Not To Be Forgotten: Boys with DS, Ages 6-9, Part II (Plus one!)

Last week I kicked off a new campaign to advocate for the children from Reece's Rainbow who were nominated for Angel Tree but did not receive the majority vote/drawing winner's choice.  It is a sentiment I've heard echoed over and over among advocates and adoptive families - 'I want to vote for one child, but it makes me so sad for the rest...'

This, my friends, is a sign of a truly loving and Godly community.  As much as we love our 'favorite' RR kiddos, we advocate for the least of these, and that means every single one of these kids.  So, as loud as I screamed for 'my' Brett (Brett #19) during week 3, now it's time to scream for those left behind.

So here's the deal.  For the next 13 weeks, I will be posting twice a week, each post highlighting four of the children who were not chosen for Angel Tree.  I will go in order of the voting, starting with boys with down syndrome, ages 6-9.  Last week I posted for four of these boys - due to some real-life factors, I got behind on the other three (one of these boys has found a family already - so there are only 7 left!) so I'm playing catch-up.  Because I'm 'short' a kid in this category, I will be adding a 'plus one' - another child who is on my heart who desperately needs to come home.  There are a good number of those children as well, so unless you folks get committing to kids, this may run 14 weeks or more in all reality!

A friend who is helping me created this video of the boys in this category as well as the boys with DS over 10 years old.  It's a wonderful introduction to these little guys and their friends who will be featured in the coming days, and certainly worth watching - check it out right here!

Credits to Beth for the video!

...To sweeten the deal even further, I'm offering a giveaway.  I don't have anything fancy to give away, no iPads or even gift cards, only my humble services.  It is my hope that this campaign will drum up a few more followers for this blog - because more followers means more people looking at these kids, which equals a greater pool of potential families.  So, every two weeks, I will draw names from a pool of people who donated or shared these posts.  The winner will get to choose any RR child, and the following week I will do a post all about that specific child.  If you have photos or personal stories you want me to include, I'll be happy to do so.  Just reply to the post with who you donated to (any of the children featured in that post, or of course my Brett - can't leave him out...) in ANY amount, or where you shared the post (no need to post a link, just facebook/twitter/blog) and you'll be entered into the drawing.  If you donate AND share, you can receive two entries.  Since any donation amount earns you an entry, the maximum possible number of entries will be 2 per person per post.  Since there will be 2 posts per week and 2 weeks per voting period, this means a maximum of 8 entries for any one person in any one drawing.  Also apparently an incentive to recall your high school knowledge of exponents... I'll keep everyone apprised of where we are in the voting period with each post.  As of this post (Technically the second Week 1 post), this is the second of four posts to enter the first giveaway period.  

Let's see if we can't start making a difference to these boys who were 'passed over' in angel tree voting - BEFORE angel tree even begins!  Everyone wins here - the kids win when you donate to their grant funds, you win when you get to choose your very own angel to highlight, I win when people read my blog and do what I want so badly for them to do - notice these kids!  

Now let's finish out week 1!

Boys with Down Syndrome, Ages 6-9

Mickey

And here's what Reece's Rainbow has to say about Mickey:

