To Kolya's Family

I know you are out there, somewhere!
He needs you; the time to rescue him is now.

Sweet Kolya

Who can resist this smile?!

I wish I had all the world to offer you; instead
I've got a little something. It isn't much, but maybe it'll help get him home.

Months ago, I gave my engagement ring away in hopes of helping rescue Danil.
(His family is ready and waiting to go get him.)
The beautiful soul who won the ring decided she'd use it for a mission as well;
she put it up in a giveaway to help rescue Elizabeth and Nicholas.
(Elizabeth's family has come forward, and they are hoping to get her soon. Nicholas still waits for someone to call him "son".)

I contributed to that giveaway, and was floored when I received the email: "You won."
So now, once again, the beautiful ring is back in my possession.

I want to give it to you. Maybe you can use it for a giveaway of your own. Maybe you can sell it to help bring in some funds to bring Kolya home. Maybe you will just keep it hidden away, waiting for the right moment to send it on another journey for another child.
What it is used for is entirely up to you.

I wish I could do more. Right now, all I can do is remain in constant prayer that Kolya stays safe, and that his family discovers him soon. He's already spent ten years alone; he can't wait much longer.
So I pray, and I offer this gift.
Please, rescue him soon.


Are you Kolya's family? If so, contact Andrea at Reece's Rainbow for information!

A Rainbow Family: For Timothy

This is a different kind of post. It's not so much about a child as it is about the family that brought him home.
To meet Timothy's family, visit their blog, appropriately titled The Joy of What Is. Mom Mel shares fun and humorous stories about their lives with their new little Rainbow from across the sea. He's a cutie pie, and her family is an absolute delight.

What you may not realize just from reading the blog, however, is what a kind and giving family they are, particularly dear Mel. If you are part of the RR community, I guarantee you know her already. Mel is there for everyone; whether it is to give solid advice, share a sweet story, or spread love wherever needed, she's there.

Mel's family has had to endure some financial setbacks because of the recent adoption (which she has shared on the blog.) That's nothing new in the world of adoption; sacrifices are made when lives are saved, it's just a reality of the process. Even so, she still manages to find ways to give to other families, time after time after time.  The family recently bought a used minivan, and all were very excited about this purchase.
Now, just two weeks later, Dad was in an accident while driving the minivan. The important thing is that no one was hurt. However, the van suffered some damages, and now the family faces the difficulty of paying a deductible to repair the van, and when money is scarce to begin with, that is easier said than done.

So, I've got a favor to ask. It isn't because they've requested it; in fact, Mel isn't aware that I am doing this, and I'd love for it to stay a little secret (but my theory is she'll figure it out soon enough; she's smart like that.)

Whether you know the family or not, would you consider giving a little something to help get them past this little setback? Would you take a few dollars out of your pocket and give it to a family in need? This is a family who gives and gives and gives, and now, they need to be able to receive. You may get acknowledgement, you may not. What you WILL get, guaranteed, is the joy of knowing you did a little something for someone else. It doesn't have to be much, or it could be a lot. Whatever you choose, I'm just asking, if you read this, and you have something, anything, that you can share, will you do so?

I've set up a Chipin to go directly to the family. I hope you consider giving them a little something. Wouldn't it be fun to see their $500 deductible completely paid for by a bunch of strangers? Can you imagine opening your account, only to see the money that you need sitting there, ready and waiting? We won't be able to see the family's reaction, but just imagine if it were you. Imagine the weight being lifted from your shoulders. Imagine the joy you'd feel, that you'd have to spread to others...
it's the joy of what is, don't you think?

Pure Love

What an amazing giveaway! Go check this out right now, then tell all your family and friends. I can't imagine ANYONE saying, "No, I'm not interested in this." You'd have to be a goon. And nobody wants to be a goon.
http://babynumber10.blogspot.com/2011/01/pure-love-giveaway.html

A Rainbow: Kolya

Kolya, born 2000

I don't know much about Kolya.  There isn't too much to go off of, based on his profile.  Yet every time I look at this sweet boy's little mischievous smile, I think of how much he needs a Daddy. He looks like a kid who would love to go out in the yard and toss a ball. Maybe he'd spend summer days hanging out in his tree fort, or sneaking through the yard, playing ninja.

It saddens me that Kolya has already spent the first ten years of his life without a Daddy to show him how to do these things. The fact that he's an older child only means his chances of a family are that much slimmer.

But maybe you know someone. Someone who could look at his goofy, playful grin, someone who'd proudly say, "That's MY kid!" and take him home and teach him all these boyish games that he's missing right now.

Kolya's already spent a full decade without a family.  Is there someone out there who can make this HIS year to come home? He's waited far too long for a Daddy to call his own!

