tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21388697691252218482024-03-06T02:10:11.110-05:00A Family For MakaylaOur Journey, our praise to God and our voice for orphans.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-54330680968819195812014-03-21T14:31:00.001-04:002014-03-21T14:33:34.399-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We will be celebrating Annabelle's 13th birthday this Sunday. Look how much she has grown!<br />
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She is my wonderful little helper who mimics my every move. We love her soooo much!!! She is an absolute blessing!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-64240872442248047452013-06-05T19:28:00.001-04:002013-06-05T19:28:48.439-04:00Life is Happening<br />
I have been loaded down with doctors appointments galore and I'm not looking forward to what might be coming our way.<br />
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Our sweetheart, Amanda, is having some serious problems. We have been working with an orthopedist for over two years now keeping an eye on Amanda's scoliosis. The doctor never felt surgery was 100% necessary and knowing the stress the surgery would cause Amanda...I let it go. Well, Amanda's scoliosis is now progressed to a 73 degree angle. Surgery now needs to be done.<br />
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But that's not the big problem. A pre-operative MRI revealed something that made our hearts sink. Amanda has a Chiari malformation with syringomyelia (check out<a href="http://www.asap.org/" target="_blank"> asap.org</a>). What those words mean is her brain is herniating out the back of her skull and fluid is building up in her spinal cord.<br />
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Tomorrow, Amanda is going to have another MRI done. Her neurosurgeon will then decide what needs to be done. I will update as I'm able. Please pray.<br />
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Annabelle is doing wonderfully!!! She is healthy and happy!!! Teletubbies are her favorite. :) She's a big girl who no longer needs diapers and is learning new things everyday. I'm absolutely convinced that if Annabelle would of grown up in a family from the very beginning she would be of normal to near normal intelligence.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-38166796376919253932013-03-14T20:31:00.002-04:002013-03-14T20:31:53.863-04:00Shining Bright<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Her teeth are clean! </div>
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Everything went really well with the dentist. In an amazing God given provision, most of Annabelle's teeth were covered in calcified plaque. End result, it protected her teeth from rot. It looked absolutely horrific and smelled bad but what an amazing outcome! She had one little filling. Yep that's it.</div>
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Check out the pictures and you'll find her second dimple. It's not as pronounced but it's just as beautiful . :)</div>
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I had to throw this picture in because this in normally what she looks like while I'm trying to take her picture. She runs and screams and hides from the camera. </div>
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She'll get used to it soon...I hope. ;)</div>
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-39446337433062562642013-02-27T14:32:00.001-05:002013-02-27T14:32:26.546-05:00Quick updateAnnabelle is now at a healthy weight for her size...41 pounds! We put about 13 pounds on her. She eats wonderfully so long as I make what she likes. :)<br />
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Right now I am making between 6-8 different meals a day. One breakfast for Amanda, one for Annabelle, one for Keegan...repeat for lunchtime and dinner (I get help from Todd for dinner). I also have to sit down to feed Amanda and Annabelle six times a day. Needless to say, I spend most of my day in the kitchen.<br />
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Please pray for Annabelle. My sweetie keeps getting ear infections. Two since she's been home. Right now she has ear infections in both ears. The doctor seems to think her teeth might have something to do with it. She's taking antibiotics and is scheduled for next Thursday to have her teeth completely fixed. Praise God! We saw the dentist today and he couldn't really get a look inside her mouth but saw enough to know they are nasty.<br />
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Annabelle will go under general anesthesia to have all her dental work done. At the same time an ENT will look in her ears to determine the exact cause of her ear infections. If needed he will place tubes.<br />
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That's all for now. Thank you for your prayers.<br />
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-30982403801359449612013-02-12T15:15:00.000-05:002013-02-12T15:15:01.150-05:00Dimples and Praise<br />
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First let's<b> praise our heavenly Father</b>!!! Max has a family!!!</div>
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Thank you Lia for the heads up :)</div>
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When we brought Annabelle home she had one tiny little dimple.</div>
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She now has TWO dimples!</div>
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She's gained about 6 pounds since we brought her home!</div>
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I will try to get a picture of the dimples but the camera stresses her out and I don't want to stress her so I really apologize for the lack of pictures.</div>
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We are suspecting post traumatic stress disorder.</div>
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But on the flip side.</div>
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Annabelle is the most loving child.</div>
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She can't get enough of hugs and kisses. </div>
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Her giggles fill our house all day long.</div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-39438887997721491402013-02-03T17:41:00.000-05:002013-02-03T17:41:31.547-05:00YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to take a moment and advocate for this boy.</div>
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<b>SOMEONE PLEASE, PLEASE HELP HIM!</b></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/category/newly-listed" target="_blank"><img src="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Max-2-227x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/category/newly-listed" target="_blank">This is his description from Reece's Rainbow</a> -</div>
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"<span style="background-color: white; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Max is a 15 year old boy, begging to be adopted. He told an American family, “Get me out of here!”</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He MUST BE ADOPTED before age 16, or he will never be able to be adopted. He needs a family, NOW!</strong></div>
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He is smart, gentle and well behaved. The other boys tease him as he has strabismus of the left eye and a slight limp that does not impair his mobility.</div>
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He would make a great son, please save him! He has brown hair and brown eyes, light skin, normal build. Video available."</div>
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The adoption of a child is a blessing so big it cannot be put into words. </div>
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Please don't let fear stop you. </div>
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This boy is fearful of never having a family. </div>
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He begged an American family to get him out. You can be that family that gets him out of there.</div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-31526661117650412112013-02-02T19:48:00.001-05:002013-02-02T19:48:33.371-05:0038.5 lbs of Bananas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Annabelle likes banana's to say the least.</div>
