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 "Almost There" The families listed on this page have made it to "the end of the rainbow". They have endured many long months of paper-chasing and fundraising in anticipation of bringing their new child home quickly.
Please CLICK HERE to donate for an adopting family!
The Outman & Hopfenspirger families in Belgrade, Serbia together!
And CLICK HERE to see those families who are IN COUNTRY right now!
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ARIANNA & MAGDA for the Westbrook # 2 family--Bayfield, CO
  Mark and Kirsten have been married for 13 years and have 7 children-- 6 boys and 1 little girl. Their precious children are: Roy (21/private older child adoption), Jordan (19/birth), Samuel (11/birth), Mark Daniel (8/birth), Dillon (6/foster adoption), Noah Justin (2 ½-foster adoption), and Madalyn Grace (11 months/birth/DS). They have always wanted a large family and adoption was always part of the plan. They had looked into international adoption before as 2 of Kirsten’s sisters were adopted from Taiwan in the 60’s and that was always of dream of hers, but it was not the right timing so they pursued adopting domestically through the U.S. foster care system. During their 7 years of foster parenting they were blessed to be able to add two beautiful little boys to their family. Then their daughter Madalyn was born in April 2009 with Down syndrome and through her God moved their hearts and changed their path to adoption. He led them to Reece’s Rainbow and although they had not previously considered adopting children with Down syndrome, they knew completely that this was the direction they were to go. They are following the Lord’s direction more than ever before in their lives and are taking a huge leap of faith, but are completely excited to be welcoming these precious, sweet little ones, Magda and Arianna, into their family.
9/3/10---APPOINTMENT IS SEPTEMBER 15
We have $439.50 in our FAMILY grant towards the cost of our adoption!
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LIAM for the Mickschl family--Elk Grove, CA
The Mickschl family is a family of seven. Four biological children and one adopted son from Russia. They knew they would adopt again, but not a special needs child. When some friends of their's adopted their daughter who has DS, they started checking out the web site of Reece's Rainbow. WOW! All those sweet children needing loving homes. The Mickschl family was hooked! They saw the face of little Liam and knew he was the next addition to their family. God is leading them down a new road full of adventure! The whole family is excited and can hardly wait to bring their new baby son and brother home.
9/4/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $143 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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MASHA for the Dziagwa family--Seward, PA
Dan and Tammy have been married for 5.5 years. Together they have 3 biological sons. The Dziagwa's talked about adoption before the birth of their first son, and 3 kids later here they are again!! God has called the Dziagwa's to adopt a little girl from Eastern Europe with hearing problems. While no one in the household speaks sign-language yet they are learning! The boys are excited about getting an older sister and pray for her everyday. Everytime they see something pink, they want to get it for their sister. The Dziagwa's are honored to be called to join such an elite group of people in the adoption world. Join them on their journey to a far away land to be their daughter's forever family.
8/16/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $47 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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VIVIENNE & LAURA for the Parker family--Grant's Pass, OR
Charley & Kate Parker have 7 biological children (18, 17, 10, 8, 8, 6 & almost-4 years). Several of their children have special needs ranging from the physical challenges of chiari malformation & spina bifida to neurological conditions including autism, Asperger’s & ADHD. Life with kids who have special needs has become their “normal,” and while they recognize that their life is not typical by most people‘s definition, they truly enjoy their children (quirks & all) and have learned to take each challenge that comes their way in stride.
God led the family to Reece’s Rainbow in 2008 and learning about the plight of orphans who get sent to institutions broke their hearts, but some initial investigation into adoption made it clear that the time was not right to proceed. Then, in October, 2009, God again placed the desire to adopt on Charley & Kate’s hearts and once again led them to Reece’s Rainbow, where they felt an immediate “pull” toward Vivienne & Laura. Instead of jumping right in, the couple committed to praying for the girls and waiting for God to move them the next step. They asked their teenagers, Megan & Adam, to pray about which girls God wanted to be their sisters and both teens separately came to their parents to say they believed God wanted Vivienne & Laura to join the family. With that confirmation, Charley & Kate shared Vivienne & Laura’s pictures with their 5 other children to get their opinions about the possibility of adopting the girls. All 5 children were unanimously excited and joyful at the prospect of having two new sisters, so with the family in full agreement that Vivienne & Laura were the girls that God wanted them to adopt, they continued to wait on the Lord to direct their steps, praying daily for the girls. In January, they felt God prompting them to move forward and they located an adoption agency to do their home study & began that process. Charley contacted Andrea to get more information about the girls & in a step of faith, told her the family planned to commit officially to the girls by the end of January even though he knew the money was not yet secured to do so. His belief was that if the family was hearing God correctly and adopting the girls was what He wanted them to do, He would provide whatever amount of money was needed for each step of the journey.
