Brenton, and now NOAH..

Okay guys.. you all saw it.. the miracle that happened with Brenton in the post below.  He had untill the 7'th of October to have a family commit to him; and one did.  :)  Amazing, right?

 Want to see it happen again for a boy called Noah?  He wrote a letter talking about how he wants a family.  Click here to read it and to learn about him?  Lets get Noah a family!  Pass this on?  Shout about him.  Let people know he's out there.  Thanks everyone.

He Has A Family!

Yes!  He does!

The boy in the post below this one!  I saw Brenton Has a Family HERE just now!  You will have to scroll dowm a little but he is there.

Also a shout out to Julia Nalle who is a big advocate for him and special needs orphans. 

Miracles do happen.  Gotta believe first to see.  Thank you God.

All of Us...

Hi there...

 

Did you know that all of us...

Are Looking for Our Mommies and Daddies?

Did you know?

[my family found me]

That all of us

Are are also on a page of kids that are said to be adoptable by single women?

That's right!

If you are only a Mommy...

...but still want to adopt...

That's Great!

 

Come and Get us!  We are waiting!  

All of us and more kids available for adoption by single mom's can be found: 

BY CLICKING RIGHT HERE

Why is she still waiting??

Update 12.15.2012:  Megan's Family has found her!  Thank you God!

Oh my goodness, why??

This is "Megan" she is nearly fully funded.  And when I say nearly I mean: $24055.50 is said to be available for her adoption.  

I am thinking it is because people just don't know.  Those of you wanting to adopt but don't have the money? This is a good thing. Is she yours? 

Megan was born in 2005. She does have special needs but then in some way or another don't we all.  Click here for her Reece's Rainbow profile.  Contact Reece's Rainbow for more information.  

 If she isn't yours can you post about her own your blogs or put her on your twitter.  Tell everyone you can about her please?  Her family is somewhere out there.  The only reason she is waiting is because they just haven't found her yet.  Let's help them.  Thanks everyone.  ^_^

Another Year has Gone. He has a New Picture...

Who is he?  My sweet Owen.

I found his new picture with a bunch of other kiddos when I read this post here.  Scroll down, it's there.  Be sure and look at all those other little faces as you do. They need a family too.  Thank you Julia for posting him!  Hopefully someone will get him home, and the rest of them, soon.

Gone

This little girl is gone. She was eleven years old. She passed away in an overseas orphanage or institution without a mom and dad.  Some of you may 'slam' me for caring, but go ahead if you feel you must.  Sometimes people react to things they fear or don't understand by making light of them.  But why, oh how, could someone, anyone, make light of this?  And say that, these kids should stay where they are at?  And die of neglect?  Simply because they are overseas and not here in America?  I do not know much really, about all this and how it works.  But I do know a few things.  One of those is this, that if kids here in America were treated the way these children are --- people would be imprisoned, seriously imprisoned, possibly for life.  Children like this little girl are 11, 14, 15, 9, 5, 3, 2 years old, younger and older, and are left to lay in cribs all day long ---yes cribs--- at age 15--- until thier bodies stiffen up, bent out of shape so they cannot even move.  That, and/or they stop growing, and look like they are still only a year or two old.  And they are starving, literally starving, at age 14, weighing only 11 pounds.

Yes, it happens.  I am not making this up.  No, I haven't been there.  I don't have to be there.  Possibly if I was there, I would never ever leave.  I have to add respectfully that this does not happen everywhere over there.  But sadly, more often than not, it seems it does. 

Now, with all that said, I must point out that yes -- kids here in the USA need homes too, even if they are not starving to death, it doesn't mean they are any less deserving. I am simply stating, we shouldn't single ANY of these children out on either side of the ocean, simply because of where they live.  They all need homes.  Where you choose to adopt from, if you so choose, is up to you, what you feel comfortable with for not only yourself but for the sake of the child.

The little girl above?  Didn't she deserve a mom and dad?  Didn't she deserve to be loved by a family? Didn't she deserve to come home?  But sadly, most people just don't know.  If they did I believe a dozen or more moms and dads would have been knocking on the door to get that little girl out.

