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  Sponsor a Family's Adoption Journey
Sponsor one or more families to help with the financial burden of their adoption journey.
The DeAngelis and Shervheim Families in Ukraine
These families are at various stages of the adoption process, but still very much need your financial support! Thank you for your generous gift of life and love!
Please CLICK HERE to donate for an adopting family!
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IVANNA for the Stratton family--Gautier, MS
We are thrilled for Ivanna to have a family of her own!
The Stratton family has a strong love and devotion to and for children in general. Andy and Darlena were married in June of 2006. Andy has three children through a previous marriage whom they love greatly. They enjoy family activities such as fishing, boating, bowling, site seeing and just family time in general. They have had a strong desire for quite some time to have an addition to their family. In September of 2008 little did they know their lives would be completely changed by becoming a part of their local Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society (http://www.gcdss.org/).
Darlena is a board member for the Down syndrome society where she has served as Buddy Walk chair, she and her husband are actively involved in the society. Andy and Darlena both work for the same company however Darlena is able to work from home and Andy works from the office on a daily basis. They have been involved with the Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society in Gautier, MS since September of 2008 where Darlena chairs a seat on their Board of Directors. They have become amazingly involved with the parents and children in this organization and made the decision to adopt a child with Down syndrome to add to their family. They cannot wait as this adoption unfolds.
3/11/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $449 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
| RUSSELL for The Montilone Family--Easton, PA
Tami and Ralph are hoping to adopt Russell from Eastern Europe. He is almost 5 years old, but is blessed to still be at his baby house. We are so thankful to the Montilones for rescuing him!
Their adoption journey began when Tami came upon the Reece?s Rainbow website late last year. After reading about the children and families touched by adoption, they decided that Russell would make a wonderful addition to their family. Tami and Ralph have been married for 22 years, Ralph works in the fire protection industry and Tami is a special education teacher. They and their extended families are anxious to have Russell home where he belongs!
3/10/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $350 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
Follow the adoption journey of the Montilone family on their blog at http://www.tamiandralphsboy.blogspot.com/ |
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CORINNA for the Orr family--Oakley, CA
Our Corinna finally has a family! She will be our first child adopted uot of this mental institution, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to advocate for her.
The Simons have been married for 5 years. In 2008 they adopted our Georgiy from Ukraine. He has settled into their family wonderfully and loves his brothers and sister, who are absolutely crazy about him too! he is growing like a weed and blossming just as we exepcted him to.
For a while the Orr's had known about Corinna's profile on Reece's Rainbow, and finally everything fell into place and they knew the time was right for them to make the journey to Eastern Europe again. Little Corinna has waited far too long for a family of her own, and they hope to hold her in their arms very soon.
Your help is greatly appreciated for this special littel girl to finally come home!
3/11/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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| JEREMIAH for The Sisemore Family--Haughton, LA
 Jeremiah has a FAMILY!
Bobby and Tami have a heart for children others think of as special needs but in reality they are just special. Those babies that others think are hard or difficult, to this family are the answer to many, many prayers. God touched their lives with adoption when HE bridged the ocean in September 2008 to bring their first son Noah home from Taiwan! J They were forever changed for the good by this amazing experience!
Here they go again! On another Journey with God across the ocean! This time to add little Jeremiah to their family! J Jeremiah has severe cerebral palsy and he needs them as much as they need him to love! Jeremiah needs to come home quickly. Bobby and Tami can?t wait to add Jeremiah to their family and big sister Celeste (20 ) and big brother Noah (2) are thrilled as well! The Sisemores may not be rich in money but this family is rich in love, determination and hard work. They are actively fundraising and doing everything in their power to get there sweet boy home.
Your Gifts to help the Sisemore Family would be so appreciated. They are very thankful for any prayers and financial support through this journey. EVERY PENNY helps bring Jeremiah one step closer to being home where he can get the medical care, therapy, and the love of his families waiting arms! This family is so looking forward to the joys, the tears, the challenges, the excitement and most of all to the love of having Jeremiah home.
? I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you? John 14:18 Won?t you help fulfill Jeremiah?s Promise?
1/23/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING A COURT DATE
I have $276 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
Follow the Sisemore family adoption journey on their blog at http://www.tillgodbringsthemhome.blogspot.com/ |
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SAUL for the Gibson family--Liberty Township, OH
The Gibsons been married for 17 years. Barry works as a conductor for the railroad. Holly is a stay at home childcare provider. They have one daughter (age 11) who was adopted domestically at birth.
They had spoken about adoption before they got married and planned on having one biological child and then adopting. After many years trying to have a baby, Holly was diagnosed with Endometriosis. Six years after they got married they were blessed with a beautiful baby through adoption. Barry & Holly always knew they would like to adopt again someday, and Ashley was really wanting a brother or sister. About a year ago, Holly began researching international adoption and she was led to Reece's Rainbow through another website and instantly knew this is where there next child was.
God has placed the desire in their hearts to adopt a child with Down syndrome and he led them to a little boy from Hong Kong. They fell in love with his picture, his smile could light up a whole room and the sparkle in his eyes... they knew that God just led them to their son.
This will be a leap of faith for Barry and Holly as this will be their first international adoption. They believe that God has chosen them to bring this precious child home and are very blessed to be able to so. Barry and Holly are thankful for all your prayers and financial support through this journey.
1/14/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE, PRE-APPROVED TO ADOPT THIS CHILD
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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AARON for the Nalle family--Palmyra, VA
Rob and Julia Nalle have been happily married for almost 18 years. They home school their two boys, Benjamin (15) and Elijah (11). In 2007, Julia had the privilege of accompanying a friend to India to assist her in adopting a precious special needs girl. The experience of helping to bring Nithya home opened her eyes to the world of international adoption. She began following different adoption blogs and praying for the children and families she discovered.
Julia discovered Aaron through Reece’s Rainbow and through the blog of a New York college student named Molly. Because she is unable to adopt Aaron herself, Molly has made it her mission to collect donations for him and spread the word that Aaron needs a family. Ever since Julia saw Aaron’s picture, she has felt the Lord tugging at her heart. Aaron has physical difficulties, but his mind is normal and he is by all accounts cheerful and vivacious. The thought of Aaron’s confinement to a soul-crushing institution left Julia sleepless and tearful.
John 9 tells the story of a blind man: “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.’”