Through donations from online friends and strangers who were moved to help, the needed funds to commit to Vivienne & Laura were raised and God, in His perfect timing, enabled the Parker family to honor Charley’s pledge to Andrea ~ he & Kate were able to mail in their commitment funds for the girls.
The family is already amazed at the ways they have seen God move as they have stepped out in faith to adopt, and they know that He will be with them every moment of their incredible journey to bring their two new daughters/sisters home. They are thankful for the kindness of others who have felt led to help them financially thus far and they ask that anyone reading this will prayerfully consider making a donation to help their family meet the rest of their adoption expenses.
8/26/10---APPT IS SEPTEMBER 14
We have $13,555.72 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption! |
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JOEL for the Dull family--Kansas City, MO
Greg and Allison Dull met in 2002 at their church in Kansas City, Missouri. They were married less than a year later and have been blessed with 3 children ages 5, 2 and 6 months. Greg and Allison have had a desire to adopt for many years but they were waiting for the Lord's perfect timing. After much prayerful consideration - seeking wisdom and guidance from the Lord, they both believe that He is leading them to adopt Joel. Greg works for the city of Kansas City, Missouri and is the Chairman of the Elder Board at their church. Allison is a former school teacher who now stays home to care for their precious children and to keep the home. Greg and Allison both help oversee the Orphan Ministry at their church. They are so blessed that the Lord has graciously led them to Joel and joyfully look forward to the journey of bringing home their son.
8/20/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $900 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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TIMOTHY for the deLlanos family--West Burlington, IA
John & Melissa have been married 16 years. They have three biological children, Joey is 14, Kati is 12, and Olivia is 3 1/2. They are former ministers, and it was through their ministry that they met, and worked with many children with special needs. God gave them some very dear friends whose daughter has Down Syndrome, and Melissa always felt that God was preparing them through her to have their own special child. Seeing her accomplishments as she grew up has been a true blessing.
A few weeks ago, Melissa saw Timothy on another friend's blog. She instantly fell in love with him, and knew that he was the reason that God had given her a heart for children with special needs. She couldn't get him out of her mind, and her heart. After sharing the idea with John, they decided to take a step of faith and talk to the rest of the family. The news was taken with excitement and hope that God would provide for Timothy to come home and be a part of their family. Olivia is especially excited to have her brother "her age" (they are one day apart in age!) to come home.
9/3/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $5872.40 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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NADYA for the Whaley family--Burleson, TX
 Our Nadya finally has a family of her own!
Alan and Marsha Whaley have quite a crazy story to tell about their growing family! They knew before they married that their hearts were meant to be with children. They had thought they would live in a 3rd would country and run a medical mission and orphanage together. God had other plans! So, after having 5 biological children they began looking into adoption "for the future." The 'future' came rather quickly; within six months they brought home three children from Russia. They have never gone looking, not once, for a child to adopt; but, the children do seem to show up in their lives. So, a few years later they adopted a teenage boy from Russia, than a few years later a toddler from Guatemala, then the summer of 2009 they added two teenage boys from Ukraine. Since they never go looking….they wait for God to bring them children…..they don't go shopping for kids. However, it truly has been their hearts desire to have one more little girl. Again, God surprised them with connecting them, through a mutual blogging friend, to a blog named nadyaneedsalovingfamily.blogspot.com. The wondered, could this be the little girl they've been yearning for? After prayer and consideration, and a bunch of emails to Sweden, the answer came---this little girl is meant for them. In many ways, it's easy to add another child to their bustling crew, but the finances is also a big leap of faith. More than anything, Alan and Marsha, and gang, want God's will and for God to use them any way He sees fit. Right now, they pray their lives will quickly be united with a blue-eyed little girl who lives on the other side of the ocean.
