The Rush Family

$2501.10

2012-02-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

This week has been hard.. This whole month has.. But this week we almost lost my sister.. Please keep her in your prayers..

I have felt so helpless lately.. I've been so overwhelmed.. Grieving.. I recently sold a watch and the cash was sitting in my Paypal.. So I decided I would get Clayton to $2500.. He's there! I'm happy about that.. I just with he was here.. I love him so much it hurts.. I want him to have a family so bad! Please keep praying!

$2034.. Can we get $2500???

2012-02-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

Valentines day is coming soon..

A day to show our love for each other.. And of course.. It makes me think of one that really needs to see and feel some love...

So.. Can you send a little love Clayton's way? $5, $10, $100? Any amount? I would love to see him moved to the sizable grant page.. He would need $2500 in his fund for that.. He's at $2034.. I sent him $100 to get him a little closer last night.. Can you help me get him there? If so.. Click on the box below that says donate:) The donations are tax deductible..

I've been praying for him like crazy! I know there has to be someone out there that can go get him.. I wish I could myself.. But the way things have been the last few weeks.. Well.. I know I couldn't right now.. So I want to do everything I can to get him a home ASAP.. I love him sooo much.. Please share his information.. If you can.. Donate.. And thank you so much to my friends that have been praying for him.. Your prayers mean sooo much to me!

Teamwork Tuesday!!!

2012-02-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

Today it's all about Isaiah! :)

Birth Date: July 2006

Gender: Male

Eyes: Gray

Hair: light brown

We don't have very much information on sweet Isaiah.. Only that he will be 6 in July.. That he needs a family.. Every child deserves to know what it is like to be loved.. I don't know how these kids survive.. It breaks my heart to know that so many children are just waiting.. And some may never know what it is like to be truly loved..

Isaiah currently has $2451.35 in his grant.. You can click here to view his profile on Reece's Rainbow.. http://reecesrainbow.org/8113/isaiah-3g

And since his name is Isaiah.. I tried to find a verse for him out of Isaiah.. This is what I found..

Isaiah 40:28-31

28 Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint."

Praying for strength for little Isaiah.. That he will be able to hang on until his family comes for him.. Strength for his family to get through the process.. With God all things are possible! Please share his information and say a prayer for him today.. Thank you:)

Wisdom From Yetera and Biruktawit...

2012-02-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

I just love the things he says! He is so adorable and entertaining.. He said something a few weeks ago.. It really made me think..

This goes back to the post I did on his conversation about the trip he said he wanted to take when he's older on the shudderdul aka space shuttle;)

He said he wanted to go on the shudderdul to earth.. Biruktawit told him.. Ummm We are on earth.. And he told her I don't see it.. And Biruktawit said of course you don't see it because we're in it and it's too big when you're in it you can't see it..

It made me think.. About how sometimes we try so hard to figure things out.. To find our place in life.. Always searching.. When sometimes we are already there.. Sometimes we just need to stop and trust that even though we don't see the big picture.. We are in the part of that picture that we are supposed to be in.. Maybe we don't have to worry so much.. Or try so hard..

Sure there are times we have to try hard for things.. But sometimes.. We're already there..

Clayton... He needs your help!

2012-02-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

Clayton's most recent photo:)

Clayton with two of his biggest fans:)

Clayton's picture from last year:)

Clayton needs your help.. His adoption fees are high..

What are they?

$2,000.00 With Application
$2,000.00 + Home Study Fee
$300+ Psych exams for parents
$750.00 + $160 USCIS
$2900 When you send in Dossier..
$3200 Taken due in country 1st trip
$1900 Due to Agency after 1st trip
$3200 Due in country 2nd trip
Misc fees for many documents needed
Visas
In country medical exams (for parents)
Notary fees
3 International Trips/Flights/Lodging..
Lodging in Country
Many other things:(
Plus there are always other expenses that can come up along the way..
The total for his adoption is between $35-40,000..

I know he will have a family.. But whoever his family is.. They will need help.. Clayton shouldn't have to wait because of money.. He should NOT be in an orphanage in a crib alone because he has down syndrome.. He needs his mama!

This child NEEDS a home! Please help him get one! Please share his information.. Please pray for him.. Thank you..

Rich Young Ruler

2012-02-02T21:39:00.000-08:00

Most of us know the story.. The rich young ruler asked Jesus what he had to do to be saved.. Jesus told him the commandments and the young ruler told Jesus that he had followed them since he was young.. And Jesus said, "One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." And the rich young ruler went away grieved..

I was thinking about this during lunch.. It is crazy the things that have been going through my mind the last few weeks. I have been struggling..

This ruler was told to do something..Maybe it's easier to judge him because he was physically standing in Jesus presence when He made His will known to him.. He heard Jesus's voice.. And said no.. He walked away because he couldn't picture his life without his possessions.. We don't know all of his reasons.. The expectations and responsibilities he had in life.. But he said he couldn't give it up and because of it he didn't get the life and relationship with God that he should have had..

We know when God asks something of us.. Everyone has a different calling in life.. Some of us are asked to give things up.. Some of us aren't.. Some of us are called to long term mission trips.. some to short term.. Some are called to witness to neighbors.. To care for the elderly.. The widows.. The orphans.. To be pastors.. Many different callings.. But we are called to live for Jesus.. Some of us are asked specific things.. If we know we are being asked.. And we make excuses.. Maybe really good, really valid excuses.. And we say we can't.. Are we really any better then this rich young ruler?

When we say maybe in a few weeks or a few months.. If this or that changes.. If the path gets easier.. Then maybe I can..But I am going to have to say no for now..My kids need me..My family needs me..I don't have the money..I don't have the time..Am I any better then him?

In Mark chapter 10 Jesus says, "Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life"

We are asked to do things.. We are asked to give things up.. We are put through trials.. But when we obey we are blessed.. Things might not be easy.. But His grace is sufficient.. When we are weak He is made strong and He will carry us through the hard times..

When things are the hardest, that is when we are closest to Him.. That is when He steps in.. He doesn't give us a free pass to an easy life.. But He is with us during the hard times..

What is He asking of you? What is your answer? Would you sell all that you had to follow Him? Even if it meant going against the expectations set before you?

I don't know how many people this ruler ruled.. I am sure he felt some sort of a responsibility to them and his position.. Right now I feel like I understand these verses more then ever.. I feel like I am on a tightrope.. I am being shown constantly how easy my life could be if I keep things the same.. I can see the 'riches' I could have.. Or the 'hardships' that might come on the other side.. I am reminded how incredibly human I am..

No you don't have to take the path you were chosen for.. You can give into the temptation to walk away.. To be safe.. But even if you have good reason to give in.. Is it worth it? If the rich young ruler didn't make it to Heaven because he didn't sell all he had to give it to the poor.. If God asks us to do something.. And we say no.. Will we make it?

Teamwork Tuesday!

2012-01-31T16:27:00.000-08:00

Today is for Chandler:)

Isn't he cute!

Boy, born January 2010

Look at those big blue eyes!!

Chandler has Down syndrome and a patent foramen ovale – which is a small hole between the chambers of the heart. This is common in childhood, and often closes without any medical intervention.

These children are blessed to be in an excellent orphanage, however this region typically requires 3 trips. This is a great orphanage and the children receive excellent care, and there is minimal travel in-country. This orphanage is close to the Capital city, so it's fantastic for sight-seeing.

We have had many successful adoptions from this orphanage, and families are willing to share their experiences.
He has $1208.20 in his grant fund!

Please pray for Chandler.. Share his information.. His family is out there!

Let It Be

2012-01-30T16:54:00.000-08:00

In church yesterday we sang a hymn.. Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to thee... Take my moments and my days... Take my silver and my gold not a mite would I withhold...

We sing these hymns to our Lord, but do we mean them? Or do we just sing them? Do we consecrate our lives? Give up moments or days?

What does it mean to give everything to Him?

How many times have we felt led to donate to a cause? To give to someone begging on the street? To help someone that is fundraising for a mission trip? Did we give? Or withhold?

When I look at all the babies and older kids on Reeces Rainbow some with good grants.. Most without.. I think it's sad that $2500 is considered a sizeable grant.. Sure that's a lot of money.. And it's great that kids have that.. But that is such a small fraction of what their adoption will be..

Take my silver and my gold... Not a mite would I withhold...

If we really meant that.. Wouldn't more children be home with families? More widows be able to care for their children? More programs for at risk kids here in our own country? There are so many people that need to know God's love.. What are we doing to share it?

I am burdened for children, I know that burden is a gift from above because through this burden I have been blessed.. I am burdened.. Especially for Clayton.. Most of you know how much I love him..

I read a blogpost recently that talked a little about how I was feeling. I have never seen the movie she referenced.. But I know what she means.. Wondering what more could I be doing? And why so many grants stay the same day after day week after week.. It's just so sad.. you can read that post here: http://love--conquers--all.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-and-most-beautiful-things-in-world.html

More people need to have this burden! There are so many people out there that hear about orphans.. Reece's Rainbow has been in the news.. And even featured in a magazine not all that long ago.. How many thousands of people have seen these children.. And just turned away..

If all those people just gave up a few dollars..

I want to give God everything.. But even I have a hard time trusting Him with everything.. When He calls me to do something.. Sure I usually say yes and jump right in.. But then questions come.. And well.. Maybe I don't feel safe staying in His will.. Is that even possible? I am ashamed to even type these words down.. But it's the truth..

Maybe we feel led to donate to a certain child, or charity.. But well.. Maybe we are short on cash.. I mean isn't it important to have enough cash for our mocha's or soda or whatever our habit is? I mean someone else will donate.. If it's God's will for someone to take that child.. Well they'll get the money right.. Well, I only have $5 I could give.. That will barely make a dent.. So... Why should I bother..

Some people don't have money to give.. But do they pray? Do they take time away from their tv shows.. Or reading.. Or Facebook.. To get down on their knees and pray for these kids?

To do God's will we have to sacrifice, whether it's money or time or our emotions.. Do we take up our cross? Or wait for someone else to take care of what we are called to do..

I know how much I love these kids.. How much more does God love them.. I know how much my heart hurts seeing them wait so long.. How much does His.. The one who created them.. He created each of them perfectly.. Some may see them.. Their physical bodies.. The special needs they may have.. Yes they may be different.. But truly they are not.. They have the same soul as I do.. They are children.. Typical children with the need for a family.. A need to be loved.. There worth shouldn't be based on the maybes.. Of the extra care they might need or life they may or may not have.. What is any of our lives worth? Our lives are so short.. Just a vapor on this earth.. Soon.. A few generations from now.. Most likely no one will know who I was.. No one will care.. But God will.. He cares just as much for me as He does for these precious little ones just wasting away.. Waiting for those brave enough to truly trust God in every aspect of their lives.. To truly give Him all and just let it be..

I want to challenge each of you to go to Reece's Rainbow.. To look at the kids that are waiting.. To post about them on Facebook.. To donate if you can.. To pray.. You can still donate to Clayton through the donation box to the right of this post.. He needs you.. Maybe you are called to help him.. Maybe you are called to help another child on Reece's Rainbow.. Maybe you are called to help a child somewhere else.. That is something only you can know.. But we are all called to help..

These children need us..

Pray for the children to be safe till families come..
Pray for direction in how you can help..
Pray for the safety of the families in process..

Yetera

2012-01-27T10:54:00.000-08:00

Yetera has brought SO much joy into our lives! I can't believe how scared I was to bring him home.. He is so smart and funny and loving.. Always trying to make sure I have a smile on my face:)

Last night we were driving and Yetera said, "Mom look at the moon it's like a banana!" Then he turned to Biruktawit and said, "When I am older I am going on the shudderdul to up there so I can see everything.. Jesus is so big to have the whole world in hands. We are so tiny.. Just little dots.. I am going on the shudderdul so I can see him and wave and He is going to see me and say Hi.. He is so cute. I am going to see the moon!" It was a mouthful! But so adorable;)

Today when I dropped him off at school he gave me is hugs and blew me kisses till I was out of sight.. He is so full of love! We are so blessed:)

Oh and thanks to Biruktawit's prayer last night.. We were on time for school this morning! "Dear Jesus I love you so much.. Please let us be on time for school tomorrow..." Well in my defense.. I had a temperary crown put on and it's hurt really bad and I haven't been sleeping good.. But we were on time 2 out of 5 days!

Teamwork Tuesday.. A little late;)

2012-01-26T13:09:00.000-08:00

This week for Teamwork Tuesday we are advocating for Robert! :)

Boy, born December 2009

Robert is just up from his nap — and look how bright-eyed he is! He has a couple of little teeth peeking out on the bottom, too

He has Down syndrome and a patent foramen ovale – which is a small hole between the chambers of the heart. This is common in childhood, and often closes without any medical intervention.

We have had many successful adoptions from this orphanage, and families are willing to share their experiences

This week I have really seen how hard it is for families to adopt.. These children desperately need us! Please pray for Robert.. Share his information.. And if you think you might be his family please contact Reece's Rainbow

Our God is So Great!

2012-01-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

You know the song they sing in Sunday school? Our God is So Great so Strong and so Mighty there's nothing my God can not do for you! I am glad I believe that is true:)

Ever since we started thinking about adoption again.. There's a hymn, There's room at the cross for you.. Though millions have come there's still room for one.. Okay so adoption isn't what the song is about.. And the room for one that is sung about is room for you and me at the cross.. But it goes through my head daily.. Sometimes hourly.. There's still room for one..

I have been so blessed throughout my life.. I have parents that love me.. 2 brothers and 3 sisters:) And now nieces and nephews.. I have a husband and my own kids! Our life is good! We are and have been truly blessed..