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It's been a small challenge getting her to eat but I found that as long as everything tastes like banana, she'll eat it.</div>
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I bought 38.5 pounds of banana's to make baby food for her this week. She won't eat every single one of these banana's but she does eat about four to five banana's a day. I cover all her food in the taste of banana. Her food has to be the right color too or she will refuse it.</div>
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We're glad banana's are cheap and always in season! :)</div>
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Annabelle is doing so well. She is such a blessing. We can't stop thanking God for her.</div>
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She is also starting to realize that this is her new life and she is enjoying every minute of it!</div>
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-10980525379176834882013-01-27T17:18:00.000-05:002013-01-27T17:18:35.915-05:00Looking back<br />
When my husband and I committed to adopting Makayla from Reece's Rainbow, now our precious Annabelle, we were clueless of what we were actually doing. We thought we were simply adopting a little girl who needed a family and some medical help because her country did not have the means to help her.<br />
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When I read Annabelle's profile and it said she was 10 years old and weighed 22 pounds...I thought she had "failure to thrive". No big deal, my Amanda has a permanent g-tube because she has "failure to thrive". I know exactly how to handle "failure to thrive". I'm a pro. I have over 16 years of dealing with it.<br />
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Cataracts. Shoot, Amanda has cataracts too. Annabelle was right up my ally.<br />
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We never heard of P*even. We never knew about neglect in foreign orphanages. We never once saw anyone advocating for Makayla on their blog (though we now know people did).<br />
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We were a mom and dad who wanted to expand our family.<br />
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We committed to Annabelle and that was that.<br />
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Then the horror came to light. We learned about P*even, the orphanage she was at.<br />
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Annabelle didn't have "failure to thrive"...she was starved, starving. She was neglected. Placed in a room with very little light.<br />
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Night after night I stared at my ceiling in the dark praying to God. Please move this adoption along.<br />
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What began as a peaceful commitment to a little girl became a rescue mission to save a life from tyranny.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PmhI9Mzp-8gR3TW02_5mEBHX1I2ChDRWsBtJ158Bfhgt1q9ytTyG-GIAoLKzC7qowzDXOhoJSFBx-_QUNQ4X6aWuo5Wt2oPbL_hBCDYTeF_ygHc6zhpPQmucjrKMZIYtYg-qM0brBl9a/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PmhI9Mzp-8gR3TW02_5mEBHX1I2ChDRWsBtJ158Bfhgt1q9ytTyG-GIAoLKzC7qowzDXOhoJSFBx-_QUNQ4X6aWuo5Wt2oPbL_hBCDYTeF_ygHc6zhpPQmucjrKMZIYtYg-qM0brBl9a/s320/IMG_0899.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Keegan 6yrs, Annabelle 11yrs, Jacob 4 yrs. <br />Annabelle is slightly sitting on the couch.</td></tr>
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As we watch our Annabelle thrive at home we also are seeing so much of past hurt surfacing and fading away.<br />
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When we first picked her up from the orphanage, she STUNK. It was horrible. I almost couldn't stand to be near her. (I have a sensitivity to smells)<br />
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The smell coming from her was the smell of neglect. She was dehydrated. Her tongue was completely dry. Her teeth caked with plaque. Her hair stunk, her body probably hadn't been bathed in who knows how long.<br />
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Today, she only has a very slight odor coming from her green rotten teeth that need to be fixed or extracted. Not sure which yet. She is receiving antibiotics for an ear infection she had and to help with her teeth. She smells like a sweet little girl.<br />
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Remember this picture?<br />
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I used to be fascinated that she was playing with her fingers. She looked bored and wanting like the wheels in her head were turning. Well she was bored and wanting. She was harming herself from insanity. Her hands are covered in scars from her picking at herself. She has one last sore that she had given herself before we picked her up. That sore is healing and she has not given herself any new ones.<br />
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It took her four days before we had a poopy diaper from her. And when she finally did it was rock hard, black and I swear there was wood in it. Now she's pooping every half hour. Her poop looks normal finally but I think there is an issue here. She's going a little too much. I have to wait to hear from the doctor. We have another appointment with an international pediatrics doctor Feb 7th.<br />
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Annabelle was also unbelievably pale. Ghost like. Her skin is slowly gaining more and more color. What a beautiful child she is.<br />
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It's only been two weeks since we took her from that orphanage. The changes are huge in such a short time. She's learning English like a native. She's learning sign language like she's known it her whole life. She's learning what it means to be loved and she's giving that love back to us.<br />
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There's only one thing I wish I could make her understand. The fact that she will never, never go back to that orphanage or any orphanage. Every time we go out, even to Walmart, she rocks and cries. She's fearful. But as soon as we pull in the driveway to home, she goes crazy with happiness! Her legs are wiggling, her arms are going, she's screaming joy and laughing!<br />
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Annabelle is our precious daughter forever. Please pray that God will give her peace, that she will know we are her forever family.<br />
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Thank you everyone for your kind words. They have meant so much to us. God bless you all.<br />
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I'm sorry for the lack of pictures but Annabelle is slightly fearful of the camera so I haven't taken too many. I will post more as she becomes more comfortable with the sight of the camera.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-15369173588199448382013-01-24T20:31:00.002-05:002013-01-24T20:31:21.907-05:00Jet Lag and Colds<br />
I apologize for not posting sooner but I was suffering from extremely bad jet lag, then I got sick.<br />
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Before I go any further, please, please everyone be in prayer for <a href="http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/" target="_blank">Adeye</a> and her precious Hasya. Hasya did not handle the trip home very well and is in the hospital. Adeye and her family are very dear to all of us here. Please pray.</div>
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So here she is, our Annabelle finally in our arms forever!!!</div>
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Look at her smiling!!!</div>
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When we started this adoption, we had some people tell us that she was better off where she was because "it's what she knows".</div>
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NOTHING</div>
