Can you believe people asked why she didn't abort him...

...just because he *looked* different?? Wow. You're a beautiful boy!  And your family is too.  Most people know what true beauty is.  Someday, the rest of them will learn.  x o x o.

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.

Little Angel Tripp...

One of the world's sweetest angels, Tripp, has gone to Heaven today. I found this on his mothers blog, posted Dec 11, 2011:

The Brave Little Soul

By: John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?"

God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean," he asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone."

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of all humanity."

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied. "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!"

God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you". God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.

In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed." Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love.

Priorities became properly aligned.

People gave from their hearts.

Those that were always too busy found time.

Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God.

Parents hugged their children tighter.

Friends and family grew closer.

Old friends got together and new friendships were made.

Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together.

Everyone prayed.

Peace and love reigned.

Lives changed forever.

It was good.

The world was a better place.

The miracle had happened.

God was pleased.

Rest in Peace Little Angel, and know all the wonder and beautiful changes you brought to the world, the people you touched the lives you changed. Sweet Dreams.

The Faith of a Child

Hi everyone.

Here is part two of what needs catching up on after my absence.

Its odd, things that connect us; things that connected us years back that had always been there but we don't know about until the time is right?

Having run into the plight of orphans a few years back and having found Reece's Rainbow and a little girl there whom inspired this blog. [That little girl has since been adopted by a wonderful family.]

This past summer attention was drawn to a little girl in a EE Orphanage whom is being called Katerina. She is 9 and weighs maybe 11 pounds, I think, something like that. It hit the net like wildfire when her mom went to adopt her. Since, other children in that orphanage have had families commit to them too. Katerina's mom is an amazing woman though I have never met her. She is a strong voice for these kids and I have been following her blog The Blessing of Verity and have featured it on here before.

And its a small world. Oh my gosh, it is.

A few years back I met a wonderful person, a dear friend of mine now whom I've only ever had the privilege to know though the internet. Her name is Kristi. She is a mommy to six wonderful kids and I am so glad to have met and know her. As it turns out, Kristi is also friends with Katerina's soon to be mom. Up to this point I didn't know this. Now, how and why all this is coming up? Katerina's plight caught their attention too. Kristi has a ten year old daughter, K, whom is now advocating for Carter on Reece's Rainbow as a Christmas Warrior this year.

Long story short, the dots connected. The ten year old daughter of a friend of mine is advocating for a special needs orphan for Christmas this year. She's ten, and has noticed the plight of these kids, and hasn't looked the other way. The Faith of a Child, right? And a little child shall lead them? Amazing.

I wrote to Kristi and asked if I could feature her daughter's blog on mine. Please stop by her blog, say hi and if you can help her help Carter with thoughts, funding or prayers. Thank you everyone.

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...

Nick Vijicic

I need to post this. I don't know why. Maybe for myself maybe for others. Loud and clear there is more than just one message in this. This is living proof of God's glory on Earth. So often I ask these same questions in this video. Oddly, it confirmed all I already felt and knew -- but sometimes we need to hear and see it again.

Thank you Nick Vujicic for being so awesome and inspiring and giving in sharing your absolute love of God.

More Familiar Kiddos?

God is Calling His Army...

...to be on the move for this little girl. This little girl is Yulia, and this morning at about 3 a.m. I awoke with the urge to check my computer - and there it was, a heartbreaking plea from a woman named Adeye, whom had met Yulia in person. Adeye's post for Yulia says it so much more than I could ever say it - but I will try. Sweet little Yulia is almost 3, she has lain drugged for 'best sleep' in a crib for all of her life, only being taken out to be changed and fed. 'Best Sleep' is the words the orphanage used to say they have basically drugged the child to keep her pretty much motionless and quiet. For Yulia, this is how it has been her entire life. She knows nothing else except maybe that one flimsy crib toy you see her in the picture with. No one hugs her or kisses her or even sees her as a human being. She is left to lie in her own waste and just wait until its her turn on the daily list of chores to do. At age four she will likely be sent to an institution where horrors await her that you and I cannot even begin to comprehend - horrors such as being tied down to a bed or wrapped up so tightly she could not move, her little body will grow stiff and hard and atrophy into nothing for lack of care. She will stop growing and eventually stop moving. Eventually, she will even stop breathing. These, sadly, are the horrors faced by many many people young and old in institutions overseas. Why a mental institution for little Yulia and other kids like her -- they have no where else to put them. People with disabilities in some other countries are seen as a burden and an object of ridicule. The way to save these children is to adopt them. And for sweet little Yulia who already has all these strikes against her when she has done absolutely nothing wrong -- that she gets adopted is more imperative than ever -- it is her only hope.