People just don't know.  Or they don't have the money.  Or simply cannot adopt.  But everyone can still help.  Everyone can do something.  We can help and support the people whom can adopt.  We can help them raise the funds they need.  While they can fully support the child when they bring them home (one of the reasons a home-study is done, I believe) most people just don't have 22,000 dollars or more laying around.  We can do something.  We can help the families.  We can sponsor them.  We can advocate for orphans.  Talk about them.  Get word about them out there. Pray for them if you pray.  There are many so things that we can do.

The fact is, this little girl is just one of many, many, many, I cannot even pretend to know the numbers, hundreds, thousands? whom die in these conditions every year.  Why? When we can help them.  And please don't tell me 'you can't save them all' because there are approximately 163,000,000 orphans in this world, which is, for an individual person -me- or any one person- a mathematical impossibility.  But if we group together who knows what we can do.  I've written here before, if only 7% of the Christian population were to adopt there wouldn't be any orphans left in the world.  When put into that perspective, 7% is a very small number indeed.  And by the way, it doesn't just have to be Christians.  I was just using an example to show the numbers and that we can do something.  

Which brings me to her.  This is 'Mabel' as she is known on Reece's Rainbow.  Look at her, everyone.  Look at the hurt in this little girl, its almost like she thinks is just part of life to be like this, to chew on her own hands to soothe herself because she has no one else to do it for her.  Should any child have to look like this? Hurt like this? Be like this? Goodness, she is seven!  Is she yours?  Even if you are not looking to adopt?  I will say it now like I have many times on this blog, once again I will put it out there -- right now I am not able to adopt.  I know there are people out there whom can't either.  But if you can't, she is someone's daughter.  It's amazing what a little love can do.  Let's get her out there?  In honor of 'Lynette' -- the little girl pictured at the start of this post. 

Yes, it will be hard.  Yes, she has special needs.  Yes, it will be expensive.  But isn't her life worth it?  Isn't it?  Even if you don't know her?  I think her biggest special need is simply the fact that she needs a family, to love and be loved.  Thank you everyone, for listening and passing her picture along.  More information about Mabel can be found right here. 

The Story of a Boy

He is 16.  He didn't have a mom and dad and desperately, he wanted one.  Word went out across the internet and spread like fire.  A family saw him and wanted him desperately too.  They set out to adopt him.  On arrival in the boy's country, the moment they met him -- the boy said no, he didn't want to be adopted anymore.  You see, he had a chance to go to a college and do something he loves, and that, my friends, is absolutely great!

But hearts were broken, those of the family going to adopt him, and the heart of the boy.  You see, he said no but he wasn't sure.  He couldn't sign the paper saying he didn't want to be adopted.  He hugged the people whom had come for him and sat with them instead.

It's scary, yes.  He isn't a baby. The orphanage and that world is all he knows.  To have to face leaving it in such a way as to let go of everything?  But at the same time, someone is holding out a hand to you, offering something you did so very much want...  and he did want them.  Now, he is torn and just doesn't know what to do.  Have you ever been so torn about a decision you have to make, knowing that either choice will -not could- change your life forever?  And I've thought that some choices I've had to make were hard... but they were nothing, compared to what he has to decide.

He needs to make the decision by this Friday, to be adopted or not.   The family is praying that the boy's heart is in the right place, whether that means going home with them or him staying there.  They are praying for what's best for him.

I pray for peace for all of them in his decision.  Please, join them here, today.

Thank you.

UPDATE 06.01.2012:  He chose adoption!  He chose it almost after they left!  He wrote the letter then and there and signed it the next morning!  And he looks happy in his pictures taken after!  Click here.

He's 11...

...and he's turning 12 this year.

He looks so sad.  I saw his picture and was like, "Oh Brayden..."  so so sad.  It says he has siblings but they are not available for adoption. 

Almost twelve years without a family.  I'd be sad too.  Someone, pick him up and take him hope.  Does it feel like a part of your heart is missing?  Does he fit it?  Is he your son?

