|
  Sponsor a Family's Adoption Journey
Sponsor one or more families to help with the financial burden of their adoption journey.
These families are in the process of completing their HOME STUDY, and still very much need your financial support! Thank you for your generous gift of life and love!
Please CLICK HERE to donate for an adopting family!
|
OLIVIA for the Loraine family--Little Rock, AR
Larry and Erin have 2 sons, Clayton (10) and Evan (7). They are excited to be in the process of adding Olivia to their family.
Larry and Erin are highschool sweethearts who have been married for 13 years. They are currently missionaries with Campus Crusade for Christ and serve at FamilyLife, a ministry to marriages and families. Erin has had a heart for special needs children since she was a child herself and holds a degree in Special Education.
Recently God called them both to a special needs adoption, and originally they intended to adopt through the state. God, however, was working on Larry and leading him to consider an international adoption. After looking at the Reece's Rainbow website the whole family fell in love with Olivia. Their boys are very excited to have a sister and they all look forward to the day that they can bring her home!
1/10/10---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $1570in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
ALYONA for the Swerdfeger Family--Laguna Hills, CA
The Missing Swerd
This is the story of a family and their journey to find the missing member(s).
Brian and April have been married for almost 23 years and have two smart, beautiful, talented and all-around great girls. They’ve had their trials and have been tested seemingly beyond measure, but through it all God has seen them through. His faithfulness and grace are more than enough, and they continually have the opportunity to live-out their faith in everyday life. They are blessed indeed.
One of the ongoing story lines of their life is that they regret not having more children. They’ve loved every minute of raising their girls, and have always wished for a bigger family, but they made the mistake of thinking they were “done” after the birth of their second daughter, Kelsey.
"We thought we were done, and like many couples I went to the doctor for a vasectomy" states Brian. "He asked “are you sure?” and we thought we were. Little did we know the heartache and emptiness that would grow in our hearts as we realized our mistake over the years to come." April adds, "many years later, we heard of a doctor in Los Angeles that specialized in vasectomy reversals, and had great success helping men become fertile again. It was an expensive long shot, but one we were willing to take for the hope of having more children." After the intensive micro-surgery and painful recovery, they tried and tried to conceive, but alas they had joined the world of couples struggling with infertility and hope seemed dim.
Through it all they never lost the feeling that their family was incomplete – they trusted God to let them know when and how more kids would come into their lives. They volunteered, they coached, they taught, they cared for others, and they loved. They knew their hearts had room for more, but they also knew God had a plan that was better than theirs. Then, through God’s perfect grace and providence, He reminded them that He loves us all, and that perhaps the missing Swerd was waiting to be adopted!
I believe it was the great philosopher Horton who once said, “I believe in you all.
A person's a person, no matter how small!
And you very small persons will not have to die, if you make yourselves heard! So come on, now, and try!" Thanks to the internet, they heard her voice all the way from Eastern Europe.
1/10/10---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $100 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
IRINA for the Allen family--Minooka, IL
Tim and Cindy have been married for 13 years, and are blessed with 3 children, Amy (11), Samuel (3), and Seth (18mos). They have been burdened for orphans since 2004 when God began tugging at their hearts. In 2005, they began a journey to adopt from Mexico, but the journey ended when another family was chosen instead of them. It all made sense when Cindy found out she was pregnant in Jan. of 2006 with their son Samuel Lee. Then 20 months later, Seth Levi was born. In the midst of the busyness, adoption had not crossed their minds. Until they met a special family, who helped answer their questions, and introduced them to the HIV + children on Reece’s Rainbow. After much prayer, they know their family will not be complete until they bring Irina safely home. Tim and Cindy have placed this journey in the Lord’s hands, and trust Him to provide for all their needs.
“A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the lonely in families...
” Psalm 68:5-6
11/11/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
|
|
GLORIA for the Godwin family--Hamilton, OH
Greg and Kristie Godwin have been married for two and a half years, and have two biological children. Josiah is 18 months old, and Gabriela is 5 months old. They have known since the beginning of their marriage that they wanted to adopt children with special needs, and over the last few months, they have become increasingly convinced that the time for them to adopt was drawing very near.
A friend directed them to Reece's Rainbow, and within a few hours of learning about little Gloria, they both knew that she was their daughter. Gloria is in a very poor orphanage, and the Godwins are trying to raise the money for her adoption as quickly as possible, so that she can join her forever family.
1/10/10---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $35 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
SAUL for the Gibson family--Liberty Township, OH
The Gibsons been married for 17 years. Barry works as a conductor for the railroad. Holly is a stay at home childcare provider. They have one daughter (age 11) who was adopted domestically at birth.
They had spoken about adoption before they got married and planned on having one biological child and then adopting. After many years trying to have a baby, Holly was diagnosed with Endometriosis. Six years after they got married they were blessed with a beautiful baby through adoption. Barry & Holly always knew they would like to adopt again someday, and Ashley was really wanting a brother or sister. About a year ago, Holly began researching international adoption and she was led to Reece's Rainbow through another website and instantly knew this is where there next child was.
