When You Wish Upon A Star

You know what I really miss about Mexico, that I never expected I would? The stars.

When I was little, stargazing kind of freaked me out. I don't know why. Mostly when I saw a satellite, because it was freaky to me to think that it was all the way out in space, and I could seen it moving.

But when I was on the mission trip in Mexico, I loved how many stars you could see. Here, you can't see as many stars. That's because almost wherever you go, there's a town with lights nearby. Big cities, even from far away, light up the sky, and you can't see as many stars.

But in Mexico, you could see so many. Because there wasn't huge cities full of lights everywhere. It was amazing to walk to our tent every night, and see all the stars.

It's amazing to realize that the God who made every one of those stars, made us. He knows every star in the sky and every hair on your head.

And a little boy in Eastern Europe and a group of people here who love him could all be looking at that same star.

Did he pray every night for a family? I know I did. I prayed for a family for him. Because I know how at risk he is. I know that if he wasn't saved, he would literally lose his mind. He'd turn into a mindless, rocking body. I knew he would never get out without a family. He had no hope without a family. So I prayed every night that a family would take the leap of faith and rescue him.

In September 2011, Laura and Jeremy traveled to Eastern Europe to rescue their son, Seth. They spent seven weeks in country, meeting Seth and adopting him. While they were there, they met a little boy. Laura thought he was 7, because he was so small. When they got home, she went to work getting him listed on Reece's Rainbow.

About February 2012, he was listed on Reece's Rainbow. He had a not- so- good photo that had been taken about six months earlier. Laura gave Reece's Rainbow a picture they had gotten of him, and information about him. But no one really knew about him.

He'd been met by someone six months earlier, but that was all the information about him. He wasn't aging out, he didn't have a life- threatening disease. He was just a dirty, lonely boy. He didn't have a heart- wrenching story, like some of the other kids. He was overlooked. I admit, I'd glanced through the listings and seen him before, but he didn't really catch my attention. 

That was around the time of the "Orphanage 39" "craziness". A mom was in country, at 'Orphanage 39'. She was meeting her daughter. While they were there, they started getting to know the kids at that orphanage. It was a really good orphanage, and a lot of the kids had been listed. She began begging for families for them, sharing updates and stories about them. The Reece's Rainbow community began sharing and yelling for these kids. Every child she yelled for (except for three, who sadly decided not to be adopted) is now home. I joined in, yelling for those kids. I was a Guardian Angel for Tyler, then Alexis, then Patti, then Carter. So, I hadn't really noticed Frank. Then in August, I was looking for another child to sponsor. A boy was listed on Reece's Rainbow, and I immediately jumped to become his Guardian Angel. He was an older boy, already 12 years old, named Zack, with Spina Bifida. A family had met him, and he had been the best friend of their daughter. Pretty soon, Zack found a family. 

So I was looking on Reece's Rainbow, to try and see who I would sponsor next. I made a list of all the children (at that time) who had been met by adopting families, and therefore had information and pictures available. I started praying, and worked on narrowing the list down. I knew I wanted older kids, so I narrowed it down to kids 6 and up. Then I narrowed it to kids with special needs other then Down Syndrome, since DS is Reece's Rainbow's main focus. Then to boys, because they are less likely to be chosen. Along the way, I picked up a little blind boy who stole my heart, even though no one had met him and he was only three. Finally, I got it down to 4 older boys. All in Eastern Europe, all with special needs other then Down Syndrome.

Evan, who has Cerebral Palsy. Multiple people had met him, and shared pictures. He was such a calm and gentle boy.

Brody and Auggie. Brothers, who had been separated. They were believed to have a genetic disorder, that lead to self- harming and autistic behaviors. Two missionary had spent time with them, and had a lot of pictures and information.

I picked up Ulysses, because I had a soft spot for blind little boys.

Then there was Frank. I still don't know exactly why I was led to pick him, but I did. For August and September, I began to share about each of the boys, collecting all the information and sharing it.

Then in October, Frank was up for voting for Angel Tree. I kept posting on the Reece's Rainbow group page, asking people to vote for Frank. Laura contacted me, to let me know she was the one who had met Frank and got him listed. When he made it onto Angel Tree, I knew he was the one I was supposed to sponsor. I became his Angel Tree Warrior.

Before Angel Tree, he only had about $200 in his adoption grant. He still wasn't very "well- known". I'll admit it, I was terrified he wouldn't get to his goal. I was terrified to fail him. I committed to be his warrior, and my brain immediately went "What did you just do?" 

But I knew God would be faithful, and he would make it to $1,000. 

Frank was starting to touch other lives too. A fellow (popular)advocate, Julia, shared about him on her blog. I truly believe it was because of her sharing that he made it to his goal.

After Angel Tree, his grant stalled for a while.

Then a team of fellow advocates put together a huge fundraiser, to raise money for kids on RR, and raise awareness. It was called Forty To Forever. For each of the 40 days of Lent, the goal was to raise $400 for the featured waiting child or adopting family. I immediately asked if Frank could be part. And he was!

Forty To Forever raised about $500 for him. It also got his face out there. 

His army of supporters was slowly growing. 

Then Julia had her big fundraiser, Mulligan Stew. It was a huge success, and Frank was a part of it! He had stolen her heart, and he was one of the children she wanted to raise awareness and fundraise for him. Mulligan Stew raised over $1,000 for his adoption grant. He also received a special donation of about $2,000.

Now he had over $4,000 in his adoption grant. I was slowly working to get him to $5,000 (the next level of Moving Mountains, Sizable Grants). That was about a month ago. I was blogging and writing and sharing about him, begging for a family for him. I arranged a virtual "birthday party" for him, as a fundraiser for him.