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NOTHING</div>
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NOTHING</div>
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Nothing could be further from the truth.</div>
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Remember that story I was going to tell you? Well, here it is.</div>
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A couple days after we picked up Annabelle from the orphanage, we had to take her to a mandatory doctor's appointment.</div>
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The place looked like an orphanage. Think typical hospital.</div>
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Annabelle cried and cried. She was beside herself. We could not console her.</div>
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The whole time we had her before this moment, she did not cry a peep. </div>
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The only thing we could imagine that was upsetting her was that she thought she was going back to an orphanage. </div>
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Our hearts were broken. We could not wait to get out of that place.</div>
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When we finally were done and by the door to leave, we began to put her coat on...</div>
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Annabelle laughed and put on the biggest smile! You could feel the relief in her.</div>
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Today that same scenario took place. Annabelle had her first American doctor's appointment.</div>
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The place I took her had that same typical hospital, orphanage, institutional look.</div>
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Annabelle cried and cried. She clung to me. Tears rolling down her face.</div>
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When I told her "all done"...she began to laugh. The whole way to the appointment she was silent in the car. The whole way home from the appointment, she laughed. When I pulled in the driveway and told her "we're home"...I thought she was going to explode she was so happy!</div>
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We are so thankful to God for giving us this little girl. </div>
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We believe that Annabelle is thankful to God for giving her a family. </div>
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There are no doubts about her happiness in our family. </div>
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Her smiles and laughter fill our home.</div>
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Children like Annabelle deserve and want families. </div>
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Only ignorant people could think they are better off where they are.</div>
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There are so many children waiting. Give them a family if you can and don't wait.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-lmLjB4eYTF2uBj1QZgOam6hLO4OE2VSNk2DQuiKvGhIW866_I6NfJOGeQw9BYZRha5So5MxmLls2aXPLrzuK_D4goTcLsR1Rly3wSQzWE3SegmxDICX36y510Vmh2PRWnQ07JXqyd70/s1600/IMG_0912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-lmLjB4eYTF2uBj1QZgOam6hLO4OE2VSNk2DQuiKvGhIW866_I6NfJOGeQw9BYZRha5So5MxmLls2aXPLrzuK_D4goTcLsR1Rly3wSQzWE3SegmxDICX36y510Vmh2PRWnQ07JXqyd70/s320/IMG_0912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We praise God.</div>
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Go get an orphan! <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/" target="_blank">Reece's Rainbow</a></div>
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-75943529916368701742013-01-19T21:58:00.001-05:002013-01-19T21:58:50.079-05:00We made it.This is such a short, dinky post but I wanted to let everyone know we made it. We were very close to missing our flight in Germany but God was merciful. <br />
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Annabelle is is part of the gang now and is blending in. It's as if she's always been here. <br />
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Tomorrow, I will hopefully post a heartbreaking story about Annabelle that has a happy ending. <br />
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I will also try to get up some pictures...for now, it's time to craaaaaasssshhhh.....Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-322902117179842672013-01-16T02:00:00.001-05:002013-01-16T02:00:32.179-05:00BlessedI really don't know where to start. Annabelle is the sweetest, most amazing little girl and she has already adjusted to us perfectly. <br />
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She's daddy's little girl and though she doesn't speak, she mutters out "mama". <br />
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Annabelle has very strange sleeping habits. I woke up last night to check on her and found her sleeping while sitting up. She also folds over forward at the waist and sleeps. <br />
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I was shocked when I saw her completely naked. I can't say she's skinny because skinny is fat compared to her. From her backside, she has no butt and you can see her hip bones perfectly. Think about looking at a skeleton from behind. <br />
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We are having a little trouble feeding her. She won't drink from anything and will only eat baby food fruit. I have been mixing cereal in with some of the fruit and I water down other fruit. I have tried mixing baby food meat in with the fruit but even with just one spoonful added to 8oz of fruit, she will refuse it. She's been fully hydrated, thankfully, but we can't wait to get home. Our feeding options are very limited here. For now, she's only sustained. With that said, she has probably eaten more food with us in one day than she has eaten all week. <br />
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We need to pray for the new director. She's up against a crew of workers who want the old director back. <br />
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Annabelle is an absolute blessing and we can't stop thanking God for her. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLP8LfpNziMZXHSF7H5g1QVHjxU0h5IFx9nl4Q03T0s2X8zqJplyTBwWZ-XCGTygT_vtvnsEmWlJigo0mWJKulwfxU2CQKNfIv-LFRrPEdzzdq24gBXyhFWBL2JoJ2Gq3qs5V5Fp-N0xO/s640/blogger-image--480804582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLP8LfpNziMZXHSF7H5g1QVHjxU0h5IFx9nl4Q03T0s2X8zqJplyTBwWZ-XCGTygT_vtvnsEmWlJigo0mWJKulwfxU2CQKNfIv-LFRrPEdzzdq24gBXyhFWBL2JoJ2Gq3qs5V5Fp-N0xO/s640/blogger-image--480804582.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1C0_AlZ4MDCnIdn-pbtsnePI5cMcsyQoJ4gS_F1UfjyKtglaKcCb1YxiEIPIELoeSF9AaoL5QdkUYwFSRw8RBKYnlbTtqd2fk3MMv4qgO94yuGec3zu42jAlR6AZwv0kjN5S7Bg88m4N/s640/blogger-image--818462310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1C0_AlZ4MDCnIdn-pbtsnePI5cMcsyQoJ4gS_F1UfjyKtglaKcCb1YxiEIPIELoeSF9AaoL5QdkUYwFSRw8RBKYnlbTtqd2fk3MMv4qgO94yuGec3zu42jAlR6AZwv0kjN5S7Bg88m4N/s640/blogger-image--818462310.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItoMf-DQTp0QV82BNJC3M8rIp7unCllHgtD-0V_fyxbn_9JH7mXhUQtRGs76PDf4PCDyQQqW9FUqSDUzQE5ZWtDM1X2Jq7orxXspINA9hHEE05PZEKdV8DzJcNDgPnyYXHeL9TDpBeEjG/s640/blogger-image-1727864410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItoMf-DQTp0QV82BNJC3M8rIp7unCllHgtD-0V_fyxbn_9JH7mXhUQtRGs76PDf4PCDyQQqW9FUqSDUzQE5ZWtDM1X2Jq7orxXspINA9hHEE05PZEKdV8DzJcNDgPnyYXHeL9TDpBeEjG/s640/blogger-image-1727864410.jpg" /></a></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-13940291307455427962013-01-09T18:46:00.001-05:002013-01-09T18:46:41.319-05:00It's Time...FinallyI know I've been a little lame in the posting department but please forgive me. I have been going nuts with getting everything clean and just right in my house. It's my way of passing time that I so badly want to pass.<br />
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On Friday, this Friday, time will have finally passed and I will be boarding an airplane to cross the ocean to bring Annabelle home forever.<br />