God has placed the desire in their hearts to adopt a child with Down syndrome and he led them to a little boy from Hong Kong. They fell in love with his picture, his smile could light up a whole room and the sparkle in his eyes... they knew that God just led them to their son.
This will be a leap of faith for Barry and Holly as this will be their first international adoption. They believe that God has chosen them to bring this precious child home and are very blessed to be able to so. Barry and Holly are thankful for all your prayers and financial support through this journey.
1/14/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE, PRE-APPROVED TO ADOPT THIS CHILD
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
ALBINA for the Goodman family--Queen Creek, AZ
Jon and Samantha have been married for six years and have decided to become first time parents through adoption. Jon is in construction and Samantha is a nurse. While doing research Samantha came across the Reece's Rainbow website and could not get all those sweet faces out of her head. They are so grateful for the love and support from their family and friends and are very excited to bring Albina home to meet her new family!
1/14/10---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
LILYA for the Zoromski family--Combined Locks, WI
Brian and Michelle Zoromski are very excited to bring Lilya home from Eastern Europe. They have three children at home – Karly (15), Braden (6) and Ruby (DS, 2 ½). Michelle and Brian were married seven years ago, and Brian adopted Karly soon after that.
Two years ago, Karly was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. With the help of the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee and the pediatric oncology department at St. Vincent’s hospital in Green Bay, Karly underwent five rounds of aggressive chemotherapy and 33 days of radiation treatments. The family is thrilled that Karly has been cancer-free ever since.
Their youngest daughter, Ruby, is a surviving twin; her sister Lydia was stillborn (and also had Down syndrome). In an effort to honor Lydia, they decided to adopt a little girl who needed a family – and found little Lilya, who is also a twin, but was left at birth for having DS. It seems like it was meant to be, and they can’t wait to get Lilya home!
11/24/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $13,180in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
KYRAH & ZINNIA for the White family--Columbia Cross Roads, PA
  This family is so delighted to have been given the chance to bring these little girls home! Morgan & Sherry White were highschool sweethearts and have now been married 20 years. They have 3 sons still at home; Hayden, Keegan & Aaron. Their oldest son Dylan is in the Air Force, stationed in Adana, Turkey, with his wife, Cait.
They’ve had a special place in their hearts for children with Down Syndrome since learning about it when Morgan’s cousin Michael was born 22 years ago. That inspired a dream to adopt a little girl with Down Syndrome one day. This year, seeing the wonderful children’s ministry in their new church, they felt that God was leading them to bring this dream to reality. God has led the way ever since, bringing people into their lives who helped point the way to Reece’s Rainbow AND in giving them the courage to step out in faith for the sake of these precious children who would have no hope otherwise. After many sleepless nights and prayer, they’ve committed to bringing TWO new little daughters, Kyrah & Zinnia, home!
Morgan is a foreman for a highway construction company. Sherry is a nurse, but will be staying home with the girls to meet their mommy needs for as long as necessary. Lots of holding, rocking and loving to help them thrive! Zinna (to be named Amy Beth) has a heart condition, the severity of which is still unknown at this time. The blue mark you see on her head is mercurochrome, medicine the orphanage puts on boo-boos. Poor baby. Kyrah (to be named Jessa Rae) is said to be healthy, praise God. (And she appears to be doing just that! ) The girls will be named after Sherry’s 3 sisters.
This is a family that’s been committed to raising their sons into men who are responsible and compassionate . Raising 4 sons has taught them a lot, and now they’re looking forward to the new dimension these little girls will bring to their family’s lives, and to their wonderful circle of friends. Their hope is that seeing them out and about with these little ladies in tow will inspire MANY people to ask questions and in turn generate more awareness of this amazing ministry!
12/3/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
We have $1308 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
|
|
STEPHANIE for the Jim family--Canton, MI
Gabe and Melanie are excited to begin their adoption journey and bring Stephanie (Russia, Region 5) into their family. They talked about adopting a child someday even while dating, and finally believe it’s time to make that dream a reality. They married 8 years ago and 3 children quickly followed. When their youngest turned 1, they began seriously praying for God to reveal His will for their family. After coming across the Reece’s Rainbow website, they both felt they were being called to open their home to one of these little ones. Although she was not one of the ones they originally had considered, Stephanie’s face kept coming to Melanie’s mind and it seemed as if God was saying that she was the one for them. They are so looking forward to the adventure and challenges ahead and are depending on God’s grace and strength for every step of the way.
Your help for this family is greatly appreciated, as we save another older child from the graps of an institution she can not be adopted out of later.