Then Reece's Rainbow made the bittersweet decision to regift the adoption grants raised for the children in Russia, since Russia has banned American adoptions. Frank was gifted one of these grants. I had been hoping he would get one, thinking he would get $1,000, tops.

He was gifted an adoption grant of $7,649. I hadn't been on to see, but an advocator commented on a post of mine, saying it looked like his grant had taken a huge leap. Pessimist that I am at times, I thought maybe it was just her now seeing the Mulligan Stew money fundraised. But I went and checked.

His adoption grant was now almost $12,000. I almost cried when I saw that. I had just been talking to Laura, that with almost $5,000, he was only $1,000 away from being 1/3 funded. Then he got to almost $12,000. He was only $13 away, so I asked if someone would donate $13, to get him to $12,000, in honor of him turning 13 this month. Laura did. So he had $12,000.37.

On Tuesday night, I was getting ready for Frank's birthday "party". Trying to get more kids invited, seeing who was invited. 

Then I got a message. 

Only two words. 

"Watch MFFM". 

I think Frank heard my scream on the other side of the world.

The day before his 13th birthday (month), he found a family.

He found a family.

Now, let me backtrack a little. There was another boy on Reece's Rainbow, an older boy. Almost 15 years old, trapped in a Level 4 (very poor) institution. Mentally- sound, trapped in a body that does not work. If you have been around Reece's Rainbow a while, you have probably heard of him. His name is Emmitt. He'd been listed for a long time. Multiple years, at least. He had one picture, and a little write- up from a family who had met him a few years back. No one knew anything else about him, but he'd been listed so long, everyone knew about him. He was about to turn 15. His advocate, Pam, is the one who came up with the birthday party idea. Of course, she got a lot more kids invited, since she started 6 months in advance. He and Frank were both on Angel Tree.

There have been two "parties" for kids on Reece's Rainbow. Pam's for Emmitt, and mine for Frank.

There was a mom who got two Angel Tree Ornaments. Frank's and Emmitt's. She had no idea what was to come.

March 2013, Emmitt found a family. We rejoiced that he found a family. We celebrated he would be rescued.

2013 has been the year for older boys.

There's 50 older boys (born 2007 or earlier) on MFFM. Frank is #50. I knew it was coming. There were so many older boys ending up on MFFM, I knew Frank was coming.

Emmitt and Frank. Two older other angel boys. Both over 10. Both in Level 4 institutions. Both too smart to be where they are. Both on Angel Tree. Both in Eastern Europe.

Brothers.

They're going to be brothers.

They prayed for a family. They looked at that star, and prayed God would give them a family, and rescue them.

They're coming home.

God always has a plan. 

"'For I know the plans I have for you,'” declares the Lord , “'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Nobody's Child

Written by Katie

I wish I could command inspiration to strike me when I needed it, but I can't.

I wish I could conjure up the most eloquent blog post ever right now, but I can't.

I'm actually pretty preoccupied by my health tonight, and I didn't really want to write a blog post.

But then it occurred to me.

While I sit in my warm bed in my warm house, not wanting to type on my laptop...

...a little boy sits, and maybe he's cold, having nothing that's really his own... not wanting to be an orphan.

And I owe it to him to write this post.

Around a year and a half ago, for some reason and without ever intending to, I fell in love with this little boy.

Back then, he looked more like this:

I don't know what it was about him.  Maybe his picture.  Maybe his story.  But I think, mostly God.

That little boy is Brett, and he lives in a mental institution in Eastern Europe, because he was abandoned at birth because he has down syndrome.

And when I say abandoned at birth... I mean it quite literally.  Most of the children in orphanages or institutions were born in hospitals or at home and surrendered from there directly to the orphanage.  Not Brett.  Immediately after giving birth, Brett's birth mother left him to lie in a field.  He became hypothermic and unresponsive, went into shock.  When a stranger came upon him and took him to the hospital, he was covered in bug bites.

Brett very nearly didn't make it through his first day on this earth.  If that stranger hadn't come upon him, for whatever reason, by whatever twist of fate... he would have died, a nameless baby who belonged to no one.

But that didn't happen.  He was saved.  Saved... and then taken to a hospital... and then to an orphanage.  At three years old, he was transferred from the orphanage to an adult mental institution.  Adult.  Three years old.

Saved... but for what kind of life?

This is the question I ask myself every day - and it can only have one answer.  Brett's story isn't over - not yet.  He was saved that day, on August 23, 2001 (yes, I have his birthday memorized), for something greater than the life he's living now... and all he needs to get there... is you.

You.

Yes, YOU.

If you've been waiting for a sign, this is it.  Brett needs YOU.

He's eleven years old now, still waiting in that mental institution, legally free and available for adoption and listed with Reece's Ranbow with a grant over $2,500 to aid with his adoption.  I can personally promise to help raise the rest of the money required for the family who adopts him.  His country is really a great one to adopt from - easy travel, inexpensive, very stable program, Hague country, I've heard nothing but good about the facilitators and agency staff.

What are you waiting for?

Recently, one of the adoption facilitators traveled to Brett's institution.  The report came back that he has some nonverbal communication skills, is extremely flexible (typical for kids with DS), and would likely do very well in a family and is not aggressive (something that has been seen in many institutionalized children).  Brett also has alopecia, which is why he lost his hair.  No big deal.  I shaved mine for him on New Year's this year!  There are all sorts of fun things to do with a bald head.  And this little detail of his appearance... should absolutely NOT be what stops him from having the family he deserves.  From my own limited experience with institutionalized children, I suspect he would be a wonderful and loving son.  Others with more experience seem to concur.  More pictures and videos of Brett are available from the agency.

There are two possible outcomes for Brett.  Only two.  He doesn't have the limitless opportunities we have in this country.