From his Reece's Rainbow Profile:

"Boy, born September 2001
has siblings (not available for adoption)
Open oval window; allergic contact disorder;           

developmental delays 

Brayden was born during the 39th week of pregnancy weighing 3020g. Amniotic fluid was discolored. History of anemia, and obstructive bronchitis in infancy. At age 2 a speech delay was diagnosed. in 2009 an open oval hole in the heart was diagnosed. His main diagnosis’ include congenital diseases of heart’s wall development, disorder of specific motor function development, allergic contact disorder, and the disorder of language and communication. Psychical and physical delays are indicated. He has a moderate level of language delay. The consultation of cardiologist and the help of speech therapist are recommend.

Brayden is a friendly boy, but it has been noticed that he often chooses to ignore the younger children. During games he follows the rules, but is motivation to participate in activities is poor. He has considerable special educational needs. He is currently studying at a speech therapeutical school. He still confuses colors and figures, it is difficult for him to memorize and write. Bradyen likes playing with Legos, he enjoys outdoor activities, but is not interested in arts and crafts. His hygiene skills are good. He is physically developing at an age appropriate level. In new surroundings he behaves adequately, he is quiet and polite. He bashfully communicates with strange people. Bradyen likes affection and compliments very much.

He has a very strong bond with his grandparent, he often talks about him, and eagerly anticipates his visits."

If you think you might be Brayden's family or would like a little more information about how to adopt him please contact Andrea at www.reecesrainbow.com.

Please, give just a few minutes...

...and go read what Adeye has to say, and visit the links she posts in the entry? A few minutes to help these kids? I have posted this before, yes, just a few entries below. Like I said in that entry, they need everyone that visits this page. A few minutes might change lives. Thank you.

Considering Adoption? [long post]:

Hi everyone,

So, in the past few years I have been part of the adoption community there have been several things that weighed on my heart. One of those things is this: sometimes I feel like people are to specific about what they want in a child; not wanting to disrupt birth order or the child must be a girl, or the child must be a boy, or the child must be a toddler or younger, or maybe the child must be from China, or Russia or Ethiopia -- these are the things we want in a child, instead of letting the child be what God sees.

Now I understand that some families must set parameters; there was a family last summer whom had to turn down a special little girl because she was very 'needy' and they already had seven or so other kids, many of them with special needs. All that considered, from what I understand - the little girl needed more than they could give without it being detrimental to herself or their other children if they pursued her adoption. So, I understand it is sometimes what is in best interest of the child and everyone involved. But I want you to think about that for a moment; when you close doors to adopting one child or another -- who is it in the best interest of?

And then read the following:

"This post may not be for you.

I do not know everyone this post is written for.

I do know that this post is not written for everyone who will read it.

Who is it written for?

Maybe it is only for one person?

I don’t know.

And don’t need to know.

I do know…

“I was mute and silent;
I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
My heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:”

This post is only for those of you who have deliberately closed the door marked “Adoption of a Child with Special Needs.” Whether at the first glimpse of this door, or after some research about what may lie through the doorway, you have closed that door.

But nobody is fighting over the “imperfect children.” Why is that?

Did you know the politically incorrect reality that in our attorney’s sixteen years of facilitating adoptions of children with special needs, God has so far sent her only Christian families? Families who treasure these little “imperfect” children as pearls of great price?

These families have rejected the value systems that push “imperfect” children out of the inner sanctum of personal life, the value systems that free people up to continue their valiant fight for the idols of personal peace and affluence.>

So.

Are you one who has closed that door?

Please, write down your list of reasons why you have decided not to take the next step. All the reasons. All the obstacles.

I ask only that you leave the word “calling” off your list, since that word can obscure a multitude of disobediences.

Then pick out a child from the Reece’s Rainbow website. May I suggest “Steven?”

Don’t let that bouncy seat fool you; he was put in there for the photo. He was placed directly back into his crib afterward.

You will find him unattended, in his bed.

Now kneel down in front of Steven’s crib, one hand holding your list, your other hand reaching in to his.

Look into his eyes, and please…

…tell him the truth.

“I could be doing something to help you, but I am choosing not to.

I don’t know whether God has closed the door, but I am closing the door.

Your life is not worth as much to me as [everything on my list].