1/15/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
ISAIAH for the Becker family--Napoleon, ND
Darrell and Stephanie Becker have been married for almost 19 years. They have been blessed with 5 boys, Josh (18), Ryan (15), Austin (12), Noah (8), and Joey (4 with Down syndrome). They live on a farm in North Dakota.
Eight years ago, the day Noah was born, mom & baby almost died due to complications. When Steph came out of surgery she said NEVER again will she have another baby. She said that IF any more children are to be added to their family it will be through adoption. That is when her adoption dream started. God had other plans and TOTALLY surprised them with Joey a few years later. She was introduced to Reece's Rainbow Nov. 2008. She immediately felt their family was being called to adopt from a child with Ds. While all the boys were on board with Steph, Darrell was a little "iffy" but he agreed to go forward.
They took the first steps in the process but things didn't work out as planned. Darrell and Austin went on an Orphan Mission Trip to Guatemala in June of 2009 and his eyes and heart were opened in a whole new way. Nov. 1st of 2009 Steph opened the RR Angel Tree email and went to find the boy who stole her heart last year. Isaiah was still there! She knew more than ever that he was meant to be theirs. When Joey was born the first half hour of his life his name was Isaiah Joseph. Steph had a STRONG feeling to change it to Joseph Isaiah and she did. She feels she now knows why she made the change...God had plans for them to have a different Isaiah someday.
11/24/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $615 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
VERA for the Clifton family
 Deana is the mother to two wonderful grown children. Tyler is 23 and a senior in college and Sydney is 18 and is a senior in high school. Now she feels that it’s the time to add a junior member to her family.
She found RR when she decided to search for Down Syndrome and adoption. Little did she know that this search would take her across the globe to find an addition to her heart and family.
Deana has been so fortunate to see several signs from God pointing to this beautiful little girl, and has already seen the impact of this one child in the hearts of her extended family members who are ready to welcome her with open hearts and arms. She will be a celebrated member of her new family and community!
1/21/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $990 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
DANIA for the Fritz family-- Cottage Grove, MN
 Ken, Nance and their family are on a journey to bring little Dania home from Eastern Europe. Ken and Nance have been married for 24 years and have 6 children ranging from 23 to 4. They are no strangers to international adoption! Vasilica came home in 1991 from Romania. Roxana came home in 1998 from Romania. Kaylee 12, James 7, Jerlin 5, and Charley 4 came home only 10 months ago from Colombia South America. The Fritz’s know the ups and downs of the adoption process. Their first adoption was done independently and Ken was in Romania for 3 months. Their 2nd, also done independently, took many flights and weeks to get Roxana home. Their latest adoption was done through an agency and was very costly. Ken and Nance were in Colombia for 1 month.
Their adoption of Dania is a huge leap of faith for them...not because of the country Dania lives in, where things can be unpredictable at times in the adoption world...not because of the title “SN” placed on Dania.... butt because they usually wait 6 or 8 years between adoptions! This will be their second international adoption in less than 1 year, they are asking for any amount of monetary donations you would be able to donate. More importantly they ask for you prayers, not only for their family and Dania but all the orphaned children waiting for their “forever family”!
11/15/09---HOME STUDY UPDATE IN PROGRESS
UPDATE! The Nance family has chosen to bring home Josh too! He has Down syndrome and is almost 6 years old, so they are saving him from the institution! Praises and joy for this growing family, your gifts are so appreciated!
I have $2030 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
SERGE, TATYA & ANGEL for the Simons family--Cape Coral, FL
  George and Mary Simons are so excited to begin the process to bring THREE angels home from Eastern Europe! The Simons live in Cape Coral, Florida with their almost 2 year old daughter, Gianna, and Mary’s mom, Betsy.
The Simons began thinking and talking about adoption shortly after they were married. It is something they both felt strongly about and knew that one day they would pursue. That “one day” came last summer, as they both felt God had another child for their family, but this one was not to be “biological.” They decided to step out in faith and see what would happen. At first they were so overwhelmed with the need and with all those beautiful faces! While they spent a lot of time praying and seeking God’s will for their life, they felt that God was telling them to wait on HIS perfect timing, not theirs! A few months later, George and Mary felt the peace they needed to go ahead and commit to a precious child, Tatya!
The Simons family is eagerly awaiting their journey to bring Tatya, and now Angel and Serge too, home! Your gifts and support are so greatly appreciated!
11/24/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
We have $50 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
|
|
KAYLEE for the Parker family--Elgin, IL
 Ron and Elaine have three sons, John(12), Justin(9), and Jacob(2), who are the joy of their lives. They are so thankful to have been blessed with three wonderful sons and a loving, close-knit family. The desire to adopt a little girl has been in their hearts for a long time. For years they have dreamed, hoped, and prayed for their daughter. Now, they are filled with joy beyond measure to have been led to adopt precious Kaylee and can’t wait to bring their sweet little girl home! God is so good!!!
