I don't know what makes you smile,
or if you've ever had a reason to.
I know you probably don't cry.
Are your eyes blue like the ocean,
with spots and flecks like Eon's?
Or the color of mud and mine?
Do you run and play outside,
or do they keep you in a dark room?
Have they ever let you try?
I spend my days wondering what you are like
and what you'll think of me.
Have I lost my mind?
Will you watch me with wonder
or drop your gaze in fear?
You don't know what mama means.
Will you let me hold you
or will you want to know me slowly?
I'll try to be patient.
When our eyes finally meet,
Will my heart melt with instant devotion?
or will love need time to kindle?
So many unknowns, so many worries, so many fears.
But this I know: God sees. God knows. God cares.
And this: You are wanted. You are loved. I am coming.
Hold on, little one. Hold on.
Showing posts with label adoption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adoption. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Nonsensical and Weak
"What?!?"
"Why would you want to do that?"
"What about your other kids?"
"You're already busier than most. Why would you add more on your plate?"
"Why don't you just have another one of your own?"
These are some of the reactions we've received when people find out that we're adopting a child with Down syndrome from the country of Serbia.
I've answered most of these questions in a previous post on adoption that was written almost a year ago. Go on, click on it and read it. I'll wait. :)
Everything except the last paragraph is still true, today.
Our circumstances have changed and we are moving forward to adopt, currently working on our home study. I wrote in my last post on this subject a few months ago that I couldn't choose our child from a picture and my good friend, Christie, suggested we look into adopting from Serbia, as they only do blind referrals. Our first step was to send our bio info to the Ministry of Adoption and see if they would overlook our already large family size and let us start the process. They agreed.
So now we're sharing our good news and getting the above responses. Each and every time, I find myself grasping for a succinct answer that reflects our hearts, but doesn't bore the listener or sound like I'm justifying myself and my choices. (That's really hard to do. So much easier to write things...with the delete and backspace buttons, than to speak them.)
Sometimes, people actually are judging us and our choices and I get a little flabbergasted. My pride rears up and I want to assure them that we know what we're doing. (Even though, we really don't. ) Most of the time, though, people are genuinely curious and I can appreciate that.
I think my problem lies in that, to me, it's very simple:
But, of course, in the simplicity is a whole host of complexity.
If I'm simple in my response, I'm thought to be too cavalier and have, obviously, not thought this through. They have no idea the tears, the endless calculations, the constant-can't-shut-them-off-thoughts that swirl through my brain at all hours, the deep discussions, and the what-ifs that have all conspired against our pursuit of this child that we've never met. They have no idea that our faith in Jesus teaches us to do the hard things, to put aside our selfishness, to help widows and orphans, and to care for the least of these. They can't comprehend that we really do feel blessed to have the privilege of parenting Eon. We welcome the opportunity to parent another kid like him, even if there are additional health concerns or behaviors.
We have counted the cost (as we know it...I've mentioned before that no one can accurately predict the future.) We've found our reasons not to go through with this to be lacking when confronted with the life of a child.
If not us, then who?
God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. I Corinthians 1:27 (GNT)
Nonsensical and weak. I guess we qualify.
"Why would you want to do that?"
"What about your other kids?"
"You're already busier than most. Why would you add more on your plate?"
"Why don't you just have another one of your own?"
These are some of the reactions we've received when people find out that we're adopting a child with Down syndrome from the country of Serbia.
I've answered most of these questions in a previous post on adoption that was written almost a year ago. Go on, click on it and read it. I'll wait. :)
Everything except the last paragraph is still true, today.
Our circumstances have changed and we are moving forward to adopt, currently working on our home study. I wrote in my last post on this subject a few months ago that I couldn't choose our child from a picture and my good friend, Christie, suggested we look into adopting from Serbia, as they only do blind referrals. Our first step was to send our bio info to the Ministry of Adoption and see if they would overlook our already large family size and let us start the process. They agreed.
So now we're sharing our good news and getting the above responses. Each and every time, I find myself grasping for a succinct answer that reflects our hearts, but doesn't bore the listener or sound like I'm justifying myself and my choices. (That's really hard to do. So much easier to write things...with the delete and backspace buttons, than to speak them.)