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I want to thank everyone again for their support and if I ever forgot to thank someone, please, I beg you to forgive me. Each and every single one of you are dear to us. We faced many struggles and sometimes the struggles blinded me or caused me to forget. I have lifted you all in my prayers.</div>
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Monday, January 14th, Annabelle will be in my arms forever. Please pray for her. She is going to go through a HUGE transition. </div>
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I give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. He is AMAZING. Trust Him.</div>
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Thank you everyone. God bless.</div>
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I am going to try and update while we are in Bul*aria.</div>
<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-1655276928322877432012-12-05T19:00:00.000-05:002012-12-05T19:00:09.124-05:00Brick by brick<div style="text-align: center;">
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I want to bring everyone's attention to a fundraiser now going on at </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/">www.NoGreaterJoyMom.com</a>.</b></div>
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<b>This is huge!</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/" target="_blank"><img height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1U-JWN5ieB2TDKwr-A31jEhy3AM2N0StTMw4UJ_NMwopFK957sUn5w9X6tXxJ_4iye94OUWZxob-pQJKkj9TcH6rHJKpSpTgJ-OdgHP7Yy1XCZY9O9J2JtNJdL8BJeMWbD-KDpuN8_4x/s320/banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you love blessing others than this is an awesome chance to do so!</div>
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Please, please help build a house for orphans in Guatemala.</div>
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One brick is estimated to cost $25.</div>
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They need about 1200 bricks totaling $30,000 to build the house.</div>
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As a great incentive, there are a few prizes.</div>
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Give these precious, precious children a house.</div>
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<a href="http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/"><b>www.NoGreaterJoyMom.com</b></a></div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-22880933074014255252012-12-04T15:52:00.000-05:002012-12-04T17:50:47.483-05:00Riches of a different kind<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>How rich do you have to be to adopt? </b></div>
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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<br />
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We're average middle class people. </div>
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Nothing special by any stretch of the imagination. </div>
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This is our home.</div>
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Does our house look like rich people live in it?</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Car number one is a simple 2007 Honda Fit. It's not even the sport addition.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Car number two is an old 1995 Honda Civic.</div>
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We call it "The Beast".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It creaks,<br />
it moans,<br />
it's rusted,<br />
the rear bumper is falling off,<br />
one door doesn't open,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>but</i><br />
it's very reliable.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
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. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Does that seem rich to you?</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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I'm not going to get into our bank account but trust me, it's not rich. It's enough with a little extra.</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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So what did the social worker see when she visited our home?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well, she didn't see a huge house perfectly maintained by a visiting maid.</div>
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No Cadillac Escalade to haul the family to and fro.</div>
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No gigantic savings $$$,$$$,$$$</div>
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<br /></div>
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Why then? What did she see in us?</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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She saw loving parents who live responsibly within their means taking care of what they have and always providing for their children.</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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She had confidence that we knew what we were doing and that we can amply provide for another child.</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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She saw a family rich in love for each other.</div>
<br />
<br />
Over a year ago, I saw this little girl on <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/27141/makayla-11-16" target="_blank">Reece's Rainbow</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0p7EEsXC6SVSbfcECLotm5jZiV1Y6-kMe-J2X_wD2lvKejB_rPXNzQ1hzE0leP7Hk9KulzNPwmjrpghwysUxgwVInD23VoJu39Np9rhm40yVdfYh3cYUucTTkQ1xgSEG7udOA8qERf1I/s1600/Makaylawebsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0p7EEsXC6SVSbfcECLotm5jZiV1Y6-kMe-J2X_wD2lvKejB_rPXNzQ1hzE0leP7Hk9KulzNPwmjrpghwysUxgwVInD23VoJu39Np9rhm40yVdfYh3cYUucTTkQ1xgSEG7udOA8qERf1I/s320/Makaylawebsite.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, December 4, 2012</div>
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Makayla from Reece's Rainbow is now </div>
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Annabelle, our daughter. </div>
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<b>It's official!</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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One less orphan in the world today! Praise God!</div>
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No more will she stand alone in a crib.</div>
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No more will she go hungry.</div>
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No more neglect!!!</div>
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She now has a mama, daddy, and siblings to hold her and love her!</div>
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God was with us every step of the way. All praise and glory to God!</div>
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<br /></div>
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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. </div>
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<i>Never</i> would she have approved us if she thought we couldn't do it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Do you want to adopt? Do you know someone who wants to adopt?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Are you making excuses about your situation and why you can't adopt?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you meet these guidelines listed here at <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/new-family/newfamily" target="_blank">Reece's Rainbow</a>, then why not go through a home study?<br />
<br />
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.</div>
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<br />
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We are rich and today we are richer. Thank you God for blessing us with a new daughter.</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYV0AmF5fcHU2H2tPXB9q-cFuCj7-P2knhydMD_0BVaXHfUx0Aeit3a7K8boqwOKSKmVYX2gI1t1RjH4fozyDtc2R04jh8BN1dJ3a69f1nMGTr6wdsgx_pCU4RbpOYLlC3oa5hS4-eEA-/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYV0AmF5fcHU2H2tPXB9q-cFuCj7-P2knhydMD_0BVaXHfUx0Aeit3a7K8boqwOKSKmVYX2gI1t1RjH4fozyDtc2R04jh8BN1dJ3a69f1nMGTr6wdsgx_pCU4RbpOYLlC3oa5hS4-eEA-/s320/IMG_0601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Children are a blessing from God.</div>