12/5/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $100 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
Yana, Natasha, Katya, and Oksana for the Lewis family--Crown Point, IN
Shane and Diana Lewis have stepped forward to adopt FOUR older girls who are HIV+. have been married for 16 years. Diana works as a Surgical Technician and office manager while Shane is a Railroad Engineer. Diana also carries a degree in Special Needs Child Development They have one son together, Alexi (15) and Shane is the Father of Todd (20), Mercedes (19) and Roxana (16).
"These are the children God has given me. God has been good to me." Genesis 33:5
They say “We had our future all planned out. We were set to be empty nesters very soon and start our “all about us” life. Then our hearts were stolen by four little angels. From that moment we knew that our later years were going to be so much richer that we could even have imagined. As Planned, it is going to be all about US and it is going to be incredible!”
They can’t wait to get their girls home and need your help to make that happen.
11/14/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
We have $1000 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
|
|
SEAN for the Toomey family--Omaha, NE
Devon, Jeremy and their two sons are very excited to be in the process of adopting Sean. They have known that they have wanted to adopt for many years now but knew that when the time was right, their child would find them and they would be brought together. Sean has found his forever family and the Toomey’s can’t wait to begin their life with him as a family of five. They look forward to all of the joy that Sean will bring to each of their lives and are eagerly awaiting the day they can finally hold him in their arms. Your prayers and gifts of support to help them on this journey are truly appreciated!
11/24/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $4120 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
ANTON for the Carmichael family--Knoxville, TN
Sean and Stephanie Carmichael have been married for 11 years. Stephanie brought two children into the marriage, Danielle (17) and Cody (15). Sean legally adopted them soon after they were married and they have always talked about adopting a child with special needs, more specifically a child with Down Syndrome. Sean had an uncle, Mac, who had DS and he was the biggest joy in the world. One of Sean's fondest memories is of Mac pulling him down the street in a wagon. Sadly, Mac passed away at age 58.
Stephanie is a RN and is currently training to be a Family Nurse Practitioner. Even with all of the work she has done with nursing, she still says she has never felt a "calling" before until she decided upon adoption. Stephanie and Sean have been making plans about selling their house and doing some travel nursing and seeing the country after the kids were grown and out of the home, but God had other plans for them. They both feel that they are destined to have and care for a child with DS and that is their new, improved plan. Cody and Danielle are just as excited, even offering their own money to help with the adoption costs! People have said to them "Oh, what a great person you are for wanting to "save" a child", but they feel like this child is saving them and that God is allowing them to participate in something bigger and it would be a gift to the family to have one of these special children.
The Carmichael family hopes to adopt Anton from Eastern Europe. He is a beautiful child who looks like he will fit right in at the Carmichael house, even looking a little like Sean. Stephanie feels that this won't be their last adoption and hopes to add to their household many more times, but the other Carmichaels haven't reached a final decision on that. Please pray for the family and help bring Anton home.
11/24/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
DARYA for the Hollis family--Franklin, TN
Chappy and Melanie live in Franklin, TN. They have five children: Caleb (biological, 15); Lydia (biological, 11); Natalie (adopted from Russia in 2001, 11); Hope (biological, 4 and has Down Syndrome); Charlie (1, adopted domestically, has Down Syndrome). The family LOVES their little ones with Down Syndrome, and believe God has called them to adopt another with an extra chromosome.
On November 17th, Lydia (11) asked her mom if she raised $20,000.00 by Thanksgiving (9 days later), could they adopt Darya from Eastern Europe? A friend had adopted her son from Darya's orphanage earlier this year and reported that no one held her or spoke to her while she was there; this broke Lydia's heart. Lydia's mom responded: "If you raise $20,000.00 in only 9 days, I will know it from God and we will travel to adopt Darya." Well, she did it. Over 300 people from all 50 states and 4 countries chipped in and sent money to Lydia. The family even found money taped to their door almost every morning. At midnight, Thanksgiving, Lydia had not only raised $20,000.00, but had gone over by $6,000.00 proving anything is possible with God! The additional money raised will go to help another family adopt a child with Down Syndrome through Reece's Rainbow.
11/24/09---HOME STUDY UPDATE IN PROGRESS
I have $8040 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
ANNA & TANNER for the Knapp family--Berea, KY
  John and Takisha Knapp are so thrilled to have this calling to bring home not one, but two beautiful children from Eastern Europe. Tanner is approaching five and Anna is already five. Being parents is such a wonderful adventure for these two, who have been married for seven years. They have a four year old son, and have been fortunate to have foster parented five children so far. Watching children grow, and living the world's experiences through their eyes is one of God's most precious gifts.
They came to this adoption via a route filled with adversity, as they had attempted an international adoption two years ago, but the country closed. They then regrouped, and attempted to adopt domestically. Fortunately they were able to encourage two birth mothers to parent their babies born with special needs, even though it came with heartbreak for this couple. It wasn't until John and Takisha visited a new church that they were called to adopt these two children from Reece's Rainbow. It was directly after that, they committed to adopt both Tanner and Anna, knowing God was in control and would help along the way.
