A new day...

Hoping to hear something today. We are still anxiously awaiting a submission date or at least a pre-registration date. Just a little update about where our little dossier is right now. A little reassurance that it has not gone AWOL on us! Just confirmation that it does still exist! I'm sure all is well, but a little update would be wonderful! This is where my issues with control start to haunt me. Who am I kidding... start? This whole process is one big LOSS OF CONTROL! That is why it is such a leap of faith... such a leap well outside of your comfort zone... such a strain on you... yet, worth it so much in the end! Yes, it would be a LOT easier to never put yourself through this chaos... so much easier to just NOT! Easier on us anyway, but there are 2 little girls whose lives would not be easier. Two lives that would only know more hardship... less joy... less hope.... less. That is why we are doing this. It isn't about us, it is about them. It is about how much MORE they can have! Love, Hope, Family, Home, Life. And so we wait....

Another child has made it home!

The Spencer family have all finally made it back home and we are celebrating by bringing down his button! Welcome Home!

Still waiting to hear...

The last we heard about our little dossier was that it had arrived. We were told it has most likely already been translated and given to our facilitator. We are still waiting to hear when it is expected to be submitted. Trying not to be impatient, but after having been 'patient' (to use the term loosely) for 6 months now.... I'm struggling! We are trying to use our time wisely. We are getting things done around here and things bought up for our absence. Also, we are gathering things for our trip, etc... I don't really know what to do with myself! I find I am still somewhat chained to this computer! Always checking email to see if there has been any word!

On a side note, I have a very specific prayer request regarding our daughter Shelby (DS) that I would appreciate you praying with me about. We are still waiting on the Board of Education to make their decision on whether or not Shelby's aide, Mrs. H will be allowed to transition with her to high school. We have requested the move, Mrs. H is willing to go, same school district.... not sure why this is a hard decision. We are very nervous about what it will be like if Mrs. H is NOT allowed to go. We had some very difficult years prior to Shelby being matched with Mrs. H. In fact, the year they were matched we had already made the decision to pull out of the school at the first sign of trouble... we had already reached our limit with the school situation. We started the new year with Shelby being matched with Mrs. H and 3 years later... we are still waiting for the first sign of trouble! We are worried about Shelby going to a new school, new teachers, new classes, new everything and a new aide!... now add to that the very likely scenario of us being out of the country for this adoption while all of this takes place! ... please pray with us that they reach their decision soon and it is in the best interest of Shelby!

I was left this surprise by Kelly on her blog http://trustedwithmuch.blogspot.com/. Be sure to visit their family page here as well… http://www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsormayden.htm! Thank you Kelly! I’m glad you have enjoyed following our journey to bring our girls home!

There are two rules to accepting the award...1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I am following these rules, but I am going to use this opportunity to pass the award on to other families currently in the adoption process too! I want to ‘spotlight’ these families and request that anyone reading this post say a prayer for their families, their waiting children and their individual needs…. Whatever they may be! Thank you!

Without further ado (and in no particular order):

http://beautifulgiftfromgod.blogspot.com/

http://www.themommypages.blogspot.com/

http://chroniclesofhousehold6.blogspot.com/

http://bringinghomeboys.blogspot.com/

http://www.anotherdaughtertolove.blogspot.com/

http://smilingallthewayback.blogspot.com/

http://www.ahousefullofboys-julie.blogspot.com/

http://usukraine9909.blogspot.com/

http://www.godgivenpassions.blogspot.com/

http://www.justamomofseven.blogspot.com/

http://shuppsadoptionjourney.blogspot.com/

http://www.considertheadoptionoption.blogspot.com/

http://torresfamilyadoption.blogspot.com/

http://expectingevangeline.blogspot.com/

http://www.ourfamilybouquet.blogspot.com/

If you are denied access to these blogs it will be due to privacy settings, but you can find them all here as well... http://www.reecesrainbow.com/sponsor_a_family.htm .

Now.. if you are one of these families, will you leave me a quick post that you received this? I know... that's cheating, but I'm out of time for now! I'll notify the rest later! :)

Blessed!

