|
  Sponsor a Family's Adoption Journey
Sponsor one or more families to help with the financial burden of their adoption journey.
The DeAngelis and Shervheim Families in Ukraine
These families are at various stages of the adoption process, but 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!
 SIMON for the Statz family--Franklin, TN
David and Christy are so excited about adding Simon to the fold. Married 15 years ago, the Statz's have been blessed with four wonderful, healthy biological daughters. The idea of adoption is something they have strongly considered for a couple of years, but it wasn't until late in 2009 that they were introduced to the work of Reece's Rainbow and began considering the adoption of a special needs child. They feel they have been so blessed, and that they have so much love to share. They knew the time to answer God's call had arrived.
David works as a Credit Officer for a commercial finance company, and Christy homeschools the girls. Emma, 14, is the oldest and is in 8th grade. She is blessed with a love of reading, writing and music. Gwen is 12 and in 6th grade. Gwen loves all of God's creatures, in particular horses, which she rides any chance she gets. Isabel, soon to be 10, was the baby of the family for 6 years until 4 year old Stella came along. Isabel is the extrovert of the family, making friends wherever she goes.
The Statz Family is so humbled and excited to be answering God's call to bring Simon home. Since making the commitment to move forward, they have been consistently amazed by the gestures of good will and congratulations from everyone they have told. While the road ahead will undoubtedly be difficult at times, David and Christy are confident that God's plan is right for their family and for Simon, and that God will provide the means to bring their first little boy home.
9/6/10---HOPING TO TRAVEL IN OCTOBER
I have $870 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
WADE & YURI for the Winkles family--Live Oak, TX
Josh and Autumn have been married for 6 years and have two wonderful boys, Asher (2) and Caius (9mo). They are an active family who love to be outdoors. They have always felt that adoption was in their future but didn't know when or how. After Caius was born with a heart defect and Down Syndrome, they were exposed to an entirely different world that they had known nothing about.
They followed Reece's Rainbow and read many blogs of those who had adopted children with special needs but it wasn't until they readthe post "I left my heart there" posted on June 21, 201o, found here (www.nogreaterjoymom.com/search/label/orphans) that they knew the Lord was calling them to adopt. In tears they prayed together and asked God for his direction and it was unmistakable. They were worried at first about the logistics. When Autumn shared with Josh that she just didn't know how it was going to work, he responded by asking how they were going to afford it? That same day Autumn opened up a devotional book that she had had for a long time and hasn't used in years. The first devotion it opened to was titled, "Go for it." After reading this devotion they were given a peace about the whole process. God has called them to adopt and they know he WILL work out the details!
They knowl with out a doubt that the Lord has called them to bring home Wade and Yuri and save them from that laying room! They are so excited to meet their boys and watch them blossom. Please pray for God's wisdom and speed to get through the process.
9/2/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
We have $2450 in our family grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
|
|
DASHA for the Smith family--St. Charles, MO
Allan and Julie were college sweethearts and have been married almost 20 years. They already have 4 children, Andrew-16, Madelyn-13, Tyler-11 and Jackson-3. Jack has Down syndrome and is the reason for Julie finding Reece's Rainbow. He has brought more blessings than they can believe to their family. Julie couldn't stop looking at and thinking about these precious children, and when she saw Dasha, she knew this little girl belonged in their family. Madelyn is beyond excited to have a little sister, and everyone is ready to welcome her home.
9/5/10---USCIS APPROVED
I have $1410 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
EVELYN for the Ramirez family--Apex, NC
9/5/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $2495 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
ROBYN for the Jobes family--Urbancrest, OH
Evan and Faith met in Feb. 2001 and married in July 2001. Despite being young and courting for only a few months, they have been happily married for almost 9 years. They have one bio son named Morgan who is six years old. They have one bio daughter named Nora who was only three years old when she recently passed away in Jan. 2010. She was born with multiple chromosome abnormalities. Although the family is heart broken, they agree that they must move on in life. Opening their hearts, home, and lives to a child with special needs seems like second nature.
In loving memory of Nora Beth Jobes, they hope to welcome Robyn from Russia to the Jobes family soon! Your gifts of sponsorship are greatly appreciated!
5/27/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $1892 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
MATTHEW & IVANNA for the Browning family--Port Orchard, WA
  Phillip and Charrissa met while in college, quickly becoming great friends. Over the next few years they lost touch with one another, until one summer afternoon when they again saw each other at a wedding. They talked late into the night and felt their hearts were being knitted together. Phillip had always wondered of God; if He really existed and would often ask co-workers questions. Charrissa had just recently accepted Christ as her saviour and had been going to church. The very next Saturday Phillip decided to attend with her; and that is where he met Jesus and trusted Him as a believer. Five months later, they became man and wife. That was nearly fifteen years ago in December. They have since had six children and feel extremely blessed. Phillip works within the city as Charrissa stays home with the children and home schools. When their youngest son was born with Down syndrome they were reminded of the how precious every life is. It deeply disturbed them both that society would think less of someone given they were not as the rest. Through a succession of events they became deeply burdened. Their hearts again became knitted; but this time with a verse of scripture: James 1:27 "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."This echoed loudly in their hearts and minds as they stumbled across Reeces Rainbow. The family stood around the computer monitor with cheeks wet from tears. They were confronted; and could not walk away. Over the next several weeks they all prayed for provision and direction. Well, God provided in a very real way and made known His will: to adopt not one, but two children. Two children who would come and be apart of this big, bustling family of which could not be more excited to welcome Matthew and Ivanna. Matthew will have four brothers to do boy stuff with and Ivanna already has a bright pink room awaiting her with two sisters anticipating her arrival. A home and family awaits these two beautiful children and a whole lotta love. Phillip and Charrissa are extremely thankful to Christ for provision and direction. They can't wait to celebrate their fifteenth wedding anniversary with the addition of their new son and daughter. Blessed beyond words . . . .
9/3/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, USCIS APPROVED
We have $2935.80in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
|
|
MONROE for the Cornish family--Titusville, FL
Michael and Meredith have a passion for adoption and for the orphaned children around the world. In 2008 they adopted Emma and Micah from Ukraine and were in the final stages of a foster care adoption when God called them to "stop looking and act" while advocating for Monroe. Meredith has served in Reece's Rainbow since September 2008 as the Ukraine Family Service Coordinator, helping adoptive families through the process. Michael and Meredith have 6 children at home. Kristopher is 6 and the big brother of the group. Brianna is 4 and has Down syndrome. They then adopted Emma, now 7 with Down syndrome and Micah, now almost 4 with Down syndrome from Ukraine. Lynae is their youngest at 10 months old. James is their newly adopted child that is also 4 and has Down syndrome.
The Cornishes are excited about God's call on their lives to bring Monroe into their family! Michael works as a minister at Park Avenue Church in Titusville and does Network and Communications for the church and private school. Meredith is an at-home mom and works with Reece's Rainbow.
8/20/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $205 in my family grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
YANA for the Smith family--Zanesville, OH
We have jumped through some serious hoops to find an agency to assist with Yana's adoption! This region can be quite difficult, and they have a quota system for each agency, so Yana is blessed to have such an aggressive family (mom and dad did lots of searching and were very patient!)
