Aiden

Oh, sweet Aiden. There are so many pictures of Aiden.

Here are just some of the pictures of him. There's almost a hundred pictures. And there's a blogger who met him. Here is what she has said about him.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Imagine living in a world of complete darkness where your only stimulation is the constant noise of crying and yelling and the occasional elbow in the ribs as another child crawls over you in the communal playpen… That is what life is like for Aiden.

Aiden is four-years-old. He has sandy blond hair, gorgeous blue eyes and two of the yummiest cheeks you have ever seen. He is also blind. Sometimes I think that blind children are the ones at the greatest disadvantage in an orphanage. Right from infancy, babies in the orphanage are not held. They are rarely given the opportunity to listen to music. The only stimulation they receive is what they see as they look around their room, watching the other children, etc. But what about the children who cannot see? Theirs is a dark, empty, lonely world.

After four long years of darkness, Aiden has withdrawn into his own little world. He spends his days rolling back and forth on the floor as you can see him doing here. He has done this so often for so long that he has a huge bald patch at the back of his head. He does not like to be held. Instead, he receives comfort and stimulation by poking at his eyes and sucking his fingers raw.

Aiden was my greatest challenge. He did not like to be held in my arms or sit on my lap and he did not really interact with the toys I would bring. There was one thing that did break through his walls though… he loved to be tickled and would laugh and laugh as I smothered his face with kisses!
 

When I first met Aiden , he would often walk around the edges of the playpen, holding onto the sides. He had the ability to walk while holding onto someone’s hand but because he did not like to be held on to like that, he would most often refuse to do so. During one of our one-on-one times, I stood Aiden up on his feet and managed to get him to take one or two steps without holding onto anything. The next time he took a few more and before I knew it, he was walking all by himself! It was if he had finally developed enough trust in me to know that I would not let him walk into anything and he was loving his newfound freedom. One day I went up to his room to get one of my other kids and there he was walking around the playpen, not holding onto anything, just smiling and laughing. It was one of the greatest moments of my trip…

The sad reality is, blind children are often the last to be chosen. Out of the 500 children that have been adopted through Reece’s Rainbow over the past five years, so far only three of them have been blind. I understand the fear, the idea of not being able to see is a concept that is hard for most of us to wrap our minds around. I myself wonder if/how I could parent a child with severe visual impairment. Then I read the stories of others with visual impairment who are simply living their lives doing most of what I can do and more and I am reminded that blindness is only a limiting disability if you let it be. I worry that Aiden’s visual impairment along with his more significant delays will put him at the bottom of the list when it comes to being chosen for adoption. I so don’t want that to be the case. Even if you’re not being called to adopt Aiden yourself, you can help him find his family by spreading the word, donating to his grant fund and remembering him in your prayers. Will you help me make sure this little man has the chance to live a life of joy, meaning and potential? For more information or to donate, click here.

Friday, July 29, 2011

What more can I say about Aiden? Last time I shared with you about what Aiden’s day-to-day life looks like, the neglect he experiences and the heartbreak of what it is like to be a blind child in a baby orphanage… Today however I want to tell you more about his precious, infectious giggle.

There are different things I miss about each of my kids. With Aiden, there is no doubt that what I miss most is kissing those yummy cheeks of his. I would hold him in my arms and just kiss his face over and over again and he would let out this giggle that is guaranteed to melt any heart. He spent so much of his time sullen and withdrawn but when he giggled, I felt like I was seeing a glimpse of the real Aiden and it was just priceless.

Aiden’s grant fund is the lowest out of all my kids and I worry that that just confirms my fear that, because of his visual impairment along with his more significant cognitive/emotional delays, Aiden is finding himself at the bottom of the list. It’s been nearly six months since I kissed those cheeks and my heart sinks at the thought that he most likely has not received a single kiss since. Aiden needs a mama who will give him kisses every day (even when he’s 16!). He needs someone who will see past his sorrow and delays and see the sweet little boy deep inside. Can you see it? Could that someone be you? Could it be someone you know? You may not be able to adopt him yourself but you can help Aiden’s family find him by sharing his story, donating to his grant fund and remembering him in your prayers. Help me make sure that this sweet little boy is overlooked no longer so that he can know him mama’s kisses real soon. For more information or to donate, click here.

Friday, September 16, 2011

It’s time for an update on Aiden (you can read more about him here and here). Unlike Brody, I do know people who have seen him over the past couple of months. Unfortunately however, the reports haven`t been good.

Here is what one orphanage visitor had to say:

“I've seen Aiden; poor, poor boy. He does not get much love… And he's contained most of the time… They pretty much let him be; unfortunately I haven't seen anyone really care about him.”

Doesn’t that just break your heart? I don’t have any new pictures to share because he is rarely brought outside. Instead, he spends most of his days in this ‘playpen’ (he is the one rolling back and forth on the floor), doing whatever he can to dull the boredom.

I don’t know what else to say. This boy needs a family. I need help in helping him find one. Please help me by sharing his story, donating to his grant fund and storming the gates of heaven on his behalf. For more information or to donate, click here.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Transferred. Yes, another one… only for Aiden, transfer may not end up being such a bad thing
(you can read more about Aiden in my previous posts here, here and here).

As I’ve shared before, Aiden received no positive attention at his baby orphanage. For the most part, he received no attention at all. He was rarely brought outside and spent pretty much all his time in a wooden playpen void of toys or any other stimulation outside of what he could provide for himself by sucking his hands, poking his eyes and banging his head on the bars.

Sometime within the last couple of months however, Aiden was transferred to the special needs orphanage for older children. This is the same orphanage that I volunteered in last year and the great news is Aiden is in my favourite group – group 9! Oh how I adore the children in group 9 but I not only love the kids, I love the workers too. The workers there truly care about the kids (which is true of most of the staff at this orphanage). They are kind and affectionate with them, even holding them on their laps and giving them kisses. The children in this group have varying degrees of physical ability nevertheless all of them are given the freedom to move around the room, to play with toys and to interact with each other and the staff. For that reason, I truly believe that Aiden is better off where he is now than he was at the baby orphanage.

That said, I am still concerned. I am concerned that as Aiden gets older with each passing day, his already dim hope for a family will only continue to fade. I am concerned that words like “transfer” and “institution” will scare people away from choosing him. I am concerned because even though he may be doing OK right now, his future still holds nothing more than mere existence in an adult mental institution once he turns eighteen. Adoption is still Aiden’s only hope to be all that God created him to be, yet I am concerned that no one will ever choose him. After nearly six months, Aiden’s grant has yet to even reach $200. You may not be called to adopt Aiden, you may not be able to be his mom, but you can help him find her. If just one quarter of the people reading this donated one dollar, we could get Aiden’s grant up to $200. If everyone who reads this donated just five dollars, we could raise his grant to over $500. It may not seem like much but all the little bits add up, every dollar counts. Please help Aiden find his Momma by sharing his story, donating to his grant fund and remembering him in your prayers. For more information or to donate, click here.

