What it Means to Love

Lilly's Birthday!

2012-02-29T15:08:00.000-08:00

My friend Rachel and I have a blog where we sell things that we've crocheted to earn money for orphans - Handiwork for Lilly. I haven't really posted about it a lot here, but I'm also very busy over there posting!

Today, I'm copying over part of my post from Handiwork for Lilly. PLEASE take the time to read this and participate in Lilly's Birthday Bash! Let's make this her LAST birthday without a family!

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Lilly's Birthday Bash!

Sometime during the month of February, Lilly had a birthday. We don't know what date, just that it was in February. She turned 5.

She has waited FIVE long years for a family to call her own, and 5 years is way to long. There is a very good chance she has already been transferred, and time is ticking down, fast!

I've said it a million times, and I'll say it a million times more - SHE URGENTLY NEEDS A FAMILY!!! URGENTLY!!

We've been fundraising and advocating for Lilly here for almost 9 months, and she hasn't found a family. We have raised more for her than any other child so far - over $1000 and climbing, and she still hasn't found a family. She has over $6500 in her adoption fund for any family who adopts her, and she still hasn't found a family. She has waited FIVE YEARS, and she still hasn't found a family!!!

So we are begging you to help us!! We need your help!! She doesn't have much time left. Lilly needs your help!!

In honor of her birthday this month, which hasn't been very happy for her because she is still stuck in her crib all day long, we are hosting Lilly's Birthday Bash!

It starts today and will go until March 5th, since she is 5 years old. Almost one whole week! And we are praying AMAZING things will happen for Lilly in that week!

So what exactly is her Birthday Bash going to be about?? And how can you help?? Great questions! :) Here are your answers!

Please consider doing a couple or ALL of the things listed below to help save Lilly! She is depending on YOU!!

Adopt!! We know not everyone is called to adopt, but there are MANY people who ARE called to adopt but are saying no to God. Are YOU Lilly's family??? Let us know if you are, and we'll celebrate with you and put you in touch with those who will help you get the process started! :)
Donate!! Money is the biggest thing that stand in the way of families adoption. $10,000 is usually the amount that will find a family for a child. Right now, Lilly has $6563.50 in her grant. Only $3,500 more!! Can we get her grant that high by March 5th?? I don't think that's too big of a goal for our BIG God! But we still need your help!! There is a secure Paypal donate button on our sidebar.
BUY!! We have many, many items listed, and we'll be listing many, many more over the next week! 100% of your total will go to Lilly's account! We don't even take out shipping (for that matter, we don't charge it!)! See the post below this one for more info.
SHARE SHARE SHARE!! Blog Lilly, email Lilly, facebook Lilly, tweet Lilly, pin Lilly, and share Lilly on any other social media device you can think of! Please also try to link back to our blog as well!
Grab our button!! ...and add it to your blog! You may have noticed I changed our header to a temporary birthday theme. The code is below the available and sold items on the sidebar. Let us know if you need help adding it to your blog!
Follow this blog!! Or be sure to check back often.
And MOST IMPORTANT... PRAY!!! Pray for Lilly, pray that she will be able to hold on, pray that a family will step up and adopt her, and pray that she will be able to feel all the love from half way around the world for her. Let us know if you want several prayer cards to post around your house to remember to pray for her!

There you go! 7 great ways to save Lilly's life! Yes, her LIFE! She will die if we do not team together and find her a family that can give her the medical care and love she needs to survive! It's her life at stake, and that's why we need your help!

If you did ANY of the 7 things listed, please comment or email us (handiworkforelijah (at) gmail (dot) com) and let us know! On March 6th, we will draw a winner and they will receive a prize (to be determined)!!!

And to add to the fun... for every $25 worth of items you buy from us, you will receive $5 worth of your choice free!!!

Oh and be SURE to go read Rachel's birthday post about Lilly... very moving! - Lilly's Birthday

Okay! Lots of great stuff going on, we did our part (and will continue to), now it's YOUR turn!! Let's make this her last birthday in an orphanage!

TOGETHER we can SAVE LILLY!

Are you with us??

Exciting Stuff!!

2012-02-28T15:23:00.000-08:00

Has it really been almost a week since I posted?? Guess I've been a little busy.... busy watching Star Wars and doing borders on blankets! :)

BUT GUESS WHO MET HER MAMA AND PAPA TODAY!!!! Sweet Katie Ruth!!!

A picture they had before -

And pictures from today!!!

After months or waiting and praying, and a rough start to the trip, today was the day!!! Isn't she absolutely PERFECT??? I won't lie, I skipped reading and scrolled down to see the pictures... and I cried. A lot. :) She is soo beautiful and soo amazing!! I am soo HAPPY for her family!!! Congrats Simpson Family!!!

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And guess who else has a family to call their own!! Mr. Caleb!!

He met his parents yesterday and today he officially became a Prevost!!!! He is soo stinkin' cute and will fit right in!! :) CONGRATS PREVOST FAMILY!!! I can't wait to meet him!!

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And I have to include this adorable picture of handsome Mr. Dax!! He's getting so big since when I was there in January! Miss you buddy!

Waiting Wednesday: Maxim

2012-02-22T20:04:00.000-08:00

I know I have posted about Maxim for WW before, but he really is in desperate need of a family! Natalie, a missionary who visited him many times made this video for him.

Oh and I have to add, the video says he was diagnosed with rickets. Rickets sounds scary but really it's not! I wrote a paper on it recently for school, so email me if you want to read it! ;)

I'm going to ask you, no beg you, to share the video of him, his picture, and/or his profile!! He has soo much potential, he just needs a family who will look past his scary looking list of diagnosis's and love him unconditionally!!!

Here's is Maxim's profile:

Maxim

Boy, Born September 15, 2004

Maxim is a precious little boy who has already been sent away to the institution. He needs a family immediately!! He is 6 years old, with blonde hair and blue yes. He struggles with strabismus in both eyes and a significant tongue thrust, but surgery/glasses and OT will help with that! Please give Maxim the chance to grow up in a loving family, so he can realize his full potential!! We have already had a family adopt from this institution, so Maxim still has an opportunity to be saved and to live the life he so richly deserves!