But for sweet princess Yulia, that isn't all of it. Baby Yulia has an extremely rare condition called Cockayne Syndrome. This is a disorder that causes pre-mature aging.. giving children who are born with it a shortened lifespan most commonly between 4 and 10 years... other symptoms include imparment of hearing and and vision, degeneration of the central nervous system, and so on.

Oh my goodness, to have to go through life faced with that? And then to have to go through life alone without love, without worth, without value, without someone to hold you and assure you when you are afraid. I can't even start to imagine it! This, I am guessing, is the reason that sweet little Yulia is left in a laying room just waiting to die. Yes, everyone, waiting to die. Tears threaten my eyes at that thought. How can this happen? Why should it be allowed to happen? Why does it have to happen this way?

Thing is everyone -- it doesn't have to happen this way. It shouldn't be allowed to happen and further -- it CAN'T happen. God's army is being called to stop it from happening.

Lets go back to 3 in the morning for a moment. I woke up with the urge to check my computer, and there the post about Yulia was. I was astonished and in tears. This little girl, Yulia, has been tugging on my mind ever since I heard about her. I remember just a few days ago I was laying there thinking about her for no real reason and I found myself terrified that no one would go for her. Who could? Who could love someone just to loose them like that and knowing they would loose them like that? Who would willingly let their hearts be broken like that. I felt that would be, outside of funding, the biggest block to this baby getting a family -- the fear of loosing her. But those dispairing thoughts were cut short with the memory of Miss Chrissie Patterson... and the family who went for her and loves her still and what she taught and moved thousands of people with in her little precious life. Oh my, someone is out there who will wrap thier arms around little Yulia if only they could, if only they had the funds. Fear is huge but God is bigger, put it aside and allow yourself to give into him and that selfless kind of love. I came to realise then that I would go and get her. I would have to shove that fear of loosing her aside and would gladly do so if only to know and give that precious kind of love. Would it be easy - no. Would it hurt, absolutely so. But would it be worth it just to feel her little fingers latch onto yours for that wisdom and reassurance that no matter what happens, you love her and are there to protect her, that no matter what happens --- it WILL be alright.

That is what love is. But, with tears I have to face it and tell myself -- I can't go and get her... for all the same reasons I couldn't go and get any child from over there. But what I can do is listen to God's call to summon his army to burst open windows and doors for this little girl. Adeye started something this morning with her blog post for Yulia -- asking us all to give money or at least post her on our blogs and twitter and facebook accounts, to get her story out there to open these doors for her, to tell the world about Yulia... loud and clear -- because its what God wants. How do I know that? He doesn't have plans to hurt us.

So I tossed and turned it all over in my head, trying to think of how to write this blog, knowing I had to do this but not knowing how. Finally, I just sat down and wrote whatever came out. And if the God of the Universe has put this child on my heart and asked me to March forward for her -- I will. Won't you? What she needs most is a family, if she has a family the money will follow. If someone out there hears about her in all our shouting, will step forward. And if you can't be that family, she needs money, so that all her family has to do is the paperwork and get on a plane for her. For this precious angel we need to take away the barrier of cost. Can you donate to her grant fund? You can find it here. Or you can donate through the red chip in box in the right side bar of your screen. Please help in any way you can, even if it is just telling about her and posting her picture and story on your blog. Yes, there is a family for Yulia. We just have to find them...



If anyone would like more information about Yulia please contact Andrea Roberts at Reece's Rainbow or Adeye at nogreaterjoymom.com

[mean and hurtful comments will be immediately deleted]

Some Time Ago...

... I posted a link to THIS WEBPAGE of a woman whom was adopting kids with severe special needs decades ago before it was so widely heard of here in the USA.

To echo Meridith -- "Really?"

Monroe has spastic cerebral palsy. He also has a GRANT of 20,000 to cover his adoption and to keep him out of an institution.

