tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63723085608591682792024-02-20T12:56:50.972-08:00Saving Sydney and LucienOn A Mission to Help Orphans In Eastern Europe.Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-29960070816752534222012-05-27T10:44:00.000-07:002012-05-27T10:44:02.127-07:00InvitationWe will no longer be updating this blog. We invite you to continue to follow us and our story at <a href="http://becauseyouareloved.blogspot.com/">http://becauseyouareloved.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Thank you!Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-57920737762483192692012-05-27T10:38:00.000-07:002012-05-27T10:38:53.749-07:00Mustard Seed Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5YbFQ4M19175jIgvQ6X-cB7QEPNfIXZ0iIk8XJeNPxKGS3YyluW-0XMpJZV_TU6sYdObxZCCNXJPWccQebY2mPe4LPyIB1z_hUm6MHwQtwJlVAkQRL4q0DZkWT5awYVgrgdR7THZiEbm/s1600/mustard_seed_faith_card_business_card-p240017062623053193bfd0z_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5YbFQ4M19175jIgvQ6X-cB7QEPNfIXZ0iIk8XJeNPxKGS3YyluW-0XMpJZV_TU6sYdObxZCCNXJPWccQebY2mPe4LPyIB1z_hUm6MHwQtwJlVAkQRL4q0DZkWT5awYVgrgdR7THZiEbm/s320/mustard_seed_faith_card_business_card-p240017062623053193bfd0z_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Our journey started back in October. We had seen many people fully funded in a matter of months, weeks, days, even hours. We thought with some hard work, some fundraising, we would surely be fully funded by the time we got our travel date.<br />
<br />
But God wants us to learn something in this journey. He wants to teach us to obey and have faith. Our journey to rescue Sydney and Lucien is a one we feel has been orchestrated by God. He has set in motion many things in our lives to prepare our hearts and minds for a special needs adoption.<br />
<br />
When I was two years old, my maw-maw (grandma) was hit by a drunk driver and never walked again. She was so badly injured that from then on she was bedridden and spent the next six years of her life in her bed until she passed away. I remember how wonderful it was to cuddle against her and read stories with her and listen to her sing.<br />
There were the summers that I would go to the pool and see a mother with her son who had an intellectual disability. I was only about 10 when I saw him the first time, he looked to be about 6 or 7. I asked his mom about him and she was very nice and polite and answered my questions. I spent the rest of the day playing with him in the shallow end of the pool while some of my other friends played jumped off the diving board or swam in the deep end. I remember when it was time to go home his mom thanking me for taking time to play with her son. I told her not to thank me, I had lots of fun, and I meant it.<br />
Years later, when my uncle was getting married, we went to the reception after the wedding. My aunt's brother, David, has an intellectual disability and he was there at the wedding as well. I was about 12 at the time and her brother was probably in his early 20s. I stood back and watched all the grown-ups dance and talk and wasn't sure what to do with myself, but my aunt's brothers came over one of her brother's said that David would like to dance with me (David is non-verbal so he could not tell me himself). David and I spent the next few songs dancing and laughing. Even without words we were able to communicate and have fun.<br />
When I was pregnant for Brandon, almost 14 years ago now, the doctor said that he would have down syndrome. The doctor kept trying to insist I should come in to have an abortion, but I refused. A few weeks later, after more testing, the doctor came back and said that Brandon did not in fact have down syndrome, it was an error in the testing.<br />
With a spare room in the house we knew we wanted to adopt. At first we thought of a child with no special needs, but my heart kept leading me back to children who were blind, deaf, have cerebral palsy, or down syndrome. We did not want to make a hasty decision, so we prayed for many days, weeks, even months.<br />
Then one day while we were in church, we prayed, "God, please, give us a sign. Show us what you want us to do." Moments later, in walked a group of teens and young adults, and they sat down, right in front of us. And all of them, had down syndrome. We later found out that once a month on one certain day of the week they have a down syndrome get together where they make crafts, and attend service. It was a God moment... we did not normally attend that service but we had an event for one of the kids at our normal service time so we switched at the last minute.<br />
<br />
It was then we knew. We found Sydney in October and Lucien in November and we committed to them right away. I had been following Reece's Rainbow for a while, just hoping and dreaming, and thinking of how amazing it all is how everyone pulls together. I thought our journey would be just as easy.<br />
<br />
But we have had some struggles along the way. I know some people say that Satan is trying to stop us from doing God's work. Maybe that is true. Whatever it is, we can only rise to the moment, and not let it over take us. But again, we were sure that before we got a travel date we would be fully funded. But, we are not.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, God has a lesson for us to learn. One that can not be learned quickly. In my life, I have had times when I have needed help, and no one has been there. (At least that is what I thought since God is ALWAYS present). I <strike>learned</strike> have been learning to trust in people again. To put all my faith in God. To believe that through Him, anything is possible. <br />
<br />
<br />
In Luke 17:5 the apostles asked something of Jesus. "Increase our faith." They felt that if they had more faith, they could do what Jesus did. So they decided to go the easy route and ask Jesus to increase their faith. <br />
<br />
What better person to ask! Jesus was full of faith—just look at all He did!. Jesus knew the truth—Satan had no power whatsoever unless it is given to him. God backs Jesus up—every time! <br />
Jesus's response shocked them. He told them they didn’t need a large amount of faith. A mustard seed size would do!Well OK they thought, Jesus won’t increase our faith. But how do we get mustard seed size faith?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexzWKAkKoA6pK9QB2mNTKUYDSpyh3QTE3ioLSBDdJk2uTX5IG9A9J0tRxDKRJaENjtTd2Ji9ixMkqvFQ28tfp8U7iabcIZVPcguXRmBrPWpWciHdhXflTNA9XN489Ho6MGeVWE3FC4gE/s1600/mustard-seed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexzWKAkKoA6pK9QB2mNTKUYDSpyh3QTE3ioLSBDdJk2uTX5IG9A9J0tRxDKRJaENjtTd2Ji9ixMkqvFQ28tfp8U7iabcIZVPcguXRmBrPWpWciHdhXflTNA9XN489Ho6MGeVWE3FC4gE/s320/mustard-seed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I wonder if they went out looking for mustard seeds to try and measure how much faith they needed.<br />
Take a look at a mustard seed. So tiny, isn’t it? You can barely feel it, it is so small. If you don’t have a mustard seed, then look at a point on the end of a pencil. That’s about the size of a mustard seed. <br />
<br />
Now, imagine what a mountain looks like. It is Huge!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9u1J2q2EZbFJtTVwb4qSrGldkJLsHPu0HOYI1flMGqA-jMVvHHtY8KiBScrGpbkoMWSTDKlFcca6Imetc3yWoSySBZc4oVdbBYKO4KWBrQU5UpEHkolsX5tIhPeW6yASL1SxCWpIhgE/s1600/have-mustard-seed-faith.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9u1J2q2EZbFJtTVwb4qSrGldkJLsHPu0HOYI1flMGqA-jMVvHHtY8KiBScrGpbkoMWSTDKlFcca6Imetc3yWoSySBZc4oVdbBYKO4KWBrQU5UpEHkolsX5tIhPeW6yASL1SxCWpIhgE/s320/have-mustard-seed-faith.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
In man’s eyes mustard seed faith could never remove this mountain. But God keeps his promises to us.God will not make something out of our reach. <br />
<br />
Matthew 17:20 says, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. <br />
<br />
Mark 9:23 says everything is possible for him who believes. <br />
<br />
Mark 10:27 says that all things are possible for God. <br />
<br />
So, how do we obtain Mustard Seed Faith?<br />
<br />
God gives us the measure of faith (Romans 12:3).<br />
<br />
So we have it already... we just have to use it. But we live in a world that sometimes lets us down. We start to rely on "things" too much. Instead of putting our faith in God where it belongs.<br />
<br />
TWO WEEKS... that is how long until we travel. $6300 is how much we are short.<br />
We are stepping out in faith. We have all the money to fly there, we have our tickets already. We have enough money to get us to our court date. We even have enough for Mark to get back home to work. What we do not have, is enough beyond that. We still need enough money for the 10 day wait after court. We need the money for the train that will get us back and forth to the capital city where we will be filling out paperwork that will allow Sydney and Lucien to fly home. We still need the money for their passports, visas, medicals. We still need the money for the last week in the capital city after they leave the orphanage. And we still need the money to... FLY HOME!!<br />
<br />
A friend of mine asked... what happens if you do not raise all the money. Then we are stuck. We will be stuck in a foreign country, with no way to get home. Another friend said, I want to help but I wont be able to until after you have already left, won't it be too late then? No, you can donate to our FSP until we get back home! With the money in our FSP, Reece's Rainbow can use that money and get the tickets we need to return home for us!!!<br />
<br />
So we are calling on faith. Like we have never done before. We are accepting this is a lesson in faith by God. And he will NOT let us down. We are obeying his call:<br />
<ul><li>"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, "Give them up!" and to the south, "Do not hold them back." Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth" Isaiah 43:5-6</li>
</ul><ul><li>"A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God sets the lonely in families. (Psalms 68:5-6)</li>
</ul><ul><li>"He defends the cause of the fatherless" (Deuteronomy 10:18)</li>
</ul><ul><li>"You are the helpers of the fatherless." (Psalm 10:14)</li>
</ul><ul><li>"It is not the will of your Father that one of these little ones should perish." (Matthew 18:14)</li>
</ul><ul><li>"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." (James 1:27)</li>
</ul><ul><li> "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)</li>
</ul><ul><li> "Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." (Matthew 18:5)</li>