I don’t believe that God has the power to help us overcome [everything I consider an obstacle] that stands between our family and you.”

Did you keep looking at his eyes while you spoke?

Oh.

You just thought you were looking at him.

You were mistaken.

You were looking into the eyes of the King.

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’”

Please, kneel back down, look into the King’s eyes, and tell Him the truth."

I did not write what is in purple above. I re-posted it from this blog. The author found a way to say something that I have had a hard time saying for a very long time because I don't want to offend anyone. That's not the point of this blog.

The author is adopting a nine year old girl, who weighs somewhere around 10 or 11 pounds, I think, whom was left in a crib and suffered neglect simply because she had a special need.

Again, from my own heart now, this post may not be for all of you. I cannot and will not pretend to know the what you face and I respect that. But weigh your reasons. I will fully admit here and now; I was once one of those people -- once the only child I would have ever considered adopting would have been one from China. I couldn't see anything else. And then I found out that dream would never be realised because I did not nor would I ever meet the requirements to adopt from China, which I personally feel goes a bit overboard in what they believe a good parent to be is -- but that is a different post. So, when I learned I couldn't adopt from China I struggled to let that go. I thought of Russia after seeing videos of how the kids were starving and eating fish heads there -- and that dream to adopt from Russia or Ukraine or somewhere in E.E. settled into my heart after learning about the plight of people with special needs. Though I was still restrictive in whom I'd adopt; I decided I could not adopt a child positive with HIV -- that was where I drew the next line.

Almost immediately after making that decision I noticed a little girl before I noticed her HIV status. So I swallowed hard, and said ok, and did some reading and am happy to say that I found HIV something I could work with too. The next time I went to her page she was no longer available. But without knowing it she helped to change me again and to me the message is clear. I will leave the door open too, to special needs. And have faith that with God we will not be given what we cannot handle.

This has been a long post and for that I am sorry. I guess I am trying to say in all these words: have an open mind, and an open heart, to whatever it is God wants you to do; or whomever it is he may lead you to. And so I will sum up with what may be one of my favorite bible quotations:

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it's due when it is within the power of your hand to do so." -- Proverbs 3:27

Take care everyone,
--Debrah

THIS IS WHY:

Yes, I shouted that. THIS IS THE ANSER FOR PEOPLE WHOM ASK ME WHY NOT ADOPT KIDS IN OUR OWN COUNTRY. This is the body of a 3 year old girl whom is -- by what can only be described as a blessed Miracle -- still alive. Three years old, weighing only 11 lbs.

Her parents just adopted her from an eastern Europe country. They found this the first time they undressed their little precious daughter and the moment their plane touched down in America on March 17 they rushed this child to the hospital where it was found that her little body was already shutting down, no longer receptive of any food and she continued to loose weight. A tube had to be placed directly into her intestine to prevent stomach reflux. This little girl - Carrington - is lighting a fire across the net and in the hearts of people all over the world. I understand kids in the USA need homes and by far I am not out to deny them in fact I encourage it and may adopt from foster care myself one day. I understand that international adoption is not for everyone. But please -- do not lash out at those whom it is for and ask them why not adopt from their own country. Their hearts have been broken for a child on the other side of the world. My heart is breaking for her - and this little boy too:



This little boy is -Kirill- with the mommy and daddy whom have battled so long and hard to go across the seas to adopt him also from an eastern European orphanage. When they presented their case to the judge she told them no - that they could not adopt him because she felt that kid with Down Syndrome was better off in a mental institution.

Maybe maybe someone should slap that picture of Carringon's little body down in front of the judge and ask her flat out if she thinks that is what is better for him, because, that all I see in this -- that her choice will allow this to happen again. If she argues its just one case -- no, its not. Kids DIE of malnutrition and neglect in these institutions and orphanages over there ALL THE TIME. All the time. This is just ONE precious case that has the chance to be brought to light.

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it's due when it is within the power of your hand to do so." -- Proverbs 3:27

Someone needs to remind that judge of that Proverb too. If she is doing so she has no right to let her personal feelings on this matter interfere or I don't feel she should be allowed to have the position she has.