The first one, the one I want for him, is a happy ending.  A family.  A mom and dad, or maybe just a mom, to say YES to Brett... where others have said no.

Lately, there have been a string of older boys (the most at-risk group of orphans) appearing on the My Family Found Me page at Reece's Rainbow.  And every time a new one shows up, I rejoice for him, but my heart says, "Why not Brett?"  Fifteen year olds, aging out in a matter of days, have had the adoption community rally around them and been adopted just in time.  Teenagers, on the cusp of being fully grown adults.  By comparison, Brett isn't 'older'.  He's eleven.  I remember eleven.  We traded pokemon cards, danced to music, played dress up in our parents' clothes, loved board games, had sleepovers.  Brett is still a child.  And he has Down Syndrome.  His developmental 'age' is likely much lower.  He's just a little boy... in the body of an eleven year old.  So I ask again... Why not Brett?  Why, never Brett?  Why is he not one that people rally behind?  Because he doesn't come from the 'right' institution?  Because no adopting families have met him?  None of these things are his fault!  No more obstacles than have been overcome in previous cases.

He's just another little boy, locked away in a place he doesn't belong... probably very rural, from what we know, which is likely to increase his hardship, especially during the winter.  Heat and food can be hard to come by in rural areas without reliable routes of transportation for all seasons... so while you're celebrating Christmas, instead of celebrating with you, eyes lighting up brighter than the Christmas tree, he's probably cold, and hungry.

'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'   ...whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

If Christ our Lord was sitting in that institution... would you not save him?

But He is.

He is in every one of us... especially the least of these.

Which group are you in?  Those who do, or those who don't?

Because, the second possible outcome of Brett's life is unimaginable.  I don't need a long paragraph to describe it.  He will spend the rest of his life in a mental institution with sub-par care, until one day, he dies there.  He will rock, chew his hands, bite his tongue, stare at blank walls, shiver, maybe starve... and then he will die.  He'll be buried in an unmarked grave, or maybe a grave marked only with a wooden stick and a number.  Again, nameless, and again, belonging to nobody... the same way he started out.

That is not the life he was saved for.  I refuse to believe it.  That can't be his future.  Not after all the obstacles he's overcome already.  Brett is a fighter - in a good way, of course - but there's only so much he can do for himself in his position.  Right now, he needs you... to help him fight... to get him out... to save him from fading away as alone as he started out.


They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so let me allow the pictures to illustrate the stark contrast between these two futures.

Here's the one he can have if you say YES to him.

And here's the one he'll have if you turn away.

I've been pleading for Brett since the day I saw his picture.  Like the day the stranger came upon him in that field, I believe it was fate that I saw him.  But I can't adopt him.  I'm too young for his country's requirements and I always will be.  The law requires parent and child to be at least 15 years apart in age.  I've posted his picture everywhere.  I've written countless blog posts for him.  I've done fundraisers for him.  I shaved my head for one of them!  Since that day a year and a half ago, his grant has grown by over $2,500 (although certainly not by my own hand).  But I can't save him.  Not alone.

I'm a realistic person.  I know not everyone can or should adopt... but I also know that people do, every day... and sometimes they choose older boys, just like Brett.  Why not him?  And if you're in that group, like me, who couldn't adopt him no matter how hard they tried, that doesn't mean you can't do anything!  Brett needs two things.  He needs money in his Reece's Rainbow account, to help the family who commits to him. You can donate to him here.  But more than anything, he needs to be seen.  So I beg you to share this blog post... far and wide.  If you never do anything I ask again, please, please do this.  Just this would be enough. And if not for me... do it for the abandoned little boy in the field, cold and alone and covered in bug bites.  Or do it for God.  Just do it... please.  This is our chance to get Brett seen... before it becomes an aging out emergency.

Donate.  Share.  Pray.  Adopt.

Be one of those who gives to the least of these... not one of those who turns away.

Please.  I'm begging you.  Don't turn away.  Don't let him stay the way he is right now... nobody's child.

Other blog posts about Brett:

• http://callmecrazycbus.blogspot.com/search/label/Brett
• http://crazy-arewethereyet.blogspot.com/search/label/Brett

Inquire about Brett atwww.reecesrainbow.org.  

A Confession

I've got to confess something...

I'm in love. With this little boy. His name is Frank, and he's stolen my heart, and I can't stand to see him waiting for a family. He's a sweet, kind, silly, smart boy. But for some reason I can't understand, he's been put into a mental institution. He's been there a while. Yet he's remained smart, and bright, and kind.

But years surrounded by rocking, stimming men takes a toll on a young mind. And if he isn't saved soon, he will regress into a rocking, mindless body. He needs someone to come save him, to let him be a kid. He's almost 13 years old. But he still needs a daddy to wrestle with, a mom to comfort him. Brothers to play Nerd fights with. Sisters to make forts with. Siblings to explore with. He'd be a blessing to any family. Yes, he has a mental delay. What would you expect from a child who has spent years in a mental institution? But he hasn't lost his spirit. He's still a joyful little kid. He's bring that joy to a family. But if he isn't saved soon, he'll lose that spirit. He's strong, but no one can resist forever. Please, I am begging. Come save him. He has almost $12,000 available for his adoption. The total adoption would only cost $18,000- $20,000. He's already 2/3 of the way to fully funded. I promise, as his Guardian Angel and past Angel Tree Warrior, I will do everything in my power to raise the rest of the money needed to bring him home. Money won't be an issue.