9/3/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $520 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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TAYA & RUSSELL for the Falvo family--Spring Hill, FL
  Michael and Maria Falvo started dating in 1987, married 7 years later in 1994. They love being outside in nature and spending time with their kids. They have 4 beautiful children, who they homeschool in Florida. Michael who is 11 , is mommy's "go to guy". He can fix anything and loves to do it. He has a sensitive nature and a heart of gold. Luckily he loves being a big brother! Giana is 9 and is full of energy! She takes dancing and modeling classes and she makes friends with everyone. She is a big helper to mommy with her little sisters and loves to play with them and entertain them. She has asked if Taya can sleep in her room so she wont be alone :) Isabella is 4 and was born in Guatemala. Her adoption was a crash course in International adoption for her family and the plight of orphans has never been far from her families heart since!! She is all girl , and can always be found wearing a tutu and a bow, even in bed :) Tatiana is the baby of the family at 20 months old. She was born in Ethiopia and is a teeny tiny ball of pure joy. She is such a happy baby, just a pure blessing.
Michael & Maria thought they would be going back to Ethiopia for another child, but the Lord had other plans. When Maria stumbled onto the Reece's Rainbow site, a fire was lit and she knew she would never be the same. The plight of these sweet children kept her awake at night, especially one child. Taya's sweet eyes spoke right to her and she felt a connection right away! Michael like most Daddies, wasn't on board at first. He felt all the fears of the unknown. Maria committed herself to advocate for all these sweet children with special needs and Down Syndrome. She went to work to find Taya her very own family before her time ran out at the baby house. Each turn was met with a dead end. Taya was their "Christmas Angel" and was on their tree this past year. The Lord was busy working a miracle, and putting all of Michael's fears to rest. When he said to Maria "lets go get her !!", she couldn't believe her ears and had him repeat it !!
Next Christmas Taya will be home, putting her OWN ornament on the family Christmas tree ! God works in amazing ways and the Falvo's feel so blessed to be able to be Taya's mommy and daddy.
9/3/10---APPOINTMENT IS SEPTEMBER 28
I have $2454 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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VIOLET for the Summers family--Ashland, OH
Greg and Sarah met in New York at Bible College in 2000. They quickly became best friends and inseparable as they realized that they shared many goals and interests. Both of them were focused on the needs of others during college, knowing that this would be the direction that their degrees would take them. Greg graduated in 2004 with a degree in Youth Pastoral from Baptist Bible College. They were married only a few weeks later and started their life together. Sarah finished her degree in nursing and graduated in 2006 as an RN.
The idea of adoption had never seriously crossed their minds until the summer of 2008. Greg and Sarah had taken their youth group to a week long youth conference. While there, one of the speakers spoke on the reality of orphaned children and their need for loving home. Sarah’s heart hurt for those children and knew that it was something that God wanted them to do. She knew God wanted her to adopt a child and give them love and hope, but it wasn’t just any child but one with special needs, an HIV+ baby.
Sarah quickly dismissed it thinking that it was just crazy pregnancy hormones. How could they adopt a child when they had a toddler and were pregnant with their second child? The idea never went away and only got stronger after Grady was born in December 2008. It was no longer just an idea but a passion to adopt, to give a child in need of a loving home a family that would love them no matter what issues they brought with them. Greg caught Sarah’s passion for adoption and agreed that this was something that God was calling them to do with their life.
The research began, late night blog reading, many many many Google searches on raising HIV+ children , medical sites, and then they happened in Reece’s Rainbow thru http://www.projecthopeful.org/and that’s where they found Violet. When Sarah saw her she knew that sweet little Violet was their daughter. The family started praying that some way God would provide what was needed to bring little Violet home to her family. Thru much prayer He has done it!
The Summers family are so excited to bring sweet Violet home as their daughter. When Trent is asked about Violet he quickly says “bring her home” and that is the motto of the entire family, what ever it takes and as God leads bring her home.