Jesus restored the man’s sight, and the man’s story challenged the religious establishment that didn’t believe in Jesus. Rob and Julia hope that Aaron’s new life away from the institution will also display the work of God. They hope to see God at work in the hearts of everyone whom Aaron’s life touches, just as he has worked in their own hearts.
2/26/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING 171 APPROVAL
I have $2020 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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ISAIAH for the Becker family--Napoleon, ND
Darrell and Stephanie Becker have been married for almost 19 years. They have been blessed with 5 boys, Josh (18), Ryan (15), Austin (12), Noah (8), and Joey (4 with Down syndrome). They live on a farm in North Dakota.
Eight years ago, the day Noah was born, mom & baby almost died due to complications. When Steph came out of surgery she said NEVER again will she have another baby. She said that IF any more children are to be added to their family it will be through adoption. That is when her adoption dream started. God had other plans and TOTALLY surprised them with Joey a few years later. She was introduced to Reece's Rainbow Nov. 2008. She immediately felt their family was being called to adopt from a child with Ds. While all the boys were on board with Steph, Darrell was a little "iffy" but he agreed to go forward.
They took the first steps in the process but things didn't work out as planned. Darrell and Austin went on an Orphan Mission Trip to Guatemala in June of 2009 and his eyes and heart were opened in a whole new way. Nov. 1st of 2009 Steph opened the RR Angel Tree email and went to find the boy who stole her heart last year. Isaiah was still there! She knew more than ever that he was meant to be theirs. When Joey was born the first half hour of his life his name was Isaiah Joseph. Steph had a STRONG feeling to change it to Joseph Isaiah and she did. She feels she now knows why she made the change...God had plans for them to have a different Isaiah someday.
3/8/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $615 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
NADINE for the Ferguson family--Raleigh, NC
Jim and Kristin have been married for over 15 years and have 3 children. Allen is 13 and Michael is almost 10. In between these two wonderful boys is a special girl named Josi who is almost 12. Josi has Down Syndrome and has allowed her family and friends to experience life outside of the box from day one.
Over the past year and a half, God has placed a desire in Jim and Kristin's hearts to expand their family. Over time God made it evident that He had closed the door for more biological children so He began to speak into their hearts about adoption. Through much prayer and much time spent reading the stories on Reece's Rainbow as well as other adoption websites/blogs, they felt they were being pointed in the direction of having another girl with Down Syndrome to add to their family.
Although it was difficult to choose between all of the beautiful children on Reece's Rainbow, God used their daughter Josi to help Jim and Kristin make a final decision on making Nadine their new daughter. Josi continually prayed for Nadine to be her new sister so she is very excited that this prayer will be answered in the coming year.
3/6/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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| MARINA for The Bachman Family--Roebuck, SC
Our baby Marina has a family!! She has been waiting so long, and now faces an uncertain future in her country's adoption program, so the Bachman family is in a race against the clock to save her!
Oh, the story of Marina and how she came to be the affection of the Bachmans is a sweet one. Tully and Cathy have been married for 9 years and are the parents of two children, Evan(4) and Caylyn (6). The last three years of their lives together have been spent in a fierce battle against Leukemia with Caylyn as the target. Leukemia won, and Caylyn went on to become heaven bound March of 08. The loss has been nothing short of devastating.
Caylyn's primary gift has always been one of unconditional love. She lived it and taught it. She was diagnosed with Down syndrome as well, but that did not define who she was. She was simply a beautiful little girl who captured the hearts of everyone she met. There is a poem given to nearly every parent who has a child with Down syndrome and it talks about heading off on a trip to Rome, only to discover you have landed in Holland. Well after 6 beautiful years in Holland, the disappearance of the tour guide is devastating.
After more than a year of seeking their answers from God, Marina has landed in their hearts. Certainly not as a substitute, for that can never happen, but as a way of carrying on what Caylyn left behind as a way of life. Unconditional love. Evan is excited as he faces the prospect of having two sisters, even though one is in heaven. And Cathy and Tully are looking forward to opening their lives to their new tour guide.
What started out as a prayer call for God to find Marina a family in time to avoid transfer to state run facilities as Cathy looked through Reece's Rainbow on a regular basis has turned into their own answered prayer, and one for Marina as well. Within two days of showing Marina's photo to her husband, Tully came back with the answer that 'they' were the answer to the prayer for Marina.
Your gifts to make sure this family can save Marina, from the institution and an imprisoned life, will be greatly appreciated. They are hoping to have their dossier done in record time, so there will be little time for major fundraising efforts.
3/3/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $6515 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
Follow the Bachman family adoption journey on their blog at www.caringbridge.org/visit/Marinaontheway |
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LILYA for the Zoromski family--Combined Locks, WI
Brian and Michelle Zoromski are very excited to bring Lilya home from Eastern Europe. They have three children at home – Karly (15), Braden (6) and Ruby (DS, 2 ½). Michelle and Brian were married seven years ago, and Brian adopted Karly soon after that.
Two years ago, Karly was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. With the help of the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee and the pediatric oncology department at St. Vincent’s hospital in Green Bay, Karly underwent five rounds of aggressive chemotherapy and 33 days of radiation treatments. The family is thrilled that Karly has been cancer-free ever since.
Their youngest daughter, Ruby, is a surviving twin; her sister Lydia was stillborn (and also had Down syndrome). In an effort to honor Lydia, they decided to adopt a little girl who needed a family – and found little Lilya, who is also a twin, but was left at birth for having DS. It seems like it was meant to be, and they can’t wait to get Lilya home!
2/9/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $13,605in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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FREDDIE for the Shupp family--Murfreesboro, TN
Bill and Lyndi first discovered Reece's Rainbow during the Angel Tree of 2008. During that time, adoption was not a part of the path they were seeking, especially not a special needs adoption. However, God showed them His path, and they followed and adopted Patrick from Ukraine. He came home with them in July of 2009. The Shupp's could not be happier with their newest addition.
The Shupps have 6 children. 5 bio and Patrick. Some people feel like their family is big enough, but again, God has other plans. Since discovering the Reece's Rainbow site last year, one of the older children kept bearing on Lyndi and Bill's hearts. They just could not stop thinking about him and praying for him. They finally, through months of thought and prayer, decided that Freddie would be the perfect addition to their ever growing family. The children are excited to be getting an older brother, and mom and dad are looking forward to this new experience of raising a teenager! This will be this family's second adoption with a year, so many prayers are needed to fullfill the financial requirements!!
2/8/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL!!