Boy, Born June 2005
Special need: Down syndrome (no heart issues) This very sweet young boy has Down syndrome.   He is well loved by his foster mother and father. He was a dancer in the orphanage performance.   Whenever he hears music he starts dancing.   He was cooperative and happy. He can wash his face if his foster mom gets the towel ready and can do other self help skills.   He can feed himself and. He can pull his pants up and down.   He has good speech and can say many words.   He pulls his chair to the table when it is time to eat and he will clean his mouth after he eats.  He is kind when he plays with other children and does not take their toys.  He likes to run around and play with balls.   He is very curious and likes to watch large machinery outside.   He loves cars and will play with them and watch them out the window for long periods of time. He was described as a “happy, curious and lovely child.”   He is healthy and energetic. He is friendly to others and sensible! He does not have any heart issues. Single moms permitted, no more than 6 children at home, only one parent has to travel. $110.70 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Oh, what a sweetie!  If his picture didn't do you in, I'll bet that loving description did.  Someone cares very much for this little boy... he is very lucky to be in foster care rather than an orphanage setting... but unfortunately, for an orphaned child, this is something that can change in the blink of an eye, and when it does, it turns their world upside down.  Imagine being in a loving home - even if not your home, not your own belongings - getting individual attention and care every day... then suddenly being transferred to an orphanage or institution, where you're only one of many, many mouths to feed, a means to an end, just someone's paycheck.  You'd be lonely, scared, sad, and you wouldn't understand what this was or why it happened to you.  This is the sort of thing that creates attachment disorders.  But it doesn't have to be that way!  Mickey is in a foster home!  Many times, if a child in foster care has an adoptive family commit to them, they will be kept in foster care even when they might have been transferred to await their family.  YOU could be the difference between Mickey and this scary, uncertain future... please, don't let what would be the biggest tragedy of his little life come to fruition.  And if you can't go get him, a situation I'm in myself, won't you donate just a little bit to his grant fund, to make things that much easier for the family who does commit to him?  Trust me when I tell you that every single penny DOES count to these families!  Donate to Mickey HERE.

Jaeger

Reece's Rainbow on Jaeger:  

Boy, born March 2006
Diagnosis: Down syndrome
Eyes and hair black

*The agency has a video of him at 6 years, 2 months old.  He is putting together a puzzle, playing on a playground, and adorable!  Video available for serious inquiries*

Oh my goodness, the grin on this boy!  Even with the poor quality of the picture, Jaeger’s personality shines!

The information we have is from 2009, when he was 3 years old.   He has received special ed services, starting in 2008.   He can understand and follow sample instructions, he begins games and has started potty training.  He eats well, and feeds himself.

He walks and moves well through obstacles.  He has good eye-hand coordination while playing, but not good eye-feet coordination yet.  He loves the pool.  He likes his caregivers and smiles and is very affectionate.

He is really a happy boy and healthy, with good skills for his age.

The paperwork also stated that at the time, he needed treatment for his teeth.

Update from 2010:

He starts his own games, he likes making strokes with pencil or crayons, he can now use scissors . He helps keep the toys in right places.

Jaeger is a social child, he participates with his peers, he integrates into a group, he walks, runs, jumps, climbs and turns without difficulty; but he is not aware of the danger.  He receives physical therapy and occupational therapy to increase his abilities.

·         Large families okay (with adequate space in the home)

·         One trip – total travel time 21-30 days in country (one parent can leave earlier)

·         Average length of time from Dossier submission to travel is 7-10 months

·         Total costs estimated around $27,000

$1215.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Like Mickey, Jaeger has been lucky.  (Anyone else find that funny?  Mickey and Jaeger?  No, just me, and I'm a dork?  Fine.)  He has been able to receive services in the orphanage and has come a long way because of it.  But like Mickey, what's next for Jaeger is anything but a guarantee.  Will this sweet boy, who has been taught to care for himself and to enjoy play, love, and care, continue to receive those things?  The last update for Jaeger is from 2010.  Is he still receiving those services, or has he, as I feared for Mickey, been passed on to a place where there is no therapy, no care, no love?  There is only one way to absolutely secure a bright future for Jaeger, and it begins with you.  Donate to Jaeger HERE.

Felix

What a handsome young man!  Here's what Reece's Rainbow has to say about 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!

More photos available, married couples only.