I know some families are not prepared for this but somewhere, someone is and can. We just have to find that someone. I do hope his family is out there to get him. I do hope they have only to see his sweet little face. If you can't bring him home, please pass word of him on. Please, I know I ask this often of you bloggers, I know, but sometimes its all I can do. It takes one minute - one minute that can change his life. Like little Lera, it could be YOUR blog post that changes Monroe's life!

Here is his profile from Reece's Rainbow:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monroe (12)

BOY, Born February 4, 2005

SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!!

Monroe is a sunshine of a little boy! He is already 5 and blessed to still be at the baby house. He needs a family right away!

From a missionary who visited with him in June 2010: I met with the doctor in his Groupa House who brought me back to meet him. The Head Doctor wanted me to meet the children who needed equipment. While measuring him for a chair, she explained to me what was more important was that he get a family. He will be traferred in six months to the worst institution, restrained in a crib in a dark room. She broke into tears! Monroe has spastic cerebral palsy in all four limbs and is globally delayed. He is able to recognize the voices of his careworkers and understand simple directions. However, due to his spasticity he is unable to do much of anything. No speech. With therapy he can improve but will always have limitations. I measured his head circumfeence and once home will check with a doctor regtarding whether ir not he is microcephalic as well. I will try to gather more information on him today. His temperament was sweet and his eyes twinkled. He needs a family fast!

From an adoptive family who visited with him in June 2009: Monroe has CP. It appears that he is unable to use his arms and legs and is not sitting up on his own. He has the most beautiful smile and I don't think there is much of a cognitive delay. He loves to be held and his whole face lights up when you come near him."

*** Monroe has an incredible benefactor who has offered a FULL GRANT of $20,000 for his adoption. He is facing imminent institutionalization, and will regress quickly once he is transferred. Families who are qualified (www.reecesrainbow.org/newfamily.html) to adopt internationally and who are approved to adopt a significantly delayed child should contact Andrea for more information. This is a very fast program and it is very possible to have him home before the end of 2010! ***

Only families with at least one parent under age 50 can adopt Monroe from his country. Must be a heterosexual married couple.

MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE

I have $20,000 in my grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!

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...all his family has to do is go get him. So, what do you say everyone, if that lady could bring home severely disabled kids decades ago -- can't we find a home for and get one little boy home today? Contact Andrea at Reeces Rainbow about Monroe today. Thanks for your time everyone.

This Little Boy and I...

...share a birthday! When I saw that I was like, well, we have common ground and a connection! I absolutely must tell you all about him. From his profile at Reece's Rainbow:

Alexander (20)

OH, what a difference a new picture can make!! Alexander has been listed with us for more than 2 years, and not a soul has ever inquired about him. Up until now, the only photos we have had of him were laying down in a crib, never showing him up and mobile and active! But look at him!! What a great smile, and so much life in him!

Alexander is a handsome little boy who really needs a loving family. He has dark hair and brown eyes. He is already 5! He was born with a minor PDA, but does not have pulmonary hypertension. He also has flat feet. Please give Alexander the chance to grow up in a loving family He has already turned 5, so he is facing imminent institutionalization!

HEADS WERE SHAVED FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS

Click HERE for Alexander's Page at Reece's Rainbow. You may have to scroll down a bit but he is there.

...Another Blog I Read Suggested we Should Watch This...

...they were right. It is far worth the nine minutes. It's a shame that people in our society today still feel the need to act like this. I would like to add it as an embedded video but I cannot find the code, so I will provide a Link HERE instead. Have a good day everyone.

Oh Little Miss Lera...

...my heart goes out for this sweet child. This is an urgent plea. Hopefully it will be spread across the internet like wildfire, hopefully someone out there will meet the requirements and be able to step forward for this precious little girl.

For the third time, Lera has lost her adoptive family. At this point there will be no way to keep her out of an institution [where they send special needs orphans in her country]. From what I understand she can still be adopted -if the US delegation is able to convince Russia to leave their program open to Americans. Canadian families may be able to adopt Lera as well. But since she has lost so many families, to adopt her, at this point, only home study ready families will be considered and no match will be made until the initial agency fees are paid. Needless to say -- her situation is critical and the conditions are very specific. Are you her family or maybe know someone whom might be? Please pray for her and blog about her, please pass her information along.