I have $1075 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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PEYTON & KYRAH for the White family--Columbia Cross Roads, PA
 This family is so delighted to have been given the chance to bring these children home! Morgan & Sherry White were highschool sweethearts and have now been married 20 years. They have 3 sons still at home; Hayden, Keegan & Aaron. Their oldest son Dylan is in the Air Force, stationed in Adana, Turkey, with his wife, Cait.
They’ve had a special place in their hearts for children with Down Syndrome since learning about it when Morgan’s cousin Michael was born 22 years ago. That inspired a dream to adopt a little girl with Down Syndrome one day. This year, seeing the wonderful children’s ministry in their new church, they felt that God was leading them to bring this dream to reality. God has led the way ever since, bringing people into their lives who helped point the way to Reece’s Rainbow AND in giving them the courage to step out in faith for the sake of these precious children who would have no hope otherwise. After many sleepless nights and prayer, they’ve committed to bringing TWO new children, Kyrah & Peyton, home!
Morgan is a foreman for a highway construction company. Sherry is a nurse, but will be staying home with the girls to meet their mommy needs for as long as necessary. Lots of holding, rocking and loving to help them thrive!
This is a family that’s been committed to raising their sons into men who are responsible and compassionate . Raising 4 sons has taught them a lot, and now they’re looking forward to the new dimension these children will bring to their family’s lives, and to their wonderful circle of friends. Their hope is that seeing them out and about with this little lady in tow will inspire MANY people to ask questions and in turn generate more awareness of this amazing ministry!
2/27/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
We have $1558 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
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VARVARA, NINA & TIMOFEY for the Enskat Family--Athens, AL
Noah and Michelle own and run two restaurants, 24 hour restaurants at that! Since the birth of Abby, they knew their calling was to help children and adults with DS. There were no parent support groups in their area, so they started the North Alabama Down Syndrome Society in July of 2005. They help and support parents who have had babies with DS.
After stumbling across Reece’s Rainbow on the internet, they knew where God was leading them. First He led them to Nina. She looks so much like their daughter Abby. They knew she was the one. There was also Varvara at the same orphanage. They were both so sweet and innocent looking. The Enskat’s knew they had to adopt both of them. They knew with the support of their family and friends they could provide these two little girls a life of faith, happiness, and lots and lots of LOVE.
They are anxious and excited to start their journey with Hannah, Abby, Michael and the two 2-year-olds, Nina and Varvara. They are not sure what life will bring, but they will surely ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!
2/27/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
We have $1625 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption! |
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KATIE for the Summers family--Ashland, OH
Greg and Sarah met in New York at Bible College in 2000. They quickly became best friends and inseparable as they realized that they shared many goals and interests. Both of them were focused on the needs of others during college, knowing that this would be the direction that their degrees would take them. Greg graduated in 2004 with a degree in Youth Pastoral from Baptist Bible College. They were married only a few weeks later and started their life together. Sarah finished her degree in nursing and graduated in 2006 as an RN.
The idea of adoption had never seriously crossed their minds until the summer of 2008. Greg and Sarah had taken their youth group to a week long youth conference. While there, one of the speakers spoke on the reality of orphaned children and their need for loving home. Sarah’s heart hurt for those children and knew that it was something that God wanted them to do. She knew God wanted her to adopt a child and give them love and hope, but it wasn’t just any child but one with special needs, an HIV+ baby.
Sarah quickly dismissed it thinking that it was just crazy pregnancy hormones. How could they adopt a child when they had a toddler and were pregnant with their second child? The idea never went away and only got stronger after Grady was born in December 2008. It was no longer just an idea but a passion to adopt, to give a child in need of a loving home a family that would love them no matter what issues they brought with them. Greg caught Sarah’s passion for adoption and agreed that this was something that God was calling them to do with their life.
The research began, late night blog reading, many many many Google searches on raising HIV+ children , medical sites, and then they happened in Reece’s Rainbow thru http://www.projecthopeful.org/and that’s where they found Katie. When Sarah saw her she knew that sweet little Katie was their daughter. The family started praying that some way God would provide what was needed to bring little Katie home to her family. Thru much prayer He has done it!
The Summers family are so excited to bring sweet Katie home as their daughter. When Trent is asked about Katie he quickly says “bring her home” and that is the motto of the entire family, what ever it takes and as God leads bring her home.
2/27/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
| VANYA for The Baumann Family--Winter Springs, FL
Tom and Kim Baumann are one of our special couples who do not already have children of their own, and have chosen an angel with Down syndrome as their first child.
The Baumanns met 8years ago and have always shared a special passion for children. They married 4 years ago and decided they wanted to start a family fairly quickly. After Kim suffered a miscarriage and the worries of ?are we ever going to have a child?, then a special little boy with Down Syndrome came into their life, by the name of Max. After seeing his family and meeting several other families with children with DS, Tom turned to Kim and said ?Let?s do this. We are to bring a special child home to us. It is Gods plan for us.? So they did their homework and couldn?t resist the beautiful smile and personality beaming on Vanya.
And now their journey begins!!!
2/26/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $320 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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DARYA for the Hollis family--Franklin, TN
Chappy and Melanie live in Franklin, TN. They have five children: Caleb (biological, 15); Lydia (biological, 11); Natalie (adopted from Russia in 2001, 11); Hope (biological, 4 and has Down Syndrome); Charlie (1, adopted domestically, has Down Syndrome). The family LOVES their little ones with Down Syndrome, and believe God has called them to adopt another with an extra chromosome.
On November 17th, Lydia (11) asked her mom if she raised $20,000.00 by Thanksgiving (9 days later), could they adopt Darya from Eastern Europe? A friend had adopted her son from Darya's orphanage earlier this year and reported that no one held her or spoke to her while she was there; this broke Lydia's heart. Lydia's mom responded: "If you raise $20,000.00 in only 9 days, I will know it from God and we will travel to adopt Darya." Well, she did it. Over 300 people from all 50 states and 4 countries chipped in and sent money to Lydia. The family even found money taped to their door almost every morning. At midnight, Thanksgiving, Lydia had not only raised $20,000.00, but had gone over by $6,000.00 proving anything is possible with God! The additional money raised will go to help another family adopt a child with Down Syndrome through Reece's Rainbow.