Clayton

2012-01-23T16:19:00.000-08:00

How long will you have to wait? Alone in your crib.. No one to love you.. No one to hold you.. To care for you when you are sick or hurt..

I pray for you daily.. That hearts will be changed so that you will know what it is like to be loved.. I know you weren't created to suffer..

I pray that your life will be a blessing.. Not just for you but everyone that meets you.. I pray you are strong enough to live until your family comes for you.. Every night I pray that Jesus will send an angel to kiss you goodnight... I've lost track of the tears I have cried for you.. I love you Clayton..

Our Weekend..

2012-01-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

Was busy! I couldn't be at home.. Too much on my mind.. We had an emotionally rough week.. So we did our best to stay distracted..

Biruktawit has a project she has to do for school. For that she has to go to a historical place in Oregon, so we went to the Zimmerman house. We toured that and they gave her a timeline of the family that lived there. Both kids did great! Yetera did very well not touching anything.. I was a little nervous.. But he was fine:)

Then we went to the Grotto. We hung out in the meditation room for awhile. Yetera loved it! It has a great view of the airport and he was so excited watching the planes take off and land.. It's really beautiful there.. We even lit a candle for Clayton on our way out..

Then of course Biruktawit had her basketball game. She is incredibly good! She made a couple baskets.. She is so fast! I love watching her play and I am so glad her school started a league.

I am okay.. Sort of.. I am sure you noticed I am off facebook right now.. It's just too hard.. But we have some things we need to figure out and pray through.. And I don't need the distractions right now.. So keep us in your prayers and hopefully we can figure out what to do next.. We have a lot of decisions to make..

Amazing!

2012-01-21T22:54:00.000-08:00

That is what our God is.. No matter the situation.. They way we see things in life.. He knows everything.. He has a plan.. And His will I know will be done.. Because He is God.. And I love him so much!

I am so thankful for my friends.. Most of them I have never even met in person.. But they are so amazing! When they pray for you.. You know.. You can feel peace! I am so thankful that I am a Christian:) I am thankful for the family God has given me.. I am thankful for everything God has given us.

I am thankful for my children and all the many many blessings I have been blessed with.. I have so much to be thankful for!

When God says go..

2012-01-18T21:39:00.000-08:00

Do you go?

What if He asks you to do something that the world thinks is crazy?

Do you still do it?

If God puts something on your heart and tells you to go to a scary crazy unknown place with no return ticket do you go?

Even if people tell you you're crazy? That you will ruin your life? That you won't be supported.. Will you go?

Not every one is called to take life easy, there's really no such thing as an easy life.. Some people are asked to do things that are really hard.. That will be hard.. Where there will be no turning back..

People have lost their lives following Jesus.. He never said it would be easy.. In fact I seem to remember the Bible saying things about giving up their lives.. Not physically dying, but giving up the materialistic things that might look or seem important to do what God really wants them to..

There is something God has told me to do.. I've been told what will happen to me if I do what I've been called to do.. So do I stop what I know is right to make everyone else happy? I could.. I might still get to Heaven.. I would always wonder though.. What would my life be like if I had listened to God.. If I had of had faith to go forward with what He told me to do? How would he have blessed me through the life he called me to?

Please pray for us... Pray that we will stay on the path that we are called to be on.. That in God's timing everything will work out.. That people will realize that the easy good life, isn't always the right life.. That this life is short, but Heaven is an eternity.. And to ask me not to do what I am called to do.. Well.. It puts me in a really bad situation.. Because I can't make everyone happy.. I want to do the right thing.. Not because it's the cool thing, or some whimsy that will pass when the heart aches come.. I know that if I do what I am called to do that it won't be easy... I have argued with the Lord about this calling for at least 2 years now.. But I know it's a calling..

So please pray that we get the guidance we need.. And that we don't make mistakes.. That we really are hearing God's voice...

It's Snowing!!!

2012-01-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

This is the view from my window! Yes it is finally snowing here:) Yetera spent the whole day yesterday telling me it was going to snow and asking me if I believed him. Today the first thing he said to Brandon, "It's snowing outside now you believe me?" Lol. It's been snowing off and on all morning..

Our Sunday is pretty lazy today.. Our street was all white this morning so we stayed home. The kids have been watching cartoons.. I cooked lunch.. Then threw it in the garbage! Lol, usually my cooking isn't so bad.. But I tried to make these puffed cheese sandwiches.. You put 4 slices of bread in a pan, put chedder on each slice, then cover with another slice of bread. Beat a couple eggs add milk (think I added too much milk) then some salt pepper and mustard powder.. Pour over the sandwiches.. Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes.. The tops of the sandwiches were great but the bottoms were a gooey slimy mess! Oh well!

I have a question! For anyone that has had successful fundraisers.. What did you do? Please share! Thanks:)

Please Pray!

2012-01-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Nothing is wrong.. Things are good.. But I have a prayer request.. I can't share the details yet.. But God has called us to do something.. 100% sure without a doubt He has called us!

I am taking comfort in the promise that with God ALL things are possible!

Please pray for us.. I can't wait to share the details!

Finally! A new picture of Clayton! :)

2012-01-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have..

2012-01-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

A plan?

I did..

But.. God had/has another plan...

I feel like he's been hanging a neon sign in front of my head, and I must of had some really dark sunglasses on and been looking the other way.. Sure I saw it.. I even started to act on it a few times.. But stopped because of the impossibility of it all..

Well I've been praying a lot lately.. Not for this specifically.. Well off and on I have.. But when you ask for a sign and it comes.. Right in front of you.. No matter how crazy.. Or how impossible it seems.. You know it's God's will so no matter how hard it will be.. It will be okay..

Well today in my car I said Yes to this.. If He will open the doors and give me one more sign.. And again.. He did..

And then I was thinking how can I do this?? And the song came on, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength....I don't have to be strong enough..." I don't have to be strong enough for this because He is strong enough.. And yes I still have the nerve to ask for one more sign..

Please pray for me that we figure everything out.. Quickly..

Stay tune for more details! Hopefully in the next week or so..

Teamwork Tuesday-Karen

2012-01-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

Karen's need for a family is URGENT! She will age out in 10 days.. Please pray for her and share her information.. She is so pretty.. It is so sad that she has waited this long.. And even sadder that if her family doesn't find her in 10 days.. She will be on her own.. Please share her information!

Girl, Born January 12, 1996

Karen is the older, biological sister of Chrystyna. She is a beautiful Roma girl with dark hair, dark eyes, and olive skin. She is 15 years old. She is healthy and smart and has no diagnosed special needs. She goes to school and has no negative behavioral issues. She is just a teen in need of a loving family!

Karen and Chrystyna are living in different orphanages, but in the same region. It would be wonderful if they could be adopted together, but our facilitator says it may be possible to adopt them separately. If you might be seeking a sibling set, please inquire! Both girls need a loving family!

4 Days Left...

2011-12-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

Only four days left for Angel Tree..

If you haven't donated there is still time!

Clayton has $1545.50 in his AT grant which gives him a total combined grant of $1939.. He started with under $400 and thanks to you look how far we've come! Thank you so much!

Any amount will help if you want to donate.. And prayer is always welcome and that is always FREE! So even if you can't donate you can still pray and share Clayton's information..

The Reece's Rainbow website is still overloaded with visitors since the ABC News story yesterday. If you can't donate from their site you can still donate here (all funds go directly to Reece's Rainbow:). Just use the donate box to the right of this post, or donate using the chip in below. Thank you so much for your support!

Teamwork Tuesday~Cora Lynne

2011-12-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

Date of Birth: May 2006

Gender: Female

Nature: Calm

Cora Lynne is already 5 1/2 and facing the institution. She looks like such a baby, but she should be in kindergarten, not a mental institution! Cora Lynne is a beautiful, active girl with blonde/strawberry hair. She has much to live for, and much joy to bring to a forever family of her own.

Single moms, larger families and Canadians welcome! More photos available.

Cora Lynne has a total grant of $3993.20

Please take a moment this morning to say a prayer for Cora Lynne.. That she will be safe and her family will find her before she is sent to an institution..

Yay For Reece's Rainbow!

2011-12-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

Tonight ABC news did a story on a Reece's Rainbow family that adopted a little girl with down syndrome from Ukraine! It was such a sweet story:) And there are so many people checking out Reece's Rainbow right now that their site is crashing! I am so excited! Not that their site is crashing, but for the fact that so many people that never knew about Reece's Rainbow will now know about all these children that are waiting.. I hope all the AT babies get homes soon! I am so excited! :)

If you want to see the news story you can click here to watch.. http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/utah-family-saves-ukraine-girl-15236476

I Need Your Help!

2011-12-22T11:01:00.000-08:00

Well.. Clayton needs your help..

His Angel Tree grant is at $1381..

Adopting from his region costs around $33,000..

Why?

Home Study

Immigration

Agency Fees

Foriegn Fees

3 Trips to Russia

It's a lot! I know how hard it was to adopt from Ethiopi with 2 trips.. It costs a lot.. Flying back and forth is not fun.. It's hard.. But WORTH it!

Clayton has a family out here somewhere.. Maybe they already feel led to adopt him but don't know how they can commit because they don't know where this $30,000 will come from.. Maybe..

Maybe we could help him.. Can you spare $1? $5? $10? $25? $50? $100? $500? $1000? $5000? There are people out there that have money they good give.. A drive thru they could skip.. Maybe make a pot of coffee at home instead of buying a mocha or latte today..

An example of what could happen if this were done? If all my facebook friends gave $3.97 Clayton's AT grant would then be $2500! From $1381 to $2500 for less then $4..

Now I am not asking all of my FB friends to do this because a lot of them have already given.. But this just shows how if we all give a little.. He will gain a lot..

I've had a verse on my heart lately..

Matthew 25:35-40 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.

The Lord told us to care for the widows and orphans.. We all know that Jesus has a special love for children..

Christmas is not about Santa Claus.. It is not about getting gifts.. Or even eating good food.. It is about a little baby born in a manger.. Sent from Heaven to save us.. It's a day set aside for Jesus..

We celebrate Christmas to honor Him. We give to those we love because He gave to us.. Giving to our friends and family is fun.. But if we really want to do something for Him we can go back to that verse in Matthew.. Because what we do for the least of these.. We are doing for Him..

Is Clayton one of the least of these? Yes.. He is alone.. Hungry.. Homeless.. Will you help clothe and feed him? Will you help him go from an orphan without a home, to a child in a family? Help him to be someone's baby? To belong.. Save him from his situation..

Please donate today.. Whatever amount you can.. $1 or $100 it doesn't matter as long as you give.. Lets give Clayton a Christmas miracle.. Let this be his last Christmas alone..

You can donate by check just make it out to Reece's Rainbow and write Clayton in the memo. Mail it to:

Reece's Rainbow

PO Box 4024
Gaithersburg, MD 20885

Or by clicking here to donate by Credit Card. http://reecesrainbow.org/9973/clayton-2h Just click on the Gold box that says donate..

Thank you so much.. And Merry Christmas!

To love the unloved...

2011-12-21T11:16:00.001-08:00

"Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes."

Have you ever felt the disire to do something that is going to effect a whole lot of people?

The thought of your life making a difference to so many more....

But then you realise you are just one. You can not make a difference.

We have all had those feeling. It is how you choose to take those feelings and act, that shapes who you are, and your purpose in this world.

We are just three teenage girls.

We have a passion.

We have a love.

We have a hope.

We have a vision.

And, we have chosen to act.

Sunny is 20. She has a 19 year old brother who has Down syndrome. She lives in London.

Savana is 20. She has a 3 year old sister who has Down syndrome. She lives in America.

I, Taylah, and 16. I have a 3 year old cousin who has Down syndrome. I live in Australia.

Each of us have an intence love for someone with Down syndrome. We see them in a way most of the world choses not too.

Did you know that 90% of babies with Down syndrome are aborted before they get to enter this world?
9 out of 10! Their lives are taken because they have a disablility. It just doesn't seem right, does it?

Did you know that in Eastern Europe, children with disabilities, such as Down syndrome, are left orphaned at birth.

They live in an orphanage untill they are 5 years old.

Once they turn 5 they are placed in an adults mental institution where conditions are so horrible most don't survive a year.

With adoption costing over 30,000 it is likly that most of these children wont ever see outside the walls of a crib.

When we were given the facts we decided that it was too devistating to just sit back. We decided to ACT!

'To love the unloved' was founded in December, 2010.

Since then, we have helped fund the adoption of 13 precious children!

Each month we host giveaways for a child or family from Reece's Rainbow (an adoption ministry that helps find homes for orphans with Down syndrome) on our blog!

There are so many ways that you can help 'To love the unloved' out!
Firstly, you can give a donation and enter the give away!

Secondly, you can drop by and leave a message of encouragement and support!

Finally, please keep us, and these precious babies in your thoughts and prayers!

Christmas is an incredibly important time of year for us and many of you! It is the time of year that many of us celebrate the birth our Saviour Jesus Christ. It's a time of Love, Kindness and Giving, a holiday where we appreciate all that we are lucky enough to have. We hope you will join our cause this Christmas and enjoy the time you spend with us, as we 'change the world one orphan at a time'

Visit our website: www.tolovetheunloved.weebly.com

Our blog: www.tolovetheunlovedblog.blogspot.com

Our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1251151709&ref=ffa#!/tolovetheunloved

Or emails us: tolovetheunloved@gmail.com

Thank you so much!

Love,

Tay, Savana and Sunny!

"....to love the unloved: Changing the world, one orphan at a time"

tolovetheunlovedblog.blogspot.com

Time Is Running Out

2011-12-21T10:50:00.000-08:00

When Angel Tree starts it seems like there will be so much time for 2 months of advocating.. There is plenty of time, but it goes fast.. We only have 10 days left...