God has truly blessed us! We have five beautiful children here on Earth and one in Heaven. Our two oldest children came to us through birth and our last four through adoption. Our 9 year old has Autism and our last three have Down Syndrome. All four of our adopted children are domestic adoptions. Our two birth children are beautiful and wonderful, they do very well with their siblings. Gabby and Dylan have helped and learned a lot through their new siblings. Jonathan is 9 and is Autistic. He does very well and has came a long way since he came to us at the age of 4 1/2. He is truly a great boy! Anthony is 7 and has DS. He was born with congenital heart defects and has had surgery to repair them. Anthony also has a lot of other health issues, but we deal with them because we love him. We have a great deal of support through the DSAGC and the DSACO, Nationwide Children's Hospital and Starlight School here in Zanesville. Ethan is 4 and has DS. He is a miracle. Ethan is relatively healthy, no other health issues, but his heart. Ethan has had two open heart surgeries. He actually coded on my husbands lap and had to be revived. Ethan has a defib/pacer and has bianual check ups with his cardiologist. They both go to our DS clinic at Nationwide. Ethan is very high functioning. Every day that he is alive is a miracle to us. Not everyday does your child die in front of you and come back. Like I said, a true miracle. Our angel Carmen is in Heaven. She was born in Kansas and life flighted to Children's Mercy in KC, MO. Carmen was born with Translocation and Mosaic DS. She was also born with an Unbalanced AV Canal-basically gave her left hypoplastic heart syndrome. Carmen had surgery at 1 week and two days of age. She never made it out of the PICU. Carmen died at 37 days of age. Leaving behind her birthparents and adoptive family that loved her very much. Now there is our Yanaboy do we love this little girl. She is so beautiful and we feel like she belongs in our family. She looks so much like our birth daughter Gabby. We so want to save her and give her the family she deserves. We don't want her to be alone any longer. This is why we are asking for your help. My husband (Matthew) and I have been married for almost 17 years. A few years ago we decided it was important for one of us to stay home. Matthew has been a stay at home Dad for a few years now. He does a really great job! I am a registered nurse. I have been a nurse for almost 15 years. I work at a wonderful hospital-Genesis Good Samaritan-they are so supportive! My checks go to support my family with not a lot left over. We do fine, it's just we don't have a lot of extra. Please, Please, Please help us to help our Yana. Every penny counts and means the world to us. Saving our Yana will mean even more to us. Please help us to save the world of our Yana. GOD BLESS YOU!!!!
8/6/10---USCIS APPROVED
I have $4997.70 in my FAMILY grant towards the cost of my adoption!
|
ARTEM for the Priest family-- Mt. Washington, KY
Brandon and Laura met and fell in love at Morehead State University while serving through the Baptist Campus Ministries. They have been married for almost 4 years. God had seperately given them both experiences to grow their hearts for special needs adoption/down syndrome and felt that it is something they were brought together to do.
Laura in a nurse at University Hospital. Brandon has a background in special ed. and social work, and is currently working as leisure recreation coordinator in an inpatient therapy setting.
They had been prayerfully searching for resources to adopt a child with down syndrome when they stumbled across Reeces Rainbow. They have been praying over each child on the website, and fell in love with Artem. They have no children of their own yet and are excited that Artem will someday get to be a "big" brother. They would also love to bring a baby/little sister home with Artem and are praying for an addition to orphange 14.
Brandon and Laura feel honored and loved by God to be chosen for this task. Please be in prayer for them as they depend on God to provide through each step of this task. He has a big job. They would love for you to follow their story and fundraising efforts at www.prieststory.blogspot.com.
They are excitedly waiting to have Artem home in their arms and love watching God put their family together.
9/1/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $550in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
ROSE & IVY for the Lane family--Elkton, KY
 Andrew and Jennifer Lane are a husband and wife of 4 years looking forward to starting their family through adoption. They are wanting to give a home to Ivy and Rose, both from the Ukraine region. Andrew is a manager of a grocery store currently studying to become a youth minister. Jennifer is a special ed assistant at the local middle school and studying to be an elementary teacher. They have a love for children and are looking forward to starting their family through adoption. When Jennifer saw Ivy on the website she absolutely fell in love with her, once Andrea sent her pictures of Rose she fell in love with her also. God has placed a great love for these children and Andrew and Jennifer both feel this is God's calling.
9/4/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
We have $215 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption! |
|
JENNY for the Lococo family--Rhinebeck, NY
Our Jenny finally has a family!!
Patty and Tom have been married for 16 years and believed since early in their marriage God might be calling them to adopt. After having 3 children biologically they decided to pursue their dream of adoption and were blessed with a newborn baby girl from Guatemala in 2002. In 2008 their son Joshua began lobbying heavily for a little brother via adoption. Through various circumstances the Lord led to Eithiopia this time, and they welcomed home their 5th child Addisu in July 2009.
Patty became aware of Reece's Rainbow and all the work done for waiting, special needs children shortly thereafter. While planning a garage sale to benefit these children, the family started wondering, what if one of the families that God is speaking to through this event is us? As this leading became a conviction to do something, they reached out to Reece's Rainbow to begin their third adoption. With the grace of God they hope to be a family of 8 before the end of 2010.
9/4/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $120in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
ANASTASIA for the Williams family--Salisbury, NC
Mike and Traci have been married for 16 years. They have 3 children - Spenser is 15 years old, Ashlyn is 10 years old and Mason is 9 years old. Ashlyn, their only daughter was born with Down syndrome. It has always been Traci's dream to have two daughters so they could be sisters. Traci came across Reece's Rainbow two years ago and has been praying for the children ever since. When she came across Anastasia's picture she immediately thought "this is what my daughter would look like if her features took after me with her blonde hair and blue eyes." She immediately started praying for her and couldn't get her off of her mind or her heart. It took lots of prayers and now the Williams family is very excited to be adding another sister to their family and is looking forward to bring Anastasia home. Your support is much needed and appreciated whether it is through prayers or financially.
9/4/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
Follow the adoption journey of the Williams family on their blog at
I have $235 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
STACEY & BELLA for the VanDyck family--Manistique, MI
 Joe and Jenny have been married for 12 years and have 3 wonderful birth children: Anna, age 9; Joey, age 6; and Jon, age 5. They are a very close family and the kids were instrumental in helping them make the decision to adopt! Joe and Jenny decided to adopt after Joe's back to back tours in Iraq. They felt they had a lot of love to give and wanted to share that love. They started the process with the thought of adopting domestically; however, God had different plans. They never thought of adopting internationally, but Jenny received information on one of the children on Reece's Rainbow. Immediately, she knew she was looking at her daughter. Joe and the children agreedStacey is meant to be our newest family member
7/28/10---USCIS APPROVED
We have $542 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
|
|
VERA, NIKO, & SASHA for the Land family--Shelbyville, IN
Bob and Amy Land have been married for 13 years. They have two children - Katie age 9 and Michael age 6. They are looking forward to having other siblings in the family. Bob is a pastor at church in Central Indiana. Amy is a homeschooling mom who enjoys being home with her children. They are looking forward to bringing home Sasha, Vera and Niko from Ukraine soon. They have felt drawn to Eastern Europe orphans. Amy began researching special needs adoption and came across Reece's Rainbow website. They were drawn to particular children in the Other Angels section. God was showing them the children that would be part of their family.
Thank you for any donations to their adoption.