Sometimes, people actually are judging us and our choices and I get a little flabbergasted. My pride rears up and I want to assure them that we know what we're doing. (Even though, we really don't. ) Most of the time, though, people are genuinely curious and I can appreciate that.
I think my problem lies in that, to me, it's very simple:
- There's a child who has no one.
- I am someone.
- He/she can have me.
But, of course, in the simplicity is a whole host of complexity.
If I'm simple in my response, I'm thought to be too cavalier and have, obviously, not thought this through. They have no idea the tears, the endless calculations, the constant-can't-shut-them-off-thoughts that swirl through my brain at all hours, the deep discussions, and the what-ifs that have all conspired against our pursuit of this child that we've never met. They have no idea that our faith in Jesus teaches us to do the hard things, to put aside our selfishness, to help widows and orphans, and to care for the least of these. They can't comprehend that we really do feel blessed to have the privilege of parenting Eon. We welcome the opportunity to parent another kid like him, even if there are additional health concerns or behaviors.
We have counted the cost (as we know it...I've mentioned before that no one can accurately predict the future.) We've found our reasons not to go through with this to be lacking when confronted with the life of a child.
If not us, then who?
God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. I Corinthians 1:27 (GNT)
Nonsensical and weak. I guess we qualify.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Adoption
My heart hurts for orphans. From the time I knew about adoption, I knew I wanted to adopt a child. Early in our marriage, Shawn and I discussed adopting a child with Down syndrome some day. When we had Eon, I thought God had just been preparing us for him. Now, we believe Eon is, in fact, preparing us for someone else.
Upon the birth of our first born, I remember thinking, "They could've handed me any baby and I know I would love her just as much." And, later thinking, "That was a bizarre thought to have." :) But I knew then that I was capable of loving one born to another.
So, it's really no surprise that the children of Reece's Rainbow have captured my heart and turned me into an advocate with my first click to the website. I have spent much time praying, crying, and longing over the children listed there. I follow the blogs of parents working to bring their children home. I rejoice when I read the "Gotcha" posts and feel like I'm walking on air after viewing the pictures of the first meeting. I talk about the fate of those not chosen with anyone who will listen...and sometimes even if they won't.
I wrote this post several months ago about our position on adoption.
But, God, in His mercy, intervened and radically changed our circumstances. Suddenly, we qualify. We could actually do what just months ago seemed so much like a pipe dream. We could actually have a "Gotcha Day" of our own.
How in the world do you choose a child? I scroll through the pictures and my heart is captivated by each and every one. God chose the children currently in our home. For the most part, we even left the timing and the number up to Him. So, being in the driver's seat is something new.
Yet, we're not really in the driver's seat, are we? Honestly, if we were, I'd be researching our next vacation spot instead of researching the best agencies. But God has so strongly placed this on our hearts, there really isn't any question as to if we'll take the leap.
The rational (maybe secular?) side of me, insists that we wait until the time is right, the money is there, the house is bigger, the baby's older, the littles are potty trained, the olders are enthusiastically supportive, etc.
My heart, however, tells me there is a child who goes to bed at night without a story, a kiss, or a prayer...a child who wakes at night without crying because he knows there is no one to comfort him...a child who has never felt like he mattered (because, in his country, he doesn't)...a child who's fate is sealed when he reaches the age of five and who will surely die unless I can get my head in the game.
When I listen to my heart, my excuses fly out the window. I know a sense of urgency to bring that child home, before any more harm is done.
But who is he?
Upon the birth of our first born, I remember thinking, "They could've handed me any baby and I know I would love her just as much." And, later thinking, "That was a bizarre thought to have." :) But I knew then that I was capable of loving one born to another.
So, it's really no surprise that the children of Reece's Rainbow have captured my heart and turned me into an advocate with my first click to the website. I have spent much time praying, crying, and longing over the children listed there. I follow the blogs of parents working to bring their children home. I rejoice when I read the "Gotcha" posts and feel like I'm walking on air after viewing the pictures of the first meeting. I talk about the fate of those not chosen with anyone who will listen...and sometimes even if they won't.
