It is very eye-opening s well:
http://themalonefamily.us/?p=192
(I haven't figure out yet how to make those link but it is so worth the time to copy past the links and read)
Honestly,some days are hard...taking in 3 disabled children isn't easy. OUr two with DS are challenging in some ways...in that I'm challenged to show more patience, more attentiveness, more creativity in occupying them. Our son Joshua requires care for everything as he doesnt sit on his own and needs to be fed. He cries very hard and loud pretty often when he is hungry or tired or wet or theres a loud noise (or someone else is crying) and its challenging because I can't tell him to be quiet as he doesn't understand.
I'm learning ever so slowly about God's love and compassion and patience...
which he shows us knowing that we can not ever repay Him for it or get something in return.
I wish I could say that I joyfully serve all my little ones each day...that is my goal but I have much growing yet to do. There are times when I have am weary and struggle and I lose sight of the "why" we're doing this. Reading our friend's post reminded me again of the why and its something I need to keep in my mind, even though its not pleasant. The fact is that Sean would've been transferred over a year ago and in such a place. HE is a sturdy boy but we've heard of other perfectly healthy kids with DS that didn't survive long after transfer. Even if he did survive, he would have no hope, now future, no love. Joshua was being readied to transfer as he had already turned 4 in May... he was fed by a bottle, but they were starting to train him to take food with a spoon --because at the institution they didn't use bottles. Given his condition and the level of care he needs, he would've spent his days on a bare mat and could not have survived very long. Lily just turned 3 and had one more year.. It is sobering to think about.
When I remember, it all comes back into perspective and I'm so thankful we were able to bring them home. It inspires me to love them more, to be more patient, to open their world more and more. Today we went for a hike/walk through the woods at a park here. I thought about how wonderful it was that Joshua was able to feel the sunshine and fresh breeze on his face and be exposed to God's creation as his sister pushed him in the stroller, and that Lily, (who has been finding her smile more and more) was able to snuggle behind her Daddy in the ERgo and fall asleep, and that Sean was able to enthusiastically toddle along holding a hand while he picked up sticks and got some exercise. Simple things that we take for granted.
It makes me want to do so much more. We have our hands quite full right now as we adjust to having 2 more special children to care for but our hearts still ache for the many who still need families. Please join us in spreading the word about these kids...and encourage people to learn about Reeces Rainbow and orphans like Heath and Brady whose hope is fading.
We know and have seen that God is the Father to the fatherless and He sets the lonely into families. He loves these orphans and as we are faithful to obey His commands to care for the orphan, He works wonders. A good friend reminded me of the Scripture, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me " (Phillipians 4:13). Just as He leads us to care or intercede for the orphan, He also will enable us to do what He leads us to do.
When we saw all those faces of so many disabled orphans facing this, we could not forget about it and that led us to pray and open our hearts and home to special needs orphans...first one little boy with Down syndrome in 2009 and then a little girl with DS and a little boy with a chromosome 18 disorder.
We've also been changed by other people who have also been burdened by the Lord to care for these orphans. Its been a great blessing to us to follow their journeys, to see the Lord changing hearts and lives, and we're amazed by the growth of Reece Rainbow in reaching and saving these precious lives. We feel like we know these other families, just as when you meet new people who are believers in the Lord Jesus, you share a strong and deep bond of His love. If you go to www.reecesrainbow.org you can click on "sponsor an adoptive family" and on their sponsor pages is often a blog address link so you can read their stories.
One family we know just brought their son home from an institution where they were the first to adopt a disabled boy. Their adoption was not easy....both to get the approval and to face in person the inhumane and horrifying conditions that their new son had to deal with and that is the reality of many boys still there...whom they call the Lost Boys. They are advocating for 2 little boys there who are able to be adopted through Reeces Rainbow named Heath and Brady...who desperately need to be rescued and given the hope of a loving family.