<br /></div>
<br />
P.S.<br />
<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/50395/zoey-40-9" target="_blank"><img src="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Zoey1-160x300.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/50395/zoey-40-9" target="_blank">Zoey has a family!</a><br />
She can now be found on the <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/category/rescued" target="_blank">"My Family Found Me"</a> page.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-16009511825504013502012-11-29T17:16:00.002-05:002012-11-29T17:18:11.890-05:00Silent, but not really<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtguVrrXkcBQQ8UQFnUn-X_2298OH4N3i5BHUn-LL1jUmAt7_fQtZ3D_Zv43Y5OgIpH9IpZGb7t_OSaA41r7M-eHkH-G6rmpOtJCsGeMyNTvnaswS_KBMO8NHVpSAiA4T7nDdSGi8wybsj/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtguVrrXkcBQQ8UQFnUn-X_2298OH4N3i5BHUn-LL1jUmAt7_fQtZ3D_Zv43Y5OgIpH9IpZGb7t_OSaA41r7M-eHkH-G6rmpOtJCsGeMyNTvnaswS_KBMO8NHVpSAiA4T7nDdSGi8wybsj/s320/IMG_0620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Pardon my absence but I have been working on a "book" telling about our adoption story. It's just for personal use when we speak at churches and other functions.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The book will be more like a scrapbook used for people to browse through after or during the presentation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's important that people see and understand three things:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Special needs children aren't scary.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Adoption is possible no matter what your situation is in life so long as you meet government requirements.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. God will be gloried.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
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. </div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-30042763412598913722012-11-15T19:06:00.000-05:002012-11-15T19:08:29.902-05:00A small voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/17738/janna309" target="_blank"><img src="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Janna-2-1-225x300.jpg" /></a><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/17738/janna309" target="_blank"><img src="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Janna-2-220x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm just a small voice in a big world but I want to speak out to anyone who might hear me.<br />
<br />
Please someone rescue this little girl.<br />
She's facing the horrible reality of being transferred to an adult institution.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/17738/janna309" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><b>Janna at Reece's Rainbow</b></a></div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-42064235838577333782012-11-14T19:29:00.000-05:002012-11-14T19:29:47.650-05:00What Faith Can Do<br />
<div id="lyric_tt" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<h2 style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">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.</span></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
What Faith Can Do</h2>
</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">
Everybody falls sometimes<br />
Gotta find the strength to rise<br />
From the ashes<br />
And make a new beginning<br />
<br />
Anyone can feel the ache<br />
You think it's more than you can take<br />
But you're stronger<br />
Stronger than you know<br />
<br />
Don't you give up now<br />
The sun will soon be shining<br />
You gotta face the clouds<br />
To find the silver lining<br />
<br />
I've seen dreams that move the mountains<br />
Hope that doesn't ever end<br />
Even when the sky is falling<br />
I've seen miracles just happen<br />
Silent prayers get answered<br />
Broken hearts become brand new<br />
That's what faith can do<br />
<br />
It doesn't matter what you've heard<br />
Impossible is not a word<br />
It's just a reason<br />
For someone not to try<br />
<br />
Everybody's scared to death<br />
When they decide to take that step<br />
Out on the water<br />
It'll be alright<br />
<br />
Life is so much more<br />
Than what your eyes are seeing<br />
You will find your way<br />
If you keep believing<br />
<br />
I've seen dreams that move the mountains<br />
Hope that doesn't ever end<br />
Even when the sky is falling<br />
I've seen miracles just happen<br />
Silent prayers get answered<br />
Broken hearts become brand new<br />
That's what faith can do<br />
<br />
Overcome the odds<br />
You don't have a chance<br />
(That's what faith can do)<br />
When the world says you can't<br />
It'll tell you that you can<br />
<br />
I've seen dreams that move the mountains<br />
Hope that doesn't ever end<br />
Even when the sky is falling<br />
And I've seen miracles just happen<br />
Silent prayers get answered<br />
Broken hearts become brand new<br />
That's what faith can do<br />
That's what faith can do<br />
<br />
Even if you fall sometimes<br />
You will have the strength to rise</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">
_____________________________________________________________________</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">
<b>A new family has taken a leap of faith. God bless them on their journey.</b></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">
<b>Penny has a family!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Penny3-450x299.jpg" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: center;" /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">
You can follow here on their blog <a href="http://www.zingermama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.zingermama.blogspot.com/</a></div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-90942174833313174932012-11-11T17:47:00.003-05:002012-11-11T17:53:07.359-05:00Are Orphans Worth It?<div>
What is the worth of an orphan, a fatherless child? While I'm at it, what is the worth of a widow?</div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Bible is very clear. God is very clear.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDz6E7i3ShL6aRWLkrKfKWThN06eUaZ4la9Cg-07VBf0sMhW7uIYsvp6VDgc5kz5fwE4xoDpj1m9eR2xh0QNHBoXI7eVskllNCBtXK9n6dnEkOvBXHEhWTakdV10QNxTWnB16k_T4vpKE/s1600/logo+pic+cross+copy_fmt.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDz6E7i3ShL6aRWLkrKfKWThN06eUaZ4la9Cg-07VBf0sMhW7uIYsvp6VDgc5kz5fwE4xoDpj1m9eR2xh0QNHBoXI7eVskllNCBtXK9n6dnEkOvBXHEhWTakdV10QNxTWnB16k_T4vpKE/s200/logo+pic+cross+copy_fmt.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
There are numerous Bible scriptures that pay special attention to orphans and widows. Here are a few scriptures to get you started.</div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">~ Exodus 22:22-24 </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">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.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wow, those are strong words. God clearly has compassion and love for the widow and orphan in reference to that scripture.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">~Deuteronomy 10:17-18 </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">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.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Again, God shows His love and compassion for the widow and orphan. He executes justice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">~Psalms 68:3</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">~Isaiah 1:16-17</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">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.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">~James 1:27</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">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.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now I really want to get down to the nitty gritty. I have a question for the church.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What is ONE child worth to every church? As scripture has shown, orphans are clearly worth a lot to God.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Every year, churches from other countries send missionaries to the U.S...something is definitely redundant here.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let me rephrase my prior question to the church.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We need churches to support adoptions. There are children SUFFERING in orphanages.<br />