$1049.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

...Did you catch it too?  Read that description again.  Did you catch it this time?
 ..."more of an internat than the institution"...
Imagine if the greatest blessing on your life was NOT to be in a mental institution.  Imagine if the greatest thing that had ever happened to you was to be placed in a home for older orphans?  And not even just 'an internat' but 'more of an internat than an institution'.  What does that mean?  Does it mean it's 'sort of' an institution?  It's only 'sort of' an internat?  So is Felix only 'sort of' blessed?  He sure would be more blessed to be *adopted*.  To be somebody's son, somebody's brother, somebody's friend?  Let me tell you, Felix is blessed to be in 'more of an internat' for now, but that blessing does not last forever.  All that awaits Felix in his country is the institution, and even if he didn't have down syndrome, older children who age out of internats are turned out on the streets between the ages of 16-18 years old with nothing more than a rucksack and $100 to their names... 80% will fall into crime or prostitution.  But for Felix?  He has an extra copy of the 21st chromesome, and because of that, he will live out his days in mind-numbing dullness and bare minimal care at an institution.  I've known people who have been to the institutions in Felix's country.  These boys' days are made by the rarely visiting adoptive family bringing tidings of chalk and bubbles.  Chalk and bubbles!  Party favors, in America!  For them, maybe the best thing that happened to them all year.  I can't even put into words how much this breaks my heart.  Regardless of what his present is, don't let that be his future.  Donate to Felix HERE.


Now for our 'plus one'...

Presley

 This little girl is in what has become known as 'the bad place'.  And that is putting it mildly.  The orphanage she calls 'home' (or would, if she could speak at all), is a dark, dark place, devoid of love, care, and stimulation.  It was called, by the government of its own country, their 'Auschwitz' - after the Nazi death camp of WWII.  This place averages one death every month - mostly from preventable causes like malnutrition.  It is this that makes her situation so URGENT... this and the fact that in her country, an agency only has a child's file for two months - after that the files are returned.  They can still be assigned to another agency or requested, but it's fair to say that a child's chances of being adopted are somewhat diminished at that point.

Here's what Reece's Rainbow has to say about Presley (who, perhaps also fell victim to someone listening to their iTunes while naming kids?)

DOB: 2009
Diagnosis: delays in all aspects of development, behaviors consistent with severe Autism

Presley is almost 3 years old. We have recent reports from a doctor and a child psychologist not affiliated with the orphanage that includes their opinions based on observations and a review of her medical history. Presley does not walk, talk or have any self-help skills. She does not play with toys and avoids interactions with adults and children. The reports indicate that Presley’s physical growth is significantly delayed, both her height, weight and head circumference. Her weight is comparable to an 8 month old baby. The doctor’s report indicates the following: “The child presents anti-social behavior, lack of adequate human contact, willingness to remain isolated and elements of aggressiveness- Autism”. The psychological report indicates that Presley avoids contact with other people and will withdraw if contact is initiated, avoids eye contact and does not play with toys nor attempt to manipulate them at all (bang them together, etc) when they are given to her. Her responses appear to be only sensory related. She does have self-stimulating behaviors. Her cognitive development is listed at a 5 month old level and her social and communication development at below 3 months old.

Presley was born premature and has spent her entire life in an orphanage that is known to have sub-par care. It is possible that some of her delays are a result of her environment. Interested families should be prepared for the fact that the behaviors noted do indicate more than basic “orphan delays” per the reports. Both the medical and psychologist reports are available for families interested in adopting Presley.

Additional photos of Presley are available.

All that sounds awfully scary... severe autism... aggressiveness... but even though it is stated that Presley's delays are greater than average orphanage delays, many of the things said about her could be said about many of the children in this orphanage... before they were given a chance.  And you should see them now!  In fact... you probably have... 

Presley deserves a chance too.  She's just a little girl, only three years old.  She could receive so much intervention and therapy and care in the U.S... but someone has to step out in faith first.  Because her file will go back to the government in less than two months and she will no longer be able to be listed with Reece's Rainbow, Presley does not have a 'donate' button - but once a family commits to her, she will.  Are you that family?



PLEASE don't forget to donate (in ANY amount) to these kids or to Brett #19, and to share this post, (and don't forget to let me know in a comment!) to be entered to choose a child to receive a post of his/her own at the end of this giveaway period (#1 - will end at the end of this week).  There is only ONE entry so far so this could be a cheap and easy chance to get the child of your heart noticed!  Since I'm behind, there will be a few posts this week so STAY TUNED!

