My heart

Yesterday I felt led to inquire about adoption.  I mean actually taking a step to maybe see if I could do it.  I found out that there is a country that might work with me and my husband.  There is one child listed in that country.  I looked and this is what I saw.

Girl, Born on February 5, 2005 
This little girl has dark green eyes and dark brown hair.   She is walking and a  delightful girl.  She also has FAS.   She is considered relatively low  functioning, and will need a loving family who can give her all the love and  attention she has been missing!
- Single moms, older parents, and large families welcome
- The first trip is about 2 weeks, 2^nd trip is 3-4 days, the last trip is 5-7 days
- Both parents for 2 weeks for bonding time
- One parent returns for 5 days to complete Embassy paperwork
- Total cost, including travel approx $22,000
- Stay in a furnished apartment or house with your new child for bonding
- Multiple unrelated children be be adopted.

$146.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption! 

Now let me tell you I love many, many children.  There are many children I would love to take home.  But under my qualifications I never got my hopes up.  It was out of reach in the other countries. But this one may be possible.  A may be possible was so much better than an impossible.   I wouldn't even put her picture on facebook so no one would "take" her before I talked to my husband.  So I jumped the gun and got my heart hurt.  You see I thought God was telling me that's your daughter!  But I either heard wrong or my husband didn't get the same memo.  You know he's right.  We cannot afford to adopt even if we didn't have the adoption red tape as a issue.  Needless to say I went to bed last night with a heavy heart.  I expressed my disappointment in my group of Christmas Warriors, posted her picture and went to sleep.

I woke up at 2:30 in the morning thinking of Brigita.  I couldn't stop thinking of her.  I loved her so much already.  I argued with myself for not shielding my heart better and asking God what was he trying to tell me!  I then decided that as much as I loved her I had to let her go.  Its not like I ever had her but in my heart I knew I needed to let her go.  So I made a choice to fight for her and to find her a family.  I loved her with a mother's love and needed her to be safe and protected.  Shes almost 7! I went back to bed and woke up to a message on face book from a fellow AT warrior.  She told me she wanted to adopt her at one time as did 2 others.  For some reason none of us could but have been brought together for a reason..."Nothing happens by accident." I believe we were brought together to save our "daughter." As silly as it seems, we all loved her with that mother's love.  I'm not upset about it, Im comforted.  And all I want to do is find her family.  

So if any of you have considered adopting an older child may I suggest this one? I will fund raise to the best of my ability,  as I'm sure the others will too.  Give Brigita another look and see if you are the mommy (or daddy) that will take her home.  Please.

John 14:18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Teamwork Tuesday-Cora Lynne

Cora Lynne needs a family.  She has an awesome warrior, who dreams about her finding a family.  There are many people who will help fundraise for this little girl.  Please share!!!

Date of Birth: May 2006
Gender: Female
Nature: Calm
Cora Lynne is already 5 1/2 and facing the institution.  She looks like such a baby, but she should be in kindergarten, not a mental institution!    Cora Lynne is a beautiful, active girl with blonde/strawberry hair.   She has much to live for, and much joy to bring to a forever family of her own. 
Single moms, larger families and Canadians welcome!   More photos available.

$3993.20 Is available for her adoption! 

Xander

This Is Xander. 26HA

Isn't he adorable? He has an awesome warrior and has a fairly large grant.  But adoption is expensive.  If you can donate even a dollar to him at www.reecesrainbow.com. that would be great.  But better yet, please share him with your family and friends.  You never know who may want to adopt.  Xander's life can depend on it. Thank you for your time.

zbs0-26HA
Boy, born June 2009
Eyes: Blue
Hair: light brown
Character: calm
Down syndrome

Update Oct 2011:
The child can sit unassisted, he pulls himself up to standing position while holding on. He is always in good mood but not very active. He explores the environment with his eyes. He takes a toy given to him and holds it for a while. Vocalizes.

More photos available.

$5256.18 is available towards the cost of my adoption, including $5251.18 from Angel Tree donations!

More Important than raising money

When I child is 4 and 5 years old they should be starting pre-school.  Just starting their lives.  They should have a family...a mommy and a daddy to love them.  But for many children with down syndrome in other countries they are starting something....an institution.  Its not fair.  I read about the internats in a book. " The boy from baby house 10."Even though its a little different. There are two children who are weighing heavily on my heart right now.  I can't adopt...so I need YOU to.  Please save these children!

