We have ongoing prayer requests, and continuous praise reports that I want to share with you all. I have so many reasons to give thanks and don't want anyone to ever forget for a moment how truly grateful we are to each of you. We NEED support, and YOU give it to us, so thank you!
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS
October: My foot is doing so much better. While running is still not possible, I can easily walk (with only a slight limp) and can now go up and down stairs. I'm confident that it will not be an issue when we are traveling (other than the fact that it healed wider than my left foot, so I now am in need of two different size shoes.) Thanks for your prayers!
We are (anxiously) awaiting our travel date; none will be assigned until the previous family's post-placement report is translated and delivered. Prayers are appreciated for a speedy and smooth process!
There are a lot of families on the verge of traveling, all still in need of funds. There is no child, no family more important than another; each child is in a desperate situation, living without a family. What child deserves that? I am praying (and hope you will join me) that God just throw the financial doors wide open, blanket everyone with His provisions, and unites the families together quickly, so that these kids don't have to be alone anymore. At the end of the day, that is each of our (adoptive families) goal: just get these children into good families.
September: We are currently waiting on immigration to approve our paperwork; we are praying that it is quickly processed (they say 2.5 months but have the ability to have it done much, much shorter.) We are also waiting for our first set of dossier paperwork to be apostilled. As soon as it is returned, it will be rushed to our EE country to be translated, and then we will be invited to travel. The waiting is so hard!
June: Our homestudy is finally going to be completed! We were scheduled to have it on June 15th, however, on June 14th I fell and broke my foot. Instead, it is rescheduled for June 18th. Please pray that all goes well. Our social worker is wonderful and supportive of special needs adoptions, so I am very happy that we get to work with her.
Adding to that, please pray that our state and agency complete the paperwork quickly. I am trusting that this is all in God's timing, not our own, but prayers for a speedy process is much appreciated.
Pray that my foot heals quickly and fully. I fell and injured the 5th metatarsal (foot bone that connects to the pinky toe) and the doctor is unsure whether it will heal without surgery. I am casted (in an aircast) for eight weeks; in a few weeks they will check to see if I have tendon damage and whether or not surgery will be required. I do not know how this injury will impact our adoption (hopefully not at all,) but international adoption is tricky, so please pray that things heal quickly and easily!
May: We our finishing up one fundraiser and heading directly into another. This one is local, so we are entirely dependent upon people around us choosing to participate. Please pray that we sell the tickets to make our Xtreme Trampolines fundraiser a success. This is a great opportunity for us not only to raise funds, but to share the needs of these orphans with our community.
Please pray that Todd remain strong (physically and mentally) as this school year comes to a close. He has a tough job, and at this time of year, it is especially difficult.
April: We are going to be changing our homestudy agency. We have to pay a large sum of money upfront in order to do this, but I feel very right in the decision, so I believe it is where we should have been all along. Please pray that things move quickly and easily so that we start moving forward to bring Our Girl home.
We have a few large fundraising projects in the works. Please pray that these pan out and help us move toward our funding needs.
We continue to need peace and clarity in this journey. I'll be honest, it is an exhausting, long, sometimes scary road, and it is very easy to feel defeated time and again. Pray that God continues to speak and give us wisdom as we try to follow His lead.
There are other families in need of prayer, funding, and emotional support. Please make sure to lift these families in prayer, as they are on their own adoption journeys and face obstacles as well. Pray for the Burger family, the Hartman family, the Ferrone family, the Abell family, the Moreno family, the Davis family. Click on their names to link to their family information page. From here you can find the family blogs to follow their stories and find out their specific prayer needs.
GIVING THANKS
June: Praise God for our new homestudy agency! They are timely and organized, return calls at all hours (nights and weekends,) and our new social worker seems to be a perfect match for our family. Her background is in special needs and Down syndrome is something she is very familiar with, so we are thrilled to have someone educated and supportive of special needs' adoptions.