So look around? Could your table seat one more? Could you  share a little more of your life and give him a family? Could your kids use another playmate? He just needs someone to take that step, and save him. Before it's too late.

www.reecesrainbow.org/frank 

www.savingsullivan.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/SeekJusticeLoveMercyWalkHumbly 

But He's Got A Trampoline

I've had some people make some comments about Frank's need for a family. And I think those common misconceptions are why he so overlooked. But he is just as deserving of a family. He needs a family too! He's 12, so he isn't super close to aging out. He's got a little over three years still. But let me point something out to you. He's almost 13. I'm not sure how long he has been in an orphanage, but he's probably spent almost his entire life in orphanages. He's waited 13 YEARS for a family. No, he's not "aging out" yet, but why wait until the last minute! He needed someone to come get him, like yesterday. Just because he isn't "aging out" doesn't mean he doesn't need out. He needs out of that mental institution. I have shared the picture of Frank on the trampoline before. The reaction is usually, "Hey, he has fun there!" He's having fun at the mental institution, so he doesn't need a family, right? I mean, he's got a trampoline, that's all a kid ever needs, right? Right? Look a little closer at that picture. Do you see the ripped, high water jeans? Do you see how skinny he is? But of course, he has a trampoline, so he's fine! Right? My heart hurts when people just see that and think he's fine, because they have a trampoline. What about those jeans? They're ripped and way too short on him, yet they are falling off because he is so skinny. Sure, he gets fed at the institution, but with 70 residents, there's probably not "seconds". There's no choice of what you're going to eat. You sit down and eat what is given to you, or you don't eat. Frank doesn't have a life- threatening illness. He just has a mental delay, and possibly FAS. So there isn't that "urgency" to save him. But there needs to be an urgency! Everyday he's there, he's getting older, and he's becoming more delayed. He doesn't have anyone to teach him, to help him grow. With no stimulation, his delay will only increase. He does nothing all day. He just walks around. He needs a family who will be able to teach him, to help him experience the world. He's got food, clothes, and a place to sleep. So he's well off right? I've already talked about the food issue. Yes, he has food, but they never get enough. No one has time to make sure all the residents are "full". He has clothes, but they aren't his own. They come from a community closet, and they wear whatever they can find. Most often, the clothes are too big or too small, and never new. And his "place to sleep"? It's a cruddy old mattress, in a room full of other residents. The mattresses are all falling apart, with patches and holes. The residents do the best they can to fix them and clean them. They really do need new ones, but it is very expensive and they cannot afford it. Whenever his mattress gets dirty, he'll drag it outside and try to wash it, then lean it against the fence, and hope it dries before he goes to bed. When I say 'mattress', I'm not talking about your super comfy, Sleep Country USA, heated, TEMPUR- Pedic. I'm not even talking your average, bunk bed twin mattress. No, I'm talking about a few large pieces of cloth, sewn together, and stuffed with anything soft. Not the best thing in the world to sleep on. He needs someone who can answer all his questions. Little kids always have lots of questions. "Why is the sky blue? Why is grass green? Why do I have brown eyes?" And while caretakers can answer some of those, he will always have more questions. Let me tell you a little story that happened a few weeks ago. The institution had just put a new decoration on the wall in the dining room- a figurine of Jesus on the cross. During the next meal, Frank noticed it on the wall. He went over and observed it, then began asking the caretakers who that was, and why he was crucified. The caretakers told him it was Jesus, and he was crucified because people sinned. He kept calling people over and telling them, "That's Jesus! That's Jesus!" He needs a family who can help him learn more about Jesus, and his love for us, so he can tell the world, "That's Jesus!" He's a smart, kind, bright little boy. His story may not stand out as much, but he has just as urgent a need to adopted! Please share about him!

Kevin, Jack and Jensen- Welcome to the Party!

Thank you Lonni for inviting Kevin, Jack and Jensen!


Kevin

Boy, born January 2004
PRC albinism, ametropia, amblyopia
Kevin is generally happy and healthy. He needs to wear sunglasses outside. He is cognitively normal, and attends kindergarten.
$23.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!


JACK and JENSEN for Jon and Angela — NV


Many years ago, at different times and in different cities, two incredibly special baby boys were born into the world. Both were precious and beautiful children from the moment they came into being and the world is, without a doubt, better for having them in it. “Jensen” was born first. He is said to be a quiet yet friendly child who is calm and loves people, animals, nature and crafts. While he lives with Cerebral Palsy, his condition does not define him. There is so much more to this amazing young man and his waiting family longs to bring him opportunities that he cannot get without a family. It has been relayed to his waiting family that Jensen is worried that a family will never come for him and he is afraid of reaching his next birthday without a family (which would mean that he would forever lose his chance at being adopted). While his family does not know when he will be told that they are coming for him, they pray his heart can be shielded from this stress and pain during this unnerving time. Born next was precious “Jack”. This little angel was born with an incredibly rare genetic condition called Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) and, unfortunately, with the demands of this life-threatening illness, his needs are exceptionally difficult to manage in his country of origin. When this baby boy came into alternative care, it quickly became clear that, in an orphanage setting, it would be an uphill battle to provide him with what he needs to avoid the many dangers that are faced by children living with XP- most importantly cancer and a very premature death. While this boy has been loved by orphanage staff and missions teams who have visited him, he has waited for just under a decade for someone to claim him as their son and provide him with what all children need and deserve- love, family, stability, dedication, proper medical care and hope. While he does not yet know about his waiting family either, he should be getting to meet them soon as there are attempts being made to expedite the adoption process as much as possible because of his extreme medical needs. Jack is a spunky little fighter and his best chance at survival is coming home to his loving family.