5/22/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
We have $220 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
|
|
DARLA for the Reed family--Folsom, CA
Robert and Sally are excited to complete their family with Darla from China. She will be their 10th child. They have 5 biological children from 21 to 27 and now 5 children through adoption ages 14 to 5! Sally is a kindergarten special education teacher and was adopted at the age of two weeks. Adoption has always been a part of her life and heart as have children with down syndrome. Robert is a high school teacher and just loves family and kids. They have been following Reece's Rainbow for a few years now and particularily Darla since last fall, disappointed that she still has not found a family they decided she must be waiting for them! They are over the top excited as they know she will be a wonderful additon to their family. Robert and Sally's deep faith in Christ believe they have been called to parent children without families. Pure and simple it is just the right thing to do not to mention they just love being parents! All of their children are blessings and greatly loved, but they agree there is just something extra special about their children through adoption.
9/4/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
LUKE for the Jensen family--Lower Brule, SD
Randy and Rebecca are filled with joy to welcome their first child, Luke from Russia, into their family. Randy pastors a small church on Lower Brule Reservation, while Rebecca teaches special education at the tribal school. They celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary on February 14th. The desire for a child of their own has been on their hearts for several years, but the costs of adoption just seemed to0 overwhelming. Then, about a year ago, Rebecca began visiting Reece's Rainbow and praying for the children. It wasnt long before God planted the dream of bringing their own RR angel home to join their family. In faith, they have committed to Luke, knowing that God remains the great provider and will walk every step of the journey with them until their baby boy is home in their arms!
9/3/10---FIRST TRIP SEPTEMBER 19!
I have $190 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
ZOE for the Imboden family--Lebanon, IN
Marc and Amy Imboden live in a small town just north of Indianapolis with their three biological children: Nash (5), Hattie (4) and Jet (1). The family enjoys the smaller town atmosphere and have been blessed with a supportive community of friends and family both near and far. They live on nearly three acres of land and are currently converting their barn into a music studio.
Marc is a musician who serves Christ by teaching about and leading worship locally and nationally. He recently finished two new projects: a worship album and a kids' album, "Wooden Spoon". Marc felt compelled to make a kids' CD, but didn't know why at the time. Now, the Imboden's plan to use the proceeds from the kids' CD to fund their adoption!!!
Amy stays home with her sweetie-face kiddos and has a heart for cross-cultural missions. She is an avid runner and gardener who worked for years as a bilingual tutor. She enjoys doing messy art projects, making all kinds of things from scratch, teaching her kids about everything and taking them on adventures.
Marc proposed to Amy on the Appalachain Trail and they were married 9 years ago. Adoption has always been on their hearts, but it wasn't until they attended the memorial service for their friend, Derek Loux, and learned about what happens to children in certain countries with special needs who aren't adopted that they felt it was time to move ahead. The Imboden's would like to thank the entire Loux family for living lives that honor God's heart for the orphan and for leading the way.
The Imboden children are very excited to be bringing home their sister, Zoe, though Nash has pointed out that (including the dog, Gaby) the females will outnumber the males. God has made it clear to the Imboden's that they are called to commit to sweet, adorable Zoe and they have a ton of hugs, kisses, art supplies and adorable clothes waiting for her!
The Imboden's are praying that this one adoption will fuel many others and they continue to pray for many specific RR kids to find families. If you are considering a certain child, we invite you to take a leap of faith and commit!
9/3/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, USCIS APPROVED
I have $1865in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
EAMON for the Sharp family--Canisteo, NY
George and Tracey have been married for almost 20 years. They have 12 biological children. Alexis is 19 and a freshman in college, Brennen is 17, Paige is 15, Madison is 13, Zander is 11, Obrion is 9, Taegan is 7, Twins, Menzo and Mavis are 4 , Twins, Mathias and Matayah are 2 , and the baby, Ziah just turned 1 . They have talked about adoption for many years and are finally ready to find that special little one that is meant for their family and born of their heart. They are not strangers to special needs as their daughter , Mavis was born with a rare skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa. She requires daily care and is absolutely amazing! They see her not as a child with special needs but a child with challenges . They have also dealt with orthopedic issues as their Son Mathias was born with bi-lateral clubbed feet.
They prayed for the right child to come along and were actually going to do a blind referral. Then our lil guy was listed. We kept looking at his big brown eyes and each day we knew he was ment to be ours so we finally committed to him and cannot wait to bring him home to a big family who will love and cherish him no matter what!
9/3/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, USCIS APPROVED
I have $985 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
MARY ELLEN for the Blatt family--Highland Heights, OH
It is always a special opportunity to find a family for an older child! We are so very happy for Mary Ellen!
The Blatt family lives in Ohio where Susan directs a non-medical home care agency. She has two wonderful daughters, Grace (13) adopted from China in 1997, and Martha (11) adopted from China in 2000. Because one of the girls has a significant special need, this family has a developed a deep love for all special needs children. And God has also shown them His heart regarding the love and care of children who are without forever families. Wanting to live out this knowledge and expand their family again through adoption, Susan and the girls decided to open their home to foster children, and became licensed to provide foster care through a local Christian foster care agency.
Shortly after becoming licensed Susan became aware of Reece's Rainbow, and the desire to adopt a child with Down Syndrome was quickly ignited. It was almost overwhelming to read the profiles of so many precious children knowing that they all deserved a loving family. She trusted God to show her the child she should pursue for adoption, and it soon became clear that Mary Ellen was a perfect match for her family. Grace and Martha are truly excited about having a younger sister, and can't wait to make her feel welcome and loved. God has been faithful as He has formed this adoptive family one child at a time, and they trust Him to provide the means again to add another special little girl. They are forever grateful for His goodness!
7/8/10--DOSSIER SUBMITTED
I have $8459 in my FAMILY GRANT FUND towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
VERA for the Clifton family--Grand Isle, NE
 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 its 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!
9/1/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $6720 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
STEPHANIE for the McClain family--Iowa
 When Joy heard about a lovely little girl from Eastern Europe who had a very limited amount of time to find a family, her ears and her heart perked up. She had inquired about that same sweetheart and her country's program weeks earlier but at that time another family was pursuing her adoption. Now the first TWO families committed to her had backed out and pretty Stephanie's file was just days from being returned. What a shame if a little girl with so much potential and with special needs that seemed so manageable would forever miss out on the opportunity for a family of her own. Kevin, however, repeatedly voiced his legitimate concerns about job security on which hinged the money necessary to complete a third international adoption. But God was at work. Over the following weekend Kevin had to prepare a Bible study for their church's men's group about David and Abigail -- a godly woman whose name meant "God is my source" and to present a children's church lesson about a little orphan girl who needed food and clothes!! Early on Monday morning Joy and Kevin made the joint decision to adopt.
Stephanie is 8 1/2 and will fit nicely between older brothers and sisters ages 15, 14, 13, 11--each adopted domestically-- and two younger brothers ages 5 and 6 with Down syndrome adopted from Ukraine in 2008 and 2009 through Reece's Rainbow. Kevin drives truck for UPS Freight and Joy is a stay-at-home Mom though trained as a registered nurse. The scripture that keeps coming to Joy regarding this adoption is Isaiah 54: "Sing, barren woman, who has never had a baby. Fill the air with song, you who've never experienced childbirth! You're ending up with far more children than all those childbearing woman . . . . All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children's peace. . . "
8/27/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
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 mom of 5 wonderful children: 3 biological and 2 adopted internationally from Haiti. Catherine is 23, Gerard and Warren are 13 (twins), Thomas is 9, and Nicholas is 8. Although having a master's and almost a Ph.D., Catherine lives at home in order to help. She and the twins do for their two younger brothers much more than any parent can imagine, expect, ask for, or even dream about, and are also avid volunteers for the poor and the unborn.