I wrote this post several months ago about our position on adoption.
But, God, in His mercy, intervened and radically changed our circumstances. Suddenly, we qualify. We could actually do what just months ago seemed so much like a pipe dream. We could actually have a "Gotcha Day" of our own.
How in the world do you choose a child? I scroll through the pictures and my heart is captivated by each and every one. God chose the children currently in our home. For the most part, we even left the timing and the number up to Him. So, being in the driver's seat is something new.
Yet, we're not really in the driver's seat, are we? Honestly, if we were, I'd be researching our next vacation spot instead of researching the best agencies. But God has so strongly placed this on our hearts, there really isn't any question as to if we'll take the leap.
The rational (maybe secular?) side of me, insists that we wait until the time is right, the money is there, the house is bigger, the baby's older, the littles are potty trained, the olders are enthusiastically supportive, etc.
My heart, however, tells me there is a child who goes to bed at night without a story, a kiss, or a prayer...a child who wakes at night without crying because he knows there is no one to comfort him...a child who has never felt like he mattered (because, in his country, he doesn't)...a child who's fate is sealed when he reaches the age of five and who will surely die unless I can get my head in the game.
When I listen to my heart, my excuses fly out the window. I know a sense of urgency to bring that child home, before any more harm is done.
But who is he?
Monday, October 17, 2011
Changes
Recently, Shawn and I made the decision to switch roles on a more permanent basis. Meaning, I am now working full-time and he is staying home and schooling the kids. You can read more about all of that on my other blog. What it means for this one is that adoption may not be out of reach anymore.
I'm scared.
It's one thing to have noble ideals; it's a whole 'nother ball of wax to walk them out, or even to take the first step. When it was just a distant dream, I thought and prayed about it all the time. Now that it could actually happen, I find myself avoiding the conversation with God and with my husband. I'm afraid of what they might say...positively or negatively.
The what ifs are looming large:
What if we commit to a child and then can't raise the money? What if our friends think we're presumptuous to ask for help? What if we're not organized enough to pull off the mountain of paperwork this would require? What if we don't pass our home study? What if our oldest never gets on board and it rips our family apart? What if the child has undisclosed medical issues we can't handle? What if he has autism? What if we never come to love him as our own? What if something happens to one of us and the other is left to do this alone? What if our biological kids resent us for this? What if they feel burdened instead of blessed?
The hows are close behind:
How on earth can we handle another child, when we're so often exasperated by the ones we have? How will we cope with the additional noise when it's overwhelming as is? How can we possibly afford this? How will we have time to fundraise when we can't even find the time to make Buddy Walk t-shirts? How can we take time out to bond with one child, while still meeting the needs of seven?
All of those questions are overshadowed by one more:
How can I not obey when God has so clearly directed?
How, indeed.
Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die. Don't try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done. Proverbs 24:11-12 (NLT)
I'm scared.
It's one thing to have noble ideals; it's a whole 'nother ball of wax to walk them out, or even to take the first step. When it was just a distant dream, I thought and prayed about it all the time. Now that it could actually happen, I find myself avoiding the conversation with God and with my husband. I'm afraid of what they might say...positively or negatively.
The what ifs are looming large:
What if we commit to a child and then can't raise the money? What if our friends think we're presumptuous to ask for help? What if we're not organized enough to pull off the mountain of paperwork this would require? What if we don't pass our home study? What if our oldest never gets on board and it rips our family apart? What if the child has undisclosed medical issues we can't handle? What if he has autism? What if we never come to love him as our own? What if something happens to one of us and the other is left to do this alone? What if our biological kids resent us for this? What if they feel burdened instead of blessed?
The hows are close behind:
How on earth can we handle another child, when we're so often exasperated by the ones we have? How will we cope with the additional noise when it's overwhelming as is? How can we possibly afford this? How will we have time to fundraise when we can't even find the time to make Buddy Walk t-shirts? How can we take time out to bond with one child, while still meeting the needs of seven?
All of those questions are overshadowed by one more:
How can I not obey when God has so clearly directed?
How, indeed.
Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die. Don't try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done. Proverbs 24:11-12 (NLT)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Tell All Tuesday!
This little guy needs a home and a family. Could it be yours?
Soon, (if it hasn't happened, yet) he will be transferred to the mental institute. His head will be shaved and he will likely be tied to a crib. When he cries (and he will, at first, until he learns it won't do any good), he will be ignored or abused. He will sit for hours in his own waste with no stimulation and nothing to do.
Given a family, he could thrive! We've seen it happen time and time again. These kids do very well when given a chance.
Please share this. Post it on Facebook, tweet it, blog it, tell people irl, send emails, etc. Please, let's find Harlen a home!
Soon, (if it hasn't happened, yet) he will be transferred to the mental institute. His head will be shaved and he will likely be tied to a crib. When he cries (and he will, at first, until he learns it won't do any good), he will be ignored or abused. He will sit for hours in his own waste with no stimulation and nothing to do.
Given a family, he could thrive! We've seen it happen time and time again. These kids do very well when given a chance.
Please share this. Post it on Facebook, tweet it, blog it, tell people irl, send emails, etc. Please, let's find Harlen a home!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Enough Kids?
People that we are close to expressed their displeasure recently at our desire to adopt. "Don't you think you have enough kids?!"
This would be my response if I thought they would hear me:
It's not about a desire to have more kids. We have seven. By most people's standards, that's a lot. Often, we even think it's a lot, but usually, it just seems normal. We are imperfect people and an imperfect family. There are times when I think we've got it goin' on...and times when I feel like we're the Beverly Hillbillies. But when I look closely, I can see God's design.
There are an estimated 147 million orphans in the world, today. That number is too big to wrap my brain around, so I look at individual children that I'm aware of that have nobody. I look at the pictures on Reece's Rainbow and imagine what those kids are like. Who delights in them? Who encourages and challenges them? Who loves them?
No one.
I imagine them living the life they've always known, in the same groupa with the same caregivers, playing with the same toys (if there are any), looking at the same walls...when, suddenly, at the age of five, they are jerked from that environment...ripped away from all they've ever known...and taken to a dark and scary place. There, they are tied to a bed or crib and left alone. I imagine their tears (which are ignored) and the noises which leave them terrified. Screams, moans, cries, and profanity assault their innocent ears. Most of them die within the first year.
And I think of my children.
If you asked them, they would tell you they have a rough life. They don't have the electronic gadgets many of their friends do. They are forced to share a room with siblings. Most of their clothing is second-hand. I lose my patience and yell, sometimes. (Okay, maybe a lot). They are required to do chores and take care of each other. Their younger siblings break their stuff.
They are blessed.
Quite simply, we believe we have something to offer the orphan. A small home, an imperfect family, siblings to play and fight with, parents to delight in them (and yell at them, from time to time), and the love of their Heavenly Father.
We are under no illusion that it will be easy. We don't expect our future children to show us any gratitude for being rescued any more than our current children do for not having to be. Children are generally selfish, messy, loud, and exhausting. Kids who were raised in orphanages come with emotional baggage, usually expressed behaviorally. Parenting is seldom easy, no matter where you get your kids.
Do we have unrealistic expectations about what it will be like? I'm certain that we do. We sure did when we were expecting our first, when we added a second, and when we set out to have a large family. No one can adequately prepare you for the future.
I believe that's where grace comes in to play. God promises to be our strength in weakness. He tells us that He has given us all we need for life and godliness. He assures us that His grace is sufficient. I imagine it will be. It is now.
I didn't know about the fate of children punished for simply having an extra chromosome before we had Eon. I do now. I cannot pretend I don't. I believe that would grieve the heart of my Father. He is a champion of the weak. "Let the little children come to me," He said. He called caring for orphans "pure and undefiled religion," and He likens caring for "the least of these" as caring for Himself.
"Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die. Don't try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done." Prov. 24:11, 12 NLT
We are not in a position to adopt, at this time. We don't meet the minimum income requirements for our family size. That's a hard pill for me to swallow, sometimes, but I believe God's timing is perfect. Until then, our hearts are willing. We advocate for orphans and support the adoptions of others. And we pray....oh, how we pray...that the precious children waiting will find their way home.