The family that has stepped forward for both wonderful boys has said “Yes! We will absolutely do everything in our power to bring our sons-to-be home as quickly as possible and we will move heaven and earth to provide them with everything they need and deserve.” This family does not wish to be thought of as heroic or saintly though. While they realize that these children will now be given lives that they could not get in an orphanage or foster facility setting, they truly feel as if they are the blessed ones in this situation. They will now get to love on these sweet, compassionate and amazing young boys who both have very special spirits and very special places in the hearts of their family-members-to-be. No matter what battles they may face with the care of their new sons, this family knows that they will do all that is necessary for their care and well-being and that they will enjoy and make the most of however long it is that they have together. While Jack’s condition is life-threatening and comes, most typically, with a significantly reduced life span (especially in the case of those living untreated for prolonged periods of time as has Jack), the hope is that once this little guy gets home to his new country, new state, new family and new medical team, his health will be able to be properly assessed by professionals with expertise in his rare condition and that he will be put on a path that will allow him a long, healthy and happy life. Surely that is what we all hope for this child. While his condition cannot be cured, it can be managed better here in the states than it can be in an orphanage setting in his country of origin. While the waiting family originally committed to Jack alone, they knew that they wanted to welcome Jensen into the family as well as soon as they learned of him and they could not allow this sweet young man to age out never knowing the love and security of a family. People say that there are no guarantees in life but this family guarantees that they will love their new children to no end and that they will make sure they have what they need to be put in the best position possible. While this family can provide for all of Jack’s and Jensen’s needs once they get home, they could very much use assistance in getting to the point where the boys actually can come home. Please search your heart and determine whether or not you can help them with the financial aspect of the adoption process. You will enjoy getting to know this family virtually and you will surely be pleased by reading more about their precious sons-and brothers-to-be. Hopefully you will agree to step alongside not only these beautiful young boys, but also their soon-to-be-dad (a wonderfully devoted husband, father and active duty military member), mom (a fiercely dedicated wife and mother as well as a skilled secondary school teacher), big brothers and baby sister (all of whom are thrilled to be welcoming new siblings into the family). Whether you keep this family and, most importantly, these children in your thoughts and prayers or you sow into the family’s adoption fund, you will be an immensely positive force in all of their lives. You will forever have this family’s heart and gratitude for helping them along in the adoption process and for caring about their new children. Blessings, peace and love to all of you!
4/16/13—DOSSIER IN COUNTRY
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://ourfamilysescapades.blogspot.com/ $12210.71 is available towards the cost of my adoption!



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Somewhere there's a little boy growing up on his own
When he wants to feel the arms of love and a hope he's never known
Across town there's a woman who's looking at a photograph
She longs to give her heart away to a child she couldn't have
Tonight he needs the strength to just hold on
And she believes deep in her heart that day is gonna come

You just may be
The answer to a prayer
The one to meet a need
And you just may be
The only heaven some will ever see
You just may be

 A baby girl is born to face the world alone
While a mom and dad are on their knees praying for a little one
Half a world away three brothers in a foster home
Are dreaming of a family they can call their own
Well that family leaves tomorrow for the Philippines
And that mom and dad got the call they waited years to receive

 You just may be
The answer to a prayer
The one to meet a need
And you just may be
The only heaven some will ever see

 You just may be the hope to hold on to
Be the hand that pulls them through
A single ray of loves that shines so true

 You just may be
The answer to a prayer
The one to meet a need
And you just may be
The only heaven some will ever see

Oh, the one who leads them to believe
The only heaven some will ever see
You just may be"

 

~ Karyn Williams "Just May Be"

$5

You can do a lot with just $5. I'm having a $5 fundraiser. Instead of spending in on that coffee, consider spending it to help Frank!

This is all part of Frank's birthday celebration!

With $5, you can do one of the following:

- Purchase a handmade friendship bracelet

- Purchase a set of hair bows

- Invite a child to Frank's party! The child of your choice will be featured in a blog post, my blog sidebar, and a special birthday party album on my FB page!

I have some incentives for you to come join!

If you do one of the following:

a) buy a set of hair bows and invite a child

b) buy a bracelet and invite a child

c) buy a wallet

d) invite two children

You can invite another child! The only rule is you have to purchase a wallet or invite another child, and you can invite another!

If you share on your blog, you can invite a child! Only once please.

Plus, if you give more then $25, I will make you a personalized photo/ music video!

So why not join? Come join the party!

Emergency!

I am interrupting my blogging for Frank, to share three boys who need families NOW! Two of them age out in 15 and 16 days. The other in 2 months.
Let me introduce you to Sebastian, Joseph, and Casey.
Other bloggers have shared about these boys, in hopes to rescue them!
Please share!
http://savinghissparrows.blogspot.com/2013/04/emergency-pray-for-miracle.html
http://swissmaman.blogspot.ch/2013/04/joseph-and-sebastian-2-boys-in-very.html
Http://loveslightwings.blogspot.com/2013/04/hoping-for-another-miracle.html
http://matthew18vs14.blogspot.com/2013/04/urgent-need.html
http://www.andthisonematters.blogspot.com/2013/04/timing-out-teen-young-man-needs-family.html

Sebastian

Boy, born April 26 1997

Speech issues

Sebastian will turn 16 THIS MONTH (April 2013).  A family must have paperwork filed for him with USCIS PRIOR to his birthday — so, it must be filed on 4/25/2013.

We’ve been told Sebastian is available for adoption, but his paperwork will not be cleared in country until fall 2013.  However, the process *MUST* be started with USCIS (US Immigration) prior to his 16th birthday, for an American family to adopt him.

Sebastian so badly longs for a family and to belong.  He is shy, and has a very calm demeanor, slow to think and respond and soft spoken. He is not the ”in your face” kind of young man. He has ran away from the school on several occasions because he is sad living at the school and just does not fit in. With him being shy he is often picked on and accused of things he does not do and becomes a target because he does not fight back. Anything he was asked to do or help with the mission team he did not hesitate to help. When activities came up and he was asked to participate he had no problem engaging and playing. He has a slight stutter that comes out at times but nothing that will enable him or his future to achieve any goals. He is a precious young man. He says at times he has a hard time remembering things . He stated that he believes in God.