</ul><ul><li> "Remember those…who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (Hebrews 13:3)</li>
</ul><ul><li>"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." (Matthew 25:35)</li>
</ul><ul><li> "He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me, declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 22:16)</li>
</ul>And God will NOT let us fall. We WILL believe. We WILL have faith. God will stir the hearts of many. He hears our cries.We are putting all of our faith in his hands. Because if we have faith, we WILL be ok. We will be flying out in two weeks, on the faith of a mustard seed. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiIN01cWwda7LjI9Imo1k9ACR6MaI1NrBUEjlZzjouc9f6y3C0thNTgIdXP8EnsifkxDb5Acd2AbC-nKjKFylMWY9fajJgKCelR0P1g7K3VFuWFPyXbJUppiujzqfqzW3sJ8DWUwGtJo/s1600/hands_of_god1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiIN01cWwda7LjI9Imo1k9ACR6MaI1NrBUEjlZzjouc9f6y3C0thNTgIdXP8EnsifkxDb5Acd2AbC-nKjKFylMWY9fajJgKCelR0P1g7K3VFuWFPyXbJUppiujzqfqzW3sJ8DWUwGtJo/s320/hands_of_god1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-57223981559376434442012-03-01T23:56:00.000-08:002012-03-01T23:56:30.116-08:00Maching GrantFor the month of March, we have had a VERY generous offer. If we can raise $500, a wonderful family has said they will match it with another $500!!<br />
We are starting with $5627 in our FSP (Reece's Rainbow Donation Box)<br />
and $0 in our Chip-In. You can donate either way! Please help us reach $500 so we can recieve the matching grant!!<br />
Thank you and God Bless You!!Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-81771705362126873432012-02-25T20:53:00.002-08:002012-02-25T20:55:20.181-08:00Breaking It All Down...So many of you may wonder... $28, 000-$32,000 is a LOT of money. Where does it all go?<br />
All text highlighted have already been paid by us, we just need to fundraise for the rest. All fees are a rough estimate. The actual fees can vary depending on time of year for travel (traveling in the winter months is less expensive than the summer months), city of adoption, and travel needs in country.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;">$1650 Homestudy</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;">$1275 Commitment Fee</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;">$300 Adoption Classes (Required part of homestudy) </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;">$110 Passport for Parents </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;">$1000 USCIS paperwork I-600a & FBI Fingerprinting </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;">$1000 Notary & Apostle Fees</span><br />
$5000 Flights<br />
$8600 Facilitator Fees<br />
$3200 lodging while in country (one trip - around 7-8 weeks)<br />
$1000 food/supplies while in country<br />
$600 child's passport<br />
$550 child's medical and VISA<br />
$2000 transportation while in country<br />
$1000 orphanage donation/dossier preparation costs<br />
<br />
If adopting a second child in the same area....<br />
$1000 flight<br />
$670 second I600a fee for unrelated child<br />
$2000 facilitator additional fee (from same orphanage)<br />
$600 child's passport<br />
$550 child's medical and VISA<br />
$500 additional orphanage donationUnknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-7313305044882859962012-02-22T16:23:00.002-08:002012-02-22T16:23:57.024-08:00Somewhere Out ThereIn another country, there is a room filled with babies. Some have down syndrome, some do not. Some have heart issues, feeding issues, and the list goes on. So what do they have in common? They are ALL orphans. For whatever reason, their parents felt they were unable to care for them. They have put their child into an orphanage, in hopes that someone, somewhere, would find them, and love them.<br />
Somewhere out there there is a nanny, she is working as hard as she can, trying her best to take care of the many children in her care, and knowing that it is not enough. There are just too many to be able to spend all day holding one or two. There are too many for her to rock them to sleep, or for her to carry them around in her arms all day. There are too many to sit down and have one on one time and play with them, and sing them to sleep. She is doing her best, but at the end of the day, she goes home, wishing it were more. <br />
Somewhere out there.... there is a little girl and little boy in a crib, wanting to be rocked to sleep, wanting to be held while they drink their bottle, wanting to be played with, talked to, and loved.<br />
They have no idea that the life they are living is not what every other child's life is like. All they know is that they NEED more than the life they are living. The deserve MORE than to live a life as an orphan. <br />
They have no idea that on the other side of the world, every single night, a mommy and daddy are saying a prayer that they will be safe until we can get them and bring them home. They have no idea that a nursery is waiting for them with beautiful bedding , soft blankets, and clothes of their very own. They have no idea that they have sisters and a brother who are so excited to welcome them to the family.<br />
They have no idea that many nights, their mommy is doing her best not to cry, to be strong, and counting the days until she can go hold them, love them, and officially become their mommy. They have no idea that their daddy has worked tirelessly on their nursery to make it perfect for them, that he is trying to work over time whenever he can to help raise the money to get them home, and that he has even taken up making crosses and other items to sell on Etsy in hopes that it will be enough to get them home.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">"And when the night wind, Starts to sing a lonesome lullaby It helps to think we're sleeping<br />
Underneath the same big sky.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Somewhere out there If love can see us through Then we'll be together.<br />
Somewhere out there Out where dreams come true...</span> " <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(lyrics from American Tale)</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEJYj6mOGLcJH4yZ6mrCoh2y3ZMSi7NgUqjzMGroHqsZdNwYJFZRlDoXmf5CeWLFQQt4tcb-Q9MYRc6ydQtfEWX0N42DJAHYEYiPJPb2VCNBR71w_j4MFPeYhKQW24Tpyy3QYdvr-hpI/s1600/somewhere+out+there.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEJYj6mOGLcJH4yZ6mrCoh2y3ZMSi7NgUqjzMGroHqsZdNwYJFZRlDoXmf5CeWLFQQt4tcb-Q9MYRc6ydQtfEWX0N42DJAHYEYiPJPb2VCNBR71w_j4MFPeYhKQW24Tpyy3QYdvr-hpI/s400/somewhere+out+there.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Somewhere out there, two orphans get closer every day to their birthday, and they are waiting for their family to come. Our paperwork is almost finished, we are so close. The only thing that stands in the way, is the funds to travel.<br />
Somewhere out there, someone is reading this blog, and somewhere out there, a heart will be moved. Please help us bring them home!!Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-18301977090669355362012-01-22T15:24:00.000-08:002012-01-22T15:24:55.109-08:00How You Can Help....<h3><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">A big part adoption expenses are from the actual traveling and facilitator fees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, you may want to know what a facilitator does. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A facilitator is the person who will take ALL our documents (tons of them) and translate them into their language, translate for us while we are there, make sure that we have accommodations such as travel within the country, lodging, and directions to wherever we need to go. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will be with us when we have court so they can make sure that the judge understands us and we understand any questions the judge has for us. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">For a detailed list of all the expenses, please click on the tab at the top “Understanding Adoption Costs”. If you are able to, please donate to help reduce some of these expenses. We still have $25,000 to raise by April when we will be traveling. As always, please pray. Pray that Sydney and Lucien will be ok until we get there. Pray that Sydney's and Lucien's hearts will be ok and that they will not have any heart trouble, (a common issue for children with Down Syndrome) Pray that we will be able to raise the money in time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Thank you so much!</span></div></h3><h3><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/27586/sponsorjenks" target="_blank" title="">LUCIEN & SYDNEY for the Jenks family — Vancouver, WA</a></h3><br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-29234" height="300" src="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/lucien-1-cropped-204x300.jpg" title="lucien-1-cropped" width="204" /><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-26603" height="300" src="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/11011022409-200x300.jpg" title="11011022409" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<div> <br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: dimgrey;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Rebecca and Mark have four wonderful children between the ages of 13-21. They knew they wanted more children and that adoption would be the way they would find their baby. It wasn’t until they stumbled onto Reece’s Rainbow that they considered a little one with Down Syndrome. After a year of reading books and following blogs of families going through the process, they prayed about moving forward. The very next weekend at church a group of teens and adults with Down Syndrome came and sat down in front of them. God just doesn’t get much louder than that.</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: dimgrey;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When they brought up the subject of adopting with their other children, the vote was unanimous. Mark and Rebecca were surprised when the kids ran around the house finding any loose change, even their own change, to start saving to bring home their little sister and brother. </span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: dimgrey;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The feeling Rebecca and Mark felt when they first saw Sydney and Lucien was just like when your child just born and they place them in your arms for the first time. They just knew these two beautiful little ones were meant to be part of their family.</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: dimgrey;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They can hardly wait to bring their little blessings home and would appreciate your prayers and donations as they work towards bringing their little one home “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.” </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/mothertere158109.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: dimgrey;">Mother Teresa</span></a></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Reece's Rainbow Voice of Hope Fund covers the Paypal fees for family donations under $500. Larger donations will have a 3% PayPal fee deducted before it is applied to the family's adoption fund. We encourage donors who are sending large donations to send a check so that the full amount of the donation goes to the family's adoption fund.<br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> </div>Please include a note telling Reece's Rainbow the donation is intended for the Jenks Family.<br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"> </div>Reece's Rainbow<br />