9/3/10---APPOINTMENT IS SEPTEMBER 27
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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JOY for the Rugg family--West Jordan, UT
Ray and Lacey have four beautiful boys at home. Raymond 11, Tanner 8, Carter 7, and Jaxson 4. Jaxson was born with Down syndrome and several medical problems. They've wanted to adopt a little girl for a long time, and after having Jaxson, they fell in love with Down syndrome children. The other boys are expert special needs big brothers, and Jaxson is their little man. They are dying to bring home a Down syndrome baby sister to spoil rotten!
They saw baby Joy on Reece's Rainbow and had to have her. She looked so much like their little Jaxson, and those big eyes seemed to look right into their souls. The name Joy was perfect, a little girl to decorate in pink and bows that will bring so much joy to their family! She will be named Makayla Marie. Makayla is the name Lacey has had for a girl for years, and Marie is Lacey's middle name she's always wanted to pass on to a girl!
9/3/10---APPOINTMENT IS SEPTEMBER 28
I have $635 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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ALINA for the Wangerin family--Becker, MN
Eugene and Becky live in Minnesota and have been married for 9 years. They have two biological children; Alexander is almost 8 and Anthony is 4.5. They also have a dog named Wendy and two cats, Bailey and Gordon. Eugene works as a telephone technician for a local telephone company, and Becky is a stay at home mom to the children.
Eugene and Becky have always considered adoption, and after the birth of their youngest son, they began to research more seriously. They began their adoption adventure in Kyrgyzstan, and upon completing the paperwork, the country put a moratorium on adoptions. Becky had been looking at waiting children for some time, and their hearts begain to open to waiting children all over the world. One little girl in particular caught their hearts and they prayed about her, that she may find her family. Days later, prayers were answered, that little girl had found her family.
After that, it seemed that a waiting child was definently in their hearts. When a friend emailed a list of waiting children websites to Becky, she resisted the urge to look right away. After a few days, she decided to take a look and right away was drawn to a certain little beauty on Reeces Rainbow. Becky 'ignored' the feelings for a few weeks before finally asking about her, and waiting another week before 'introducing' her to Eugene. Both agreed she was perfect, and began praying for her. As the path to her began to light up, both agreed that Miss Alina would join their family.
It has been a very long road for Eugene, Becky and family to find their child. Alexander and Anthony can't wait to meet their sister, and Eugene and Becky can't wait to complete their family!
9/3/10---APPOINTMENT IS SEPTEMBER 29
I have $10 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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| VANYA for The Baumann Family--Winter Springs, FL
Tom and Kim Baumann are one of our special couples who do not already have children of their own, and have chosen an angel with Down syndrome as their first child.
The Baumanns met 8years ago and have always shared a special passion for children. They married 4 years ago and decided they wanted to start a family fairly quickly. After Kim suffered a miscarriage and the worries of ?are we ever going to have a child?, then a special little boy with Down Syndrome came into their life, by the name of Max. After seeing his family and meeting several other families with children with DS, Tom turned to Kim and said ?Let?s do this. We are to bring a special child home to us. It is Gods plan for us.? So they did their homework and couldn?t resist the beautiful smile and personality beaming on Vanya.
And now their journey begins!!!
9/3/10---APPOINTMENT IS SEPTEMBER 30
I have $2585 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
| LIZA for The Lorenz Family--Locust Grove, VA
The Lorenz?s knew they would adopt even before they were married. Rick was adopted as an infant and Melissa spent a brief amount of time in Foster Care as a small child as well as being ?adopted in heart? by her stepfather. They both also realize that we all live as orphans and are adopted into God?s family by Jesus? saving Grace. Despite the knowing that there would someday be an adoption the journey has been pretty twisty and at times there have even been roadblocks. But that ?Broken Road? has led them straight to Reece?s Rainbow and little Liza.
Rick and Melissa met in the church they both attended about five years ago and have been married four this summer. Before this Melissa was a single parent who was beginning to think her dream of having more children ?someday? was only a dream and wondered why substituting for the Special needs classrooms brought so much joy. Rick was a single father whose youngest child kept him busy every other weekend and wondered why he was single again and still had never realized his dream of adopting a child just as he had once been adopted. Then God brought them together and all the pieces of this puzzle fell into place perfectly. Just the way He had planned all along.