From one of our adoptive families who visited with him in October 2010: I don't know if I can openly share how the whole encounter went so I will just say that we were able to go and while we were there I was able to see Maxim. To hold him and love on him. To laugh as he passed gas and laughed about it. That was one of the best parts of the visit, how he thought "tooting" (is it called that when boys do it?) was just the funniest thing – just like any other 6 year old little boy would. He was so sweet and so alert and attentive to those who had come to visit with him. Here's a little rundown of his abilities that I witnessed first hand:

He can pull up to stand and walk with assistance.
He knows his name and responds to it.
He has a sweet nature, personality, and sense of humor
He copies hand motions (I believe he could learn to sign)
He can crawl
He likes cars! They said he crawls through the window to look out when the car comes to their building.

In the one pic above where you see his hands, he kept touching his thumbs together and so I put his pointers togehter to make a heart and after that he kept trying to do it himself. His worker was a really sweet lady who obviously believes that people with DS are capable. She hopes to see change in her country someday. That really touched my heart to know that he is being cared for by someone who believes that he can be something if given a chance. AND HE CAN!

Maxim's Mom and Dad? Where are you? I've seen him. I've held him and kissed his sweet face. He is waiting patiently for you to come for him. I KNOW, I just KNOW, that he will be the biggest blessing to his family. Please hear the call – for Maxim.

UPDATE OCT 2011:

Maxim is one of the sweetest little boys I've ever met. He pats my arm in the most adorable, gentle way, and it absolutely melts my heart! He is now walking with very minimal assistance, and crawls faster than any other child I've ever met. He is a smart boy, and will follow directions (for example, come over to the carpet). He has an amazing attention span, and will bounce a ball back and forth with me for at least 20 minutes straight. He has the most wonderful laugh, and is a very joyful little guy! He has so much potential, someone please choose Maxim!!

A video of Maxim! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOPay2kKX6Y

Start the LOVE!

2012-02-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

I saw this amazing video on my friend Stephanie's blog, and had to share it! It's very powerful and moving, PLEASE take the time to watch it and let me know what you think!

Watch Christian Videos and Read the Online Bible at GodVine.com
If the video doesn't work you can watch it here - http://www.godvine.com/Start-the-Love-a-Girl-s-Awesome-Appeal-to-All-Christians-1152.html

It also reminded me of a song I love by Casting Crowns - Jesus, Friend of Sinners.

"Jesus, Friend Of Sinners"

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away

We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing

Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see

The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me

Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded

A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Chorus:

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners

Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand

Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands

Help us to remember we are all the least of these

Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees

Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded

What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did

Chorus

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast

For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came

Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast

But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Chorus

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast

Yeah...

You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

Waiting for SPRING!

2012-02-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

John moved to the northern US from a tropical country where the weather was always warm...

The trees were always green and flowers grew year round.

After getting settled into his new job and saving some money, John bought a plane ticket for his dear mother so that she could come to visit him.

Mother had never left her native country. She was poor and lived in a remote area. Because she had had no opportunity to receive an education, she knew almost nothing about the world outside of her community.

Mother came to visit in November. Soon after she arrived, John took her for a drive through the countryside and neighborhoods near his home.

"How did you enjoy the drive?" John asked when they got back.

"It was very interesting, but I have a question...

"I am very puzzled by something I saw!"

"I saw so many dead trees! Why in the world don't the people cut them for firewood? I could certainly use some of that wood to cook with back home, but the people here just let them stand around. They are such an eyesore!"

"Oh Mother", John laughed, "the trees are not dead!

They are just waiting for spring!

Because it is cold here the trees have gone to sleep.

The cold would hurt their tender leaves so they have let them go...

When it warms up they will get new leaves and begin to grow again!

They will be beautiful - you'll see!"

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Why do I tell this little story?

Because it illustrates an important point!

When we see pictures like these...

Bobby and Kiril

How often do we make the same mistake John's mother made?

Talya and Keirsten

Do thoughts like...

They are useless, hopeless, and their just too far gone...

Greta and Daphne

Fill our hearts with doubt?

Giselle and Sadie

These precious children have been deprived of the sunshine and warmth of love!

Daniel and Nate

How can they possibly thrive...

Jared and Eric

When they are bedridden and lacking sufficient food?

Lacking basic stimulation and the opportunity to learn about the world?

Gabrielle and Nana

Are they not letting their leaves fall and hunkering down for the winter?

Nathan and Brent

Protecting themselves from the chilling blast of the winter wind?

Raymond and Valery

When will the winter be over?

Camille and Paul

When will the warm summer sunshine fill their souls with hope?

Janna and Samson

Who will give them the love they need to grow and blossom?

Hanson and Silas

They are most certainly NOT firewood...

Margaret and Angela

They are precious children!

Sheldon and Janie

They are waiting for spring!

Camille, Jordan and Nathan

Don't you want to see them blossom?

What beauty the world is missing...

By hiding them away!

Think it's too late for them to bloom?

Here's what love did for one little boy!

Seth the day his parents met him...

(After spending the previous 3 months in a bleak institution...)

Seth three months later!

Just look what love has done!

The warmth and sunshine have made SUCH a difference for this dear little boy!

He is blossoming and growing and thriving!

He was just waiting for spring!

You can read more about Seth and his amazing progress on this blog!

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Please don't give up on the waiting ones who are still enduring a frightful winter!

Tina

Please consider choosing a child to pray for...

Donate to their adoption grant fund if you are able...

Share their story with others...

And pray about whether you might possibly be the springtime (family)...

A child is waiting for!

Keaton

Could one of them be yours?

Noah and Jake

To read more about any of these children or donate to their funds...

Just click on their names under their pictures!

It's time for Spring!

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This wonderful post was written by my friend Pam who blogs @ Saving His Sparrows. I thought it was very powerful and wanted to share it.

Please go give Pam some bloggy world love and let he know she is making a difference!! Her love for these passed over children is AMAZING!!

They PASSED!

2012-02-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

The Evensen's PASSED court and are bringing Gideon and Micah home in a week or two!!! PRAISE GOD!!!

http://addtothebeauty-evensen.blogspot.com/2012/02/two-less-orphans.html

Dreams

2012-02-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

Two months ago today (Wednesday) was the worst day of my life so far.No, I’m not going to post monthly posts about it, but I felt like I needed totoday.

Today my heart has been hurting, and it seems like I’m in aheavy fog. I honestly don’t know how to write my feelings, nor am I sure Iwould if I could. So instead I’m going to share a different post with you.

I had written this post awhile back but was still going backand forth about posting it publicly. Because it got so long (three full pagesin a small font in a Word doc!), I turned it into two parts, but I’m going tocondense them to one for this post. Please bear with me as it still got alittle long.

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Every once in a while I will have a dream that isn’tcompletely insane and keeps running through my head most of the day. They areso livid and real and I remember so much of them. Today I’m going to tell youabout two of those dreams.