From the RR website:
From his advocates and friends:  ” Kolya – very delicate and sensitive child who catches every touch, every word or a smile. He may long to sit next to a nice man and just hold hands, enjoying the warmth. Kolya – special in every sense of the child. He will never be like other children, but this does not negate his ability to enjoy the outside world and bring joy to others. Kolya helpful, helps nurse to collect clothes, toys, clean room. He said not much and indiscriminately, but to understand it is quite possible. He has a good memory. Kolya knows the names of geometric shapes, animals, plants, likes to listen to reading, to collect and puzzles to bother with the designers. Parents need to appreciate their strength, because they need the support of Kolya throughout life. But instead, they can count on sincere affection and love from a really good and loyal man.

Changing the World

I used to teach high school. People would often say to me, "High school? Yuck-- who'd want to hang out with obnoxious teenagers all day?"
Teens get a bad rap... they are self-absorbed, dramatic, loud, unaware of the "real world" (unless it's on MTV)... yeah, life with teens can be exhausting.

But then, there are other teenagers out there, kids who are amazing, selfless, humble, motivated. Teenagers with so much heart they put many adults to shame. You meet these kinds of teens, and you realize what a great age it is. Teenagers are old enough to understand mature situations, but young enough to be untainted by these same situations.  Rather than saying, "That's so sad. Someone should do something," this is an age that says, "Wow, that's so sad, let's do something about it!"

God bless the teenagers' spirit.

That being said, here are four teenagers that I have instantly come to love. They are planning to change the world, saving one orphan at a time. Instead of trying to save up for a car, they are trying to save LIVES. Please, show these kids your appreciation for their huge hearts, and visit their website right now! You won't be disappointed... they are so energetic, my theory is they just may accomplish their goal after all. :)

http://tolovetheunlovedblog.blogspot.com/


P.S.  Just in case you don't think a teenage girl can make all too big a difference in this world... God trusted Mary, a teenage girl, to raise His child, Jesus! (Mary was probably in her early-mid teens when she gave birth to Jesus.)

LETTERS FROM SANTA: ATTENTION CONTRIBUTORS

If you gave to this fundraiser, THANK YOU!
Please make sure to fill out the form (go to original post for link) to input the child's information so that "Santa" can send the letters. If you already filled in the form, I have your info and the letters should be arriving soon!

Thank you again!

Blessed: A Very Special Fundraiser

God has once again reminded me of His grace.
Remember the ring fundraiser that I recently held for Danil?
Remember when I mentioned that the winner decided that, rather than keeping the ring, she too would use it to save a child?

The fundraiser is now in action! She is keeping her word, which means you once again have a chance to WIN a DIAMOND RING (1 carat total weight), while helping save kids' lives in the process.  There are two children she is intent on helping rescue, both in extremely desperate situations at this moment in time. 

Please, head on over to her blog and consider a donation today. If you don't win, you've still made a huge difference in the lives of two children.  If you do win, you've made a huge difference in the lives of two children AND got something pretty to show for it! There are no losers, so head on over now and donate today!

Imprisoned

A man is falsely found guilty of a heinous crime; he is sent to Death Row, where he lives, awaiting his fate.
You have information that proves his innocence. Do you step forward to help set him free?
You have a choice.  Do you go out of your way to make sure this man isn’t falsely sent to death over a crime he didn’t commit?   Or--
Do you try and ignore it? Do you decide that, yes, your information could set him free, but you are just too busy... it’d be too hard… someone might criticize you… you’d have to go out of your way to tell someone…

Instead of setting him free, do you say to yourself:


That’s a shame. I sure hope he gets out of there.

See? That’s the problem with the system. They need to change it.

I already have a cause that I support. That's enough for me.

I’d like to help, but it’s just not the right time in my life. Maybe in ten years I can do something.

His family should have fought harder to keep him off Death Row.

People in his county should take care of freeing him themselves.

It's not my calling.

It’s not my responsibility.



These are just a few of the innocent faces that are currently sitting on Death Row.

They did nothing wrong. Through a matter of circumstance, they’ve been falsely imprisoned. Without someone acknowledging them, stepping forward regardless of inconvenience, THEY WILL DIE. Their fate rests in your hands. You know the truth, and you have information that will set them free.

So, once more I ask:
If a man were falsely imprisoned and sent to Death Row, and you had the power to set him free, would you?



 

A Rainbow: Elizabeth

I wish I could be eloquent. I wish my writing could pull you in, convince you to care, show you how much it really matters. Luckily, there are other AMAZING bloggers out there who know just what to say.

Instead, I'll just beg and plead that you read on.