Not To Be Forgotten: Boys with DS, Ages 6-9, Part 1

A couple weeks ago, when the little boy who has my heart (Brett #19) was up for Angel Tree voting, I began advocating fiercely for people to vote for him.  But even as I did so, I knew that of 11 boys listed that week, 2 would be chosen by a popular vote and 1 by a drawing winner.  Eight boys would remain.  Eight boys that someone loved, someone voted for, someone prayed for... eight boys that needed families.  And that in fact, for each of the 13 weeks of Angel Tree, 8 children would be left each week, totaling about 104 children who didn't "win".  But in the Reece's Rainbow community, we have never been about "winning" and "losing" - sure, we all have children who are special to us for one reason or another, but we know they ALL deserve families.  So as much as my heart soared to see that Brett made it that week, it broke for the eight children in that category who came so close to a place on the angel tree.  So I decided to do something about it.

For the next 13 weeks, I will be posting twice a week, each post highlighting four of the children who were not chosen for Angel Tree.  I will go in the order of the voting, starting this week with boys with down syndrome, ages 6-9.  There are actually only seven boys left in this category because one has found a family!    Whenever this happens, I will advocate for another child that week who is on my heart... and who desperately needs to come home.  There are a good number of those children too, so unless you people get to committing to kids, this may run 14 weeks or more in all reality!

A friend who is helping me created this video for the boys in this category as well as the boys with DS over 10 years old.  It's a wonderful introduction to these little guys and their friends who will be featured in the coming days, and certainly worth watching - check it out right here!

Credits to Beth for the video!

...To sweeten the deal even further, I'm offering a giveaway.  I don't have anything fancy to give away, no iPads or even gift cards, only my humble services.  It is my hope that this campaign will drum up a few more followers for this blog - because more followers means more people looking at these kids - which equals a greater pool of potential families.  So, every two weeks I will draw names from a pool of people who donated or shared these posts.  The winner will get to choose any RR child, and the following week I will do a post all about that specific child.  If you have photos or personal stories you want me to include, I'll be happy to do so.  Just reply to the post with who you donated to (any of the children featured in that post, or of course my Brett - can't leave him out...) in ANY amount, or where you shared the post (no need to post a link, just facebook/twitter/blog) and you'll be entered into the drawing.  If you donate AND share, you can receive two entries.  Since any donation amount earns you an entry, the maximum possible number of entries will be 2 per person per post.  Since there will be 2 posts per week and 2 weeks per voting period, this means a maximum of 8 entries for any one person in any one drawing.  Also apparently an incentive to recall your high school knowledge of exponents...  I'll keep everyone apprised of where we are in the voting period with each post.  Let's see if we can't start making a difference to these boys who were 'passed over' in the angel tree voting - BEFORE angel tree even begins!  Everyone wins here - the kids win when you donate to their grant funds, you win when you get to choose your very own angel to highlight, I win when people read my blog and do what I want so badly for them to do - notice these kids!

Without further adieu...

Boys With Down Syndrome, Ages 6-9

Alexei

Just look at this sweet boy!  This is an older photo, he has an updated one, but it was too darling not to include.  Here's what Reece's Rainbow has to say about Alexei:

Boy, Born July 24, 2003

Diagnosis: Down syndrome

Look at this monkey!  You can just tell from the excitement in his eyes that he is eager to learn and get into your kitchen cabinets!  Blonde hair with giant brown, expressive eyes.  He is so blessed to still be in the baby house with his friends Sasha and Nikolai and baby Nicky Z.  At 6 years old, he was just nearing his independence in walking.  He eats with help, loves to play with toys and be outside, and is very affectionate and lively!  He is mischievous, and ready to steal your heart.

Alexei is another one of those kids who is going to make miraculous and rapid progress once home with his family!

