Pray for my Grandmother...

...please.  Everyone who reads this, if you pray, please...  of all the things I've asked on this blog this is the most important.  She has cancer in stage 4... she will be in Heaven any moment.  Pray for my parents.  Please.  And pass this on to any prayer warriors you may know...

--Debrah.

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.

Happy Birthday America

Freedom...

...it's important.  Isn't it?  Isn't it???.

It won't let me embed this video, but its a good song if you want to watch it.

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.

well, done, my precious child...

...today, it has been two years since you returned to Heaven.  Two Earthly years, that is, since God took you in his arms and said, 'well done, my precious child, well done.'

I never knew you.  I don't even know your family personally, but I do follow their blog and many times over the past years of my life it has helped me in so many ways.  And today I pray for their strength and comfort.  Your story has touched my heart, it changed something in me.  It said to me, God still does miracles, among many other things.  But it is always for the good.

Your life, your amazing story, touched thousands of people across the world.  It does still. I still see stories of how people were changed, because of you, of how people have adopted children, because of you.

Once, a lady shared with your amazing mother, a story about how she thought you standing by her bedside shortly after you went to Heaven.  You were with Jesus, she said, he was holding your hand.  And the lady got the impression that you were visiting everyone whom had prayed for you.

I didn't say it.  But it nearly stopped my heart.  Because I didn't want people to think I was making it up.  But when I read that I remembered I had a dream exactly like that -- and the best part is, I didn't remember it until the moment I read those words.

I remember what I was doing those moments you went to Heaven.  I used to work nightshirt at a hotel. I was busy mopping the floor around 3 am or so my time.  And out of no where, I thought of you.  I wondered how you were doing.  And I realised you had been in the hospital for a month.  I said a prayer for you and your family right then and there.

I came home from work four hours later to see how you were doing ...and I sank into my chair in disbelief to find you were gone.  I, like so many many others out there, believed with all my heart that we would see you healed on this Earth.

...and yet, you went Home to God.  Where he said to you I am sure, "well done, my precious child. Well done." 

You don't have to be big to make a huge change in the world.  And Chrissie, I believe, with your beautiful heart - you absolutely did.  And you left a legacy with us all down here that will always live on.

Worth Posting...

...and please understand, I post this with no 'campaigning' intentions.  I just think its really cool:

"If you elect me president, you're not going to see legalized marijuana. I'm going to fight it tooth and nail."

-Mitt Romney

I don't know what to say...

...I don't know what to say.  I've tried writing this post two other times now. I've been trying to for hours now to get it right. I've posted about her on this blog before, Lera, her story has tugged at my heart for years. 

They need 6000 dollars by the end of the weekend I think, and on top of that they have another little girl fighting for her life in PICU. Please go over to their blog and help them however you can, pray for them, pass word on on your Facebook or blogs, donate to rebuild her adoption fund through the links provided if you can.  Help get the funds back together in time, and help get Lera out of there.  Thank you for reading tonight.  Take care.

Chinese Adoption, the Waiting Child

Hey you all.  Here is a video I found about special needs waiting children.  Maybe, if you are considering adoption, take a look at that list?  Thank you all.  Have a nice night.

2$, St. Jude, a 16 Yearold and Rootbeer Floats..

You know, this just now happened. And as I watched, I was saddened and yes, even angry - and I knew I would come home and put it on this blog. I was out grocery shopping, got to the check out and managed to leave my savings card in the car. Well, there were some really good sales this week that you had to have that card for, so I called an attendant, she suspended my transaction, and I went to the car and got my savings card. When I came back inside I had to wait for the attendant to pull up my transaction and, in doing so, that was when I saw him; he was about 16 years old, and had set up a little table near the front lanes and was trying to sell root beer floats for St. Jude's Children's Hospital for 2 dollars each.

As I stood and watched, he would ask person after person whom walked by if they would like a root beer float. Person after person came over and quickly looked at his table, and then said, "not for 2 dollars" and walked away. A few people even scowled as they said no to this kid. And he took it in stride and started offering free samples instead. Inside, I was furious. I was saddened by what I was seeing. You see, the reality of it is for me, that yes, These root beer floats were 2 dollars each which did seem a big price out of a standard paper cup. But the fact of the matter is, it wasn't about the root beer float; they were refusing to give just two bucks to these kids. My heart couldn't grasp it. And the kid started looking let down between people. Even though he seemed positive and upbeat when they were around.