<br />
New pews or one saved orphan? Two saved orphans, three, four, five...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Check out <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/" target="_blank">REECE'S RAINBOW.com</a></div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-61513690939057857572012-11-08T14:12:00.001-05:002012-11-08T14:15:14.839-05:00Go there...not here...I just got back from reading Adeye's post at <a href="http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/" target="_blank">NoGreaterJoyMom</a>. Please go there and read her post.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>It's very important.</b></div>
</div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-34555388682075948052012-11-05T15:59:00.001-05:002012-11-06T12:32:10.679-05:00So how was it all funded?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_SHFRntnfqSnyRhgj4ITkWtsW6PQ2QiAB9n09fXY7r0VD31ordvYB0g_vRYEldwMQ8tMmCxE8ZI4w-grCr0z4B5arb8f_hFJKp-ZyIzH4zjrSR_cOaa9dhGKpJ7xN0Z8MhdegNLWOTl3/s1600/Makayla+webpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_SHFRntnfqSnyRhgj4ITkWtsW6PQ2QiAB9n09fXY7r0VD31ordvYB0g_vRYEldwMQ8tMmCxE8ZI4w-grCr0z4B5arb8f_hFJKp-ZyIzH4zjrSR_cOaa9dhGKpJ7xN0Z8MhdegNLWOTl3/s1600/Makayla+webpic.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Some of you may wonder how our adoption was funded. Some of you might not. :)<br />
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Anyhow, to give encouragement and ideas, I want to share with you how God blessed an act of faith.<br />
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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".</div>
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So what did we do? We depended on God.<br />
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Mark 11:22 And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God."</div>
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First things first. We had to come up with $3500 for our commitment fee. </div>
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We had no idea how we were going to do this. We asked to <i>borrow </i>money from both of our families but neither wanted any part of it. </div>
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I emailed a dear Christian friend of mine and told her what we were doing. She asked if she could help.<br />
She mailed us a check. </div>
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We praised God!!! The woman who sent us the money is truly a special person and we are very thankful to her.</div>
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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. </div>
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So commitment fees were paid...now to figure out how to get the rest...</div>
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I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 16-17 years. I would do <i>anything</i> for one of my children. And sweet <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/30030/sponsorbooth" target="_blank">Makayla</a>, now Annabelle, was one of my children. So what was I prepared to do to get my child home? </div>
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I got a job. </div>
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Not just any job. A grueling job. It was available and the company was willing to take me so I took it. </div>
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I lifted heavy things. I pulled and pushed <i>very</i> heavy things. I got dirty. I froze. I sweat. I went crossed eyed looking at shiny chrome plated metal all day.<br />
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I smashed and broke my pinky finger.</div>
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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.</div>
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I made $8.00 an hour. I worked overtime when I could.</div>
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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!</div>
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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.</div>
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I view the job as one of God's provisions. I am thankful.</div>
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Then out of nowhere came Julia from <a href="http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">CovenantBuilders</a>. She held a Mulligan Stew in which so many adopting families and orphans benefited. </div>
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We thanked God. We prayed for blessings to be poured out on everyone for their generosity, prayers and love.</div>
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We are so grateful to her and everyone who donated.</div>
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I continued to work and work hard.</div>
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Then I was contacted by Amy from <a href="http://treasuresinhiddenplaces.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hidden Treasures</a>. 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.</div>
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We again thanked God. We prayed for more blessings to be poured out on everyone for their generosity, prayers and love.</div>
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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<i> Side note:</i> When I went to Bu*g*r*a on my first trip I spent it with Adeye from <a href="http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/" target="_blank">NoGreaterJoyMom</a>. 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.</div>
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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. </div>
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We raised the $4500 in 17 hours after Adeye's post and had $1715 extra to send to the orphanage! WOW!</div>
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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. </div>
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We have prayed and prayed for everyone.</div>
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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.<br />
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We also had donations here and there sent to our <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/30030/sponsorbooth" target="_blank">Reece's Rainbow account</a>. Truly a blessing.</div>
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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.</div>
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We also gained many others who said encouraging things and we thank all of you. Your kind words helped us through hard times.</div>
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All in all, our adoption cost us about $24,000.<br />
We received about $10,300 in donations. Thank you everyone!<br />
And we also incurred about $4000 in debt.<br />
Oh well, it will get paid off. That debt is no worse than if she was delivered in an American hospital.</div>
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<b>This child, this smile is worth it!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3rP2ECcmRKZg36oroPhxERH0v1lmRftE35mD-5uwX3Hc9GqCk8fQ0SYpey0fXImq2xcBJozPa97irBxkUQuBdfwhPQbIHVgWCdNZmicnHMYgg4SR05Z2n9GKtQ9g-zGvdY9bwCwZjTJu/s1600/Day+two+Pleven+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3rP2ECcmRKZg36oroPhxERH0v1lmRftE35mD-5uwX3Hc9GqCk8fQ0SYpey0fXImq2xcBJozPa97irBxkUQuBdfwhPQbIHVgWCdNZmicnHMYgg4SR05Z2n9GKtQ9g-zGvdY9bwCwZjTJu/s320/Day+two+Pleven+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you God. All praise, honor and glory belong to God Almighty.</div>