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. They're devout Catholics, and praytogether for the new homecoming. 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 heartsyet 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 disabilityand that made her feel very deeply for any child facing real physical challenges.
At this moment, the familys 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.
8/30/10---FIRST TRIP COMPLETE!
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
ALOYSHA for the Birschbach family--Winneconne, WI
Pat and Jill met while both working as engineers and have been married almost 16 years. After 3 years of marriage, the Lord called Jill to stay at home. Ten months later, their first daughter was born. They now have 5 bio children: Sarah (12), Anna (8), Isaac (6), Rebekah (4 in Oct) and Rachel (1 in Oct). Pat and Jill felt the call to homeschool their children and have been very blessed, but also challenged, by this wonderful opportunity the Lord has given them.
The journey the Lord has brought them on to get to this point of adopting is really two paths that have come together at the same time in the Lord's perfect timing. For several years, they have followed the ministry of a state-side missionary who has traveled to Eastern Europe many times. She has shared about a dynamic young man who started a ministry to the forgotten people of this country. Pat and Jill's hearts were softened to the needs of the orphans and disabled adults. In fact, Pat and their oldest daughter, Sarah, traveled to Eastern Europe on a mission trip this July! They ministered to disabled adults and in children's orphanages, sharing the love and hope of Christ with them. The second path is very different, but one that led them to the same country at almost the same time. After following the blog for three years of a friend whose daughter was born with DS, Jill became much more educated about DS and realized it was not something to be "feared" as some doctors and society had led her to believe. Then, this same family decided to adopt a beautiful little girl through Reece's Rainbow. As Jill watched this adoption unfold, again her heart was softened and the Lord began to speak to her. One night, as she poured over the photos of all the beautiful children on RR, she saw Elijah (Aloysha) and she just knew. She knew he was the one they were to love and bring home! She knew they had to do everything in their power to save him from his certain fate in the institution. She knew he was to be their son! As she shared this with Pat, he was not surprised. He felt the Lord had laid adoption on his heart a lon g time ago. He is very excited about this opportunity the Lord has granted them.
So, the Birschbach family is taking a huge leap of faith! They will do everything they can to bring Elijah home as quickly as possible, and also to get him all of the help and intervention he needs so he can be all that God perfectly created him to be. The other children are absolutely thrilled about having Elijah as their brother.
8/30/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $400 in my family grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
SUNNY for the Gross family-Dowell, MD
Craig and Melissa have been married almost 15 years. They have known one another since the 10th grade. They have 4 children, which consist of 3 boys and 1 girl. It has always been Melissa's dream to have two daughters so they could be sisters. She has a close bond with her own sister and is hoping her girls will share the same experience. Melissa came across Reece's Rainbow in 2007. After the birth of their little girl, Melissa and Craig decided to expand thier family through adoption. The Reece's Rainbow website revealed itself in her search efforts. She read about the plea for children with Down Syndrome and shared it with her husband. Craig agreed to welcome a little girl in his home and looks forward to meeting his new daughter. They have done research on Down Syndrome since 2007 and have investigated many community resources. In fact, she was suprised by the amount of resources and theraputic services in her area. The Gross family feels they will be a perfect fit for a child with Down Syndrome. Melissa has worked extra hard to raise funds for their future daughter. The children are very excited to add a new sibling to the family and talk about their new sister often. Their daughter was not found on the Reece's Rainbow site. Unfortunately, they will not be allowed to post a picture until they receive a Letter of Acceptance from China.
Your support is much needed and appreciated whether it is through prayers or financially.
8/30/10--HOMESTUDY COMPLETE
I have $0in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
JULIANA for the Moreno family--Texas
Ashley and Gus began dating the day they met, 24 years ago. They married in 1990, and live in Texas with a menagerie of animals and their four amazing children: Riley Nicole (14), Ethan Alexander (10), Ramie Lynn (6), and Mason Reade (4). When Mason was born with Down syndrome, they knew that God had a plan and a purpose. They soon realized that the first part of the plan was to bless them immeasureably with the adventure that is Down syndrome.
Through their Down syndrome advocacy efforts, the couple came across Reece's Rainbow, and were deeply moved by the tragic fate in store for the children who aren't adopted. Then God revealed the next step in His plan. While driving down the highway one afternoon, Ashley felt God place adoption on her heart. As she was arguing with Him, she glanced up and saw a sign in front of the local animal shelter on the side of the road: "ADOPT NOW!"
She immediately felt peace, and prayed that God would give Gus a sign of his own. A few hours later, as the family drove home from dinner, she told Gus the story of her "sign." As he coasted to a stop at an intersection, he looked up and froze for a moment. "The whole time you were talking," he said, "I was thinking that we can't afford it." He pointed to the side of the road, to a billboard proclaiming, "Who says you can't afford it?"
They searched the Reece's Rainbow website for over an hour, praying that God would place a specific child on their hearts. The instant Juliana's picture came up on the screen, Ashley burst into tears, knowing she had just seen their daughter.
The Moreno children are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their new little sister. Riley competes in public speaking on the topic of confronting the myths about Down syndrome, and plans to incorporate international adoption into her platform. Ethan plans to go into filmmaking and full-time missions, and hopes to incorporate his calling for Down syndrome advocacy into his chosen fields. The family also hopes one day to found a working residential farmstead, where adults with cognitive disabilities like Down syndrome can live and participate in daily farm operations, as well as community education programs aimed at teaching the role of agriculture in Texas' past, present, and future, while fostering relationships between residents and their community.
7/12/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $1460 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
DAWN for the Suttles family--Warner Robins, GA
Gary and Cara Suttles have been married for 10 years. Gary is an active duty member of the United States Air Force. Cara is a stay at home Mom to their three children: Cody 9, Anastasia 8, and Cooper 6. Adoption has always been in Cara's heart, but she was never quite sure if it was something Gary would consider. She asked him to pray about it and to tell her if he ever reached that point. On Cara's 30th birthday Gary shared with Cara that he felt the calling to adopt also! Nine months later they brought 7 year old Anastasia home from Russia. Anastasia has CP just like Dawn. Anastasia has been a natural fit for their family, they love having a daughter and Anastasia is so excited to be getting a sister. They have felt blessed to be able to get Anastasia the surgery and physical therapy she needs to help her become higher functioning and able to do the things children love to do.
During their adoption of Anastasia, Cara had read about Reece's Rainbow. From that point on she would check the website regularly. She would pray and watch as so many of the children got families and occasionally show Gary a picture of one of them. Gary shared with Cara that he would love to add a younger child to their family. He didn't have to tell her twice, she had been feeling the same way! Special needs adoption was something that they happened onto with their first adoption, and now they couldn't see any other way they would rather adopt, and children with CP now had a special place in their heart. Of course she had several Reece's Rainbow children in the back of her mind!! When Cara first showed Gary a picture of Dawn his face lit up. After several weeks a new picture of Dawn was posted. They couldn't fight the urge anymore to ask each other if they thought this child was the one. It's a special joy that adoptive parents get to experience, the moment you know in your heart that you are looking at your chosen child. Both Gary and Cara know the difference early physical therapy and sugery, if needed, can make for a child with CP. Most of all they are overjoyed to be able to add to their family again. They cannot wait to bring precious little Dawn home and give her the love and resources that will help her flourish and grow.