This is Elizabeth. She's amazing, isn't she? Her eyes sparkle, her smile shines bright. She's nearly your typical 7-year-old girl. She loves dolls. She adores teddy bears. She has a best friend that she has enjoyed growing up and playing with everyday.  If she lived in the house next door, you'd appreciate her as much as any other little girl her age. She's almost the same. Except
she has an extra chromosome                   and because of this
she is an orphan                                       and sadly, because she is "old" at just age 7,
she has been transferred out of her orphanage
into an institution
away from her best friend
and the caregivers that have been there since her beginning.

Now, she's in a place where
the sun doesn't shine                         because there isn't anyone to take her outside, so
her smile will fade
her eyes will dim
and her reality of survival
is grim.

I wish I could be blamed for being melodramatic. Except, I'm not.
The little light that is Elizabeth is in very real danger of being extinguished.

She needs rescue. NOW.  If you can't do it, tell others. Get the message out until someone says yes. Speak for a little girl who loves teddies and dolls and hugs and everything that a seven-year-old girl should love.

Letters From Santa: A FUNdraiser!

In the spirit of the holiday season, I thought I'd offer a fun way for you to give for a worth cause and receive something for your child in return.
For a donation of just $10, your child will receive a personalized, handwritten letter from Santa. It will be arrive on holiday themed paper with a special message just for your child. Imagine your child's excitement as (s)he gets a piece of mail from Santa!

This also could make a great gift for for a niece, nephew, cousin, or any other child in your life.
Best of all, the proceeds from these letters will go to help kids without families of their own.

TO RECEIVE A LETTER FROM SANTA:
Click the ChipIn (see sidebar) and donate $10 per letter you would like to receive; then
Click HERE to fill out the form with your child's information.

WANT MORE THAN ONE LETTER?
To receive a Santa letter for more than one child, you can make one donation ($10 per letter) and fill out multiple forms (one for each of your children). Plus, don't forget, with a single donation of $35 by December 15th, you will also receive an ornament from the Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree. Please specify if you have a preference of the money going to the Older Girls' account or Older Boys' account.
The "Big Family" Discount:  For those of you who want to contribute but would have to skip a mortgage payment to get all your little ones their letters (haha), feel free to email me to "negotiate" a different donation amount! Every donation will help these kids, and that is the important part.

WE DON'T CELEBRATE SANTA BUT MY CHILD WOULD LIKE A LETTER
If you do not celebrate Christmas or Santa, but would still like to donate and receive a holiday letter for your child, I'm happy to modify the letter for you! When filling out the form, just make a note in the "Words that Describe My Child" box letting me know your holiday tradition. I will happily send a personalized letter, and your child will still experience the excitement that comes with receiving a special letter in the mail!

WHO WILL RECEIVE THE MONEY?
Reece's Rainbow has a grant account set up for all of the orphans with Down Syndrome. This particular fundraiser will go toward two sets of children: Older Boys, and Older Girls. Sadly, these children are the last to be adopted, and therefore, it isn't effective to set up individual grants for each child. Instead, the money for these children is set up in one account, and when a family chooses to adopt any of the children on the list, all of the money in the grant will be put toward that child's adoption expenses.
For more information, visit
http://reecesrainbow.org/category/waitingchildren/ds-6-boys
http://reecesrainbow.org/category/waitingchildren/ds-girls-6

Hurry! This FUNdraiser ends December 15th, so get your letter requests in today!

Click play to view a slideshow of the children your donation will help:

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Rainbow Found: Sam's Update

Praise God, I've got great news to share today!

SAM HAS A FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sam has officially been moved to the My Family Found Me page at Reece's Rainbow.  The family who plans to bring him home has contacted me to let me know the good news a bit early. They haven't made an official announcement yet, so I can't say more about them, but I know that God must think highly of the family to bless them with such a fantastic little boy. If they are good enough for God, then, by golly, they are good enough for me! :) 

Now, a new prayer request: There is reason to believe that Sam has already been transferred to an institution. If this is the case, he has already lost the comforts of the caregivers he has grown with, as well as the other children whom have been his only family for the past five years of his life. While the orphanage, or "baby house" (as they are often called), is a place filled with babies and young children, and nannies who try their best to care for their needs, an institution is a completely different place. I'm not going to go into the details in this post, but I do ask that EVERYONE who reads this pray that Sam, wherever he is, is kept safe in God's arms. He is blessed to have a family that is willing to do whatever it takes to bring him home, but that is completely dependent upon his health and survival.  So please, PLEASE pray that Sam is well protected. 

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.
---1 Samuel 1:27

Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayer!

Humbled.

I've had such trouble figuring out how to properly write this post. I want everyone who reads it to marvel at the message. I'm sure that I'm not going to portray it as well as I'd like, but here goes. Hope it inspires you anyway.