2/24/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $8040 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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TONYA for the Niemiec family--Greenville, MI
 Jerud and Nicole have 4 children Alexis(14), Alyssa(13), and twin boys Brenden and Deven(5), who was diagnosed with cancer. They love to spend time together with family and the girls love to play fast-pitch softball. Please help this family bring Tonya home as soon as possible so she doesn't have to go to an institution.
Tonya has been listed with Reece's Rainbow for quite some time, and it was only after the Nemes family traveled for their daughter Anastasia, who is also in Tonya's orphanage, that an SOS was sent out for her to be saved from the institution. This is a beautiful littel girl who will join the Reece's Rainbow family and have the life she so deserves. Thank you for your gifts and prayers for Tonya and her new family!
2/21/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $50 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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GLORIA for the Godwin family--Hamilton, OH
Greg and Kristie Godwin have been married for two and a half years, and have two biological children. Josiah is 18 months old, and Gabriela is 5 months old. They have known since the beginning of their marriage that they wanted to adopt children with special needs, and over the last few months, they have become increasingly convinced that the time for them to adopt was drawing very near.
A friend directed them to Reece's Rainbow, and within a few hours of learning about little Gloria, they both knew that she was their daughter. Gloria is in a very poor orphanage, and the Godwins are trying to raise the money for her adoption as quickly as possible, so that she can join her forever family.
2/22/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $35 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
| DEBORAH & LIAM for The Adams Family--Carthage, MO
  Larry and Tracy Adams were child hood sweet hearts. Both grew up in the same small town and church. God is number one in both their lives. And they strive to instill this in their children. Together they raised three bio-daughter. Who have blessed them with six beautiful grandchildren. They started over, adding to their family through adoption. Adopting two sons from Korea, two sons from Haiti and two sons from Guatemala.
They both felt certain God had at least one more child for them. Through other circumstances God lead them to Reece's Rainbow and to Deborah. Though all are excited to add Deborah to their family, Tracy feels extra blessed to not be the only female in the house. To have a little girl to dress up, take shopping, mother daughter banquets and such. Her new brothers are practicing being her protectors.
If you felt so inclined to support this family in bring Deborah home, they would be very grateful.
UPDATE! The Adams family has committed to adopt a 3rd older child, Alexandra! Your prayers and support for them are greatly appreciated!
2/23/10---FIRST TRIP IS MARCH 21!
I have $1380 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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SERGEY for the Davis family--Tuscaloosa, AL
 Greg and Tesney Davis have been married for nine years and have one biological son, Clayton, who is three years old. Tesney is a Social Worker and Greg is a Land Manager. The call to adopt a child with Down Syndrome is an urging that began in Tesney when she was a teenager after she worked as a volunteer with Special Olympics. Then during her college years, she met several families who had children with Down Syndrome. She also met Greg around the same time and he shared her love for these children. These wonderful families have been an inspiration for Tesney and Greg. They thought they might wait to adopt a child with Down Syndrome until a little later in life, but God had different plans.
Greg and Tesney had been praying for months that God would show them what he wanted them to do to live courageously for him. He answered their prayers through the children on Reece’s Rainbow. After looking at the pictures of the children on this website, they both knew what they had been called to do…bring one of these children into their own family.
The Davises plan to adopt Sergey from Russia. They came to this decision after praying over several children. It seemed that God kept leading them towards Sergey. Even his description which said, “Sergey is a little monkey” seemed to be a sign, since their nickname for their other son Clayton is “little monkey.” They are hoping he and Sergey will be two of a kind!
1/15/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE, FIRST TRIP IN FEBRUARY!
I have $1380 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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MISHA for the McDonald Family-- Kearney, NE
Toby, Suzanne and their 3 daughters are so excited to bring home Misha to be their son/brother. They have been married for 13 years and found out early in their marriage how precious and sacred human life is with the loss of their first daughter, Mariya. It was at that time they began to discuss how each of them had a strong desire to adopt a child someday. God has since blessed them with three healthy, beautiful daughters, but the desire to adopt still remains.
Originally, they began the adoption journey through Holt International. However, God placed the desire within each of them to pursue adopting a child with Down syndrome. They knew of a couple in town that just recently brought home a child with Down syndrome from Eastern Europe. After talking with them, they decided to proceed with Reece's Rainbow. They were immediately drawn to little Misha.
He already is in their hearts, now they just want to welcome him into their home. Your gifts to support this journey are so greatly appreciated!
2/21/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING 171 APPROVAL
I have $125 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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DUNCAN for the Freeman family--Woodruff, SC
Look at our little Duncan! He finally has a family!
Allen and Aimee Freeman have been married for 12 years. God has blessed them with two children Alaina 9, and Aaron 7. Allen has served with the Special Olympics and has sponsered many fund raisers for these events through the years. God has lead them to Duncan. The first time they saw his little face they knew he belonged in their family where he will be loved and given a chance to have a real loving family and the life he truly deserves !
Thank you for any support and prayers you can offer this family!
2/21/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $250 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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VERA for the Clifton family--Grand Isle, NE
 Deana is the mother to two wonderful grown children. Tyler is 23 and a senior in college and Sydney is 18 and is a senior in high school. Now she feels that it’s the time to add a junior member to her family.
She found RR when she decided to search for Down Syndrome and adoption. Little did she know that this search would take her across the globe to find an addition to her heart and family.
Deana has been so fortunate to see several signs from God pointing to this beautiful little girl, and has already seen the impact of this one child in the hearts of her extended family members who are ready to welcome her with open hearts and arms. She will be a celebrated member of her new family and community!
1/21/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $1020 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
DANIA, JOSH & LUKE for the Fritz family-- Cottage Grove, MN
  Ken, Nance and their family are on a journey to bring little Dania home from Eastern Europe. Ken and Nance have been married for 24 years and have 6 children ranging from 23 to 4. They are no strangers to international adoption! Vasilica came home in 1991 from Romania. Roxana came home in 1998 from Romania. Kaylee 12, James 7, Jerlin 5, and Charley 4 came home only 10 months ago from Colombia South America. The Fritz’s know the ups and downs of the adoption process. Their first adoption was done independently and Ken was in Romania for 3 months. Their 2nd, also done independently, took many flights and weeks to get Roxana home. Their latest adoption was done through an agency and was very costly. Ken and Nance were in Colombia for 1 month.
Their adoption of Dania is a huge leap of faith for them...not because of the country Dania lives in, where things can be unpredictable at times in the adoption world...not because of the title “SN” placed on Dania.... butt because they usually wait 6 or 8 years between adoptions! This will be their second international adoption in less than 1 year, they are asking for any amount of monetary donations you would be able to donate. More importantly they ask for you prayers, not only for their family and Dania but all the orphaned children waiting for their “forever family”!