9/3/10---APPOINTMENT IS SEPTEMBER 30
I have $5046 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
Follow the adoption journey of the Lorenz family on their blog at http://www.journeytoapromise.blogspot.com/ |
| ANDREJS for The Handl Family--Two Rivers, WI
 Heidi Handl is another one of our single moms! She is also a first-time mom! She is hoping to adopt our little Andrejs from Eastern Europe as soon as possible! He has been waiting far too long.
Heidi is 31 years old and Andrejs will b e her first child; but she has lots of experience with nieces and nephews! Her sister Kelly is a single mom of 8, 4 with special needs. Kelly actually found RR and introduced Heidi to all of the adorable children. Heidi was hooked and then kept waiting for the ?right? time. Just before Christmas she decided that it was as good a time as any and committed to adorable Andrejs. She has already hit a couple bumps in the road but things are coming together and she is totally committed to making him her son! His name will be Jackson Daniel; Daniel after Heidi?s father who passed away 8 years ago. Heidi knows there will be many challenges with being a single Mom to a special needs little guy and is totally ready for those responsibilities. Finances are her biggest concern, especially with the time she will have to take off of work for travel and to get to know her new son after he comes home. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
9/2/10---FINAL TRIP IN OCTOBER!
I have $565 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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CORINNA for the Simon family--California
Our Corinna finally has a family! She will be our first child adopted uot of this mental institution, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to advocate for her.
The Simons have been married for 5 years. In 2008 they adopted our Georgiy from Ukraine. He has settled into their family wonderfully and loves his brothers and sister, who are absolutely crazy about him too! he is growing like a weed and blossming just as we exepcted him to.
For a while the Orr's had known about Corinna's profile on Reece's Rainbow, and finally everything fell into place and they knew the time was right for them to make the journey to Eastern Europe again. Little Corinna has waited far too long for a family of her own, and they hope to hold her in their arms very soon.
Your help is greatly appreciated for this special little girl to finally come home!
9/2/10---DOSSIER SUBMITTED
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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CORDELIA for the Smith family (3)--Lake St. Louis, MO
Ashli and Eric Smith met in 2000 in South Beach (Miami). Both were there for a conference and had an INSTANT connection. Eric moved from Florida to Missouri (where Ashli was attending law school) the following week! The couple was engaged a month later and married in December 2001. Eric is the Vice President and General Manager of a marble and granite company. Ashli is a nurse and an attorney who has represented abused/neglected children in foster care as a Guardian ad litem for a few years. Adoption has been on her mind and in her heart since that time. They have been blessed with 4 beautiful children, 3 sons and a daughter - Easton (8), Emersen (5), Elijan (4) and Elliston (2). Emersen, the "lone princess" of the family begs for a baby sister daily.
A friend introduced her to the Reece's Rainbow website and she began checking the site daily, staring at those sweet faces and praying their families would soon find them. When Ashli saw Cordelia (37), she knew that special little girl was meant to be a part of their family. She approached Eric who agreed, "She is very very cute isn't she?" Recently while Ashli was staring at Cordelia's pictures (something she does a LOT), Emersen said "Mommy, who is that?" Ashli replied, "It is a little girl who is waiting for a Mommy and Daddy." Emersen smiled and said, "She is waiting for a Mommy and Daddy and I am waiting for a baby sister!! I can share my Mommy and Daddy with her!" And so it began……
The Smith family is working very hard to bring Cordelia home. Your prayers and support is appreciated more than you will ever know!
9/2/10---DOSSIER SUBMITTED
I have $1755 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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VICTOR & MILANA for the Reilly family--Charlotte, NC
Our Victor finally has a family of his own!
Tom, a Charlotte native, was born with spina bifida and scoliosis. He had 5 surgeries by the time he was 12, and he finally told his mom he did not want to live his life trying to be "fixed." Tom adapted to his disabilities, including an atrophied left leg, which is shorter than his right one. Tom played baseball and basketball, and he was captain of the golf team in high school. Tom never let his disability affect who he became, and he is a fully-fuctioning and active adult.
Kari, raised in Dana Point, CA, moved to Charlotte on a whim, and she fell in love immediately with the "boy next door." Tom and Kari lived in the same apartment building and hit it off immediately. Tom and Kari adopted four dogs from a high-kill shelter, and they advocate for pet adoption. Tom and Kari have been married for 2 years, and they love to dream about their future. Tom works as a customer service representative for a bank. Kari works as a communication specialist for an ethics company, and she hopes to attend graduate school in the fall for a Masters in Library Science degree (as if there wasn't enough going on already!).