Brady
Heath
They are SO precious and would heal and thrive in a loving family where they were meant to be safe and grow and love and be loved. You can read more about them on their blog on some older posts. Oir RR friends have been sharing what it was like at this institution and I think it is something everyone should know, so here is the link:
http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2010/11/sad-reality.html#comment-form
Another family we know from RR shared on their blog about an article written by someone who had visited the same institution that they adopted their son from. It is very eye-opening s well:
http://themalonefamily.us/?p=192
(I haven't figure out yet how to make those link but it is so worth the time to copy past the links and read)
Honestly,some days are hard...taking in 3 disabled children isn't easy. OUr two with DS are challenging in some ways...in that I'm challenged to show more patience, more attentiveness, more creativity in occupying them. Our son Joshua requires care for everything as he doesnt sit on his own and needs to be fed. He cries very hard and loud pretty often when he is hungry or tired or wet or theres a loud noise (or someone else is crying) and its challenging because I can't tell him to be quiet as he doesn't understand.
I'm learning ever so slowly about God's love and compassion and patience...
which he shows us knowing that we can not ever repay Him for it or get something in return.
I wish I could say that I joyfully serve all my little ones each day...that is my goal but I have much growing yet to do. There are times when I have am weary and struggle and I lose sight of the "why" we're doing this. Reading our friend's post reminded me again of the why and its something I need to keep in my mind, even though its not pleasant. The fact is that Sean would've been transferred over a year ago and in such a place. HE is a sturdy boy but we've heard of other perfectly healthy kids with DS that didn't survive long after transfer. Even if he did survive, he would have no hope, now future, no love. Joshua was being readied to transfer as he had already turned 4 in May... he was fed by a bottle, but they were starting to train him to take food with a spoon --because at the institution they didn't use bottles. Given his condition and the level of care he needs, he would've spent his days on a bare mat and could not have survived very long. Lily just turned 3 and had one more year.. It is sobering to think about.
When I remember, it all comes back into perspective and I'm so thankful we were able to bring them home. It inspires me to love them more, to be more patient, to open their world more and more. Today we went for a hike/walk through the woods at a park here. I thought about how wonderful it was that Joshua was able to feel the sunshine and fresh breeze on his face and be exposed to God's creation as his sister pushed him in the stroller, and that Lily, (who has been finding her smile more and more) was able to snuggle behind her Daddy in the ERgo and fall asleep, and that Sean was able to enthusiastically toddle along holding a hand while he picked up sticks and got some exercise. Simple things that we take for granted.
It makes me want to do so much more. We have our hands quite full right now as we adjust to having 2 more special children to care for but our hearts still ache for the many who still need families. Please join us in spreading the word about these kids...and encourage people to learn about Reeces Rainbow and orphans like Heath and Brady whose hope is fading.
We know and have seen that God is the Father to the fatherless and He sets the lonely into families. He loves these orphans and as we are faithful to obey His commands to care for the orphan, He works wonders. A good friend reminded me of the Scripture, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me " (Phillipians 4:13). Just as He leads us to care or intercede for the orphan, He also will enable us to do what He leads us to do.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
So happy
that sweet Victor met his family today!
Victor was one that stole our hearts (along with our Sean) when we first discovered Reeces Rainbow. I'd wanted so much to adopt him too but we couldn't adopt from 2 different regions as it would've taken doubly long (and we were leaving little ones) and cost double the fees. We knew God had a plan for him and we prayed for him to find his family....it is such a blessing to get to see it coming to be! And he will have a sweet baby sister who is also being adopted. Praise God for how He sets the lonely into families and is a Father to the fatherless. Please keep their family in your prayers...
http://somewherebehindthemorning.blogspot.com/2010/11/i-am-so-blessed.html?
Victor was one that stole our hearts (along with our Sean) when we first discovered Reeces Rainbow. I'd wanted so much to adopt him too but we couldn't adopt from 2 different regions as it would've taken doubly long (and we were leaving little ones) and cost double the fees. We knew God had a plan for him and we prayed for him to find his family....it is such a blessing to get to see it coming to be! And he will have a sweet baby sister who is also being adopted. Praise God for how He sets the lonely into families and is a Father to the fatherless. Please keep their family in your prayers...
http://somewherebehindthemorning.blogspot.com/2010/11/i-am-so-blessed.html?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Diapers, dishes, and doctor's
Thanks to all who have prayed for our family as we moved across the country and get settled here in our temporary home, and look for a more permanent home here in VA.
Today I was feeling like all I've been accomplishing is feeding children, washing dishes, changing diapers and wiping noses ...not sure if it is a never-ending cold or allergies but our 2 with DS seem to have had a runny nose for a few weeks now. We are missing our dishwasher (we were so spoiled) as dishes pile up very quickly with 11 people--even if 5 of them are 4 and under.