Clayton's Angel Tree grant is at $1381.. Before Angel Tree is over.. I'd really like to see it at $2500.. At least $2500.. Adoption is expensive! Trust me it is.. But this grant will be a huge help to Clayton's family wherever and whoever they are..

Please pray for him and consider donating to him.. You can donate via this blog.. If you look to the right of the post there's a box that says Reece's Rainbow and there is a little gold button that says Donate Here. If you want to donate by Credit Card you can do so there. If you would like to donate by check, make the check out to:

Reece's Rainbow and in the memo of the check write Clayton 2H (so they know which grant to post it to). Then mail it to:

Reece's Rainbow
PO Box 4024
Gaithersburg, MD 20885

Remember all donations are tax deductible.. All donations of $35 or more will get you an ornament with Clayton's picture on it.. (supplies are limited)

Please donate today.. Time for Angel Tree is running out.. He needs our help.. And please share his information.. The more people that see him, the more chances he will have.

Thank you to everyone who has donated and prayed for Clayton. He still needs us.. Even after Angel Tree he will still need our prayers and support. Please say a prayer for him today and if you can.. Donate.. Thank you!

Eli's Grant is Growing!!!

2011-12-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

I had to do another post:) He is just so adorable! He's going on five years old and desperately needs to be matched with a family soon.. His Angel Tree grant is $2430 which gives him a total grant of $6067.50!

I went online to check Clayton's grant, and noticed that Eli's jumped about $1000! Yay Eli:) Please pass on his information.. He has waited soooo long.. Please pray for him and share his information.. He really needs to find his home.. Click here to see his profile.. http://reecesrainbow.org/642/eli

Boy, Born March 3, 2007

Eli is so cute! Look at that big smile and those giant blue eyes! Eli was born with Down syndrome and Atrial Septal defect (ASD), a heart condition that has not required surgery. He has suffered through frequent bouts of pneumonia. He says several words, uses gestures, and can follow simple directions. His report states he continues to make progress in all areas of his development. Eli is receiving speech and physical therapy. He walks with assistance.

Single parents and married couples may apply

Parents must be 30-48 years of age

No more than 3 children at home, preferred

Two trips are required.

Both parents must travel for the first trip until court (approx 14 days)

Only one parent for the second trip to complete the immigration process (also 7-14 days)

Teamwork Tuesday!

2011-12-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

Today is for Colton!! He is 20 months old and needs a family:) From Reece's Rainbow's website:

Boy, born April 2010

It might be because I'm partial to little round-faced babies, but this doll steals my heart every time I look at him! Yes, he is a boy — no matter he's wearing Betty Boop socks!

Colton has $663.50 in his grant right now. His adoption would be between $20,000 and $40,000. Please share Colton's information and if you would like to help him financially click here. http://reecesrainbow.org/23311/colton

Every child that Reece's Rainbow advocates for needs and deserves a home. Please visit their site to see how you can help. Maybe your child is there waiting for you.. Or maybe there is one that needs you to help them find their way home. Together we can make a difference!

Pictures :)

2011-12-19T16:18:00.000-08:00

$5 Friday Secret Give-a-Way #2

2011-12-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

The rules are the same this week as they were last week:)

Donate $5 to Clayton, Eli or Terrence and get entered for a secret prize. For every $5 you get one entry and $35 gets you 10 entries and an ornament from Reece's Rainbow. Sharing this on Facebook or your blog gets you an entry, and for a bonus, blog about any one of these three kids and you will get 5 entries!!!

Just leave a comment below this post on how you entered and leave me your e-mail (or if you'd rather you can e-mail me the details at jennyh_97236@yahoo.com) and next Thursday I will pick a name.

Each one of these kids need a family. They all need to be loved. Please help me find them a home..

Picture:)

2011-12-15T13:56:00.001-08:00

Today..

2011-12-15T10:06:00.000-08:00

is the day I get to choose the recipient of the secret give a way from last Friday.. Since no-one has donated on the chip-ins since then.. Well it makes it easy:(

But I am thankful for my friend Tina who will get the secret prize! Thank you Tina for sharing the post on FB. So what is the give a way for?

Tomorrow we will start another $5 secret give a way challenge.. Same as last weeks secret give a way. To be included you just have to donate $5 to Clayton, Terrence or Eli's chip in.. Or share the post that I post tomorrow on Facebook or your blog and let me know you shared and your name will be included! $5 equals your name in once, sharing is one. $35 will get you 10 entries plus an ornament from Reece's Rainbow. If you want your ornament by Christmas donate today or tommorow.

Teamwork Tuesday!!!

2011-12-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

Yay! I am excited! Why? Being a Christmas Warrior is so much fun!!! Not only is it super fun and rewarding to raise money and awareness to children in need.. But the Angel Tree Warrior community is AWESOME!!!

One of my fellow warriors decided that we should get together to advocate for a different Reece's Rainbow child every Tuesday.. And not just for Angel Tree but all year long!!!

Today is the first day of our Teamwork Tuesday.. I am a little late in posting.. But better late then never!

Today is for Carter!

Carter is a cutie! He was born in March 2007.. This is what Reece's Rainbow has to say about him..

Date of Birth: March 2007

Gender: Male

Eyes: Gray

Hair: Dark

Nature: Quiet

Sweet Carter needs a family to thrive! At the last update, he was able to sit, crawl, and pull himself up. He was also learning to self-feed.

Carter is described as strong and attentive, and has a lot of perseverence.

Picture from May, 2011. More pictures available.

Carter is going on four years old.. The older he gets the closer he gets to life in an institution.. Life in an orphanage is hard enough for these kids.. They need families! Carter needs a family..

He is still young.. He has a lot to offer to a family.. Could he be yours? Maybe! Please say a prayer for Carter.. He needs us.. These children have no one.. But they can have us.. We can care for them even if we never meet them. We can be the ones to help them find a home.. If the Lord can use me to help in His plan to bring the lonely and destitute to a home.. Then I want Him to use me! Please join me in helping these children..

Please share Carter's information.. Post it on Facebook.. Blog about him.. Pray for him. His birthday is in about three months.. If enough people come together to help him.. We could give him the best birthday present ever.. A family..

2011-12-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

"Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband," says the LORD. Isaiah 54:1

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD Psalms 113:9

God sets the solitary in families: he brings out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. Psalms 68:6

Adoption is a wonderful thing.. It can be Scary.. Hard.. Stressful.. Tons on unknowns.. Paperwork.. Home studies.. Say good bye to privacy;) But it is SO INCREDIBLY REWARDING!

I remember when we first started thinking of adoption.. When we went to the AGCI info meeting here in town.. It seemed impossible! I couldn't imagine that we could do it.. But WE DID!!! We have 2 kids now.. It's just amazing how things have fallen into place.. I know without God this wouldn't be possible, but because of Him we are a family..

I told someone not too long ago about the verse of the barren woman having many children and how not being able to have our own kids.. We have two wonderful children plus all of the kids that we sponsor.. Plus I know there is a child out there waiting for me and when He says it's time to put that child.. That lonely child locked away in an orphanage.. That it's His time for this baby to be put in a home.. We will have another.. And who knows after that!

God is good! He is amazing! He knows every single one of these children.. He will make a way for them.. And if you are thinking about adopting.. Pray because He will help you bring your child home..

For information on any of the children in these photo's please visit Reece's Rainbow. There are many children waiting.. Maybe one is waiting for you...

http://www.reecesrainbow.org/

Another Then and Now

2011-12-11T22:38:00.000-08:00

Yetera's referral picture.. I saw his hand and knew he needed someone to hold it..

I love him sooo much!

Then and Now

2011-12-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

$5 Friday Secret Give a Way!!!

2011-12-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

Can you meet the challenge? Donate $5 or more to any of the 2 chip in's below!! Terrence is only at $300 for his Angel tree grant and there are only 22 days left.. Clayton still needs help too.. All donations through these two chip in's will get you entered into a special secret give a way;) Don't have any cash to give this week? Share this on Facebook or on your blog, or by e-mail to your friends then leave a comment below and I will add your name to the hat.. Also be sure to leave your e-mail so I can contact you if you are chosen;) I will draw a name Thursday.

Happy Friday!!!

2011-12-09T10:13:00.001-08:00

About Us:)

2011-12-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Yes I know.. Our blog is about the Rush family.. Lol.. even though it is, it hasn't been much about us lately!

Well it has been because Clayton is very special to all of us:)

So what is new with us?

Biruktawit had her violin recital yesterday and she did great! She's only been playing the last 2 months:) She's doing well in school. She was a little behind because of her surgery then being sick.. But she's getting caught up just in time for Christmas vacation. I plan to try to post a video of her playing her violin, but I forgot my camera yesterday so I have it on my phone.. While I can get it to Facebook I don't know how to get it here..

I signed her up for basketball but I am waiting to tell her;) We like surprises! I gave her one of her Christmas presents Monday, Yetera too! Both a pair of shoes. Yetera's been wanting a pair that lights up and they just happened to have the pair he wanted on clearence! Yay!

I have most of my Christmas shopping done!!!!!!! The kids are super excited.

This will be Yetera's first Christmas in America! I can't believe he is home!!! What has he been up to? Planning for Christmas! Learning to read.. Eating more foods.. Begging for hot lunch;) Lol so is Biruktawit. She hinted not so subtly that she is praying that she can have hot lunch on Monday because they are having loaded baked potatoes.. Yetera until last week didn't want hot lunch for anything.. Which is fine because it's cheaper to make lunches.. But when your running late or too tired at night.. It's nice to know he'll eat hot lunch!
His new favorite thing to say is that he is going to see me kissing Santa on Christmas! Lol, he's been listening to too many Christmas songs.. Now he's saying I am going to kiss Santa Daddy b/c I am Santa Mommy.. Lol. I showed him the Christmas stockings I bought for the dog's and I told them I was the Santa for the pup's.. I had been worried about him believing in Santa and asking me if he was real or not so I am glad he knows the truth but still has fun with the story and tradition. I guess he's a little too smart!

He wants to wear Jesus clothes for Christmas like he did in Ethiopia! Wish I could get him some.. He is very sweet. Likes to watch cartoons and play games. He still likes school but always asks to stay home with me. The other day he asked if he could stay with me instead of going to school and I asked him what we would do. He said we could go to the store and I said I had to go to work to make more money for his Christmas presents. He said, "It's okay mom I have 3 quarters. We can go to the store!" Lol. I told him sometime we will skip a day and do something fun, but we have to wait awhile..

My kids are super entertaining and I love them very much!

Tonight is...

2011-12-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

Biruktawit's very first violin recital!!! She will be playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star:) I'm sure she will do great!

Thanks To You..

2011-12-06T12:21:00.000-08:00

Clayton's grant has gone from $393.50 to $1533.50!!! I am so thankful for each and every one of you that donated!

I thought today would be a good day to post about what we are doing again since not everyone has been reading about Clayton since Angel Tree started:)

Clayton is in an orphanage in Russia.. He was born in April 2010. Reece's Rainbow is a non-profit agency that gives grants for the adoption of children with down syndrome. You can go to their website to find out more about it:) ReecesRainbow.org

One of the things I love most about Reece's Rainbow (other then the fact that they have saved many many children from the awful future they faced) is that they let regular people like me advocate directly for one child..

When I put a chip-in on this blog for Clayton or any other Reece's Rainbow child, the money goes directly to Reece's Rainbow, not me. It goes to a grant for the specific child, in this case Clayton, and it stays there until a family commits to adopting him and completes all the required paperwork etc to be approved by the country the child is in. Once they have their travel dates the funds are released to them. All the money is safe and really does benefit the child it is meant for.

Most of these children, once they turn 5 or 6 are transferred to an adult mental institution.. It is not a good thing. Most of these children will die in the first year.. I just finished reading The Boy From Baby House 10.. Trust me these institutions are not good at all.. Kids are left in beds/cribs unable to get out.. No bathroom breaks.. Just alone in a sea of many.. Forgotten.. It's too hard for me to write about..

But thanks to Reece's Rainbow these children have a chance of finding a family instead of facing this awful future.. How can I even call it a future? A non-future maybe.. They have their pictures shown to me and you.. We see them and can share their information and raise money for them so that they can have a home..

Clayton's adoption will take a lot of money. Around $33,000.. I am very excited to see that his grant is at $1533.50! That is really good, but his adoption will cost a little over $31,000 more then that.. I know when you look at his grant that way it might almost seem discouraging.. But it's not really! If we all give a little, and share his information with others that might give a little.. His grant will grow and grow till his adoption will be paid for..

Adoption is hard.. There is so much paperwork and appointments and just so much to do.. Having a grant would really help! A lot of people have to finance their adoption, and that just adds to the stress of adopting.. Clayton needs a home.. Their are people out there that would take him home in an instant (well as instant as an adoption can be;) if they just had the money.. It is hard to come up with that much..

It's Christmastime! This time of year we watch movies and hear stories of miracles and giving..We hear of Jesus's birth.. (and since Christmas is about Jesus's birth what a better way to celebrate then helping an orphan, after all it was Jesus that told us to care for the orphans!) We see scrooge decide to give all his money to the poor.. We spend an embarrassing amount on gifts that will be forgotten and put away too soon.. This year lets do something amazing.. Let's give this little guy a chance.. Let's get him a family.. Will you help me? There are 25 days left of Angel Tree.. Please share, pray and give.. If you can't give financially sharing his information helps a lot too! The more people that see and hear about him, the more chances he will have..

$1140!!!