UPDATE! The Reillys have decided to bring Milana home too!
8/30/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
We have $250 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
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VANYA for the Oberhauser family--Chatham, IL
Mark and Joni met in college and have now been married for nearly 12 years. The Lord has blessed them with five biological children: Jimmy (8), Nate (7), Truett (5), Abe (2), and Delaney Jo (5 mos). They are in the process of adding Vanya to their family.
Mark is a youth pastor at a Baptist church, and Joni is a homemaker. They homeschool their children, and they have always prayed and talked about adopting a child one day. When an e-mail came through in early January 2010 concerning Vanya and his need for a forever family, their hearts were quickly drawn to him. Their boys are very excited about Vanya joining their family and are enthusiastically looking for ways to contribute to bringing him home!
8/30/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $5995 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
| MARINA for The Bachman Family--Roebuck, SC
Our baby Marina has a family!! She has been waiting so long, and now faces an uncertain future in her country's adoption program, so the Bachman family is in a race against the clock to save her!
Oh, the story of Marina and how she came to be the affection of the Bachmans is a sweet one. Tully and Cathy have been married for 9 years and are the parents of two children, Evan(4) and Caylyn (6). The last three years of their lives together have been spent in a fierce battle against Leukemia with Caylyn as the target. Leukemia won, and Caylyn went on to become heaven bound March of 08. The loss has been nothing short of devastating.
Caylyn's primary gift has always been one of unconditional love. She lived it and taught it. She was diagnosed with Down syndrome as well, but that did not define who she was. She was simply a beautiful little girl who captured the hearts of everyone she met. There is a poem given to nearly every parent who has a child with Down syndrome and it talks about heading off on a trip to Rome, only to discover you have landed in Holland. Well after 6 beautiful years in Holland, the disappearance of the tour guide is devastating.
After more than a year of seeking their answers from God, Marina has landed in their hearts. Certainly not as a substitute, for that can never happen, but as a way of carrying on what Caylyn left behind as a way of life. Unconditional love. Evan is excited as he faces the prospect of having two sisters, even though one is in heaven. And Cathy and Tully are looking forward to opening their lives to their new tour guide.
What started out as a prayer call for God to find Marina a family in time to avoid transfer to state run facilities as Cathy looked through Reece's Rainbow on a regular basis has turned into their own answered prayer, and one for Marina as well. Within two days of showing Marina's photo to her husband, Tully came back with the answer that 'they' were the answer to the prayer for Marina.
Your gifts to make sure this family can save Marina, from the institution and an imprisoned life, will be greatly appreciated. They are hoping to have their dossier done in record time, so there will be little time for major fundraising efforts.
8/26/10---DOSSIER SUBMITTED
I have $8088 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
Follow the Bachman family adoption journey on their blog at www.caringbridge.org/visit/Marinaontheway |
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MARSHALL, ASHLEIGH, & ELIZABETH for the Lutz family--Wilson Creek, WA
 
From the day they met, Laura and David Lutz dreamed of a large family, and six children later (plus one in Heaven) it seems that God has blessed them with their dream. Part of their dream has been to adopt, and now that part is coming true also!
Laura is an OB nurse, and David is a carpenter-turned-nursing-student, due to graduate this year and start a new career. Although they love their work, their family has always been the main focus. As David says, “Logically, we’re the perfect people to adopt these kids—our whole life centers on this house and this family!” They don’t really have hobbies, because their kids are their hobby. As their kids were growing up, and moving on, David and Laura didn’t feel ready to be done with their favorite activity, so they asked God for more children, and now he’s blessing them again!
Eighteen years ago, David and Laura put down roots in a tiny, rural town where everyone knows everyone, and they live in a big, old, rambling house. They like gardening, camping, fishing, reading, homeschooling, cooking, and attending church, where David loves to debate theology. The Lutz children were brought up to be best friends, and family get-togethers are full of laughter, wrestling, eating and karaoke.
The Lutz family looks forward to bringing Elizabeth, Ashleigh and Marshall into their noisy, rowdy, loving clan.