2/21/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING 171 APPROVAL
UPDATE! The Nance family has chosen to bring home Josh and Luke too! They both have Down syndrome and are almost 6 years old, so they are saving the boys from the institution! Praises and joy for this growing family, your gifts are so appreciated!
I have $2030 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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| LIZA for The Lorenz Family--Locust Grove, VA
The Lorenz?s knew they would adopt even before they were married. Rick was adopted as an infant and Melissa spent a brief amount of time in Foster Care as a small child as well as being ?adopted in heart? by her stepfather. They both also realize that we all live as orphans and are adopted into God?s family by Jesus? saving Grace. Despite the knowing that there would someday be an adoption the journey has been pretty twisty and at times there have even been roadblocks. But that ?Broken Road? has led them straight to Reece?s Rainbow and little Liza.
Rick and Melissa met in the church they both attended about five years ago and have been married four this summer. Before this Melissa was a single parent who was beginning to think her dream of having more children ?someday? was only a dream and wondered why substituting for the Special needs classrooms brought so much joy. Rick was a single father whose youngest child kept him busy every other weekend and wondered why he was single again and still had never realized his dream of adopting a child just as he had once been adopted. Then God brought them together and all the pieces of this puzzle fell into place perfectly. Just the way He had planned all along.
1/21/10--HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $890 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
Follow the adoption journey of the Lorenz family on their blog at http://www.journeytoapromise.blogspot.com/ |
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PAUL for the Godone-Maresca family--Escondido, CA
 The Godone-Maresca Family is thrilled with its newest addition. Lillian is a proud mom of 5 wonderful children: 3 biological and 2 adopted internationally from Haiti. Catherine is 23, Gerard and Warren are 13 (twins), Thomas is 9, and Nicholas is 8. Although having a master's and almost a Ph.D., Catherine lives at home in order to help. She and the twins do for their two younger brothers much more than any parent can imagine, expect, ask for, or even dream about, and are also avid volunteers for the poor and the unborn.
Even though being widowed, when talking about adoption Lillian always uses the plural due to how totally, absolutely, completely, unconditionally involved her mom and her children are in it. They're devout Catholics, and praytogether for the new homecoming. Unanimously, they had decided that any new further addition(s) to their family would be little ones facing physical challenges. All of them have big hearts—yet Lillian agrees that in her individual case, there is also a deep-rooted psychological reason that pushes her towards any child facing mobility problems.
Lillian used to have the most perfect childhood anyone may have wished for, with a family that on one hand taught her all the etiquette rules, but on the other, and even more emphatically, taught her about social sensitivity, equality, and social justice. On one hand, she had a very privileged upbringing, but on the other had parents and grandparents who, far from being busy socialites, were totally, absolutely, entirely, unconditionally devoted to her. She was an excellent student, outspoken, and pretty. Yet, there was something that did cast a cloud on what otherwise would have been a magical, enchanted, fairytale childhood: she was not good at sports. Although not disabled, she did perceive her poor coordination as a true disability—and that made her feel very deeply for any child facing real physical challenges.
At this moment, the family’s financial situation is completely different from what it used to be. A failed international adoption meant a huge financial loss. Yet, everyone, including the children, are determined to make any possible and impossible efforts for that little boy to get home.
2/15/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING 171 APPROVAL
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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ANTON & DAVID for the Carmichael family--Knoxville, TN
 Sean and Stephanie Carmichael have been married for 11 years. Stephanie brought two children into the marriage, Danielle (17) and Cody (15). Sean legally adopted them soon after they were married and they have always talked about adopting a child with special needs, more specifically a child with Down Syndrome. Sean had an uncle, Mac, who had DS and he was the biggest joy in the world. One of Sean's fondest memories is of Mac pulling him down the street in a wagon. Sadly, Mac passed away at age 58.
Stephanie is a RN and is currently training to be a Family Nurse Practitioner. Even with all of the work she has done with nursing, she still says she has never felt a "calling" before until she decided upon adoption. Stephanie and Sean have been making plans about selling their house and doing some travel nursing and seeing the country after the kids were grown and out of the home, but God had other plans for them. They both feel that they are destined to have and care for a child with DS and that is their new, improved plan. Cody and Danielle are just as excited, even offering their own money to help with the adoption costs! People have said to them "Oh, what a great person you are for wanting to "save" a child", but they feel like this child is saving them and that God is allowing them to participate in something bigger and it would be a gift to the family to have one of these special children.
The Carmichael family hopes to adopt Anton from Eastern Europe. He is a beautiful child who looks like he will fit right in at the Carmichael house, even looking a little like Sean. Stephanie feels that this won't be their last adoption and hopes to add to their household many more times, but the other Carmichaels haven't reached a final decision on that. Please pray for the family and help bring Anton home.
11/24/09---HOME STUDY IN PROGRESS
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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ALYSSA for the Watkins family--Laramie, WY
We are so excited for Alyssa to have found a family! She is already 6 and has been waiting long enough.
Kevin and Andrea Watkins were high school sweethearts and before they decided to get married the discussion of adoption had already been decided, they new that at some point they would be called to adopt a child with down syndrome. Kevin’s younger brother was born with downs and Andrea’s younger brother was born with developmental disabilities so the desire to have a child that was special was going to be part of their family plan. They have four biological children, two daughters Lindsay 16 and Allie 6 and two sons Austin 12 and Noah 5. God placed a picture of a little girl in Andrea’s head when Lindsay was in first grade and since then every year they have looked for options for adoption domestically and have had no success. Finally this year they came upon the Reece’s Rainbow web site and when looking at the waiting children pictures they found her, Alyssa.
They believe that this has been a call on their life by God and the blessing they will receive through this child will be amazing. They look forward to seeing God’s will come to fruition through their obedience.
2/9/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
I have $5 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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TARA & SVETA for the Rieben Family--Xenia, OH
 Richard and Valerie Rieben have been married for 7 years and have been blessed with five incredible children, Evan (5) adopted from Ukraine in 2007 (Arthrogryposis), biological triplets Maren, Lukas and Jacob (4) and Joshua (2) adopted from Uzbekistan in 2007 (limb different).