This would be my response if I thought they would hear me:
It's not about a desire to have more kids. We have seven. By most people's standards, that's a lot. Often, we even think it's a lot, but usually, it just seems normal. We are imperfect people and an imperfect family. There are times when I think we've got it goin' on...and times when I feel like we're the Beverly Hillbillies. But when I look closely, I can see God's design.
There are an estimated 147 million orphans in the world, today. That number is too big to wrap my brain around, so I look at individual children that I'm aware of that have nobody. I look at the pictures on Reece's Rainbow and imagine what those kids are like. Who delights in them? Who encourages and challenges them? Who loves them?
No one.
I imagine them living the life they've always known, in the same groupa with the same caregivers, playing with the same toys (if there are any), looking at the same walls...when, suddenly, at the age of five, they are jerked from that environment...ripped away from all they've ever known...and taken to a dark and scary place. There, they are tied to a bed or crib and left alone. I imagine their tears (which are ignored) and the noises which leave them terrified. Screams, moans, cries, and profanity assault their innocent ears. Most of them die within the first year.
And I think of my children.
If you asked them, they would tell you they have a rough life. They don't have the electronic gadgets many of their friends do. They are forced to share a room with siblings. Most of their clothing is second-hand. I lose my patience and yell, sometimes. (Okay, maybe a lot). They are required to do chores and take care of each other. Their younger siblings break their stuff.
They are blessed.
Quite simply, we believe we have something to offer the orphan. A small home, an imperfect family, siblings to play and fight with, parents to delight in them (and yell at them, from time to time), and the love of their Heavenly Father.
We are under no illusion that it will be easy. We don't expect our future children to show us any gratitude for being rescued any more than our current children do for not having to be. Children are generally selfish, messy, loud, and exhausting. Kids who were raised in orphanages come with emotional baggage, usually expressed behaviorally. Parenting is seldom easy, no matter where you get your kids.
Do we have unrealistic expectations about what it will be like? I'm certain that we do. We sure did when we were expecting our first, when we added a second, and when we set out to have a large family. No one can adequately prepare you for the future.
I believe that's where grace comes in to play. God promises to be our strength in weakness. He tells us that He has given us all we need for life and godliness. He assures us that His grace is sufficient. I imagine it will be. It is now.
I didn't know about the fate of children punished for simply having an extra chromosome before we had Eon. I do now. I cannot pretend I don't. I believe that would grieve the heart of my Father. He is a champion of the weak. "Let the little children come to me," He said. He called caring for orphans "pure and undefiled religion," and He likens caring for "the least of these" as caring for Himself.
"Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die. Don't try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done." Prov. 24:11, 12 NLT
We are not in a position to adopt, at this time. We don't meet the minimum income requirements for our family size. That's a hard pill for me to swallow, sometimes, but I believe God's timing is perfect. Until then, our hearts are willing. We advocate for orphans and support the adoptions of others. And we pray....oh, how we pray...that the precious children waiting will find their way home.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
God Cares
Julia and her husband adopted Aaron from Ukraine this past year. He had been transferred to a mental institute a year before they were able to rescue him. In country, they ran into difficulties and spent a good deal longer there than they were anticipating. They visited Aaron everyday and began to get a very bleak picture of the lives of the boys who lived with him in the institute. She calls them "The Lost Boys" and has been shouting from the roof tops about their plight. Today, she reveals some good news, that only God could bring, about "her" boys. Please read the entire story here. ***Warning: You will need tissues. God cares so deeply for these children. Shouldn't we do the same?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Our Christmas Letter
I decided to write a different kind of letter this year. It seemed trivial to write about our achievements when none of them matter for eternity (with the exception of our newest addition, Keturah Joy:) and someone's life hangs in the balance. This is the letter I sent, instead:
Dear Family & Friends,
Merry Christmas! Instead of a traditional Christmas letter, we want to share with you what God has placed on our hearts in hopes that you will partner with us in changing lives.
Earlier this year, I prayed that God would break our hearts with what breaks His. Turns out, there is much that breaks His heart and the pain is almost overwhelming at times.
