Doin' a Jig and Rejoicin'

I was so very happy on Thursday night and Friday morning.  Children I've been following on Reece's Rainbow had grant increases.  My heart soared and my spirits picked up immensely.

Here are three of them:

Natalija L60

Girl, Born on March 16, 2001

This blue-eyed, blonde-haired beauty needs a loving family to thrive in! Natalija is described as active and friendly. She doesn’t like to be told “no” or be reprimanded, and cries as a result (aaahh, girls!). Natalija likes to play games with her peers, even if she doesn’t quite understand the rules. She is friendly and responsive, and is very loving towards her caregivers and friends. she is very good at playing independently and focusing on the task in front of her. She is stubborn sometimes, but I have found that this is a common trait of children with Down syndrome! Natalija does have a few words and basic self-service skills. She can dress and undress without help, and also eats and drinks unassisted.


Older parents, larger families, and single moms welcome.

$7237.20 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Emil

Born December 1999
Diagnosis: cerebral palsy and down syndrome
From someone who met him in 2012:
Emil was the gentlest child ever! Unable to talk but the pleading in his eyes killed me! He grabbed my finger and wouldn’t let go…what a grip! He also got really hit a few times by others wanting my attention, he didn’t retaliate but fell in a heap and moved away, only to return when the coast was clear. I would love to see this child in a nurturing environment!

$3883.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

 

 

and

 

 Katrina

Girl, Born December 2001
Oh what a miracle, to have an updated photo of Katrina!!!    And there is the light I  knew had to be there!   She doesn’t realize it, but now that she has a profile here on Reece’s Rainbow, Katrina has a CHANCE…a chance for a new life, a family of her own, to get out of these four walls and to have something to smile about.
From her medical records:  Down syndrome, significant cognitive delay (coupled with FAS), flatfoot, partial atrophy of optic nerves, esotropia, secondary cardiomyopathy.
From a missionary who visited with her in March 2012: Oh my heart…I so wanted to bring her home!   She is a giggly soft hearted darling…she needs a mama!
Katrina and Tania can be adopted together if a family is approved and interested.   Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment.   10 day wait often waived here.  Married couples only, larger families welcome, travel required.

$5023.30 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

 

My heart soared.  I was so happy to see this. 

 

These are three children who need a loving family who care about them and love them.  They need to know a family's love and concern.  My heart melts every time I see their lovely faces.  I so wish I could do more for them.

 

Instead I write on this little unknown blog hoping someone somewhere will see and understand and help.

 

My eyes are watering right now as I put this little write-up together.  The needs of these children are truly great, and yet the gesture of donating to their fund or even taking steps to adopt them would be a God send for these children.

 

I hope that for all the tears I shed, that something good will rise out of the soil of these lives so that they may grow and bloom.  A family's love would allow that to happen.

 

So, in my thoughts and in my prayers I remember sweet Natalija, Emil and Katrina along with all the other boys and girls, named and unnamed, who need us to care for and love them regardless of geography, distance, time, space.

 

Love them I will.  For they are God's children to be loved and to love.  I hope families will step forward and say, "That's my child. Let's go get him or her."

 

May God bless all the dear children tonight as they sleep or are awake.  May they be protected from evil and injustice.  May the God of love surround them and be with them in their suffering and in their yearning for people who truly care about them.

 

I pray it will be well with their little souls.

 

 

Thirsting for Justice

I must admit that I have shed tears over the last two or three weeks whenever I think of the children who are abandoned, neglected, abused, left as orphans. 

We're told to look after the widow and the orphan (James 1:27) and to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world in the process.

I suppose we could become corrupted and skewed in this work of looking after the widow and the orphan.  It is not a work for the faint hearted.  It is difficult work and hard work.  It takes dedication and commitment.  It takes your energy and your time along with your money and your possessions. 

In the process you learn a little about self sacrifice; about sharing; about what is important; about what really counts to make it all worth it.

I think the thing for me is that to love and to be loved are indeed the greatest things I will experience while I live here on earth.  We get one kick at the can and it's got to be a good kick; a good dose of loving and of being loved.

My heart has ached when I see the pictures and get an impression of the circumstances of the children and youth.

I saw quite by accident and quite randomly today a video of a documentary about the Children of Leningradsky - Part 1/3 HQ who live at the train station in Moscow.  I cried again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfXyMLUshX4

I cannot believe a community of people would allow this neglect and abuse to be so rampant in their very midst.  I shook my head and cried at the thought of the way these children survive in a world that ignores them and hates them for being who they are.  Yet they are who they are because of their community, their nation.  I hung my head and cried.