You may remember, fairly recently, that I tried using my engagement ring as incentive to raise funds for the adoption of gorgeous, precious, breathtaking little Danil. I had a lot of... interesting... feedback on the giveaway. There were comments of praise:
"Wow, I could never do that. You have such a big heart."
As well as comments that were, well, not so nice:
"I can't BELIEVE you'd do something like that. What ARE you thinking?"
And an overwhelming number of comments:
"Gee, I hope whoever wins it decides to let you keep it."

In fact, I was fed that last line so much, that I started to forget the whole idea behind the sacrifice. I started to question my intentions, question the value of what I was doing, ultimately even question my faith in God.

Before I go any further, I'd like you to consider the gravity of that last one.
A sacrificial act on my part, leading to others pulling me away from God.
(Please, just internalize that for a moment; do you realize how dangerous our words can be?  For every doubt you place upon a heart, there are those that have already come before you, doing the same, and those that will come after you, doing the same. Those questions build like a wall, making it harder to hear God's call.)

I'm not trying to be dramatic. It's just the truth. As more people questioned, I started to have doubts. Maybe it wasn't God telling me to give up the ring. Maybe I was just being overly emotional, seeking acceptance through self-sacrifice. If it wasn't God, then maybe I didn't hear Him any other times, either. And in fact, I'm not getting any answers I want lately, so it doesn't even seem as if He's really listening to me. Do I really believe that He cares? That He understands? That He is really even here?

So there was little ol' me, acting of such little faith. Thinking selfishly about whether I was getting what I wanted from this ring, how much I should get to keep it, why I deserve to have my favorite possession of all time. Me. Me. Me.

And just like that, He spoke once more, and reminded me again of His grace, His worthiness, His divinity.

You see, before I started making it all about me, it was about Him. About a night that I couldn't sleep, about the photo of a boy that I couldn't get out of my mind. About an unrelenting voice telling me, "You have a ring, and it will bring him home."

A day after answering the call, I was given the message. Danil has a home.

A few days later, I sent an email to a very dear friend. In it, I wrote,  
"In my wild fantasies, the person who ends up with the ring decides (s)he doesn't really need it either, and decides to do the same thing for another child.  Then the next person does the same thing... and it goes on and on, and the silly diamond ring brings all sorts of families together, because everyone realizes life is so worth so much more than a silly diamond ring.  A girl can dream, right?)
Before everyone else felt the need to tell me what they wanted, or what I should want, God spoke, and told me what He wanted. He could move mountains to bring families together.  If a loaf of bread and five fishes can feed the masses, surely a ring could help bring children home, right?


Of course, I never mentioned this to Molly, the winner of the ring. In fact, she had written me (right about the time I was feeling terribly bitter about the whole thing) that she was so excited to have won, that she had been searching for a three stone ring for herself and couldn't be more thrilled about winning it.This was exactly what she had been searching for!
Bitter me only took it as salt in an open wound. When you can't say something nice, you shouldn't say anything at all. So I stayed quiet and let her revel in her excitement.

Soon after, the day came to send the ring off to its new home. I had gone through my stages of grief, and was finally at acceptance, or at least, as close as I thought I could be.
It struck me as a bit funny that the cashier at the post office had a ring on every finger. It was awkward when I explained the what and why of my mailing (I needed her help; it's not as if I send valuables on a frequent basis.) I was no longer angry, no longer bitter, but a bit sad as I wrote the check. And sadder still as I took the receipt to an object that was no longer mine. Sadness was in danger of consuming me.
So I prayed. I prayed that God give me peace. That He fill me with such a peace, and such an obvious sign that this was from Him, that I'd no longer be able to doubt His involvement. All I needed to know this was His call, and I wouldn't be sad anymore.

I came home, opened my laptop, and discovered a message.
It was from Molly.
The message was simple.
I was thinking of using the ring for a raffle at my Christmas Angel Tree party-what do you think?

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for reminding me that you know all, you see all, and that faith can move mountains. And thank you for knowing when I needed to receive that message.
The time the email was sent: 5:40pm
The time my receipt printed: 5:50pm
(Did I mention the cashier had to change the register tape and reprint my receipt? Those rings on her fingers made it take a bit long... somewhere around ten minutes.)


Have faith. Let Him move mountains through you.

Peace.

A Rainbow: Sam

Each year, Reece's Rainbow holds a huge Christmas fundraiser for all of the RR kids.

Since I wasn't a part of the RR community last year, this is my first time as a Christmas Warrior. I'm excited to have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of one little boy who stole my heart the first time I saw him!

So here he is, the latest rainbow that I think everyone needs to see:  Sam!