He loves to read the encyclopedia and to learn. He loves animals and like to look them up and read about them. He loves all animals and would love to be in a family with any kind of animal. He loves mashed potatoes and chicken and he does not care much for fish soup! He enjoys sports like Futbul (soccer), basketball, running and swimming. He enjoys drawing cars.

Although Sebastian is shy he can be funny and talkative at times. If he had a choice to be in a calm and quiet place, alone or with friends he would rather be with friends and not alone. He would prefer to be one to follow a good leader verse being the one to lead others. If he had some free time he would love to wind down by reading a book. He wants to build houses and that is the one trade he would love to learn. If he had three wishes he said to come to have a family in America, live in America and live near his other friend named Sasha or be able to talk to him. If he could be like anyone in the world he said he likes himself the way God made him. If he could visit anywhere in the world it would be America. He said he has visited a camp in Greece and he liked it there. When he went he thought he was going to be adopted and it did not happen it was just a camp so he was heart broken. He would love to visit an athletic gym in America and look at houses (architecture). He loves to look at church buildings and study how they are built and what they look like and enjoyed seeing them in Greece. He said he does not smoke or drink like many in his school and his favorite color is yellow. His favorite school subjects are Math, drawing and PE and his least favorite is Chemistry. He states he is an average student. When asked if he could visit a family in America would he like to be the oldest or youngest he said he did not care he just wanted to be part of a family. This young man is running out of time and it was so clear he just wants a family. He wrote a letter to a member of the team, asking for her help to find a family and thanking her for being willing to find him one.

Joseph

Boy, born April 25, 1997

Abnormal development of cardiac system, recurrent infection of ENT organs and respiratory tract, humpback

Joseph WANTS to be adopted and we want to give him a chance in case there is a family that is paper ready or able to file petition for his adoption with USCIS before he turns 16 to adopt him.

He has no younger siblings.

Casey

Born June 1997

Cerebral palsy, significant mental delays, seborrheic dermatitis

Casey is very sweet.   He is bedridden, yet full of smiles.  He desperately needs a family to save him.

Travel required;  married couples only.  Large families welcome.

$1745.30 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Donations are tax deductible.

Mulligan Stew 2013

You Matter Frank!

They are always hungry.

Most of the babes in the institute get just enough but never really enough.

Their little tummies are always longing for more food.

They don't get a choice what they are going to eat and frankly - they don't care.  They just want food.

Even if it is soup and bread every single day of their lives.

They shovel the food in as fast as they can for fear that it will be taken away before they can finish.

We can't cross the ocean and set up a stew pot to fill their stomachs for real.

Even if we could, they would just be hungry again the next day.

What we can do is much greater.

We can throw our dimes and nickels into their buckets and fill up their grant accounts to make it easy for a family to cross that ocean and adopt them so they will never be hungry again.

Frank.

He is starving for so much more than food in his belly.

He is starving for attention.  He is starving for someone to care.  He is starving for someone to chase after him when he runs. 

He is looking for a Father who can HOLD HIS HAND and teach him how to grow up to be a man.

He's looking for a Mother who will comfort him when he scrapes his knee. 

Oh Frank.

You matter so much.

You matter so very very much.

Please help me raise Frank's grant account.  Right now we have raised only $76.00 for Frank. 

Please help me get his face out. 

The ONLY diagnosis Frank has is moderate mental delay.  He MAY have FAS but that is just MY cautionary.  He DESPERATELY needs a family.  He is wasting away at a Level Four Mental Institute where he most definitely DOES NOT belong!

-----------------------------------------------

OUR 2013 MICAH SIX EIGHT MULLIGAN STEW GIVEAWAY!

"A Common Stew for an Uncommonly Good Cause!"

There are more than 100 items simmering away in our stew pot. The total value of all of these items is well over $5,000.00.

Now we just need YOU to help us care for the orphan.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"

Last year we had over 500 PEOPLE donate and share.

This year ....

 120 people have donated so far...

Annie, Joni, Nicole, Erin, Katrina, Micheala, Kim, Andrew, Leah, Kathy, Daniel

Anne, Debbie, Amy, Lori, Christine, Katie, Pam

K.B.  Tina   Candee  Amber   Joni   C.H.    Rebecca  Kelly   Jenny   Christine   Katie   Pam

Joni, Jason, Jane, Nicole, Amanda, Rebecca, Kami, Lynettte,  Jennifer, Candice, Francine, Lisa, Liz, Layna, Osborn, Courtney, Ivy

Pam, Amanda, Candice, Erika, Gretchen, Elizabeth, Amanda, Tanna, Susan , Cathy, Kelli

Natalie, Chelsea, Tania, Jolene, Beth, S.D., Val, Kalia, Gina, Morgan, K.B.

Pam, Cassandra, F.M., Amy, Ryan, Vanessa, Christine

Kim, Erika, Lisa, Lisa, Sarah, Stori, Gwen, Karla, Carolina, Jo, Virginia

Kim, Sharon, Sandra, Debbie, Carolyn

Annette, Sara, Katie, Kristen, Amber, Connie, Erika, Luba, Kim, Lynn, Tamsin

Candice, Kim, Amy, Loree, Michele, Megan, Nicole. Connie, Cassie

Cheryl, Eric, Sierra, Lauren, Christine, Jamie, Katie, Carol

We have raised $17,424.00 so far in this Giveaway!!

THESE ARE OUR EIGHT FAMILIES

Our FIRST goal is to raise AT LEAST $2,000.00 in each grant account!! 

My deepest desire is to double that!!