Friday, December 2, 2011 

Unfortunately, I have nothing new to report about Aiden (you can read more about Aiden in my previous posts here, here, here and here).

Aiden has nothing new to report either.

Day after day it’s the same… confined to a walker because the orphanage does not have enough staff to keep him safe if he were to roam around freely. Instead he spends his days chewing on toys, his hands and whatever else he can find to pass the time and ease his boredom. No opportunity to learn and develop and become all that he could be. No mama to kiss those scrumptious cheeks of his, no papa with safe, strong arms to protect him as he runs and plays. Instead he just waits. Waits for the day when someone will see his picture and say, “That’s my son!” and will cross the oceans to whisk him away to a life much greater than he could ever dream.

I want to say thank you to everyone who has donated to Aiden’s grant fund. In the past month Aiden’s grant has grown more than in all six months before it combined! Still, he has a long way to go. If you have a few dollars to spare this week, every little bit truly does add up. If not, will you help me spread Aiden’s picture and story? You never know, the family who sees his picture and says, “That’s our son!” just might be someone you know, or the friend of someone you know, etc. Finally, the simplest yet greatest thing we all can do is continue to keep Aiden in our prayers and ask that God would bring his family forward quickly. For more information or to donate, click here.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Guess whose grant is up over $1000?! Yep, the little guy whose grant took six months to reach a mere $200 now has over $1000 in his grant fund! (you can read more about Aiden here, here, here, here and here)

Although he still has such a long way to go, I was so excited to see Aiden’s grant pass that $1000 mark not only because that money will help with the cost of his adoption but because it means that people are seeing his face, hearing his story and their hearts are being moved. I don’t know who has been donating or where are all this new found attention is coming from but it gives me hope that maybe 2012 will be the last year Aiden has to spend without a family.

Please, keep donating, keep sharing his story and keep praying for this sweet boy’s family to find him.
For more information or to donate, click here.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Last week I heard about a little boy with visual impairment at a different orphanage in another city in the same country as “my” kids. In so many ways he reminded me of Aiden; (you can read more about Aiden here, here, here, here, here and here) they are both blind, they both spend most of their days in a hard, empty playpen, they both poke their eyes… they even look alike. Yet there was one big difference – the little guy I heard about last week desperately seeks attention, literally cries out for affection, while Aiden prefers to be left alone.

Aiden does not like to be held and would often scoot away from me whenever I tried to pat his back, etc.

He would laugh when I tickled him or kissed those delectable cheeks of his but that was the only attention/affection he seemed to enjoy and he would only tolerate it for short periods at a time.

Hearing about this other little boy made me wonder, was Aiden ever like that? Did he used to hang over the edge of his crib moaning for attention? Did he eventually just give up when, after years of crying out only to have those cries ignored, he realized that no one cared?

Or has Aiden always been guarded, self-sufficient and withdrawn? Did he never even seek out attention to begin with because he was never shown what he was missing?

Who will show this little boy the love that he doesn’t even know he needs? It probably won’t be easy. It will likely take a lot of patience, persistence and the decision to love even when you don’t get much in return. Yet I believe that there is hope for every child. I want so much more for this little munchkin then the emptiness that is all he has known thus far. I believe that no matter how long and difficult a road it may be, he deserves the chance to be loved and to learn to love in return, don’t you? You can help Aiden’s family find him by sharing his story, donating to his grant fund and continuing to keep him in your prayers. For more information or to donate, click here.

Friday, February 24, 2012

I am truly out of things to say about Aiden (you can read more about Aiden here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

I know that many people love him but somewhere out there his mommy and daddy have yet to realize that this little guy is their son.

Please help me get his picture and story out there so that his family can find him.
You can also help Aiden’s family find him by donating to his grant fund and remembering him in your prayers.
For more information or to donate, click here.

Friday, April 6, 2012

I get to be lazy today because Natalie put together this video which says pretty much everything I want to say...

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiX0lgxLZVY&feature=player_embedded

Please help my little munchkin find his family!
Share his story, donate to his grant fund, remember him in your prayers.

You can read more about Aiden here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. For more information or to donate, click here."

From his Reece's Rainbow page: " Boy, born May 2007 From a volunteer who spent several months at this orphanage: Aiden is visually impaired (I'm not sure if he has some vision or if he is 100% blind). Aiden has some more significant delays however it is difficult to tell if he is cognitively delayed for medical reasons or if his delays are simply a result of institutionalization / lack of stimulation. Aiden engages in a lot of self-stimulation such as poking his eyes, tapping his head on the side of his crib, rocking back and forth, etc. When I first met Aiden he was able to walk around the edges of the crib holding on to the sides, but he would not walk independently, even while holding on to someone's hands. As I worked with him however and he grew to trust me he began to take his first steps and now he loves to walk! Still, at least while I was there, the workers never let him out of his playpen. Aiden does not speak but he responds to his name and I believe he understands simple directions. He is not toilet trained but he is learning to feed himself. Aiden is difficult to engage. He doesn't initiate interaction but when you play with him/tickle him, etc. he is full of smiles and laughter. I believe that this boy has way more potential than can be seen right now. Whoever Aiden's family will need to be persistent about getting in his face in order to force him to engage and patient with what may be slow progress but I believe that with the consistent love and stimulation that a family would bring this little guy has all kinds of potential. From a missionary who spent several months at his orphanage at the end of 2011: Aiden is a complicated little boy. His years of minimal attention and probably some sensory issues seem to be the biggest of his struggles. He does at times hit his head or bite his hands to self stimulate. He let me hold and comfort him when he hit his head harder than he meant to one time, which was a great sign as far as attachment and trust goes. I like to refer to Aiden as my "mouthy" boy. He loves to chew on hard toys, and he very much enjoyed holding a slinky in his mouth and shaking his head to make it fly back and forth. He does not seem to have any vision at all. He navigates fairly well despite his lack of sight. His favorite thing ever is to be tickled. He has a wonderful smile and laugh. He will need a lot of attention and stimulation to help him to recover from all he has experienced, but I think he would really blossom with the right family! More pictures available.

$1160.87 is available towards the cost of my adoption!"

Let's find Aiden a family! We all want Aiden to find a family, and to help him out, Annie Trenda has agreed to get PIED when Aiden's fund reaches $1,500, and publicly share it with all of us!That is only $339.13 away!
AND.... if his fund reaches $2,000, I WILL BE PIED AND SHARE!!!
The catch: this must be raised BY AUGUST 30!!!
Let's get going!

Kristopher

Tink couldn't get blogger to work so I am posting this for them.