Shortly after returning home from Uzbekistan and Ukraine with Joshua and Evan, the Rieben’s began to feel the familiar “nudge” that their family was still not complete. In the summer of 2008 their hearts were turned again towards Eastern Europe and in February 2009, the Rieben’s began the process to bring their children home. Since March, the Rieben’s have waited to receive the files of several children whom the Lord had placed upon their hearts. After a difficult wait, they have finally received the file of one of their beautiful little girl’s and they are excited to move forward to bring her home (Maren, who is currently holding down the fort as the only girl, is especially excited for the estrogen increase!).
The Rieben’s are thrilled to be expanding their family once again through the miracle of adoption and greatly appreciate all help and support in bringing their newest children home!
2/8/10---1ST TRIP IS FEBRUARY 21!
We have $60 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
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| HANNAH for The Crews Family--Lawrenceville, GA
The Crews family is very excited about bringing Hanna home from Eastern Europe. John and Nancy both have a lifelong commitment to people with disabilities. Nancy is a clinical social worker who works in mental health. John is a senior scientist in vision loss and aging at Centers for Disease Control.
John and Nancy have one child, Kate, who is 28. Kate has her Bachelor?s degree in Education and is employed as a reading specialist at a school for children with learning disabilities. She is excited to be a part of this family adoption and has a great deal to offer based on her teaching background and her own personal experience dealing with cerebral palsy.
John, Nancy and Kate believe that Hanna will be the ideal addition to their family circle. They appreciate your support for Hanna and for all the waiting children on Reece?s Rainbow.
2/7/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
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Yana, Natasha, Katya, and Oksana for the Lewis family--Crown Point, IN
Shane and Diana Lewis have stepped forward to adopt FOUR older girls who are HIV+. have been married for 16 years. Diana works as a Surgical Technician and office manager while Shane is a Railroad Engineer. Diana also carries a degree in Special Needs Child Development They have one son together, Alexi (15) and Shane is the Father of Todd (20), Mercedes (19) and Roxana (16).
"These are the children God has given me. God has been good to me." Genesis 33:5
They say “We had our future all planned out. We were set to be empty nesters very soon and start our “all about us” life. Then our hearts were stolen by four little angels. From that moment we knew that our later years were going to be so much richer that we could even have imagined. As Planned, it is going to be all about US and it is going to be incredible!”
They can’t wait to get their girls home and need your help to make that happen.
2/4/10---HOME STUDY COMPLETE
We have $1000 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
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BIANCA for the Heim family--Tinley Park, IL
 The Heims are a family blessed to be formed through adoption. Scott and Traci married in 1993. They began their parenting journey in Russia with the addition of 10 month old Svetlana in December of 1998. Andy, 16 months, came home from Russia in August of 2000. For a time, they thought their family was complete. It turns out they were very wrong. Traci had the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia in February of 2007 to assist a girlfriend bringing home her infant son. While in Ethiopia, God revealed to Traci that he had plans for her family that included adding a child from Ethiopia to their family. Mel, 3.5years old, came home in August of that same year. After he came home, they knew that there were more children who needed a home and a family, and they set out to be that family. In February of 2009, Biruk, 12, and Hanna, 10, also from Ethiopia, came home. It was during that time that Traci became active with Project Hopeful, an organization formed to help adoptive families adopting children with HIV/AIDS and severe special needs. Reece’s Rainbow was advocating for many of the children Project Hopeful desired to help. Traci decided to take a look at the list of HIV+ children she would be striving to help. While visiting the website she heard a still small voice point out that her family could care for one of these angels. Of course God was right again, and Scott and Traci began the process to bring Bianca home from Ukraine.
2/2/10---DOSSIER COMPLETE, AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
I have $5025 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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The Sobie Family--
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 Scott and Jeanne Sobie are very excited to be starting their journey to adopt their second special needs child from Eastern Europe! The little girl who stole their hearts has Spina Bifida, but through an extensive amount of research and praying, they knew this was something their family could handle! Their first child, Camryn is 4 ? years old and was born with a cleft lip and palate, and just recently completed her 4th surgery. She is anxious to have her sister join the family and is already using her dolls to ?pretend? teach her sister English J and wants her sister to share her room, and is busy designing a new floor plan!
The Sobies were not planning to adopt until 2010 but when they saw this child on Reece's Rainbow, they knew God had other plans and already had chosen this child for them! They are working to complete their homestudy and are praying to bring their daughter home in the fall.
9/5/09---DOSSIER COMPLETE
I have $415 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! | |
| ANASTASIYA & SANDY for The Mayden Family--Abilene, KS
 
John and Kelly Mayden feel blessed to be called upon by God to adopt two of His most precious angels from Eastern Europe. Anastaysia, who will be 6 years old in March, and Sandy, who is 3 years old, will soon not only be sisters, but will also be welcomed home by 2 sisters [ages 16 and 9] and 5 brothers [ages 14, 12, 11,8 and 3 years]!
The 2 youngest boys were adopted domestically. So while not new to experiencing Gods loving hands in the expansion of their family through adoption, international adoption is definitely something new and an adventure they prayerfully embrace!
John and Kelly have been married for 16 ? years. They operate a farm and cattle feedlot and love raising their family in the country. Kelly is blessed to be able to stay at home full time. They would not change a thing about their life even if they could!
Adoption has always held a special place in Kelly's heart. God, through His wisdom, gave her a husband that would travel with her on the adoption journey. Before the process of adopting Lucas, the youngest, was started God laid the verse Luke 12:48 upon her heart. Having felt so greatly blessed with much, she realized that God was speaking to her to share all that he had freely given. To enable John and Kelly to embrace His calling for their lives he gave them both a great love for children, and a belief that children are quite simply a joy, specifically GOD?s JOY!
Any donations you feel called to give would be greatly appreciated! Like so many others, finding funds to complete an international adoption is a struggle. Ultimately God will provide. They wait with excitement to see His glory shine in this adoption!! Thank you straight from their hearts!!!
Luke 12:48 ???From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded. And from the one trusted with much, much more will be expected.?
12/11/09---FIRST TRIP IS JANUARY 17, 2010
We have $670 in our FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of our adoption!
Follow the Mayden family's adoption journey on their blog at http://trustedwithmuch.blogspot.com/ |
| ANGELINA for The Shuck Family--Bakersfield, CA
Rob and Amy met on the church playground and married 20 years later. They have 4 children (2 boys, 2 girls). Rob works in law enforcement and Amy is an elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home/homeschooling mom. Their journey with Down Syndrome began in December 2003.