A couple months ago I had a dream. I dreamt I was in Ukra*ne(not unusual!!) and at the baby orphanage I met Logan at. I was visiting all the kids there.First I asked for Logan; they told me he wasn’t there. Then I asked for Molly, and they told me she wasn’t there either. Then I asked for Kasey. I spent an hour or two justplaying with Kasey and holding him and rocking him and loving on him. After Ibrought Kasey back, I visited a short time with Johanna.

Kasey

Kasey and Johanna

When I woke up, I couldn’t stop thinking about Kasey andsince it was Wednesday I figured I was meant to blog about him for WaitingWednesday. Then my world came crashing down.

Logan’smama emailed and said they couldn’t proceed with his adoption. The next morning(Thursday), my world broke into a million pieces again. Instead of recapping ithere, read this post if you haven’t already for details.

But back to my dream. Remember the order I asked for thekids? Logan, Molly, Kasey, and Johanna. Later I read Natalie’s post about what happened, again and more carefully.Then it hit me. The part where she said who was gone. Look what order she saysthem in - Logan, Molly, Kasey, and Johanna gone.

It probably was just me but that gave me the chills. Not tomention the fact that the times the priest was there and the time of my dreamseem to match up from what I can gather.

A lot more recent than my dream about Kasey, in fact just acouple nights ago. I had another dream. Actually several dreams that I remembervividly, but the other two things are absolutely ridiculous pieces of information!!:) I’ll will tell you about my sweet Logan who propelled me into the world oforphan advocating.

I was over in Ukra*ne (sound familiar?) and with my goodfriend Max, who has a ministry over there. We went to go visit Logan, who oddly wasn’t with the priest athis orphanage, but at a different orphanage in the city Logan was in formerly.

Max and I walked in and stood in the doorway. There was ahustle and bustle of activity and we could see nannies, but no kids. I askedhow do we know which room is his (we didn’t want to ask for some reason whichis totally out of character for Max…).

Max didn’t know, and we were just about to check one of therooms when out of another room this little boy comes bursting out at a fullrun. He stops short in front of us and waves excitedly. I realize immediatelyit’s Logan andI point to the room he came from and am like to Max – “that one is Logan’sroom!”

Then is dawns on me – LOGANis standing in front of me!!! LOL

I put out my arms and he is instantly in them. It was likehe knew I’ve been longing to hold him for years. I lift him up and spin himaround and around. He is hugging me so tight I can barely breathe but I couldcare less. I’m bawling like a baby at this point, and I’m bawling typing this,it was just all so real!

The sun was shining down through the window behind us, whichwas next to the door. But it was so bright, and I remember feeling it was Godsmiling down on us.

After several minutes I put him down, and just like that hevanished. While I was wiping away tears, Max asked the director, who hadsomehow appeared when Logandid, about adopting him and we set up an appt later that week to talk moreabout how we were going to do it. That’s all I remember, but I can only imaginehow it turned out.

That dream brings me to tears every time I think about it, andit’s given me so much HOPE! I know it came from God, His presence was just toostrong shining through the window for me to deny that.

This amazing picture is hanging in my room. It’s amazingbecause it has pictures of my sweet Loganon it.

The letter pictures say Bogdan if you couldn’t figure it out. Bogdan is Logan’s real name, while Logan, which everyone knows him as, is his code name to protect his identity.

I KNOW I will see sweet Logan/Bogdan again one day, whetherit happens here on earth or not. But until then I will keep praying for him,keeping advocating for others in honor of him, and this blog will continue becauseall I want to do is take his story to the world because he has shown me what itmeans to LOVE!

And I love him so much that it hurts! xoxo

Waiting Wednesday: Wednesday

2012-02-15T14:49:00.000-08:00

Note about my previous post... Haven't heard if Evensen's passed court yet, but I'll keep you updated!

There is a sweet little girl who I'm posting about today, and her code name (what she was listed as on RR) name is Wednesday! I have to admit the main reason I'm doing her for WW is because of her name, but I also do want her to find a family! :) There's very little information about her and only one picture (that I currently have), but she is 9 years old and needs a family!!!

Isn't she cute??

Wednesday 15H

10rl8-15H

Girl was born in January 2003

My goodness, they don't come much more china-doll than this! Wednesday is a stunning young lady, with brown hair and giant brown eyes. She is 9 years old. She is described as active and communicative. She is healthy and doing well, and will thrive in a family.

PLEASE storm heaven!!

2012-02-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm asking you to storm heaven and pray for two sweet little Valentine's by the names of Gideon and Micah.

First picture I ever saw of Eddie/Gideon

Picture my mom took of Gideon while she was there adopting Elijah.

Gideon now!

Micah

Gideon, also known as Eddie, is the first child I ever posted about for waiting Wednesday. And Gideon is his soon to be brother.

Gideon has been transferred to an institution since my mom met him, and now has a family in country working to adopt him and his soon to be brother, Micah.

There is one problem though. Since Gideon has been transferred, they have to use a different court than we used, and this new one has NEVER had an adoption case. Evensen's (Gideon and Micah's family) knew this going into the adoption, but they didn't know just how big of a problem this would cause.

They were supposed to have court today, but they didn't pass. :( The judge has agreed to see them again tomorrow at 3:15 pm their time. That's 5:15 am Pacific time, or 7:15 am Central time tomorrow morning.

PLEASE BE PRAYING the rest of today and during that time!

Please pray that the judge's heart will change and that they Evensen's will be able to adopt Gideon and Micah!

The lives of these two little boys are at stake!

Please visit the Evensen's blog HERE to let them know you are praying!

http://addtothebeauty-evensen.blogspot.com/2012/02/court-bad-news-and-good-news.html

'Mazing Monday - Charlie and Betsy Kate Jenkins

2012-02-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

Today I want to introduce you to two utterly adorable and amazing kids that came home from the orphanage I was at on my mission trip summer of 2010. I don't believe I saw either one of them, but I've enjoyed following their families journey and recognizing places. :) Neal and Angie, now Charlie and Besty Kate are blossoming at home with their family!!

ANGIE & NEAL for the Jenkins family–Norman, OK

Ukraine

Follow the Jenkins family's adoption journey on their blog atwww.jenkinschasingrainbows.blogspot.com

BEFORE: At the orphanage

Isn't she just stunning?

Court Day!

Gotcha Day!

AFTER: Taken at HOME with their FAMILY!

The difference? This to this! In 6 months!