I received an email recently that had me completely at loss for words. A family (whom we've never met) has decided to hold an event at the end of June, and is donating all the proceeds to our adoption. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend (my sister is getting married the same day as the event,) but we are going to create a family video to show our appreciation. We are thrilled, of course because it will help with funding, but even moreso, because they chose us. It's an incredible feeling to have someone recognize you, acknowledge, and say specifically, I want to help you. God truly moves in mysterious and exciting ways. Please pray that the event is a success, that hearts are opened to the world of special needs' adoptions. This is a great opportunity in so many ways!
May: The Carlin family came home today; the Beamishes and Buricks have also recently returned with their children. Because of these three families, five children are orphans no more! (And to think, tomorrow is the first day these children get to celebrate a Mother's day; imagine that, the first time you have a mother to actually celebrate!
Our DOTS fundraiser has been a great success, thanks to the generous people whom support us. That fundraiser, along with a bit of other work on our part, has resulted in us nearly having the exact amount of funds ready to go for our homestudy. Paperwork is being submitted pronto, and our process should begin very quickly! Praise to God and thank you to each of you whom have prayed and given to help us bring Elisha home!
We have already experienced many "bumps" in the road; but at the same time, we've been experiencing the power of God's majesty at the same time. As difficult as these things are, I can't even explain how incredible it is when we can look back and see how He leads us through these times. Sometimes we can't see it in the moment (okay, most of the time,) but as soon as His plan is revealed to us, it is SO GOOD. The verse I can do all these through Christ who strengthens me is really applying to our lives lately.
April: Our small group has been such a blessing in our lives. We started this group just about the same time we started the adoption road. Their support is beyond what I can properly voice. I am truly so thankful to each and every one of you. Thank you for your financial gift; it came exactly at the time we needed it, so praise God for once again renewing my faith in His provision. While on monetary needs are important, just as important (or moreso) is our need for emotional support and constant prayer. I find myself anticipating each Friday coming around, just because each week someone has something to say that renews our spirit and faith in this journey. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a much bigger part of this adoption than I'm sure you realize!
To my dear CT friend Lisa, thank you for your support for us. I know that you have your own family to support, and that you are making a sacrifice in helping us bring our girl home. I pray that God blesses you over and over again, because your generosity is worth millions as far as I am concerned.
To each and every person whom has been giving us financial support, thank you. I love being able to give to others, being a part of their story. I love knowing that I made a personal sacrifice for the good of someone else. I sincerely hope and pray that you get the same sense of satisfaction that I get when I give, because THAT is the ONLY reason that I can accept money from others without feeling guilty or shame. Every dollar that appears in our account brings a tear to my eye; it's like seeing a miracle unfold before my very eyes. Thank you, and know that our story may be to bring a little girl into our home, but your story is getting her here.
To each and every prayer warrior, YOU ARE THE VILLAGE. It takes a village to bring home a child. We have vowed to raise her, but we know that is impossible without you being here for us every step of the way. We are humbled by your faith in us.
SINGING HIS PRAISES!
April: Recently, a family was denied the completion of their adoption, as the judge determined the child was "unadaptable to society" solely because of the his diagnosis of Down syndrome. The news shocked the RR community; we couldn't believe that this family had fought so hard to bring this little boy home, and in a brief moment, it was over.
What we should have realized is that his story was far from over; in fact, it had only just begun. His story, and the story of the family who wants to bring their son home, has spread across the internet. It has traveled across the U.S., across other countries, across continents. One little boy is no longer "unadaptable" and forgotten. He is now a visible rainbow across the world. People previously unfamiliar with Reece's Rainbow are now informed and supportive of this organization. The RR website was flooded with enough visitors to overload the system one day. Celebrities including Patricia Heaton, Alyssa Milano, Mariel Hemingway, Marlee Matlin and others are now spreading the word about Reece's Rainbow. Because of one little boy, the RR name has spread far and wide. Because of one little boy, many other children will find families of their own. Because of one little boy, a judge has been forced to see that a child with special needs, while considered "unadaptable" where she lives, is WANTED and DESIRED somewhere else. I believe with every fiber of my being that God knew this judge would say no, and saying no was temporary and necessary for a reason. Now, the family is appealing the verdict, and this same judge has the chance to change this little boy's life forever. Do I believe she will do so? With all my heart.