For the first 8 months of pregnancy several ultrasounds showed a healthy baby girl. Two weeks before Amy's due date with their second child, the doctor found fluid in the baby's lung. An hour later another doctor confirmed the fluid and added an AV canal defect and a short femur. Two days later a specialist informed Rob and Amy that the baby would have severe Down Syndrome and would not live to the due date. He said that even if the baby survived birth, it was so sick it would live only a couple of hours or maybe days. ?The baby will never walk, talk, eat or even breathe on its own,? the specialist said. He then offered an amniocentesis to confirm the diagnosis and told Rob and Amy that they would need to ?take care of it? quickly before labor started. The specialist assured them that abortion was the best option because no one should have to have a baby with so many problems. During this conversation, the nurses and the genetics counselor noticed the baby in Amy?s tummy moving all over the place. It was as if Lexi was saying, ?Hey! I can hear you. I'm still alive. Give me a chance!? Rob and Amy declined the amniocentesis and informed the doctor they would not abort their baby. They were then sent to a cardiologist.
Lexi was born three days after Christmas. She stayed in the local hospital for five weeks before being airlifted to another hospital. When she was 2 ? months old she came home with a g-tube and a lot of medication. Over the next few months she survived RSV, heart surgery and a few medical errors. At 5 ? months old, she was home to stay. Lexi is now 4 ? years old and thriving. She began to walk independently a little over a year ago. A few months ago, she started really talking (a lot!!!). She knows ASL, loves to sing and dance, and is determined to learn to read. She is a walking, talking, smiling miracle from God.
Rob and Amy first learned of special needs adoption shortly after Lexi was born. They decided that whatever Lexi?s outcome would be, they would pursue the adoption of children with DS. This is their first experience with adoption. Rob and Amy fell in love with Angelina the moment they saw her. Won?t you please partner with Rob and Amy in prayer and support to bring Angelina home soon?
1/21/10---HOPING FOR COURT IN MARCH
I have $120.63 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
| ANDREJS for The Handl Family--Two Rivers, WI
 Heidi Handl is another one of our single moms! She is also a first-time mom! She is hoping to adopt our little Andrejs from Eastern Europe as soon as possible! He has been waiting far too long.
Heidi is 31 years old and Andrejs will b e her first child; but she has lots of experience with nieces and nephews! Her sister Kelly is a single mom of 8, 4 with special needs. Kelly actually found RR and introduced Heidi to all of the adorable children. Heidi was hooked and then kept waiting for the ?right? time. Just before Christmas she decided that it was as good a time as any and committed to adorable Andrejs. She has already hit a couple bumps in the road but things are coming together and she is totally committed to making him her son! His name will be Jackson Daniel; Daniel after Heidi?s father who passed away 8 years ago. Heidi knows there will be many challenges with being a single Mom to a special needs little guy and is totally ready for those responsibilities. Finances are her biggest concern, especially with the time she will have to take off of work for travel and to get to know her new son after he comes home. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
1/8/10---DOSSIER EN ROUTE
I have $365 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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| LEAH for The Kelley Family--Syracuse, NY
Our baby Leah has a family!
Just from seeing the photo of Leah, Dan and Jennifer Kelley knew that she is the perfect child to complete their family. In some ways she reminds them of their three year old daughter Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn and Leah both have Down syndrome and Leah has the same heart issue that Kaitlyn had. Dan and Jennifer envision the two girls not only as sisters but also as lifetime companions.
Dan and Jennifer have been married for six years and have been on this adoption journey for quite some time ? right from the start of looking into the idea of adoption they knew that children with DS had a special place in their hearts. And once they saw Leah, after much thought and prayer, they were convinced. Their house is happy, playful, and full of love. Dan and Jennifer both are dedicated to serving the needs of individuals with disabilities, working as case workers in the mental health field. Thus, they have the skills and abilities to support Leah in reaching her fullest potential. The area where Dan and Jennifer live has some of the best medical specialists in the country for children and is rich in services for children with special needs. What?s more, Dan and Jennifer already have connections to the specialists that will meet Leah?s medical, physical, and other needs as she grows.
Dan and Jennifer are in a hurry to bring Leah home in order that she receives the love and medical care that she so greatly needs. They would appreciate even the smallest donation to help with the enormous cost of adopting from overseas.
1/7/10--WAITING FOR 2ND PRIME MINISTER APPROVAL
I have $1145 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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ALEK for the Phillips Family--Sioux Falls, SD
Our little Alek has a family!! Nathan and Megan Phillips have been married for 7 years. They both grew up in Aurora, CO and now live in Sioux Falls, SD. Nathan and Megan live as missionaries to the city doing prayer ministry, and outreach through the ministry of Firehouse Underground (www.firehouseministry.com). They have a deep love for kids and people that society would call “the least.”
About a year ago, Nathan and Megan went on a 40-day period of prayer and fasting to ask the Lord to end abortion in America and to raise up couples to adopt children. Little did they know that the Lord would use these 40 days to burden their hearts in a deep way for the orphans of the earth. Through many circumstances and signs, they felt it was time to move forward with adoption. Little Alek is a child that was implanted in their hearts, and they are seeking to give him a loving, peaceful and joy-filled life.
Your gifts to help this family are greatly appreciated, as they work diligently to get him home as quickly as possible! The Phillips' are prepared to love him and care for him all the days of his life!
12/8/09---DOSSIER COMPLETE AND EN ROUTE
I have $2870 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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| GARRETT for The Lackamp Family--Oak Ridge, MO
The Lackamps were high school sweethearts and married soon after. They live in MO and have a grown daughter, Amber, who works with children with special needs. While doing research, she discovered Reece?s Rainbow. God led her to Garrett and when she showed him to her parents they fell in love with him! He is just adorable and is in desperate need of medical treatment. At birth, Garrett was diagnosed with hip joint malformation, articular joint malformation. It was believed that without surgery he would be bedridden for the rest of his life. However, Garrett is very smart and has recently started teaching himself to get around. Garrett also struggles with strabismus (lazy eye), but is very active and friendly and loves music and games! After much prayer, the Lackamps felt called to adopt Garrett and give him the loving family he deserves. They are all very excited to add to their family and are anxious to bring him home!
11/2/09---DOSSIER SUBMITTED, HOPING TO TRAVEL IN JANUARY
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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| CADEN for The Brown Family--Milan, MI
Jim and Jill Brown have been married for 12 years, and are already parents to 3 wonderful children. They are hoping to adopt our little "Caden" in Armenia!
