Help Support Adopting Families
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I want to bring everyone's attention to a fundraiser now going on at
This is huge!
If you love blessing others than this is an awesome chance to do so!
Please, please help build a house for orphans in Guatemala.
One brick is estimated to cost $25.
They need about 1200 bricks totaling $30,000 to build the house.
As a great incentive, there are a few prizes.
Give these precious, precious children a house.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
How rich do you have to be to adopt?
When my husband and I started the process of adopting Annabelle almost a year ago, we had doubts that we would be "allowed". Before anything could happen, we had to complete a home study. The home study is basically a judgement by a trained social worker as to whether or not your family can adequately provide for the child or children you want to adopt. They also make sure you're not crazy people. : P
We're average middle class people.
Nothing special by any stretch of the imagination.
This is our home.
Does our house look like rich people live in it?
Car number one is a simple 2007 Honda Fit. It's not even the sport addition.
Car number two is an old 1995 Honda Civic.
We call it "The Beast".
It creaks,
it moans,
it's rusted,
the rear bumper is falling off,
one door doesn't open,
it moans,
it's rusted,
the rear bumper is falling off,
one door doesn't open,
but
it's very reliable.
it's very reliable.
Maybe you're wondering how we manage with two cars that only seat five people when we are currently a family of seven people. Our minivan is two cars. When everyone needs to go somewhere as a family, my husband drives one car and I drive the other.
Does that seem rich to you?
I'm not going to get into our bank account but trust me, it's not rich. It's enough with a little extra.
So what did the social worker see when she visited our home?
Well, she didn't see a huge house perfectly maintained by a visiting maid.
No Cadillac Escalade to haul the family to and fro.
No gigantic savings $$$,$$$,$$$
Why then? What did she see in us?
She saw loving parents who live responsibly within their means taking care of what they have and always providing for their children.
She had confidence that we knew what we were doing and that we can amply provide for another child.
She saw a family rich in love for each other.
Over a year ago, I saw this little girl on Reece's Rainbow
Today, December 4, 2012
Makayla from Reece's Rainbow is now
Annabelle, our daughter.
It's official!
One less orphan in the world today! Praise God!
No more will she stand alone in a crib.
No more will she go hungry.
No more neglect!!!
She now has a mama, daddy, and siblings to hold her and love her!
God was with us every step of the way. All praise and glory to God!
The woman who wrote our home study and approved us to adopt Annabelle knew what she was doing. She's been doing home studies for a very long time.
Never would she have approved us if she thought we couldn't do it.
Do you want to adopt? Do you know someone who wants to adopt?
Are you making excuses about your situation and why you can't adopt?
Go through a home study. Just do it. Talk to a social worker and see what he or she says about your situation. Stop with the excuses and get real solid answers.
If you meet these guidelines listed here at Reece's Rainbow, then why not go through a home study?
Stop wondering if you can do it and start taking steps towards doing it. We are not special people who have every aspect of our lives together. We're just like you...the majority of you. ;) Just good basic people who are making their way through life.
Stop wondering if you can do it and start taking steps towards doing it. We are not special people who have every aspect of our lives together. We're just like you...the majority of you. ;) Just good basic people who are making their way through life.
We are rich and today we are richer. Thank you God for blessing us with a new daughter.
Children are a blessing from God.
P.S.
Zoey has a family!
She can now be found on the "My Family Found Me" page.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
The book will be more like a scrapbook used for people to browse through after or during the presentation.
Someone told me I should publish it at Amazon and sell it for .99 on Kindle. I don't know. We'll see. Right now I want to write it and design it for the glory of God.
It's important that people see and understand three things:
1. Special needs children aren't scary.
2. Adoption is possible no matter what your situation is in life so long as you meet government requirements.
3. God will be gloried.
That was a quick list subject to modification. If anyone can think of other reasons please leave a comment and I will add them to my list if appropriate.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
I'm just a small voice in a big world but I want to speak out to anyone who might hear me.
Please someone rescue this little girl.
She's facing the horrible reality of being transferred to an adult institution.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
These are the lyrics from a favorite song of mine by Kutless. This song, besides the Bible, helped me through times of weakness in our adoption.