PO Box 4024<br />
Gaithersburg, MD 20885<br />
</span></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-61667199609363824042012-01-15T12:16:00.000-08:002012-01-15T12:16:16.189-08:00Which Path?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc06_szTBRuhwueA1bgIAVr2YLtA6M-JP7F91BLJ-ven0GcScO3jd0g1qWv0bi3kwwx0kEVJzmbSfQ_bWsRdn4Zjc5TsT0XxznR2GpWaQARkNqigMrM6W-FP3QlJyaCwDo1QBpcv6fmqis/s1600/roadnottaken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc06_szTBRuhwueA1bgIAVr2YLtA6M-JP7F91BLJ-ven0GcScO3jd0g1qWv0bi3kwwx0kEVJzmbSfQ_bWsRdn4Zjc5TsT0XxznR2GpWaQARkNqigMrM6W-FP3QlJyaCwDo1QBpcv6fmqis/s640/roadnottaken.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Where you are in your life, depends on your choices. Sometimes, it seems easier to take the path that everyone else is on. Sometimes, however you take a different path. Sometimes you take a path, uncertain of the outcome, because you feel like the path everyone else is on has turned into a treadmill of life. Or you feel like there is something more important that is yet to be seen on the other path. Sometimes, if we stop and look at that path that most people take, it is filled with a lot of self serving and very little brotherly love. Somehow, we have lost sight of the big picture. We are so caught up in the American dream that we forget about the other paths that are there. We get caught up in material things, we forget what means the most. We become vain and filled with self indulgence. We focus on that extra car, that bigger house, the bigger tv. Is that what is really important? People often get so caught up, that they fail to see what is really important. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How can we place more importance on objects than we do living things?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My passion is helping people, I want to rescue orphans. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You do not have to choose my path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maybe that is not your path, maybe you are better with animals, or wildlife, or being environmentally friendly.You can make a difference, in some way, to make the world a better place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Your path lays before you, in one direction you can make a difference that will help many, the other path is one that will make a difference mostly in your life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't buy into the American dream so much, that you forget what is really important.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which path will you take?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-68812499457620033982012-01-01T23:12:00.001-08:002012-01-01T23:12:26.188-08:00Stepping Out in Faith<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 6;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">Every year as the new year rings in, people decide on a New Year's Resolution. It usually involves losing weight, excising more, eating healthier, or things like that. At first, I was going to make that kind of resolution. But then I started talking to a friend of mine who is also adopting. Their family is also short on their funds for their adoption. We found out that another family is as well. So instead of making a New Year's Resolution that was about me and my life, I wanted to make one that would help others. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">This year my New Year's Resolution is to set up a fundraiser for not only our family but for other families that have more than $10,000 to raise and are facing a travel date in the very near future!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">I am praying that this fundraiser will work, and if it does, I will continue this fundraiser once EVERY YEAR as long as Reece's Rainbow is running, to benefit three families who are struggling to get their funding. I want to be the stone that creates a ripple effect that can continue from person to person. I want to make a difference not just in the life of one family, but in the life of as many children and families as I can. I want to help these families bring their children home! There are also some other families that while they do not have as much to raise, still need all the help they can get. I will become an advocate for these families as well. You will see their beautiful children on the side of my blog. Please, take a moment and look at their children, look at their name, look into their eyes, and do not turn away. Learn more about these families who have also stepped out in faith and offer them your prayers and support. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">Why is this important to me? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IyI1YAeNK8M/TwFUDFeE2mI/AAAAAAAAAqA/dBkSOL7GH9g/s1600/faithhebrew111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IyI1YAeNK8M/TwFUDFeE2mI/AAAAAAAAAqA/dBkSOL7GH9g/s400/faithhebrew111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">When we committed to Sydney and Lucien they did not have any grant money, no angel tree money, no warrior money. However, we did receive a blessing that before we had become "official" in our commitment, Lucien did get a little bit of angel tree money, and people can still donate to him, even though he is not able to get any of the angel tree benefits such as matching donor money. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">The whole purpose of the angel tree is to help children FIND their families and since we have found him, that extra help is gone. Some children have been listed a long time, they need the extra boost to help encourage a family to reach out and open their hearts to a child. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">It is very scary stepping out in faith, and wondering if you will be able to raise the money in time. When stepped out, we stepped out knowing that we would have to put all our trust in God for this one. $30,000 is NOT easy to raise. We have raised (counting our money we have saved) $5000. We still need to raise $25,000. We have until around April to raise this. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">We hope to encourage other families and be an inspiration to families who see children who have little or no grant money or warrior/angel tree money. We want these families to know that they can step out in faith and others will be willing to step up and help them. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">YES, it is scary! This is the scariest thing I have ever done. Each day I have to force myself to NOT compare our fsp to others. I have to tell myself to NOT get discouraged. I have to tell myself that God works on HIS time NOT mine. And I have to believe that we WILL be ok, we WILL be able to make it to Sydney and Lucien, and we WILL be holding our babies and bringing them back home sometime in April/May.<br />
One of the hardest things for me is that I feel like I am having to step out of my comfort zone. I am normally a somewhat quiet person who just really loves to spend time with my family. I would rather sit down and play Scrabble or Sorry Sliders with my family than go out shopping or to parties. I find myself putting myself out there now, trying to tell everyone about the wonderful work that Reece's Rainbow is doing and how children with special needs ARE worth it. They are so very worth it! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">I want others to find their special little love too. I want to see other families bring their little ones home. I have to give everything to God, put it all in his hands, because this is one of those times when there is only ONE set of footprints in the sand. God is carrying me today, I am leaning on him. And I know, he will see us through. <br />
I am so blessed to have him to lean on, and I know that it will all work out, I am certainly having to learn patience and taking an extra helping of faith. Please keep us in your prayers. Please pray that we will be able to get our little ones home and in doing so, we will inspire others to set out in faith as well, and be willing to commit to children who have little to no funds to start with. Let's show that it CAN be done!<br />