These families still need $5,386.00 to meet our first goal!!! 

PLEASE HELP US!!

(Sorry,  but adding Sutter/ the Collins Family up here means that despite all of your generous donations yesterday, our families' need actually went up a bit!)

JON AND ANGELA-Adopting Jack and Jensen RAISED $2768.00 (MET OUR FIRST GOAL!)

THE JOHNSON FAMILY - Adopting FOUR brothers! RAISED $1,569.00

WHEN THE JOHNSONS' ACCOUNT REACHES $6,210, THEY WILL MEET THEIR MATCHING GRANT AND AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE ANOTHER $500!

THE MARR FAMILY - Adopting Alexei RAISED $1045.00

THE TAYLOR FAMILY - Adopting Samuel and Sara RAISED $1268.00

WHEN THE TAYLORS' ACCOUNT REACHES $1,654, THEY WILL MEET THEIR MATCHING GRANT AND AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE ANOTHER $500!

THE DEUTSCH FAMILY - Adopting Estelle and Gerard RAISED $1542.00

THE BAKER FAMILY - Adopting Emmitt RAISED $1454.00

THE UNROE FAMILY - Adopting Matthew, Jonathan, and Charity RAISED $1489.00

THE COLLINS FAMILY - Adopting Sutter Raised $247.00

THESE ARE OUR ELEVEN WAITING CHILDREN.... THEY ALL NEED FAMILIES!!

Our FIRST goal is to raise $1,000.00 in each of their grant accounts. 

My deepest desire is to double that!!

THESE CHILDREN STILL NEED $5,593.00 TO MEET OUR FIRST GOAL!!

HANSON - RAISED $315.00

PORTER - RAISED $296.00

JASON - RAISED $272.00

CASEY - RAISED $1225.00 (CASEY HAS REACHED OUR FIRST GOAL!)

SIMON - RAISED $437.00

BOBBY - RAISED $261.00

WHEN BOBBY'S ACCOUNT REACHES $3,842, HE WILL MEET HIS MATCHING GRANT AND AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE ANOTHER $100.00. WE HAVE 24 HOURS TO MATCH THIS GRANT!!!

BARTON - RAISED $875.00

IRIS - RAISED $523.00

AUBREE - RAISED $311.00

FRANK - RAISED $476.00

DARREN - RAISED $641.00

WHEN DARREN'S ACCOUNT REACHES $3,837, HE WILL MEET HIS MATCHING GRANT AND AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE ANOTHER $2,000!

LOST BOYS - RAISED $410.00

THESE ARE THE RULES:

Simple Math - Every five dollars donated earns you one entry into our giveaway!!!

To enter, here's what you have to do:

FIRST.... You have to pick at least ONE of the families and make a donation into their grant account.

SECOND....You have to pick at least ONE of the waiting children below and make a donation into their grant account.

THIRD... You have to leave a comment WITH YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME letting me know which of the families you donated to and which of the waiting children. Make sure to give me the total amount donated. Because I always moderate my comments, I will be able to keep this information private if you ask me to leave it private. if you prefer not to leave a comment, you can e-mail me atcovenantb@yahoo.com

THAT'S IT.... YOU ARE OFFICALLY ENTERED WITH JUST THOSE TWO DONATIONS...

We will let it be between you and the Lord the size of your gift.

BUT DON'T STOP THERE....

FOURTH.... You will also earn one entry for each additional family and/or waiting child you donate to. For example, a $50 donation spread among 3 families and 2 waiting children earns you 15 entries: 50/5 = 10 entries for the money, and 1 entry each for the families/children! So spread the love around!!!!

FIFTH.... You also get entries if you donate to the Lost Boys through Harvest International. Directions are below!

SIXTH.... You can also earn entries into the giveaway for SHARING! So share away. Share on Twitter. Share on FB. Share on your blog!!

When our Mulligan Stew Giveaway ends, we'll choose a winner for each prize by drawing random numbers from random.org. The more entries there are beside your name, the more chances you'll have to win something great!

THESE ARE OUR FAMILIES

SUTTER   

MY FAMILY FOUND ME!!!

THE COLLINS FAMILY

Click here to get to their family blog

Click here to get to their grant account

THE TAYLOR FAMILY

Adopting Samuel and Sara (brother and sister)

Click here to get to their Family Blog

Click here to donate to their grant account

 

THE DEUTSCH FAMILY

Adopting Estelle and Gerard

Click here to get to their Family Blog

Click here to get to their grant account

 

THE BAKER FAMILY

Adopting Emmitt

Click here to get to their grant account

THE UNROE FAMILY

Adopting Matthew (Thad) Jonathan (Carson) and Charity (Presley)

Click here to get to their Family Blog

Click here to get to their grant account

  

JON AND ANGELA

Adopting Jack and Jensen

Click here to get to their Family Blog

Click here to donate to their grant account

 

THE JOHNSON FAMILY

Adopting FOUR brothers!

D. V. Little V and Baby K!!

Click here to get to their Family Blog

Click here to donate to their grant account

THE MARR FAMILY

Adopting Alexei

Click here to get to their Family Blog

Click here to get to their grant account

THESE ARE OUR WAITING CHILDREN

WOULD YOU PRAY AND CONSIDER??

 JASON 

 

CASEY

 Casey has until June 2013 to find a family

 BARTON

                Barton has until December 2013 to find a family

FRANK                                        DARREN

HANSON

 PORTER

SIMON                                        BOBBY

Simon has until October 2013 to find a family!

                                                 IRIS                                                          AUBREE

 

OUR LOST BOYS!