Today I had to take Annabelle to the doctor after we discovered a tick on her shoulder. I found out that correct technique was not to smother it but to use tweezers to pull firmly (not harming the tick, as it could spew bacteria) and hold, and the tick should release its head....well, not this tick--it was holding on for good and after many tries it broke off with the head still in her skin. So we headed to urgent care where they finally got it out....she was so incredibly brave and didn't even cry once. It was incredible.
Even though it was concerning (with the risk of possible Lymes Disease or infection)and stressful, there were some blessings in disguise...one being that my eldest daughters got the opportunity they'd been wanting (but Mommy wasn't ready for) to watch some of the younger children while I took her to the doctor. Thankfully our host family was at home (we are staying in their basement apartment) so I knew if there was a need, they were there. The girls did great...I came home to dinner made and the little ones being fed. Praise God! The best thing was....they really enjoyed doing it!
The experience also reminded me of all we have to be thankful for, and how precious each child is. Changing those diapers is important work , and I can give thanks that we had food to eat on those dishes...and praise God that my girls can find joy in cooking and helping their family.
It generally is so easy to see the negative, what is wrong or lacking and miss the good... we recently watched Pollyanna where she quoted Abraham Lincoln saying something like, "if you look for whats wrong in people, you will certainly find it" So often this is true of me, when I live according to my "flesh" or what comes natural, but God says to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonianas 5:18) I could have come home and focused on what wasn't done and I thank God for helping me, this time, to focus on what was done and be thankful. So there may be a sink full of dishes...there was character building going on today.... a 6 year-old was being strong and courageous....an 11 and 13 year-old were seeking to serve their family joyfully... little ones were learning that its okay for big sisters to take care of them...and mommy was being reminded of what was important. Thank you, Lord.
Please pray that Annabelle will remain healthy now that the tick is removed fully. We are also seeking God's wisdom and direction regarding a home for our family so we can get settled.
Today I was feeling like all I've been accomplishing is feeding children, washing dishes, changing diapers and wiping noses ...not sure if it is a never-ending cold or allergies but our 2 with DS seem to have had a runny nose for a few weeks now. We are missing our dishwasher (we were so spoiled) as dishes pile up very quickly with 11 people--even if 5 of them are 4 and under.
Today I had to take Annabelle to the doctor after we discovered a tick on her shoulder. I found out that correct technique was not to smother it but to use tweezers to pull firmly (not harming the tick, as it could spew bacteria) and hold, and the tick should release its head....well, not this tick--it was holding on for good and after many tries it broke off with the head still in her skin. So we headed to urgent care where they finally got it out....she was so incredibly brave and didn't even cry once. It was incredible.
Even though it was concerning (with the risk of possible Lymes Disease or infection)and stressful, there were some blessings in disguise...one being that my eldest daughters got the opportunity they'd been wanting (but Mommy wasn't ready for) to watch some of the younger children while I took her to the doctor. Thankfully our host family was at home (we are staying in their basement apartment) so I knew if there was a need, they were there. The girls did great...I came home to dinner made and the little ones being fed. Praise God! The best thing was....they really enjoyed doing it!
The experience also reminded me of all we have to be thankful for, and how precious each child is. Changing those diapers is important work , and I can give thanks that we had food to eat on those dishes...and praise God that my girls can find joy in cooking and helping their family.
It generally is so easy to see the negative, what is wrong or lacking and miss the good... we recently watched Pollyanna where she quoted Abraham Lincoln saying something like, "if you look for whats wrong in people, you will certainly find it" So often this is true of me, when I live according to my "flesh" or what comes natural, but God says to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonianas 5:18) I could have come home and focused on what wasn't done and I thank God for helping me, this time, to focus on what was done and be thankful. So there may be a sink full of dishes...there was character building going on today.... a 6 year-old was being strong and courageous....an 11 and 13 year-old were seeking to serve their family joyfully... little ones were learning that its okay for big sisters to take care of them...and mommy was being reminded of what was important. Thank you, Lord.
Please pray that Annabelle will remain healthy now that the tick is removed fully. We are also seeking God's wisdom and direction regarding a home for our family so we can get settled.
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