So, once I get over my tears that come unannounced on some days, I will do what I can to help someone somewhere to know better circumstances and to know that people cared for them and genuinely loved them; and wished them well.

A small drop in the bucket when I realize that on YouTube you can access just about any video of orphaned children from anywhere in the world.  The task of social justice is a big one. 

But it only takes one to change the world.  It only takes one to make a difference.  Are you that one????

Happy Thursday!
 

Trying for Tuesday

I get so frustrated when I see children who are neglected and suffering from the lack of love and care. 

My heart cries and cracks under the strain of the neglect.  My heart cries out for justice and for these children who need to be rescued and cared for by loving people.

I can barely believe I am using the word 'rescued'.  Rescuing children!  We rescue cats and dogs, horses and wild animals.  Now, children need to be rescued.

They need to be saved from ultimate death due to neglect and abuse.  I am so sickened by this reality in the lives of thousands of children throughout the world.  Maybe it is millions of children around the world.  I have a feeling it could be.  But my mind can barely grasp that there is even one child who suffers from any kind of neglect and abuse at the hands of care givers and administrators and people!!!

Here's a group of children who need you.  They need to know that there is a different kind of normal; a better kind of normal.

These are some of the kids at Orphanage 50.  Take a look at the website and see the other children who need help.  They need care and attention.  They need families who love them and take responsibility for their well being.  THEY NEED HELP!!!

http://reecesrainbow.org/category/waitingbycountry/ee-1/orphanage-50

Casey

Born June 1997
Cerebral palsy, significant mental delays, seborrheic dermatitis

Casey is very sweet.   He is bedridden, yet full of smiles.  He desperately needs a family to save him.
Travel required;  married couples only.  Large families welcome.

$1745.30 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

 

Caesar

Boy, born 1999
Multiple congenital malformations, Cornelia de Lange syndrome, severe mental delays, congenital pseudarthrosis right clavicle, congenital partial atrophy of the nerves of both eyes, capitate hypospadias, hypotrophy of the 2nd stage of mixed origin

$20.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

 

Katrina

Girl, Born December 2001
Oh what a miracle, to have an updated photo of Katrina!!!    And there is the light I  knew had to be there!   She doesn’t realize it, but now that she has a profile here on Reece’s Rainbow, Katrina has a CHANCE…a chance for a new life, a family of her own, to get out of these four walls and to have something to smile about.
From her medical records:  Down syndrome, significant cognitive delay (coupled with FAS), flatfoot, partial atrophy of optic nerves, esotropia, secondary cardiomyopathy.
From a missionary who visited with her in March 2012: Oh my heart…I so wanted to bring her home!   She is a giggly soft hearted darling…she needs a mama!
Katrina and Tania can be adopted together if a family is approved and interested.   Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment.   10 day wait often waived here.  Married couples only, larger families welcome, travel required.

$2361.30 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

 

Tania (50)

Girl, born August 2002.

She is said to be independant and active, and she especially loves to swing.  She is shy with other children, and seeks attention from adults, cuddling up when hugs and affection are available.

From her medical records:  Down syndrome, esotropia, flatfoot, secondary  cardiomyopathy.

From a missionary who visited with her in March 2012:  One time the care giver made her sit with other children she was so desperate for me all to herself shecried! she really didnt want to share me.   This is seriously one child who wants a Mama!   She seemed so bright, there is so much potential here being wasted.   She whacked the other children to keep them away from me but I could tell she was not an aggressive child.  Tania is fiesty and able and just desperate for love!  I loved her!!!   I wanted to bring her and Katarina home.  Tania is always active and she loves playing with her swing set, unlike the other kids who rather just play with their toys. The child is a bit shy around the children of her age.  However, she is very brave and courageous when dealing with new visitors.  The girl suffers from a lack of motherly care and gentleness, so she is attracted to everyone who is nice and kind to her.   She hides her lonely soul behind the wall of her active and independent lifestyle.   But as soon as she receives a warm hug and a little love, the mischievous girl suddenly becomes docile and calm.

Larger families, older parents welcome.  Travel required.   This region does often waive the 10-day waiting period!