2011-12-05T14:34:00.000-08:00

That is how much Clayton has in his Angel Tree grant!!! Eleven hundred and forty dollars! Not bad! Thank you sooo much:)

I was so excited when I looked this morning and saw that the amount had risen! I was worried this weekend.. I'm not sure why.. Because we'd already got to $1000.. But I was worried because I hadn't heard anything really from friends or even strangers about him for awhile.. Then I got a sweet message from my Aunt and a few comments from FB friends.. Then I saw his grant was up again.. I am just so thankful for all of you that have and/or will donate to Clayton. Thank you!

I think we need to do another give a way.. So keep checking back and I should have one posted hopefully this week.. I want to give a way something special but I'm not sure what.. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Keep praying for Clayton!

Terrence

2011-12-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

Terrence is new to Reece's Rainbow and his AT grant is at $255. Since he is one of the cutest babies on here and he hasn't reached his AT goal yet.. I thought we should help him too;) So if you feel led to donate please do, if not.. Please share his information. Thanks!!!

Terrence

Boy, Born June 2010

ABIhkty–Down Syndrome

SO CUTE!! Many photos available, full medical and social history.

Present Care: Terrence has been under the care of the present foster family since November 2010. He has smooth adjustment to the foster home and bonds closely with the family particularly the foster mother.
Present Development: Terrence is a happy, responsive and curious 16-month old child. He can sit well and stand steadily. Holding on to the side of the sofa or a chair, he can stand up by himself or climb up to the sofa. Not being able to walk by himself yet, he can walk a short distance with assistance. He can hold the milk bottle firmly. He can hold a spoon steadily and is learning to feed himself but assistance is still required to finish a meal. He is a very sweet boy and keeps good eye contact with people. Although he is delayed in speech development, he babbles a lot. He enjoys playing with baby toys, watching TV and going out to the park. According to the foster mother, Terrence is an easy-to-care infant. He sleeps soundly through the night from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am and takes two naps each day from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. At present, he takes 2 meals of congee mixed with meat and vegetable and 3 meals of milk each day.

Health Condition: Although Terrence is diagnosed with Down syndrome, G6PD deficiency and mild tricuspid regurgitation, his general health condition is stable and satisfactory. According to the doctor at a recent follow up appointment, his heart condition has much improved. While he easily suffers from flu and coughing, the doctor did not consider this as a concern. No visual or hearing problem is indicated and no special diet or special medical attention is required in his daily living. Currently, he is receiving physiotherapy and is being waitlisted for early education and training.

Full medical and social info available
EASY travel (both parents for 4-7 days)
Relatively low cost
No more than 5 children at home
Married couples only

Eli

2011-12-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

This is Eli.. It is his 3rd year on Angel Tree.. He really needs a family.. Please help him!!! Share this post with everyone you know and if you can, donate to his chip-in. Any amount will help, and donations of $35 or more will get you an ornament. The ornaments are great! I have one of his on my tree right now! But more important then money is finding this lil guy a family.. So please.. Yes I am begging you.. Please please please share his information with everyone you know and ask them to share it with everyone they know.. Because he needs you..

Eli (L)

Boy, Born March 3, 2007

Eli is so cute! Look at that big smile and those giant blue eyes! Eli was born with Down syndrome and Atrial Septal defect (ASD), a heart condition that has not required surgery. He has suffered through frequent bouts of pneumonia. He says several words, uses gestures, and can follow simple directions. His report states he continues to make progress in all areas of his development. Eli is receiving speech and physical therapy. He walks with assistance.

Single parents and married couples may apply
Parents must be 30-48 years of age
No more than 3 children at home, preferred
Two trips are required.
Both parents must travel for the first trip until court (approx 14 days)
Only one parent for the second trip to complete the immigration process (also 7-14 days)

SINGLE MOMS WELCOME!

December is Here!!!

2011-12-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

December is here!!! There's a chill in the air.. And the kids were 10 minutes late for school because I couldn't get the ice off my windows;) I love it!

December is always one of my favorite months of the year. It's Christmas time!!! And my birthday (the 18th) and my mom's birthday a couple days after Christmas, so there's plenty to celebrate around here..

For any of you that might want to do something special for my birthday.. Or for Christmas.. What I would love is to see donations for 3 of my favorite Angel Tree babies!

One of my favorites.. Eli.. Every time I see his face I smile. He is so cute! I love his face.. He has made the AT goal of $1000 but has been on the AT for 3 years now.. :( He really needs a family.. The bigger the grant the easier it will be for a family to take him home.. He has a AT total of $1385 so far.

Eli Born March 3rd 2007

And there's Terrence. He is newer to Reece's Rainbow. He is sooo cute! I picked him, not just for his cuteness, but he hasn't reached the goal of $1000 yet. He is currently at $255.

Terrence born June 2010

And of course you all know Clayton:)

Clayton born April 2010

So I will do a seperate post for each of them and hope that it will help them find their families. And I ask you to please share the posts. I know my posts aren't that great.. But these children have a real need.. A huge need.. A need for love and family.. The more people that see them and read about them.. The more chances they have.. So please share!

I will start a Chip-In for Terrence and Eli sometime today and give them their own posts, just with the information from Reece's Rainbow and a chip-in for each. Please when you see these posts share them..

The best Christmas present ever would be to know that these three boys found homes, so lets get their information out there!

Thank you!

Prayer Request

2011-12-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

Last night my sister called to tell me my mom had a bad fall. She hurt her neck/back really bad and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance.

We rushed over to the hospital and waited.. Luckily after taking x-rays the doctor said nothing was broken.. But she is in a LOT of pain.

Please keep her in your prayers! Thank you.

Thankfulness

2011-11-26T21:57:00.000-08:00

Being Thanksgiving weekend I have to say that I am more thankful then ever for all the blessings I have been blessed with..

I don't even know where to begin.. I am thankful for the Lord.. I am thankful for God who sent His son to die for me.. I am thankful for God's saving grace.. For His love and forgiveness.. For the burden He has given me for His children that are suffering all over the world.

I am thankful for my children's birth families. The people that cared for them while they were in orphanages.. For adoption. For my friends that have adopted.. For my sponsored children. For others that sponsor children. For the non profits that make it possible for us to sponsor..

For our families and our jobs.. That we are still alive after being hit head on in July.. There are so many things I am thankful for..

I am especially thankful for those who have and who will donate to Clayton and to all the Angel Tree babies.. Whether you can spare $5, $10, $25, $50, $100 or $1000 any amount will help. Clayton now has $870 in his AT grant giving him a total of $1263.50 in grants. This is really great. I am so excited that we are so close to the $1000 and we still have the month of December to fundraise for Clayton. Let's help him get a full grant!

The burden I have for him is so big. I can't explain it.. I just pray that enough people will read this and be able to share this burden and help him.. We could get him a full grant. Yes $30,000 is a crazy big number.. But until Clayton gets a full grant and/or a family I will not stop. He is only 19 months old.. He needs a family..

Pictures!

2011-11-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

Don't I have a beautiful family!!! :)

Matching Grant for Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-21T14:44:00.000-08:00

Okay everyone!!! Guess what! I have a challenge for you;) We are going to do a matching grant for Thanksgiving day!!!

Up to $200 for Clayton!!

All you have to do.. Is donate $5.00 or more through the chip in below.. And we will match the donations up to a total of $200 on Thanksgiving day!!!

If enough people do this.. If we get the $200 from you and your friends.. With our $200.. He will be above the $1000 goal!!! Now $1000 is the goal we are given.. We are told to try for at least $1000.. But I know we could do even better then that.. So please share this.. Share it on your blogs.. Share it on Facebook.. Let's get Clayton above $1000 on Thanksgiving day!!! We have so much to be Thankful for.. Lets give Clayton something to be Thankful for too;)

Christmas Time

2011-11-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know.. It's not even Thanksgiving day yet.. But the radio has all their Christmas songs playing.. Normally I mainly listen to the local Christian stations, but have been listening to the other one lately that plays mostly Christmas songs.. The kids love it.. So do I mostly..

But there's a few songs that make me think of Clayton.. And my kids birth families.. And all the children left in orphanages.. Waiting..

The one, Do They Know it's Christmas.. Every time it get's to the part, "And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time"... I feel like bawling.. I can't help it.. I just get this picture of those children waiting.. The street children begging.. Think of the kids cousins.. etc..

And the one, All I want for Christmas is You.. Well instead of being a somewhat romantic song.. All I think of is Clayton.. What it would be like to bring him home.. Or to at least know some one was bringing him home..

Just like on the Polar Express when they said to get ready to ask Santa for what you want.. I had to hide my tears as I thought of Clayton.. How I wanted him to be part of a family.. Not waiting alone in an orphanage..

It's time to think about Thanksgiving.. What we have to be thankful for.. And we have A LOT!!! I never knew how much we had till recently.. But I am realizing it more and more.. And the more that I see that I have.. The more I want to share..

Please pray for Clayton, and all of the children that wait and wait.. Some will never find homes.. Some will never be hugged or kissed.. Tucked in at night.. No bedtime stories.. Just a longing for something they never knew.. Will they know it's Christmas time? Will they even know what Christmas it? Maybe..

In Loving Memory~Why I am trying so hard...

2011-11-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

Reece's Rainbow is my favorite non-profit.. It just is.. Sure there are a lot of others I love too.. Different sponsorship programs, etc.. But I love Reece's Rainbow.. I have been blessed by it!

I found out about Reece's Rainbow around 2 years ago.. Someone I know was told their baby had a good chance of being born with down syndrome.. In the end he was born without.. But when I heard that he might have it, I started googling down syndrome.. And while doing so I found Reece's Rainbow..

I remember the first time I saw the Reece's Rainbow website.. I started scrolling looking at all these children.. And I had to look away.. I saw kids missing arms and legs.. Kids with down syndrome and other diagnosis's.. It took a few tries before I could look at all of them.. More then a few..

The more I looked, the more I fell in love with these children I have never met.. These children, who because they were born a little different.. they were sent to an orphanage.. Sometimes because of the social stigma, sometimes because the parents really didn't have the resources.. But for whatever the reason.. They are alone in an orphanage without families..

It's so sad.. There are many children that wait and wait.. And.. No one comes.. Some pass away waiting.. Never having a mother to hold and comfort them.. No one to kiss them good night.. Nothing.. Only a crib.. Alone with many.. Reece's Rainbow has a page that shows some of these children that passed away while waiting.. You can see it here..

Then there are some that are even more unlucky.. They are the ones that survive to their fifth birthday.. That is when they 'graduate' from the baby house/orphanage to be transferred to an adult mental institution.. Only to be locked in a bed.. More alone.. Once transferred they don't live long..

That is why I try so hard.. When I saw Clayton's picture last year.. I thought.. He's so cute and so young.. He'll have a family quick.. But a year later.. He's still waiting..

Why? Well.. $33,000 is a lot of money.. Adoption is expensive.. But there's a family out there for him.. Let's help him.. Help his family.. Let's get together to save this little guys life.. Please share this on Facebook.. You could even do your own blogpost for him.. Just please do something today to help him.. Say a prayer for him.. Please.. His life does depend on it..

Clayton's Angel Tree grant is now at $410, his total combined grant is now $803.50.. Can you all donate to get him to $500 today? That would be $90.. Could you spare $5? $10? $25? Any amount? It is tax deductible.. The money donated through the Chip In goes directly to Reece's Rainbow for Clayton.. Thank you..

Give-A-Way Update!

2011-11-16T16:09:00.000-08:00

Well I was going to do a drawing for the coffee, but since there were 2 people who donated during the give-a-way for the coffee.. You both get a bag!!! I will be e-mailing you both for your addresses so I can get a bag to you:)

Thanks for your donations!

Also an update:) Clayton's Angel Tree grant is now up to $380!!! So we are over 1/3rd of the way to $1000! Please share Clayton's info. He needs your help!

Clayton-Update

2011-11-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

Clayton now has $350 in his Angel Tree grant giving him a total grant of $743.50!!!

Every little bit helps! It really does..

Can I ask you to do something? Donate to him today! Please!!! Yes I am begging you.. Why? He needs a home.. He needs a family.. He WILL get one if the funds are there.. HE WILL!!! :)

I have a really cute picture to put on here.. But my laptop is down so I have to find a way to get it from my camera to the computer.. We went on the Polar Express Saturday.. Before Santa got to our train car they asked everyone to be ready with what they wanted for Christmas.. All I could think of was Clayton and how I want him to be part of a family.. That is what I want for Christmas.. I took his picture out of my purse and Biruktawit and Yetera held it between them and I took they're picture.. He would make a great little brother!

If you want to donate but don't feel comfortable donating online/by credit card.. You can donate by check. Just make it out to Reece's Rainbow and write Clayton 2H in the memo and mail it to:

Reece's Rainbow
PO Box 4024
Gaithersburg, MD 20885

Either way your donation is tax-deductible and will help save his life.. If you mail a check leave me a comment and I will enter you into the give-a-way:)

Thank you!

A new picture!!!

2011-11-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken probably at the same time as the other picture I have but I am so excited to have another!

Isn't he adorable!!! Why is he still waiting??? It makes no sense to me... Trust me if I had the money today I would be on my way and I am sure there are other people that would be willing to go if the funding was available.. Please consider giving a tax deductible donation today!

All donations made on my blog through the Chip-In and the Reece's Rainbow donation box are tax deductible and will go directly to Clayton's grant fund.

All donations made through the chip-in below will get you entered into our Junior's Pumpkin Cheesecake give-a-way;) Please pass this along! Thank you:)

Please Help Clayton:)

2011-11-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9

I saw this on one of my Facebook friends status today.. It was a good thing to see because Clayton's grant has stayed the same for... well... days....

I know a lot of my friends are already donating and raising money for other good causes.. I am not upset that people haven't given more.. I just really want to see Clayton have a good grant soon.. I want to know he will be home with his family soon.. I want to know that I did everything I could to help him get there.. Please share his info.. If you can't afford to donate.. Please share!