Please pray! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">I want to tell you about a little girl. Shannon is only five years old and has already been transferred to an adult mental institution. Her family is VERY close to their goal and just needs to raise $3000. Stay tuned to hear more about Shannon!! I will be featuring her in our blog tomorrow along with an amazingly adorable picture of her!! I can hardly wait to share her story!!</span></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-35545046899917555582012-01-01T13:20:00.000-08:002012-01-01T13:20:39.742-08:00Become a Warrior for Orphans<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: center;">Will YOU be a Warrior for Orphans??</h3><div class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: center;">Every day, orphans at the age of 4-5 years old are transferred to adult mental institutions. These children need hope, WE are their hope! They need our help! They need a family! Let us work together to bring them home! Let's work together so they <strong>NEVER</strong> have to go to an institution! Right now, Sydney and Lucien are WAITING for us to get there and bring them home. Can you help us get them home??</div><div class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Will you be a WARRIOR for them??</strong></div><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: center;"> </h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGNycVlfVWJUSDZEcV9Kd0dJRUFwS1E6MQ%20" target="_blank">Thank you so much for the love and support you have shown Sydney and Lucien. Please fill out the form so we can always remember who helped give Sydney and Lucien a chance to be part of a family and loved just the way they are. </a></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: center;"></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: center;">WARRIORS FOR SYDNEY AND LUCIEN</h3><div class="post-header"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BP_Rx5PN1o/TvwaDEz0ziI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/4wMWaXQPY_w/s1600/SYDNEY+AND+LUCIEN+POSTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BP_Rx5PN1o/TvwaDEz0ziI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/4wMWaXQPY_w/s400/SYDNEY+AND+LUCIEN+POSTER.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyhKGu4MsUBwIAQS0j1PEZBVSUJUUapUxjJGByfrYEVvFPi-mixEj13vbtpoQrzHY5GxZQf1nKEtW7gcvEk8fRDR7_g0lri5Yj4zTJmH7023r87Gr5Vy_pQquQgRn2n_Z3J1vC_zyAHM/s1600/Champions.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><h1 dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.9209735074546188" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span></h1><h1 dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.9209735074546188" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Become a WARRIOR </span></span></h1><h1 dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;">for </span></span></h1><h1 dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">SYDNEY AND LUCIEN</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>and change their lives</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>FOREVER!</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>The goal:</b></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: black;">50 Warriors, $500 each </span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: black;">Each warrior commits to attempting to raise a $500 donation for Sydney and Lucien. </span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: black;"><u>All donations are tax-deductible. </u> </span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: black;">We want you to know how much your hard work means to us! </span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: black;">As a special Thank You, each Warrior will recieve*:</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: black;">A special Warrior photo mug</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: black;">Sydney and Lucien's Warrior Magnet</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: black;">A<br />
personalized Thank you letter and 4x6 of Sydney and Lucien AND you <br />
will receive a SECOND update letter once they are home along with a <br />
wallet size portrait </span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: black;">One of a kind homemade cross</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: black;">And a delicious treat from Sydney and Lucien's Kitchen!</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b></b></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How to become a WARRIOR FOR SYDNEY AND LUCIEN:</span></span></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Fill out this form </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGNycVlfVWJUSDZEcV9Kd0dJRUFwS1E6MQ%20" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GS4mIpnU3XI/TvwkMz7gSzI/AAAAAAAAAlc/L-pWf8lQCyo/s320/OfficeForms.png" width="240" /></a></div><br />
to indicate your interest in helping bring Sydney and Lucien home.<br />
You can hold a fundraiser, donate the money yourself, have a bake sale, host a giveaway... the choice is yours!<br />
If 50 people commit to raising $500 each,<br />
<b>We will be FULLY FUNDED to bring Sydney and Lucien HOME!!</b><br />
$25,000 is a lot of money.<br />
$500 is a much more manageable figure don't you think?<br />
Can you find a way to raise $500?<br />
If you can, will you do so?<br />
Will you be a warrior for two orphans that so desperately want to come home?<br />
<br />
Fill Out This Form</div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGNycVlfVWJUSDZEcV9Kd0dJRUFwS1E6MQ%20" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qenlie1FZ18/Tvwk73vCXBI/AAAAAAAAAl0/8X5BwfGpE3M/s320/OfficeForms.png" width="240" /></a></div></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to say ...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YES, I WANT TO SAVE SYDNEY AND LUCIEN FROM A LIFE AS AN ORPHAN, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I WANT TO BE THEIR WARRIOR! </span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: xx-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*Warriors who donate or raise the full $500 will receive the full thank you <br />
package. Those that do not may receive a smaller version (depending on <br />
funds and availability of items.) Gifts will be ordered and distributed <br />
in bulk (so as to save on shipping costs,) so please wait patiently for<br />
your thank you gifts. Thanks for your understanding!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: xx-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: xx-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: xx-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: xx-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>THANK YOU </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>to </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>SYDNEY AND LUCIEN'S WARRIOR!</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8Lk62ZU8bQ/TvwnZ5IJpEI/AAAAAAAAAmA/wLCtsh6wC50/s1600/little_angels_with_hearts_circling_the_globe_0521-1002-1012-1210_SMU.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8Lk62ZU8bQ/TvwnZ5IJpEI/AAAAAAAAAmA/wLCtsh6wC50/s1600/little_angels_with_hearts_circling_the_globe_0521-1002-1012-1210_SMU.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-88363628459098186092011-12-29T01:52:00.001-08:002011-12-29T01:52:51.662-08:00Ripples<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #996600;">"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." <i>Scott Adams</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #996600;">"Perform a random act of kindness for someone:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #996600;"> a smile, compliment, or a favor just for fun. These will multiply and spread very rapidly." <i>Steve Brunkhorst</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KoJSfzMunE/TvwzWfW88yI/AAAAAAAAAmY/pLv5vOyZqMk/s1600/Ripple-Effect-by-Kristen-DiPaolo-qpps_588594169884176.LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KoJSfzMunE/TvwzWfW88yI/AAAAAAAAAmY/pLv5vOyZqMk/s320/Ripple-Effect-by-Kristen-DiPaolo-qpps_588594169884176.LG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6BYmCm4JOc/Tvwy47pmsnI/AAAAAAAAAmM/fGtwb2KqVcY/s1600/RippleOfPositivity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #996600;"><i> </i></span></span>I want to send out some very special Thank Yous!<br />
<br />
I have had two very big, fall over type shocks this December. I want to give a big shout out to Kristi B. and Ryan W. I do not have words to express how thankful we are that you have been so gracious in your donation. The emotion that I have felt is beyond words, the gratitude, I do not know how to put it into words, you take my breath away.<br />
<br />
I would like to thank Elaina L, Terry B, Ariel F, Kelly L, Rosemary M, Lara F, Anne P, Dayna W.C, Thomas M, Molly C, Christopher S, Angela B, Gianna M, Jemma W, Catherine P, Kristin T, Layla A, Linda and James B, Theresa M, Debbie M, Annie T, Cynthia W, Bart G, Martha M, Rachel D, Julia N, Shannon S, Sara S, Karen F, Karen H, Heather C, Rhonda C. all of you have been so wonderful. Your love and support is amazing. Thank you for becoming part of Sydney and Lucien's villiage!!<br />
<br />
I would also like to thank all of those who have supported us with prayers, with blog shares, and your supportive words of encouragement.<br />
You are not just helping to change the life of two orphans you are helping to change the world!! The wonderful thing about helping others is that it creates a ripple effect. You are such blessings!<br />
If you did NOT see your name, it is not because I forgot you!! I still have many names I need to post Thank Yous about. I will be saving those for another post!!Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-1076388720331271032011-12-27T00:29:00.000-08:002011-12-27T00:29:06.261-08:00Dear Sydney and LucienDear Sydney and Lucien,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ETXb-uq6rBw/TvlwEituLkI/AAAAAAAAAkA/8v8PsJkHE_U/s1600/syneylucien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ETXb-uq6rBw/TvlwEituLkI/AAAAAAAAAkA/8v8PsJkHE_U/s320/syneylucien.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
You do not know us yet, but we are going to be your mommy and daddy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtJQhF1ZoDw/Tvlsda_F20I/AAAAAAAAAjc/7zFn31mesW4/s1600/DSCN6753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtJQhF1ZoDw/Tvlsda_F20I/AAAAAAAAAjc/7zFn31mesW4/s320/DSCN6753.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
We are working so hard to get you home. Your daddy is working extra hours at work and we are trying to save as much as we can to get you home. We have sold candles, we have made crosses, and we are having as many fundraisers as we can to get you home!<br />
You want to know something really special? There are people ALL OVER THE WORLD that are trying to help get you home too!! Isn't that the most wonderful thing you have ever heard? Yes, people all over the world heard that you are in an orphanage and they want to help get you home. They want you to be able to sleep in your own little bed, with your very own clothes, and your very own toys! They want you to have a mommy, a daddy, a family! Some of these wonderful people are people we know, they are trying so hard to help raise money for you, some are amazing friends we have met online, they too are working hard to help get you home, and then some, some my little loves are people who are strangers that are giving to help bring you home just because they believe it is a good thing to do, because they know how important it is for a child to grow up having the love of a family.<br />
Did you know your mommy is making you something very special for your room? She started making this for you when you had your very first donation. When it is all finished it will be on your wall. Want to know what it is? It is a picture box that has the name of every single person who has donated to you, and in the center, is a picture of the world! We can hardly wait to hang it up! Won't it be so wonderful growing up, knowing so many people cared so much about you, that they wanted you to come home?<br />