Finding the funds to complete an International adoption can be a daunting task. This couple is completely devoted to these children, and know that no task is to great for the Creater. Any financial contribution you feel led to make, will be greatly appreciated, and will make a difference in so many lives.
11/24/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
We have $20 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption! |
|
MISHA for the McDonald Family-- Kearney, NE
Toby, Suzanne and their 3 daughters are so excited to bring home Misha to be their son/brother. They have been married for 13 years and found out early in their marriage how precious and sacred human life is with the loss of their first daughter, Mariya. It was at that time they began to discuss how each of them had a strong desire to adopt a child someday. God has since blessed them with three healthy, beautiful daughters, but the desire to adopt still remains.
Originally, they began the adoption journey through Holt International. However, God placed the desire within each of them to pursue adopting a child with Down syndrome. They knew of a couple in town that just recently brought home a child with Down syndrome from Eastern Europe. After talking with them, they decided to proceed with Reece's Rainbow. They were immediately drawn to little Misha.
He already is in their hearts, now they just want to welcome him into their home. Your gifts to support this journey are so greatly appreciated!
9/30/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $125 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
ALYSSA for the Watkins family--Laramie, WY
We are so excited for Alyssa to have found a family! She is already 6 and has been waiting long enough.
Kevin and Andrea Watkins were high school sweethearts and before they decided to get married the discussion of adoption had already been decided, they new that at some point they would be called to adopt a child with down syndrome. Kevin’s younger brother was born with downs and Andrea’s younger brother was born with developmental disabilities so the desire to have a child that was special was going to be part of their family plan. They have four biological children, two daughters Lindsay 16 and Allie 6 and two sons Austin 12 and Noah 5. God placed a picture of a little girl in Andrea’s head when Lindsay was in first grade and since then every year they have looked for options for adoption domestically and have had no success. Finally this year they came upon the Reece’s Rainbow web site and when looking at the waiting children pictures they found her, Alyssa.
They believe that this has been a call on their life by God and the blessing they will receive through this child will be amazing. They look forward to seeing God’s will come to fruition through their obedience.
11/24/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $5 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
DUNCAN for the Freeman family--Woodruff, SC
Look at our little Duncan! He finally has a family!
Allen and Aimee Freeman have been married for 12 years. God has blessed them with two children Alaina 9, and Aaron 7. Allen has served with the Special Olympics and has sponsered many fund raisers for these events through the years. God has lead them to Duncan. The first time they saw his little face they knew he belonged in their family where he will be loved and given a chance to have a real loving family and the life he truly deserves !
Thank you for any support and prayers you can offer this family!
11/24/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $250 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
LENA for Elizabeth--Boston, MA
Elizabeth and her family are hoping to adopt Lena from Russia. Elizabeth is looking forward to becoming a first-time mom and is so happy to be matched with Lena!
Your donations are so greatly appreciated!
11/15/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
DOLLY for the Kacirek Family--Rogers, AR
Randy and Tina have been married for 13 years and have 4 children. Big brothers Holden 10 and Liam 8 are biological children and in 2004 Grace was adopted from Ukraine. She is now 7. Their little baby girl Rainan (bio) was born in March and all of the children love having a baby in the house. After spending time in Ukraine and able to see the plight of orphans with special needs, it was laid on Randy and Tina's heart to begin advocating for the orphan. Grace's special needs due to fetal alcohol syndrome and institutionalization caused them to dig deeper into helping. Grace learned to talk at 4 and she is now learning her ABC's and to count. She has far surpassed what her prognosis stated and it is with great joy they thank the Lord for her. In 2006 they began a ministry called Grace Haven in which they work to educate, spiritually support and give grants to families who are considering, in the process or are already adoptive families working through healing heart connections. Their web address is www.gracehavenhome.com
About a year ago during the process of remodeling a bathroom in their home they felt impressed to prepare it for a child who would need help walking and so installed in faith a shower with seating. They didn't know when but that it was a matter of time. After coming to visit Reece's Rainbow site to visit another friends page, they came upon Dolly and felt that she was the match that had been placed on their heart many months ago. After prayer, they decided to take this leap of faith and say YES to sweet Dolly. Randy and Tina greatly appreciate and are thankful for the gifts and prayers of those who have donated to Reece's Rainbow on Dolly's behalf.
11/4/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
MARAT for the Carden family--Cottondale, AL
Marat is a handsome young man who is 11 years old. Dan and Janie Carden have stepped forward to rescue him from a life on the streets, and provide him with a loving family, adequate medical care, and the best quality of life that he so deserves.
