inspiring! Read the story, watch the video. You will not be disappointed!
http://w.espn.go.com/espnw/news-opinion/6594902/an-unforgettable-night-unforgettable-girl
http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png Click for video
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Along the Road: A Song
November 29, 2010
The day started in prayer. As I was reading scripture, I was suddenly overcome with the need to look, once again, at all the faces on Reece's Rainbow. It was a site I had visited too many times to count. I had already picked out numerous kids as my "favorites"; the ones I just adore staring at, wishing I could bring home.
This time was different. I was on a page that I had seen a hundred times, but this time, my heart was pounding.
I had seen her picture a hundred times, but never did more than smile at how cute she is, wondering how no one has committed to her already.
This time, when I saw her picture, I stopped. I froze. I distinctly heard in my heart:
"This is Elisha. This is your daughter."
Taylah was the name I read on the page. I knew "Taylah" was a fake name, given by Reece's Rainbow to protect a child's identity.
Months later, I received information that confirmed the message I received that day. I cannot share it now, but someday, when I can, you will be able to appreciate just how clearly He speaks when we listen.
It would be another four months before we'd actually commit toward the journey to bring her home.
There were obstacles from the start. There have been obstacles each day since.
But this song, which so appropriately describes the adoption journey, seemed immediately fitting for the path we would travel. Hence, the blog quickly received the name "Along the Road"
Officially, what is written below is the very first post I've written on the blog, kept hidden until today.
(Written 11/29/10)
It was when I knew Elisha was mine (long before Todd was even close to committing to adoption), that I felt compelled to blog this journey. The title came to me rather easily; it is a song that I often sang as a teenager. The lyrics are so fitting to this particular journey:
Along the Road by Susan Ashton
The day started in prayer. As I was reading scripture, I was suddenly overcome with the need to look, once again, at all the faces on Reece's Rainbow. It was a site I had visited too many times to count. I had already picked out numerous kids as my "favorites"; the ones I just adore staring at, wishing I could bring home.
This time was different. I was on a page that I had seen a hundred times, but this time, my heart was pounding.
I had seen her picture a hundred times, but never did more than smile at how cute she is, wondering how no one has committed to her already.
This time, when I saw her picture, I stopped. I froze. I distinctly heard in my heart:
"This is Elisha. This is your daughter."
Taylah was the name I read on the page. I knew "Taylah" was a fake name, given by Reece's Rainbow to protect a child's identity.
Months later, I received information that confirmed the message I received that day. I cannot share it now, but someday, when I can, you will be able to appreciate just how clearly He speaks when we listen.
It would be another four months before we'd actually commit toward the journey to bring her home.
There were obstacles from the start. There have been obstacles each day since.
But this song, which so appropriately describes the adoption journey, seemed immediately fitting for the path we would travel. Hence, the blog quickly received the name "Along the Road"
Officially, what is written below is the very first post I've written on the blog, kept hidden until today.
(Written 11/29/10)
It was when I knew Elisha was mine (long before Todd was even close to committing to adoption), that I felt compelled to blog this journey. The title came to me rather easily; it is a song that I often sang as a teenager. The lyrics are so fitting to this particular journey:
Along the Road by Susan Ashton
Joy at the start; fear in the journey; joy in the coming home.
A part of the heart gets lost in the learning, somewhere along the road.
Along the road your path may wander; a pilgrim's faith may fail.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder; darkness obscures the trail.
Cursing the quest; courting disaster. Measureless nights forebode.
Moments of rest; glimpses of laughter are treasured along the road.
Along the road your steps may stumble, your thoughts may start to stray.
But through it all a heart held humble levels and lights your way.
Joy at the start; fear in the journey; joy in the coming home.
A part of the heart gets lost in the learning somewhere along the road.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Xtreme For Elisha Fundraiser: Local Event
Our fundraiser is one week from today! It's easier than before to get passes, as we've made special arrangements in order to allow our supporters to pay at the door instead of purchasing tickets ahead of time. Please, spread the word... let's get extreme!