-The Hook family just traveled to the same region to pick up their little girl. They stood before this same judge, who, only weeks earlier, had said no. This time, she said YES. Evan is now officially united with her family, and is an orphan no more. Praise God! There is not a doubt in my mind that God is doing wondrous things with this judge's heart. I truly believe He has great plans for her.
-The Carlin family is very dear to my heart. When I first discovered Reece's Rainbow, Danil was the little boy who took my breath away. I couldn't stop thinking about him day or night. I loved him instantly. Within a short time, the Carlin family committed to bringing him home. There ability to surrender completely to God's will inspired me beyond words. For being willing to bring him home, they will forever hold a special place in my heart. This past week, the family traveled to Danil's country and finally met him, along with two other beautiful children that they are welcoming into their family. The Carlin brood is literally doubling in size, and it is because of their constant faith and journey that I was able to ask God to use me as He desires. This family probably has no idea how much they mean to me!
-The Burick family is currently in-country, meeting their new little boy for the first time as well. This family provided a lot of emotional support to me very early on, and because they live somewhat close by, I have followed their story closely. God has performed miracles again and again as they have worked to bring their boy home!
-The Beamish family is another one that is very special to me. Sara became a strong support at a time that I was feeling very alone. She is a quiet soul, she doesn't say much about herself, but when she does, MAN is it good! The family was recently scheduled to travel but funds were seriously low. The RR community united in prayer for this family, and in one week's time raised over FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. I spoke to Sara days before leaving, asking what happens if it is time to travel and they don't have all the funds. She boldly answered, "God will provide. We ARE going to get our girl home." Me of little faith... the day before traveling, God worked the hearts of who know how many people, and sure enough, they got on that plane fully funded. I look at the amazing journey this family has been on, and it literally brings me to tears, because I see a family that God truly entrusts with his children.
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS
October: My foot is doing so much better. While running is still not possible, I can easily walk (with only a slight limp) and can now go up and down stairs. I'm confident that it will not be an issue when we are traveling (other than the fact that it healed wider than my left foot, so I now am in need of two different size shoes.) Thanks for your prayers!
We are (anxiously) awaiting our travel date; none will be assigned until the previous family's post-placement report is translated and delivered. Prayers are appreciated for a speedy and smooth process!
There are a lot of families on the verge of traveling, all still in need of funds. There is no child, no family more important than another; each child is in a desperate situation, living without a family. What child deserves that? I am praying (and hope you will join me) that God just throw the financial doors wide open, blanket everyone with His provisions, and unites the families together quickly, so that these kids don't have to be alone anymore. At the end of the day, that is each of our (adoptive families) goal: just get these children into good families.
September: We are currently waiting on immigration to approve our paperwork; we are praying that it is quickly processed (they say 2.5 months but have the ability to have it done much, much shorter.) We are also waiting for our first set of dossier paperwork to be apostilled. As soon as it is returned, it will be rushed to our EE country to be translated, and then we will be invited to travel. The waiting is so hard!
June: Our homestudy is finally going to be completed! We were scheduled to have it on June 15th, however, on June 14th I fell and broke my foot. Instead, it is rescheduled for June 18th. Please pray that all goes well. Our social worker is wonderful and supportive of special needs adoptions, so I am very happy that we get to work with her.
Adding to that, please pray that our state and agency complete the paperwork quickly. I am trusting that this is all in God's timing, not our own, but prayers for a speedy process is much appreciated.
Pray that my foot heals quickly and fully. I fell and injured the 5th metatarsal (foot bone that connects to the pinky toe) and the doctor is unsure whether it will heal without surgery. I am casted (in an aircast) for eight weeks; in a few weeks they will check to see if I have tendon damage and whether or not surgery will be required. I do not know how this injury will impact our adoption (hopefully not at all,) but international adoption is tricky, so please pray that things heal quickly and easily!