$50.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

In case you didn't fall in love the first time, here's another photo of Alexei

The above description of Alexei was written three years ago.  He is no longer six years old, and he is likely no longer lucky enough to remain in his baby house.  He is just a couple months younger than my A, who turned 9 this year.  9.  Such a long time to wait.  And now Alexei has most likely faced transfer and is living in a mental institution, a fate no child deserves.  Just because he has an extra chromosome.  Alexei has been waiting 9 long years... please don't make him wait any longer.  Remember, he has DS and has likely never been allowed to develop beyond the baby stage... he is a 9 year old baby... and he needs a Mommy.  If this little boy has captured your heart, please don't hesitate to inquire about him.  Donations to his grant are also welcome - the higher that number (the one that currently reads $50.00), the more likely it is that a family will see his adoption as something they can achieve and step forward for him.  Alexei isn't even over the $100 mark yet.  Had he made it onto Angel Tree (he was in fourth place), his grant would've jumped by around $1,000 by the beginning of 2013.  The lease we can do is get this little guy to $100... make things just that much easier for the family who steps forward for him.  Donate to Alexei HERE.

Mark

Here's what Reece's Rainbow has to say about Mark:

Boy, Born August 2006

This gentle boy has smooth, baby soft skin.  He has dark skin and dark hair, potentially from an African/black parent.  He is just darling, with a round chubby face.  He was born on 8/2006.  He enjoys playing with toys and with other children.  His legs are rather weak so he scoots around quickly to reach his destination.  He smiles brightly when he is spoken to.  He waits for his loving family because he has Down syndrome.  His family will be so lucky to be able to help this angel reach his fullest potential! 

$4190.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Oh, how I imagine Mark has grown since this photo was taken!  I remember his face from my first days browsing around Reece's Rainbow last winter.  Those brown eyes glistening, I remember wondering if he was crying... imagining a tear spilling over onto his baby-soft skin... no Mama there to wipe it away... I read that Mark is one of a small group of RR babes who lives in Latin America.  I imagine him from a Spanish-speaking country, possibly because I can't resist the lure of knowing we share a common language, of knowing that there's a good chance his adoptive family will ultimately also share that language.  Mark has a good amount in his grant account - but only $810 more and he'll make it onto the $5,000 Moving Mountains page... and even more possible families will see his face... won't you chip in just a bit to see Mark move up? Donate to Mark HERE.

Maksim S.

Maksim's description on Reece's Rainbow doesn't say much.

Date of Birth: June 2004
Gender: Male
Eyes: Gray
Hair: light brown
Nature: Quiet …look at those beautiful eyes!

Diagnosis: Down syndrome

SINGLE MOMS WELCOME!

$67.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

I'm guessing not much is known about him.  A couple of the little ones in his region just got donate buttons in the past couple months - Reece's Rainbow does not collect donations until they have certain information about a child (what this is, I'm not sure) but I know a few kids have recently been given their own listing.  Perhaps Maksim is one of them, and that's why his grant is so small despite the captivating little boy in the photo!  Look at his shirt - a rainbow!  He's a boy after our own hearts!  And those blue eyes... they're just irresistable.  Can't you see that face looking up at you and saying "Mama"?  Can't you see it splitting into the widest of grins?  But once again, it all starts with you.  Maksim's grant is just a little larger than Alexei's.  He is only a year younger - eight.  $33 would put him over the $100 mark.  Care to be a part of making that happen?  Donate to Maksim HERE.

Sheridan 38

Reece's Rainbow's comments about Sheridan:  

Boy, Born June 27, 2005

Diagnosis: Down syndrome
Sheridan is a handsome, blonde haired blue eyed little boy.  He is HEALTHY, with no heart conditions or other medical complications.  He is very active, walking/climbing/running.  Sheridan has already been transferred to the older child institution, and he and Grant both need families ASAP!  Please do not mind this photo that looks like he is in a wheelchar, he was just sitting in it for the picture.  Other photos of him walking available.

$439.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

LOOK at this sweet boy!  Kiddo, I don't blame you, a wheelchair is a comfy place to pop a squat, as long as you don't have to be in one all the time!  Look at him, with the little train on his overalls.  How precious is that?  Heartbreakingly, those clothes were probably only put on him for the photo.  He is seven years old - has been transferred to an institution for older children.  His clothes are most likely stained and dirty on an average day... probably seldom changed.  What he really needs is a Mama to pick out cute outfits for him every day, to love him for the rest of his life.  Sheridan has made it over the $100 wall, four times over - but the next obstacle is to get him to a nice, round $500.  Humor the obsessive compulsive disorder in me, just a little over $60 to put him there.  Not too hard!  And this sweet boy will be *so* thankful WHEN he comes home.  Donate to Sheridan HERE.



