Update: Kirill's family and Evan's family

UPDATE!!!!  At noon EE time the judge ACCEPTED their request to adopt Evan.  What a victory this is.  Pray that this opens the door for other adoptions.  Another family is waiting for their court date to request the adoption of "Baby J".  Also the Davis family still needs to fight their appeal to try and be ok'd the adoption of Kirill.

The family trying to adopt Kirill is still in the process of appealing so continue to pray for them but there is another family who needs you.  The Hook family will stand in front of the same judge at 2am our time tonight. 

They will ask that same jugde to say yes to them.  The same judge who just less then 2 weeks ago denied a little boy the right to have a family.  Who denied a family the right to love a child unconditionally.

The Hooks need prayers.  They need the judge's heart to understand that these children are loved, cherished and perfect to those fighting for them. 

She, the judge, does not see it that way, she deemed Kirill "socially unadaptable due to his diagnosis of Down syndrome",  and the reality is she will most likely do it again at 2am to beautiful Evan

Please take today to pray for this little girl and her family who is terrified knowing in less then 24 hrs they are facing the judge who holds the fate of their little girl. 

It is so hard for me to think that people do not think these children are worthy.  They are children.  Humans.   Ready to Love. Ready to receive LOVE.  Ready to show the world they are worth fighting for.  Ready to have a family.

Flying High........

Nathan had off of school yesterday and so we were able to use our museum family pass (thanks mimi and papa!) and visit the EAA.  It never gets old to look at old airplanes and see the history of them.  Nathan especially loves it!!  Well here are some pictures......enjoy!!!

He loves pushing all the buttons

Our little pilot in training

Ana was so not happy that Katie was making her stay for a picture :)

A Plea

There are many blogs I read but there are a couple that really stand out to me.  One is Julia whose blog is   http://www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/.  She has an amazing way of writing.  Today a mom sent out a plea for prayers.  Please read below what Julia wrote on her blog!

Drops of Blood

 

"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 

 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22

Drops of blood. 

What a picture of Sacrificial Love. 

 The Creator of the Universe kneeling in a garden - anguishing over us to such an extent that even before He was placed on the cross - He was shedding blood for us. 

Why do I share that?

I received an e-mail this morning from Tesney Davis begging for prayers.  As I read her e-mail - as my spirit groaned for words to speak, knowing the utter anguish they are going through right now over Kirill - the picture of Jesus kneeling in the garden came to me.  Praying.  Wrestling.  Surrendering.   In anguish.  In utter sorrow.  Praying that God's will be done.  Regardless of the outcome.  Knowing that what He faced would ultimately kill Him. 

 But choosing Love.  For us.  So we could become Sons and Daughters of the King.

So that we can Love ourselves.

So that our lives - as His children - can be an offering.

He shed His blood for us so we too could LOVE in return.

Not for reward.

But because we first were Loved.

Adoption begins and ends with God.

The Davis family understands this.  The Hook family understands this too.  As does the Moreno family.

They understand that it is GOD who called them to adopt because He first adopted them.  They are securely in HIS grasp.  They know Him intimately and it is to HIM they cling in all the uncertainties that they are currently facing.

They are choosing to stand and fight a battle that may not be won this side of Heaven.

They know this.

They are fighting anyway.

They are fighting because the Creator of the Universe fought for them.  And won. 

They are now fighting for their children.  And the hundreds of other special needs children in that region who are voiceless and helpless.

It is beyond hard to love as they have come to love with the knowledge that losing is a real possibility.

They need us.

They need us to kneel beside them and pray with them.

We cannot sleep while they cry out in anguish for their little ones.

WE NEED TO BE KNEELING WITH THEM.

We need to storm heaven for the Davis family.  Pray for their lawyers, facilitators, the Supreme Court, the judge - the prosecutor. 

We need to cry out  for the Hook family.  The terror they are experiencing right now is beyond words.  Please pray for them.  They face this judge and prosecutor NEXT WEEK. 

The Moreno family - They just met their little one two days ago and are head over heels in love.   She's a spitfire.  She is ready to go home.  Today!

These families need us to be on our knees.

All the children in that region need us.

Pray that this case - these cases - cause an uproar that cannot be silenced. 