For more information about Lera please contact Andrea Roberts at www.reecesrainbow.com

This Sweet Baby...

...is known as Andrea. She is a little girl in Eastern Europe that was born in 2006, so the picture is a little old -- and its a awful picture. I have read this baby's lips are not this full or this red. She has been on my heart almost since the day I found Reece's Rainbow. Is she your little girl? For more information on Andrea please click this link. You may have to scroll down a little to find where she is at on the page.

Mindy...

Tomorrow, January 30, is sweet little Mindy's fourth birthday. For a baby like her to turn four in an orphanage is not a good thing, while most four year olds are getting cake and presents and learning about what a birthday is Mindy, for Mindy's fourth birthday she will be getting an immediate transfer to a mental institution quite possibly like this one, where she can never be adopted from, there to stay for what will most probably will be a very short life.

Like with Martin, there is no way to make this post happy. The only way possible is for someone to step forward right now to commit to adopting Mindy, not tomorrow, not next week, not next month - right now. This minute. Because tomorrow, the 30'th of January...

...is Mindy's 4'th birthday.

And please, this isn't a guilt trip, I can't go save her either, this is just a plea, a shout out, a last chance? Maybe you are that someone who can go and save her? If you are here you are most probably thinking about adoption in some way or shape or form, why just read? Why not throw it all out on the line? Please go to Reece's Rainbow and ask the lady in charge there about Mindy. If you tell her this is Mindy's birthday she will know exactly who she is. Look at this picture. You really can save her life.

Please Grab This Button!
URGENT PLEA!

Sweet Maria...

Maria's Big House of Hope from Show Hope on Vimeo.

Her death brought tears to so many, but her Hope... can save lives.

The Older Child:

I think this little video says it all. Thank you, to the lovely family that made it. May your story be an inspiration to those adopting older children. Congratulations on your sweet little girl and as always, I will remove this video from this blog if you so wish.

Again I am asking for someone to consider sweet little Mara or Diana. Their mommies and daddies have to be "Somewhere Out There" Click on their names in the labels under this post for more information. Thank you.

Look Who it is....

That's right, little Miss Mara, whom I mentioned I didn't know where she went to in the entry below this one. However, right after I wrote that her picture popped up on Reece's Rainbow again! I am so glad she is alright! I would so adopt this child if I could! More information on her can be found by clicking this link: http://www.reecesrainbow.com/angelolderchild.htm

Also, in the Other Angels: Girls section there are two more little princesses with Apert's syndrome, one is still Esperanza and the other is little Miss Monica.

There is also a little boy, Sawyer, with Aperts in the Other Angels Boys, section. He is nearly at the bottom of the page so you will have to scroll down a bit. But he is darling. Kisses and hugs for all these little angels! If you are adopting please consider these kids.

One Year Ago Today:

I started this blog, inspired by a sweet little girl whom has since been found by her family and come home! Other children featured on this blog over the course of the year have also been found by their families are are going or have gone home, Aurell, Becky, Alexsey, Alan and Ruslana all have families along with Hope. Some others still wait, Diana - please consider adopting her if you are looking for a little girl and are able to or willing to learn how to provide the care and love she needs to blossom, smile and grow. Also Little Esperanza is still waiting as well.

Two of the kids featured here I am not sure where they went or what happened to them, please think of Mara and little Valessa today and pray for them if you pray.

Along with this I encourage you to visit Over the Moon with Joy and Bring the Rain if you wish to.

So here it is, the one year mark for this blog. This has been a wonderful year, looking back. Thank you all for sharing it with me. Who knows what the next year may bring. Thanks everyone for visiting.

RainbowKids.Com

Just look at all these sweet and many little faces! Membership is required but its quick and free and entirely worth it, either if you are adopting, have adopted, are wanting to adopt [they have a photolisting!] or want to share adoption stories and support - rainbowkids.com - click here.


This photo belongs to the Rainbow Kids website, no copyright intended, I will remove it at their asking.

The Other End Of Ruslana's Thread...

...has been found! Little Ruslana's family has found her at last! It is such a good day. Thank you, thank you God.

http://www.reecesrainbow.com/familysponsorshipnew.htm

Isn't she Adorable??? Congratulations, family!