8/25/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $0 in my family grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
EDEN for the Francis family--Bella Vista, AR
Eric and Stacey Francis have been married for 8 years and feel very blessed to have adopted 4-year-old Abbie from Guatemala just before she turned one. The Francis' found about their infertility just a few years after they were married. Despite a brief time of grieving, God used this situation to open their hearts to adoption. Since Abbie's adoption, they have prayed for another opportunity to adopt; however, until now, they didn't have a peace about a particular child.
After being led to the RR site through a link on a friend's email, they started looking through all the children and were taken aback at the number of children who are waiting. One particular child, Eden, stood out to them. With the support of their family and friends, they are trusting God to birng this newest member of their family home. They can't wait to see Eden face to face and provide the love and medical attention that she needs. When asked what their daughter Abbie thinks about Eden, she said, "I love her and I wish she was here to play with me."
8/24/10---AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
CHRISSIE & MARLEY for the Davis family--Bossier City, LA
  In 1968 Gary and Denise Peddington Davis met as children at the ages of 11 & 12 years. Living the lives of military brats through childhood, dating and then being separated by time and distance they became a forever family in 1992. With both of their families being military, having stable roots and a home was not meant to be for the both of them. Moving from one country to another was a life of making and leaving friends. Saying goodbye to your first love you wonder what future may lay ahead for the both of you and if you would ever see one another again.
In 1971, split once again by the military, they were separated briefly only to be brought back together when their fathers were again stationed at the same base. This time they completed high school together as a couple only to be separated by the military once again. This time it was Gary enlisting in the Navy and sent off to war. Through several deployments and letters getting misrouted and lost, 28 years soon passed.
During the 28 years of separation both had married. The military had put a burden on his first marriage of 13 years leaving Gary a single father raising two children alone. Denise had gone to college, married Tim Clemons and had 6 children with the assistance of IVF and fertility. Two of the children were twins and had died prematurely, a young girl, Elizabeth, and a son Timothy. She had four surviving children, now ages 23 to 34, and was raising them as a single mother and a widow.
While raking leaves on a fall day fate had reunited them. Time had passed and some gray hair had set in but they knew it was time to build the roots of their forever family. Knowing that age would present many challenges to becoming new parents God lead them to adopt. From his duty in the military, Gary was fluent in Russian and decided either Russia or Ukraine was their journey in finally adopting their children.
In 2000, they adopted Makayla and 2001, Patrick Ian, both special needs children from orphanages in Ukraine. The Davis Family has advocated for orphans in Ukraine through continued missions and donations to the orphanages. Makayla, now age 12, dreams of being a big sister. Daily Makayla lives the challenges of tumors on her optic nerves and in her brain. Her dream is to see her new sisters come home.
After a lot of reading and research, the Davis Family was lead to Reece's Rainbow through another family that adopted two special needs children from Bulgaria in 2009. Following this family's journey, they knew in their hearts their daughter Marya was there to bring home. But, once committed to Marya, they found that their family was not yet complete. Also in Bulgaria is another little lady that stole their hearts, little Christiana which they nicknamed "Little Cookie."
Both Marya and Christiana are children of special needs. Marya has a deformation of the feet and lags behind in neurodevelopment. Little Cookie has much more severe needs and has been on Reece's Rainbow twice in hopes of finally finding her family. Little Cookie will wait no more she will be loved and cared for as she should be. Christiana has Spina Bifida regio lumbalis, meningoradiculocele regio lumboscaralis, internal hydrocephalus, paraparesis inferior gravis, congential osteomuscular deformation of bottom limbs and delays associated with institutation. In the eyes of the Davis Family they are perfect in every aspect of a child. Looking into their eyes we see our children and a future for them in a loving family and home. Otherwise, each would live a life in a mental instituation after the age of 4 years. Could you imagine living in a mental instituation because of a physical disabilty and knowing with care you you could walk and lead a somewhat normal life?
Both Gary and Denise Davis have traveled to many orphanages throughout Eastern Europe advocating for orphans. Now Gary and Denise are asking in prayer for help in bringing their daughters home. Adding "Little Cookie" means the additional funds are needed so she will not be confined to a wheelchair alone for life. And also for Marya, living alone without a father or mother to love her or Christiana.
God has guided Gary and Denise together through Faith and has combined 8 children into a loving family. In prayer the Davis Family asks for everyone's help in bringing Marya and Christiana home.
"Adoption is not taken lightly, it is the unity of parents, children
and the love that God has united to make a family."
8/11/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE
We have $0 in our family grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
|
|
TATIANA for the Fillmore family--American Fork, UT
Jeremy and Heather Fillmore met at Utah State University and have been married for fifteen years. They have five children, from the ages of one to fourteen. Soon after their last baby was born, Heather started having strong impressions that there was another little one meant to come to their family. Before long, they started exporing International Adoption because they were feeling a great "tug" in that direction. As soon as they started praying about it, they knew this what the Lord wanted their family to do.
They began their adoption journey headed toward Ethiopia. Heather's sister is planning to adopt children from Ethiopia, and they thought it would wonderful to have cousins with the same Ethnic background. But after a few months things weren't feeling totally right. That's about the time that Heather's heart began to open to adopting a child with special needs. She found the Reeces Rainbow website while browsing the internet, and kept coming back, wondering if their family would be right for one of these sweet children with Downs Syndrome. Heather learned that Jeremy was very open about it, and as soon as they started praying about it, they became more and more excited about what a blessing it would be. Within a week, they discovered Tatiana.
Heather clicked on the link, and saw one beautiful little girl. She started reading the information that was provided about her. It was definitely love at first site! She felt within a few minutes time that this was their girl. When the rest of the family looked at her profile later that day, they were immediately in love, as well. It felt totally right. No more reservations. What a miracle.
They are so excited to bring Tatiana ("Anna") into their family. Every time they think about her, they can't help but smile. She will bring them more happiness than they can imagine, and teach them life lessons that they wouldn't learn any other way. They can't wait to have her in their family forever!
8/23/10---DOSSIER SUBMITTED
I have $0in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
IVAN for the Nine family--Portland, OR
Ivan has a family! We are so excited to see this region grow through multiple agency partners!
Mike is a manager for Pacific Office Automation and a little league Umpire in chief. Katrina is a stay at home Mom who runs a family childcare in their home. They have been married for 19 years, together for 20, they were high school sweethearts. They have been blessed with six biological children (Josh 16) (Amanda 14) (Madison 13) (Makenzy 11) (Jordan 9) and (Amelia 4).
The Lord put it on Katrina's heart that they were going to adopt, not knowing from where how or when. Katrina looked at different websites just so she could see what their options were with already having six kids. They were not looking for a child now, not thinking it was going to be any time soon, maybe a year or two from now. Well, God had a different plan! He led Katrina to Reece's Rainbow and she couldn't help but look at the pictures of the waiting children. The Lord led her to Ivan's sweet picture and she could not believe her eyes, he was her baby! Not one of their six children got mom's red hair! It was both of their hearts desire to have a little redhead boy someday, and God knew Ivan would be that little boy.
Katrina and Mike had always talked about one day adopting if that's what the Lord told them to do. They are now working hard to get everything in order to bring Ivan home to celebrate his 3rd birthday with him in November. God is doing miracles each day and the family of 8 will be a family of 9. Something funny about that is that since their last name is Nine the joke almost everyone always says to them is "you just need one more and you will be the 9 Nines hahaha!" With your help, they are now about to be the 9 Nines.
This will be a leap of faith for Mike and Katrina, as this will be their first adoption. They believe that God has chosen them to be this sweet little boy\'s Mommy and Daddy. Mike and Katrina are thankful for all your prayers and financial support through this journey.