Please understand I write what I write because I am on FIRE about this. I do not mean any disrespect for the families involved. [The children's names are linked to support blogs if you click on them.] I hold them in my prayers and I hope you do too. Also please think of going to get one of these kids if you can, or donate to them if you can. They need you. The are all precious little Kirill's and Carringon's...

Dmitriy Has Been Transferred

Dmitriy has been transferred to a mental institution. I have said many times on this blog what transferred means...

A family once asked me if I knew where he was. I do not for sure. But now I found someone whom DOES know where he is at. You can contact them HERE. They are the Cornish family and have adopted two little kids out of his same orphanage. I really hope you come back to read this. Everyone, please pass word of Dimitry on. He's been waiting on Reece's Rainbow now for at least three years. Thank you.

The Trash Bag:

It is up to each of us to listen, to act, to do something. We can make choices we like easily, good choices and bad ones. It is harder to make choices that are frightening with ends that are unknown. But that is what faith is, you have to believe first before you see -- this is something that has taken and is still taking me a very hard and long time to learn to accept.

But you do see in the end - and what you see is more amazing than you could ever lay out or imagine on your human own. You fight, you resist, you ignore, you pretend the message is for someone else and not you, you pass it by, you come up with excuses, you put things off to the end, you lie... but in the end when you run out of options -- you cave. You give in. You say ok God --- and then you seriously start to pray.

You dream of standing in a star field with a black and very tattered and taped up trash bag full of everything that you think is important to you, taped and tattered at the cost of hauling it around and trying to keep it all together. And Jesus is there just feet away waiting for you to give it to him. With tears rolling down your face you start to do so... but at the last minute pull it back from him for fear of letting go.

You still feel sick. You still don't want to do this. You still don't believe all the way. You still miss what you had and are 'secretly' thinking of ways to go back. But in the end again - you cave, and say -- Ok God. You try and give the trash bag over again but you can't quite do it. You pray again.

You spend days in tears of not understanding why it can't be the way you want it to be, why does everyone else get what they want? Why do you have to give up everything your happiness and comfort, your all for someone else's sake?

You rage for days with this question, weeks, months... again and again. Then one dark and rainy night at three in the morning you are staring out a window. The night and the storm has made your heart quiet and still enough so you can finally hear the answer that has been being repeated again and again in all the noise you've been making: Jesus gave up everything he had too. He gave his life for you - not for himself. He gave up absolutely everything.

It shocks you to the core. Especially when you remember you are supposed to try and be like Jesus. Give and give and keep on giving - because you love. Even if you do not get anything immediately back in return, even if it hurts. You are supposed to pick up that cross and be like Jesus.

So you pray again. The whole time he is just standing there waiting for you to trust him, to give him that trash bag you carry of everything precious to you. Just waiting reassuring you it will be alright. He could turn it into something beautiful. And this time you do it. You had that trash bag over. With shaking hands and tears pouring down your face you step back and whisper "Ok God, I will stop fighting and trust you. I will do what you want of me, just show me."

And he does. Slowly at first, one step at a time, one breath at a time, your heart changes, your world starts to crack open and you start to see bits and pieces of a plan that had that has been made since before the dawn of time. Looking back on your life to this point you can see where the pieces had fallen into place and you didn't even know it then. You see the tiny bits of light that shine through are so bright and brilliant that you dare to hope -- and at last it comes spiraling open until you are on top of a flowered hillside looking up into a beautiful sky, remembering what you had and fought for and wanted for so long was not nearly as nice as this is -- and this is what you were fighting against being given. It is more beautiful than you ever could have imagined:

LOVE.

Love.

love.

This could apply in many more ways than just adoption. It might apply in every heart felt-battle you might have in your life.
Some people may just have to look harder to find that hillside and they may have to do it more than once. For me, it wasn't related to the idea of adoption either at first. But in this moment I felt I did need to write it here for that relation.

I saw this quote on another blog. It was so strong inside me that I had to share it again:

"What if there are children in the world who will suffer somehow because I failed to obey God? What if my cowardice costs even one child somewhere in the world his or her life?"
-- Richard Stearns.