Most of you have heard us talk of Reece's Rainbow, an adoption ministry focused on finding homes for children with Down syndrome (and other disabilities) in other countries. Here in the US, there is a waiting list of families looking to adopt a child with Down syndrome. (There is also a termination rate of 90% for Down syndrome pregnancies, but that's another topic.) In other countries, when a baby is born with Ds, that child is left at the hospital and then sent to an orphanage, or "baby house", where they are available for international adoption. Once the child reaches the age of 4-5, they are sent to a mental institution (Please, please click on the link and watch. It's difficult to watch, but necessary to fully grasp what we are trying to communicate.) This particular institution is in Serbia, but very similar to those in Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Russia.
Elizabeth is a little girl who enjoyed an early childhood in one of the better orphanages (they actually have toys to play with). She was recently transferred. Please see some cute pics of her and read her story here.
Can you imagine? Can you imagine the fear and confusion she felt when she was transferred? Can you imagine the fear and hunger she feels right now as you are reading this? Can you imagine one of your children experiencing that? We can, and it's breaking our hearts.
"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know, and holds us responsible to act." Prov. 24:12
Patti, a fellow mom of a child with Ds, is determined to see that another little girl, Olga, does not have to experience a similar fate. Olga in nearing transfer. Patti's family doesn't meet the income requirements to adopt, themselves, but she is working to see a Christmas miracle of a fully funded adoption account for Olga. So many families are willing to adopt, but the cost (around $20,000) is prohibitive. If Olga's account is funded, a family will step up to adopt her, to save her from life in a mental institution. When Patti started her efforts to spread the word only 10 days ago, Olga had less than a hundred dollars in her fund. Now, she has over $10,000! We are halfway there!
Visit Patti's blog to learn what the current count is and to find out how to donate. Pray and ask God what He would have you do for the "least of these". Ask Him how He would have you save a life. Be part of a Christmas miracle this year!!!
Please, visit the links I've provided and learn more. Feel free to pepper us with questions, as well! There are currently 147 million orphans in the world today. We cannot save all of them; but, we can save this one!
And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:40
We challenge you to pray, as we did, that God will break your heart with what breaks His this year. Be prepared for Him to rock your world. :)
With much love and gratitude,
Shawn, Tara, Michaela, Elliana, Atalia, Benaiah, Zakkai, Simeon, & Keturah Lakes
Dear Family & Friends,
Merry Christmas! Instead of a traditional Christmas letter, we want to share with you what God has placed on our hearts in hopes that you will partner with us in changing lives.
Earlier this year, I prayed that God would break our hearts with what breaks His. Turns out, there is much that breaks His heart and the pain is almost overwhelming at times.
Most of you have heard us talk of Reece's Rainbow, an adoption ministry focused on finding homes for children with Down syndrome (and other disabilities) in other countries. Here in the US, there is a waiting list of families looking to adopt a child with Down syndrome. (There is also a termination rate of 90% for Down syndrome pregnancies, but that's another topic.) In other countries, when a baby is born with Ds, that child is left at the hospital and then sent to an orphanage, or "baby house", where they are available for international adoption. Once the child reaches the age of 4-5, they are sent to a mental institution (Please, please click on the link and watch. It's difficult to watch, but necessary to fully grasp what we are trying to communicate.) This particular institution is in Serbia, but very similar to those in Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Russia.
Elizabeth is a little girl who enjoyed an early childhood in one of the better orphanages (they actually have toys to play with). She was recently transferred. Please see some cute pics of her and read her story here.
Can you imagine? Can you imagine the fear and confusion she felt when she was transferred? Can you imagine the fear and hunger she feels right now as you are reading this? Can you imagine one of your children experiencing that? We can, and it's breaking our hearts.