'Mazing, right?! :)

Oh be still my heart...

2012-02-11T06:23:00.000-08:00

I still haven't figured out why people say that - be still my heart. Why would you want your heart to stop? If it did you would die. And besides when you see something that makes you say that your heart beats faster, not slower. Maybe that's why you say it - to get your heart to slow down when it's beating to fast. LOL

Anyways.... Guess what I got yesterday that made my heart flutter!?!? New pictures of....

"Ooo yummy toy!"

"Oh wait, it was this I had in my mouth?!"

Have you guessed who it is yet???

It's TABITHA!! ♥

Isn't she absolutely BEAUTIFUL!?!? But she is still waiting for a family! Where oh where is her mama??

I posted about her here and here. And she hung on our Christmas tree last year.

She looks soo much like my brother Jonathan, maybe that's why I love her so much. We always joke they are twins and were separated at birth. :)

This is Jonathan... a pic that I just took a few minutes ago think they look alike??

More pics of Tabitha....

I love my twins!!! ♥♥♥

Waiting Wednesday: Ellie

2012-02-09T08:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry posting this a day late! :)

Today my 9 yo sister Anna is doing a guest post about one of her favorite children still waiting for a family - Ellie!

Ellie 46

gft0-46

Girl, born November 2004

Ellie is an adorable brunette girl. She has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, with mild mental delays without behavioral impact. She is said to be a good girl. She is a kind, affectionate and lively girl. She loves to play and draw. She does not speak, but understands what is spoken to her. She would surely make an excellent addition to a loving family.

More photos available.

Owen.

2012-02-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

Owen.

He's still waiting for a family, and I don't understand why.

He needs a family ohh so badly, why haven't they been found yet?

Maybe it's because of how he looks that everyone is scared away.

Why can't someone just look past his outward appearance and see a perfect little boy who needs a mommy and daddy?

I pray that will happen soon, because he can't wait much longer!

Please spread the word about Owen!! Share this post, my Waiting Wednesday post about him, or his Reece's Rainbow profile. Thank you!!

Owen 3G

Owen (egxb-3)

Boy, Born December 2007

This darling little boy is waiting for his forever family, and we believe his condition to be one called Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome.

Also known as Acrocephalosyndyldactyly Type Chotzen or Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome. Chotzen Syndrome is a dominant genetic condition. They have a tower-shaped skull (acrocephaly), fused fingers and/or toes (syndactyly), asymmetric face, widely spaced eyes, droopy eyelid (ptosis), strabismus (crossed or "wall-eyes"), beak-like nose, small upper jaw, and jutting out lower jaw (prognathism). Some plates in their skull close early. This is called craniosynostosis. Often people with Chotzen Syndrome are mildly hard of hearing. Sometimes they're unusually short. Occasionally the closing of the plates in their skull can compress their brain and slow their development. Sometimes boys with Chotzen Syndrome have undescended testicles.

TODAY ONLY! - Lost Girl's Challenge

2012-02-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

Help get Celine's grant up to $10,000 today to help save Masha too!

Find out more here - http://caring4celineandcoralynne.blogspot.com/2012/02/lost-girls-challenge-today-only.html

And please spread the word!! Thank you!

Set Silas Free!

2012-02-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

Nope, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, though at times I feel like I want to! ;) The past few days have been really busy with yesterday's Block Party, which I will probably post more about in another post, but I've posted a little so far about it on my crafting blog - For His Glory Handiwork.

But today I want to tell you about an awesome fundraiser that a couple other people and I put together to help Silas find a family and set him FREE!!

Silas - 7 years old and waiting for a FAMILY of his own

Here are some of the awesome items people have donated to help find him a family!

Kindle Fire from Amazon

Ipod Nano

2 Ipod Shuffles -1 For Social Media Entries Only

Ring from Distorted Earth etsy shop.

Will be sized for person who gets it.

Jeremiah 29:11 sign from Wallbling etsy shop.

Any Size and Color Children's Owl Hat made by me!! http://www.handiworkforelijah.blogspot.com/

Flowered hair clips from AverysGifts etsy shop.

$45 Gift Certificate for Set of 6 Photo Blocks - from WasteNotRecycledArt etsy shop.

Slouchy Hat made by me!!

Teen/Adult sized

Headband made by my yo sister Anna!!

Child sized

2 Handmade Bracelets

2 Down Syndrome Awareness Corkers

Find all the info on how to donate and win extra entries HERE on Steph's blog!! There are very few entries so far so you have a pretty good change of winning! :)

Please also grab the button I made to spread the word!

Waiting Wednesday: Cain

2012-02-01T20:18:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday yet again, and you all know what that means at this blog! :) It's time to feature a sweet little one who is still waiting for a forever family to step up and be their family! Today, I'm featuring sweet Cain!

Cain 15H

1v53g-15

Date of Birth: June 2008
Gender: Male
Nature: Quiet

Another handsome love, turning 4 this year and facing the worst tragedy of his life Single moms welcome, this is a great region! Several photos available.

I don't necessarily agree it's a great region, only beacause we don't qualify to adopt from there, but there are a LOT of cute kids in this region! :) And it is one of my favorite regions, just look at my sidebar list of kids I've posted about for Waiting Wednesday! Tabitha, Lizzy, Rebekah, Bethany, Timofey, and Jonathan are ALL from the same region as sweet Cain!

Like Ksenia, we don't have very much info on Cain, besides that he is 3 years old, still waiting for a family, and very cute if you ask me! :) So I'll share his region's requirements...

Region 15 – General Information

3 trips are required
1st trip, Both parents for 5-7 days
2-3 month wait for the judge to appoint the court hearing
Both parents travel for 2nd trip about 7 days, both parents leave after the court hearing
30-day waiting period is NOT waived for special needs
Only one parent would need to return after the 30-day wait
Up to 5 young children in the home if the family income is sizeable (the adopted child being the 5th child)
Both parents must be younger than 60 years
Parents may NOT be currently on anti-depressants; prior history of anti-depressants may be permitted on a case-by-case basis
No criminal background (DWI's acceptable on a case by case basis)
EASY TRAVEL IN-COUNTRY
Fee includes orphanage donation
Married couples and single heterosexual mothers may apply
Un-related children may not be adopted simultaneously
Total program and travel fees approx $35-40K

A new bloggy friend of mine is advocating for Cain and another little boy on her brand new blog - Saving One of God's Greatest Gifts! Please go check her out, follow, and say hi! :)

Thank you for praying for Cain, and all the others still waiting for their families, esp in this cold (see my last post)! I REALLY appreciate it!! ♥♥♥ I feel bad asking you guys to pray and donate all the time, but there really is a NEED, and prayer changes things! Plus, I know you guys are awesome and won't let these sweet kiddos down! Thank you!! ♥

Why?