May: We our finishing up one fundraiser and heading directly into another. This one is local, so we are entirely dependent upon people around us choosing to participate. Please pray that we sell the tickets to make our Xtreme Trampolines fundraiser a success. This is a great opportunity for us not only to raise funds, but to share the needs of these orphans with our community.
Please pray that Todd remain strong (physically and mentally) as this school year comes to a close. He has a tough job, and at this time of year, it is especially difficult.
April: We are going to be changing our homestudy agency. We have to pay a large sum of money upfront in order to do this, but I feel very right in the decision, so I believe it is where we should have been all along. Please pray that things move quickly and easily so that we start moving forward to bring Our Girl home.
We have a few large fundraising projects in the works. Please pray that these pan out and help us move toward our funding needs.
We continue to need peace and clarity in this journey. I'll be honest, it is an exhausting, long, sometimes scary road, and it is very easy to feel defeated time and again. Pray that God continues to speak and give us wisdom as we try to follow His lead.
There are other families in need of prayer, funding, and emotional support. Please make sure to lift these families in prayer, as they are on their own adoption journeys and face obstacles as well. Pray for the Burger family, the Hartman family, the Ferrone family, the Abell family, the Moreno family, the Davis family. Click on their names to link to their family information page. From here you can find the family blogs to follow their stories and find out their specific prayer needs.
GIVING THANKS
June: Praise God for our new homestudy agency! They are timely and organized, return calls at all hours (nights and weekends,) and our new social worker seems to be a perfect match for our family. Her background is in special needs and Down syndrome is something she is very familiar with, so we are thrilled to have someone educated and supportive of special needs' adoptions.
I received an email recently that had me completely at loss for words. A family (whom we've never met) has decided to hold an event at the end of June, and is donating all the proceeds to our adoption. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend (my sister is getting married the same day as the event,) but we are going to create a family video to show our appreciation. We are thrilled, of course because it will help with funding, but even moreso, because they chose us. It's an incredible feeling to have someone recognize you, acknowledge, and say specifically, I want to help you. God truly moves in mysterious and exciting ways. Please pray that the event is a success, that hearts are opened to the world of special needs' adoptions. This is a great opportunity in so many ways!
May: The Carlin family came home today; the Beamishes and Buricks have also recently returned with their children. Because of these three families, five children are orphans no more! (And to think, tomorrow is the first day these children get to celebrate a Mother's day; imagine that, the first time you have a mother to actually celebrate!
Our DOTS fundraiser has been a great success, thanks to the generous people whom support us. That fundraiser, along with a bit of other work on our part, has resulted in us nearly having the exact amount of funds ready to go for our homestudy. Paperwork is being submitted pronto, and our process should begin very quickly! Praise to God and thank you to each of you whom have prayed and given to help us bring Elisha home!
We have already experienced many "bumps" in the road; but at the same time, we've been experiencing the power of God's majesty at the same time. As difficult as these things are, I can't even explain how incredible it is when we can look back and see how He leads us through these times. Sometimes we can't see it in the moment (okay, most of the time,) but as soon as His plan is revealed to us, it is SO GOOD. The verse I can do all these through Christ who strengthens me is really applying to our lives lately.
April: Our small group has been such a blessing in our lives. We started this group just about the same time we started the adoption road. Their support is beyond what I can properly voice. I am truly so thankful to each and every one of you. Thank you for your financial gift; it came exactly at the time we needed it, so praise God for once again renewing my faith in His provision. While on monetary needs are important, just as important (or moreso) is our need for emotional support and constant prayer. I find myself anticipating each Friday coming around, just because each week someone has something to say that renews our spirit and faith in this journey. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a much bigger part of this adoption than I'm sure you realize!