Sam is almost 5 and in danger of being transferred soon

From the RR website:
Date of Birth: December 2005
Gender: Male
Eyes: Blue
Hair: light brown
Character: active, content  
Sam is a sweet muffin with giant blue eyes and a heart of gold.  He is described as significantly delayed, but this could be from his quiet and content nature.   He lived with his family for nearly a year before he was removed from the home and placed in the orphanage.   He does have a functional systolic murmur and is slightly farsighted.   He is able to walk and participate with the group, but prefers to play by himself.  He needs a loving family who can help him heal from the loss he has suffered at home, and learn to love, BE loved, and enjoy life again.    He is blessed to still be at the baby house.  We have LOTS of new pictures available of Sam, and will be advocating adamantly for him to fundraise and to find a family.   He will truly thrive in a loving family environment, you will just watch him blossom!

Look at those eyes! How can you not completely fall in love with this gorgeous child?
Shortly after I signed on to be Sam's Christmas Warrior, an amazing blogging mama decided to hold a fundraiser for Sam. Her fundraiser was HUGE! It brought in a lot of money, and because of it, Sam's grant account already has over $14,000 in it!
So, why does he need more?

Look at his birthdate.  He turns five in one month.  Sam is in very serious danger in of being
transferred
institutionalized
without a family the rest of his life.

I'm asking for TWO things right now.
1. Prayer- Please, send a prayer to God that, TODAY, God brings Sam's family forward. Someone out there is meant to be this child's family.  Today, if we ask Him to speak to their hearts, I believe they WILL step forward and he will be coming home soon. (And, for those of you who typically do not pray, could you try it just this once? Consider the harm in praying for Sam... then consider the harm in NOT praying for Sam.)

and

2. A donation. Whatever amount you can give, be it $1 or $1000, gives Sam that much quicker a chance to come home. The more money in his grant account, the less money his family will have to earn or raise, which means they can hurry onto a plane and bring him home!

If you donate $35 or more to Sam's Christmas account , you will receive an ornament from Reece's Rainbow with Sam's photo on it (for donations received by December 15th.) Please give a donation today! All donations through Reece's Rainbow are tax deductible. To donate, just click the ChipIn below and follow the instructions. It's safe, quick, and easy, and the money goes straight to his account through Reece's Rainbow.

Thank you for your gift!

AND THE WINNER IS....

MOLLY AUBLE!!!
(from my excel sheet):

Molly Auble

505

704

Using random.org, the winning number was 565, so it was a solid win for Molly!

Congratulations to Molly!  Special thanks to Stephanie for preparing the paperwork and shining up the ring.  Look at it sparkle!

The total value the giveaway prize:  $2,600

The total value of the life you have helped save: Priceless


Thank you to EVERYONE who contributed to Danil's Last Hope. Because of you, we raised a total of $2,005 to contribute to Danil's adoption grant. Even more importantly, though, a wonderful family made the decision to bring Danil into their home. You can read about their adoption journey here (they have an amazing story, already, and I am so confident that they are the perfect family for this precious child.)

Want another chance to give to Danil (and another chance to win a cool prize?) Lisa is giving away a brand new laptop on this blog (scroll down to Danil's photo and the laptop for the details.)  All monies raised will be going to Danil's adoption fund, and gets him another step closer to home!

And just a final word:

When I started this fundraiser, it wasn't without fret. I didn't like the idea of giving away my engagement ring. The truth is, I LOVE this ring. It is beautiful and shiny and, well, certainly the nicest thing I have ever owned. But I felt such a strong push on my heart to do so, and it wouldn't leave my mind, so I knew holding on to this ring was not an option.
I had no idea that, a few states away, a family was praying and feeling the same strong push on their hearts to make the decision to adopt the very same little boy that I had fallen in love with.  So, without knowing anything more, I decided to start this fundraiser with hopes that it would bring in a full grant for Danil.  Certainly, I felt, a child with a full grant would quickly find a home.

We didn't bring in a full grant, but Danil did find a home. After his family made the decision, then saw this fundraiser in his name, they knew it was God's confirmation to them that yes, this is indeed the right decision. And because of this, I feel a huge satisfaction knowing that my simple little act is literally helping save a life.  Lots of people have questioned me, even more people have given me praise, telling me what a generous giver I am, and that they could never make such a sacrifice.

I want you to deeply consider this "big sacrifice" that I am making, and I want you to ask yourself, "COULD I do the same?"
What sacrifice am I truly making? How much have I really done?
The truth is, it didn't take much on my part. I'm parting with an object. Yes, the object holds lots of sentiment and significance, but isn't a life worth so much more than that?  Really, can't I do so much more?
As I sit in my cozy house, with heat, electricity, running water, television, internet, as my husband's heads off to his job, earns his solid paycheck, drives our second vehicle, brings home the occasional take-out dinner (because we sometimes just don't feel like eating the food that we've got in our kitchen,) as we whine about having to pick up SO many toys each evening, and I complain about ALL the laundry, the never ending pile of laundry (that I have to go ALL THE WAY to the basement to wash!)...
we have so much. And that isn't a bad thing, but really, let's think about what these orphans need.
A roof.
Food on the table.
Someone to tuck them in at night, and to comfort them when sick.