We know where you are right now, people may not understand how very special you are. They may not understand your value and worth, but we do. You are our little prince and princess. Our sweet little ones who deserve to have a life filled with unconditional love and acceptance. That is what you will have when you come home and we can hardly wait.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Do you know what else you have?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KX9QfnAdN3o/TvlsxOcwGPI/AAAAAAAAAjo/nEWfOpOB-lg/s1600/scan0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KX9QfnAdN3o/TvlsxOcwGPI/AAAAAAAAAjo/nEWfOpOB-lg/s320/scan0005.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<br />
You have three sisters and one brother! When they found out that you were going to be part of our family they were jumping for joy! Your sisters and brothers have even been helping raise money for you! They love you so much. They are looking forward to having a little brother and sister to give piggy back rides to, push in the stroller, and when you are older, even help with your homework when you need them to. They will give you pushes on the swing in our yard, they will play games with you, and they will love you forever and always.<br />
<br />
But that is not all, no that is not all. Sweet little ones... you have something else! You have your own puppy!! He is a chocolate lab puppy and will almost be a year old when you get home. He is a good puppy and is very friendly. He has been going to puppy school and is learning a lot of good manners. He can hardly wait till you are home. He is so sweet and never barks or growls. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6mzkf5r4Rs/Tvlusb9tW_I/AAAAAAAAAj0/7ZaveVXTqZ4/s1600/DSCN6794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6mzkf5r4Rs/Tvlusb9tW_I/AAAAAAAAAj0/7ZaveVXTqZ4/s320/DSCN6794.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
There are so many things you will have, but do you not agree that family is the most important? Oh little ones, we love you so. Every night I say a prayer that you will be safe and that others continue to help to get you home. I pray that God will touch their hearts and they will see your beautiful little faces and not be able to look away.<br />
We love you Sydney and Lucien, with all of our hearts and we are coming for you, coming to love you, coming to bring you home.<br />
Love Always,<br />
Mommy and Daddy <br />
<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/27586/sponsorjenks">Sydney and Lucien</a>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-76769914209842094912011-12-26T18:30:00.000-08:002011-12-26T18:30:31.408-08:00ABC World NewsSome of you may have watched the ABC World News tonight and that may have made you think of our blog.<br />
Many other people around the world have been checking out Reece's Rainbow and it has made the site crash!!<br />
If you would like to donate to Sydney and Lucien PLEASE donate with the chip-in, NOT the Reece's Rainbow button. At this time, the Reece's Rainbow button is not working and is only showing children listed on the website, and not showing Sydney and Lucien.<br />
<br />
Again, until this is fixed, please make sure all donations are by Chip-in Rather than the Reece's Rainbow button. Once the FSP (Reece's Rainbow button) is fixed I will make a new post so you will know when it will go to Sydney and Lucien. <br />
Thank you for your understanding!Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-46200995757849555602011-12-23T12:46:00.000-08:002011-12-24T00:36:14.104-08:00One More OrphanWe will be bringing home a second child!! "Lucien" is in Sydney's region in Eastern Europe and we will be adopting him in addition to Sydney. One look at him and we were head over heals in love. <br />
Lucien has down syndrome just like Sydney. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcg1-XtBADUWP8yx-dhlW7x1QXE9z99a5atj9q7QWIWMvn-Zc0twZmZfgwF6nIcqAYcgcZLLcvIMNhUM_DyjrvzNqOsyNgdy4-OAQqYFVYTEwhYhU-0ZRqN59q84hoIGH6z_EULNyhcy6/s1600/lucien2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcg1-XtBADUWP8yx-dhlW7x1QXE9z99a5atj9q7QWIWMvn-Zc0twZmZfgwF6nIcqAYcgcZLLcvIMNhUM_DyjrvzNqOsyNgdy4-OAQqYFVYTEwhYhU-0ZRqN59q84hoIGH6z_EULNyhcy6/s1600/lucien2.jpg" /></a></div>Yes, despite the pink, he IS a little boy. In orphanages children do not "own" anything at all. Not even clothes belong to them. They are put in whatever is handy. You can see from this picture, that not only are the clothes too big for him, they were also meant for a girl. We can hardly wait to bring him home and put him in little boy clothes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <strong>Matthew 18:5</strong>“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-26137"><strong>16</strong></sup>For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.<br />
<br />
God gave his son up, so that we may live an everlasting life. Is it too much to ask of us, to give up eating out every day, or giving up Starbucks coffee, or that trip to Hawaii to save a child? To offer a child a family? We are more than willing to give up these things to save the life of a child. We do it gladly. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>We made the News!!</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You can read the news article they wrote up on us at <a href="http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/dec/25/waiting-to-adopt-two-children-with-down-syndrome-s/">http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/dec/25/waiting-to-adopt-two-children-with-down-syndrome-s/</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Our Blogs</strong></div>We have two blogs. This one which gives you just the basics and the facts of our adoption but without any of the personal day to day stuff.<br />
Or we have the more personal side of our adoption journey, which also talks about our family in addition to our adopting. We welcome you to visit that blog at <a href="http://becauseyouareloved.blogspot.com/">http://becauseyouareloved.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Thank you for taking an interest in our story. We hope that you will follow along on our journey. We have made amazing friends through this process. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!!Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-66318753751238575572011-12-11T01:11:00.000-08:002011-12-11T01:20:33.810-08:00It Matters!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">If you are anything like I have been over the last few years, and still am, you click on your dashboard and look to see which of your friends has made a new post. Some of you may look to see if there is a good picture to go along with the text. Some are more into the text itself. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">For over a year, I have read blog after blog, living through other's adoption stories until I too was in the position to adopt.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
I’ve been where you are now.<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I have sat reading someone elses blog, hearing them talk about their fundraiser.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
I look over and see where they are now and how much they have raised so far.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I notice there is still a really long way to go. I look at my $1 or $5 and ask myself and wonder if I should even bother, I mean, is it really worth it?</div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">After all, I was planning on buying a coffee with that. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Will it matter? </div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">There have been times when I did not feel like I could give more than $5 to a friend. So that is all I gave. Before we started this process I did not understand the full extent of how much my $5 could do.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I did not understand the value of just $5. I often wondered if I should even bother. I wondered if it would make any difference at all, if it would matter. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Let me tell you that YES it does matter. It DOES count. Every single penny, it all adds up. Not just in the money it takes to get Sydney home, it doesn't just count as money, it counts as your support. It counts as you saying "We feel you are doing a good thing, and we want to help you."</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>With every single donation, no matter how big or small, it all counts. </o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>It lets us know you are choosing to support us.</o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<o:p>That you too are making a sacrifice to help.</o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>When you look at the big picture, it seems like such a large amount that is needed. </o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>But when you break it down, by how many people need to donate, the number seems a lot more manageable. </o:p></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Please know that EVERY donation matters to us. We celebrate every single penny raised.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">One of the first things we do every day when we get home is check to see if Sydney's got any new donations. We check to see if there are any comments on our blog. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">You see, I have been where you are now... reading a blog, wondering if I should actually click the link and donate or not. So does it matter? Will it really make that much difference? Will even $1 count? </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">YES!</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Please stand with us in this journey. Be part of Sydney's village. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">They say it takes a village to raise a child. It takes a village to bring a child home as well.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