Pray for peace.  God's peace to fill each of their hearts.  Pray that He would be their Rock and Fortress.  That on Him they would lean.  Pray that His Presence would fill and sustain them as they walk through this dark valley. 

Pray so this little guy can come home.



Updates on Carrington (Anastasia)

I know some people reading this blog knew about a little girl that April's (from Aurora) sister help fundraise for over Christmas.  She was just brought home from her family and she was at the point of her body shutting down.  She has reflux so bad that at 3 yrs old she weighed 11 lbs.  She was not able to keep anything down.  She is now in the US and in the hospital being cared for.  I wanted to let everyone know the blog that has the updates of her are on....... http://www.carringtonscourage.blogspot.com/ 

I also encourage anyone who questions why people would every consider adopting, especially a special needs child to click over to this site and start with March 18th, 2011 post.  I will warn though the pictures you see will forever change you. 

Strength........

I sit here this morning thinking of all the random things that need to be done.  Beds changed, dishes cleaned, Mary Kay order placed ..........but then I think of the Davis family who this week are fighting with all their might to get together every piece of paper they need for an appeal.

  Last week they were denied the adoption of Kirill their son from Eastern Europe.  After many months of fighting to get to court theythen were DENIED in court!!!  As they sat there in front of a judge and begged to allow their little boy to go home with them, the prosecuter chose to tell the judge he did not approve of the adoption.  The judge in turn denied the request.  She decided that being in an institution was better then a family!!!  This was the first adoption of a child with down syndrome in this region.  Please keep them in your prayers.  They have one more chance and there is two families also going before this same judge in a couple weeks to plead their case and hope for an approved adoption. 

So when I think of all they are fighting for the few things I have on my to-do  list no longer seems important.  Instead hugging my kids, enjoying their laughs, singing at the top of our lungs, dancing like fools in the livingroom or reading a book with some hot chocolate with them on my lap moves to the top.  Enjoy those moments everyday!!!

Smiles.............

I don't think I can get enough of these in a day.  I wish I gave them out more.  Good thing my kids give them often and freely ...........Enjoy and I'm sure these pictures will bring a smile to your face!

Oh can she make anyone smile with her laugh.  It is the cutest thing ever.

She is now walking and she is just irresistible.  I could just love on those checks all day!

Ok not a smile but it sure was fun watching them.  Kid's fun in the good old mid-west.  Try to ride your bike through the snow ;)

Our little man got glasses.  He is so funny he took them off and said "mom I can't see your face" and I said Nate they are for reading not far away.  His response "Oh yeah your right I can see you now"....lol

He made this all himself and was so proud of it.  Two days later it was almost up to 50 degrees.  Crazy spring weather in Wisconsin.

Chance of losing one......

Well this is definitely not what I was expecting to post today but I came across a blog that is just breaking my heart.   Look to the right.  Do you see those 2 adorable boys; Caleb and Jackson. They are from a country in Eastern Europe that will most likely be changing their policies come summer.  They may shut their doors for all adoptions while they "redo" their system.

 What does this mean for the families trying so hard to get to their babies????  It means that they could get weeks from traveling and lose their referral.  It means they could get there and be days from court and be told to head back home without their little ones.  It means that more then ever time is an essence!!!!  Here is a family that is asking everyone and anyone to please help them.  They are very short on funds and have already received an email stating they may want to let one of the boys go so they don't have to raise as much money.

 When I read this I thought about the tsunami that hit.  What if I was holding my kids and I had to let one go not knowing if I would ever see them again, knowing they would have to fight for their life and most likely would lose the battle.   I don't think I could do that.   I think instead I would do what this family is doing.  Hold on tight to both and swim with all my might.  I would rather go down fighting then have to choose to let one go.  I know some would say that this is different.  My children are home.....I've held them, loved on them, birthed them.  I can't tell say enough that it isn't different.  These two boys are loved and a part of those parent's heart as much as mine.

 Here is the post from their blog.  Please consider giving the $5 they are asking.  It is only that $5.  That simple $5 would also be an awesome teaching experience for your children.  If each could give $1 of their money and you make up the rest what an amazing way for children to help. 

Giving up! A World Wide $5 Project

We Need You To Donate $5!