  

Langley
Birthdate: October 2007
Gender: Male
Eyes: Blue
Hair: light brown
Nature: Quiet
From one of our adoptive families who met him in December 2011: " I saw him today. After days of scanning faces, I walked into Bella's groupa and SAW HIM!! He is a doll. He is so cute! He looks healthy and is walking. I had a banana for Bella (which they wouldn't let me give it to her) and he took it. He bit right through the peeling. If they would have let me, I would have given it to him. Oh sweet boy…you need a mama!!!"
Friendly, emotional, affectionate boy.   Active, social, friendly.  Easy going.  Eats well independently.  Plays well with toys and likes to help others.
More photos available, single moms welcome.

$1650.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption, including $550.00 from Angel Tree donations! 

 

And Celine...

 

Date of Birth: October 2005
Gender: Female
Eyes: Blue
Hair: light brown
Character: sociable. Calm FACING IMMINENT INSTITUTIONALIZATION!(She has been transferred)
So happy to have updated pics and medical information about Celine!  She is a pretty little girl who is blessed to still be at the baby house.   She is facing transfer soon.   Celine has blonde hair and bright blue eyes.     She is quite self-sufficient and independent physically.  She very much enjoys the attention of adults, and likes to read books and engage.
From her medical records:  Down syndrome, moderate mental deficiency; hypertrophy of tonsils of the II-III degree; farsightedness; adenoids the II-III degree; allergic dermatitis; hypostatura.  Celine also has flat feet and congenital chord anomaly.
Celine will do very well in a family setting.  Lots more photos available, along with FULL MEDICAL RECORDS. 

$7512.83 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

 

Teamwork Tuesday For Colton

Being a Christmas Warrior with Reece's Rainbow has changed me.  Just as every aspect of being involved with Reece's Rainbow.  I have become very attached to my AT Child Colton.  I don't know his special needs.  Its not published.  I have no other pictures.  All I know is this 20 month old baby was born in the same month I got married.  Ironic ???  He is a baby.  He needs a mommy and a daddy...a family.  My heart aches because I wish it was me.  Not just him but so many families needs homes.  My goal right now is to continue advocating and raising funds to find his family.  For a brief time I wanted to stop.  To stop becoming attached.  This is not my child and I already ache for him to be home with a family.  All the problems involved with adoption and esp.  the situation in the country with the priest, made me want to shield my heart from more pain.  My heart still aches for the one that lost his family and most of all that the family lost HIM but he is taken care of.  I can't give up on Colton.  He is still adoptable.  International adoption is taking a leap of faith.  No one said its easy.  Does God want things to be easy???  I think things are worth more if they were fought for.  So today I am saying, I'm continuing to find this baby a family. 

On a happy note, I raised $152 yesterday for Colton gift wrapping at Barnes and Nobles.  The most important thing was the word of this sweet baby AND Reece's Rainbow is out.  Some people were even as helpful as to tell me of certain programs that help Non-Profit charities.  Today I will be gift wrapping again.  I will fight for Colton even though I still think of "T."  I pray for the hurt to go away...for me but most of all for his family who fought for him for over 7 months.  I can only do what I can but today I choose to save an orphan...1 child at a time.

My heart is breaking!

So there's a lot a want to say and a lot I can't say.  All I can say is my heart is broken for a child and that child's family....I have been crying and I feel so helpless.  I have been advocating and sharing and loving lots of children and I just can't say anymore.  Those of you who know what I'm talking about please PRAY TO GOD to help this situation and those of you who think I'm insane you pray too. 

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."

Secret Santa Auction

Hello! I have decided to do another auction.  I know before you moan and groan about it just remember there are orphans benefiting.  This time I'm not raising funds for Colton (even though he is still $425 short from his gaol.  I am doing a Secret Santa Auction.  I will do the auction for another child.  I am leaving the who a surprise.  The Christmas warrior of this child doesn't even know.  This child captured my heart (as many of them do).  Right now I have three auction items and I will start with that.  I figured with all the help I have gotten I need to help others too.  I want to help.  So stay tuned for the start of the auction and please let me know if you want to donate.