What Faith Can Do
Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes
And make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it's more than you can take
But you're stronger
Stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason
For someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes
And make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it's more than you can take
But you're stronger
Stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason
For someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
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A new family has taken a leap of faith. God bless them on their journey.
Penny has a family!
You can follow here on their blog http://www.zingermama.blogspot.com/
Sunday, November 11, 2012
What is the worth of an orphan, a fatherless child? While I'm at it, what is the worth of a widow?
The Bible is very clear. God is very clear.
There are numerous Bible scriptures that pay special attention to orphans and widows. Here are a few scriptures to get you started.
~ Exodus 22:22-24
You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry; and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.
Wow, those are strong words. God clearly has compassion and love for the widow and orphan in reference to that scripture.
~Deuteronomy 10:17-18
For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.
Again, God shows His love and compassion for the widow and orphan. He executes justice.
~Psalms 68:3
Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation.
~Isaiah 1:16-17
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.
~James 1:27
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
There are many other scriptures that talk about orphans and widows. In some instances God punishes people by making their wives and children, widows and orphans. It's not a desirable position in life.
Now I really want to get down to the nitty gritty. I have a question for the church.
What is ONE child worth to every church? As scripture has shown, orphans are clearly worth a lot to God.
Every year, churches all over the U.S. send missionaries to other countries to spread the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is amazing and wonderful! All glory to God!
Every year, churches from other countries send missionaries to the U.S...something is definitely redundant here.
Anyway, every year adopting Christian families travel to other countries to bring home a child. Some never leave the U.S., either way it doesn't matter. That child will grow up knowing the Gospel because of the parents who stepped forward to change that one child's life.
Let me rephrase my prior question to the church.
Is helping to fund the spread of the Gospel only worth it if thousands of people hear the message or is it worth it to also fund the spread of the Gospel to one child? Who will also gain a family.
If churches would only help fund adoptions for their church family, maybe more would adopt. Why isn't adopting children a ministry within the church? One child will hear the Gospel. Every Christian adopting family is a missionary who not only spreads the Gospel but takes in the orphan that God cares for so much.
We need churches to support adoptions. There are children SUFFERING in orphanages.
New pews or one saved orphan? Two saved orphans, three, four, five...
New pews or one saved orphan? Two saved orphans, three, four, five...
Check out REECE'S RAINBOW.com
Thursday, November 8, 2012
I just got back from reading Adeye's post at NoGreaterJoyMom. Please go there and read her post.
It's very important.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Anyhow, to give encouragement and ideas, I want to share with you how God blessed an act of faith.
It wasn't all sunshine and lollipops. I'm glad it wasn't. If it was, I wouldn't have what I hope is an inspiring story to share with all of you.
It wasn't all sunshine and lollipops. I'm glad it wasn't. If it was, I wouldn't have what I hope is an inspiring story to share with all of you.
For starters, let me share that we had NO, NONE, ZIP, ZILCH support from our either of our families. Not one word of encouragement nor one dollar came from either of our families. Sure they thought we were doing a "noble" thing but they still didn't agree. We heard it all from how the child would ruin our family to how we shouldn't change her life because "it's what she knows". Gee, there's a lot I could say about all that but that's a post for another day.
We had Christian friends who told us adoption was a bad idea. In fact, only three Christian friends of ours stepped up and stood beside us. Not that they were all against it but they were just kind of "whatever".
So what did we do? We depended on God.
Mark 11:22 And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God."
First things first. We had to come up with $3500 for our commitment fee.
We had no idea how we were going to do this. We asked to borrow money from both of our families but neither wanted any part of it.
I emailed a dear Christian friend of mine and told her what we were doing. She asked if she could help.
She mailed us a check.
She mailed us a check.
We praised God!!! The woman who sent us the money is truly a special person and we are very thankful to her.
Now we were running out of time to get the rest of the commitment money. We ended up taking $500 out of our bank account and putting the rest on a credit card.
So commitment fees were paid...now to figure out how to get the rest...
I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 16-17 years. I would do anything for one of my children. And sweet Makayla, now Annabelle, was one of my children. So what was I prepared to do to get my child home?
I got a job.