Clayton's Angel Tree Video

2011-11-09T16:19:00.000-08:00

Update on us:)

2011-11-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

I think it's been awhile since I blogged about our family.. The four of us!

Things are going very good. We had a rough time since summer with my broken ankle, but I am finally getting around pretty good.. Still kind of awkward walking down stairs and stuff and a little achey.. But it's definitely getting better!

Biruktawit is also feeling better. She has braces! Next week she has to have surgery for a tooth.. When she had her last x-ray they showed us that she had a tooth that grew straight up instead of down.. So they are going to cut it out next Tuesday and put a chain on it and pull it down with her braces:( Oww!

We had her conference at school a couple weeks ago. She has all A's and a B in math:) Pretty good! She's in a 3rd/4th class and is a lot happier this year. She fits in a lot better with this age group and is always talking about how much she loves school.

Yetera is also doing great. He's usually very happy. He likes to hang out with me and keeps me busy! He's playing soccer and Brandon's been coaching. They have a lot of fun together with that. Yetera is learning how to read and his vocabulary is growing like crazy. I am so amazed at how well his English is.

He loves Police Officers.. He had a homework project for school and it was to cut out and disguise a turkey so it wouldn't be eaten.. So he told me it's a police officer Yetera not a turkey. So last night we decorated the turkey in blue and I cut a picture up of Yetera so he could have his face on it. It turned out pretty cute!

He loves watching cartoons and playing with legos. His favorite legos are the police cars. He thinks I am amazing because I can build the police cars;) If only other people could see me the way he does.. Lol.

On Saturday we are going on the Polar Express!!! I am so excited! Yetera loves Santa and everything Christmas and he is going to have a blast:) I have to find a camera before Saturday!!! My Camera's been missing since July...

What else is new? I don't know.. Yetera and I were both sick for a week or 2.. I am finally pretty much over it.. But whatever it was sure stuck around. Yetera had fun though staying home watching PBS kids with me all day.. I was relieved to get back to work after all this time off.. (But I did really like spending all the time with him:)

He's scared of the dark and is a little confused as to why it is dark at 5PM.. Monday I had to leave him in afterschool care and when I got there at 5:15 is was very dark.. He said, "Mom what u doing why night? Work all finish bedtime? Where are you me scare dark" Poor kid.. Too be honest I am scared of the dark too.. At least when I am driving in the dark.. It will be awhile before I am recovered from the accident.. So I can see why he'd be scared thinking I wasn't going to pick him up.. But at least Biruktawit was with him.

Biruktawit and Yetera are very close. It is so sweet to watch them together.. Yetera really looks up to Biruktawit, and Biruktawit loves to help him out. She is always explaining things to him. It's cute listening in to their conversations..

They both want a younger brother.. Well I know Yetera wants a brother or 2 or 10! Lol.. Biruktawit wants a sister or brother.. When the foster care commercial comes on, the one with the kids saying they don't expect anything for Christmas.. Yetera sits up and points out all the boys he wants to have as brothers..

Oh and the other day he was watching Veggie Tales and he ran downstairs and had me come up right away to see the commercial for Samaritains Purse. It showed this boy in Africa blowing kisses and Yetera was singing Jesus loves me then when it showed the boy he got all excited and said, "See mom ETiopia kisses!" It was so sweet! I had to try so hard not to cry..

I love that my kids care about the other children out there. I love my family. We are so truly blessed.. Beyond blessed..

I just can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us next! ;)

Give-A-Way #2

2011-11-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

Yummy!

You know you want a piece of this! A fresh Junior's Cheesecake! A pumpkin cheesecake:)

For our next give-a-way.. Donate any amount $5 of more to the chip-in to be entered for a Juniors Pumpkin Cheesecake! I will will draw the name the week of Thanksgiving and have this cheesecake ordered and delivered from Juniors to whoever gets their name drawn!

Last night I couldn't sleep at all.. All night I thought about Clayton and how I could help.. I wish there was more I could do for him right now.. Please donate and help his grant fund.. He really does need us.. And you really need a piece of cheesecake;)

Orphan Sunday

2011-11-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

Today is Orphan Sunday..

Today I sit here trying to think of what I could write that could make a difference.. But what can I say..

I know I am blessed by my children. Yetera last year had no parents.. He was in an orphanage waiting.. Watching children come and go.. Yet he was there waiting and waiting.. Because he was older..

I was scared to adopt an older child. When we adopted Biruktawit I wasn't worried.. But for some reason I had an awfully hard time the 2nd time around. Now that he is home.. I look at him and wonder how things would be different if I had listened more to my fears.. If I hadn't said yes he might still be waiting.. He would still be crying asking when his mommy would come.. I would be missing out on his hugs and kisses.. Building Lego police cars.. Reading all his library books. Missing out on Yetera telling Biruktawit what a good job mommy does building Lego cars.. And to think I was scared.. I almost didn't go through with it.. I knew about him for about 8 months before we decided to say yes..

I wonder looking back how many blessings have I missed out on because of my fears.. And wonder if moving forward if I will be able to say yes when I am asked.. Or if I will keep worrying..

If you are thinking about adopting but are too scared.. Pray.. It's not scary.. Okay the process kind of is at times.. But it is so worth it in the end..

And if you can't adopt right now.. Sponsor.. There are so many good programs out there. And what's great about sponsorships is you can support children in their own homes. You can bless the child's whole family through a sponsorship..

There are also hosting programs. You can host an orphan over Christmas or over the summer. You could show them what it's like to have a family. You can advocate for them.

You can pray and ask for guidance.. There are so many needs out there.. So many hurting.. Hungry.. Lonely.. Children.. They need us. I know the need can be overwhelming.. There are times I wonder why do I have to be so burdened. Why can't I be happy with what I have. The children I already have (don't get me wrong I am incredibly happy with my kids) my kids, and my sponsored kids.. Why do I still feel like I have to do more..

Yes we will adopt again soon.. But even then I won't be done.. What more can I do? I will keep advocating.. Sponsoring.. Praying..

Please consider donating to Clayton.. We are 6 days into Angel Tree and so far we've raised just over $200! That's 20% of my goal as his warrior:). That is really good.. But what would be great would be to get him a full grant! Together we can make sure that Clayton will have a home and be loved. Together we can make a huge difference in this little guys life!

How many of you have held a baby? Could you imagine your baby in an orphanage? Alone in a crib? No one to hold him or play with him? Knowing that in just a few years he will go from an orphanage to an institution? If you knew you could change this child's life.. Would you? Clayton needs your help.. He has no voice of his own. His cries are not heard by you or me.. But I know he cries.. I want to dry his tears and tell him he will have a future.. I believe he does.. Please help him today. I know money is tight for a lot of people.. But if you could donate any amount.. It would really help him. Let's show him that he is loved and is not forgotten!

You can donate any amount $5 and up in the chip in to be entered into our coffee give-a-way. I am also planning another give a way and those details will be coming soon.

Clayton... You might not know it..

2011-11-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

You might not have been told this ever.. But you are loved.. Jesus loves you.. I love you.. My kids love you.. People that have never met you really do care for you..

Somewhere you have a family.. I believe you will find a home.. I pray that your family will find you soon.. That they will be able to hold you and love you.. To tuck you in at night and sing you silly sings.. Tickle your tummy and squeeze your chubby cheeks..

I can't believe you are still waiting.. I remember almost a year ago seeing your picture for the first time.. I remember volunteering to be your warrior soon after.. I didn't think back then that you would still be waiting.. But you are.. God has a plan for you.. I know he didn't create you to be abandoned.. He loves you and so do we..

We Have an Entry:)

2011-11-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

So far we have one person entered in the coffee give-a-way! Yay!

I was looking at the Angel Tree website just a little bit ago and saw that some of the kids already have a couple hundred dollars! One even has $5,000! I hope and pray Clayton will also have a good grant by the time this is over:)

You know Sunday is Orphan Sunday.. Sharing Reece's Rainbow's website is a great way to help advocate for orphans:) And donating to Clayton is a great way to help one child become an orphan no more:) A homeless child could have a home because of you and me. It is up to us to make a difference.

Please share Clayton's information. The more people that see him the more of a chance his family will find him. He might even have a family considering him.. Who knows.. If the money wasn't an issue I am sure he would have a home soon. Please help me help him. Let's make this the last Christmas Clayton will spend alone in an orphanage. Please help me find him a home! Thank you:)

1st Give-A-Way:)

2011-11-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

From now until November 15th.. Donate any amount $5 or more through the chip in on this blog and your name will be entered for a yummy bag of Ethiopian coffee! It is the BEST coffee ever! I have a freezer full of it because I never want to run out..

Every time I check his Angel Tree fund and see that sad 0 balance.. :( I start to feel a little discouraged.. But it is only day two!

So to hopefully get things rolling... Please donate for a chance at a yummy bag of coffee fresh from Ethiopia! If you look at my blog posts from our trip to Ethiopia in June you will see pictures of the place we bought it, along with the owner:) It really is the best coffee! She serves her coffee at the US Embassy and to a lot of different dignitaries.

Remember all of these donations are tax deductible, and any over $35 will get you an ornament from Reece's Rainbow:)

Please share this with all of your friends. Let's give Clayton the best Christmas present ever! A chance to be loved.. A chance for a family..

Yetera's Birthday pics:)

2011-11-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

As you can see he had a really nice party at my parents house:) He had a blast and I still can't believe my mom bought him that car! He LOVES it! He's so cute in his police uniform;)

Give-A-Ways

2011-11-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

Okay.. So I haven't planned the give-a-ways yet.. But I will:)

If you look at the right of these posts you will see there are two places you can donate. The first is the Reece's Rainbow button that goes directly to Clayton's Angel Tree grant. The one right below also goes directly to Reece's Rainbow, but it's through Chip-in. That way I can pull a list of who donated and can keep track for the give-a-ways as we have them.

Both way's the money goes directly to Reece's Rainbow, and both ways are tax deductible. The chip-in looks like this:

The chip-in is only for the Give-a-ways:)

Thank you! Please comment with any questions, or you can e-mail me at jennyh_97236@yahoo.com

Clayton:)

2011-11-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Isn't he adorable! I only have this one picture of him.. But if you are interested in adopting him, Reece's Rainbow has more photo's plus medical information:)

From Reece's Rainbow's website:

Boy, born April 2010

Eyes: Brown

Hair: black

More photos available!
Full medical records available, single moms welcome.
$393.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption, including $0.00 from Angel Tree donations!

Please consider donating to his grant fund today. Any amount will help. As his Christmas Warrior my goal to raise is $1000.. So far he has $0 in his Angel Fee grant.. Remember all donations are tax deductible, and more then that, this could save his life.. It's true..

This last week as I was so sick at home, I still was thanking the Lord.. I was really sick.. But I was in a home.. A warm comfortable home.. I had family around.. I had an Urgent Care to go to.. I had my regular doctor to go to.. I had people praying for me.. Clayton doesn't have that.. He has no one.. He is laying in a crib.. A sweet little baby.. Alone in the world.. There are so many children with his story.. I can't help them all.. I want to make a difference for Clayton and together we can make a huge difference.. It starts with us..

You see all the money that goes to his grant stays there. A family will see him, and they have to have a social worker form filled out saying they will move forward.. Once that is done that family can commit to adopting him. Once they are home study ready and have their dossier in country they will get travel dates. When it is time for the family to travel and pay all the adoption fees, only then will they get the grant money.

Your donations are safe. They really do help these children. Please consider donating to Clayton's fund. Don't let money keep him from a family.. Whether you have $5, $25, $50, $100 any amount.. Please consider it. Any donation over $35 will get you an Angel Tree ornament from Reece's Rainbow and you can expect to receive your ornament about a week after making your donation.

If you are ready to donate you can do that here from the donation box on the right of this post. Thank you! Or click on the Angel Tree picture at the top of the blog and follow the directions. It will take you to a page that explains Angel Tree a little more, then click to veiw the children on Angel Tree. Scroll to Clayton and you can donate there. :)

It's Here!!!

2011-11-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

Angel Tree has officially started!!!! You can now start donating to Clayton's Angel Tree grant!!!

Any donation of $35 will get you a Christmas Angel Tree ornament:) To donate you can click the box on the right of this post. I will do another post soon. I know this post isn't great.. But I really am not feeling good right now.. I had a reaction to the antibiotics I was on this morning and am now on benedryl/steroids/new antibiotic and my brain really isn't working that great... So I will post very soon..

Despite my not being very umm... good at writing right now... Clayton needs a home.. And to get a home he needs parents.. There are lots of families willing to be parents but money stands in the way.. Clayton might have people praying for his adoption right now but they don't have the money.. Who knows? I am sure there is someone considering him.. I have been his warrior since New Years.. I was sure since he was so young and cute and cuddly looking that a family would step up right away. But I know it's not that easy when the money isn't there.. So I would like to help him and would appreciate any of you that would pass along his information. Also please pray that this will be successful, because the more money raised the sooner he will have a home.

Remember, all donations are through Reece's Rainbow and they are tax deductible:) Please keep Clayton in your prayers and pass this blog around. I haven't been blogging much but for the next two months I will make an effort because Clayton is worth it!!! I will be having some give-a-ways soon;)

Not Much Longer Until...

2011-10-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

ANGEL TREE! I am Clayton's Christmas Warrior and as soon as I can get to a computer I will tell you all about it. I am not so great at typing on this IPad thing.

The kids are both doing great.. Other then being sick.. We have all been sick for the last week.. I had to cancel most of our appointments for the week. I am now a week behind with physical Therapy.. But I did get Biruktawit in to her oral surgeon appt.. She has a tooth that grew straight up instead of down.. So in a couple weeks the will operate and put a chain on it so her orthodontist can pull it down with her braces.. Owwww....