Remember - share this post or donate any amount to one of these four boys or to Brett, comment with where you shared or who you donated to or both, and be entered into a drawing to choose the featured child which will occur every two weeks.  Later this week, four more waiting children will be posted, and the same will apply to that post.  Remember, EVERYONE WINS!  Stay tuned for more precious faces and for more ideas that are still in the works this holiday season!

There Will Be A Day

This is the title of a song by Jeremy Camp.  The song is about Jesus' promise of salvation in the next life... but I have found it sticking in my head today (and you guys know who writes these blog posts, and it's not me) so I listened to it on youtube and realized... it was exactly the premise I wanted to write this post on.  Listen.

Now remember my last post - when I said that I have every intention of making SURE that any family who commits to Brett is fully funded... but that it all starts with you, clicking that vote button?  Remember when I said I would post tomorrow about what happens once he's fully funded?  This is that post.

For Brett... the little baby abandoned by his mother... the little boy shunned by society... there WILL be a day... with no more tears... no more pain... and no more fears.
There WILL be a day... when the burdens of *that* place will be no more
He'll see Jesus' face.

In the framed photo in the living room of his adoptive family.  On the wall of his Sunday School classroom.  In his children's Bible.  On his coloring sheets.  And someday, in Heaven... but not yet.  Because Brett is only 10 going on 11... he's got a lot of life ahead of him... once he's got a committed family and the funds to come home.

There will be a day when someone comes to the orphanage just for him.  When they come twice a day to spend time with him, every day for five days.  When someone will play with him, sing to him, dance with him, tell him how much he is loved both by his parents and his Creator... soak up his laughter... wrap him up in their hugs... and promises to come back for him.

Then there will be a day...

A day that can't even be adequately described by words.

A day called "Gotcha Day".

That person that came to spend time with Brett... or perhaps the husband or wife of that person... will come to the orphanage to see him... only this time, they will bring clothes, a camera, and a smile as wide as the ocean they crossed to get to him.  They will dress him in clean clothes that fit - maybe for the first time ever.  They will say goodbye to the nannies, to the director, to the building.  They will ride away in a car... only this time, in the car, the person sitting with Brett will talk to him and grin while he stares out the window, wide-eyed at a world he's never known.  This time, the person will give him toys to play with in the car, and instead of taking him to another cold, scary building, they'll take him to a warm room, give him some food to eat that is more delicious than anything he ever got at the orphanage, and tuck him into a warm bed.  Maybe they'll sing him a song.  Maybe Brett will be scared - maybe it won't all be perfect - after all, all he has known is an institutional life... but he is learning what it is to be loved.  The very same child who was left to die as a newborn... a son, a brother, a friend.

There WILL be a day.

A picture is worth a thousand words.  If you have never experienced a homecoming or a Gotcha Day, the true wonder of it is beyond your comprehension.  I have never witnessed one - only through pictures and videos... but I will, someday.  These people... these children... have already had that day.  The Big Guy gave me short notice on exactly how this post was going to go, so I wasn't able to gather many pictures (when you  use families' photos, it's prudent to ask permission), but here are some, and they are truly worth a thousand words.

GOTCHA!

Photos from 'Phoebe & Bella's Gotcha Day' with permission.

Yes, indeed, Jeremy Camp... there WILL be a day.  A day when sweet Brett... and so many other orphans... will leave their institutions forever, and learn the love of a family and the love of a merciful and graceful God.

But, of course, you all know, that Gotcha Days don't happen without families being fully funded... and being fully funded doesn't usually happen without fundraising... and fundraising doesn't happen without advocating... and voting... well, that's advocating too.

Everyone can do *something*.