2012-01-31T20:58:00.000-08:00

Do you want to know why we need to save this little girl???

Well, her picture shows her urgency of course, but do you know what it really is like for her??

PLEASE read this heartbreaking post to find out -

www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2012/01/koris-story.html

And guess what!!! Ksenia has her own page on RR, instead of in the additional children!! Check it out HERE - KSENIA! Now it will be much easier to link to her! Thank you so much Michelle for doing that!

With the -10F temperatures in Ukraine and other Eastern Europe countries right now, it's INCREDIBLY important that we pray for Ksenia, and ALL the children still waiting in orphanages. (Just to clarify, Ksenia is NOT in Ukraine.)

In the article about Ukraine's cold temperatures (linked above) it says the death rate so far is 30 people from the cold. I'm quite sure that is only the reported deaths, and I think that number is in Kiev (the capital), alone. Go to all the other cities, towns, out in the middle of nowhere, and the orphanages, and mental institutions, and I think you'll find the number of deaths will rise significantly... Pray, friends, please pray!

Of course everybody needs our prayers, but can I ask you to pray for two little ones close to my heart as well?? Seth and Sarah -

Seth - 6 years old

Sarah - 5 years old

They are ages 5 and 6, and both under 25 lbs. They do have a family working hard to bring them home, and their family is now fully funded (PRAISE GOD!), but what they can really use is your prayers! Please keep praying!!!

Thank you prayer warriors in advance for all the praying you do for these precious little ones!!!

'Mazing Monday - Matthew and Michael Hannon

2012-01-30T14:44:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted any 'Mazing Monday posts lately, but I'm going to get back into that habit, because there have been many many children who have blossomed AMAZINGLY in their families!!

Today meet Matthew and Michael Hannon! They were adopted from my brother Jonathan's former orphanage, and their family has since gone back to Ukraine and adopted two more precious little ones - Sydney and Sarah!

AJ & SERGEI for the Hannon family–Shallowater, TX

Ukraine

Follow the Hannon family's adoption journey on their blog at

www.the-scenic-route-momto6kids.blogspot.com

BEFORE: At the orphanage, and just home!

Michael and big sister Rachel

Matthew and big sister Rachel

Matthew - 2 years old, and 15 pounds

Michael - 4 years old, and 16 pounds

AFTER: Taken at HOME with their FAMILY!

Matthew - gained 13 lbs, and grew 7 inches!

Michael - gained 13 lbs, and grew 7 inches!

Home and THRIVING!

Now someone try and tell me that isn't an amazing transformation!!! God is GOOD!

Welcome Home Gavin!

2012-01-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Mr. Gavin Spitz came home to his family, FOREVER!!! I posted about him and his family here.

All four of the Spitz littles, TOGETHER! :)

Gav already LOVES his new siblings!!

Bellie and Gavin, formerly lost forgetten orphans in Ukraine, now loved and cherished children part of a wonderful FAMILY!!

Gav's hat made by yours truly! :)

Go check out Gavin's family's blog HERE and watch him blossom! :)

Gavin, you are soo BLESSED to be part of such a wonderful family!!!! You sure got LUCKY when God picked what special family got to have you!

♥ I love you, and WELCOME HOME!!! ♥

Saving Livvy Mae Giveaway!

2012-01-29T20:36:00.000-08:00

Look at this beautiful blonde baby!

It's Livvy Mae! Her family is working very hard to bring her home, I posted about them here - Faithful Friday - The Herrington Family!

My friends over at Rainbow of Hope are holding a fundraiser to help them raise the last little bits her family needs.

Please go check it out HERE! :)

Faithful Friday - The Jobes Family

2012-01-27T21:21:00.000-08:00

Hey look at this cutie!

He has been transferred to an institution, where no child should ever be, but he has a family coming to get him! :) They are the same family that brought this cutie (below) home in March/April of 2011. Think they're are crazy to be going back so soon? Check out the time between our adoptions! LOL

JOSIAH for the Jobes family — Urbancrest, OH

Evan and Faith met and married young after knowing each other only 4 months. Against all odds, they have been happily married for 10 years. they have a 7 year old son named Morgan. In 2006, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Nora, who was born with a variety of genetic abnormalities including 5P-, also known as Cri Du Chat (Cat’s Cry Syndrome). Nora blessed their lives for a little over 3 years. She passed away in Jan. 2010 from chronic lung disease. Evan and Faith know she is with God now, where she can dance and sing and waits for them to join her some day.

After much thought and prayer, they decided that they simply have too much love as a family and need to share that with another child who has special needs. They adopted Etta who has Down Syndrome from Serbia in March 2010. She is such a incredible blessing.

After more thought and prayer, they feel led to bring an older child who has less of a chance of being adopted, Josiah, home to be part of their family. Their family, just like yours, does not have the $25,000 ransom required to adopt Josiah just sitting in a bank account, but if everyone gives just a little, whatever you can, it will add up to exactly what we need. Please carefully consider donating AND spreading the word about Josiah and his new family desperately trying to bring him home from the institution quickly!

10/2/11—HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS

$7455.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

And there is an awesome way you can help this family bring him home and save him from his terrible fate at the institution... through Ten 4 Orphans!

They are relatively new organization, and their mission is awesome! As you've probably figured out from their logo, they are collecting $10, and all the proceeds will go to orphans! Their current child they are helping to fund is Josiah and help his family bring him home. Please visit their webpage here -

www.tenfororphans.org

For just $10 you can make a difference in Josiah's life, not only make a difference, but help SAVE his life!

How do you know??

2012-01-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

How do you know when you are growing up?

What lets you know you are maturing?

Is it the birthdays coming year by year...

Or is it...

Learning to ride a bike...

The first day of school...

or learning to read?

Is it when Mom lets you stay up an hour longer with the grown-ups when the little ones have to go to bed?

Is it that first after school job of raking the neighbor's leaves...

or graduating from 8th grade...

or the first day of high school?

The milestones met one by one...

Should make you feel more and more grown up!

But what would happen if you were deprived of the opportunity to meet these common milestones?

What would happen if you sat in a crib day after day...

Long after you had outgrown it?

What if you had no opportunity to even start school...

[Because your LEGS (not your mind) didn't work right!]

When you should be finishing 8th grade...