8/23/10---DOSSIER SUBMITTED
I have $150 in my FAMILY grant towards the cost of my adoption! |
ANNETTA for the Harris family--Fort Huachuca, AZ
Evan and Lori Harris have been married for seven years and have three wonderful biological sons, two with special needs. Aiden is 5 and officially diagnosed with PDD-NOS, although his doctor expects to change his dx to Asperger's Syndrome. Elijah is 3 and diagnosed with classic autism. Kieran is their miracle baby, conceived two months post vasectomy, and he will be one in July 2010. Their boys keep the housing bursting with activity, but the family longs to add a little girl to the mix! Aiden has been asking for a sister almost as long as he's been able to talk! After a failed adoption in 2008 and a surprise pregnancy, they are ready to start again. It was a surprise to them (but not to God!) that God was asking them to step out in faith so soon and at this time. In the midst of the chaos of deployment God has placed desire in their hearts and provided them with a window to save a life, and change their lives forever. The entire family is in love with Anetta (whom they plan to name Valerie) and looking forward to the day they bring her home!
7/9/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $233 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
SRECKO for the Severson family--Princeton, MN
Dan and Tammy have been married for 19 years and have two children. Since before they were married both knew they wanted to adopt special needs children. God had plans for them and little did they know that they would get that chance. Kristina (6) adopted in 2007 with Cystic Fibrosis and Jovan (7) adopted in 2009 with limb differences. Both are from Serbia. Their children have such wonderful God-incidences with both of their adoptions. It seems that each time they have gone to adopt, God has big plans for them. With God's help and guidance they will once again bring home a true gift from God. They are excited to add a new child to their family. A son, brother, grandson, nephew, great-grandson, and cousin. So many titles for one little boy who yet doesn't even know the love of a mommy or daddy. So as soon funds are raised then they can go and bring him home.
8/22/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $13 in my FAMILY grant towards the cost of my adoption!
Follow the Severson family's adoption journey on their blog at www.findingourbutterflies.blogspot.com |
|
OLIVIA for the Stern family--Belmont, NH
Thomas and Kristina have been married for 8 years and have a wonderful little boy named Erik (who is turning 6 in May). Thomas is in the landscape/pest management field and Kris works in the drinking water program in their state. Erik is a very smart little boy who loves to draw and play legos - but has mentioned time and time again how lonely he is without something to play with. They had never considered adoption until recently (a first for either side of the family). They had been following Reece's Rainbow for quite some time now, and when they came across the picture of Olivia - well, it was love at first sight. They knew she was the perfect daughter for them, and a perfect sister for Erik. All three are extremely excited to finally be able to complete their family. We invite everyone to follow our journey to bring her home. She has a big brother, mama and papa, 2 kitties and a dog waiting for her here in NH. Finances are extremely tight and any help is forever appreciated, she needs to get home to her new family and receive the medical care she requires.
7/16/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $490 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
The Sobie Family--
|
 Scott and Jeanne Sobie are very excited to be starting their journey to adopt their second special needs child from Eastern Europe! The little girl who stole their hearts has Spina Bifida, but through an extensive amount of research and praying, they knew this was something their family could handle! Their first child, Camryn is 4 ? years old and was born with a cleft lip and palate, and just recently completed her 4th surgery. She is anxious to have her sister join the family and is already using her dolls to ?pretend? teach her sister English J and wants her sister to share her room, and is busy designing a new floor plan!
The Sobie?s were not planning to adopt until 2010 but when they saw this child on Reece's Rainbow, they knew God had other plans and already had chosen this child for them! They are working to complete their homestudy and are praying to bring their daughter home in the fall.
8/22/10---HOPING TO TRAVEL IN OCTOBER
I have $415 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! | |
|
VASILISA for the Perry family--Toronto, Ontario, Canada
We are so happy to have Serenity on board to adopt baby Vasilisa. Serenity is a single mom, but also one of our newest CANADIAN families. As we grow our Canada program and build agency relationships there, it will be so exciting to watch more and more children find families, simply because of the ability to do so! Vasilisa is also in a region where we do not yet have a US agency partner, so that makes her adoption even more important!
Serenity is excited to be beginning the adoption of her second child, Vasilisa from Russia. In the summer of 2009, Serenity was overjoyed to welcome home her first child, Tariku, from Ethiopia. Serenity knew that she wanted to pursue a second adoption and was considering adopting from Russia when she came across Reece's Rainbow website and looked at all of the beautiful children waiting for someone to adopt them. Serenity was also thrilled to find out that Canadians could adopt from Reece's Rainbow as well! and after searching through the many little faces on the website she found beautiful Vasilisa whose face she promptly fell in love with!! Serenity looks forward to the day when she will finally be able to meet Vasilisa, and welcome her into the family.
The cost to adopt as a Canadian is quite high, so your donations and gifts for this brave and faithful mom are very much appreciated! All Canadian families are eligible for the same grants and fundraising opportunities through Reece's Rainbow as American families are.
8/21/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
ERIKA & ILYA for the Parker family (3)--Lawrence, KS
Molly and Aaron were married in August 2009. They met in AmeriCorps*NCCC and have always enjoyed working together as a team, whether it be building houses, planning a wedding or just making dinner. They have always known that they would like to consider adoption someday, but were not planning to add to their "team" for a few years. Aaron works doing Construction Materials Testing and Molly works from home for her online-based wedding store. Molly has followed the journey of many families as they have adopted from Reece's Rainbow, but only recently did she and Aaron learn more about adoption and reality of orphans. The more they learned, the more that they felt like God was calling them to adopt. They instantly fell in love with Erika and Ilya and are hoping to bring them home to Kansas.
8/2/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
We have $1870 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
|
MARTIN & PEARCE for the Logue family--Clayton, DE
  Greg and Jennifer were high school sweethearts raised in Colorado, now married for almost 20 years. When their one biological daughter, Morgan (11), was 5, they began to think about having another child. God seemed to be saying adoption is the way as people were placed in their path that raised Greg and Jennifers awareness of international adoption. Before they knew it, they found themselves in China and parents of a fast moving toddler girl, Reagan (5). While in China, they met a couple several years older, the husband a crop duster from Kansas, who carried from place to place, a precious little girl they adopted with several severe disabilities. Before meeting him, Greg and Jennifer never thought they were equipped to parent a child with any special needs. Seeing the love this man bestowed upon this child stopped Greg and Jennifer short. Suddenly, it was very clearthey thought if this man from Kansas could adopt a child with such severe special needs, surely we could parent a waiting child. Over the next couple of years, they adopted Robyn (5) and Tessa (11), two children with special needs from China. They truly believe God placed this man from Kansas literally in their path to encourage them to have faith that He would equip them to parent ANY child He asked them to bring home. Now they are feeling His tugging to adopt again, this time a child with Down syndrome. This prompting led them to Reeses Rainbow where they found the little boy they hope will soon be their first son. And now they have four daughters who are now impatiently waiting to have their first brother join them!
Adoption can be a huge journey of faith, especially financially. Greg and Jennifer had $4.89 in their adoption fund when they started researching the adoption of a child with DS. But, they had a whole lot of faith that if He wanted them to bring another child home, He would provide the funds. And he did, multiplying their $4.89 enough to pay all the initial fees to commit to this little boy. Though they are starting their 4th adoption in 5 years, they step forward in faith He will continue to multiply their $4.89 as many times as needed to bring this precious child home.