Madeline (10), Marney (8), and Owen (5) are their children at home. Jim works full time in the manufacturing industry, and Jill is a home school Mom and nursing student. They are an active family and cannot wait to add to their family through adoption. The Browns have been interested in adoption for quite some time, as they have 4 nieces and nephews who joined their family through adoption. They have always had a special place in their hearts for people with Down Syndrome, so when they saw Reece's Rainbow, they knew that this was where they would find their new little angel. They can't wait to bring him home!
Thank you for your support in their journey!
10/5/09--DOSSIER SUBMITTED
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
| LUNAE for The Litzke Family--Marysville, OH
Dave and Mandy Litzke were no strangers to adoption. God had already blessed them with several children in miraculous ways, 4 of which had special needs. They had learned the joy of offering a child a forever family and knew there was nothing in this world that could compare.
The Litzkes had friends that had become acquainted with Hopscotch Adoptions and their work in various parts of the world. Their hearts were stirred and they began to pray for the agency and their friends as they advocated on the behalf of these special children. After some time passed Dave and Mandy felt a nudge from the Father that one of these children might just be meant to join their family. After much pray and careful consideration, God confirmed in their heart that there was a new chapter in the Litzke household. He had another blessing in store. Soon He would reveal this beautiful little girl and their hearts would never be the same. The moment they saw her they fell in love. After reading her profile they knew for certain she would fit right into their family. This young child had been waiting for sometime for her family to come along. In God?s perfect timing He would orchestrate the moment when they would find one another. The Litzke?s anticipate travel this summer and the family cannot wait to bring their daughter home and love and care for her forever.
10/5/09---HOPING TO TRAVEL IN DECEMBER
I have $35 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
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| ELENA for The Spencer Family--Mesa, AZ
Scott and Lisette Spencer have chosen to adopt little Elena into their growing adoptive family. Dad's baby brother has Down syndrome, so they have always had a special love for these children.
The Spencers are strong Christians who have been married for 11 years. After 5 years of infertility problems, they turned to adoption, but hit many roadblocks. Four years later, they began serving as foster parents. They went from 0-3 children in only 2 weeks time! They have two precious little boys, and their littlest one Jacob, had Down syndrome. Regrettably, he passed away shortly after he turned one. :(
The Spencer family belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Dad teaches Seminary (a religion class for high school students) for their church, and he just completed his Master's degree in Educational Leadership. Mom is home full time, and will be able to give Elena the loving attention she so desperately deserves. Both Mom and Dad come from families with 10 children and they love big families. There are other adopted members of their immediate families as well, so the notion of adoption is a positive and supported one!
When they saw Elena's face, they knew she was the one. They are at great peace with their decision to adopt Elena, and to honor Jacob in such a beautiful way. This is their first international adoption. Won't you help the Spencers bring baby Elena home from Eastern Europe?
8/2/08---HOPING TO TRAVEL SOON!
I have $985 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
| NATIA for The Wright Family--Owasso, OK
Buddy and Delahne Wright are hoping to adopt one of our "Other Angels", Miss Natia in Eastern Europe who has arthrogryposis. She has the most enchanting smile and the biggest brown eyes you have ever seen!
The Wrights have been married for 10 ? years and have 3 children, Samuel- 8, Catherine- 6, and Caleb- 5 months. Mom has been thinking about adoption since she was a little girl and has visited several orphanages during missions trips over the years. She and Buddy had not really talked a lot about adoption, but had mentioned it as a possibility in the future.
Their dear friends, John & Charissa Urban, just adopted Ava from Ukraine. As they followed the Urbans' blog, they saw the Reece?s Rainbow link and visited our site for the first time. There was Natia! Within 2 days, they knew she was supposed to be part of their family. Samuel, in fact, saw her picture and upon hearing her need for a family, asked if they could adopt her. Catherine was right there, chiming in that she wanted to adopt her, too. They'll be great princesses together!
For Buddy and Delahne, it was in God?s heart and He just happened to choose to use them to share His love with this precious child. They consider it a great honor to be chosen to be her parents. They believe, as the Bible says, that true religion is to care for the orphans and widows. How could they do less? They know that the Lord uses people and that without Him, they couldn't do this. They are thankful for others who will be a part of bringing her to the "Wright" home.
2/2/09---STILL WAITING
I have $2050 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
Follow the Wright family's adoption journey on their blog at www.bdwrighthome.blogspot.com |
| ANI for The Taylor Family--West Point, NY
The Taylors are hoping to adopt one of our very youngest children from Eastern Europe. They are a military family currently stationed at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. Scott is a Major in the Army and teaches American Politics while Heather is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor but is currently a stay-at-home mom. They have a beautiful 4 ? year old daughter named Brynn and 3 Labrador Retrievers (one of each color)! Scott and Heather met while attending college at Rutgers University. They have been married for almost 12 years.
Heather has worked with individuals with disabilities since high school and has always felt in her heart that she would like to adopt a child with Down syndrome. Together, with Scott and Brynn, they found Ani and knew she is the one to complete their family.
This is the Taylors? first adoption experience. Scott, Heather and Brynn are eagerly looking forward to bringing Ani home to provide her with a family that loves each other.
2/6/09---STILL WAITING
I have $680 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! |
| KATRINA for The Hardin Family--White House, TN
Look at this beautiful Katrina!
When David and Kathy Hardin met, one of the things that bonded them together was a shared love of children and a desire to have a large family. Twenty-five years later, they have eight biological children ranging in ages from five to nineteen. God has blessed their family in so many ways that they want to be able to share that with a child that doesn't have a family of their own. David and Kathy have researched adoption and have been deeply moved by the great need for homes for children who require medical attention. David and Kathy are excited for the opportunity to be Katrina?s Mom and Dad. Katrina is two and a half, has spina bifida and is currently in a small orphanage in Armenia.
This will be the Hardin?s first adoption and this child will find a special place of love and care in the Hardin household. David works in insurance and Kathy is a stay-at-home mother who is home schooling their children. David, Kathy and all eight of their children pray daily for Katrina and for God?s wisdom and direction in their journey to bring her home to them in Tennessee.
6/19/09---DOSSIER COMPLETE
I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption! | Reece's Rainbow, PO Box 4024, Gaithersburg, MD 20885
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We have quite a growing contingent of families from Alabama! 