$3587.45 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

 

Bobby

Boy, Born February 2004
Oh, Bobby is growing up so fast….but alone   BOBBY NEEDS OUT!    Watch a short video here:  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151205374969862
Diagnosis: cerebral palsy, mental delay, secondary cardiopathy,  was born with partial  optic atrophy of both eyes, bronchopulmonary  dysplasia.   Unable to walk.
We have had several successful adoptions from this institution, and this region often waives the 10 day waiting period.  Married couples only, no family size or parent age restrictions.   Families should be HS approved (or nearly so) prior to committing for Bobby.
From a missionary who visited with him in September 2012:    “Today I was in our local central hospital.   Bobby is there now, because he has anemia.   At the orphanage he eats just semolina porridge, no wonder that he has problems with his blood.   The nurse, who spent 8 days with him, says, that she tried to give him other food too. But firstly he didn’t want to have something other, just his white porrige. She put some rice in his porrigde and he tried to throw it away with the napkin. But in a few days the nurse put other kinds of porridge in his milk and he can eat it, just she needs much time to feed him.   She also told me, that he still needs attention and still tries to tear off the catheter from his arm”
From a missionary who visited with him in March 2012: Bobby was simply beautiful! Quieter than the other children who became quite intense trying to get attention, Bobby sat back and watched. His eyes that are most striking…they are like dark brown pools and theyare very knowing. I pulled him into my lap and our eyes connected, there is real potential within his eyes. He smiled, i just wanted to carry him out…this gentle soul with the slow curving smile…happy to be pulled into my lap and rocked and cuddled and spoken to in a language that he couldn’t understand. I loved him…he would be a wonderful son for somebody! He couldn’t walk at all but moved himself around independently on his knees. His face was a yellowish color that was alarming and may possibly hint at other issues. He really needs to find a family soon.

$4075.80 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

 

Jason

Boy, Born April 10, 2003

HELP!  I have been transferred to a remote institution, with no hope of finding my family without you!
Jason spends his time either in a crib or in a stroller, sitting outside.
He needs a lot of love and attention … He is a good, sweet child, but he has a lot of self-injuring behaviors.  Unfortunately, he is often restrained because he hits himself really hard.
Update Nov 2012:  Jason is learning to walk with support!

$1006.69 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Monday's Meditation

Here it is another Monday morning.  Funny how it happens every seven days.

Today, I want to cut to the chase.  I follow Reece's Rainbow on the web and on Facebook.  Lots of kids have one big need.  They need loving and caring families who will go get them, adopt them, and provide them with a family.  That's what Reece's Rainbow is all about.  Matching orphaned children and youth with caring and loving families.

Simple. Right? 

Well, as I have been discovering, there is so much more to it than just that.  You need to love kids first and foremost.  You need to make a financial commitment because international adoption costs lots of money.  I've noticed a lot of the wives do all kinds of fundraisers to help defray the costs.  Reece's Rainbow is great, too, for offering grants and providing a way for the larger community of caring people to donate.


Then there's the living after they come home.  As we know, being a member of a family has it challenges sometimes.  It may be a little more complicated until everyone finds their way within the family.
The work to get these children home to forever families pays off when you see some of the results after they have settled in with their newfound families.  I am amazed at the transformation in the children.  I am amazed at what practical love does for everyone involved in the process.

I don't think I should be amazed or surprised.  I do know that something pulls at my heart and the tears flow. I admit I try not to let them come out though. But they're there at the doors waiting to go.

It is so amazing what happens to a dejected life that has been found and loved back into living.  Just amazing.

I have discovered, too, and I'm sure it's because I have a child with Down Syndrome, that it doesn't matter what disability the child has, everyone thrives when they are loved and held in its arms with dignity and trust and worth.  I didn't know these abstract words had pictures attached.  You have to see it.  Just go to www.reecesrainbow.org and you'll find your way to the blogs that describe life after adoption.

So, to the chase.  Here are some children and youth I have been following on Reece's Rainbow.  They pull at my heart strings.  I get teary eyed on occasion when I think of some of them.  Their profiles speak for themselves.

My question to you today is what are you able to do to help these sweet vulnerable children? 

Donate if you can. 

Pray if you feel led. 

Volunteer in your own community. 

Or, join the thousands who say yes to international adoption and start the journey. 

Do something that will help to give these children new and improved life.  For every life is worth it.  Every child is deserving of a great life in a loving environment with people who really care for them.

So, think about your part in this and then DO it!!

Kanani

    Girl, born April 2008


Anophthalmos of the left eye, optic atrophy of the right eye, spastic tetraparesis.

Kanani has been transferred!

Lovely Kanani needs a family to help her reach her full potential.

From a family who met her in May 2012:
Kanani is very sweet girl. She is well cared for in a good orphanage by caring nannies. She gets lots of outside time when it’s warm out but this time is spent lying down in the stroller as she can’t sit on her own. She can hold on to your fingers and seems to just love to have attention although with her eye troubles it is difficult for her to respond. She likes to have her cheek stroked and her hand held. She is quite stiff and in need of physiotherapy and most of all love and attention. We were told that she will be transferred to an institution very soon unless a family is found as children at this orphanage are typically transferred at age 4.
Large families welcome; travel required.