What about Bella in the post below this one? And what about the others? What about the ones we might never know? Pray, post about them, have faith and believe. Bring one home if you can. Really sit back and ask yourself -- can you? If not can you pass word on about them? That is important to because together we can reach someone whom can.

This has been posted time and again on the internet, even one other time by me here on this blog - but I will post it again:



My friends, your thoughts and actions are always your own. You know your own roads and I cannot and will not even begin to try to imagine them. It's just that after years of trying to take the trash bag back, I felt the need to share mine as encouragement to someone out there. So many of you have encouraged me that I also wanted to say thank you. Until next time, in peace and have a good night.
--Debrah

Kevin Has a Family!

Remember the boy whom had only 20 days left for his family to find him? Well, they found him. We don't know who yet but MIRACLES HAPPEN EVERYONE. They happen. You have to pray. You have to believe. You have to sometimes take a giant leap of faith and say - yes, this time it is me being called, not someone else. This time, its me. Because this time - it's Kevin. THANK YOU GOD!

Which brings me back to BELLA. She also is 13 and only has until February to find her family or she will NEVER BE ADOPTED. We did it in time for Kevin. We CAN do it in time for Bella. Please please please pass word of her on. This blog is entering it's fourth year. People ask me why I keep blogging for orphans and people I don't know. The answer is its because its all I can do. Please, do something too? Pray. Consider being Bella's family or pass word of her on today. With God, money isn't an object, it isn't, not for things close to his heart, and I've seen time and again and I believe that orphan's are. Thank you everyone.

Please Remember Kevin:

'Kevin' is the 13 year old boy I wrote about in this entry HERE. His remaining 20 day chance to be adopted has dropped to just 10 -- But he has 2 separate families trying to rescue and adopt him. However, I am guessing, that as there are only 10 days left until he is not adoptable -- things are not going easy at all. They are asking for prayers for a miracle for him. If you pray, please, please include this boy. If not, think of him please? Thank you all again.

There is a blog entry I am writing...

...but I don't know how without seeming biased or hypocritical or judgmental of people. Please, for now, just look at this video.

More Familiar Kiddos?

From the Ground Up:

A blog friend of mine recently went to EE and brought home an older boy whom had been on my heart for years. It was amazing to see their journey and I found myself wishing to adopt an older child as well. Sure, it may be a struggle, there will be adjustments, but is the same when new people of any age comes into your life, and not just kids. What a blessing for sure. My blogging friend has now started advocating for the older orphans of E.E. on a new blog: EE's Orhans.

Bringing home an older child is different yes. They are who they are, bringing with them memories in tact that adoptive parents treasure for younger children whom cannot remember for themselves and whole heartily pass on to help them achieve a sense of identity.

Older children have their own memories and an already developing sense of identity. And while some of those memories might not be good ones, I would think surely they cannot all be bad ones either. After all who does not have some bad memories? Who hasn't been hurt? What about the fun memories or the favorite food to share?

That is what you are for.

When God made us, he broke the mold for each of us. Everyone is different. But everyone needs love and understanding.

There is an amazing feeling you get when you watch an older child learn they are loved, there is an amazing kind of wonder mixed with amusement, amazement and endearment in perhaps the mixture of naive-itivity and innocent wisdom that we have adults have sometimes lost that older kids put back in your lives. Yes, there is frustration too, but there is strength. There will be hard times yes, but there is love. There might be questions, but God always answers. Always.

These are his children too.

Some people say, you change them. But they change you too. You might wonder why you didn't do this before with an older child. You might want to do it again. All of this I found myself wishing for while I followed the adoption of a very special boy. Please visit EE's Orphans today and watch them work their way from the ground up.

Alyssa and Marek

Alyssa and Marek's mommy and daddy also need help. They are short a bit of money to finish up the 'red tape' to bring the kids home. Contact them or catch up with their journey here. Have a good day everyone.

Do You Remember Lera?

...the sweet little girl whom had a few different families try to adopt her? Click on the label 'Lera' below for just a bit of her story. I just saw this post on Lera's blog. We just saw a miracle happen. Why stop there? Lets try and make another? Pray for Lera everyone and her family.