UPDATE!: THE LOGUE FAMILY HAS CHOSEN TO ADD PEARCE TO THEIR FAMILY AS WELL!
8/17/10---DOSSIER SUBMITTED
I have $325 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
LILLIANA for the Spitz family--Jamestown, NY
 Dave and Summer Spitz are a happily married couple with 6 children in Jamestown, NY. Taylor leads the biological children by age being 16 , then Conor who is 15 and Nicholas is 12. This family is a certified foster family in the county which they reside. In December 2007 they were placed with a beautiful blonde haired 4 month old baby boy. They are more than happy to report they adopted Owen on March 1, 2010.
Summer received People magazine in February 2010 and read OUR article and she couldnt wait to get on the internet and check us out. When she came across the traveling requirements she didnt think it was a possible avenue for their family. Well, Summer couldnt let it go, she continued to visit our site and on May 17th she found Lyla (Lilianna) and that was IT! She knew she wanted to be the MOM of this gorgeus big blue eyed dolly. She would do whatever it took to bring this princess home. Summer introduced her family to the idea of being Lylas family.
8/16/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $310in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
EMMETT & ERIC for the Archer family--Saint Cloud, MN
  Tom and Elizabeth have been married 34 years. They have adopted 11 children ages 7-34 years old now. Their last adoption was 7 years ago. Two of their adopted children (7 & 8) are their birth-bio granddaughters adopted at their births. They have 4 birth children ages 6,29,31 and 34. They have a heart for children and adults with special needs and adoption. They also run a 4 bed group home for adults with disabilities in their home for the last 23 years. They are active with advocating for adoption and people with special needs in their community.In 2009 they had their US homestudy done. They had been applying for many referals of children in the US only to be told that they were too old, had too many at home (7) and shouldn't homeschool children with special needs. They were crushed. Especially since God had blessed them with their birthson Isaiah (now 6) when Elizabeth was 47 and Tom was 50. Apparently God doesn't think they are too old. Elizabeth looked at the RR website on occasion to pray for the children but they really did not want to do an International adoption. They were also tired of rejection, seeing the age requirements of many countries. And then they saw Bulgaria!!! After much prayer God pointed out to them that they were like Jonah not wanting to go to Ninevah!! Elizabeth joined the RR Yahoo group. Soon though Elizabeth was getting discouraged again trying to find children under age 6 at the same orphanage in Bulgaria. When out of the blue someone posted that Emmett and Eric were in the same orphanage in Bulgaria still waiting. That was like a message from God! When they saw Emmett and Eric's photos they immediately knew that these were their boys! We can't even express in words our JOY over finding our boys here after such a long journey!!
7/2/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
We have $132 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
|
| The Hardin Family--White House, TN
Look at this beautiful Katrina!
When David and Kathy Hardin met, one of the things that bonded them together was a shared love of children and a desire to have a large family. Twenty-five years later, they have eight biological children ranging in ages from five to nineteen. God has blessed their family in so many ways that they want to be able to share that with a child that doesn't have a family of their own. David and Kathy have researched adoption and have been deeply moved by the great need for homes for children who require medical attention. David and Kathy are excited for the opportunity to be Katrina?s Mom and Dad. Katrina is two and a half, has spina bifida and is currently in a small orphanage in Armenia.
This will be the Hardin?s first adoption and this child will find a special place of love and care in the Hardin household. David works in insurance and Kathy is a stay-at-home mother who is home schooling their children. David, Kathy and all eight of their children pray daily for Katrina and for God?s wisdom and direction in their journey to bring her home to them in Tennessee.
8/14/10---FIRST TRIP IN AUGUST 2010
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my |
|
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!
8/14/10---HOME STUDY CERTIFIED, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $0 in 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.
7/28/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $1630 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.
6/15/10---DOSSIER SUBMITTED
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!
6/14/10---FIRST TRIP ON JUNE 26!
I have $0 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!
8/9/10---HOMESTUDY COMPLETE, DOSSIER COMPLETE
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
HANNAH for The Crews Family--Lawrenceville, GA
The Crews family is very excited about bringing Hanna home from Eastern Europe. John and Nancy both have a lifelong commitment to people with disabilities. Nancy is a clinical social worker who works in mental health. John is a senior scientist in vision loss and aging at Centers for Disease Control.
John and Nancy have one child, Kate, who is 28. Kate has her Bachelor?s degree in Education and is employed as a reading specialist at a school for children with learning disabilities. She is excited to be a part of this family adoption and has a great deal to offer based on her teaching background and her own personal experience dealing with cerebral palsy.
John, Nancy and Kate believe that Hanna will be the ideal addition to their family circle. They appreciate your support for Hanna and for all the waiting children on Reece?s Rainbow.
8/9/10---FIRST TRIP AUGUST 15
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
 MINDY for the Scoda family--Fayetteville, NC
The Scoda family lives in NC where Jay is stationed with the military. Jay and Trina have 5 children already with the oldest being 15 and the youngest being 7. Out of the 5 children, 4 of them are boys. Jay and Trina have been married for almost 14 yrs and have always known that they would adopt. It hasnt been a question of if but, rather, when. They believe strongly in children. They believe that under normal circumstances a child will for the most part, give back what you give them. They believe that one of the biggest differences they can make in this world is in the life of a child. In turn, they realize that the biggest difference in their life comes from not making a difference in the life of the child but, the child making the biggest difference in theirs. They are looking with much excitement for the doors that the Lord is opening for them with this child. They believe that their "when" time has come.
7/2/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE
I have $580 in my FAMILY GRANT FUND towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
LERA for the Higbie family--Colfax, WI
Little Lera's story has been wrought with delays, but we are so hopeful her new family can complete her adoption and finally bring her home!
This story begins in 1995 when Bob and Diane met at the county fair. They have been together almost every day since. Diane was a nurse single parenting 2 little girls, Katrina and Abigail. Bob was, and still is, a local dairy farmer. Bob stepped into their lives and became the daddy they needed but didn't have. Bob and Diane married in 2004.
The fabric of their lives has been woven with joys and heartache, but every step of the way Jesus has walked with them. They talked often of, and prayed to have more children. God met them with the strength to endure miscarriage after miscarriage. They lost twin boys at birth in 2000 from congenital heart defects. In 2003 the family grew when social services placed in their care a beautiful 5 month old little girl. She was neglected and failure to thrive. They were told this one has" no capacity to learn, she'll never amount to anything". Diane remembers, "The first moment I held her and looked into her sweet little face she had my whole heart in her tiny hand, leaving behind 22 years of pediatric nursing to be a stay at home mom. The big girls loved it and the new baby needed it."
Two years later in November of 2005, April Rose was adopted into the family. Several miscarriages later they decided to try international adoption. Working with Holt, they were matched with 2 sisters, ages 3 and 5, from Haiti. Disaster struck when in late summer 2008, a tsunami hit Haiti and the orphanage where the girls were housed was totally distroyed and the girls perished. The family looked to God for peace and comfort.
Then came the biggest blessing...pregnancy #20...Lillian Grace was born March 13,2009 by c-section at 34 weeks due to placental failure. She came to them exactly as God designed... Down syndrome, PDA, Coarctation of the aortc artery, 2 ASDs and 7 VSDs, and severe pulmonary hypertension. She spent the first 8 months of her life as an inpatient in heart failure. The family was told she wasn't viable, not a candidate for open heart surgery, "take her home and love her while you have her", was their advice. Diane, being the advocate she is for her children, didn't do that. She turned to God in prayer asking for wisdom and guidance. God provided just that. Today Lillian is a thriving 14 month old with no evidence of cardiac disease, pulmonary hypertension or reflux disease. A miracle if you ask her doctors at CHOP. The story of Lillian's first year of life and faimly journey is at www.caringbridge.org. Site name higbie.