So after I got my items through check out I had dropped exactly 2 dollars on the floor. Oddly, someone whom worked there picked it up.

 I have to admit, so you are not thinking I am patting my back here, I too, wasn't going to pay for a root beer float until that point. I didn't have the money. I hurt for him and wasn't scowling at him or anything or laughing at him but I just didn't have the two dollars -- without any mean intention of course and with an aching heart I was going to escape through another door and try not to think about it. No, I didn't want to admit this. I wasn't even going to write it.  But when sitting to write this, it just came out.

So as I looked at that two dollars in my hand and realised that I would not have had it anyway if someone hadn't handed it back to me -- I knew, without a doubt, I was supposed to stop being hypo-critic and give it to the Root Beer Float kid. I did so. Without plans of getting a root beer float. I was just going to put in in his jar and walk out. After all, root beer floats were never my thing, but he called after me and told me to take one. He seemed so encouraged. So I did. The point of this is, its just two dollars. If you see someone selling drinks, or nachos, or ice creams, or pop corn for a charity, an adoption or something you should step up. Could I afford it, nope. Two bucks could have got me one trip up and down the road and back.  But while 2 dollars spent on an over priced root-beer float, its really a 2 dollar donation to help someone. And in the grand scheme of things, isn't that better?  That's not overpriced at all.

Think about where you spend two bucks every day. Then think of that family you know that has a little girl or boy with cancer, or whom are adopting, or just needs the encouragement to know that someone hears them. Myself included. Really, think about it. Where do you spend your 2 dollars? On a hamburger, on soda, on a little bit of gas -these days a very little bit? And think of how much farther that 2 dollars will go if combined with everyone else's 2 dollars. It can go so much further, and do something much greater. And, believe me, for the lesson included to myself --- its 2 dollars very well spent.

Take care everyone, Debrah.

P.S. encouraged by this kid. Donations to St. Jude can be made here.

Milestones

...today, is one. Ready or not -- I've entered my mid thirties. I am hoping to do better in the next few years, look for good things and happy things. Its amazing how time goes so fast. Have a nice night, everyone.

Please Pray for Katya...

...she has just undergone a major surgery. Pray for her mother and her family.

Katya's doctor says she will amaze the world. I do believe this. With respect to them, without knowing her at all, without knowing the family, I have no words to describe the wonder she is, or any child is, for that matter. But this girl's story is one that's pulled at my heart since I first saw her photo some years ago - and it already is amazing. Please, if you pray, pray for her and her family tonight. Thank you.

How Absolutely Awful...

...how could they? -- doesn't even begin to describe it. How is this child supposed to face the rest of her life knowing her parents would have killed her rather than have her born ...if they had known she had Down Syndrome? And yes, people with DS do understand things like that. How in the world did the judge not take away their parental rights for this?

http://www.lifenews.com/2012/03/13/couple-wins-suit-doc-didnt-suggest-aborting-down-syndrome-baby/

Is the value of life mean so little these days that a court of law can decide if you should be born? Is it so low that a person can't stand to give a few months of their own lives just to see a child has one of his or her own? Instead are we that selfish that we can't give those months of our own lives -just a few months- at the cost of a child's entire life? Find the baby a family. I would think its a better to know your parents gave you up for adoption than to hear we'd have aborted you rather than have you be born.

We point fingers at how bad it is in other countries, people locking these kids up in mental asylums, yes, that is horrific, and I highlight that plight alot on this blog -- but are we really that different when right here in the USA over 90% of kids born with Down Syndrome are killed in the womb before they are ever even born?

Alright. What I think of it?

Life's value have not decreased. People's sensitivity toward it has.

Please, if you pray, pray for this girl? That she knows she is loved by God if not her family? And pray for her family as well.

My Hardest Blog Entries...

...I have a hard time posting. And I have several saved in draft. I have a hard time posting them because of the criticism that might come this blog's way for putting things out there for people to know and see. I shouldn't let it deter me, but whom likes being yelled at for the things they say? The way I am starting to look at it though is that - the truth hurts. People react in many ways to what hurts, including leaving negative comments. And 147 million orphans in this world? That is a truth that really hurts. More on this very soon, as it will also be an entry that is hard to post, hard to write, hard to say.