I just wanted to say it is truly a blessing being part of the RR family. This group of people have time after time shown endless support, comfort and celebration for others in process or just going through difficult times in life. It is great being able to reach out during this adoption process to others that UNDERSTAND the difficulties, UNDERSTAND the triumphs, UNDERSTAND the fears, UNDERSTAND the tears, UNDERSTAND the joys, and UNDERSTAND why!!! Thank you to the RR community for being there and understanding!

We were also blessed this week by 2 donations... one through our family sponsorship fund (RR) and the other was handed directly to Tim. Both were a surprise and both were a blessing! The financial support is wonderful, but it is also the encouragement that is received in the process! Thank you to those that supported us this week.... you truly blessed us!

Also... I wanted to update you on a previous post. I had mentioned mailing a special gift to a family in process. Well... in another post I noticed that the 'surprise' ornament was able to be seen in one of the photos I had posted! Oops! I was hoping it wouldn't be noticed and spoil the surprise... I guess it didn't! They received their gift yesterday and I received this message from her today:

We received your package yesterday! I don't know what to say...except Bless You... bless you for praying for our boy, bless you for your generousity in sending us this beautiful ornament, just bless you for everything! I do remember reading on your blog what you were going to do with the ornament that you had for the "little boy". I had no idea he would be my little boy, what a surprise to open that package to find that heartfelt letter and precious ornament of our baby! Words will never be enough to thank you! You are so sweet!

The little boy?

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to bless them in this process! More importantly, I am so glad they are bringing him into their family!

A little anxious...

Our dossier is in the process of being translated. Sounds like this part should be a rather quick process. I've been noticing some of the post of the other families in process. I don't know if it is just me, but they seem to be getting travel dates closer and closer to their submission date. That is wonderful and encouraging, but also causes a little anxiety. This process has really picked up speed lately and I'm a little overwhelmed with the thought that these families are traveling on such short notice! I guess I better get prepared now if I don't want to feel rushed later! For those of you families that are still 'stuck' somewhere in the process... I was there too not so long ago! I understand your frustration, but don't be discouraged.... you will be there before long and the wait will be well worth it!

And here we go....

Paula sent a message to me via Amanda (AAC) that Paula & Kevin have safely arrived. Paula wanted me to know that our dossier had been safely handed over to the facilator in country. Yeah! They made it safely! Yeah! The dossier has arrived and will now begin the next part of the journey. It has to be translated, pre-registered, submitted and approved prior to us being invited to come for our girls! I'll keep you posted when I hear something new on the dossier.... tune into Paula's blog to follow their adventure!

I wanted to also congratulate the VanNice family on the completion of their adoption! They are all home now so we are celebrating by pulling down their button! Welcome Home!


Grab This Button

In preparation...

Our dossier arrived at its first destination yesterday and will begin its 'round about way of getting to its final destination' early tomorrow. Paula was telling me their travel route and it made me think of the kindergarden project "Flat Stanley". Our dossier is starting its adventure! Please remember to pray for Paula's family. They are beginning their first trip to bringing home Bella... pretty good Father's Day, huh? Also, the Spencer's family are wrapping up their journey so pray for safe travel home. Many families still in country so please keep them in your prayers that things go smoothly and their individual needs are met.

I have been trying to start planning/preparing for our trip. Trying to think of things that may be needed around here in our absence. I've been ordering medication refills for everyone, buying up the cat's food, purchasing printer toner, stocking shelves, etc... We are going to start collecting the things we will need as well. We also brought home something yesterday in preparation for when we return.... a 12 passenger van. This is our 'anniversary' gift this year.... SEXY, right? This is a "new to us" van. We knew the suburban would be cramped with all 8 seats occupied and 4 of those having car seats. Then with the troubles we have had from Jan. to June with car repair.... we decided this was what we needed to do. Most likely the Suburban will be a great vehicle for some family since we have already 'rebuilt' it! :) It just doesn't meet our needs right now for the primary family car. For those of you that know me well.... I am actually at peace with this purchase. My normal anxiety leading up to and following large purchases/changes is just not there this time. I'm taking that as a sign that this was right. I figure the other option is that I have snapped... so I'm going with the "it was right" theory! :) Now... to get one of these other vehicles sold! Either Tim's truck or the suburban.... we just don't need both anymore!