My heart hurts-International adoption

Is it even fair?  Is it fair we have to put a price on children?  These children with down syndrome and other special needs are special children.  Many of us love them because they are just that.  Most importantly they are children of God.  God....I love God but it makes me sad that God cannot shield our hearts from hurt.  I know I am talking in circles but what I'm trying to say is its heart breaking all the rules and  most importantly the cost to adopt a child.  I want to adopt but am not there yet.  Will I ever be?  Only God knows.  All I can do is fight and try to raise the ransom for my friends who ARE adopting.  Who, ARE qualified to adopt.  Yesterday I learned that a child a friend was pursuing is being pursued by another family.  Who are very close to committing.  To some that may seem like to big deal but it is.  This person has been praying, fighting to raise funds and most of all loving this child.  I cannot even imagine the pain and heart ache.  Today she said to me "I lost my baby * all because I didn't have the money." I'm asking for prayers for this friend I will not name.  I'm also asking for friends for the child she intended on adopting.  I know God has a plan but as we all know God's plan is not always easy to see.  I'm hoping God chose this other family so this child can get home faster and the child's health be taken care of faster.  So my heart is heavy today and all prayers are appreciated.

Carter

Shout out for Carter.  This is Carter.  He needs a family.  He has $510 available in his grant.  He also has lots of warriors who will help you to raise money.  Are you his mother? 

Colton's online Auction (SUCCESS)

Colton's online Auction was a great success.  More than $220 was raised during this auction.  I cannot express my thanks to all the people who donated items for my auction.  Colton is now over the halfway mark.  I feel like it just may be possible.  The best think, though, is all the friends I met along the way who love helping children and adoption just like me. 

Colton's Online Christmas Auction is Open

I worked really hard to get Colton's Online Auction up and running.  It is on my face book page under "Colton's Online Christmas Auction."  I am so excited.  People are already bidding! I really hope I can bring in a good amount of money for Colton.

Go to my facebook page and click on Colton's Christmas Auction under my pictures.

One more thing.  Please pray Colton finds a family!

Gift Wrapping for a Cause

One of the fundraisers I did for Colton was a gift wrapping one.  I has lots of helpers the first day which was November 26th and a few on 27th. Basically Barnes and Nobles let us sit in their store and wrap presents with donations going to Colton (and Cora Lynne).  Barnes and Nobles provided everything but the best thing was we were allowed to pass out fliers and tell people about the Angel Tree Fundraiser and Reece's Rainbow.  (I wore my shirt from the buddy walk that says "Ask me how to adopt a child with down syndrome."  It wasn't overly successful but every bit helps.  On Sunday I was alone most of the day.  It was a little boring but I felt like I could give up any amount of time to help this little boy.  More than anything I would love his family to find him!

There are three more gift wrapping days...who knows maybe something incredible will happen. 

The other gift wrapping days are:  Monday, December 5, 230pm to 10pm.  Wednsday, December 7, 9am to 5pm and Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 9am-noon.  The location is 3561 N.Freeway Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95834.  It's in Natomas California.  I would love some people to help if able. 

Colton's Christmas Auction is Coming Soon

I am so excited! I have almost finished getting items together for Colton's Christmas Auction.  The most exciting things is I have some really awesome things for auction!  I am so blessed to have help from people I do not even know.  I want to raise money for Colton more than anything.  But the more I keep advocating and raising money the more I want him!  I wish, I wish!  Please stay tuned for the auction.  My hope is to have it going on Monday but we will see.  Thank you all for your support!

Christmas for Colton (Fundraiser)

Colton has to miss out on Christmas this year.  I would like him to know  that during the Christmas of 2011 that there were people praying and fighting for him to get out of that orphanage.  I pray he's not still waiting for a family next Christmas.

This fundraiser is a simple one.  I will be getting a huge poster board and make a Christmas Tree.  Every time someone donates $1, I will add their name and where they live on his Christmas tree.  My hopes are to give this tree to his family ....whoever it is when they commit to him.

So please help me to fill up his tree.  Please send me a message and let me know you donated and what name you want me to use and where you are from.

Pictures to follow after a few donations.  Thank you!

Giveaway

My first giveaway!!!  I have some math and time bingo games.  The first 15 people to donate at least $5 to Colton gets a math or time bingo game.  It could make a great gift for Christmas or as a stocking stuffer and the best thing is it helps Colton.

Hurry as I only have 15!

(Please send me a message so I know who is donating)

Aaron's Harvest Hoedown

Saturday night I attended Aaron's Harvest Hoedown.  It was a fundraising event planned by my friend Melissa who is raising funds to bring Aaron home.  I loved helping her out and we had fun.  I do know not enough money was raised so if any one could help her it would be the best Christmas gift ever.  Her blog is chellsonfamilyadventures.blogspot.com. Raising money to bring these children home is hard. But worth it in the end.  Here's some pictures of the fun night.