Or starting high school?

Would you feel that same sense of "growing up?"

If your birthdays were unnoticed...

Each day passing with monotony and sameness...

With nothing to occupy your mind or engage your curiosity...

No new responsibilities to challenge you and make you feel grown up...

What would that be like?

Instead of looking forward to your 16th birthday in a couple years...

When you could get your drivers license...

Your16th birthday would be a day to look forward to with dread...

It would be the end of hope for you...

No more chance or opportunity to have a family...

To get an education...

Or a job when you grew up?

Can you imagine?

I can't...

Sweet, intelligent Emmitt is in this situation!

Today is his Birthday...

He's 14 today!

He's been waiting far too long...

I don't know what learning opportunities he may have had as a young child in a baby house...

But he has now been in a mental institution (because his LEGS don't work well!) for many years...

Deprived of a loving family...

Deprived of education...

Deprived of therapy...

Deprived of the opportunity to meet those milestones...

That would make him feel grown up!

At 14 years old...

He should be looking forward to starting high school soon...

But instead he sits in a baby's bed...

Waiting for someone to see his potential...

And get him out of there!

And give him the opportunity to grow into a man...

Is there any way you could be his Mom or Dad?

If not, could you share his story...

Pray for him...

And add even a few dollars to his grant fund?

In two years dear Emmitt will be too old to be adopted...

Without hope of release from the institution...

Without hope of a life of opportunity...

In bed for the rest of his life...

Let's not let that happen!

To read more about Emmitt or donate to his grant fund click Here!

+++++++++++++++

This post was written by my friend and fellow advocate Pam, who blogs over at Saving His Sparrows. She blogs and advocates for the older and bedridden children, which many people, including myself pass over! They have the most need, and we really need to spread the word about them!!

Happy Birthday Emmitt!! I pray you find a family soon, and many people are moved to help you find a family!

Little Miss Rachel!

2012-01-26T18:05:00.000-08:00

Was home with this little monkey today!

Everyone else was getting haircuts or went along with those that are getting haircuts. And here at home we were having a grand old time!

We're doing things like hyping ourselves up with sugar, folding and sorting kitchen laundry, going potty like a big girl 10 bajillion times, and arguing over what kind of Angry B!rd hat I'm going to make her!

I LOVE these Sesame Street Angry B!rds! LOL

I want to make her a blue one, and she says yellow. I say but yellow won't match your coat, and she says red! I told her red and purple go together according to big Rachel and mom, and she says blue!

She may be just two, but she sure has got a mind of her own!

Also on the list of fun things to do is turning our singing dryer on and off just for the fun of hearing it sing!

She added something to her list of fun things to do... hit a button as I'm typing and yell "haha"! That didn't quite make it onto my fun list! And of course, she hides her face when I try to take a picture of her doing it.. rascal!

Grandma's little monkey indeed!

I love my life! And I love this girl!

Actually I love all my siblings.....

....but right now, she ^ is my favorite! :)

Waiting Wednesday: Abbott

2012-01-25T20:13:00.000-08:00

Look at this little cutie!!

He doesn't look very happy in either of the two photos we have of him, but what's there to smile about when he's stuck in an orphanage for the rest of his life if nobody comes to adopt him?? We don't know much about him, except that he is 4 years old, and will be 5 in May. His profile also says that he is calm, but really? One girl's profile said she calm, not capricious, not soupy! So I don't much faith in those descriptions, esp since they aren't usually changed from when they were a baby and first listed! :)

Abbott 3G

nlm5-3G

Birth Date: May 2007
Gender: Male
Eyes: Brown
Hair: dark brown
Character: calm

My new bloggy friend and reader, MommaofMany, who blogs over at Loving the Crew has been advocating for sweet Abbott. Please stop by to leave her some encouragement and let her know you are praying for him!

Please someone save Abbott before it's too late and he becomes like Ksenia! ♥ You want him to have a reason to smile right?

The Lost Get Found!

2012-01-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

That's the name of a giveaway my friend Leah is doing for two very special little ones who are still lost and waiting for their family - Celine and Heath!

She LOTS of great prizes like a brand new Emily American Girl doll...

Several things I crocheted and donated like...

A custom Owl Hat...

Woman's hat with interchangeable flowers...

...and a slouchy hat!

But my absolute favorite in the giveaway is this necklace that says 'love' in Russian. I think I'm going to have to get one of these if I don't win it! :)

By the way, love (любовь) in Russian is pronounced lyu-bov. :)

Go check it all out HERE!!! Or click the button below!

Remember everything you donate helps to find two precious little ones a FOREVER FAMILY!!

My 2012 Goals

2012-01-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

I know it's not the beginning of 2012 anymore, but it's still January!!

This year I have a lot of goals, 19 to be exact. 19 children who I posted about for waiting Wednesday in 2011, that still don't have families working to get them.

It's AMAZING how many have found families, just look at my sidebar list! But there are soo many still waiting.. :(

So my goal this year is to find every.single.one a FAMILY! Will you help me with this goal?

I challenge you to choose one of them, or any other child on Reece's Rainbow and share their picture! You never know who is reading what you post, and it just might be a family who will take a leap of faith to go get them!

Tabitha

Bethany - She lost her family, because they didn't qualify for her region. :(

There you have it. All 19 of them! Each and every one so deserving of a family! ♥♥

Welcoming

2012-01-21T13:34:00.000-08:00

Ksenia. One of the meanings for her name is 'Welcoming'. I find that beautiful. When God created Ksenia I'm sure he had big dreams for her. Dreams of using little Ksenia to show the world what he is like. To draw people closer to him through her welcoming spirit.

Ksenia was made in God's image. God created her just right.

However our world is so broken and sinful that the people around Ksenia did not recognize that special spark in her when she was born. Maybe they saw it, but were just to scared to embrace her. Maybe they saw perfectly well the gift they had been given, but just could not provide for her.

Either way, 8 years later Ksenia is no longer living but merely existing.

In just one months time Ksenia will turn 9 years old. Nine whole years have passed since God blessed the world with this precious gift. The one with the welcoming spirit. The gift that God had great plans for. The gift that everyone forgot about. The day will go by unnoticed.

It breaks my heart. This girl deserves so much more then life in a mental institute, to be forgotten. She has so much to offer the world if she only was given the chance. She deserves to be remembered.

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." -Mother Teresa

Ksenia is available for adoption. There is still a chance for her. But sadly, she is currently only available to Canadian families. That makes it extra hard to find a family to step out for her. On top of that her adoption will cost around 50K. Such a high price, but honestly, Ksenia is so very worth.