Kristopher is almost eight years old. He has cerebral palsy and is cross eyed, but look at that amazing smile! Imagine the joy and love he would give a family! 
Sadly, Kristopher does not have a lot of money in his grant fund on Reece's Rainbow (http://reecesrainbow.org/26298/kristopher). 
So, to help raise his funds, my friend, Sissy, has agreed to be pied, and share the video on YouTube, IF Kristopher reaches $500 in his grant fund BY AUGUST 30!
Share and tell everyone! Let's find Kristopher a family!!!

Alone

You've seen them. If you have ever been on Reece's Rainbow, you'll recognize them. There's 63 kids on Reece's Rainbow, overlooked time and time again. I'm writing for seven of them today. They all have been waiting way too long. Emmitt "Boy, Born January 26, 1998   Emmitt is a sweet boy. He is living in one of the mental institutions, and has been for many years, yet he remains sweet, intelligent, and kind.  Ttwo of our adopting families met him while they were there, and are pleading for a family to save him.     From his medical records:  myelomeningocele  (spina bifida)   From one of our adoptive families:  " Emmitt has a severe deformity of his legs.  He cannot walk at all.  He is very friendly, funny, and talkative. He desperately seeks out attention.  He was talking to my husband, and holding Zack's hand, which he then put on top of his head for Zack to rub his hair.  He is extremely intelligent, and just precious!  I brought him paper and crayons, and he drew me a flower  " We are seeking more official medical information about his condition, but hope someone out there will see this sweet young man and know his kind and loving spirit. $1705.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!" http://reecesrainbow.org/1399/emmitt Justine "Girl, Born June 11, 2001 Justine is a pretty girl with dark hair and eyes.  She is fully mobile and active.   Her face bears features of FAS, but this is not documented and is only a cautionary disclosure. From her medical records:  congenital microcephaly, autism $100 available!" http://reecesrainbow.org/1704/justine112 Kristie "Girl, Born 2001 Kristie was born with Klippel Feil syndrome, as kyphosis and 6 of her vertebrates are fused together.   Despite this, she is completely mobile and totally functional/self sufficient.  She is also of typical development cognitively.  Kristie's older sister was recently adopted into another family (separated legally), so Kristie is still waiting for her own "forever family". Hope someone will consider her, more photos available! $90.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!" http://reecesrainbow.org/1827/kristie4305 Victoria "Girl, Born December 12, 2002 I can't wait to see Victoria with long, flowing hair! Miss Victoria was born arthrogryposis, which only appears to affect her legs/feet.   She has a glowing personality and is a caregiver favorite.    Will be wonderful to see her, after surgery and therapy, walking on her own!!   If she is not adopted, she will spend the rest of her life bedridden. From her medical records:  congenital arthrogryposis, divergent squint. From our facilitator:   Victoria is happy and affectionate.  She loves to play with her dolls and to pretend to be mommy.  She is a very pretty girl.  She is a rather smart girl, the care-givers love her. She cannot support herself and needs assistance. She does not walk but she is a very active girl.  She is moving herself somehow, using mostly her hands. $2803.60 is available towards the cost of my adoption!" http://reecesrainbow.org/1725/victoria110 Natalia "Girl, Born March 6, 2003 YAY, a new photo of Natalia!!   Natalia is a GORGEOUS little girl with brown hair and giant blue eyes.   She is 6 years old.   She is a very smart little girl, but her medical records show cognitive delay and some epileptic issues.   Her seizures are infrequent, and she does take medication to control it.   Her cognitive delay is likely a result of the seizures though.   She also has some strabismus (crossed/lazy eye), but this can be corrected in the US.  Natalia does show many facial features of FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome), although this is not listed in her medical records. Natalia is able to speak, and when our missionary asked her if she would tell us something , she was trying to rehearse a little poem!  Natalia is not able to walk on her own.  She is carried everywhere.   The staff there tell us that she once broke her leg/hip, and it was not set/casted properly, so it is deformed now.    Not sure this is the entire extent of her needs, but regardless, she is a very nice little girl, happy and friendly and beautiful.   She will truly thrive in a family environment. $1327.75 is available towards the cost of my adoption!" http://reecesrainbow.org/1708/natalia102 Valerie "Girl, Born February 16, 2004 SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!! Isn't Valerie cute??  She is diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  She also has strabismus (crossed/lazy eyes).    She is diagnosed with developmental delay, and shows many of the facial characteristics of a child with FAS (Fetal Alcohol syndrome).  But she is a darling girl, very active, loving and affectionate!   She is facing the institution soon.  I hope a family is out there waiting just for her! If you are unfamiliar with FAS, please spend some time researching this condition.  Just as with Down syndrome, FAS and FAE have a wide variation of effects on each child, both medically, physically, and cognitively.   This is typically dependent on how long during the pregnancy the mother consumed alcohol, and of course, how much.   There is no way to know this ahead of time. Donations will be accepted for this child when further information is received." http://reecesrainbow.org/1706/valerie-35 Igor "BOY, Born November 26, 2004   HELP, I'VE ALREADY BEEN TRANSFERRED! This handsome young man is another of a growing number of children who were born with arthrogryposis.   He is described as very loving and affectionate and friendly! Igor has already been transferred to an adult mental institution and will remain bedridden for the rest of his life...he needs a family like you!   Families considering Igor must be home study approved for an older, institutionalized child prior to commitment.  Married couples only, large families and older parents welcome, travel required. $5515.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!" http://reecesrainbow.org/1379/igor-1 Samantha and Kristina "Girls, Born November 22, 2004 & November 27, 2005 HELP, WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN TRANSFERRED! Samantha (the oldest), on the left:  microcephaly, mental retardation, crossed eyes, physically capable, friendly and affectionate girl, will do well in family environment Kristina, on the right:  cognitively delayed, physically capable, helpful, friendly, likes to play, good girl. $120.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!" http://reecesrainbow.org/1745/samanthachristina5005 Nastya "Girl, Born July 27, 2005 Nastya was born with spina bifida and minor hydrocephalus.  She has had corrective surgery, but is not able to walk.   She has already turned 5 and needs a family right away to save her spending the rest of her life bedridden in a mental institution. PLEASE HELP! More photos available, please inquire. $133.65 is available towards the cost of my adoption!" http://reecesrainbow.org/737/nastya1103 Carolina "Girl, Born May 20, 2006   Carolina is such a beautiful girl; beautiful brown hair with olive skin.  She has cerebral palsy, and does wear AFO's on both feet. From her medical records: Cerebral palsy, convergent squint, mental delay.   She can walk by supporter or holding one hand.  She says separate words, understands simple speech, is affectionate and friendly.   Physical therapy and a loving family will bring MIRACLES for this little girl! Carolina was transferred to a boarding school in 2011 (not an institution). $3626.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!" http://reecesrainbow.org/1630/carolina Wendy "Girl, Born June 25, 2006   Wendy is a beautiful girl with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes.    She was born quite premature  (not sure which gestational week, but it is listed as "4th stage").  She has CP and is completely blind, with congenital cataracts in both eyes, optic sub-atrophy, and microcephaly. Despite all of these odds stacked against her, she is an orphanage favorite and is well loved.  She will really blossom in a loving family, and learning to use her other senses will open up the world around her. Wendy is already 6 now, and is facing the institution soon.  She needs a family right away! $489.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!" http://reecesrainbow.org/850/wendy-6 Austin "Boy, Born June 2006 This darling little boy is waiting for his forever family. He has very unique facial features, but I am unfamiliar with the condition that causes these.  One of the possible diagnoses we have been made aware of *may* be a form of Russell Silver Syndrome  (RSS). This most recent photo shows he is growing well, and seems to be active and relatively happy.   After what we learned about RSS, it seems much more likely than the previously supposed progeria, which is good for Austin!  Please consider adopting Austin and helping him be the best that he can be! There will never be a place for him in his country outside the walls of an institution, just like our children with Down syndrome. $5758.09 is available towards the cost of my adoption!" http://reecesrainbow.org/612/612 Others helped out with this blog blitz for the passed over! Check out what they have written and share! http://butbygraceitcouldbeme.blogspot.com/2012/07/writing-memoir.html?m=1 http://gilda-findingpearls.blogspot.com/2012/07/passed-over.html http://wholelottalovin.blogspot.com/2012/07/love-blitz.html?m=1 http://www.orphanreport.blogspot.com/2012/07/63-passed-over-im-gonna-show-you-eleven.html?m=1 http://lifesbeautifulbutterflies.blogspot.com/2012/07/blog-blitz-sunday-longing-lonely-love.html?m=1 http://www.multitaskingmama.com/2012/07/desperate-for-love/  http://4alittleloco.blogspot.com/2012/07/blitzing-for-love.html   http://inthewildwood7.blogspot.com/   http://departtoserve.blogspot.com/  http://answeringthecallfororphans.blogspot.com/2012/05/dad-who-answered-call.html  Clairescalicocorner.blogspot.com  http://wonderofboys.blogspot.com/  http://supermomwithoutacape.blogspot.com/   http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/   http://the-scenic-route-momto6kids.blogspot.com/   www.zerothezeros.blogspot.com/   http://thestarsaligned.blogspot.com/  