Why don't we do more?
Why does "giving away a ring" seem so huge to us? Truly, what would happen if we all asked the questions:
Do I have a roof I can share?
Do I have food that I can share?
Can I tuck a child into a bed at night?
Can I comfort a crying child when he is sick?

If we answer honestly, there are many, many of us who can say yes.

So the question is,
Why won't you do more? If you say, "I just can't share my roof, my food, a bed", what CAN you do?

I hope that I leave you with a slightly bad taste in your mouth.
I thank you for giving to Danil, really, I truly am SO grateful to each of you. But since I know that you care at least a little (you wouldn't have given anything if you don't care even a little,) so now I hope that you feel a desire to do more.  Because these are children. Children without homes. Without food. Without families.  And as much as we can complain that it is a societal issue, that saving one life won't stop the problem, that we have lots of other causes that are important and worth fighting for (those are all true), these are just kids. Just like my three kids that I feed and clothe each day, that I tuck in at night, that I comfort when ill. They are kids, and they need us. Because if not us, then who?

Thank you again for all your help! Because of you, this is no longer Danil's LAST Hope!

THERE'S STILL TIME!!

Apparently I have the ChipIn set up a little incorrectly, because it ended the event a day early. However, you still have time to contribute and get your name entered into my ring giveaway!  Remember, every dollar you donate to Danil's Last Hope gives you one entry.

Since the ChipIn has ended (and won't let you click), if you would like to contribute before the day's end, here's what to do:

1. Send me an email, including your name and the amount you are donating (so that I can give you the correct number of entries in the giveaway.)  fivethousandfootsteps@gmail.com
2. Visit the blog of the family adopting Danil. Their ChipIn is on their website (scroll down a bit, on the right,) and the funds will go to the exact same place as my ChipIn was set to go. Be sure to include Danil's Last Hope in the comment section.

Sorry for any confusion! I don't to leave anyone out who wanted to be included in the giveaway!

A Big Announcement!

I am so excited to finally be able to share this news...

DANIL HAS A FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An incredible family has come forward to commit to adopting Danil.  In fact, the commitment story is quite amazing... the parents made the decision to adopt him the exact same night that I had immense pressure on my heart to start this fundraiser for him.
We had never spoken, we didn't even know of each other.  The next day, the family prayed about their decision, because they do not have the money to adopt him. They felt God tell them to be at peace, the money will come. Imagine their shock when they logged onto the computer and found a newly created link to a fundraiser being held for the very boy they had just decided to adopt!

Seriously, I get chills. I don't quite understand how people can deny that God exists when they hear stories like this... how many "coincidences" must happen before they can finally say, "Gee, maybe there's something more to it?" 

Anyway, Danil's account is still greatly in need of growth, because this is a lot of money the family is going to have to pay in a very short amount of time. Please help add to Danil's grant fund so that he is able to join his new family as soon as possible.

On a side note, there is a family currently adopting Danil's little buddy at the orphanage.  The mother wrote to me yesterday to let me know her new son and Danil were hanging out together, so she got to see my little love. He is a tiny, beautiful little prince, and, though small, has been well cared for in this orphanage. Please pray that the orphanage allows Danil to stay in their care until his family is able to come and get him; we do NOT want him transferred and exposed to the institutional setting.

I ask that you keep this family and Danil in your prayers; pray that they have a smooth and speedy paperwork process, and that Danil stays healthy, strong, and safe while he waits for his family. And once again, please consider giving to his account!  The money goes directly to Danil's grant account and will solely be used for his adoption expenses (the family itself does not receive the money, so if an adoption falls through, Danil's account keeps the funds.)  Remember, every dollar gets him one step closer to his new home, so please consider giving, even if you only have a few dollars to spare.

The ring giveaway is an added incentive to give between now and October 31st.  Remember, every dollar you give is one entry to win a diamond ring! 

If you don't feel comfortable donating through the ChipIn at the top of the page (it is safe and secure, run through Paypal), please email me for instructions on mailing a check instead.

Thank you for visiting, for your prayers, and for your contributions to bringing Danil home!

A Rainbow Fallen: Anne Marie

Blowing kisses to the camera

News of Anne Marie's passing came on October 13, 2010.  Just a few weeks shy of her 5th birthday, she died without ever knowing the love of a family.  A few families had met her while visiting the orphanage. They loved spending time with her, and were all advocating for her adoption. The news of her death has hit the Reece's Rainbow community hard.