Not just any job. A grueling job. It was available and the company was willing to take me so I took it.
I lifted heavy things. I pulled and pushed very heavy things. I got dirty. I froze. I sweat. I went crossed eyed looking at shiny chrome plated metal all day.
I smashed and broke my pinky finger.
I smashed and broke my pinky finger.
I had to live off of the painkiller Aleve the whole time because I have a very bad back (upper and lower) due to two accidents.
I made $8.00 an hour. I worked overtime when I could.
When I came home I had to homeschool. Needless to say it wasn't our best homeschool year but I only had two in Kindergarten. Not a big deal. They are doing great!
Did I feel sorry for myself? No. I was extremely happy for every dollar I made because we desperately needed it to bring our little girl home.
I view the job as one of God's provisions. I am thankful.
Then out of nowhere came Julia from CovenantBuilders. She held a Mulligan Stew in which so many adopting families and orphans benefited.
We thanked God. We prayed for blessings to be poured out on everyone for their generosity, prayers and love.
We are so grateful to her and everyone who donated.
I continued to work and work hard.
Then I was contacted by Amy from Hidden Treasures. She wanted to have an auction for us. I declined at first because we didn't have any support. No one we knew was going to donate to the auction or buy anything. And guess what...no one we knew donated or bought. But amazingly people we didn't know donated and bought! We were speechless.
We again thanked God. We prayed for more blessings to be poured out on everyone for their generosity, prayers and love.
Then we decided to try and have our own fundraiser. We had no idea how it would turn out. Prizes totaling $600 + tax and shipping came out of our pocket. We were hoping to raise $4500 and we amused ourselves by saying that we would give any funds over $4500 to the orphanage where our daughter is currently trapped.
We started the the fundraiser and after days we reached $90. At that point we were really hoping to at least make our money back on the prizes.
Side note: When I went to Bu*g*r*a on my first trip I spent it with Adeye from NoGreaterJoyMom. Wow, is she an amazing woman! It was such a blessing to spend time with her. I miss her sooo much! We shared pain in our hearts for the children and had many laughs as well.
After a few days of our attempt to raise the money, Adeye helped promote our fundraiser by posting the most beautiful blog post about us on her blog and people suddenly were donating so fast I was having a hard time keeping up with assigning numbers for the prizes.
We raised the $4500 in 17 hours after Adeye's post and had $1715 extra to send to the orphanage! WOW!
To say we were floored would be an understatement. Another group of people helped us. More people who don't know us, who have never met us...helped us.
We have prayed and prayed for everyone.
There was also a couple who sent us checks in the mail about every two weeks or so. What a blessing they are to us. Our prayers pour out for them.
We also had donations here and there sent to our Reece's Rainbow account. Truly a blessing.
We also had donations here and there sent to our Reece's Rainbow account. Truly a blessing.
And from the very beginning of my blog. I had one special girl who said little things that made a big difference. I thank her so much for being here. Thank you Katie.
We also gained many others who said encouraging things and we thank all of you. Your kind words helped us through hard times.
All in all, our adoption cost us about $24,000.
We received about $10,300 in donations. Thank you everyone!
And we also incurred about $4000 in debt.
Oh well, it will get paid off. That debt is no worse than if she was delivered in an American hospital.
We received about $10,300 in donations. Thank you everyone!
And we also incurred about $4000 in debt.
Oh well, it will get paid off. That debt is no worse than if she was delivered in an American hospital.
This child, this smile is worth it!
Thank you God. All praise, honor and glory belong to God Almighty.
Thank you brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thank you friends.
I hope you all understand my point in writing this. Find your strength in God.
Depend on Him.
There are one too many orphans suffering in the world today.
Please find the strength to change the world of one child.
Then write your own story of encouragement.
I also want to point out that you don't have to be rich to adopt.
This is our house. Just another middle class box on a street in the USA.
This link will take you to the income guidelines for international adoption.
This link will take you to some helpful information regarding adoption in general.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
I just wanted to take a minute to let everyone know that $1715 was sent to Annabelle and Haysa's orphanage.
Thank you everyone for supporting us and the orphanage. God bless!
We still have to shave my husband's head...
Right now, I just need a moment to chill.