To my dear CT friend Lisa, thank you for your support for us. I know that you have your own family to support, and that you are making a sacrifice in helping us bring our girl home. I pray that God blesses you over and over again, because your generosity is worth millions as far as I am concerned.
To each and every person whom has been giving us financial support, thank you. I love being able to give to others, being a part of their story. I love knowing that I made a personal sacrifice for the good of someone else. I sincerely hope and pray that you get the same sense of satisfaction that I get when I give, because THAT is the ONLY reason that I can accept money from others without feeling guilty or shame. Every dollar that appears in our account brings a tear to my eye; it's like seeing a miracle unfold before my very eyes. Thank you, and know that our story may be to bring a little girl into our home, but your story is getting her here.
To each and every prayer warrior, YOU ARE THE VILLAGE. It takes a village to bring home a child. We have vowed to raise her, but we know that is impossible without you being here for us every step of the way. We are humbled by your faith in us.
SINGING HIS PRAISES!
April: Recently, a family was denied the completion of their adoption, as the judge determined the child was "unadaptable to society" solely because of the his diagnosis of Down syndrome. The news shocked the RR community; we couldn't believe that this family had fought so hard to bring this little boy home, and in a brief moment, it was over.
What we should have realized is that his story was far from over; in fact, it had only just begun. His story, and the story of the family who wants to bring their son home, has spread across the internet. It has traveled across the U.S., across other countries, across continents. One little boy is no longer "unadaptable" and forgotten. He is now a visible rainbow across the world. People previously unfamiliar with Reece's Rainbow are now informed and supportive of this organization. The RR website was flooded with enough visitors to overload the system one day. Celebrities including Patricia Heaton, Alyssa Milano, Mariel Hemingway, Marlee Matlin and others are now spreading the word about Reece's Rainbow. Because of one little boy, the RR name has spread far and wide. Because of one little boy, many other children will find families of their own. Because of one little boy, a judge has been forced to see that a child with special needs, while considered "unadaptable" where she lives, is WANTED and DESIRED somewhere else. I believe with every fiber of my being that God knew this judge would say no, and saying no was temporary and necessary for a reason. Now, the family is appealing the verdict, and this same judge has the chance to change this little boy's life forever. Do I believe she will do so? With all my heart.
-The Hook family just traveled to the same region to pick up their little girl. They stood before this same judge, who, only weeks earlier, had said no. This time, she said YES. Evan is now officially united with her family, and is an orphan no more. Praise God! There is not a doubt in my mind that God is doing wondrous things with this judge's heart. I truly believe He has great plans for her.
-The Carlin family is very dear to my heart. When I first discovered Reece's Rainbow, Danil was the little boy who took my breath away. I couldn't stop thinking about him day or night. I loved him instantly. Within a short time, the Carlin family committed to bringing him home. There ability to surrender completely to God's will inspired me beyond words. For being willing to bring him home, they will forever hold a special place in my heart. This past week, the family traveled to Danil's country and finally met him, along with two other beautiful children that they are welcoming into their family. The Carlin brood is literally doubling in size, and it is because of their constant faith and journey that I was able to ask God to use me as He desires. This family probably has no idea how much they mean to me!
-The Burick family is currently in-country, meeting their new little boy for the first time as well. This family provided a lot of emotional support to me very early on, and because they live somewhat close by, I have followed their story closely. God has performed miracles again and again as they have worked to bring their boy home!
-The Beamish family is another one that is very special to me. Sara became a strong support at a time that I was feeling very alone. She is a quiet soul, she doesn't say much about herself, but when she does, MAN is it good! The family was recently scheduled to travel but funds were seriously low. The RR community united in prayer for this family, and in one week's time raised over FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. I spoke to Sara days before leaving, asking what happens if it is time to travel and they don't have all the funds. She boldly answered, "God will provide. We ARE going to get our girl home." Me of little faith... the day before traveling, God worked the hearts of who know how many people, and sure enough, they got on that plane fully funded. I look at the amazing journey this family has been on, and it literally brings me to tears, because I see a family that God truly entrusts with his children.