This shouldn't have happened.  Children shouldn't be without families, and certainly shouldn't die without ever having been held in the arms of a mother or father.

Yet, this is reality.

It is very easy to say, "That's sad; I don't like to think about it" and "Someone should do something about that."
Yes. Someone should do something.  YOU are someone.
If not you, then who?  Why not help?  Really, truly, search deep inside of yourself, and ask, "Why wouldn't I help?"

Not everyone is the right fit for adoption. But everyone can help in some way.

I was recently asked, "Why should we help kids in eastern Europe?  There are kids in Africa who need help, too."
"Well," I responded, "Are you doing something to help kids in Africa?"
To which I was told, "Well, there are kids right here in America that need help, too. We should help them first."
"Okay," I responded, "Are you doing something to help kids in America?"
I don't need to share the answer. You already know.
The truth is, the people who are doing something to help generally don't make these kinds of statements. In fact, the people who do NOTHING are usually the only ones who say things like this.

So who are you? When asked, "What have you done?" are you the one who comes up with the excuses not to do anything?

Precious Anne Marie is the result of doing nothing. Do you really need to see more faces of children who are the result of doing nothing?

Please, look at sweet Danil below. Stare into his eyes. Know that he and Anne Marie share the same fate if we do nothing. 

There is nothing we can do for Anne Marie, but there are plenty of children that still need our help.
Please consider giving to Danil today, in honor of little Anne Marie, that he will get the chance at life that she never had.

Danil's Last Hope (The Short Version)
The long story version is the post directly below.  This one is for those of you who don't like to read, and just want to know the details of how to help Danil, or how to win a sparkly prize!

This is my ring.

This is Danil.

 

Danil needs a family soon.  You can help Danil find a family.  In the process, you can win my ring.  For each dollar you contribute to Danil's grant account between now and October 31st, you receive one entry into a giveaway for my ring. Around November 1st, I will take all the entries, and randomly choose one winner of the ring. 

Remember, every dollar = one entry.

Where will the money go?

Reece's Rainbow has established a grant account for each child available for adoption. The money that you give will be sent directly into Danil's grant account.  When a family commits to adopting him, the money will be used to help defray the costs of the adoption itself (which are between $25,000-$30,000.)  

Who is Reece's Rainbow?

Click the button to learn about this incredible non-profit organization that finds homes for children with Down Syndrome. 

How do I give?Click the ChipIn below to be taken to a secure PayPal website.  Enter the number of dollars in the quantity box. That's it!    

If you would rather send a check, please email me with the subject line "Danil's Last Hope" at fivethousandfootsteps@gmail.com  I will email the address to you and manually enter your name in the giveaway.
Who is Danil and why is this his last hope? Scroll to the next blog post, where you can read the long version of who he is, and why I am doing this. Is that a real diamond?Yes. Three, in fact. It's my engagement ring, and, as much as I love it, saving Danil's life is much more important. If this gets him a family, it's well worth the cost on my end.  Please help save Danil today! 

Seeking Rainbows: Danil

A Beautiful Rainbow: Danil



A beautiful ring



A beautiful child

Two beauties. Which one matters more?

The first is my engagement ring. I picked it out myself.  You see, when my husband planned to propose, he had this grand scheme in his head of how he would do so.

Instead, one night, he was overcome with emotion, and asked me right then and there. He wasn't prepared, he didn't have the ring. But that night, during that proposal, he said he saw me as a wife, and, more importantly, as the mother of his future children.

Three weeks later we went to the store together. When I saw this ring, I knew it was MY ring.

Fast forward. Seven years later. Three children later.

I see this boy's face. This beautiful child. And I know, he's MY child.  Others may not understand. I may not get the opportunity to raise this child in my house. I may not ever have the chance to meet him, to hug him, to tuck him in at night.  I did not give birth to him, and I don't live anywhere close to him. But I love him, in the same way that I love my three boys that do get my attention, my hugs, my goodnight kisses.

This boy, Danil, is very near the end of his short life. His birthday is quickly approaching. He lives in an orphanage in eastern Europe, and he has Down Syndrome. When he reaches his next birthday (in just a few weeks), he is scheduled to be transferred to an institution. Not because he is sickly. He's healthy.  Not because he is dangerous. He's a lively, typical four-year-old.

Nope. He's being transferred because the orphanage is full. And when you live as a disabled orphan (his disability strictly being Down Syndrome, something that many American children and adults live with, and thrive), you are deemed as an unfit for society.

So, he'll be sent to an institution. An institution that no child has ever been adopted from. Eventually, he will reach adulthood and be transferred to his final institution for life. There is no other alternative available; that is, unless you count the more likely scenario, which is death. Death comes to these children quickly. When you are four, and you don't have someone to tuck you in at night, to give you proper nutrition, to sing or talk to you, it is easy to lose the will to live. So most do, often within months or even weeks of transfer.