Please pray and yell for her. She deserves it.

Ksenia is listed on Reece's Rainbow. You will have to scroll down a bit to find her picture.

She currently does not have a grant fund.

-------------------------

This post was written by Joanna, over at Asking with Faith. She is the one that first introduced me to Ksenia. I posted about Ksenia here.

Soo many people have shared her picture, and I say THANK YOU!

But please keep yelling. We NEED to find her family!

Faithful Friday: The Mars Family

2012-01-20T20:47:00.000-08:00

I can not tell you how many times I've longed to write this post, and now that I'm actually doing it, it seems so surreal! So without further adieu... Let me introduce to a very special family - the Mars Family.

And you'll never guess who they are adopting!! My sweet baby... Lyla! ♥

LILIANNA for the Mars family — Bayfield, CO

Adam and Rebecca met in 2004 after knowing each other from childhood but not reconnecting until they were adults. In 2005 they were married. Rebecca brought a son into their marriage named Royce, and soon after, they were blessed with another little boy who they named Hunter. In 2008 they welcomed their third little boy who they named Cameron. Rebecca loves all of her little boys, but it was really on her heart to add a fourth child (a girl!) through adoption. They first found Lilianna through Reece’s Rainbow in 2010. By the time they inquired, she already had a committed family and later was not able to be adopted due to health issues. Rebecca and Adam have been praying for Lilianna since then. When she became available the following year, they knew they were meant to be this little girl’s parents. Adam was given the verse Jeremiah 23:3 "I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number,” and knew it was time to go and get his little girl! Rebecca couldn’t have agreed more!

Lilianna will be welcomed home by 3 big brothers who are now 8, 5 and3 as well as a dog named Marley, 10 chickens..all named “Dinner” except for one hen named “Henrietta”, and 2 horses named Bombay and Sherman. You can find this family having fun at church, enjoying the beautiful outdoors the Colorado Mountains offer, playing at the lake, or just hanging out around the house and watching movies, visiting with friends, or doing a DIY project. When they are not busy with the adoption journey and painting a room in their house pink for this little princess, they’d love for you to join in this experience by following their blog.

1/16/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS

Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at www.LilysLight.blogspot.com

$0.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

This sweet family has decided that after 3 boys, it was time to add a little GIRL to the mix! And I couldn't be more happier about who God called them to go get!

About her name... I have referred to her the most as Lyla, because that is what Summer was going to name her when the Spitz's first committed to adopting her. When she was relisted on Reece's Rainbow, she was relisted as Lilianna. And now, she has a new name! The Mars family is going to name her Lily!

We also received a very special surprise the other day! Sweet Summer, who is adopting Gavin, GOT TO HOLD LILY on Gavin's Gotcha Day! You can read all about what Summer said about meeting her HERE! Summer also took a few pictures of her.

The one above is like the rest I have received of Lily, she just melts my heart even if she isn't look at the camera. But the one below... oh my word. I don't know what it is about that picture, but it makes me cry so hard every time I look at it!

Maybe it's her beautiful eyes, they are just so penetrating! I don't know what it is, but she is just soo PERFECT!!! She's perfect just the way she is!

I ask that you PLEASE PRAY for this wonderful family, and let them know you are praying! Visit their blog and leave them an encouraging comment! And if you are able, they would really appreciate any financial gifts you are able to give towards the ransom of bringing this beautiful girl home! Right now they have ZERO, ZILCH, NADA, in their account to help bring her home. I do not like that big fat 0, will you help to change that?

Thank you so much for being apart of bringing "my" beautiful baby girl home FOREVER!

How can you resist those pleading eyes???

Waiting Wednesday: Silas

2012-01-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

This is Silas:

Silas

Boy, Born November 29, 2004

Silas is a handsome little boy with brown hair and big brown eyes. He is affectionate and has a glowing personality. He is engaging, alert, and aware. He was born with CP and all of his limbs are affected by the spasticity. he has also has strabismus, which could be corrected with surgery. He is not able to walk, but will truly blossom in a loving family who can provide therapy and encouragement for his progress.

Silas has already been transferred to the institution, and will remain bedridden the rest of his life is he is not adopted soon.

Please consider Silas!

He has been waiting 7 long years for a family to call his own. We only have 3 pictures of him, but boy is he a sweetie!! His smile is irresistible! He should be learning and thriving at home, but instead guess where he is - in an orphanage, in Eastern Europe. And since I am posting about him for Waiting Wednesday, you probably have guessed he doesn't have a family working to get him. Let's change that, shall we?

One of the biggest things that stops people from adopting is the cost. For Silas's country it costs about $25,000 to bring home a child. A pretty large sum right? Well we have a 'pretty' large God!! And the cost of saving his life instead of letting him die in the institution = priceless. Right now he has only $11.00 in his account.

There is a giveaway in the works for him, but can we get his grant up to $50 before then?? I don't think that's too big of a task! All it will take is 2 people to donate $20, 4 people to donate $10, or 8 people to donate $5. Yes, it's that easy!! Go here to donate.

So let's do it!! Get his grant up to $50, and find him a FAMILY!!!

My little man...

2012-01-17T19:07:00.000-08:00

Introducing... Baby Dax!!! ♥

He has yet to learn (or hear) his name for all the nicknames he is called. I won't mention them so I don't publicly humiliate him! LOL

I also have a list of hats to make for him that go with his nicknames... sorry mom, I'm not getting anything else done this week!

Big boy also ROLLED OVER twice yesterday at 12 days old!! He didn't like tummy time so he rolled over, and we put him back on his tummy and he did it again! Check out the video!

He sure knows how to look stern!

Ooo! It's snowing outside!

I LOVE this little munchin so much, and I'm soo blessed to spend this week with him and his wonderful family!!

I'm not looking forward to leaving him at the end of this week!!!

When Ruby gets the camera...

2012-01-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

THIS is what appears on my memory card!!

She got all 3 of us!! :)

This week, I am staying at Michelle's house to help her with ~~her new baby~~ her girls when her husband goes back to work. My brothers, Isaac and Elijah, and I stayed here the first 2 weeks when my parents traveled to bring Jonathan home. Apparently I didn't cause too much trouble because ~~I was invited back~~ I wasn't refused when I invited myself back. :)

Baby Dax is absolutely precious, and Ruby has loved using my camera! (Hey, it's been puked on, what harm can a little slobber do?) Here's a couple pics that I took of Ruby her "my baby". ♥

I think she likes him, AND my camera!