In the meantime, please don't forget about these precious children still waiting for their families to find them.
The only one you can find on Reece's Rainbow right now is the little boy Owen. The rest of the children have to be requested. Requesting is no big deal...it just has to be done. Leave me a comment if you'd like to talk to someone about any of the children not on Reece's Rainbow.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
There are so many families that are adopting and Adeye is trying to help them all! She is truly a remarkable person! Check out her blog here...
Whatever you can do, please help them even if the only thing you can donate are kind words.
Believe me, kind words are needed!
Friday, October 19, 2012
I'm a mother to a 16 year old girl who has the mentality of a 3-4 year old
and still wears diapers.
If disabilities were so scary and unmanageable I wouldn't be advocating for these children.
I wouldn't be adopting another one myself.
Disabled children are just as fun and lovable as non-disabled children.
These children's files have been sent back to their home country but they can be requested again!
Without you, these pictures convey all theses children will ever be.
With you, they will thrive.
When I visited my Annabelle, I came to the sad conclusion that she shouldn't be as behind as she is. She's "in there" and fully capable but no one helped her. She laid in a crib all day. After 8 years, she finally started walking. Had I been her mommy from day one, I have no doubt in my mind that she would be only slightly behind.
The children in these pictures have the same possibilities! But they need the love and care from a mom and/or dad.
Penny - Penny's file has been sent back but she can be requested again.
Please don't let her disappear. Someone, this is your daughter. She needs you.
Owen
This little guy is the only one who's file is on Reece's Rainbow.
All the children above haven't found a family within the given time frame so their files have been sent back. The same will happen to this boy is he doesn't find a family.
Owen
This little guy is the only one who's file is on Reece's Rainbow.
All the children above haven't found a family within the given time frame so their files have been sent back. The same will happen to this boy is he doesn't find a family.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Today was the first day of our new ministry. We didn't plan this ministry, God did.
What is our new ministry? To bring awareness of orphans in distress who are available for adoption and of families who are adopting these children.
Our Pastor gave us the platform today at our church. It's a small church but that doesn't matter because God is bigger than anything.
We first talked to our Pastor when we read Susanna's blog post about her precious Katie at TheBlessingofVerity.com. We are adopting from the same orphanage as Susanna's Katie and the story told by Susanna was perfectly put.
I immediately emailed our Pastor and asked him to read "Katie's Story". These are his exact words in his reply to us, "Wow - speechless. Would either of you be open to giving a presentation at church on a Sunday morning, both regarding your adoption, but also helping us all better understand the seriousness of these children's needs?".
Today was that Sunday. Tomorrow is another day and we will continue until God calls us to quit.
THERE IS AN URGENT NEED
These precious children need families NOW!
Please, one of these children have to be yours.
Don't let bad pictures mislead you.
I have met some of these children and they are adorable!
They each have smiles waiting to be given to a mommy and daddy.
Click on the child's picture to be taken directly to their Reece's Rainbow account.
Penny - Penny's file has been sent back but she can be requested again.
Please don't let her disappear. Someone, this is your daughter. She needs you.
I just found this little guy newly listed on Reece's Rainbow
Owen
I just found this little guy newly listed on Reece's Rainbow
Owen
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Before I announce the winners, I just have to say that Annabelle is the true winner. She won a family. Thank you everyone.
NOW...
The winners of the $25 Gift Cards are...
(Please let me know which gift card you would like)
Cheryl Topley
Amber Kreeger
Kathleen Eschbach
Sarah Pavel
The winner of the iPad or Galaxy (winners choice)...
Joy Weaver
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When we started this fundraiser, we never imagined going over $600. In fact we were simply hoping to raise at least $600 to cover the cost of the gifts. :)
God blessed this family and surrounded our fundraiser with an army. Each and every one of you. He sent people from the United Kingdom, Netherlands, South Africa, Lebanon, Lithuania, Ireland, Australia, Canada, Russia, Germany, Finland, Greece and of course the USA. (Forgive me if I forgot your country.)
We thank you for caring about our Annabelle as we do. We thank you for your kind words and prayers. We thank you for your financial support.