Dan is the Headmaster of a Christian school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Janie is an administrator there as well. Dan and Janie have four biological children of their own, three boys and a girl. Their youngest is 23 and was married in August 2009. Their oldest son is an F-16 pilot in the US Air Force and has been married for 5 years. That son, Chris ,and his wife, Kristina, adopted 2 beautiful children in June 2009 from Ukraine. While they were at the orphanage they told stories of a little boy who was older than the other children but helped the workers with the younger children. One day our son wrote on his blog of this boy standing by the fence crying because he had no one to love him. That story haunted the Cardens for many months. After many sermons on the essence of true religion (taking care of the widows and orphans) Dan and Janie decided to pursue the adoption of this little boy. They said if we don’t do it, who will?
Your help to bring this wonderful child home to Alabama will be such a blessing!
11/4/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
| MARTINE for The Gleason Family--Troutdale, OR
Martine came to the US through a medical advocacy group, as she desperately needed heart surgery. In June her host family picked her up in Haiti. Just several days later she was hospitalized at Emanuel Children�s Hospital for an upper respiratory infection where I was her nurse. Her host mom had told me her story & that she was adoptable. It wasn�t until the following month in July when she had her heart surgery that I knew she would be ours. As I looked at her in her ICU room still attached to her breathing tube & monitors that I pleaded to God saying, �Oh Lord, she needs a mommy. Help us find her a family.� His response to me was, �you can be her mom. You can provide her a family.� That night I discussed it with my husband & we agreed that he & our two boys would go meet her in the hospital before she was discharged. He took our 3 yr old Meshach & Azariah (3months) to meet Mari who was 9 months at the time. Yes, Mari & Azariah are only 3 months apart!
We also have a teenager, Josh Sandoval, living with us & he is very much part of our family. He moved in with us over a year ago with the goal of completing his high school diploma.
In October we received guardianship of Mari & we have been working on medical visa extensions to keep her with us until the adoption is finalized. We are so blessed that we have been able to bring her into our home while the adoption process is still taking place. She has adapted well to our family & our boys love her dearly.
Currently our Dossier is complete & translated. It is ready to be sent to Haiti, however the orphanage is still working on getting their license to adopt children out and our adoption cannot move forward until they receive their license.
4/29/09---HOME STUDY UPDATE IN PROGRESS
I have $75 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
|
JULIANNA for the Licata family--Hummelstown, PA
Ken and Ann Marie Licata are in the process of adopting little Julianna from Russia. Married for nearly 22 years, the couple has five biological children of their own. Dominic (16) ,Francesca (14), Gabriella (12), Vincent (7), and Angelo (22 months) help to create a home that is lively and brimming with love and compassion.
For several years the Licatas have talked about adopting “some day,” realizing that God has blessed them abundantly with much to share. When Angelo was born with Down Syndrome, their lives were changed forever to become something greater and more grace-filled than they ever could have imagined. An acquaintance introduced the family to Reece’s Rainbow, and the idea of adopting “some day” became a reality when they fell in love with Julianna. They envision Julianna as being sent by God to them and know that she will bless their lives abundantly.
The Licata family looks forward to the day when Julianna will be with them. Until that day, they ask most especially for your spiritual donations in the form of prayers as they continue on their journey, keeping each family member safe along the way. Financial contributions are also greatly appreciated.
9/29/09---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $100 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
SOPHIE for the Calvaresi family--Alexandria, VA
Our baby Sophie has been waiting so long, and I don't think there could be a more perfect family for her!
Chad and Kaci Calvaresi met at a leadership conference in Washington DC while still in high school. They were married 5 years later, just before Chad began his career as an Army officer. They have been married for nearly 16 years and have been blessed with three biological children. Their oldest daughter Kira will be 15 on Christmas day. Their son Chase is 12 and their youngest son Seth is 9. Seth is autistic. At the age of 4 he was non-verbal, not potty-trained, hurt himself, and spent most of his day “absent”. Kaci beat down doors to get him help and now at the age of 9, he never shuts up, he is thriving in a mainstream 3rd grade classroom and the only signs of autism are his lack of tact (which most people find amusing), and his tendency to provide sound effects for every situation. He has his own theme song ;).
Chad and Kaci have always felt that their family was incomplete and they began talking several years ago about adopting. They knew that they wanted to adopt internationally and in the past year God put it on their hearts that their family should be completed with a special needs child. God has blessed this family in so many ways and they want to offer all of the opportunities that have made a difference in Seth’s life to a child who otherwise may never reach their potential.
The minute they saw Miss Ana-Sophia, they knew that she belonged with them. Seth can’t wait to be a big brother and Kaci, Chad, Kira, and Chase just can’t wait for the opportunity to give this little girl all the love that she deserves.
10/5/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
PAUL for the Godone-Maresca family--Escondido, CA
The Godone-Maresca Family is thrilled with its newest addition. Lillian is a proud, single mom of 5 wonderful children (3 biological and 2 adopted internationally from Haiti).