What it means to LOVE! ♥

2012-01-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

Exactly one month ago today. Exactly 4 weeks ago lastThursday.

That was a horrific day. It was the worst day of my lifethat I can remember. I cried more that day than I think I had ever had before,and my heart was torn more that day that I care to think about. For those new readers of mine, you can read about it here – hardest post I have ever had to write.

Healing from those events is still taking place for many.Many families are still in the midst of deciding the next step to take. Andmany warriors are now plugging on for others who need help desperately too.

As for me, I am mostly healed. I have become okay with whereLogan is, at leasthe’s getting cared for a lot better and will never go hungry! He will be loved,and maybe someday adopted by a Ukrainian family. But there are still times whenI can’t hold back the tears, like when I am listening to my Meredith Andrew’sCD, and Logan’s song (read on, it’s explained below) comes on. Of course itjust happens to always be on at the same time I am putting on my Logan necklace, and thenthe tears come.

My Logan necklace. I got it from a fundraiser Sterling's mama did to help bring him home!

Note: Logan is the little boy who is plastered all over my header who I met, held, and played with last summer on a mission trip. He stole my heart in the short time I was with him, and is the one who propelled me into the world of orphan advocating.

Someday, when I return to Ukraine, I hope I am able to visitmy sweet boy, and give him all the love I wish I had given him more of when Imet him. But part of me doesn’t want to see him for his sake. I’m quite surethat he will be a little frightened by this strange lady who talks weird, is acrying blubbery mess, and is squeezing the living daylights out of him! JYet I dream of and long for that day… even if it never happens.

That sweet boy, Logan, changed my life forever. He opened myeyes to the plight of the orphan, and those with special needs (we didn’t haveeither of my brothers home at the time I met him). Who knew that a ½ hour (probablyless) with a sweet 2 year old could change me forever?

Logan,you have truly has shown me what it means to LOVE, and I am forever grateful!You will always be a big part of my heart, and I will continue to pray for you,sweet boy! I LOVE YOU more than you know!!!

Please take a couple minutes to watch this video I made forhim, with “his” song.

I couldn’t have changed a word if I rewrote this song forhim, so I’ve dubbed it Logan’ssong. That’s why this blog is named after the song, and Logan, because he has shown me what itmeans…to LOVE!

Heaven gained an angel....

2012-01-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, heaven gained an angel....

Tripp, you will be forever remembered and loved! You were such a strong fighter and you endured soo much pain in your short life time. You made such an impact on so many people, and we are glad you are pain free and have peace now. You made the world special just by being in it!! ♥ I know you are doing your best drumming ever dancing at the feet of Jesus! We love you and miss you!!! ♥♥♥

Please leave some love and encouragement for Tripp's sweet mommy Courtney here - http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/2012/01/heavens-little-drummer-boy.html

Faithful Friday - The Grove Family

2012-01-15T11:16:00.000-08:00

Two days late, but better now than never! :) Today I want you to meat Alice's family!

Aren't they beautiful?? So is Alice...

...and the other little girl they are adopting - baby Mara!!

ALICE and MARA for the Grove family — UT

Kevin and Kelly Grove have felt strongly since they were teenagers that they would adopt a child with Down Syndrome. God placed the love for people with Down Syndrome in their hearts from an early age. When they met and began dating, they shared their desire to adopt special needs children and were thrilled that they were on the same page! They have had many opportunities to volunteer and be involved in the Down Syndrome community. They have enjoyed donating to many families' adoption funds via Reeces Rainbow. Kelly also runs a domestic adoption ministry to find homes for newborns with significant special needs. Kevin and Kelly are blessed to be parents of several children with special needs, but for years they have longed for a little girl with Down Syndrome to join their family, yet it never felt quite right. That all changed when they saw Alice and Mara's photos on Reeces Rainbow. The bond was strong and instant. Kevin and Kelly knew that they had found not only one daughter but two that were meant for their family! The girls' region has given the Grove family special permission to bring the girls home together despite being unrelated. Kevin, Kelly and their children are beyond excited to welcome these sweet angels to their forever family. They need financial help to make this dream come true and little time to raise it. Alice is overdue to be transferred to an institution and so needs to come home ASAP.

1/4/12—HOME STUDY UPDATE IN PROGRESS

Follow the Grove family's adoption journey on their blog at www.extra-chromosomes.blogspot.com

$10.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Alice's new name is going to be Alyssa, and Mara's new name is going to be Mary! Because Alyssa needs to come home before soon before she is transferred to the institution, and we all know what can happen there! And Mary needs to get out of the orphanage as soon as possible so she doesn't have any institutional behaviors. This sweet family would really appreciate any financial help, but more important they need your prayers!!!

And I just have to share this too for any of you who think that adopting affects a families other children in a bad way. It affects them, but not in a bad way! Check out this adorable video of Alyssa and Mary's new parents telling their siblings! :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNI5aSvzJRw&feature=youtu.be

Please consider helping this awesome family bring home their girls!

This post is part of Jane's weekly Sharing Sunday!

Anastasia too!

2012-01-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

She has a FAMILY too!!! Like all the other children on that page, and I am soo happy for her and her new family! She needed a family urgently, because she is very close to be transferred to a TERRIBLE institution. Praise God that won't happen now!

I'm lovin' it!

2012-01-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

This is absolutely amazing! Now sweet Michelle has a family!

I haven't posted about her, but I've always loved her!

~~I guess it's because I love blind kids!~~ (No wait, I didn't say that... yes, Yvonne I am regretting saying that! LOL)

I am soo happy for her and all the others who found a family the past few days!

Psst! Go check out Victoria's new family here!:)

Disclaimer: Despite the title of this post, I absolutely HATE McDonald's!!! Unless it's Ukrainian McDonald's then it's pretty good, because the Ukranian McD's food actually looks and tastes like the advertisments unlike the gross American McD's. :P Did you know in Ukraine people dress up to go the McD's like a fancy restaurant??? :)

Let's keep it going!

2012-01-12T12:00:00.001-08:00

I LOVE this!! SOO many children are being put on the My Family Found Me page! ALL of them have families now working to get them! And guess who was put on there today??

Sweet little Victoria!! ♥ I am SOO happy! :D

So, will you help keep it going?? Will you help keep moving kids to the MFFM page?? I hope so, because I'm loving it! Let's get Ksenia on there next!

Now look who has a family!

2012-01-11T16:46:00.000-08:00

Sweet Bethany! :)

And lots of other kiddos too! Go check it out!