It makes me cry (happy tears) when I think about all of you who care for our Annabelle. A little girl hidden away for 11 years...now has people from around the world loving her. Soon, she will feel that love in our family. Thank you.
Not only did everyone send money our way to help cover our final adoption costs but you also gave to help buy a used van for the orphanage. This van is vital since it transports the children to and from medical appointments. Every child who is still waiting at the orphanage benefited from all of you! You people are awesome and our God is truly the Almighty! Praise God!
The final total for the van is $1715 (after paypal fees). I have already talked to Shelley Bedford and we are making arrangements for the money to be sent. Thank you so much everyone!
__________________________________________________________________
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
____________________________________________________________________
We pray for everyone. We pray for you to be blessed.
Love,
The Booth Family
Monday, October 8, 2012
10/12/2012 UPDATE: $1715 for the van!
There's only a few hours left for the fundraiser and I can't tell you how grateful we are to everyone. We really didn't think we would raise one dollar for the van but thanks to all of you, we raised over half!
God bless everyone!
Remember we will be announcing the winners tomorrow by 12:00 pm EST! So make sure you check back. Each winner will have one week to respond. If I have your email address, I will send you an email as well. I will try and contact you several times if I don't get a response. Check your junk mail!
10/11/2012 UPDATE: $1612 for the van!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone!
10/10/2012 UPDATE: $1304 for the van!
There's only a few hours left for the fundraiser and I can't tell you how grateful we are to everyone. We really didn't think we would raise one dollar for the van but thanks to all of you, we raised over half!
God bless everyone!
Remember we will be announcing the winners tomorrow by 12:00 pm EST! So make sure you check back. Each winner will have one week to respond. If I have your email address, I will send you an email as well. I will try and contact you several times if I don't get a response. Check your junk mail!
10/11/2012 UPDATE: $1612 for the van!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone!
10/10/2012 UPDATE: $1304 for the van!
Here is a quick update on the funds raised so far for the van needed to transport the children for medical needs.
The orphanage is in need of $2800 to buy a used van. The price includes all tax, titles etc.
So far there is a total of $1038. This total includes the overage from the funds everyone so generously donated to our final costs. And everyone was being so generous so fast that I wasn't able to get the new widget up in time for the van. (THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE)
The $2067 shown on the Chipin widget reflects the amount left that is needed. The final total will come to about $2900. (That's because Paypal has to take their cut). So behind the scenes, the amount is exact or near exact.
I hope this made sense...
Once again, we just have to pour our hearts out in thanks. THANK YOU EVERYONE!
I am working on a post that praises God for all He has done. Mountains have been moved and the glory of God has been shown to us. I really want to give all honor to God so please stay tuned for this post. I'm going to talk about all the amazing things God did throughout this adoption.
Friday, October 5, 2012
UPDATE: There is currently a total of $933 for the van!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
WE ARE FUNDED!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
WE ARE FUNDED!
PRAISE GOD!
THANK YOU EVERYONE!
All funds are now going towards Annabelle and Hasya's orphanage.
The van used to transport the children for medical care broke down and they are in need of a new one.
UPDATE: I just created a new widget because we are funded. The new widget reflects the amount needed for the van minus the $500 already raised and the fees that get deducted by Paypal. Thank you everyone!
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If you have been following this blog for any length of time, one thing you might have noticed is that I'm truly not a gifted writer. My posts are normally short, and I would like to think, sweet.
Words often fail me. And more than anytime in my life, words are failing me now. We are so incredibly, unbelievably thankful to everyone for your kindness. Your words of encouragement takes my breath away. I have been on my knees praying for blessings to be poured out onto all of you. I wish I could hug each and every single one of you. We send our love. God bless.
If you came here from Adeye's blog post, I have to tell you her post brought tears to my eyes. She has such enormous heart. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever known. I am blessed to have her as my friend. I thank God for our friendship. We are kindred spirits.
Please pray for all the children still without a family.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
ALL GLORY AND PRAISE TO GOD!
These are our two precious girls. It's amazing how much they look alike!
P.S.
We promised to do something crazy to Todd (my husband) for every $500 we raised up to our goal.
We raised the money so quickly that we didn't have time to "torture" him. BUT! We will!