Left Behind With A Broken Heart.. Oh Please Don't Let It Be!

I thought surely no one would want me...

For my legs are not working you see...

What Mama or Papa would ever...

Want a little boy like me...

A boy who cannot walk or run...

Why surely they'd think he was no fun...

They'd think me worthless or so I thought...

Until one day a Mama came...

To my own orphanage!

She came to get a little girl...

And take her home with her!

This little girl is kind of like me...

She also cannot walk and yet...

A Mama came for her!

Do you suppose there's hope for me?

Is it possible that there just might be...

A Mom and Dad for me?

*****

Oh how I'd love to have a Mom and Dad...

Who'd look inside of me...

And see that though my legs don't work...

I do indeed have the most important part...

A heart that longs for love...

And a mind to think and understand...

I'll know if I am left behind...

I'll feel it in my very heart...

I think my heart will even break...

If no one comes for me!

*****

That Mama took some pictures...

Of my friends and I...

She said she'd try to find us Mom's and Dad's!

A tiny hope crept into my heart...

I was almost ready to cry at the thought...

That someone just MIGHT come for me!

*****

One by one my friends have been chosen...

Their Mama's found them what a joy!

They'll soon be going home!

But oh how great will be my grief...

When one by one those Mama's come...

And take my friends away...

Oh then I'll know my fears were true...

And though my friends have Mom's indeed...

No one's chosen me!

*****

I'll soon be left behind!

I don't know how I'll get along...

But I guess I'll just have to face the facts...

That it was just as I had thought...

Yes no one wants a boy like me...

My fears indeed were true!

*****

My friends have not left just quite yet...

Do you suppose before they do...

A Mom and Dad could choose me too?

If only when their Mama's come...

They could bring the news...

That a Mom and Dad will come for me...

As soon as the paperwork's done!

That news would save my anxious heart...

From breaking right in two!

Please will you be my Mama?

I need a Daddy too...

Please don't leave me here alone...

When my friends go home!

*****

To read Marcus' profile click here!

You can read what Renee (the Mama who met him) wrote about him at...

http://butbygraceitcouldbeme.blogspot.com/2012/06/brick-walls.html

For information about adoption requirements click here.

PS - It is likely that Marcus' friends' parents will not be able to tell him that he has a family even if one has chosen him by then (see Renee's post)...But that doesn't change the fact that he needs a family to choose him ASAP...  His tender heart will be so hurt and dejected when he realizes that ALL of his friends that asked for a family have been chosen and he's been left behind!  If you are in a position to adopt please consider Marcus!
Reposted from Saving His Sparrows

Brick Walls

"We had been there for a couple of weeks before we were given basically free access to the orphanage.  We had been tiptoeing around, hesitant to interact much with the other kids except those in Emma's groupa.  Thankfully, the other kids had no such hesitation.  They approached us like we were creatures at the zoo- staring, waving, talking to us to see if we would respond.

That's how we met most of them.  Alexis is not shy.  Tyler is like the total opposite of shy lol.  Erin was outgoing.  So many others who aren't available for adoption were equally as friendly. 

But one boy watched us from afar.  He rarely approached, but we knew he was talking about us with his friends because he wasn't subtle about it.  But he watched us from a distance, communicating only with our facilitator if she spoke first.

He was normally in a group of other kids, hanging towards the back.  He reminded me so much of a stray dog sometimes.  You know what I mean- the dog you see lurking around the edge of your yard, clearly starving for affection, his thin ragged body frozen in fear if you made direct eye contact.  You can picture that bit of dangling rope still affixed around his neck from where he had been tied up, the end frayed from where he had chewed loose.  He was the dog you wanted so much to love- to rub between his ears, to scratch down his spine so his leg would thump.  But he never would let you get close enough.  Someone had mistreated him- made him fear human touch and contact.  You had to settle for putting food out on the porch, hoping it was him eating it at night and not the raccoons.

That was Marcus.  I knew a bit of his story- our facilitator was the one who photographed him the year before.  The director and psychologist really wanted him to have a family.  Some kids do alright in an orphanage/institution setting.  Some seem to enjoy the camaraderie and communal approach to living but others clearly need more.  Marcus needs more.  Marcus wants more.

To refresh your memory, or if you're a new reader, to fill you in, Marcus is 9 years old.  He'll be ten at the end of the year.  He has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair.  He's quite smart, and attends school in the orphanage and from what I understand, does quite well.  He's quiet a lot of the time, but can definitely be "all boy" when he's with his buddies, as we saw when we were there.