Go Xtreme For Elisha
at
Xtreme Trampolines
Thursday May 26th 2011
6-8pm
Entry Cost $16.00 (same as any other night)
Xtreme Trampolines (located in Carol Stream)
Has offered to donate up to $10 per ticket purchased
Bring your pass, pay at the door, and help bring our daughter out of the orphanage and into our home!
Family Fun- Win Prizes- Save an orphan!
To request passes, email
Passes are FREE! Bring a pass for each person attending, pay the $16 at the door, and your entry will be credited to our family. It's that easy!
Visit http://www.xtremetrampolines.com for photos, location address, and jumping information.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Self Advocates in Their Own Words
A friend posted this video on Facebook today, and it was so fantastic I immediately knew I had to include it here. PLEASE, to each and every person who questions why we would ever want to raise a child with Down syndrome, watch this. To every person who thinks Down syndrome is "diapers for life", or "forever a child in our home", or "impossible to communicate with", watch this. To anyone who would terminate a pregnancy upon discovering your baby has Down syndrome, please, watch this.
To those that have already discovered the secret, who already have experienced the blessing, you can watch this, too.
An ABC report states that 92% of women receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome in prenatal testing choose to terminate the pregnancy.
Ninety-two percent.
Head on over to Patti's blog and read her beautiful Mother's Day post. Look at each of the 52 moms and their children. Can you look at 48 of those children, and say, "You shouldn't be here right now?"
If statistics were what mattered, 48 of those mothers wouldn't have had messages to share. 48 children wouldn't be smiling, sharing hugs, celebrating a day with Mommy. 48 of those children are ninety-two percent.
I look at Elisha, and I see the blond-haired, blue-eyed, beautiful daughter that I've always wanted.
I see a little girl to play dance with.
I see tea parties, and dress up, and leotards and tutus and ballet shoes.
And then I remember, and see Down syndrome, too.
Elisha isn't "a Down syndrome girl stuck in an orphanage in a country on the other side of the world." Elisha isn't "too much money when we could just adopt a healthy normal little girl here instead." Elisha isn't "a problem that we'll never get rid of because we'll be stuck with her forever."
Elisha is our daughter.
Elisha is our daughter, sitting alone in an orphanage, without the knowledge that anything exists outside the walls that surround her.
Elisha is our daughter, whom we will rescue, regardless of the cost of her ransom.
Elisha is our daughter, born with an extra 21st chromosome. Elisha's extra chromosome results in certain features and characteristics that may make even a stranger instantly aware of her medical diagnosis.
Elisha is our daughter. It doesn't matter whether she has blond hair or brown, two 21st chromosomes or three, whether she speaks clearly or with difficulty, she spends her days living with us or ventures out on her own.
Until she can advocate for herself, we will advocate for her. Because, after all,
she is our daughter.
To those that have already discovered the secret, who already have experienced the blessing, you can watch this, too.
An ABC report states that 92% of women receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome in prenatal testing choose to terminate the pregnancy.
Ninety-two percent.
Head on over to Patti's blog and read her beautiful Mother's Day post. Look at each of the 52 moms and their children. Can you look at 48 of those children, and say, "You shouldn't be here right now?"
If statistics were what mattered, 48 of those mothers wouldn't have had messages to share. 48 children wouldn't be smiling, sharing hugs, celebrating a day with Mommy. 48 of those children are ninety-two percent.
I look at Elisha, and I see the blond-haired, blue-eyed, beautiful daughter that I've always wanted.
I see a little girl to play dance with.
I see tea parties, and dress up, and leotards and tutus and ballet shoes.
And then I remember, and see Down syndrome, too.
Elisha isn't "a Down syndrome girl stuck in an orphanage in a country on the other side of the world." Elisha isn't "too much money when we could just adopt a healthy normal little girl here instead." Elisha isn't "a problem that we'll never get rid of because we'll be stuck with her forever."
Elisha is our daughter.
Elisha is our daughter, sitting alone in an orphanage, without the knowledge that anything exists outside the walls that surround her.
Elisha is our daughter, whom we will rescue, regardless of the cost of her ransom.