Even though being widowed, when talking about adoption Lillian always uses the plural due to how totally, absolutely, completely, unconditionally involved her mom and her children are in it. Unanimously, they had decided that any new further addition(s) to their family would be little ones facing physical challenges. All of them have big hearts—yet Lillian agrees that in her individual case, there is also a deep-rooted psychological reason that pushes her towards any child facing mobility problems.
Lillian used to have the most perfect childhood anyone may have wished for, with a family that on one hand taught her all the etiquette rules, but on the other, and even more emphatically, taught her about social sensitivity, equality, and social justice. On one hand, she had a very privileged upbringing, but on the other had parents and grandparents who, far from being busy socialites, were totally, absolutely, entirely, unconditionally devoted to her. She was an excellent student, outspoken, and pretty. Yet, there was something that did cast a cloud on what otherwise would have been a magical, enchanted, fairytale childhood: she was not good at sports. Although not disabled, she did perceive her poor coordination as a true disability—and that made her feel very deeply for any child facing real physical challenges.
At this moment, the family’s financial situation is completely different from what it used to be. A failed international adoption meant a huge financial loss. Yet, everyone, including the children, are determined to make any possible and impossible efforts for that little boy to get home.
7/28/09---HOME STUDY UPDATE IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
| 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!!!
5/25/09---HOME STUDY UPDATE IN PROGRESS
I have $320 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
| RUSSELL for The Montilone Family--Easton, PA
Tami and Ralph are hoping to adopt Russell from Eastern Europe. He is almost 5 years old, but is blessed to still be at his baby house. We are so thankful to the Montilones for rescuing him!
Their adoption journey began when Tami came upon the Reece�s Rainbow website late last year. After reading about the children and families touched by adoption, they decided that Russell would make a wonderful addition to their family. Tami and Ralph have been married for 22 years, Ralph works in the fire protection industry and Tami is a special education teacher. They and their extended families are anxious to have Russell home where he belongs!
8/19/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $225 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
Follow the adoption journey of the Montilone family on their blog at www.tamiandralphsboy.blogspot.com |
|
TONYA for the Niemiec family--Greenville, MI
 Jerud and Nicole have 4 children Alexis(14), Alyssa(13), and twin boys Brenden and Deven(5), who was diagnosed with cancer. They love to spend time together with family and the girls love to play fast-pitch softball. Please help this family bring Tonya home as soon as possible so she doesn't have to go to an institution.
Tonya has been listed with Reece's Rainbow for quite some time, and it was only after the Nemes family traveled for their daughter Anastasia, who is also in Tonya's orphanage, that an SOS was sent out for her to be saved from the institution. This is a beautiful littel girl who will join the Reece's Rainbow family and have the life she so deserves. Thank you for your gifts and prayers for Tonya and her new family!
12/12/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
RUSLANA for the Malone family--Moore, OK
 Over the last fifteen years, the Malone family experienced the wonderful miracle of the birth of five children. In March of 2004, their youngest son, Eli, was born. He has Down syndrome. Their son experienced serious and life threatening death for the first few years of his life. This experience drew the Malone family into stronger relationships with each other and with God. Through Chris and Mary's mission work in Eastern Europe, they became aware of baby homes full of children like their son, Eli. They began asking questions about these children and learned that most of them don't live long and they die alone, unloved and forgotten by the world.
In 2008, the Malone's, following God's calling in their lives, sought a child with Down syndrome to bring into their family. Instead of finding one, they found two. Matthew and Micah. Chris, Mary, Matthew and Micah arrived home to Moore, Oklahoma on March 24, 2009. Matthew and Micah had found their forever family and the Malones grew from seven to nine.
Much has happened since March 2009. Eli suffered another life-threatening illness. The two new Malone's have had several surgeries and medical procedures. More mission work in Eastern Europe has been endeavored. They began a non-profit ministry to aid families adopt children with Down syndrome and children who are aging out of orphanages. In early December 2009, Chris and Mary became aware of a little girl who had caught their eye in 2008. Unfortunately, the most recent family who was planning to adopt Ruslana was unable to bring her home from Ukraine and she was schedule for immediate transfer to a mental institution where she would spend the rest of her very short life in a bed. They couldn't let this happen. At just the right moment, God called them to rescue her. He had been preparing their hearts for this decision so that at the moment he called, they were ready to say yes.
The orphan home, upon learning that the Malone's were coming for Ruslana, made arrangements for her to stay at the orphan home instead of being transferred IF they could have their paperwork submitted by February 1 (when the country reopens for international adoptions). So the Malones need YOUR help to make this happen. Though they were spiritually prepared to answer God's call, they are not financially prepared. God will do a miracle! Thank you for your prayer support and for any financial support you may be able to offer. Spread the word and help save this precious little girl.