We can hardly wait till we can share pictures with you of our first meeting her. Of our gotcha day, and then share with you how she is doing throughout the years. But before we can do that, we have to be able to get there. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It all counts, it all adds up.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Friends, you can make a difference. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">A bigger difference then you may understand, unless you too, are on this side of the adoption blogs.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Don't let the amount stop you from donating. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It all Counts!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mark has been hard at work making crosses for Christmas. This is the first time he has ever tried this but the more he makes the better they look. We are thinking, if there is enough interest, that he will continue to make some even after Christmas. We can make them in almost any color of your choice and you could request some small ones or larger ones. We are also thinking of just making the down syndrome ribbon in the yellow and blue without the cross. Another thing we were thinking of was Easter! We will be playing with the idea of making Easter Eggs (yes it is a long ways away, but if someone would want a basket full, or several, it makes sense to start early) Each Easter egg would be able to "rattle" and because it would be breakable it would be for decoration, not to be used as a toy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4CvZOG0XwKd0YSlG2BlX-uhdKBg-Vp49CPi35v7GbjlwuaPFezMxDjQkJajJCbR6hMiN1BpA-AonVkNpW5c_EElEnia2fuACVraUwQM4SFADpTwGESWNhje0Kt8bineJXWbl3eo3RQ0/s1600/DSCN6703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_tultti="2" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4CvZOG0XwKd0YSlG2BlX-uhdKBg-Vp49CPi35v7GbjlwuaPFezMxDjQkJajJCbR6hMiN1BpA-AonVkNpW5c_EElEnia2fuACVraUwQM4SFADpTwGESWNhje0Kt8bineJXWbl3eo3RQ0/s320/DSCN6703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So now that you have gotten to see him "at work" with the crosses... we thought we would tell you WHY he is making them. You see, there is a little girl on the other side of the world who is in need of a daddy, and there is a daddy here who loves his little girl very much and wants to bring her home. Mark finds time to set up the clay and get to work on making crosses for our sweet little angel on the other side of the world. His works until he is so tired he just can not do anything more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I feel like I am the luckiest girl in the world to have such a wonderful husband. He is always there for us, he is so loving and caring. He is sharing his love for his little girl by making these crosses. We would like YOU to be able to have one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HOW?? You Ask??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From now until Dec. 15th, we will be having a fundraiser.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the prizes...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfri8O7MD1qVWaaYOqp01hU6yv4D8i0HSlsW9QAzNXfihhzxpM-JA_tEYgzYkreEkZ12JnPanM7I4aZkEBb_RqNm2x-NYmFyvcbkH9i0GS7J2JK6cFpoxkWHlYQIu9_0yd6veQBwnbkA/s1600/DSCN6704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_tultti="3" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfri8O7MD1qVWaaYOqp01hU6yv4D8i0HSlsW9QAzNXfihhzxpM-JA_tEYgzYkreEkZ12JnPanM7I4aZkEBb_RqNm2x-NYmFyvcbkH9i0GS7J2JK6cFpoxkWHlYQIu9_0yd6veQBwnbkA/s320/DSCN6704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are a few of the crosses Mark has finished. The larger one is meant to hang on a wall the smaller ones can be used to hang from a Christmas tree or anything else you might want to hang it from. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7b0PD2ghhq4ya15E14_14pXlQ9X8oURo-zNPnL59p_JZEJT_uov18TBumiucqM1xTfljb40ydv5L9GC96kO9DN6ftqOE1rI6MsBED1C5-ZQFE9zZxVrCn4ZNCEAtsNYPKasjBA5rh5Ko/s1600/DSCN6722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_tultti="4" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7b0PD2ghhq4ya15E14_14pXlQ9X8oURo-zNPnL59p_JZEJT_uov18TBumiucqM1xTfljb40ydv5L9GC96kO9DN6ftqOE1rI6MsBED1C5-ZQFE9zZxVrCn4ZNCEAtsNYPKasjBA5rh5Ko/s320/DSCN6722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AND a lovely breakfast set which includes coffee, jam, pancake mix, and two beautiful mugs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$10 will get you 2 entries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$20 will get you 5 entries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$50 will get you 15 entries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$100 will get you 50 entries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you share this with your friends/family you will get 1 entry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please make sure that you comment with the amount donated so we can keep track of who donated and how much you donated so we can add you to the drawing. On December 15, we will do a random draw to see who the winners are. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are 4 crosses and 1 gift basket, and they will be awarded to 5 very wonderful people!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Show your love and support this holiday by helping an orphan, "Sydney", get home!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Show Mark your support and encouragement by donating so he knows his crosses are as loved by you as they are by us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you!</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> </div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-21925205198202598152011-12-01T06:32:00.000-08:002011-12-01T06:32:39.081-08:00Sydney is waitingAdvent is a time of waiting. For Sydney, that time must seem to drag on, I know for us it is. Waiting is never easy, but when you are waiting on something important to happen, it just seems to taken even longer. <br />
We debated on if we should get Sydney her stocking this year and put it up next to everyone else's stocking, but then decided that we should wait a little longer, because we do not know yet if we will be bringing home a brother or sister with Sydney and we would hate for there to be a stocking missing. <br />
We look forward to all to being able to do the very simple things with Sydney that most people take for granted. Like cuddles on the sofa.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaI_QLUJB6J5GpCzS6FwJseEgGY3P4Nv9sgbm6QrKa5ejMXqZ4wI-H3sShFDYFNgAKcpHuPGh3ZrnrbiPY67WM8PP-ZfZq_5BnYcYqrLSdl5UO2SJf3iN7zpNDgL2VUJqs4NNIovAnMqO/s1600/DSCN6644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaI_QLUJB6J5GpCzS6FwJseEgGY3P4Nv9sgbm6QrKa5ejMXqZ4wI-H3sShFDYFNgAKcpHuPGh3ZrnrbiPY67WM8PP-ZfZq_5BnYcYqrLSdl5UO2SJf3iN7zpNDgL2VUJqs4NNIovAnMqO/s320/DSCN6644.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
Or being able to play games with a brother or sister.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8GcFHuJD5OewRbPc3iss0e5WxWHyjlekYny-hcbNWhC0ecxg4JIp_Z4PSW3NowzVBCpLULz8edwcsOnMwB91aJJSkEH1c77BdQnKUh5__vsDaDGoa9G8v5EsU6ulLshuaSxorOnoexKG/s1600/DSCN6639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8GcFHuJD5OewRbPc3iss0e5WxWHyjlekYny-hcbNWhC0ecxg4JIp_Z4PSW3NowzVBCpLULz8edwcsOnMwB91aJJSkEH1c77BdQnKUh5__vsDaDGoa9G8v5EsU6ulLshuaSxorOnoexKG/s320/DSCN6639.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>To kick off Advent, we spent last week without the internet, cable tv, and cell phones. We spent time in prayer and time as a family, we spent time being Thankful for what we have, and thinking of all the things we have to offer our Sydney.<br />
Some people may ask... why go after a child if you can not afford to go get them. It is like the saying you hear on the radio all the time. "Not everyone can be a foster parent, but everyone can help a foster child." This is the same. We can afford to RAISE a child. We just need the help bringing her home. <br />
My husband has a wonderful job with great insurance that will allow Sydney to get the best medical care she can get. She will be able to have educational resources here that she would not get in her country. She will not thrive in her country, but she can here.<br />
So for now... we wait. But we do not sit by just waiting. No, we will be active. We will speak out about Sydney's need to be home. About how she has a family who can hardly wait to make her part of their family.<br />
Let's try to make this a productive Advent. You can help! If you feel moved, then please donate to our cause. If you are able, spread the word. If you have faith, pray. <br />
There is so much you can do. So please choose this Advent, to wait actively. Please do not overlook her needs or those of the many other faces of children in need. <br />
Thank youUnknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-47328516701896155082011-11-21T23:39:00.001-08:002011-11-21T23:39:48.238-08:00ThanksgivingWhat is Thanksgiving all about? Is it about the turkey, the stuffing, or maybe the pies? Is it about the pilgrims or the Indians, or family or friends? Is Thanksgiving about football or eating until you have to loosen your pants and then you notice that your granddad has fallen sleep on his favorite chair?<br />
Or is there more to it?<br />
After reading several books to the kids in my class about Thanksgiving and what it means to be thankful I got all kinds of answers. <br />
"I am thankful for my toys"<br />
"I am thankful for my mom and dad"<br />
"I am thankful for my clothes"<br />
"I am thankful for my dog"<br />
"I am thankful for my sisters"<br />
"I am thankful for for my barbie dolls"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMerM9s6P5k3C28WBGBkS5jMiTRXw4nejLH64FExPRZ8sKXjp5tQbD0zZzl4wzMjZ-Wfvtu5TpTPQqp7Db1wW30vfybb5-DsAJWoDl8xmKRFjaH8Iy1ftwoJkTnLrXitIikbl2E6VHGtQ/s1600/turkey3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_y4juzp="2" hda="true" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMerM9s6P5k3C28WBGBkS5jMiTRXw4nejLH64FExPRZ8sKXjp5tQbD0zZzl4wzMjZ-Wfvtu5TpTPQqp7Db1wW30vfybb5-DsAJWoDl8xmKRFjaH8Iy1ftwoJkTnLrXitIikbl2E6VHGtQ/s320/turkey3.jpg" width="272px" /></a></div>There were several more, I thought about their list of things they are thankful for. Then I thought of Sydney. Sydney is in an orphanage. This Thanksgiving will be just like any other day, Christmas will too for that matter.<br />
Sydney does not have any toys, or parents right now (we are doing our best to hurry sweetie!!), she does not have her own clothes, she gets whatever is handy at the moment, sometimes they are too big, sometimes they are too small, but they are never HERS. She has a dog here, at home in Washington, but right now, she more than likely does not even know what a dog is. Sydney has NO family until we get her, and she has NO toys. She has nothing to call her own. What does she have to be thankful for? Her nannies are underpaid, and overworked. I am sure they do their best every day, and for that, I am thankful to them. Sometimes, it is just hard. <br />