The boy from baby house 10

I just finished this book.  I was an eye opener for sure.  I am totally appalled at the cruelty of other countries.  I know they don't know better and that's their culture and they believe children with disabilities are a burden but I cant get passed the fact that they are CHILDREN! When these children are transferred to an institution it's really like signing them over to death.  Children....the little children. I feel so hopeless when all I can do is advocate and try to raise funds.  Hopeless.  I know I can't give up but I just don't know what more I can do!

Frustrated

I'm trying not to be frustrated but I am.  I never thought fundraising could be so difficult.  Since agreeing to be Colton's warrior I have called places and tried to figure out fundraisers for him.  It has not been too promising.  I have also been looking for donations to help my friend Melissa with her big fundraiser next weekend.  I was looking for something for her silent auction.  That's been a challenge too.  Lots of people on here make it look easy but its not!  I couldn't even imagine trying to fundraise and do paperwork.  No wonder adopting parents are so overwhelmed.  I'm not giving up but I just wanted to share my frustrations.  Thanks for letting me vent.

First Angel Tree Donation

Ok, I donated it.  I was the first one to donate $35 to Colton.  How can I be an effective warrior if I didn't make a donation?  I want his ornament. :-)  I am hoping to get some ideas on how to raise money.  I usually spend money, not raise it.  I hope I can do a good job.  I do not want to let Colton down.  Thank you for reading and please feel free to donate any amount of money to Colton.  Remember $35 will get you an ornament with his picture.  Thank you and God Bless!!!

I did it!

I am so happy.  I got the donation box to work on my blog.  So now Colton is all set for us to start donating to him so hopefully money won't be an issue for a family to come and get him.  Starting November first, donations of $35 or more will get a cute ornament of this sweet boy.  If you can't donate please share.  My first fundraiser will be coming soon.

Blogger is irritating :-)

Maybe I haven't figured it out very well but I find blogger to be difficult.  I can never figure out where to put what.  A simple thing like adding a picture with a code is challenging.  I am really very new to this and it can be frustating.  I think I have it so it's a little better.  I was able to add my angel tree code. (Yay me). I was also able to add a few children to my blog.  If anyone has any ideas how to make my blog look better, please let me know.

DSIA- Buddy Walk

Today was a great day.  I helped out at the Reece's Rainbow table during the Buddy Walk.  I loved being around so many people with children with that extra chromosome.  I learned a lot at the other booths and got some cool things I can check out.  I loved being a part of a great cause.

 

The highlight of my day was meeting Mackenzie Mickschl.  She has been home for three months and I met her parents at a pizza fundraiser for her and I fell in love with their family.  Hansina is a great mother and I hope our friendship will grow because I see God all in and around her and she is the friend I want to have.  Seeing her children was super special.  They also adopted John David before they adopted Mackenzie. Leah was also excited about meeting Mackenzie and seeing John David again.

Leah's first meeting with Mackenzie

We cant forget about Sofia who is the one who sparked Leah's interest in Reece's Rainbow who in turn spiked my interest.

We also were excited to see miss Chloe Bea who's waiting for her sister Olivia to  come home.

I also talked with Melissa Chellson about her upcoming fundraiser.  I cannot wait to help her with it.  Check out her blog at:  chellsonfamilyadventures.blogspot.com
Her fundraiser is called Aarons Harvest Hoedown. Please think about coming.

Dust off your boots and scoot on down to AARON’S HARVEST HOEDOWN! Join us on November 19, 2011 for a fun filled evening to help us raise money to bring our son Aaron home!! Tickets costs $25 for adults, $5 for kids…and children 2 and under are FREE!! Adult tickets include 1 drink tickets and all the food & sweet treats you can eat, kids tickets include 5 game tickets, 2 drink tickets and all the food & sweet treats they can eat! There will be a silent auction, raffles, and games for the kids and even an hour of line dancing lessons!!
Tickets on sale now and can be purchased through our chip-in on our blog at: chellsonfamilyadventures.blogspot.com

or if you are local you can meet and hand deliver your tickets! Once you’ve purchased your tickets please email me at chellsonfamily@gmail.com and let me know how many tickets (adult & children) you will need! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All in all it was a wonderful day.   Thank you for reading and God Bless.