Let's talk about the rest of what Brett will experience.  After a couple days in this apartment, a couple more car rides and appointments, maybe a bit of sightseeing, the car will take Brett and his new mommy or daddy (or both - this country allows one or both parents to travel) to a big place called an airport.  The airport is loud and at first it bothers Brett, he's not used to this kind of noise, but for the first time ever, there is someone there to reassure him.  They get into what looks like a really big car, which starts going very fast and very high.  Brett looks out the window, amazed as the sky becomes the ground.  They do this a couple more times... after a while, Brett isn't afraid anymore.  The woman called Mama gives him candies and cookies and coloring books and stickers.  They watch movies and play with some squishy dough and doze off together on the longest flight.  Then the last plane lands.  Brett and his Mama get off the plane and walk into another airport... but this time, instead of getting on another plane, they go through a long line, and on the other side, there are people - smiling, waving flags and signs, holding toys and candy and things Brett could only have dreamed about in the orphanage.  Maybe he's introduced to brothers and sisters.  Maybe all the commotion upsets him, but once again, Mama reassures him.  In time he will get used to the new types of stimuli in his life.  They will get in another car, and drive to a place called 'home'.  At home, Brett will be settled into his very own bed.  Maybe it will have dinosaur sheets, or cars and trucks, or colored stripes.  Maybe Mama will sing again.  He likes it when she sings.  Sometimes he doesn't understand her words, but he knows it sounds nice.  And in the morning, he will wake up and begin to experience all the amazing things that 'home' has to offer.  He has already become a beloved member of a family.  There are so many more exciting things (bumps in the road, yes - but don't all families have these?) in Brett's future...

Things he will never be able to do... without YOU.

This is the last time I will beg you to vote for sweet Brett... forgotten and abandoned his whole life... until now... as voting ends today.  Start the chain reaction that leads to Gotcha Day and all that comes after it.

Vote.  And there WILL be a day.

Continuing While I Can... Florida Day 7!

I have big plans for this blog in the coming days and/or weeks, and maybe even the creation of another blog, but before I can get to that, I need to finish a story that I started a long time ago... one that hasn't quite ended yet, but is nevertheless full of beautiful memories of *my* little patchwork family.  Besides, I just love sharing pictures of certain precious little girls... even if I miss them a ton... and we really did have a blast in Florida and I want her to have this to read someday - if not sooner, then later... so here it goes... Tuesday!

I enjoyed sleeping in on Tuesday since we'd gotten up early on Monday to watch the sunrise.  A even slept in, we woke up around 11 am!  We then slathered up with sunscreen (my WHOLE back this time) and headed out to the beach again.  We had determined to bury ourselves in the sand and go boogie boarding.  There was still a red flag warning for rip currents, but A and I never went out deep and we stayed right in front of a lifeguard tower, so I felt okay about it.  Better than the time we swam in Portuguese Men-O-War at St. Augustine when I was 13 and then found out a week later that they were poisonous and could be deadly within hours... heh.

We had to dig a giant hole to bury me in the sand.  I wasn't going vertical, and I think 5 feet is short, but I guess not when you're digging a hole.  A had probably TOO much fun burying me... gotta watch myself around that child... I think she had a little too much fun taking the pictures too...

By the way, sand is HEAVY.

I put goggles on while she was burying.  She flings sand.

Busting out.  I was trying to be scary and make monster noises but I got stuck...

And well... unfortunately I also failed to remember that sand, especially Florida sand, is very... sticky.  On the plus side, I'm pretty sure I was nicely exfoliated...

A was highly amused, but decided she'd rather not be buried.  Ha.

Then, while A enjoyed the pool some more, I did this:

Did I mention "Best Vacation Ever"?

I took a super cute video of her in the pool, but I'm not done writing yet, and it's just the best, so I want to save it for last.  So on to our post-pool fun... we both desperately needed showers, especially me, as I discovered once inside that I had sand INSIDE my swimsuit... oh well, my burial amused A, which makes it worth it.  Then we headed back to the mainland to visit with my wonderful cousin and aunt.  On the way, we went over this bridge, which I took a picture of at a stoplight for my friend Ashley, who I know just loves long bridges, almost as much as she loves large birds...