It was Lillian's Down syndrome that Diane became so involved in the DS communittee. It was through blog entries by other members of that same community that on April 23 Bob and Diane became aware of Lera. There were no hours perusing the internet looking at pics of orphans or long deliberations, just Lera's plight that left them no choice. God, through Lillian's journey, had prepared them for this moment...to say yes to Lera. The whole family excitedly looks forward to the day that Lera will join them in name, she's already in their hearts and prayers.
Today, Bob took time away from managing their 1000 cow dairy farm in picturesque Northern WI, Diane put aside oganizing fund-raisers and awareness activities for both the local DS chapter and Mended Little Hearts, and together with Lillian, Katrina who is now 20 and Abby now 19, plus grandmas and papas in tow, to head to the local elementary school gymnasium where they celebrate April's kindergarden graduation. That little girl with"no capacity to learn" just showed the world what can be accomplished with lots of love, lots of prayer and never giving up but totally believing...Through Christ all things are possible. It's not how big our problem is ...it's how big our God is.
7/30/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $1335.69 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
ANNA for the Karol family--West Allis, WI
 Amanda and Fred Karol have been married for five years. They met at their church youth group and became the best of friends. Married at the young age of 21 the couple were not in a hurry to have children. Amanda works for a summer program for children with special needs and Fred volunteers often. The couple always talked about adoption but planned to look into it after they completed their birth family. After three years of trying the couple joked about the idea of adopting earlier then planned and before they knew it the thought of early adoption was not a joke but a serious decision they deiscussed often.
While researching adoption for children with special needs Amanda stumbled on the Reece's Rainbow Web site and fell in love with Anna. That was that!
8/2/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
UPDATE: The Karol family is also adopting "Everett".
We have $100 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 its 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 Reeces 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, Stephanies face kept coming to Melanies 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 Gods 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.
5/7/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
LYDIAH for the Angers family--New Iberia, LA
Stuart and Sandy Angers are in the process of adopting Lydiah, who will be one in July. Sandy discovered Reece's Rainbow, from following another child's story (Chrissie Patterson), who had been adopted by her forever family. The couple have five children Amanda is 19, Austin 14, Justin 13, Dustin 13, and Devin 12. They believe God is leading them to expand their family and to help a special needs child.
Adoption has always held a special place in Sandy 's heart. She is also adopted and always has had the desire to give back what she has received from her parents. The family has been blesssed with so much from God and they are ready to open their hearts and arms to this beautiful child. They believe God has placed a call on their lives to help this child. They can not wait for the day that they bring Lydiah home.
John 14:18
I will not abandon you as orphans, I will come to you.
8/1/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $325 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
NICK for the Chance family--Pelham, Alabama
The Chance family was first introduced to Reece's Rainbow by the Haire family (Joy's sister), who adopted "Sonya" and "Darcy" from Ukraine in August 2009.
The Chances signed up to be prayer warriors for "Nick" in April of 2009. They have prayed daily for Nick to have a family to call his very own. God has answered that prayer by calling them to be Nick's family!
Jeremy and Joy were married in 1997 and have 5 children already, Jackson (10), Josie (8), Jonathan (4), Julia (2), and Joshua (1). Their entire family is so excited to be on this journey to bring Nick home!
7/25/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $110 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
AJ & SERGEI for the Hannon family--Shallowater, TX
 Our AJ finally has a family!
Jeff and Debbie grew up in the same small town in the Panhandle of Texas, married right after high school and have been joyfully married 25 years at the end of this year. They have 6 children by birth; Wesley ~ 23, Kayla ~ 18, Holly ~ 16, Jason ~ 12, Rachel ~ 10, Justin ~ 1 and one child who was born in their hearts; AJ ~ 1.
Justin was born on Easter Sunday 2009. Jeff and Debbie found out that very day that Justin had Down syndrome. It was while reasearching online about Down syndrome that Debbie came across Reece's Rainbow and a seed was planted in her heart for adoption. She did not immediately tell Jeff about her conviction because Justin was still recovering from open-heart surgery and she was waiting for just the right time. God had a grand plan and separately placed adoption on Jeff's heart as well. Jeff went to Debbie and told her about his adoption conviction and they began to research adoption together. They were both looking at Reece's Rainbow's website when their eyes met with little AJ's and they just knew he was the child God had planned for them.
Jeff and Debbie look forward to bringing AJ home very soon. He will have plenty of green grass to run barefoot through, dogs to love on, cats to play with and horses to ride as well as a family who will love him unconditionally. Words cannot express how grateful we are to God for giving us the opportunity to bring AJ into our lives.
7/23/10---HOMESTUDY COMPLETE
We have $175 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
|
|
ADAM for the Brown family--Butler, PA
 We are a family of 8 and believe are lives to be blessed in so many ways. Terry and I have known each other forever and will be married 20 years. We have 6 children between the ages of 3 and 10 and they bring us great joy and happiness. All of our children are compassionate and very excited to have a new brother to nurture and spoil! Bea is 10 and the nurturing leader of the group. Sam is 9. (DS) He is sweet and loving and loves basketball. Paris is 7. She is creative and artistic. Guinness and Delaney are 6 year old twins. They are so different. Guinness is active and inquisitive and Delaney is a free spirit who laughs at everything. Finally, there is Grayden who is 3. He is sensitive and a risk taker and loves to play. We are happiest when we are together doing the simplest things, like a boys against the girls kickball game, water balloon battles, deciding what dessert to make for dinner,(we have dessert almost every night!) snuggling up on the couch to watch a favorite movie., or realizing there is only one more load of laundry!
We feel so fortunate to have learned about Reeces' Rainbow. We've cried a lot knowing that these wonderful children are alone in the world without the warmth of a family to love them. We've prayed a lot trying to figure out how to choose a child. Then we saw Adam who reminds us so much of Sam and our hearts melted. We are anxious about the journey to bring Adam home but know that God will plan and our children will survive while we are gone. We feel honored and blessed to add more joy to our home when Adam becomes part of our family and look forward to the day when we get to meet him and call him our son.
8/1/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $50 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
|
VAUGHN for the Moses family--Red Bank, NJ
Seegal and Rich have been married for 12 years. After having 6 biological children, Seegal felt a very strong pull to adopt. After praying for a year that God would speak to Rich's heart too, both were led to Guatemala. They welcomed little Abigayle into their heart and home and thought their family was complete. After a year they were led to adopt again, but were met with heartache when their Azerbaijani 10 year old girl with Hepatitis C went missing.
It took some time to heal, but the pull was still there, they knew their children were out there, waiting for a forever family. Although they were set on adopting domestically, Seegal kept visiting the Reeces Rainbow site, looking into the eyes of the beautiful children, and was always drawn to the HIV+ angels.
One day, Seegal looked at the site after a friend pointed out one of the children and she fell in love instantly. She knew immediately that she was looking at her new children!
Facing high fees and long travel, they were not deterred and they have complete faith that God will help them bring their perfect little muffins home! Any donations would be so helpful, every penny is one cent closer to helping Vaughn have a forever family!
6/23/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $495 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.
7/30/10---DOSSIER SUBMITTED
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
|
|
