In an institution...

Lay two sweethearts that need a family. I've posted about them before for Waiting Wednesday posts, and today they are heavy on my heart. Genesis and Natalia (RR links here and here).

Genesis' old photos:

When she first got listed

After she was transferred to an institution

Shortly after the last photo

Genesis' newest photo:

Natalia's photo:

It plain and simple breaks my heart. I started crying after seeing Genesis new picture. She's adorable, but they shaved all her beautiful hair off! I'm so glad she looks happy in the picture, but I bet as soon as whoever took the picture left the room, her toy was grabbed away from her, and she was pushed off whatever she was sitting on. :(

I don't have a new picture to share of Natalia, but she is 8, and very tiny. She has gorgeous blue eyes, and she needs a family NOW!!!

I ask you to please PRAY for these two sweeties! Not only pray for families, but pray for them! They are living in horrific sistuations, and need out before they perish!

And please don't forget Teri Lynn!

Her Grant now says:

$16428.30 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Did you read that? That's as much as Eddie had in his grant! Please email Marianne at Marianne@reecesrainbow.org to make an inquiry to adopt her! She needs you NOW! She needs a family to CHERISH and LOVE her as my dear friend Rachel said in her post about her.

Pray. Please PRAY. And then ACT.

Waiting Wednesday: Natalia

I had a really, really hard time deciding who to do this week for my Waiting Wednesday post. I finally decided, so meet Natalia!

Natalia (1)

Girl, Born March 6, 2003

Natalia is a GORGEOUS little girl with brown hair and giant blue eyes.   She is 6 years old.   She is a very smart little girl, but her medical records show cognitive delay and some epileptic issues.   Her seizures are infrequent, and she does take medication to control it.   Her cognitive delay is likely a result of the seizures though.   She also has some strabismus (crossed/lazy eye), but this can be corrected in the US.  Natalia is able to speak, and when our missionary asked her if she would tell us something , she was trying to rehearse a little poem!  Natalia is not able to walk on her own.  She is carried everywhere.   We are uncertain as to WHY this is, but can only know in our hearts that her life will be greatly improved to have therapy and a family of her own.   She is a very nice little girl, happy and friendly and beautiful.   She will truly thrive in a family environment.

From her medical records:  epilepsy and flat feet

Natalia is already living in an institution, so we need a family for her right away!  She recently lost her adoptive family, so her situation is urgent!   She is STILL living at the "not so good" place, and is unable to walk on her own yet.  We need to get her out immediately.

As with all children living in these difficult conditions,  this child's cognitive development has regressed significantly since he/she was younger.  It is of crucial importance that any family considering the adoption of an older child from the mental institution setting be well prepared for what to expect with regards to how the neglect and lack of adequate medical care and nourishment has affected this child.    These children all have TREMENDOUS potential for improvement, and deserve to have a life outside these four walls. 

These children are truly living on borrowed time, and families should be home study approved before an official commitment can be made for this child.

I AM ELIGIBLE FOR AN OLDER CHILD GRANT

Isn't she just gorgeous?!?! I can't believe she doesn't have a family yet, though as it says in her profile, she has lost one before. The orphanage where she is living is an institution, meaning she has been transferred, and she is living on borrowed time. She needs out NOW. Please, is she your daughter?