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Thank you brothers and sisters in Christ.</div>
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Thank you friends.</div>
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I hope you all understand my point in writing this. Find your strength in God. </div>
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Depend on Him.</div>
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There are one too many orphans suffering in the world today. </div>
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Please find the strength to change the world of one child. </div>
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Then write your own story of encouragement.</div>
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I also want to point out that you don't have to be rich to adopt. </div>
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This is our house. Just another middle class box on a street in the USA.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmSkwVz2pgUeR84yrfikdE5hOuYi1XRZ-usKWfgvMfOn5g31d-16xAfu0YMXBySsRrg_gylGQlg08G9gxLPoILKTqtt9sgcp4Z5Y77EZhNbdRTSiPrN9P8cxqf-yonCYQ3n6jQSLFGzVK/s1600/IMG_4217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmSkwVz2pgUeR84yrfikdE5hOuYi1XRZ-usKWfgvMfOn5g31d-16xAfu0YMXBySsRrg_gylGQlg08G9gxLPoILKTqtt9sgcp4Z5Y77EZhNbdRTSiPrN9P8cxqf-yonCYQ3n6jQSLFGzVK/s320/IMG_4217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This link will take you to the income guidelines for international adoption.</div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/new-family/income-requirements" target="_blank">Income Guidelines.</a></div>
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This link will take you to some helpful information regarding adoption in general.</div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/new-family/newfamily" target="_blank">New Family Information.</a></div>
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-5836938382754275502012-10-28T18:00:00.001-04:002012-10-28T18:01:36.201-04:00Orphanage Van Funds Sent!<div style="text-align: center;">
I just wanted to take a minute to let everyone know that $1715 was sent to Annabelle and Haysa's orphanage. </div>
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Thank you everyone for supporting us and the orphanage. God bless!</div>
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We still have to shave my husband's head...</div>
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Right now, I just need a moment to chill.</div>
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In the meantime, please don't forget about these precious children still waiting for their families to find them.</div>
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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.</div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=harvey" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Harvey3-450x299.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=harvey" target="_blank">Harvey</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Brandi" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Brandi3-450x299.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Brandi" target="_blank">Brandi</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=kramer" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Kramer3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=kramer" target="_blank">Kramer</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Chad" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Chad22.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Chad" target="_blank">Chad</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=theodore" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Theodore3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=theodore" target="_blank">Theodore</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=garnet" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Garnet10-300x2691.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=garnet" target="_blank">Garnet</a></div>
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<img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Penny3-450x299.jpg" /></div>
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Penny - Penny's file has been sent back but she can be requested again. </div>
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Please don't let her disappear. Someone, this is your daughter. She needs you.<br />
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/48395/owen-11-41" target="_blank"><img src="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Owen_sm-300x278.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/48395/owen-11-41" target="_blank">Owen</a></div>
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-10597771318518633232012-10-23T20:59:00.002-04:002012-10-23T20:59:46.043-04:00Huge Fundraising Going On Now<div style="text-align: center;">
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...</div>
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<a href="http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/" target="_blank">NoGreaterJoyMom.com</a></div>
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Whatever you can do, please help them even if the only thing you can donate are kind words. </div>
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Believe me, kind words are needed!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMV-gqs1jIM7yygZJUuObh69-MMe7GcZxBMNiBVoW7oG6Y0beIJTVMzMQ1IC7DcB0jABtMYAbKHpnGSucTYCGl0YEQjgnaFuuVrzn9w-jAnYOG214IMHyTpDspY23odxkA38yTYEKG_xY/s1600/Makayla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMV-gqs1jIM7yygZJUuObh69-MMe7GcZxBMNiBVoW7oG6Y0beIJTVMzMQ1IC7DcB0jABtMYAbKHpnGSucTYCGl0YEQjgnaFuuVrzn9w-jAnYOG214IMHyTpDspY23odxkA38yTYEKG_xY/s320/Makayla.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-3330706296762126782012-10-19T17:10:00.000-04:002012-10-20T12:29:40.481-04:00Will Not Quit, Will Not Stop<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm a mother to a 16 year old girl who has the mentality of a 3-4 year old<br />
and still wears diapers.<br />
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If disabilities were so scary and unmanageable I wouldn't be advocating for these children.<br />
I wouldn't be adopting another one myself.<br />
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<b>Disabled children are just as fun and lovable as non-disabled children.</b><br />
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These children's files have been sent back to their home country but they can be requested again!<br />
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<i>Without you</i>, these pictures convey all theses children will ever be.<br />
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<i>With you</i>, they will thrive.<br />
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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.<br />
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The children in these pictures have the same possibilities! But they need the love and care from a mom and/or dad.<br />
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=harvey" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Harvey3-450x299.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=harvey" target="_blank">Harvey</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Brandi" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Brandi3-450x299.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Brandi" target="_blank">Brandi</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=kramer" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Kramer3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=kramer" target="_blank">Kramer</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Chad" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Chad22.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Chad" target="_blank">Chad</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=theodore" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Theodore3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=theodore" target="_blank">Theodore</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=garnet" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Garnet10-300x2691.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=garnet" target="_blank">Garnet</a></div>