Elisha is our daughter, born with an extra 21st chromosome. Elisha's extra chromosome results in certain features and characteristics that may make even a stranger instantly aware of her medical diagnosis.
Elisha is our daughter. It doesn't matter whether she has blond hair or brown, two 21st chromosomes or three, whether she speaks clearly or with difficulty, she spends her days living with us or ventures out on her own.
Until she can advocate for herself, we will advocate for her. Because, after all,
she is our daughter.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Rest In Peace
Sweet child, are you really happy up there?
Is it like they said it'd be?
I keep wondering what you're doing now;
can you hear or see me?
What is it like?
Are bells ringing?
Are streets made of gold? Are angels singing?
Are you living in ecstasy?
Wish I could know you're very happy and
when I miss you then I'll always know
Our Angel's back in heaven.
Rest in peace, sweet children.
Each of these Reece's Rainbow children has passed away this year. The bottom row had families coming to rescue them, but they just couldn't get there quickly enough.
When we say "rescue mission", make no doubt, that is what these adoptions are. It is a race against the clock, a fight against the odds, a desperate ransom paid to save innocent lives before they are taken from this earth.
Families adopting need your support to complete these missions. The children cannot wait. There days are numbered, and FAMILY is their only chance of survival.
Perhaps the greatest example of a rescue mission is in one little girl's amazing story:
http://carringtonscourage.blogspot.com/
3-year-old Carrington was rescued just about two months ago. Upon leaving the orphanage, her parents were horrified to remove her clothing and find an emaciated, 11-pound body on the brink of death. I encourage everyone to read her story. Watch the miracle unfold, because it is TRULY a miracle that she is here today, not only surviving, but growing and thriving.
(The verses above are lyrics to a song written by mother shortly after the loss of her 17-year-old sister.)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
We've got WINNERS!!
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to our DOTS fundraiser. We received 47 total donations (45 through DOTS plus two additional checks in the mail.) The total amount raised with this fundraiser was $872+200 (checks) = $1072!!!
In case you haven't glanced over at our expense report recently, go take a gander... see where is says HOMESTUDY: PAID Yes, peeps, you did that!! Thank you so much. That check was both painful and exciting to write.
Now, onto the FEELIN' BLUE GIVEAWAY WINNERS.
I used random.org to determine the winners of the book, coasters, and Usborne Books prizes. If you see your name, please email me at fivethousandfootsteps@gmail.com with your address. If you gave a donation to our DOTS fundraiser in any amount, your name was automatically included in the giveaway.
The WINNER of the AUTOGRAPHED BOOK is:
KATRINA MORRIS from CALIFORNIA!!
The WINNER of the PERSONALIZED COASTER SET is:
ANNIE NELSON from CALIFORNIA!!
(Annie, we will work together to design a set that works for you. Email me and I will contact you with choices.)
The WINNER of the $30 in USBORNE BOOKS is:
JESSICA LEIDING from MICHIGAN!!
For the Feelin' Blue Necklace giveaway, each person had to email me their guess at Elisha's middle name. We thought we'd make the drawing extra special, so first our twins each chose a finalist. Then our little guy chose a winner from those two names.
Here are the finalists:
Congratulations KAREN!!
The necklace has been left incomplete so that you can determine the length that you'd like. I will be putting you in touch with K.C. of Distracted By Something Shiny. I suggest everyone stop by and check out her Etsy shop. Her jewelry is well-made and beautifully crafted. K.C. is the person who recommended the DOTS fundraiser to us, so a special thank you to her for that. To visit her shop and see everything up for sale, visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/distractedbyshiny
If anyone is looking to host their own online fundraiser, DOTS has been very easy to work with and takes only a small percentage (unlike other fundraiser companies, which we've found to take as much as 60%, ouch!) It was quick and easy to set up and very easy to manage. I recommend giving it a try. If anyone signs a contract in the next 30 days, each referral gives us a little pay bonus, so please make sure to mention us as your source! To find out more about DOTS, go to www.fivedollardots.com
Finally, we didn't quite clear the DOTS, but came close. Here is the picture (including middle name) of Elisha, taken just a few months ago:
So much older looking already, isn't she? There's our girl, taken somewhere just around her 3rd birthday. I can only hope and pray she is doing well, tucked into her little corner of the world, without having any idea how much she is loved by someone anxiously waiting to call her "daughter."