BECAUSE I CANNOT LEAVE THEM OUT.... You can donate to the Lost Boys through Harvest International. Click onTHIS LINK and designate your gift to Alyona and Slavik for the Lost Boys. All donations to Harvest International are Tax Deductible.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO DESIGNATE YOUR GIFT TO ALYONA AND SLAVIK FOR THE LOST BOYS.

　

WOW WOW WOW!!

THE LIST OF PRIZES!!!

CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES AND DETAILS

$500.00 Gift Card IPad Mini - $360.00 Wii U - $250.00 Value KINDLE FIRE - $199.00 Value Cross of Loops Necklace with Pearl - $280 Value 250.00 PICK A CHILD BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE QUILT $175.00 BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE SURPRISE QUILT $175.00 Retired Lladro Shepherdess with basket, value approximately $130 $100.00 Value - BOG BOOTS $100.00 Amazon Card 100 dollar gift card $100.00 Target Gift Card 100 Chevron gas card 100 Chevron gas card $100 BiblioPlan year for a family…. $100 Restaurant Gift Card  Glass Wine Decanter with 6 glasses - $100.00 Value $100.00 gift certificate to Caps for Causes:$100.00 gift certificate to Caps for Causes4 pack of ItWorks wraps. They are valued at $99 Original Photo on Canvas Print - $60.00 Value 16 GB Kingston Data Traveler Flash drive $60.00 Jessica Tote - $59.00 Baby/Lap Quilt (40" X 52") is valued at $50 $50.00 Target Gift Card $50.00 Amazon Gift card $50.00 Bloomingdales Gift Card $50.00 Best Buy Gift card 50.00 Mobile Gas Card 50.00 Pencil Portrait 50.00 Pick a Child $50.00 ANYWHERE GIFT CARD $50.00 Custom book gift package 35 X 25 Rag quilt - $45.00 Value Weighted Blanket - $40.00 Value Thirty-One mini organizer in the minty chip pattern $30.00 value Four Herbalife personal care products: Strengthening Shampoo (8.5 oz), Strengthening Conditioner (8.5 oz), Hand & Body Wash (8.5 oz), and Bath & Body Bar (4.4 oz). Approximate value $30. Vera Bradley wristlet - 30.00 30.00 gift card to winner‘s choice One dozen Cupcakes or cake balls from the "The Cupcake Patch" (winner’s choice) - $25.00 value One dozen Cupcakes or cake balls from the "The Cupcake Patch" (winner’s choice) - $25.00 value 25.00 Amazon Gift Card 25.00 Visa gift card 25.00 credit to a scout shop $25.00 ANYWHERE gift card < $25.00 ANYWHERE gift card 25 itunes card 25.00 PICK A CHILD or FAMILY Mama Bird Necklace - Value $25.00 Customized video $25.00 Value - Winner’s Choice $25.00 in Amazon cards (five 5.00 cards) $25 gift card to Maggiano’s/On the Border/Romano’s Macaroni Grill EasyLunchboxes Set -- 4 containers and cooler (pink) - $21 value EasyLunchboxes Set -- 4 containers and cooler (orange) - $21 value Happier at Home book - $26.00 Value

Custom Made Crochet Hat $20.00 Value - Winner’s choice Duct Tape set (2 hair bows and a wallet) Value 20.00 Duct Tape set (2 hair bows and a wallet) Value 20.00 20.00 PICK A CHILD or FAMILY Montessori Wooden Rainbow Puzzle 20.00 Four Handmade Bars of Soap - 20.00 Value Four Handmade Bars of Soap - 20.00 Value Four Handmade Bars of Soap - 20.00 Value Four Handmade Bars of Soap - 20.00 Value Four Handmade Bars of Soap - 20.00 Value $20.00 Multi-color print Owl purse $20.00 Pink print Owl purse $18 gift certificate for my crochet shop Hooked on Hope - 3 hair bows - 16.00 value Personalized Pendant - $16.00 value Rainbow Gnomes 15.00 "Heritage Lace" "Victorian House 13" x 20" Placement, Ecru" $15.00 value $15 Jamba Juice Gift Card Animal Lovie (bear) is valued at $12 Ancient craft book $12.00 Value Medieval craft book $12.00 Value Modern craft book $12.00 Value $10.00 Bright turquoise Disciple cross $10.00 Light pink Disciple cross $10.00 Titanium Disciple cross $10.00 4 wooden Disney puzzles $10 Cold Stone gift card $10 Target card $10.00 Tortured for Christ book (gently used) Autographed Blake Shelton CD $10.00 Devotional book - Jesus Calling 10.00 value SIGNED COPY - $10.00 There's a Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse: And Other Ways Motherhood Changes Us by Jessie ClemenceCrayon People (5.00) $5.00 Bible Card Games THREE THEMED OUT OF PRINT WORKBOOKS 5.00 Crocheted headband Crocheted hat $25.00 Value Infinity scarf, Frosty Green Fleck with Amber Fun Fur & glass beads $25.00 Value Infinity scarf/shoulder wrap, Homespun with Terra Cotta Fun Fur Made with Love/Beloved necklace $15.00 Forevermore necklace 15.00 Worthy bracelet $15.00 Inspire/Believe bracelet $20.00 Chosen bracelet $15.00 Daughter bracelet $15.00 Wonderful bracelet $20.00 Pink ring $5.00 Set of matching red flower dresses with headbands $40.00 Set of matching powder blue dresses & headbands -$40.00 Set of matching blue/striped bottom dresses $35.00 Pink/Purple Dress with headband $25.00 Red/Black/White dress - $20.00 Two Pack Jam - Two equal sized bottles of your favourite jams (125mL). There are a few varieties to chose from! Jam Sampler- 125ml bottles of brandied cranberry & orange sauce, bumbleberry jam, orange & lemon marmalade, raspberry jam, strawberry jam and wild blueberry jam.