He doesn't smile much.  Honestly, I don't think he has much to smile about.  I don't know all of his history, and to be quite honest, I'm not going to share the private details I do know about because I believe that's something that only his family will need to know, not the internet as a whole.  I just know he needs a family that is willing to help love him through his hurts and losses, and that he has a lot of potential, and that his future in EE is not encouraging, since he is stuck in a wheelchair in a country that has little or no accommodations for such.

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 When we became therapeutic foster parents, we did a lot of training.  When I say a lot, I mean a LOT.  Think two months of classes, twice a week at least, for 3+ hours a night, plus Saturday classes.  Some of the training was specific- like CPR, bloodborne pathogens, non-violent restraint holds and verbal de-escalation techniques. But much of the training dealt with the big picture- how to love and rehabilitate a child who had suffered extreme loss, maltreatment, rejection, exposure to substance use, and neglect in their birth families, along with how to therapeutically parent children who had been through multiple placements due to placement disruption, rejection, and behavioral issues.

Children are meant to be loved and nurtured.  They are meant to be held and comforted.  They are meant to know that a parent's love is unconditional.

Sadly, for hundreds of thousands of children around the world, that doesn't work out.  Sometimes, loving parents die- as we have seen in the AIDS crisis in Africa and Eastern Europe.  Sometimes, parents just don't care enough about the right things, and so Child Protective Services gets involved and removes the child for their own safety.  Sometimes, parents make the choices not to parent because of issues in their own lives.

And sometimes, an entire country holds to a culture of hostility and misinformation about illegitimacy or disability that results in large amounts of children being placed into orphanages.  Sometimes a country has such a high level of poverty that parents feel they have no choice but to place their children into government run orphanages so they have access to food, medical care, shelter and school.

But regardless of the reason for the separation, it still creates a loss for the child.

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When I work with clients in a clinical setting, they normally come to me with either a full psych assessment in their chart, or I would conduct one.  Before we could get started in addressing the issues, we had to have an idea of what the issues were that were contributing to the client's problems and situation.  

We would look at everything- past substance use, past criminal history, what type of family they grew up in, what type of family they have now, what supports and strengths they had, what medical conditions they had, what other diagnoses they had, what education and work history they had, if they had religious beliefs, and what their social life was like.  Each one of those things either contributed a "strength" of sorts, or gave insight into the issues they were experiencing.  

So many clients would come in with similar statements:  "I feel so alone"   "I feel like no one understands me"   "I feel like no one cares".  

Sadly, many had other similar statements:  "My dad left when he and my mom divorced when I was five, and I haven't heard from him since"   "My mom didn't want to be bothered with a kid, and she left me at my grandma's when I was seven"   "My parents did drugs and I was in and out of foster care most of my life"   "After my dad left, my mom got sick of looking at me.  When she hooked up with my stepdad, they had their own kids, and then no one wanted me around".  

What it amounted to was that each person had put up walls.  It wasn't an overnight thing.  Each rejection, each loss, each event or person that affected their life, resulted in a brick that added to their wall.  With every brick, the wall got a little taller and a little stronger.  It kept out a little more love- love that could have helped to heal them. 

The taller the brick wall got, the more shut off the person became from life.  It increased their isolation.  It blocked out the sunshine, the joy from coming into their life.  The wall that they built to protect their heart blocked them from seeing the ones who wanted to love them. The wall that they built to shelter them from rejection and loss left them alone and hurting, and no one could see in to help. 

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A child who has experienced loss and rejection often has a very big wall up.  A child craves security and acceptance and without that, they struggle. Each brick represents a loss, or a rejection.  Sometimes, people don't look past the walls, or they don't even recognize the wall for what it is.  Sometimes a child can appear aloof, standoffish, shy, or even stuck up, when in truth, they're just trying to protect their fragile, wounded heart.  

Marcus was quiet.  When we spoke to him, we could see the pain in his face, the fear of rejection.  We know from our facilitator, the psychologist (who I count as a Christian friend and still talk to), the director, and the other kids that Marcus wants a family.  

But we saw the fear in his face- that he would be rejected.

It took six solid weeks of us being there every day, of us publicly cherishing Emma, for Marcus to gain hope that there really might be parents in America that actually want a kid with legs that don't work.  The very last week, he smiled just a bit when we spoke to him, just a tiny bit.  

I don't know all the details of the bricks in Marcus' wall.  I know that he told our facilitator last year that he wanted his legs covered in the photo that would be shown to potential parents, because he believed if they saw his useless legs that they would not want him.  I know he's ashamed of his inability to walk and that it makes him feel badly.  I know he's in an orphanage for kids with special needs and that his availability for international adoption is confirmed, which means either his family died or they put him there because they didn't want him or didn't feel like they could take care of him.  

His tender, little boy heart has been wounded.  

I know he goes to sleep at night and wakes up in the morning in a room full of other boys his age and is greeted by the nannies on staff for that shift, instead of a mommy and daddy of his own.  I know that he has friends, instead of brothers and sisters.  He eats off communal plates and drinks out of communal cups and wears communal clothes, instead of having things to call his own.  

His desire for a family has gone unanswered.

I know he goes to school and participates in musicals with his friends.  I know he plays and jokes with the boys in his groupa.  I know he rolls himself up and down the hallway for classes and therapy.  I know he is alone in his emotions and thoughts often and that he has been trained to be independent and self-sufficient. 

His need to be loved and nurtured has been neglected.

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My heart is sad this week.  Last week, I was ecstatic- both Erin and Carter were moved to MFFM.  But then I realized a scary thing:  This meant that Marcus would be the only cognitively-typical kid who was photographed and who requested a family, who wasn't getting one.  

The children with Down Syndrome are kept in a separate groupa, away from the other kids.  They may have minimal if any understanding of what's going on downstairs, as the other children are adopted.  

But Marcus will know, because he will see it.  He and Tyler and Carter share a groupa.  He sees Sam and Duncan regularly because their classrooms are next to each other.  His groupa eats lunch with the girls groupa where Alexis, Patti and Erin live.  

For a boy who feared rejection because of his disability, every nightmare he dreamed is coming true.  

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Part of me is dreading going back this summer to see the kids of 39.  Emma is so excited- and truthfully I am too.  It's going to be very cool to be there, to see these precious kids we left a few short months ago, and to know some of their families will already be there when we get there, and that the other are en route pending their paperwork completion.  Sam and Duncan, Alexis and Tyler, Patti and Erin and Carter and Pryce- each one of them are going to be over the moon happy!

But Marcus, dear little solemn-eyed Marcus, has no one coming for him. 

Did I not shout loudly enough for him?  

Should I have tried to get more pictures?

Did I fail him?