Miss Elisha Faith, we're coming. It's a lot of work, but we're coming. Your middle name is what keeps reminding us of that.
In case you haven't glanced over at our expense report recently, go take a gander... see where is says HOMESTUDY: PAID Yes, peeps, you did that!! Thank you so much. That check was both painful and exciting to write.
Now, onto the FEELIN' BLUE GIVEAWAY WINNERS.
I used random.org to determine the winners of the book, coasters, and Usborne Books prizes. If you see your name, please email me at fivethousandfootsteps@gmail.com with your address. If you gave a donation to our DOTS fundraiser in any amount, your name was automatically included in the giveaway.
The WINNER of the AUTOGRAPHED BOOK is:
KATRINA MORRIS from CALIFORNIA!!
The WINNER of the PERSONALIZED COASTER SET is:
ANNIE NELSON from CALIFORNIA!!
(Annie, we will work together to design a set that works for you. Email me and I will contact you with choices.)
The WINNER of the $30 in USBORNE BOOKS is:
JESSICA LEIDING from MICHIGAN!!
For the Feelin' Blue Necklace giveaway, each person had to email me their guess at Elisha's middle name. We thought we'd make the drawing extra special, so first our twins each chose a finalist. Then our little guy chose a winner from those two names.
Here are the finalists:
Congratulations KAREN!!
The necklace has been left incomplete so that you can determine the length that you'd like. I will be putting you in touch with K.C. of Distracted By Something Shiny. I suggest everyone stop by and check out her Etsy shop. Her jewelry is well-made and beautifully crafted. K.C. is the person who recommended the DOTS fundraiser to us, so a special thank you to her for that. To visit her shop and see everything up for sale, visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/distractedbyshiny
If anyone is looking to host their own online fundraiser, DOTS has been very easy to work with and takes only a small percentage (unlike other fundraiser companies, which we've found to take as much as 60%, ouch!) It was quick and easy to set up and very easy to manage. I recommend giving it a try. If anyone signs a contract in the next 30 days, each referral gives us a little pay bonus, so please make sure to mention us as your source! To find out more about DOTS, go to www.fivedollardots.com
Finally, we didn't quite clear the DOTS, but came close. Here is the picture (including middle name) of Elisha, taken just a few months ago:
So much older looking already, isn't she? There's our girl, taken somewhere just around her 3rd birthday. I can only hope and pray she is doing well, tucked into her little corner of the world, without having any idea how much she is loved by someone anxiously waiting to call her "daughter."
Miss Elisha Faith, we're coming. It's a lot of work, but we're coming. Your middle name is what keeps reminding us of that.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Today I'm feelin' groovy
Tomorrow is the last day of the DOTS fundraiser. Poor Elisha, she's still got a bunch of DOTS covering her pretty little face. If you haven't bought one (or two or five or ten or fifteen) yet, please consider doing so today. We are so close to reaching our goal right now, and I cannot wait to show off her latest picture! (And, I have to admit, as great as this fundraiser has been, I'm really looking forward to being done with it.)
A friend is adopting from Elisha's region, and I am praying that both of our kids are at the same orphanage so that she can scope the place out for me. :) We are both kind of assuming that the kids are not together, but it sure would be a wonderful surprise if they are!
I love reading other blogs, and this one post is just so beautiful I have to share:
http://babynumber10.blogspot.com/2011/05/mothers-day-messagefrom-our-hearts-to.html
A friend is adopting from Elisha's region, and I am praying that both of our kids are at the same orphanage so that she can scope the place out for me. :) We are both kind of assuming that the kids are not together, but it sure would be a wonderful surprise if they are!