8/26/10---DOSSIER SUBMITTED
We have $2137 in our FAMILY GRANT FUND towards the cost of our adoption!
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IVAN for the Nichols family--Sacramento, CA
Ben and Danielle Nichols have been married for 12 years. They grew up in the same city and attended the same highschool but did not meet until college. They have three fantastically unique kids named Toby (6), Francesca (3) and Wilhelmina (9.5 months). Danielle is a stay at home mom and teacher to Toby and Francesca. They are new homeschoolers and have made great connections in their area with other homeschooling mommies and kids. Ben works as a consultant for Child Welfare Services.
Ben and Danielle had never considered adoption before donating to Reece's Rainbow. While looking through the pictures of the waiting "Other Angels", Danielle fell in love with Ivan. Over the next week, the Nichols prayed together, as a family, and asked God if adopting Ivan was the right decision for them. Over the next few days, they could not stop thinking about Ivan. They would find themselves doing their everyday tasks and stopping and thinking about him and feeling compelled to pray for him and plead with God to keep him safe. The Nichols cannot wait to meet their new son and brother for the first time and thank God for blessing them with the opportunity to become Ivan's Mommy and Daddy!
8/21/10---APPT IS SEPTEMBER 13
I have $3553 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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MAX & ELLE for the Herrick family--Hamilton, OH
 We are thrilled to have the Herrick family back adopting with us again so soon. Elle has Treacher Collins syndrome and is deaf. Max is also deaf. Little Miss Elle here put up a fight last year about being adopted, but the Herricks have not given up on her,nor the handsome little boy they met while there.
Richard and Colleen Herrick are from Hamilton, Ohio. They have been married 9 years, and are blessed to have two wonderful children, Anelise(adopted through Reece’s Rainbow from Ukraine) is 9, and Colin(bio) is 6. Richard is blessed to be a stay-at-home Dad, and Colleen is a Pharmacist, and is working online on her doctoral degree at the University of Colorado.
In the summer of 2009, Colleen and Richard traveled to Ukraine to adopt Elle, a little girl with Treacher Collins Syndrome who is also deaf. When they reached their destination, they found Elle did not want to be adopted, which is within her rights, even if we believe adoption to be the best for her. Elle was no doubt fearing the unknown, and didn’t want to leave the life that she was comfortable with. While they were there, they found Anelise at the same orphanage, and knew that she was meant to be a part of their family. Elle was apprehensive about being adopted and refused, so instead of adopting Elle, they made Anelise their daughter.
After coming home with Anelise, the Herricks learned that Max, who is also deaf and in the same orphanage, was in need of a family. They got to meet him while they were adopting Anelise last summer. They prayed about it, and decided to go back and add him to their family. Max is in the same orphanage where Elle still lives, so when they go back for Max they will again request Elle's referral and give her a second chance. They are praying that this time, Elle will decide that she wants to be adopted. Elle's condition is treatable, and she can have that treatment done in Cincinnati and the treatment should enable her to hear. The Herricks are hoping and praying that God has changed Elle’s heart in the year since they met her, and that she will be ready for a family when they travel to adopt Max.
They would ask that you pray for God to lead Elle home with them so that she can receive the treatment that she needs, but even more importantly so that she will know the love of a Mom, Dad, and brothers and sister.
8/18/10---APPT IS SEPTEMBER 8
We have $612 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
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MARISSA for the Duncan family--Louisville, KY
Laura and Jake met in college and have been married almost 6 years. Laura is a pediatric physical therapist and Jake works with children with special behavioral needs. They currently have no children. Laura and Jake decided early in their marriage that adoption would be part of their plan to expand their family in combination with having biological children. Following many failed attempts to concieve and a failed domestic adoption they began to explore international adoption. They are currently in the process of adopting from Africa. Laura came across Reece's Rainbow and fell in love with this little girl. She couldn't stop thinking about her and then shared her photo with Jake. He fell in love with her too! Laura is a very planned person so finding Marissa and starting her adoption in the middle of another was a shock but they feel it's part of God's plan for their family. They know that God brought her to them so they agreed to let God lead the way and have faith that he will provide the means to bring her home. We can't wait to meet her!
6/15/10--DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $510 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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