12/10/09---HOME STUDY UPDATE IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
EVANGELINE for the Hook family--Franklin, TN
 Clark and Angie Hook have been married for 16 years. They have 3 children: Tori (15/bio), Jace (11/domestic adoption) and Levi (2/domestic adoption/DS). The Hooks always knew that adoption was going to be a part of how their family would grow. Special needs adoption was never on their radar until a friend called and said she knew of a baby with Down syndrome who needed a home. They sought after many people's opinions and did much research, but then realized the only question that needed answering was, "Is this what God wants for our family?". It indeed was! You can see Levi's story here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoI-SD0_CeA) Their family has been changed forever because of that decision and they knew that God was calling them to adopt another one who is considered, "the least of these." Each member of the family is excited to be bringing Evangeline home! The kids already think it has taken to long! There will be no shortage of attention for her. And God is already working through her story!
12/10/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
LACIE for the Adamson family--Rapid City, SD
 The Adamson family had already been blessed with 5 biological children when their family began to pray about adopting. John had a heart to adopt since becoming a believer of Jesus Christ before they were married, for he knew God had adopted them as His children through faith in Christ. They began praying more about special needs adoption after seeing the great difference that a family's love and care made for a little boy with a severe disability. When they heard about Reece's Rainbow and began learning of the tremendous need as well as the plight of disabled orphans in other countries, they were overwhelmed and wanted to help. After much prayer and research, they decided to adopt a 3 year-old boy with Down Syndrome named Slava on RR. Before leaving to adopt, they found out about a little girl with Down Syndrome at the same orphanage who needed a family. They decided to open their home to Lacie also and made preparations to bring 2 home. However, at their SDA appointment they found out that Lacie was not yet available after all as her paperwork wasn't ready yet. They were sad and disappointed but knew that God was ultimately in control. John, Traci and their 3 oldest children traveled in April/May 2009 and brought home their son (brother) whom they named Sean. While there they got to see Lacie..….they were so glad to see her but sad that they could not help her when they were already there. They knew it would be very difficult to come back again-- for financial and other reasons, so at that time they had to let her go. In the meantime, the Adamson's welcomed their baby brother Aidan into the family in October 2009. After being home for 6 months, Lacie was still been heavy on their hearts and in their prayers…especially, Haylee and Naomi, who kept asking if they could adopt her. Since the Adamsons are seeking to get out of debt, their Daddy's honest reply was that God would have to provide. Knowing He can, and being encouraged by His provision previously and provision for another family, Haylee and Naomi asked if they could seek to fundraise for Lacie. They wrote a letter to family and friends and began making crafts to sell. While there is much to raise still, God has begun providing. Having enough to start theirr homestudy update, the Adamson children were surprized and delighted to learn of their family's commitment to Lacie on Christmas morning.
Going overseas to adopt at the orphanage was life changing for the Adamson family, who saw firsthand the great need of so many precious children who have no one to love them. God strengthened their desire and conviciton to help orphans, especially special needs orphans who are discarded, less likely to be adopted and face institutionalization. They want to save Lacie and give her the love of a family.
“Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act”. Proverbs 24:12
Please join the Adamsons in their journey to bring this precious girl home….they would be so thankful for your prayers and support.
1/10/10---HOME STUDY UPDATE IN PROGRESS
I have $100 in my FAMILY GRANT FUND towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
MAXSIM for the Stickley family--Oldtown, MD
Tina is the proud mother of two precious daughters. Mary, 18, is an EMT and a firefighter, lives on her own, and is in her first year of college. She is on her way to becoming a paramedic. Annie, 10, lives at home, is in the 5th grade at the same school where Tina works, and is quite a pianist. Tina is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland. She is also a Certified School Counselor and works for a public school system in West Virginia. She remembers being a small child and dreaming of adopting special needs children. Life circumstances prohibited this but the desire never left her heart. One night while having "before bed snuggle time" Annie announced that she felt that God wanted them to adopt a boy. She did not know about her mother's childhood dream. Tina says that she is "blessed with two supportive daughters, a wonderful home, fantastic work hours (summers and holidays off!), and a strong unexplainable love for a little boy that she can't wait to bring home. Annie is so excited that she confidently announced that she would pay for the adoption and Mom could buy his clothes and everything he needs once he comes home. Annie is completely convinced that this is what God wants her to do and is trusting Him to provide her the finances. Even though she no longer lives there, Mary is already wanting to decorate his room (fire trucks, of course), and wants to buy him the world.
1/14/10---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
KATIE 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 www.projecthopeful.org and that’s where they found Katie. When Sarah saw her she knew that sweet little Katie was their daughter. The family started praying that some way God would provide what was needed to bring little Katie home to her family. Thru much prayer He has done it!
The Summers family are so excited to bring sweet Katie home as their daughter. When Trent is asked about Katie 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.
12/27/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
Reece's Rainbow, PO Box 4024, Gaithersburg, MD 20885
PLEASE HELP OUR MINISTRY by including the extra cost of Paypal's fees!
|