I love reading other blogs, and this one post is just so beautiful I have to share:
http://babynumber10.blogspot.com/2011/05/mothers-day-messagefrom-our-hearts-to.html
Friday, May 6, 2011
Go Xtreme For Elisha!!
XTREME TRAMPOLINES FUNDRAISER
This is a Chicago area event. It is our "big" fundraiser. Please spread the word and get your friends and family out for the night! Xtreme Trampolines has five different trampline courts, a dodgeball court, and a giant foam pit. It is great for all ages, so bring the whole family to jump! The best part is that tickets costs exactly what you'd pay any other time, but they are giving us up to $10 from every ticket we sell toward Elisha's adoption fund. We have 150 tickets available and hope to sell them all!If you are willing to spread the word and distribute flyers, please contact me and I will mail you some printed copies (which look better than the one below, but this was all I could get blogger to allow me to put on the blog.)
Click the links on the flyer to order tickets or to visit Xtreme Trampolines website. Please contact me with any questions!
Candy will be available for sale at the event. All proceeds collected will be donated to Reece's Rainbow "Voice of Hope" fund, which helps with operating costs for the non-profit organization.
There will be door prizes and more, so come ready for a great time!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Maybe I need some cheese with my whine?
I'll be honest. I'm tired of talking about DOTS. I'm tired of trying to sell a truck that isn't going anywhere. I'm tired of feeling like I am walking around in circles with a blindfold covering my eyes.
There. I said it. I'm tired.
You know what, though? I think that's okay. I think it's okay to become worn out sometimes. It doesn't mean what we are doing is less important today than it was any other day. It doesn't mean I'm ready to give up the battle. If being tired meant it's time to throw in the towel, I'd have three children that would right now be living elsewhere, because lemme tell ya, I've spent the past 3 1/2 years feeling like I could use a good week to do nothing but sleep!
Anyway, we still have a lot of DOTS to sell, so as exhausted as I am (saying the same thing over and over,) I'm not going to stop until they are gone. Trust me, our little beauty is worth the effort. I know it with every fiber of my being!
As if the DOTS fundraiser isn't enough, we're already getting moving on the next one. News about that will be coming along shortly. It's a local event. It's going to be absolutely FUN, no doubt. Our goal is to sell 150 tickets for the event, so if you are in the Chicagoland area and willing to help us with ticket sales, please contact me right away to let me know. Sadly, our church is not allowing us to put an announcement in the bulletin as I was really hoping, so now we really need alternative sources of getting the word out.
Additionally, we are hoping to have a Silent Auction and Giveaway at the event. If you are or know of a business that would be willing to contribute to our efforts, please let me know!
Information on our XTREME FOR ELISHA fundraiser will be posted this week, so locals, keep checking back to see what we've got going on. I am confident that this is going to be wildly fun!!
There. I said it. I'm tired.
You know what, though? I think that's okay. I think it's okay to become worn out sometimes. It doesn't mean what we are doing is less important today than it was any other day. It doesn't mean I'm ready to give up the battle. If being tired meant it's time to throw in the towel, I'd have three children that would right now be living elsewhere, because lemme tell ya, I've spent the past 3 1/2 years feeling like I could use a good week to do nothing but sleep!
Anyway, we still have a lot of DOTS to sell, so as exhausted as I am (saying the same thing over and over,) I'm not going to stop until they are gone. Trust me, our little beauty is worth the effort. I know it with every fiber of my being!
As if the DOTS fundraiser isn't enough, we're already getting moving on the next one. News about that will be coming along shortly. It's a local event. It's going to be absolutely FUN, no doubt. Our goal is to sell 150 tickets for the event, so if you are in the Chicagoland area and willing to help us with ticket sales, please contact me right away to let me know. Sadly, our church is not allowing us to put an announcement in the bulletin as I was really hoping, so now we really need alternative sources of getting the word out.
Additionally, we are hoping to have a Silent Auction and Giveaway at the event. If you are or know of a business that would be willing to contribute to our efforts, please let me know!
Information on our XTREME FOR ELISHA fundraiser will be posted this week, so locals, keep checking back to see what we've got going on. I am confident that this is going to be wildly fun!!
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