I however FAILED to take any pictures with my aunt and cousin - we were too busy catching up and eating pizza!  My cousin Alex was so amazing with A, let her play with her American Girl dolls (which A loved... yeah, keep dreaming, A.  I love you, girl, but one fancy doll is all I'm buying, and you already have her.)  It was really nice to see my family - we always seem to miss each other when they come up to Ohio, and I hadn't been to Florida since I was 13!  Here's us when I was 11...

Me in the back of the car, Alex in front of me, and that's my Aunt Kaye in the black in the back

When we got back to the condo, A and I played a few card games before bed and read the fairy book that Angie left to A as well as A's children's Bible... and we both fell asleep happy.

Now, as promised, I'll leave you with the precious video from A in the pool that day.  I hate the sound of my own voice on here, I think I sound harsh... I was trying to remind her of some concepts she learned in gymnastics that I used to teach her how to flip in the water... but when I hear myself in the video I cringe, so pay attention to the cute little girl, not me.  (Side note... goodness, videos take forever to upload!  I meant to be asleep two hours ago!)

My favorite part is her little "I did it!!"  <3

Tuesday was good.  Wednesday, the crisis began, so I can't promise a cheerful post, but I do have some darling pictures of our last day on the beach, so up it will go!  Bless you all.

Prayers... and Doing It Anyways

I come to you, all of you, any of you, on my knees tonight.  My heart is desperate, though I can't share exactly why.  It concerns my life.  It concerns the lives of people I love more than anything in the world.  Fear threatens to swallow up my hope.  I keep asking myself, can you really do this?  Are you really even changing anything?  And my heart knows I need to press onward, keep going, never give up, but my flesh is weak and I start to doubt.  Doubt myself, doubt God's plan, doubt my choices.

This song comes to mind.  Actually, it makes me cry every time I hear it, because it's this very idea I'm trying to remind myself of when life brings me to my knees.

I need prayers.  Not just for me but for my whole 'patchwork family'.  The people I've 'met' in this adoption community are some of the most prayerful and supportive people I've ever encountered.  I have seen you all rise up in prayer, I have seen God move mountains for the children we all pray for every day.  Perhaps my faith is weak.  The phrase "Faith is not knowing that God can, it is knowing that God will" comes to mind.  I don't think I know that... that God will.  Yes, I know He can.  But how do I know His plan isn't something else?

Maybe, whatever He has planned for us will go forward regardless of our prayers, or anything we say or do.  And then one thinks - why pray?  But I have to believe, I have to believe in a God who loves His people and hears their cries... I have to believe in the power of prayer, because without it, I have nothing left.

Me, I'm praying... and I'm going to keep trying... to do it anyways.

You... your prayers would mean the world to me.

God... I am turning this over to you.  It is too big for me.

Thanks be to God

Soon I will post the things I have been thinking about for weeks on end.  Soon I will write the words that have been bouncing about my mind for days upon days, hours upon hours... but today, I simply want to give thanks.  Thanks for this.

MY BABIES!  Allow me to introduce you to my dear borrowed kids, M on the left, 12 years old, and A on the right, 8 years old (and already going around telling everyone her birthday is coming up.  It's in May.  Hehe.)

Here's little man!  This is my DBK who is A's little brother, we call him AJ and he is two years old.  And SO BIG!  I can't believe how much they've grown!

My mom playing with little man.  He was giggling hysterically, one of the funniest things I ever saw.  We went to see the kids and their mom and their grandma at grandma's house today, to give them their Christmas gifts... what the kiddos don't know, is that they gave me the best gift... getting to see them.  <3  Four months of frustration and sadness... but 2012 started off on the right foot.  And I spent a blissful two hours with my babies.  I couldn't ask for more.

Finally, I'll leave you with this.  You'll love it, I promise.

Thanks be to God, for these children... and for bringing them back to me again.








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