You see, I work in childcare, I get up every day and spend 9 hours at work taking care of kids 3-5. These are kids that HAVE families, they HAVE everything that they need. And yet, there are days when I feel so bad about having to go home, knowing they need me and other days I can't leave fast enough.<br />
Some days it is all I can do to pull myself up and dust myself off and go back. Why? It is because when you are a teacher and you have just you and an assistant, and you have to take care of 20 kids, you NEVER get to spend enough time with just ONE.<br />
They ALL need you, they ALL want you, and these are kids that get that every night when they go home from school. These are kids who have parents who kiss them and hold them and feed them and give them a bath at night and tuck them into bed. These are amazing kids and amazing parents and the kids STILL need you, they need your time, your attention, your love. It is VERY draining trying to spread yourself between 20 kids. <br />
I think of those nannies, WANTING so badly to do more, to help the kids more, and just not being able to. <br />
I think of Sydney. I think of how sweet she is, how lovely she is, and how much I wish I could be there rocking her to sleep.<br />
So what is Sydney thankful for this Thanksgiving?? More than likely, it is only a bottle of food. Because she has nothing else. As we are sitting at the table for Thanksgiving, let us really think of ALL we have and be thankful for everything. <br />
This Thanksgiving, please include Sydney in your prayers. And, between now and Thanksgiving, if you are able, please help get Sydney home by donating, so NEXT Thanksgiving, she will have her family to hold her and love her, to have her sisters and brother, to have her own dog, to have her own clothes, to have her own toys. <br />
If you are thankful for all you have, if you have a lot to be thankful for, help Sydney. Help Sydney come home!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsLA2X55Y92djVO-i71c0W9FLkPCkfgM8UkmXFnMJeGHUMuDQbRaBvBql1M8IMxuc5IsQaZTFTNC5yldKCIwRvKCEbTtb_mZ6M0G-lWY_y2LIv5YyE7w77z5D1NtN_OOLSdr8YgD31hA/s1600/Thanksgiving-Prayer-Card.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_y4juzp="3" hda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsLA2X55Y92djVO-i71c0W9FLkPCkfgM8UkmXFnMJeGHUMuDQbRaBvBql1M8IMxuc5IsQaZTFTNC5yldKCIwRvKCEbTtb_mZ6M0G-lWY_y2LIv5YyE7w77z5D1NtN_OOLSdr8YgD31hA/s1600/Thanksgiving-Prayer-Card.png" /></a></div>On October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln <a href="http://www.christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-alincoln-tgiving.html"><span style="color: #336699;">proclaimed</span></a>, by Act of Congress, an annual National Day of Thanksgiving "on the last Thursday of November, as <b>a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens</b>." In this Thanksgiving proclamation, our 16th President says that it is…<br />
<blockquote>"…announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord… But <b>we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, by the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own</b>… It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people…"</blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><center></center>So it is that on Thanksgiving Day each year, Americans give thanks to Almighty God for all His blessings and mercies toward us throughout the year.Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-1044896200311154252011-11-19T18:46:00.000-08:002011-11-19T18:46:29.166-08:00A Special Thank You...<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Coming Soon','serif'; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">There are several people I need to make a shout out to today. (Due to privacy reasons, I will not be using last names- and if you know these woman even a little you will know who they are without their last name anyway)</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbz5BbEJCIWL3BdwmzVHEHwGVcJZmA-89BOcouZVyHTF5lxnjTdBYqCwzEQ5wEP3qCraea36fIJlzUb-lyf2V8AvztFY2YCIgznXdFuGeQX1-x0efIIK5W4azY6n09QqRdYYUpcUDFzQ/s1600/online_friends_comment_10.gif"><span style="color: #336699; font-family: 'Coming Soon','serif'; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Coming Soon','serif'; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRXTMUuugy3AnE643fhY4awzY-TdevMB5aITg0D3Q3_q9soxZFkNjNCJnvrrsfetUrsrgdBzwhYCfrpgSj7X9GOeFXuzuogtcnVEzh4_mkB7MylyyRlFccyhXOB-9hRdVmBX2uP5Aq0gd/s1600/online_friends_comment_10.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRXTMUuugy3AnE643fhY4awzY-TdevMB5aITg0D3Q3_q9soxZFkNjNCJnvrrsfetUrsrgdBzwhYCfrpgSj7X9GOeFXuzuogtcnVEzh4_mkB7MylyyRlFccyhXOB-9hRdVmBX2uP5Aq0gd/s1600/online_friends_comment_10.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 16.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Coming Soon','serif'; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
<br />
Annie. I would like to thank Annie, she has been calling local places to help us with setting up a fundraiser to help bring Sydney home. This lady is amazing. She is Mommy to four beautiful little ones and prayer warrior for sweet Lacey. <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/23052/lacey-15h"><span style="color: #336699; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://reecesrainbow.org/23052/lacey-15h</span></a> in addition to that she is also sponsoring a child through the Angel Tree name Ryder <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=ryder"><span style="color: #336699; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=ryder</span></a> and has already gotten his grant from 0-$650!! Truly an amazing woman!! <br />
<br />
Rebecca W. This lady is an angel!! Why?? This is a message she sent to our family... I would like to offer up a special hat in honor of Olivia Anne. I can create a design, and others could purchase them in her honor. I would give any profits (above the cost of the yarn) to you to support your adoption efforts. Please let me know if you are interested. ♥ Becky I just about have the design ready. It's a pixie style hat and can be made in any size. Once I have a sample completed, I will post it and we can market it on here. Any orders I take of the "Olivia Anne" hat through my shop will also go to help. Hopefully, we can sell some hats! WOW!!! How wonderful is that??? I can not say Thank you enough!! And how wonderful will it be for Sydney (we are going to be naming her Olivia Anne) to have a hat named after her!! Too cool!!!<br />
<br />
Michelle Z. Oh Wow... this lady does it all. Even dealing with strangers calling her in the middle of the day with tons of questions about adopting through Reece's Rainbow. LOL Poor dear, I was emailing Michelle with tons of questions and each answer would only create more questions. I ended up calling her and she talked until I had asked all my questions and felt calmer. Super star of a lady. Michelle has already adopted so she knows the whole process and is such a great source of info.<br />
<br />
Another amazing woman is Rosemary. Rosemary has always been there to offer words of encouragement and support. This lady is all about awareness and helping others! You are awesome Rosemary!! Rosemary has donated to Sydney and because of her we are that one step closer to bringing Sydney home!! (Also, because of this beautiful lady, the contest of who can raise the most money for Sydney, my friends or Mark's friends, the ladies are winning!! Woot!!!)<br />
<br />
Catherine. This lady has an amazing family!! Reading her blog makes me smile all the time. Have you ever known anyone who isn't afraid to talk about the good the bad and the ugly in life, in a humours way not a serious way? Well that is Catherine. A little while ago I asked Catherine to pray for us and help get the word out about our adoption. Well she did!! That is just how she is. I love this lady and her family :) If you ever just want to laugh till your sides hurt, or come away with a big smile on your face this is where to stop. <br />
<br />
Ashley. Ashley just got back home from Eastern Europe with her beautiful little boy Carter!! Even in the mist of all going on around her, packing, being off in a different country, and everything in between, she has made the time to talk to me about fundraising ideas and offer suggestions and advice. She has a beautiful heart and is a great mommy to a little boy that stole my heart so long ago. On Reece's Rainbow, Carter was listed as Antonio. This was my grandpa's real name and because of that I fell in love with Antonio (now Carter). I felt so honored to be able to share in his journey to get home.<br />
<br />
Renee T. If you know Renee T, you know what a sweetheart of a lady she is. It makes it so special because she lives in my hometown. She lives only a couple blocks from where I grew up!! Amazing! Renee is adopting a beautiful little girl named Paisley and I can hardly wait till they get her home! Renee has taken the time to talk with me about fundraising ideas as well. She has taken the time to encourage me, and chat with me even when she wasn't feeling well. She was able to tell me about the wonderful mugs that are listed on Etsy that we are using in our giveaway and tell me about the coffee shop program. I was hoping to be able to offer the mug set for Christmas but when I looked at the details it said it will take 3 weeks to make as they are able to be personalized and then it takes a bit of time to ship them out as well. That does not leave much time to fundraise and then get the prizes out before Christmas. <br />
<br />
Mrs. Brown. Ok, so I used a last name :) Mrs. Brown has helped raise awareness by posting her teaching videos on youtube. Mrs. Brown works with children who have down syndrome from her home, teaching them to read and works with math as well as many other skills. <a href="http://www.sohappytolearn.com/"><span style="color: #336699; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.sohappytolearn.com/</span></a> In addition, she has shared our story with her families!! She is incredible and I love how much I have learned from watching her videos as she works with her students. <br />
<br />
Jaclyn. This lady is amazing. She is always commenting on my posts and is always so sweet and upbeat. Her family is working towards adopting a little boy to add to their family of all girls. Jaclyn's husband is sadly outnumbered. She could always use more supporters in her adoption journey. <a href="http://trendingwiththetrendas.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #336699; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://trendingwiththetrendas.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