"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know, and holds us responsible to act." Prov. 24:12
Patti, a fellow mom of a child with Ds, is determined to see that another little girl, Olga, does not have to experience a similar fate. Olga in nearing transfer. Patti's family doesn't meet the income requirements to adopt, themselves, but she is working to see a Christmas miracle of a fully funded adoption account for Olga. So many families are willing to adopt, but the cost (around $20,000) is prohibitive. If Olga's account is funded, a family will step up to adopt her, to save her from life in a mental institution. When Patti started her efforts to spread the word only 10 days ago, Olga had less than a hundred dollars in her fund. Now, she has over $10,000! We are halfway there!
Visit Patti's blog to learn what the current count is and to find out how to donate. Pray and ask God what He would have you do for the "least of these". Ask Him how He would have you save a life. Be part of a Christmas miracle this year!!!
Please, visit the links I've provided and learn more. Feel free to pepper us with questions, as well! There are currently 147 million orphans in the world today. We cannot save all of them; but, we can save this one!
And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:40
We challenge you to pray, as we did, that God will break your heart with what breaks His this year. Be prepared for Him to rock your world. :)
With much love and gratitude,
Shawn, Tara, Michaela, Elliana, Atalia, Benaiah, Zakkai, Simeon, & Keturah Lakes
Monday, December 6, 2010
The plight of the orphan
This breaks my heart. I can only believe that Jesus is with her and will protect her like we're asking Him to do.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Passion #2
I discovered another passion when Eon was only a few months old and I stumbled across http://www.reecesrainbow.org/ . It had never occurred to me to wonder about the fate of children with Down syndrome in other countries. But, suddenly, I knew.
And I will never be the same.
I have spent countless hours since that moment pouring over the sweet faces of those children, loving them like my own, and interceding on their behalf. Some of those children have a forever-grip on my heart.
We have signed up to be prayer warriors for Marshall, an adorable 2 1/2 y.o. with blonde hair and blue eyes. Even our younger kids are faithful to pray for a family for him everyday. They are praying for him to get a mom and dad, brother and sister, and a dog and cat. Apparently, a guinea pig is optional. We pray for his caregivers, that someone will take a special interest in him and give him extra attention and love. We pray that he will be comforted when he's hurt or afraid. We pray for his health and we pray for moments of pure delight and joy.
Honestly, I am overwhelmed by the need. There are too many children and too much money is needed for families to adopt them all.
BUT, the "$100 for 200 in 2010" challenge gives me a real focus and a hope. The idea is to have 200 people commit $100/mo this year. Each month the money will go to a different orphan's fund. Our hope is that we can raise the full $20,000 adoption cost for one orphan each month.
The information/background on the challenge can be found here: www.the30dayjourneyforhope.blogspot.com/2009/12/update.html
There are many willing families for these children, but the cost is prohibitive for most.
If you can't contribute $100, give what you can! If enough people give (no matter how small a gift), we will see TWELVE children find a forever family this year!
This month's child is Sasha (orphange #2, I believe). Hurry, the month is winding down!
And I will never be the same.
I have spent countless hours since that moment pouring over the sweet faces of those children, loving them like my own, and interceding on their behalf. Some of those children have a forever-grip on my heart.
We have signed up to be prayer warriors for Marshall, an adorable 2 1/2 y.o. with blonde hair and blue eyes. Even our younger kids are faithful to pray for a family for him everyday. They are praying for him to get a mom and dad, brother and sister, and a dog and cat. Apparently, a guinea pig is optional. We pray for his caregivers, that someone will take a special interest in him and give him extra attention and love. We pray that he will be comforted when he's hurt or afraid. We pray for his health and we pray for moments of pure delight and joy.
Honestly, I am overwhelmed by the need. There are too many children and too much money is needed for families to adopt them all.
BUT, the "$100 for 200 in 2010" challenge gives me a real focus and a hope. The idea is to have 200 people commit $100/mo this year. Each month the money will go to a different orphan's fund. Our hope is that we can raise the full $20,000 adoption cost for one orphan each month.
The information/background on the challenge can be found here: www.the30dayjourneyforhope.blogspot.com/2009/12/update.html
There are many willing families for these children, but the cost is prohibitive for most.
If you can't contribute $100, give what you can! If enough people give (no matter how small a gift), we will see TWELVE children find a forever family this year!
This month's child is Sasha (orphange #2, I believe). Hurry, the month is winding down!
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