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<img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Penny3-450x299.jpg" /></div>
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Penny - Penny's file has been sent back but she can be requested again. </div>
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Please don't let her disappear. Someone, this is your daughter. She needs you.<br />
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/48395/owen-11-41" target="_blank"><img src="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Owen_sm-300x278.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/48395/owen-11-41" target="_blank">Owen</a><br />
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This little guy is the only one who's file is on Reece's Rainbow.<br />
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.</div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-52283865967940573062012-10-14T15:17:00.000-04:002012-10-16T17:07:30.229-04:00And our ministry begins...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Today was the first day of our new ministry. We didn't plan this ministry, God did.</span></div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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We first talked to our Pastor when we read Susanna's blog post about her precious Katie at <a href="http://theblessingofverity.com/">TheBlessingofVerity.com</a>. We are adopting from the same orphanage as Susanna's Katie and the story told by Susanna was perfectly put. </div>
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I immediately emailed our Pastor and asked him to read "Katie's Story". These are his exact words in his reply to us, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Wow - speechless.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> Would either of you be open to giving a presentation at church on a Sunday </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">morning, both regarding your adoption, but also helping us all better </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">understand the seriousness of these children's needs?".</span></div>
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Today was that Sunday. Tomorrow is another day and we will continue until God calls us to quit.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><u>THERE IS AN URGENT NEED</u></span></div>
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These precious children need families NOW!</div>
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Please, one of these children have to be yours.</div>
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Don't let bad pictures mislead you.</div>
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I have met some of these children and they are adorable!</div>
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They each have smiles waiting to be given to a mommy and daddy.</div>
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Click on the child's picture to be taken directly to their Reece's Rainbow account.</div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=harvey" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Harvey3-450x299.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=harvey" target="_blank">Harvey</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Brandi" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Brandi3-450x299.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Brandi" target="_blank">Brandi</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=kramer" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Kramer3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=kramer" target="_blank">Kramer</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Chad" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Chad22.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Chad" target="_blank">Chad</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=theodore" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Theodore3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=theodore" target="_blank">Theodore</a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=garnet" target="_blank"><img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Garnet10-300x2691.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=garnet" target="_blank">Garnet</a></div>
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<img src="http://theblessingofverity.com/wp-content/uploads/Penny3-450x299.jpg" /></div>
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Penny - Penny's file has been sent back but she can be requested again. </div>
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Please don't let her disappear. Someone, this is your daughter. She needs you.<br />
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I just found this little guy newly listed on Reece's Rainbow<br />
<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/48395/owen-11-41" target="_blank"><img src="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Owen_sm-300x278.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/48395/owen-11-41" target="_blank">Owen</a></div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138869769125221848.post-78322723751205598612012-10-13T10:46:00.002-04:002012-10-13T10:46:43.823-04:00Glory to God<div style="text-align: center;">
Before I announce the winners, I just have to say that Annabelle is the true winner. She won a family. Thank you everyone.</div>
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NOW...</div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">The winners of the $25 Gift Cards are...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">(Please let me know which gift card you would like)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Cheryl Topley</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Amber Kreeger</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Kathleen Eschbach</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Sarah Pavel</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The winner of the iPad or Galaxy (winners choice)...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Joy Weaver</span></div>
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<br />
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. :)<br />
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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.)<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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The final total for the van is $1715 (after paypal fees). I have already talked to <a href="http://www.only1mom.com/" target="_blank">Shelley Bedford</a> and we are making arrangements for the money to be sent. Thank you so much everyone!<br />
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<u style="background-color: white;">Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV)</u><br />
<u style="background-color: white;"><br /></u>
<span style="background-color: white;">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.’</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibu-vyisAiU3BLBBY3ANejaq98uQYweVhKz5SN7VExUpi3EuI49AqrtwP5OiBBzlqKn2ovidoSi6okFwuq9Hbtv6fOQbqIuMwsaLjksxWvq2KUUBwiWuSTEAQZ0NRAQGZqgwBoiLT48N5x/s1600/sheep2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibu-vyisAiU3BLBBY3ANejaq98uQYweVhKz5SN7VExUpi3EuI49AqrtwP5OiBBzlqKn2ovidoSi6okFwuq9Hbtv6fOQbqIuMwsaLjksxWvq2KUUBwiWuSTEAQZ0NRAQGZqgwBoiLT48N5x/s200/sheep2.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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I wish I could convey in words our tremendous thanks but I can't. There just isn't a word or words that can tell you of our gratitude.<br />
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We pray for everyone. We pray for you to be blessed.<br />
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Love,<br />
The Booth Family<br />
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<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18129289177465196466noreply@blogger.com2