<br />
Rhonda. Rhonda is a lady I recently meet through one of the groups on Facebook that supports families/children with down syndrome. She is so sweet and supportive!<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBdGECmmG_VbLo1bYhEFvKWHemnxKwIzPkjZEfPA1M2BaKoMOm-hxaI2agpBsezUmjmbM5E0ehC34766ayuZ42Yfnd_bTHb8OdmZ8-Xwh92jO3XpzFkQpYJrj01VOrVJM-6toRL-dm44/s1600/kids1.jpg"><span style="color: #336699; font-family: 'Coming Soon','serif'; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Coming Soon','serif'; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg4G1Q3KiYozp448HLkCoryn0U78gD1NnmnksyJfeTSp89ETWC2TKuRyK4pvkEutEdREOvdjJ3aNGFxGOTY2vy3PwxQxkR9Umu56bV0UuGh6VecC2M5dAJET3dMpHFtzjLRh8Yq9aXXLB/s1600/kids1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="256px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg4G1Q3KiYozp448HLkCoryn0U78gD1NnmnksyJfeTSp89ETWC2TKuRyK4pvkEutEdREOvdjJ3aNGFxGOTY2vy3PwxQxkR9Umu56bV0UuGh6VecC2M5dAJET3dMpHFtzjLRh8Yq9aXXLB/s320/kids1.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Coming Soon','serif'; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 16.5pt;"><br />
My wonderful children!! Britney, Ariel, Tamara, Brandon for being so excited and supportive about adding more to our family. I can not even say how wonderful these guys are. They have helped raise awareness, come up with creative fundraising ideas, and showed support in every way possible! I love you guys so much!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUL0UyPeY9Lf8bg6QLSBF7oFFQoC8xvDUGrln5kHc7LmykeGOKTL5IYdTEV2IdYauVNelRzvpE7EZ9xwzjJN4OEs3LfE_Lra2gH1_bd9JYkTNXX9JhpguGfTdJpCKgZR6D3NClJ0rObjiP/s1600/scan0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUL0UyPeY9Lf8bg6QLSBF7oFFQoC8xvDUGrln5kHc7LmykeGOKTL5IYdTEV2IdYauVNelRzvpE7EZ9xwzjJN4OEs3LfE_Lra2gH1_bd9JYkTNXX9JhpguGfTdJpCKgZR6D3NClJ0rObjiP/s320/scan0004.jpg" width="257px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 16.5pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </div></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYbkwjvCzozJwPiSLzRkj6SUH1bZyCQi1wReSSz5_nVgvGeOM5RcXwzJkW39rhYE3xSoaJygCgZKlwvtnhoCVCNsZeE54pv3XGd-uKsOxN6z9jOigf1Y-cmGBTcyHdXTQDDtQ2MKt1ho/s1600/scan0004.jpg"><span style="color: #336699; font-family: 'Coming Soon','serif'; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Coming Soon','serif'; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Coming Soon','serif'; font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">My amazing husband!! Words can not even begin to describe how wonderful this man is. I love you Mark, so much!!<br />
<br />
There are so many others, so many that have helped us with their donation, their reading and supporting our blog, so many others that have helped raise awareness and have shared our site on their facebook or with their friends. We are so blessed that you have joined us in this journey to bring Sydney home.<br />
For everyone who has donated, for everyone who reads our blog, who has shared our blog or story with others. Thank you!! We could not do this without you. You are a blessing!! <br />
<br />
I wish so badly I could list everyone, however at the risk of missing someone I will stop there and make another post later on other supporters. If you have NOT seen your name here and you have been helping and supporting our journey, it is not because I forgot you. I am just saving it for another post :) You are not forgotten or overlooked, you are wonderful!!!</span></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-60600028845222794932011-11-11T18:02:00.000-08:002011-11-11T18:02:25.989-08:00Under it AllI have friends that have gone ahead of us. They get to the orphanage and they see their beautiful little one that they have been praying for. They see the baby/child they have been thinking about for months or a year or more. They are everything they thought they would be. They are overwhelmed with love for their child.<br />
They are able to visit, for a couple of hours every day until the adoption is final.<br />
During this time, they mostly just sit with their child, hold them, play with them. But they rarely feed them, and normally don't get to change them.<br />
In March, a little girl was brought home from an orphanage in Eastern Europe. It was not until they left the orphanage and they started taking off all the layes that they noticed how malnurshied she was. By looking at her round little face, you would have never guessed that she was skin and bones under all that clothing. She had been wearing so many layers of clothing at every visit that the family that adopted her had no idea she was in that bad of condition. Instead of a great wonderful homecoming however, she was immediately taken to the hospital because of her grave condition. This wonderful little girl was three years old (actually closer to four than three), and only weighed ELEVEN pounds!!! Yes, you heard that right, ELEVEN POUNDS!! The doctors at the hosptial said she was so badly malnurished that she would not have lasted even one more day. Now, after 7 months of being home, she is doing so much better, there is actually chub on her legs.<br />
This is NOT a story that is rare. All too often children from orphanages in Eastern Europe are in these conditions.<br />
<br />
I look at Sydney... I see her cute little face... and I wonder... what is under all those layers. If you look really close you can see she has at least THREE layers on. How many more are under those? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY97vYc8qtfKIWSrmzUvmZ6akpNfjdiSzZBo2sjLRWR26WiDNARQ5uljwAW7R6q-NlVY2kwSDKpZA6EGjXEWc9e21KPLYx3rkax4dPdK1xCiBN8p_vuselSghgp3XzYkzTOSBsRGevNqM2/s1600/olivia+anne+baby+picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY97vYc8qtfKIWSrmzUvmZ6akpNfjdiSzZBo2sjLRWR26WiDNARQ5uljwAW7R6q-NlVY2kwSDKpZA6EGjXEWc9e21KPLYx3rkax4dPdK1xCiBN8p_vuselSghgp3XzYkzTOSBsRGevNqM2/s1600/olivia+anne+baby+picture2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Please, pray for Sydney. Please pray that she is not crying out in pain or hunger and that someone there holds her, and plays with her. Pray that she will be ok, until we are able to bring her home. Our blog here is new. Can you share it with friends? Can you get the word out? <br />
Thank youUnknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372308560859168279.post-10936303879775475282011-11-08T23:01:00.000-08:002011-11-08T23:28:47.509-08:00Saving SydneySydney is a special needs orphan in Eastern Europe. Because she has down syndrome, she is not one of the lucky ones in her country that will be sought after for adoption. <br />
Children in Eastern Europe are able to remain in the baby house until their 4th or 5th birthday, then they are sent to live in an adult mental institution.<br />
The conditions for these children are not good. Children in orphanages lack food, medical care, and suitable facilities. Mortality in orphanages is dramatically high.<br />
Our eyes were opened to the conditions in Eastern Europe after watching a special on NBC when Ann Curry traveled to an orphanage there. The footage taken while there, shocking. <br />
Our family already planned to adopt, but had not considered special needs or international. Seeing the need so great, we decided we could not just sit by and do nothing. We needed to act.<br />
While searching online for orphans in need, we found Reece's Rainbow. Below is a description of Reece's Rainbow taken directly from their website. <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/faq">http://reecesrainbow.org/faq</a> <br />
Our beautiful little girl was there and we knew that we could not let her grow up in an orphanage. We can hardly wait until we can bring her home. They say not everyone can be an adopting family, but everyone can help an orphan find their way home.<br />
The cost of adopting internationally is great. We will need to fundraise the cost to rescue her. Rescue her from a childhood of not being rocked to sleep, or held when she cries, a childhood of never knowing what it is like to just get something to eat when she is hungry, or call someone mommy or daddy. Every child deserves a family. Please help us bring Sydney home. You can help by clicking the link in the side bar or Sydney's picture. Both will take you to Reece's Rainbow where you can make a tax deductible donation. <br />
Thank you. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"></blockquote><span style="color: purple;"><strong><br />
</strong></span><br />
<ol><li><blockquote class="tr_bq"><ol><li><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Reece's Rainbow is not an adoption agency.</strong></span> We are an advocacy and adoption grant/fundraising organization only. We raise awareness for waiting children with Down syndrome and other special needs for the purposes of international adoption and social activism. We actively pursue donations as grants to offset the costs related to adopting the children we serve. </li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Reece's Rainbow is a registered 501©3 non-profit</strong>,</span><span style="color: dimgrey;"> legally classified as a <u>public charity </u>with the IRS and incorporated originally in the state of Georgia. Our non profit tax id is 20-5466141 and our 990 filings for each year can be openly viewed at <a href="http://www.guidestar.org/">http://www.guidestar.org/</a> </span><span style="color: dimgrey;">Our offices are currently located at PO Box 4024, Gaithersburg, MD 20885. Donations by check can be mailed to this address.</span> </li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Reece's Rainbow does not financially benefit from any facilitator or agency partnerships</strong>.</span><span style="color: dimgrey;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Grant donations are legally made on behalf of the child</strong>, </span><span style="color: dimgrey;">and are available to families r<u>egardless of which facilitation team or agency they work with</u> to complete their adoption. (with submission of required grant app and supporting documents)</span> </li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Grant disbursements can only be made after a dossier has been submitted and the family has recvd an official travel date.</strong></span></li>
</ol></blockquote></li>
</ol>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801288911010628107noreply@blogger.com0