He also has to shave his head! LOL!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
One of the most profound things I learned about Annabelle when I visited her in August was that she does not know how to play. I know that sounds crazy. I didn't think it was possible for child to not know how to play. It's suppose to be basic instinct for child...right? Turn them loose and they go crazy or make you crazy.
When I handed her a toy she would drop it. Stare at it. Toss it away. Or not even acknowledge the toy at all. She did love to carry soft toys around but carry them was all she did.
I placed her in the ball pit in the video below and she just sat there.
Any other child would of been in "play heaven".
Throwing balls. Climbing the slide. Running. Screaming with joy.
But Annabelle sat there...for only a few minutes then wanted to get out. I tried to show her how to play. I placed balls in her hand and used her hand to throw them. She laughed a couple times but had no inclination to do it herself.
I climbed the slide and slid down. She thought it was hysterical but never tried to follow me.
Her lack of play skills has nothing to do with her abilities. Within the short week I spent with her I realized that if she were born into our family she would of been what is considered "slow" or maybe normal. She's all there mentally but she was never given any kind of opportunity to grow. Until now that is.
On the last day of my visit with her, when they were about to take her from me. As I was saying goodbye with tears streaming down my face, I will never forget the look on her face as they took her hand and walked her back into that dreaded place. She looked back at me, her face as sad as mine with an expression that told me she wanted to stay with her mommy and that she didn't understand why I was leaving.
We received our official approval from the United States yesterday. Praise God!
We are now only waiting for Annabelle's country. Please continue to pray.
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We are hoping to raise $4500 to complete our adoption.
We are also hoping to go way over $4500...why?
All funds over $4500 will be donated to Annabelle's (Makayla's) orphanage.
As of right now the funds will be used for a needed van but that could change. In one way or another any funds over our goal will be used to benefit the orphanage depending on their needs.
Shelley Bedford from Only1mom.com is looking over this to make sure all funds will reach the orphanage.
Shelley Bedford from Only1mom.com is looking over this to make sure all funds will reach the orphanage.
Please, please help spread the word.
PRIZES:
ONE PERSON
Will have their choice between one of the following tablets:
One Brand New Apple iPad 3 (16GB) + WIFI
Your choice of black or white.
Your choice of black or white.
$499.00
OR
One Brand New Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (16 GB) WIFI
$499.99
NOTE: The device of the winners choice will be shipped directly to the winner from the manufacturer's website (Apple/Samsung). As of right now there are no delay's in shipments but that could change at any time. Please understand this ahead of time. We will do all we can to make sure the winner receives their device promptly.
FOUR PEOPLE
will choose ONE $25.00 Gift Card
of their choice from the cards listed below.
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The fundraiser will run from
October 1st through October 12th.
Please spread word of this fundraiser. We really need help.
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FOR EVERY $5.00 DONATION YOU WILL RECEIVE 1 ENTRY.
$10.00 = 2 entries
$20.00 = 4 entries
$30.00 = 6 entries
$40.00 = 8 entries
$50.00 = 10 entries
$60.00 = 12 entries
$70.00 = 14 entries
$80.00 = 16 entries
$90.00 = 18 entries
$100.00 = 20 entries
$150.00 = 30 entries
October 1st through October 12th.
Each entry will be assigned a number.
We will then hold the drawing on random.org using their free number generator October 13th and announce who won by 12:00pm EST the same day.Please spread word of this fundraiser. We really need help.
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FOR EVERY $5.00 DONATION YOU WILL RECEIVE 1 ENTRY.
$10.00 = 2 entries
$20.00 = 4 entries
$30.00 = 6 entries
$40.00 = 8 entries
$50.00 = 10 entries
$60.00 = 12 entries
$70.00 = 14 entries
$80.00 = 16 entries
$90.00 = 18 entries
$100.00 = 20 entries
$150.00 = 30 entries
and so on...
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We're your average family. No fame or riches. We have our ups and downs. When it rains it pours but we always view the glass as half full. We go where our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ leads. We aren't perfect but we always try to do our best.
Annabelle. The one born in our hearts.
Kandice. Our artistic one.
Amanda. Our helpful one.
Keegan. Our curious one.
Jacob. Our sensitive one.