Suddenly, I look at my ring, my beautiful emerald cut diamonds, the pretty white gold, the classic yet modern appearance, and it doesn't matter to me. It means nothing.

The proposal? "I see you as a mother." That is what matters.  Not the ring that was placed on my finger shortly thereafter.

So I pray. I pray that you will care about Danil enough to do whatever it takes to save him.  I pray that you love my ring; that you say, "Yeah, shine that baby up, and that is one beautiful ring!"

I'm hoping the ring entices you to give. I'm hoping we can raise enough money for a full grant in Danil's name. I'm praying that his family comes forward in these next two weeks, that his family says, "Let me bring him home." That the money is there, ready and waiting, so that the ophanage will see that Danil is wanted so badly. That he doesn't need to be sent away. That he can stay, just a bit longer, and his family can come rescue him.

And that is the point of this very long-winded post.

From now through October 31st, I am asking that you open your heart and your wallets, and you donate to save Danil; I'm calling it Danil's Last Hope.  For every dollar you contribute, your name will be entered into a drawing. On or about November 1st, I will take every contest entry and choose a random winner from those names; the winner will receive my ring!  It just so happens that I have a very good friend who works with jewelry for a living; she is preparing the paperwork and shining it up to make it a nice, sparkly new ring for you. (Thank you, Stephanie, for donating your time and talent!)

 

All donations will go directly to a grant set up by Reece's Rainbow under Danil's name (click to view; he is in Orphanage 17.) While I hope you are motivated to contribute in order to save Danil's life, I am happy to part with my beloved ring to entice you to give all that you can.  By the way, the donation IS tax deductible.

My three year old son happily volunteered to model the ring for the picture!

I'm asking for EVERYONE to put forth a last ditch effort to save this little boy.  This is not "supporting a cause", this is to save a child's life.  To donate, please use the ChipIn button below. All donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE. If you would prefer not to make your donation online, but would still like to contribute, please email me directly at fivethousandfootsteps@gmail.com   Please note in the subject that the donation is for Danil's Last Hope.  I will email you information on how to donate directly through Reece's Rainbow.

Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't
know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows
that we know, and hold us responsible to act. Proverbs 24:12

Please spread the word, and donate today!  You may donate as often as you'd like between now and the end of October.  I will contact the winner of the ring through email on or around November 1st. Remember, EVERY DOLLAR IS WORTH ONE ENTRY TO THE GIVEAWAY!

NOTE: If anything should happen to Danil, and this money is no longer able to be granted in his name, all monies raised will be used instead to support the adoption of other children, through Reece's Rainbow facing similar situations.

ANOTHER NOTE: The ring giveaway is a private donation. Reece's Rainbow, ChipIn, PayPal, and Blogger are not responsible for the giveaway.  Any legal mumbo jumbo for receiving a valuable donation applies here, and is your responsibility to figure out on your own.

A Rainbow: Marina

UPDATE: Marina's family has reported that they have the now funds to travel! Praise God!

Marina's family is set to travel in less than two weeks, and is still in need of raising a few more thousand dollars.
If you can help this family bring her home, please consider doing so today! Every little bit gets them closer; perhaps you can give up a few lattes this week and instead send the money her way? Perhaps you can brown bag lunch instead of picking something up this week? Please, let's help this family bring their child home!

Here's the link to Marina's site (you can donate here as well):
Saving Marina


"Orphans and vulnerable children are not a cause; they are a biblical and social mandate we can't ignore. A country half the size of the U.S.—that's how many orphans there are in the world. We're not talking about a small problem."                            Pastor Rick Warren
Read more here

A Quote

"Look up to the sky; you'll never find rainbows if you're looking down." Charlie Chaplin, Swing High Little Girl

When I heard this quote, I knew what I wanted to name this site.

I'm looking up, confident that God has led me to Reece's Rainbows for a reason.

Children with disabilities, mostly those with Down Syndrome, are still His children. And He has called to us, Christians, time and again in His word to care for orphans.

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
James 1:27

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.
Psalms 68:5-6

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
Isaiah 1:17

And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.
Matthew 18:5

God's eyes don't see landlines. He doesn't determine who is His child and who is not based on a country's economic success, corrupt government, or any other conditions.

I truly hope that each of you will read this and realize God's call to help the orphans. We all have our "causes" that we believe in; but these are children. They are not a disease, they are not an illness. They do not need a cure. They need love. They need family. There are so many that don't have either. And while the majority of us don't know how to cure diseases or illnesses, we do know how to love, and we know how to provide for a family.