Yetera celebrated his 8th birthday! We celebrated at my mom's house. He wants to be a cop so I bought him a police costume. And my mom bought him a police car. It's the coolest thing! He's been driving it all over with Biruktawit. They are so cute.

Well that's about all I can type on this thing;)

Thinking.. Hurting..

2011-10-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

I can't get poverty off my mind... It's never too far from my mind after the trip before last to Ethiopia.. Seeing the home Biruktawit spent her first 8 years in.. The home put together with sticks and plastic sheeting.. The mattress that the whole family, grandma, mom, aunts and uncle, slept on.. The dirt floor.. But what sticks out most is the generosity her family had... While they couldn't afford to eat regular meals.. Or to buy clothes.. They sat us down and fed us.. They gave us a coffee ceremony.. I remember feeling guilty for eating their food when I know they go hungry themselves.. But I didn't want to look rude by refusing.. It was special.. But it blessed and broke me at the same time..

I have to do more..

I look at Yetera and see how happy he is.. I see him eating his dinner.. Or playing with his toys.. Or the excitement on his face about going to school.. And the joy he has over worshiping.. And how excited he gets when he goes to the library to choose a new book for the week.. And it reminds me of his brother.. His brother can't go to school.. He doesn't have enough food to eat.. I wonder if he is healthy.. If he misses Yetera.. Will they ever see each other again..

I need to do more..

I've been reading a lot lately.. With my ankle still hurting it's about all I can do at home.. I started reading Kisses From Katie.. I'm about 1/3rd of the way through it.. It's an amazing story.. And it's breaking my heart some more.. Thinking about mothers that have to feed their kids mud.. Kids dying.. Families split apart..

Lord help me to do more..

I know that the Lord has things that I can do.. I look at all the money we practically throw away here.. We waste so much even when we try to be 'careful' with our money.. I have to stop.. How can I know the needs and still be so wasteful.. How can I see the needs and not do more? How can I do enough?

Summer.. Where did you go?

2011-09-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well.. Our summer went by too quickly! I didn't get anything done.. Nothing! All our plans.. Plans to hike and plans for the zoo and plans for the beach..

Summer is gone.. Of course weather wise it seems like it just started! It was cool here most of the summer and now this week it is in the 90's:)

The kids started school about 2 weeks ago. Yetera loves his teacher. He has the same teacher Biruktawit had for kindergarten. You couldn't ask for a better teacher! He worries that we will be late for school.. But we've actually been early every day so far! Today he was very excited because it's his day for computers and library. This little guy loves books and computers.

Biruktawit ended up in a 3rd and 4th split. She is in third grade and so far she is loving it! The principal called me a few days before school started and he was so excited. It turns out the assistant teacher in Biruktawit's class spent a year teaching in an orphanage in Ethiopia! Her and her husband have been there a few times and are in the process of adopting a little girl. This teacher is also giving Biruktawit Amharic lessons on the side. What are the chances of that!

I took Yetera to the dentist last week. This kid who had never brushed his teeth until June.. (his teeth were so bad when we tried to brush them the first time his mouth was filled with blood) He had NO cavities!!! I was shocked! He has good strong teeth and he let the dentist clean them completely even though he was scared. He is amazing.

He's been catching up on immunizations. We started from scratch because we were under the impression he hadn't had any shots.. Well now we find out he did have some while at WACAP house, but for some reason or another we didn't get any information. I've requested it but it doesn't look like we will find out what he did get. He had a bad reaction to MMR and we had to take him to the ER. They gave him benedryl and steroids. The doctors all said it couldn't have been from that because he didn't have the reaction till 24 hours later. But really it started soon after. He didn't feel good that night or the next day. He was miserable and his face started getting puffy and then by that night he started choking and could barely get any words out. It was very scary! So now I am very nervous to let him get the next MMR.. Whenever he gets shots he gets very upset and scared and then he won't talk to me for about an hour or two.. I hate that he has to have so many. I asked the nurse about titers and they don't want to put him through that and said it is better to over-immunize instead.. I don't agree.

Well.. Enough for now.. I have too much I need to get done.. But I will try to update more later. I've been thinking about my poor neglected blog lately.. Well.. there's been so much going on and I am having a hard time getting around.. Plus my laptop quit working so I don't have much computer time any more..

Calvin

2011-07-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have something pop into your head and not leave? The name Calvin kept going through my mind lately.. Over.. And over.. Well I was on Reece's Rainbow's website the other day and typed it in and hit search and guess what! I found Calvin:) A sweet little boy in need of a home.. So since this little boy has been on my mind I thought I need to share him! He has $6 in his grant fund.. You can donate today to help his chances of finding a home, or you can share his profile:) And say a prayer for sweet Calvin.. Please help him find a home.

Boy, born approx Sept 2008

Calvin is HIV+. He is not on ARV’s at this time.

"From someone who works with him:

One of Calvin's biggest struggles are food and sharing. Prior to receiving meals, snacks, and milk if another child is served before Calvin, or if Calvin can see the food but hasn't yet received it, it is common for him to begin crying inconsolably. At times Calvin can become so upset that he will throw himself onto the floor. Staff and nannies are very patient with Calvin in these instances because they know what a sweet boy he truly is and can understand in light of Calvin's past why this would be a struggle for him. We are working to help him learn patience and appropriate behavior. Calvin also has a hard time when other children take toys from him. While he doesn't normally steal toys from other children he can be almost inconsolable when other children do this to him. We are noticing some improvement in the time it takes for Calvin to calm down and rejoin the group after one of these incidents. Calvin does play very well with a lot of the children, especially those to whom he is closest in age. He has a best friend here with whom he is very close. Any time Calvin sees or is doing something fun or exciting he always thinks of this friend and calls him over so that he can participate as well."

Our Trip

2011-07-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

So I know I've been meaning to blog about our trip.. I will try to do that now.. Keep in mind if I don't make a lot of sense.. My ankle is broken.. And it really hurts today.. My head's a little fuzzy!

Our time in Ethiopia for trip #2 was great! It was so hard leaving Biruktawit behind.. She stayed with my parents and had a great time;) But it's not easy leaving for over a week.. To another country.. Without your baby.. Even if that baby is 11!

Well, after the 50 hours it took to get to Ethiopia.. We were so tired! But we made it to the guesthouse.. The guesthouse was really nice. The showers were scary! They were the kind that you have to hold. The water would be freezing cold and then burning hot.. We took very quick showers! But the room was nice.. So was the living room. We spent a lot of time with the other families just hanging out.

We went to Kabu's Coffee and had honey lattes and the Kabu Special Juice. It was so good! It was a mix of all different juices, avocado, mango, berry etc.. And the coffee is amazing! We went there twice. We probably would have gone more, but we weren't allowed to go once we had the kids with us.

We walked to the park that WACAP said we could use.. We got yelled at because we took pictures. It was a public park and there was nothing that said no pictures.. But we put our camera's away. Later the guys went and took the kids and they got kicked out.. So I'm guessing the park isn't really a public park if you're a foreigner..

We went to Aster Bunna and I bought 25 bags of coffee. I gave some away when I got home. I wanted to buy more.. But Brandon was there.. And he doesn't drink coffee.. He just doesn't understand.. It's the best coffee ever.. And it's only about $4 us per bag..

We talked with Aster and she let us see where they roast the coffee:) It was really cool! We had bought her coffee when we went to Ethiopia 2 years ago but we didn't go buy it, the AGCI employees picked it up for us, which was great. But it was so neat to see the place in person. Aster told us she is a single mother and her son is at a university. She showed us her photo albums with pictures of different coffee ceremonies that her coffee was served at.. There were pictures of the coffee ceremony at the US Embassy and the Hilton. There were pictures of different dignitaries etc. It was great seeing a successful women business owner!

We went to the post office shops and bought some more souvenirs. I love shopping there! I remember the first time we went there 2 years ago. It was such a different experience with all the beggars and people trying to sell things.. I was so scared and stressed out.. But the last 2 trips it wasn't like that at all. We knew what to expect and we really just had a good time. I gave granola bars to the beggars and slipped some birr to a little boy.

We spent an hour or so a day at WACAP house visiting the kids. The care there was awesome! The kids all seemed so happy and healthy! It was so good to see after the orphanage.. On Wednesday we had the coffee/going away ceremony there. We had to have it inside because of the rain. It was really nice. The kids kept giving us more and more popcorn and they were really enjoying themselves.

Yetera was the first one in the van ready to go with us to the hotel. He hugged and kissed all the nannies goodbye. It was bittersweet. It was so exciting to be taking him with us.. But it was sad seeing them say goodbye. You could tell they really cared for the kids.. And it was sad seeing him leave his friends.. Yetera was like the big brother there. Whenever one of the kids would cry while we were there he would pick them up and kiss them, make faces at them and find them toys to distract them.. He was very close to a few of them.. They were a family for quite awhile..

Yetera did really good with us at the guesthouse. He listened pretty well.. It was hard and stressful though because he always wanted to stay with his friends that were also staying there.. It had to be a tough time for him, but he was happy and we could tell he was a great kid.

He spent a lot of time looking at magazines in our room and playing with Biruktawit's Vtech computer that I took. That kept him very busy!

The embassy appointment went really well. We only needed one of the forms out of all the paperwork we were told to take and fill out.. It was a relief since I wasn't even sure all the paperwork was done right.. I was so relieved when that was finished! We had the first appointments of the day which was really nice. We were told our appointments would be in the afternoon but the morning before we were told there was a "change in program" (we heard that a lot!) This was a good change though because as we were leaving a LOT of families started coming in..

Yetera was so excited to go on an airplane! He talked about that all week.. We got to the airport.. Checked in.. My bags were searched because I had bought a few knives to bring back to give away as souvenirs and they wanted me to unpack my suitcase and open the knives and tell them what I planned to use them for.. Waited a LOOOONG time.. Our flight was delayed (big surprise after the trip there.. lol..) We were lucky though because all the domestic flights were canceled because of the valcano erupting. We finally got on our flight..

Yetera was really good on the flight. He never did figure out how to lock the door on the shint a bit (bathroom). He wouldn't eat anything.. I was worried about him because it was a long time to not eat.. But airplane food is airplane food.. And it's hard to eat sometimes..

Well, we made it through customs in DC smoothly.. But then our bags didn't come out with everyone elses.. So by the time we got them and got checked in to get our boarding passes.. We had less then half an hour to get through security and get to our next gate.. We got in line at security and the guy working there let us cut to the front which made some people really mad.. Even though they told them we had 15 minutes to get to our gate (and United told us that if we missed this flight we wouldn't get out till at least the next day because their computers had crashed) Well we ran! (It's a long run after not sleeping for 40+ hours and with the time changes etc..) But we made it! We were supposed to say goodbye to the family we were traveling with but we had to run to the gate and didn't have time to look for them.. Which was sad because it was Yetera's best friend:( But at least we made the flight. None of us had seats together.. But luckily the kid that was sitting in the seat by Yetera gave his seat to Brandon.. It was really a good thing to because Yetera got a little airsick on that flight!

We finally got to Denver and had a little time to breathe (and get coffee;) Then we boarded our last flight! We arrived in Portland and my family was there and some of our friends! It was SO good to see them.. To be home. Our family was finally complete! It was awesome! We were so tired.. And I'm sure we probably didn't smell that great either.. But we were home!!! I really love our home:)

Craziness

2011-07-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

Life is crazy sometimes.. It really is! But most of the craziness in my life is good:) I am very blessed. I have the best 2 kids in the whole world! I mean it, I do.

My son has been home for not even 3 weeks.. He is amazing.. He is sweet.. Considerate.. Loving...

Biruktawit has been here just over 2 years.. She has grown up so much.. She is so smart and caring.. She loves to help and is always thinking of others..

We have so much to be thankful for.

I had a really hard time with the adoption process this time around. I had a lot of fears. The biggest fear I had was.. Well I thought that everything went so well with Biruktawit's adoption that there was no way we could have another adoption go so smoothly.. But here we are.. Home and very happy!

We are a family of 4!!! I still can't believe it:) I wouldn't have it any other way.. Well.. Unless it was a family of 5... (Always wanted 3 kids;) So will there be more craziness in the years to come? YES!!!

I know..

2011-07-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

I know I still haven't updated about our trip.. Life is a little crazy right now! Yetera and Biruktawit are doing great! Seeing them together you can't tell they've only been together a couple weeks. They are both great kids! I am amazed:)

So why have things been crazy? Well.. Last week I was supposed to take Yetera to the doctors to have his TB test read.. And after I walked out the door.. I fell.. And now my ankle is broken:( It's very painful.. And it's very hard being a new mom trapped in my bedroom.. I can't walk.. So I can't cook.. Or go downstairs.. Well I did go down Friday.. But it hurt so bad to crawl down and then to crawl back up.. I was is PAIN.. SO I have been in my room since Friday night.. I get a hard cast on Thursday so I am really hoping that I'll be able to get around better after that..

Luckily grocery stores deliver these days!

So I still need to tell you all about our time in Ethiopia.. I will get around to that soon.. But for now I will let you see a few pictures from our trip:)

Ethiopia-Trip 2-Getting there...

2011-06-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe we made it!

Let me start from the beginning...

Well it was Friday.. We took the car to get the brakes replaced.. Walked all over town to pick up the last minute things we needed for our trip.. Dropped Biruktawit off at my moms (that was incredibly hard.. I'll never know how parents can routinely leave their kids behind). Went to work so my brother could take us to the airport. Opened our folder with the tax returns to find out I left the supporting documents at home.. My brother took us home to get them and we went on to the airport.. (After all that the embassy didn't even need them..)