$3567.20 is available towards the cost of my adoption! through www.reecesrainbow.org

 

 

Emil

Born December 1999
Diagnosis: cerebral palsy and down syndrome
From someone who met him in 2012:
Emil was the gentlest child ever! Unable to talk but the pleading in his eyes killed me! He grabbed my finger and wouldn’t let go…what a grip! He also got really hit a few times by others wanting my attention, he didn’t retaliate but fell in a heap and moved away, only to return when the coast was clear. I would love to see this child in a nurturing environment!

$72.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

                                                                                       

Natalija L60

Girl, Born on March 16, 2001

This blue-eyed, blonde-haired beauty needs a loving family to thrive in! Natalija is described as active and friendly. She doesn’t like to be told “no” or be reprimanded, and cries as a result (aaahh, girls!). Natalija likes to play games with her peers, even if she doesn’t quite understand the rules. She is friendly and responsive, and is very loving towards her caregivers and friends. she is very good at playing independently and focusing on the task in front of her. She is stubborn sometimes, but I have found that this is a common trait of children with Down syndrome! Natalija does have a few words and basic self-service skills. She can dress and undress without help, and also eats and drinks unassisted.


Older parents, larger families, and single moms welcome.

$52.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Holly

Girl, born Dec 2008
PRC
Down syndrome, congenital heart defect (VSD)

Holly loves to play outside! She is a good eater, and a little shy with strangers. She’s not walking independently yet (as of April 2012).  Additional information available.

 $1000.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!                                                                                                         

Jason

Boy, born Oct 2002
PRC
Albinism, burn scars on foot/leg
He is described as outgoing and likes to help other kids. A caregiver says his mental development is slightly delayed compared to other children his age at the orphanage because sometimes it takes him a little longer to answer questions than other children. He is in the second grade and has trouble with his homework at times. His caregiver states that he has no vision problems aside from sensitivity to light. He has been diagnosed with albinism. His favorite people are other boys at the orphanage. Playing badminton makes him happy. His caregiver explained that he saw other children playing badminton and decided he wanted to try it, so he is currently learning how to play. When he grows up, he wants to be a car driver. His caregiver stated he is normally very active and noisy, but he was nervous with strangers so he was quiet during the meeting with adoption officials. He had a huge smile on his face during his dance performance and appeared be having fun with his friends.

$50.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Felix

Boy, Born October 20, 2003
Diagnosis: Down syndrome

What a cutie!  Betcha he is a handful!  Felix is blessed to be at more of an internat than the institution.  He doesn’t have many words of his own, but his receptive understanding is very good.  He is potty trained and does ask to go to the bathroom.  He is described by his caregivers as very friendly and quite the comedian!

Felix urgently needs a family.  He was raised as the only child with DS in the baby house.  He was much loved and the only child with special needs there, so he didn’t know he was different….. he was raised like the rest of the kids…and was transferred late to the “Internat for Invalids”.    Felix was ADORED up until he was about 8 and has taken the transfer very hard.   Felix is SUCH a love and he deserves to have a family of his own.   Please help us rally for Felix!
More photos available, married couples only.

$11626.31 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Brett #19-1

Boy, Born August 23, 2001
Diagnosis: Down Syndrome, Severe lagging behind in his development, Alopetio areata
Brett was born premature at home and taken to an open field, where he was abandoned. He was there for 6 hours before being rescued and taken to a local hospital, where he was treated for shock, hypothermia, bug bites all over his body and difficulty breathing. Once released from the hospital, he was placed in an orphanage and later transferred to a mental institution, where he lives today.  From a physical standpoint, he suffered several bouts of bronchitis and other sicknesses as a young child. He does have alopecia (hair loss), but does not have any other health problems at this time. Based on one of the video clips, it appears that Brett is able to pop his hip out of socket, as his can turn his leg at an unnatural angle.   He can walk and move freely around in his environment.

Brett suffers from many delays as a result of spending over 10 years in an institutionalized setting.   He walks, plays with toys, communicates using gestures and interact with adults at will. He is NOT aggressive.   The staff cares for all his basic needs and he is not receiving any academic instruction or any noted therapies at this time.

Several photos and videos of Brett from December 2012 are available.
SINGLE MOMS, OLDER PARENTS, & LARGE FAMILIES WELCOME, EASY TRAVEL
MULTIPLE CHILDREN CAN BE ADOPTED AT THE SAME TIME WITH LOW COST

$1740.20 is available towards the cost of my adoption!