26,000 is a lot of money!  I know what you are thinking, "Joel....you're crazy!", and you're right!  When you see $26,000;  you think the price of a new car, a good start to a nest egg, a good down payment on the average house, your kids college or something to that effect. But I, being the math whiz I am, did the math for you :)

What could $26,000 buy?
52,000 Hershey Bars (2 for $1 now at Walmart) Yummy!
26,000 McDoubles (an artery just closed down thinking about it)
17,000 20oz sodas from a gas station
6190 stops at Starbucks (their average ticket sale is about $4.20) I got a buzz from writing that!!!!
3600 lunches not off the dollar menu
2 chances for these boys to have a family

What would I have to give up?
1 lunch out
1 stop at Starbucks and a Hershey bar
4 stops to get a 20oz soda from the Kwiki Mart
1 pack of cigarettes
2/3 of a 12 pack of beer
2 McDoubles and 3 shots of Pepto
Subway....think $5 toward the boys


How this works is simple, $26,000 is impossible for most people to give....but $5 really does make a huge impact from a large number of people!  We need 5000 people to donate $5 each, and that is where you come in.  Since we don't know 5000 people, we are asking you (the reader of this masterfully crafted blog post...see, almost $5 worth of entertainment right there),  to donate $5 then ask all your friends to donate $5 too!  They don't even have to be friends, especially if you are intimidating or don't do your hair that day!


We have had roughly 5000 people visit the blog over the past few months, seeing a huge number for the total amount we need to raise.  I can't tell you the number of people who have said "I just wish I could give something" but they don't give anything.  I think it might be embarrassment, or just a simple lack of understanding to think how far a small gift can go.  If everyone who has visited the blog simply give $5, we would almost be at our goal.  If everyone packed a lunch for a day, or bought a 12 pack of soda and didn't get one at the gas station for a week, or skipped Starbucks for a day, or bought one less pack of cigarettes in a week, or even took their teenager and shook them upside down for a few minutes....I bet $5 of change would fall out of their pockets, or their ipod(ok, maybe not but it would be fun to watch....and a mess to clean up), or even hold their ipod ransom...they'll find $5!

What we are asking for is $5 donations.  That's right, just a piece of paper with Abe Lincoln's face on it or a credit card donation for $5 (or more if you have it).  After you give, we ask that you go and shake down some friends, coworkers, fellow students, PTA members, NRA members (not if they are packin'), drinking buddies, March Madness bracket buddies,  facebook friends.....and share our story, then ask them to donate $5 too!  We are also looking for people willing to go out and pledge their time to collect at malls, churches, intersections, banks, local business, etc....  We need help people, and we need it soon!

Click on the Chip in Link below to donate!  (and remember it is tax deductible)




Donate now, and after you shake down your friends...as often as you like!

Thank you again for helping these two little fellas,

Joel Golden

There blog is http://www.adoptingourfirst.blogspot.com/  The money again is tax-deductible.  They are also going through reece's rainbow.  This money goes into a fund that is then released by reece's rainbow once they are in the country picking up the kids.

NEEDED: Prayer partners!

As many of you know I am a bit "addicted" as some may say to the website http://www.reecesrainbow.org/.  I won't lie I could spend hours on it.  I have followed many, many blogs and have seen pictures and read stories that sometimes I wish I never stumbled upon.  The reason for this is truly selfish.  There are days that I wish I could forget the faces I've seen, stories I read or that I could just stop feeling guilty.  Guilty that I have fear.  Fear that stops me starting paperwork.  Fear that won't allow me to commit to a child because of this or that reason.  Fear that the finances aren't there.  Fear that the child with have something wrong with them that I am not ready to handle.  Fear that people will not understand.  Fear that someday I will stand before my God and hear......I have opened your eyes.  I showed you my children.  Children who needed you.  I have supplied you with all that you ever needed and more.  You chose to let fear come between what you knew in your heart was pleasing to me and what was comfortable and easy for you.  You chose to close your eyes........

I choose everyday to keep my eyes opened, opened very wide.  I choose to not let fear enter.  To go forward everyday on this road to adoption with faith.  Not everyone needs to adopt but we are all responsible to help orphans and widows.  One way is through prayer.  You can sign up to be a prayer warrior for children on reece's rainbow.  Here is where you come in.  I have choosen three children.  I truly believe that prayer is a very very powerful tool.  I would like to share the children that I have promised to pray for daily.  Every single day until the day they go home to their "forever family".  I would love it if each of these kids could have many prayers being said daily for them.  So here they are and please join me in praying for them........