We got to the airport.. Checked in.. Had dinner with Jesse and Amanda.. Then went through security and waited.. And waited.. And waited some more..

Then we heard the announcement that we were waiting for a flight attendant that was coming in on a late flight and that we would be delayed.. Well this delay caused us to miss ALL of our connecting flights. We landed in Chicago right after our connecting flight took off.. Got on a standby flight (this was all through United Airlines-I would not recommend them if you want to get to where your going in a timely manner) and we landed in DC 5 minutes before our Ethiopian flight left.. So we missed that.. And United didn't want us to stay overnight in DC and catch the Ethiopian flight the next day.. No that would be too easy and they only had business class.. So they re-routed us through to London.. We waited for hours for that flight.. We got on our flight to London.. And we taxied out.. And were stopped because of weather.. An hour later (still on the runway) they told us they were having mechanical problems.. It was so hot.. The air conditioning wasn't working.. We sat there another couple hours and they said the engine wasn't working.. So we got off and waited another couple hours to board another plane to London.. (Again we asked if they could please just let us go on the Ethiopian flight from DC the next day since this obviously wasn't our fault but they refused) and we waited. By this time I was in tears and didn't think there was any way I could get on another United flight.. I had lost all faith in the airlines and figured the only thing left that could go wrong is that we could crash in the ocean.. I just wanted to get a hotel and tickets on another airline.. But of course there was no money for that..

Luckily through all of this we were with another family that was headed for Ethiopia to meet their son (also 7) and to have court. I wouldn't have made it without them.. They kept reminded us why we were going..

We finally got to London.. We got a hotel for about 4 hours. Had lunch, showered and slept about an hour.. Then back to the airport.. But we did get our passport stamped in London, and we got to leave the airport in London! Lol, We can say we've been to London!

The rest of the trip went kind of smooth.. We got to Addis 24 hours after we should have, and when we got to Ethiopia we didn't have a ride at the airport.. We waited and waited and waited. Then a man that worked for the Hilton came up to us and asked if we were okay and took us to his office. He was a very kind man. He said he could tell that we were family. He called our WACAP contact and got us a ride to our guesthouse. He told us that he is a part time preacher in Addis and that is why he could tell we were his family.

We had the day to relax a little.. Then it was off to see Yetera!

Ethiopia-Trip 1

2011-05-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

Where do I even start! Our trip was so amazing.. Too amazing to put into words..

We went to Ethiopia a family of 3 and are now a family of 4! Yetera is legally our son. If we were in Ethiopia he would be with us right now.. We are waiting for our embassy date so we can return and bring him home.. It is so hard to wait.. Especially with mothers day tomorrow.. It feels weird celebrating mothers day knowing I have a son so far away..

Maybe I should start at the beginning of our trip. We got into Ethiopia Saturday early in the morning. We went to the hotel. We had the most amazing travel group! We had Biruktawit with us and there was another family that brought their son and daughter and one other family brought their son.

Biruktawit's birth mom had sent a letter a few weeks before we traveled and it had a phone number and she said to call if we ever came back to Ethiopia.. We weren't sure if we should.. We didn't know if it would be too hard for Biruktawit.. But Sunday came and we didn't have a plan.. I took out her phone number and we called. We talked to her uncle Biruk because he speaks a little English and he said Tarikwa (birth mom) would come to the hotel.

She came and it was so amazing seeing them together again. She hugged and kissed all of us, she was so happy!

Then she asked if we would go to her home and meet her family.. At first we said no.. But I started thinking.. I had always wanted to see where Biruktawit lived before she came here.. And I don't know when we will be able to take Biruktawit back.. And she really loves and misses her grandmother.. So I asked one of the hotel staff if we could get a taxi to take us there and if the driver would wait for us and bring us back..

We had an amazing taxi driver. We sat down in the taxi and he had a plaque on the ceiling of the car that said Jesus Never Fails. I wasn't nervous at all. It was about a 20 minute drive to the house.

Biruktawit with her grandmother and cousin

Tarikwa preparing the coffee ceremony

A picture of Biruktawit's baby picture

Biruktawit standing at the door of her old home

It was amazing!

Then there was the rest of the trip.

We made the 5-6 hour drive to Awassa. It is beautiful! I looked out the window the whole drive. Everything was different and new (to me). It was amazing. There were little girls selling live chickens on the side of the road. The grass huts and mud houses. There were cattle everywhere. Very skinny cattle. There were kids caring for them little kids that could have been Yetera's age, and they were working hard. We passed one spot with huge rocks and kids were there with hammers and chisels making gravel..

We got to Awassa and when we were pulling up to the resort we saw our first monkey! The wildlife there is amazing. It was like being in Maui but instead of the ocean it was a lake (which had hippos! We didn't get to see them because they were on the other side and we didn't have time for the tour). There were birds everywhere and it was beautiful.

Then of course the most important part of the trip.. Meeting Yetera! He is amazing! He came right to us. He hugged us and gave us lots of kisses. He called me mom! He's so smart too. He figured out my camera in seconds. He could look through the pictures, take one and go back to look at it, and play the videos. He really loved the toys my brother sent for him:) It was so much fun. There was a big bowl of popcorn and he kept bringing us handfuls. As soon as he would see we were almost finished he would bring us more. He's very sweet. He has lots of energy and is very good at soccer. He will have so much fun with Biruktawit. Waiting for him to come home is HARD!

We also got to meet his Uncle! He was so excited when we told him we were Christians. He put his hands in the air and said, "Thanks be to God that you are Christian!" I was so happy. I wanted his family to be Christian. I wanted to know that they had faith and would be praying for him. I wanted them to have that connection, and they do! His uncle said that Yetera wanted to be a pilot and was always getting materials together to build a plane and pretending to fly it.

And then we had to leave him... We drove back to Addis and the next morning we had court. I am so thankful that we got to go to court. Ever since we adopted Biruktawit I wished I could see the inside of the courthouse where she became our daughter. And we did get to see it! We waited a couple hours for our names to be called.. Then it was time.. We went in, all 5 families.. And the judge asked us some questions.. WE WERE ALL APPROVED!!! It was such a relief.. It was so amazing to know in that second that all of our families had just grown. we all passed. All our paperwork was there and in order. WE PASSED!

So it was an amazing trip. I can't wait to go back. I miss Yetera.. I miss the coffee! It's a beautiful country:) I hope in a few years once Yetera is all adjusted that we can go back and visit Ethiopia and take some tours.. But for now.. I JUST WANT HIM HOME.. So please pray that we'll get an embassy date soon:) Thanks!

Emergency Landing

2011-03-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

My parents flight..

My mom and dad were flying to Newfoundland to visit my grandpa.. He wasn't able to eat or drink and they couldn't get an IV in.

So they chartered a flight so they would get there in time..

Then the windshield of the airplane cracked.. They dropped 27,000 feet in 4 minutes. The pilot said he had never come so close to dying..

They were over the airport in Quebec City and made an emergency landing.. If they had of been a few more minutes away they would be somewhere in the ocean..

So thankful for God's mercy! So thankful my parents are alive.

They made it to Newfoundland and got to be with my grandpa. He passed away this afternoon..

Snow day:)

2011-02-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

My dog Lily left me a heart in the snow this morning:)

Y's care package

We had snow last night! It even stayed on the ground till morning.. Of course it was all melted by lunch.. So much for the 'snowmageddon' we've been warned about all week.. But we did get snow.. And I did get a cute heart in the snow.. Lol!

We mailed our care package yesterday and our case worker e-mailed today and said she already received it!!! So it will now be forwarded to Y in Ethiopia:)
I've been checking different flights to Ethiopia.. Wow! Even with 2 months notice they are over $1500 per ticket.. And we have to go twice.. Wow!

I am so excited! I've asked Brandon every morning, "Did I tell you we have a court date or did I dream it?" I am just so amazed at how that happened.. It's so overwhelmingly amazing to me.. The fact that I circled the 22nd with his name and told Brandon.. That's what makes it so unbelievable to me.. It's so unbelievable I don't believe it, but it's really real! Lol.. Yeah.. I know I'm crazy;)

A Total God Thing!!!!

2011-02-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

Last week I prayed about Y and court.. The date 2/22 came to me.. I circled it on my calender and wrote Y's name.. I told Brandon we will hear our court date on Feb 22.. I don't know how.. I know it sounds crazy.. But we will!

And guess what!! WE DID!!! I don't believe it!

We have a court date!!! April 21st! It's a total testamony that this is God's plan for us.. How else would I have gotten that date and circled it with Y's name.. And knew it!!! It was God confirming His plan!

Thank you for your prayers and support. And please keep us in your prayers:)

Care Package

2011-02-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

We're getting a care package together for Y. I bought him a baby Orangutan puppet:) And a t-shirt. It's a basketball t-shirt. I also ordered a flip book of pictures with our pictures and his pictures. I wish I could see his reaction when he gets the care package:) I wish I could take it to him myself!

Please pray for us, that we will get a court date quickly and he will be home soon! I am starting to have a hard time waiting. I've been praying for him and getting the house ready.. I am ready! His bed shipped today along with the bedding and his spiderman pjs. I've cuddled with his puppet hoping my love will rub off on the puppet and he will feel my love when he gets it.. Maybe it sounds crazy:) But I just want to do everything I can to send love to him! I'm sure I'm not the only person to do something like that;)

I feel like a new person! Happy and excited.. I just can't wait for my son to be home..

Preperations

2011-02-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

I ordered Y's bed last night! I am so excited:) I know we might have a long wait till he can come home but at least we will be ready!

I also ordered a pair of Spiderman pjs that were on sale.. Oh and of course the bedding! A sports quilt. And a personalized pillow case with a basketball and his name:)

I am going to try to take some time this week to go through all my ~~junk~~ stuff that is in his closet to prepare even more. I've really been wanting to go through everything.. I feel like I have to be doing something! Even if it takes months and months for him to come home.. I want to be ready.. And hopefully it won't be months.. In my head I think it will go a lot faster then we think.. I don't know why because that is the opposite of what we were told and opposite of others experiences right now.. But it just feels like it's going to happen soon.. ;)

I know..

2011-02-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

There's a lot missing from our announcement:) So here is some of the info!

We had considered Y early in the summer.. But ended up not taking his referral.. Then we took a referral for D.. However we weren't comfortable with some of the information.. And there was a lot going on in our lives.. And when we would pray about bringing D home.. It didn't feel right at all.. It got to where I wouldn't be able to pray about it.. I avoided praying about it.. I knew D was not the child we were to bring home.. But I couldn't see it being wrong either.. How could it be? But it was..

So we called our CW and said we had to say no.. So our file was put on hold while we figured things out..

This was a very emotional time for me and Brandon. It felt like we lost our baby.. Even though he wasn't meant for us.. We were attached.. We had the baby furniture bought.. And his room was ready.. Then we were referral-less and on hold..

I had a really hard time with all of it..

Then I started praying more and once I started to listen.. It all started to fall into place.. I hadn't listened last summer. I had listened to all the RAD articles and I listened to others that were worried about us bringing in an older boy.. And I started getting my own worries.. I let all this come in and it crowded out what the Lord was calling us to do.. Adopt Y.

So awhile after Christmas I saw a post from one of my FB friends that had met Y.. And I talked to another FB friend that had met him.. I kept praying then in January we called our CW. It was a hard call to make.. I was afraid of what they would think since we had thought about him so seriously last year but said no, then accepted then un-accepted D's referral.. But the call went really well!

We had our HS updated again:) And we had to wait to get his referral for a few weeks because our CW was out of town in Ethiopia.. But while she was there she told them to get everything ready for court because we were saying yes.. Then last week we signed and notarized the referral papers.. Initialed and signed a dozen or so papers and mailed them back! We also had a call with our CW about different things we can do to prepare and different scenarios we should prepare for..

She also sent us a cd with a sweet little video of Y. He was so shy for the camera. He counted to 20 in his adorable accent! And he even sang a song... Yes I love him already!

Now we get to send him a care package. We can send him a small toy, a shirt and a photo album. I made up one of the photo flip books at Walgreens today. And this weekend I am going to go shopping for Y! I get to buy him a shirt!!! And a toy!!! I wish I could deliver it in person.. But I will be impatiently waiting for our court date;)

So now you all know a little more of the story!

Update :)

2011-02-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

I just can't keep it in any longer...

We have officially accepted Y's referral!!! Yes we did!! I haven't told my whold family yet.. I know hearing the news from the internet is not the best way to go.. But I just HAVE to share:)

Our paperwork is ready.. We are officially waiting for a court date (since late January).. I've heard the courts have slowed way down.. And there are people that have had referrals since Thanksgiving that still don't have court dates.. So I am praying hard that somehow our file will slip through quickly.. Poor Y has been in the orphanage almost a year now.. And he needs to come home!

We have a bunch of baby furniture that we will be saving for the future;) And now we need to buy a twin bed for Y. There's so much to do and it's all good exciting stuff to do! Planning and preparing for a SON!!!

So much going on..

2011-02-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Well.. I've been at home sick the last few days.. No fun at all.. Today I was too sick to take Biruktawit to school so she gets the day off to watch cartoons:)

We've been busy organizing our house.. Spring cleaning I guess you could say.. Took a load to Goodwill and I think there will be a few more loads once I'm feeling better..

For those of you that have donated to Lisette's grant, her family has raised 100% of what they need for her adoption and should be traveling early next month!

I am still a warrior for Clayton:) He could use your donations! His grant has $146 as of right now.. So I would like to ask all of you to pray for him and consider making a tax deductible donation to his grant account. All that stands between him and a family is money.. So sad.. But we can change that together if we try! To donate you can click on the Warrior button at the top of this blog:)

We also have some other things going on that I would love to share about.. Keep us in your prayers and ...soon... I will give you all an update on something else;)

Figuring Things Out.. Finally!