Oliviafest

Last week I helped Beth Herrington and her family with their fundraiser.  Leah and I did the check in.  I was amazed at all the people who came and showed their support.  It was a great success.  My husband also came and I am so happy he realizes how important this is to me. We even got some books and Train museum tickets from the silent auction.  I will feel forever close to the Herrington's because of this.  I plan to be at the airport when they bring that sweet baby home.  Fundraising is hard work but together and with God we can do anything.  Thank you Beth for allowing me to be a part of Olivia's adoption.

The Oliviafest Sign

Before we got started

Leah and I with the picture of Olivia

Leah and I

My husband Josh and I

My husband Josh and I

Colton-Christmas Warrior

Yesterday I recieved an email telling me I would be Colton's Christmas warrior.  Believe it or not I am excited.  I have watched my friend Leah Hardwick advocate, fundraise and fight for nuerous Reeces Rainbow children.  (She is currently fighting for "Celine" and "Cora Lynne" Check out her blog at http://caring4celineandcoralynne.blogspot.com/).  I have met so many RR families (some online, others in person).  All I want to do is help everyone.  I know thats not possible but I am doing all I can.  I am new to blogging but I am passionate about saving these children.  I'm helping at Oliviafest.  That means Helping Beth Sweeney Herrington rescue her daughter "Olivia".  (Please check out her blog at:  (http://bethherrington.blogspot.com/).  I have learned that you don't have to make a difference to save a child.  As my title says, we have to save them one child at a time.  I also want to mention that Melissa Main Chellson
(http://chellsonfamilyadventures.blogspot.com) is having a halloween party next month as she fights for her son "Aaron." There are many more families but I am focusing on helping these children as much as I can. 

That is with the exception of "Colton" who I am now fighting for.  I am going to help Leah at the Buddy walk at the Reeces Rainbow table.  Im going to walk too.  I'm not really sure how this will work.  All I know is when I look at Colton's picture I just want him to be saved from the walls of the orphanage.  I want him to have a mommy and a daddy and a home.  I want him to have hope.  Please bare with me as I learn to blog in a way people will want to read.  and please donate to Colton.  Even if its only a dollar. 

WOW

Sunday at church I saw something that made me cry happy and sad tears at the same time.  Theres a beautiful girl who has down syndrome.  She has been incredibly shy and had a bit of a social phobia but through Gods love.......along with her parents and large family she has moved passed her fear.  She was actually able to dance for our whole church at 4 different services.  It was a major accomplishment and our church made a big deal about it.  It was wonderful but thats not why I am writing this. 

The sad part is I have now in my heart all the little faces of the children in other countries who will never make that kind of accomplishment.  The ones who ache for love and something to do.  The ones who are not stimilated for lack of caregivers.  I also see the ones that have families that have committed to being thier mommies and daddies and I see what a little love can do.  I see them make amazing accomplishments and blossoming intensely.  I can't close my eyes to this.  I wish we could save all these children as many of us do. 

This blog was so much better in my head, lol.  Im still learning. Thanks for listening. 

Thinking about the unloved

It's weird how something can really get you thinking.  I serve in the childrens ministry at my church and when the children's ministry director said they needed volunteers for volunteers at our daughter church's grand opening I quickly agreed.  There were a lot of us from my church so many of us did not know the children at all.  My job was the nursery...and I had a helper but it was a very tiring day.  But what stuck out to me the most was as I met these kids it took some of them a moment to warm up to me and others not so long.  Why was I seeing the posts in my head of when adoptive parents meet thier children for the first time. 

The event lasted 3 hours and the kids did very well and I was able to get them to trust me.  But I couldnt help think of the blogs I have read and the children who just want that security.  These parents were downstairs and love thier kids very much so my heart breaks as I think of the kids in the orphanges who may never find that love. 

I just wanted to share.

Obsessed

My first blog ever and I title it obsessed.  I ran into Reeces Rainbow through a friend from church.  I glanced at her posts never giving it a second thought.  Then one day something clicked.  I became a follower of the children on Reeces Rainbow.  My first committment was to be a prayer warrior for a sweet boy named Tanner.  Since then I have read many, many stories and I love watching the first time these families meet each other and the gothcha days are amazing.  I feel God pulling at my heart to help as much as I can.  My husband isn't on board yet but I'm praying that I'm able to help....one child at a time.