Celine

Date of Birth: October 2005
Gender: Female
Eyes: Blue
Hair: light brown
Character: sociable. Calm
FACING IMMINENT INSTITUTIONALIZATION!
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.  Sveta also has talipes valgus and congenital chord anomaly.
Celine will do very well in a family setting.  Lots more photos available, along with FULL MEDICAL RECORDS.  Married couples only at this time.

Chelsea

Date of Birth: October 5, 2007

Gender: Female
Eyes: Blue
Hair: dark brown
Character: cheerful, kind    This sweet little girl is almost 3 years old.  She was born to a very young, single mom at 34 weeks gestation.  She had some minor pulmonary issues in her first days of life as a result of her preemie birth, but she is very healthy now!   She was born with an open oval window which may have closed on it's own.

Chelsea is affectionate, friendly, inquisitive child.   She loves to hug and kiss.   She smiles and laughs a lot.  She is a pet in the group.   She loves to play with dolls, puzzles. She is petite and gracious. She is active for a child with Down syndrome and can be strong-willed, get angry and weep if anything is not her way. But she can be easily distracted from a disappointing her thing. She cannot dress by herself and does not want to eat by herself. Her appetite is not very good. She is rather selective and does not like sweets. She is used to a potty, but cannot ask about it.

She started to sit up at 1.5 years of age, then started to crawl. She started to walk at 2 years of age.   Now she runs fast, walks up and down the stairs, slides. She exhibits some muscle hypotony. She is delayed in her speech development. She speaks with syllables, but understands what is said to her and is obedient. To the question “where?’ she shows correctly her eyes, ears, arms.

  Chelsea will be transferred in the coming year to a very remote part of the country, and will be *out of reach* for adoption.  Hope someone will consider this beautiful child and give her hope for a future!

Langley

Birthdate: October 2007
Gender: Male
Eyes: Blue
Hair: light brown
Nature: Quiet
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.

Running the race.....

So today our kids had their AWANA Grand Prix Race.  First one up was Katie's car.  The count down starts 5....4.....3.....2.....1...........the cars are released and within 3 secs the race is over.  That is except for the good old Dora car.  As I watched it slow down all I could think was keep going, oh no don't stop.  But sure enough that little sucker never did get to pass the finish line.  Oh I felt so bad for her.  Her next time up I thought oh really do we even need to do this again.  Ok here we go.......5......4......3.....2......1....... release.........Oh go Dora go and slowly but surely that little car passed that finish line.  It may not have been the fastest and the most exciting finish but it finished!  It may have been last place but it finished and you know what you would never have known by looking at Katie that her car was last.  She enjoyed ever minute of just having her car there and cheering on everyone.

Looking at this I think of my kids and how I get so caught up on the steps it takes for them to get from point A to point B.  I think of, man look how they can't keep up with that one running or look how they struggle to do this or that.  I feel bad when they are on the outside looking in on a group that they are not able to do what they can.   I really need to take a step back and instead think.  Wow that is awesome that they may not have gotten this or that right away but look how sweet the victory is when they did get it.  I need to see that so many times these situations are so much harder on mommy than on them.  I need to see that it doesn't matter how fast you run that race of life but that you are proud of your finish!!!!

Everything about you..

One of my favorite books it called I Love You Through and Through.  It is about pointing out everything that is so lovable on the child.  I love reading it to my kids and truly meaning that......

I love their top side, bottom side, their inside and outside. I love their happy side

 and sad side, their silly side, their mad side.

 I love their fingers and toes, their ears and nose.

  I love their hair and eyes, their giggles and cries.   I love them running and

walkinf, silent and talking.  I love them through and through....yesterday, today and tomorrow, too.

Remeber to take all those little things in each day and enjoy them!!!  Oh how I wish I would always remember this even those time I feel like climbing under a rock and hiding.  I need to learn to be grateful that my child has a voice to cry or has the comfort with me to voice his/her opinion or those legs that allow them to run from me when I'm trying to explain something :) or their sight to see that perfect opportunity to grab my coffee cup off the table!!!  Whatever it may be in which ever sitution I am learning everyday to remember that all these little "troubles" in my day are there because we are richly blessed by God and given these precious gifts to love and in return I can tell my kids that I truly love them through and through.  No matter what I will love them.....yesterday, today and tomorrow too!!!