2011-01-09T17:09:00.000-08:00

So... ;) My life is starting to make sense now.. Yes it took me 30 years but I am finally figuring things out. Things have been busy and crazy and everything.. I am sure they will get crazier and busier but in a better way.. Hint hint!

We went to the Christmas party last night and it was so much fun! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful community of Ethiopians and adoptive families. We are just so blessed. I was a little overwhelmed at how many people care about these children:)

The food was great! The best I've had. The kids were dancing like crazy.. It was great. It was the first time Biruktawit went and played with the kids instead of getting shy and hiding. Usually she gets depressed seeing the other kids from Ethiopia and it takes awhile for her to get over it. But this time she joined right in and danced for hours to the Ethiopian music. I can't wait for next Christmas!

There was a priest that came to the dinner from the local Ethiopian Orthodox church and he said that if anyone needs any help that they are here for us, if we want our children to learn their language or culture or anything to go to them. They thanked us for caring for the children and said that they are totally behind us. The people giving the party own one of the local Ethiopian restaurants in town, E'Njoni Cafe, and they said they are going to start giving cooking classes because the kids love to learn about cooking. It is good to know that there is a lot of support out there.

It is so great to be able to be a part of this community!

Merry Christmas!

2011-01-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

Yes it's Christmas time again.. In Ethiopia;)

Our plan to celebrate is to go out with a bunch of families tomorrow night to an Ethiopian Christmas party! I am so excited. Brandon has to work and I was hoping to find someone that would go with me, but it's worth it to drive all the way to MLK for a party right! (I don't really like driving that far at night..) I can't wait for it!

I bought a bunch of Ethiopian spices today and they smell SO good:) My whole downstairs smells like Ethiopia!

Biruktawit has been sick with pneumonia all week and she is finally starting to feel better. She was playing today, but she runs out of breath if she runs.. She's not coughing nearly as much and has been on antibiotics for a few days.

I am officially Clayton's New Years Warrior! I love Reece's Rainbow. I love looking at the children and praying for them. It's hard to see them wait so long.. I wish every kid would find a home quickly.. It's just so sad how long they wait.. It is something I will never understand..

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation you can do that by clicking the Warrior button at the top of this blog and that will take you to Clayton's profile on Reece's Rainbow's website. He is such a cutie:) I would love for him to have a family commit to him by his first birthday:) The more money that his grant has the more likely he will get a family.

It's sad that it has to be that way.. But adoption is incredibly expensive.. And even getting the help with the tax refund.. You still have to come up with 20-30,000+ upfront.. It's hard.. So please if you want to help someone, this is a great way to start!

Thanks!

I'm Back!

2011-01-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

I have taken a long break from blogging but I am back.

My main reason for coming back to my blog is not to share about my life.. My reason for returning is to advocate for Reece's Rainbow!

Thank you everyone that donated to Lisette's grant. Her family only needs about $3,500 to have a full grant to bring her home:) They will hopefully travel next month.. Can you believe that!!!

Now that she will have a home I will advocate for another, and I have decided to advocate for Clayton:) He is a cutie and his first birthday will be in April.. Can you help me find his family before his first birthday? Please share his info on your blogs if you have one or share his info on FB or any other way you can think of, and feel free to copy the chip in I have here. All money donated through this chip in goes directly to Reece's Rainbow and is completely tax deductible:)

(Clayton (2H) Born April 2010)

Give-A-Way

2010-11-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

I know I've already blogged about this, but it is important! I am having a give-a-way in hopes that it will motivate you to donate to Lisette. Lisette is a 3 1/2 years old waiting child and she weighs only 20 lbs. She really needs a family.. For those of you that don't read my other blog, I am Lisette's Christmas Warrior.

As her warrior it is my goal to raise at least $1,000. I am trying to help this along with my $100 Amazon gift card give-a-way! All the donations through this chip-in go directly to Reece's Rainbow for Lisette's grant. They are also completely tax deductible. Your statements will show the charge as "REECESRAINB"

So how does this give-a-way work? For every $10 you donate you will get your name put in a hat, and on the 15th I will randomly pick one person for this gift card.

For a donation of $35 you will get 4 entries, plus an ornament from Reece's Rainbow with Lisette's picture! Please donate today, and pass it on.

And as a bonus, if you share this give-a-way (even if you don't donate) just post me a comment to let me know and I will enter you in my other give-a-way for a tea gift basket! You can share by re-posting this to your blog, or by sharing this post on FB.

Pictures:)

2010-11-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

Biruktawit's eleventh birthday dinner;)

Give-a-Way

2010-11-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Visit my Saving Lisette blog and check out my 2 different give-a-ways!

Sponsorships

2010-10-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

I hear a lot of people talking about wanting to help children. There are many good causes and I found a girl that is looking for sponsors for children in Africa. The cool thing about these sponsorship is that it is only $100 a year! Not $30 or $60 a month, but $100 a year to make a HUGE difference in a child's life!

Check out this blog for more information:)

http://compassinmyheart.blogspot.com/

Eleven..

2010-10-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

My baby is actually eleven!

Her doctors office called me today.. The bone scans been read and it said eleven.. Yes it can be inaccurate, but that age and the fact that her dentist said she has teeth that kids don't get in until they're 10 1/2.. Well.. It's accurate..

So now I have an eleven year old in first grade.. Wow.. What do I do? We have conferences next week.. I'm sure we'll figure something out.. But wow!

She asked if we could go out for her four birthdays that we skipped.. Lol! There is a bright side:)

I had told Brandon different times that I thought she was 10 so it's not a huge shock or anything.. But I am in shock.. There's something about actually *knowing* something.. But I am very relieved to finally know for sure her age.

7 Year Physical

2010-10-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

Today I took Biruktawit to her 7 year appointment. She is in the 99th percentile for height.. We talked to the doctor about her age and he thinks she is somewhere around 8 1/2. We did a bone scan to try to get a more accurate age for her. He said they can be off by 6 months to 2 years so it may or may not help.. But to get her in the right class next year we think it will help.

He also looked over baby D's referral info and he said everything looked good. He was anemic and small for his age but looked good other then that.

Once we got home Biruktawit was complaining about her loose tooth saying that she wished it would come out. So I wiggled it and pulled it. I wish I could have got her reaction on camera:) It was so sweet. She was so proud of me for pulling her tooth;) lol. She kept saying I was the bravest mom in the whole world and that I was the best mom ever and gave me a high five and everything! It was fun. She's so sweet! But like I said on FB if I was smarter I would have waited until payday to show my bravery..

Ye Beg Wot~Spicy Lamb Stew

2010-10-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is Biruktawit's favorite dish.. We change it up by what we have on hand.. More onion or less onion add this or that (veggie wise) and I don't usually have tomatoes or want to waste a can of paste so we didn't bother with it last time we made it. We did use all the berbere! It was yummy and spicy. To make it seem real authentic we sometimes order injera online to go with it at ethiopianspices.com. Or we just eat it with rice which we like just as much;)

2 C onion
1/2 C olive oil
3 potatoes sliced into 6 pieces
4 TBSP berbere
3 Tomatoes chopped or 4 TBSP tomato paste
1 1/2 lb stew meat (can be lamb or beef)
1 t all purpose flour
1 t cumin powder
1 t cardamom powder
3 TBSP Garlic
1 TBSP ginger
1 TBSP spiced butter (I didn't use this)
sea salt to taste

In large pan brown the onions with a little water. Add oil and stir 1 minute. Add berbere and a little water cook 5 minutes. Add tomato or paste (if using) and cook for 1 minute. Add meat, mix well with onion and cook 3-5 mins. Add potato to the pan with 1 cup water cook 15 minutes till tender. If necessary add more water and cook longer. Add all spices and butter mix well and cook 5 more minutes. Serve over injera rice or bread.

Ages..

2010-10-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

When we adopted Biruktawit we were told she is older then what is stated in the paperwork. She fit in good last year in her Kindergarten class, but this year.. I don't know..

I signed her up for soccer, and we ended up taking her out. She was on a team with 1st and 2nd graders, but she seemed much older. The night before the first game she asked me if she had to go. I asked her why she wanted to know and she said that she was tired of playing with babies. So we quit soccer because it's too late to get on an older team this season.

She's at least 4 inches taller then the second tallest in her class, and more then a head taller then most of her class.

She said she feels the same at school that she's tired of being with little kids all day, but she didn't want me to tell her teacher because she likes her friends.

I know she could be learning harder things then what she is learning in first grade.. But what can I do? I'm going to be talking to her doctor next week to see if he has any ideas. I also ordered some 2nd grade school books so she won't be too behind if we can move her up next year..

Any one have any ideas? I talked to the IA Dr's office and they said it's really hard to figure out ages when it comes to older kids. The bone tests aren't accurate.. I've been kind of stressed out about this. This is the only thing with this adoption that stresses me out. I don't care if she's older or not, but I do care that I don't know what class and age group is best for her. If it bothers her now I know it will just get worse as she gets older..

Lisette

2010-10-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't follow my other blog, we are getting close to November. What does that mean? I have volunteered to raise money for Lisette's grant fund through Reece's Rainbow. For more information on Lisette you can check my blog, savinglisette.blogspot.com. The fundraiser officially starts in November, but if you want to donate today you can!

All donations of $35 or more between November 1st and December 15th will receive a Christmas ornament with Lisette's photo! What a special way to remember the child you (yes you) helped save!

All donations can be made by mailing a check (the address is on my other blog), or through the chip in below. Either way the donation will be tax deductible and if you donate through the chip in the charge will show up as REECESRAINB on your statement and you will get a receipt from Reece's Rainbow. Please consider supporting Lisette. Every dollar helps bring her home. There is no amount too large or too small. Please pass the "SavingLisette" blog address around. The more people that see her the more chance she will have.

Thank you! And if I have your address you will be getting a Christmas card with Lisette's picture and a tea bag! Please sign up as a follower on Lisette's blog to follow along with our fundraising efforts.

Pic's from Race

2010-10-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Blue Lake Run

2010-10-18T09:09:00.001-07:00

Saturday we took Biruktawit to Blue Lake for the ORRC's 1k kids run. Biruktawit was so excited! It was so much fun, and I do have pics!

It was a free run for kids, they even got gloves for running and all the kids got a ribbon.

Biruktawit was in the lead for most of the race.. then right by the end, somehow a car got through.. And she stopped and turned around watching the car to see what it was doing.. Then she finished 5th. (one of the kids ahead of her cut through the field so really 4th).

She was so fast! I've said to Brandon since the day we brought her home that it's a good thing she liked us and wasn't the kind of girl to just try running away because we would never catch her! She's fast!

After the race she was pretty excited (and very tired). She asked me if I saw her running like a cheetah! I told her yes, I saw you run like a cheetah! That's my little girl!

Overwhelmed..

2010-10-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

Today I am overwhelmed with the needs of many..

There are so many children.. So many families advocating for children.. I wish I had more money to give.. Brandon says we could never be rich because whenever we have money I give it away.. I am guilty of that.. But there are so many needs..

I would love to have so much money that when people were short on what they need I could just hand it over.. I want to have money, not to buy a bigger house or to take luxury vacations.. I want to have it so I can give it..

Today I heard that one of the children that RR was advocating for passed away.. It's just too sad..

I have friends that want to adopt but don't have any way to get the money needed..

I have friends ready to go get their kids but they don't have all the money they need either..

Why does adoption have so many fees?

Why can't more people give?

As many people as there are in the world.. If only a fraction of them would open their wallets to help children in need.. There's got to be more that can be done to help those that truly want to adopt but just don't have the money..

Curls

2010-10-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

Well.. I've had a hard time with Biruktawit's hair for the last year.. I had tried curly q products before and I didn't really notice a big difference..

The other day I went on their website and found out you can figure out what kind of hair type your child has. They have pics for each type, then the types have different levels.

So I figured out that the products I used before were for fine curls. (Biruktawit does NOT have fine curls) She has extremely tight thick curls. And they tangle. Every time I would wash, condition, add detangler, oil then comb (or try to).

Now that I have the right products.. Wow! I can't believe the difference. I bought the curly q custard (I had the milkshake before) and it makes the hair heavier so the curls are more curly and not as tight. I didn't even have to put the detangler in, there was no tangles! And it made the curls so much easier to manage. Before I could put her hair in a pony tail if it was wet and I really got it tight, but last night I dried it and it still went into a pony tail! And the curls don't look frizzy.

Okay so this really isn't an advertisement.. I am just SO impressed by what difference there is by switching one product!

If you want to order some go to curls.biz and if you put me down as a referral (use reference #GSAKBA9B) I will get points. Plus with every order you place you earn points that can be used towards paying your next purchase!

Birthday Fundraiser-Please pass it on

2010-10-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

One of my new blog friends is ready to pick up her son.. However she is $3,800 short of the funds they need to travel..

His birthday is this Friday.. He will be 7 years old.. The only reason he isn't home with a family is $3,800.. How sad is it that money has to stand in the way of a little boy and his home and family..

My friends friend is throwing a birthday party for him. She's trying to raise the $3,800 by doing a give-a-way. You can see the details on her blog. She is asking for donations of $25. If you can't afford $25, I know that any amount would help. You can even donate through Reece's Rainbow if you would like the donation to be tax deductible.

If you can't donate right now, please pray for them and their son. That the Lord will open the doors for them, and will help them find the funds. I know the Lord will provide to bring His children home. What a blessing it is when we donate and let the Lord provide through us:-) The Bible is so clear on how much children mean to Him..

Thank you!