I know in my heart the answer is no.  It has to be no, because I know with all my heart that I'm not responsible in any way for the other kids getting families.  It doesn't have anything to do with me at all.  GOD- our Almighty Father- places the lonely in families.  I'm privileged to be sitting on the bleachers to watch it all happen, but it has nothing to do with me or what I've done or not done. 

I'm trusting that God has not left this little boy on my heart and the hearts of so many others without reason.  I'm trusting that he DOES have a family, somewhere out there.  Maybe they're praying about it.  Maybe they have more questions.  Maybe they're just not sure.  

If you are his family and you are reading this, I'm praying for you today.  There's a bunch of us praying.  We love Marcus- and although many of us would love to have him in our families, we've each felt that God was saying no to us.  We're praying and trusting that somewhere out there, God is telling the family for Marcus "Yes, go get him, he's your son."  

If you have questions, please email me, or join us on Facebook in the RR room.  

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Later this summer, we will carry our beautiful daughter back through the door of the orphanage that had been her home.  This time, she will have parents with her and it will just be for a visit.  We will get to hug the sweet children we grew to love this past winter and tell them how special they are.  I'm pretty sure many will ask if we found their families yet. 

Part of me hopes that I don't see Marcus, because I don't think I can face him.  

I'm a terrible poker player.  With the ones that have families coming, even though I cannot tell them anything, I can smile.  I know my eyes will give away my happiness and I hope that comforts their hearts.  

If Marcus asks, I don't know what I will do.  How can I smile with joy if I know in my heart no one has committed to him?  Will he see me avoiding his eyes?  Will he know?

Another brick on the wall.  

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I believe firmly in waiting on God's timing.  When I was in EE this winter, I had hoped so much that I could tell Sam and Duncan before I left that they had families coming. Alexis and Tyler too- because they were so heartbroken.  But that wasn't God's plan.  

But I think it would be so incredibly amazing to leave here this summer headed back to Orphanage 39 knowing that ALL of the kids we met had families.  Especially Marcus- the one who believed most of all that no one would want him.  What a victory that would be for love!"

Written by Renee

The Wonder of Boys: Marcus

"[This] Monday Miracle post [was] part of a blog blitz for Marcus. Many bloggers are working together to bring attention to Marcus in hopes of finding him a family as quickly as possible. Every child needs and deserves a family, but Marcus' story is particularly compelling.

Carter's family found him!

You may remember this boy, Carter, from my Motherless Day post. As you can see from the left sidebar, Carter's forever family has found him! This is great news for Carter! Unfortunately for Marcus, it's simply more confirmation that no one wants him. You see, Marcus lives in an orphanage with three friends, Carter, Pryce, and Tyler. All three of those boys now have families. But Marcus doesn't. Marcus still waits. Marcus will watch all his friends leave, and he will be left behind.

And Marcus knows why. Marcus "knows" that the reason no one wants him is because he has spina bifida and his legs don't work. Marcus "knows" that families don't want kids in wheelchairs. Marcus "knows" that if people know he has a disability, they will not want him. That is why Marcus covered his legs when a facilitator took his picture to post on the waiting child list.

Marcus is ashamed of his legs.

But you see, Marcus is still a very little boy. Marcus is only nine. He doesn't yet know that there are people out there who will love him regardless. He doesn't yet know that there are people who will advocate for him because of his disability. And most important, Marcus doesn't yet know that there is a wide, wide world out there for him to explore and that he has the potential to make all his dreams come true. Marcus doesn't know this because he is still very young, and his world right now is that of an orphanage, where again and again he is passed over in favor of kids whose legs work.

Marcus is described as smart, communicative, and friendly. He wants to be adopted. An adoptive mother who recently met Marcus had this to say about him:

"He just turned 9 and he looks about 7 at best. He’s a small guy and pretty serious natured from what we’ve seen. He’s friendly but focused, if that makes sense. He’s the kind of kid that sits back and observes, taking everything in. He goes to classes, so he must be smart enough, but we haven’t talked to him as much as we’ve seen him. He plays around with the other boys, but is very quick to obey the teacher when she gives instructions. He too has spina bifida and is very modest about it. It is obvious he does not want to be judged by his disability but just wants to be a normal little boy. I cannot imagine how horrific it would be for him to be transferred to a mental institution. He seems well liked by the other boys, but is more quiet and less boisterous.

When I look in his face, I see a kid who wants to be accepted and encouraged, and who has a fighter’s spirit- refusing to let life, or EE [Eastern Europe], get him down. He has a lot of determination to reach his goals whether they are getting to a certain place in the building or following instructions- that same determination is what will propel him to success in the real world, IF someone adopts him and gives him a chance. And I have to say, he is a cutie pie. He has no idea of it, but he is adorable. There’s something just intriguing about his cute little face- the face of a young boy- and his serious focus- like the intensity of an adult. You can see he thinks things through and doesn’t miss much!"

Another adoptive parent noted that Marcus does well in school and is in the "smart" classes for kids his age.

This is Marcus in school. The parent who took this picture noted that his notebook was on the desk in front of him, and he was taking notes just prior to this picture being snapped. He had paused in his note-taking to look over at someone who was speaking.

Marcus' future, should he remain in the orphanage, is not bright. He will either be transferred to an adult mental institution, where he will remain forever bedridden because his legs don't work, or he will be dismissed from the orphanage at age 16, a child with a disability alone in the world, secure in his "knowledge" that because his legs don't work, he is unwanted and undesirable. 

But ...

Marcus' desire for a family burns so bright that even though he "knows" he is unwanted because his legs don't work, he mustered the courage to pose for this photograph, knowing it would be seen by potential adoptive parents. Knowing that his disability would be seen.

Remember the picture at the top of the page? This is the full version of it. This is the picture that Marcus bravely posed for after witnessing another family come to his orphanage and adopt a little girl whose legs don't work. This is how courageous Marcus is. This is how much he yearns for a family to love him.

Marcus currently has approximately [$3,226.43] in his adoption grant. Please join in this Monday Miracle Marcus blitz and share Marcus' picture, and his story, with everyone you can. Marcus' family is out there. They want him and they love him. They just haven't found him yet. But they will! And you can help make that happen. Please donate to Marcus' adoption grant. Every penny counts. Please share Marcus on your Facebook page, your blog, your Twitter account, and with all your friends and acquaintances. Please don't let this nine year old boy continue to "know" that he is unworthy because his legs don't work. Marcus deserves better than that!"

Written by The Wonder Of Boys

Introducing the families of 39!