She needs our help!

ANOTHER UPDATE!!!!  The ipad give away is now for an ipad2 and many other prizes!  Go donate!
UPDATE!!!  Angelina has a family that stepped forward for her.....Oh sweet thing your mommy is coming for you!  Please still consider donating.  The EE country she is from is $30,000+ and you still have a chance to win the ipad!
 Oh sweet angelina is going to be transferred this year to a mental institution.  Imagine being 6 yrs old and sleeping in the dark in a new place with no one you know.  I mean no one.  When I think of these poor children and what they might be going through.  Can you imagine taking your little one and saying here you go stay here now and just dropping them off at a location where they are the smallest one there.  This little 6 yr old will be with adults.  Nathan will be 6 yrs old this summer.  It breaks my heart to think that some children his age have to fight against adults to survive.   Yes this little one who is playing with dolls right now will go to a building where she most likely will never see a doll again, will have to fight for a toy, where EVERYTHING is new and scary.  I have had people ask me that maybe I am over reacting.  Their institutions could be just like a hospital.  NO....many have seen these places.  I can not even come close to explaining how horrific these places are.  80% of the children who are transferred will die in their first year.  Please help Angelina.  Many families would love to adopt but money is an issue.  The more money in their fund the easier it for someone to step up.    Please help and donate to her fund.  It doesn't need to be much.  Think of what you can give up this month.....dinner, movies or that extra shirt.  Whatever you can give.  When you donate you will be put in a drawing for an ipad!!!  Make sure you comment on their page so they know you gave.  Go here to find the chip in to donate.  Please share this.  Someone you might know might look into those eyes and know that she is their little girl.

Hey mommy can you hear......

~me as I suck my hand trying to stop the hunger pains?????

~me praying for someone to stop the pain in my ear but there is no medicine available????

















~me sobbing to be held....I'm so scared.....there is so much screaming and moaning around me?!?!?


~me questioning why no one will read me a book, play ball with me or sing me a song????


~me crying as they dropped me off at the front gates of a building I never saw, with people I don't know.  I am so confused and scared.  Heidi is 5 yrs old and already to transferred to a mental institution!




Hey Mommy could you listen very close there is something I need you to really hear.  Are you listen?!?!  I don't need a mommy who makes perfect meals, I don't need my own room or the best clothes.  Can you hear me?!?!?  I don't need a family trip every year or a paid for college.  Please mommy all I really need is love.  True unconditional love.  Love that tucks me in bed every night and holds me when I hurt.  Love that tells me I am perfectly wonderfully made.  Love that doesn't judge me but instead tells me I can be anything I want to be.......ok I hope you heard.....LOVE. PURE LOVE IS ALL I NEED!

These children along with many others praying for a family are listed on http://www.reecesrainbow.org/. 

Amazed!!!

We just started and there are so many things that amaze me.......
We can't find some one to do a homestudy for the country we want.......
People can't seem to grasp why you would ever want to adopt because look just have more of your own.  You know "what you are getting".........
That God has chosen us to lead down this path.  I always wanted to adopt but never thought I would be searching for a special needs child........
That we are surrounded by people who are willing to help with whatever we need to try and bring a child home......
That one person who met me not long ago would give me money out of her wallet and say add it to your fund your starting......what......really.......little did she know Ben was getting his passport today to start the adoption rolling!  God truly sends us those people who can give a little kick and say....keep going, it's hard but here is a little nudge up that hill, you can do it and we will all be cheering behind you........
That fear can creep in so fast and easy at any given moment and when I least expect it.........
Well I can't say enough how through this entire journey I am sure there will be many amazing moments and every one, good or not so good, I hope I can step back and see how it is shaping me and us as a family!

The Journey has begun!

Well here is my first post.  Really just trying this out.  We are the Prevost's.  There is Ben, Juli, Nathan (5), Katelyn (4) and Analeigh (10 months).  I am hoping that this blog with help us capture those special moments to share with family.  We are also in the beginning stages of hoping to adopt a special needs boy internationally.