Here is Carter's family!
"Jason and Denise have been married for 14 years. They have 6 children ages 1-11. Denise has watched several families even as a young girl adopt children, none of them were children with special needs, though. As a matter of fact, before watching a fellow MOMYS friend adopt a very special little girl from Bulgeria (Blessing of Verity) Jason and Denise never knew such conditions even existed for children that had these needs. After realizing such conditions did indeed exist their hearts were broken, open and softened for children in these situations.
The “call” to adopt did not come for over a year later, when a special young girl was turning 16 and would soon be moved from her “home orphanage” to a place she did NOT deserve to be sent to. HOW COULD THIS BE? they cried out… HOW? The Collins’ 9 year old son was so very moved by this story and began praying that this young lady would find a family VERY VERY SOON. (maybe even be his family). As it turned out another WONDERFUL family was much more prepared to move FAST and bring this girl home to her new family. THAT was the DOOR that swung OPEN THE FLOOD GATES….
A few months later Carter caught Denise’s eye and she shared with Jason and the rest of the family…. yes indeed– this child BELONGED in their family– It was a feeling they had read about– but to experience that “KNOWING FEELING” was so peaceful and exciting!!
The Collins’ are working as hard as they can to proceed through this process as soon as possible to bring CARTER home… but they ask for your support both in prayer for this process and if you are led to help them financially to bring CARTER HOME.

6/6/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS

Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog http://onemorespecialblessing.blogspot.com/

Here is Alexis' Family!
"The Duval family was already in process with Reece’s Rainbow to adopt a 6 year old boy. The subject had come up several times about adopting two children at once but Jim felt that it would be better to get one child home and then think about another child. In the meantime Sherrie had been advocating for Alexis hoping that she would find a family. From a contact that had met Alexis personally Sherrie knew that Alexis was an amazing young girl and a family would be blessed to have her for a daughter. The more Jim heard about Alexis the more he agreed that she would be an amazing daughter for some family. Finally, the Lord showed Jim that they were that family and Alexis was going to be their daughter. So they are in the beginning stages of the process to make a second trip this year, overseas, to bring home Alexis. Although, all the children are excited about having a new sister, Patience, the Duvals 9 year old, can’t wait to have a girl at home with her. So many preparations are being made aka shopping for pink, girly things while awaiting the necessary paperwork to be done.

3/26/12—HOME STUDY UPDATE IN PROGRESS

Follow the Duval family’s adoption journey on their blog at duvalquiver.blogspot.com

Here is Duncan's family!

"Cathy had been cruising RR for almost a year looking at all the sweet babies that needed Mommas.  But Tim seemed complacent at best.  Then Cathy happened to click on the tab for Newly Listed children.  There was Duncan.  Cathy has some experience with Cerebral Palsy through a family member.   So as she read Duncan’s story, she became angrier and angrier that this bright boy could face a mental institution .  She  grabbed Tim and said “Read that!”  To her complete amazement he responded by asking what the  first step was to adoption!
They have three boys at home already and feel that Duncan will fit right in.  They have a very short window to make this adoption happen for Duncan before he “ages out” of the system.
God has already answered many prayers (some that they didn’t even know they had!) surrounding this adoption.  Please pray that Duncan can join the “Daughton Gang” very soon!

5/24/12—DOSSIER COMPLETE; AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL

Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at  http://deliveringduncan.blogspot.com

Here is Samuel's family!

"Shane and Kim Stokes are the parents of 3 children who are 13, 11 and 7. Their youngest son has Down Syndrome. Since his birth, they have become a “resource” for other families in their community who have children with DS. One of the families in their city was given their name as “someone you HAVE to talk to” as they were adopting 2 children with DS in the near future. This contact was their introduction to Reece’s Rainbow. They assisted in bringing these 2 children home and were a part of their homecoming with great joy for them and their new family!

During that time, Kim started “stalking” RR and found child after child for whom she prayed would find their forever families. Each one found their forever home until she came across a child who stole her heart but never found his family and was close to being transferred to an institution. It wasn’t time for the Stokes to adopt this child, but it became their mission to find him a home. He was home a year later with a family in their Sunday School department!!! Now, they are “Uncle Shane” and “Aunt Kim” to that sweet boy and love having him so near!
Shane is an attorney who handles 70+ adoptions each year, and they thought their involvement in adoptions would be through his job and through them assisting families with resources and support in adoptions. But the Lord had other plans for their family. About a month and a half ago, they each (independently of one another) saw a post on FaceBook (from a mutual friend) of a teenage boy (named “Sam” on the website) who was aging out of an orphanage in Eastern Europe and would be put out onto the streets in just a couple of months. His picture and story tugged at their hearts, and thus began their quest to find a home for Sam. They both knew (together with their family) within just a few days of talking and praying that they were to be Sam’s forever home.
They are anxious to get Sam home to join his brother and sisters and to make up for so much lost time!! He is already loved and has a community of family and friends waiting to meet and welcome him home!

5/30/12—APPT RECVD

Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://notimpossiblewithgod.blogspot.com/

Here is Bernadette (Jessica) and Mason's family!

"The Rogers family is at it again! After being home only 4 months with their precious Prince Malachi and Princess Clare, they have felt the call to return. Erika is always looking on the Reece’s Rainbow site and praying for the children there. She saw an urgent need for 2 teenage boys that had to be adopted quickly. That got the wheels turning and she talked to Mel about if they thought an older child would fit in their family. They have 9 children ages 24-2, with 7 still at home. They knew what would happen to the older children once they turned 16 and felt that they couldn’t save them all but they could at least save one. When they saw Miss Bernadette’s face, they knew she was their daughter. With this energetic family, one is never enough, so they looked at all the children at Bernadette’s institution. Little “Monkey Man” Mason stood out as a ball of energy that they could see the other boys wrestling and playing with.

Having just completed an adoption, the family would appreciate any financial help and prayers to rescue these two children who are living on borrowed time.

5/31/12—DOSSIER SUBMITTED

Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at http://www.arainbowfamily.blogspot.com

Here is Tyler's family!

"Eddie and Bonnie first met on-line while they were both attending college in different states.  After a semester of friendly chatter they finally met in person and things just “clicked”.  Following a long-distance courtship, they were married in 1992.  The two have been blessed with (3) beautiful girls (17), (14), and (7) and one boy (9).  Another boy will be the perfect addition to this family.
They have had a lot of special needs experience through the years from Bonnie’s previous volunteer work as well as their middle daughter’s challenges following meningitis and a stroke at 1 year old.  They are “old hats” at reading doctor reports, IEP’s, and scheduling appointments.
It is with the greatest of faith that they step out and look forward to adding another son to their family through an online adoption ministry with the hope that it turns out as well as their on-line romance did 20 years ago!

6/6/12—DOSSIER EN ROUTE

 

Pryce has a family, but there isn't a page on RR.

Here is Patti's family!

"Sam and Laura met in college and the rest is history! They have been married 17 years and have five beautiful children. Their oldest was born with a deletion on his third chromosome, resulting in physical and cognitive disabilities. His presence in their lives has shown them the beauty and worth of every human being. Now fourteen years old, the challenges presented by his disabilities have taught Laura and Sam to trust the Lord to provide, and He always has! Their other four children are twelve, eight, five, and three years old. All five of their children are biological, but adoption has always been on Laura’s heart. It wasn’t the direction the Lord led them, however, until recently. Laura came across the Reece’s Rainbow website around Christmas last year, and began following some of the families’ journeys in adoption. While the idea of adopting a child with disabilities was great in theory, it didn’t seem possible for their family. That is, until Laura read about a young girl named Patti! Now the family is taking one baby step of faith at a time, until they can bring their new daughter home to meet her brothers and sisters.

5/22/12—DOSSIER EN ROUTE

Erin's family has not been announced yet!

Now there are four kids left at 39 available for adoption. 

From Renee:

Marcus:  He'll be 10 this December.  He has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair.  I've met him, personally, and talked with him.  He's sweet.  He's reserved.  And he's sad, because he truly believes no one will want a kid who doesn't walk.   He goes to school and is in the typical classes for a kid his age.  He was one of the first kids to get his photo taken by the facilitator- one of the first ones to admit he would like to be adopted last spring.  And now, he's the very last of that group of kids to be waiting.  Everyone else has been chosen- except for him.  So, he's going to see nine other kids be adopted this year (ten if you count our Emma from a couple of months ago) and no one come for him.  

The grief for me here is this:  Spring of 2011, he refused to let the facilitator take pictures of his legs or even see his legs, because he was so ashamed of them and felt like no family would want him because his legs were shriveled and useless.  February of 2012, he watched us there for six weeks, choosing to adopt Emma, whose legs were also useless and malformed, and he would stare at us.  He clearly didn't understand why we would want a kid that couldn't walk.  However- something about us being there and wanting Emma despite her wheelchair-dependent status touched Marcus' heart.  He agreed to be photographed again and this time, he took a big risk- he didn't cover his legs.  

I am literally in tears and nearly sick at my stomach at the thought of him realizing everyone else has a family and he does not- because I KNOW he's going to automatically assume it's because of his legs.  The thought of him feeling that rejected and passed over, I'd rather be punched in the gut than feel the way I do right now thinking about it.  

Mabel:  She turned seven in May.  Just last month, she had a birthday, and considering that she's stuck in a "Down Syndrome groupa" where they think she's incapable of learning, understanding anything or being a part of normal life, I can pretty much guarantee that she didn't even have a small birthday celebration.  I would doubt this sweet girl even knows what a birthday party is.  We don't know a lot about Mabel- we weren't allowed to see her at all.  I know that she's very very small for her age- the facilitator described her as "toddler size" and in fact, thought she was maybe 3 years old.  She was stunned to find out she was six, almost seven.  I know, from looking at her pictures that she likely has dry skin and probably some sensory issues- completely expected considering where she's lived and what she's known.  But there are many kids that have been adopted with sensory issues- Occupational Therapy helps.  Better diet and sleep and opportunities to live normal life help.  Lotion to help that chapped skin will help.  Mabel needs a family- she truly truly truly NEEDS a family- a special one, that can look past her clearly not photoshopped pictures and see the treasure within.  

Clarice:  This kiddo, who looks about 6 at best, is going to turn 13 years old next month.  July in the USA means celebrating our freedom and independence.  Unless a miracle occurs and a family steps forward for Clarice, our Independence Day 2015 will signal her never-ending imprisonment, because she'll be locked away forever.  Thirteen years of not having a family, thirteen years of not having anyone to call her own.  Three years from permanent transfer to a mental institution, all because she has Down Syndrome.  Clarice may also have FAS, it's hard to tell.  But even if she does, I know that God can still provide a wonderful family for her- a family with strong supports, patience and love overflowing.  A family called by God to love the unloved, to cherish the challenges and to step out in faith to make a difference to a special child. 

Greta:   (I love Greta- she looks like my brother, if he were a girl and had Down Syndrome lol)  Sweet Greta is precariously close to lifelong institutionalization.  In November, when we're all celebrating Thanksgiving, she'll be turning 14 years old.  Only two short years from permanent transfer.  Please- someone help me find this sweet "looks like a first grader" teen a family soon- so we don't end up in the same crisis that we did for Bernadette- searching desperately at the last minute for her family.   This little darling has real potential- she just needs someone to teach her how to be a little girl, a daughter, a beloved granddaughter- instead of "just another orphan". 

Let's All Help!

Remember Sullivan (the namesake of this blog)? If you do, remember he is now called Sam. He is thriving with his family. Now, he's going to have a sister, but his family needs all the help they can get so they can go save her!
http://www.adoptionbug.com/boroughs/

Monday For Marcus

Well, if you didn't know, Carter is on My Family Found Me...
And now Marcus is the only one left (of the ones Renee met). So all us RR people are rallying together and blogging for him! So, let's see. Here is what Marcus' RR page says:
"Boy, Born December 2002
Marcus is a sweet little boy!  He is 9 years old and hoping for his own forever family.  He was born with spina bifida.  He is not able to walk on his own.
From his medical records:  myelocele; Q 5, hydrocephaly;  flail legs with damage of functions of pelvic organs.
From our facilitation team:  ” I personally saw this boy and talked to him. He is a very smart boy. Unfortunately he cannot walk at all, and he uses a wheelchair … he was uncomfortable with careful attention to him, particularly to his disability.   He told me that he wants to be adopted., and that’s why he allowed to make a picture of him.  He did not want to demonstrate his disability, so he covered his legs with a blanket.  
Several kids had been adopted from this orphanage before, and the Director is rather open to foreign adoption. She keeps in touch with all the families who adopted the children from her orphanage. She showed me only the kids who demonstrated their wish to be taken to the family. And when I made pictures all of them confirmed their desire to be adopted. I believe the Director will be very glad if this child is taken to the good family.”
The boy is very smart, communicative, and friendly. He wants be adopted.
More photos available, married couples only."

His fund is growing everyday!
June 1st- $2,504
June 2nd- $2,954

I know there are families that would love to adopt Marcus. The only thing holding them back: money. It always comes down to money. Come on, help his family out and donate, so he can get home!

What others posted today about him:

http://butbygraceitcouldbeme.blogspot.com/2012/06/brick-walls.html

http://melissa-roomatthetable.blogspot.com/2012/06/monday-for-marcus.html?m=1

http://whatthecrosshasdone.blogspot.com/2012/06/fatherless-fridaymarcus-again.html

http://bringinghenryhome.blogspot.com/2012/06/big-week-coming-kicking-off-with-for.html

http://trendingwiththetrendas.blogspot.com/2012/06/marcus-monday.html

http://www.xmaswarrior.blogspot.no/2012/06/marcus.html

http://www.4alittleloco.blogspot.com/

http://orphanreport.blogspot.com/2012/06/love-this-kid.html

http://wonderofboys.blogspot.com/2012/06/monday-miracle-marcus.html