Dossier Complete!

Ran like crazy again this morning. We were able to get the new form notarized. I went straight over to have it apostilled. I imposed on them to make copies for me of the new notarized form and notary. Left there and headed over to the Fed Ex Express Shipping site. Spent a long time there imposing on her counter space and borrowing her stapler. I went through attaching everything correctly, double checking, triple checking... may have lost count and done it a few more times for good measure. Finally, gently stuffed everything into page protectors that were then gently stuffed into an envelope then packaged in their mailer and .... placed in their care. The dossier is on its way way now to my friend's house so she can escort it to country this weekend. I will feel much better when she is able to confirm receipt! :) Having just compiled a dossier herself, she understands the value of that little packet.... more so than the typical delivery carrier I'm sure! I have so much I need to do to get caught up and prepared for travel. Maybe I can refocus my energy now. There are quite a few families traveling right now. Some on their way home, some just arriving to start their process, others preparing to leave.... please remember to pray for their safety and their process to go smoothly and quickly. So many children are coming HOME!

Not quite there yet...

but getting closer. We were able to get the corrected form notarized and everything apostilled today. Made contact with HS agency and they had it ready to go! Drove up to B'ham to pick up our copies. In the meantime... we found out we need another form completed. Nothing corrected, nothing missed... just a new form to add. We will be taking it tomorrow first thing to be notarized and apostilled. Then copies, copies, copies and off to FED EX. We are up against a deadline of having our paperwork delivered to it's destination on Friday. A friend will be making the trip for their own process and has graciously agreed to serve as escort to our priceless little bundle! We are amazed that this has even become a possibility! Let me remind you... DHR had our HS until late 6/3/09. USCIS has a timeframe of 90 days... yet our paperwork has been processed, we received the approval letter and we are MAILING our dossier (well... after that one little form is ready anyway!)

You know... I've been thinking. There are a lot of people involved in the adoption process. We have come into contact with many different people in our process.. Advocacy groups, HS agency, SW, ABI, FBI, Immigration, DHR, adoption agency and many more still to come as we haven't even left home yet! Many of these people we will never meet. They all hold very important jobs... regardless of their rank/pay/title. They are the process. They hold so much power in their hands while they are holding the paperwork. Do they realize those forms represent a child that waits? Do they realize any delay is another day the child goes without the love of a family? Many I'm sure do. I believe that God has called many to their purpose and they are doing this because they want to help the children. I imagine there are many others that are just doing a job, drawing a check, working on yet another stack of work. Maybe they started out doing it for the children, but along the way lots sight of the goal. Will you join me in praying for the people in the adoption process that may not be 'doing it for the children'? Lets pray that God touches their hearts and they begin to see the faces of these children in that paperwork. Pray they value the children and their role in helping these children come home. Pray they start 'doing it for the children' again...

It came!!!

Our letter from USCIS stating we have been approved for 2 children came in the mail today! This slow process has picked up some serious speed the last 2 weeks! We went from waiting, waiting, waiting to running, running, running. This morning I had everyone up and dressed early so after our annual termite renewal inspection we could rush off to get new copies of the marriage certificates (our copies were almost 6mths old) and then meet Tim at the bank to get everything notarized. Well... Tim was still down in the back (hurt it yesterday) and ended up needing me to take him to Primed instead of going to work. Stop, call in the troops... my mom and sister (happened to come in town last night)came over to watch the kids and deal with the termite inspection while I ran Tim to Primed. I was able to run over and pick up the marriage certificates while he was being seen. Then, drop Tim off and go pick up his meds. Print out dossier paperwork and off to notary w/ Tim and Courtney. Squeeze in visits with 2 sisters and their children in between and we have a busy day. Oh... scanned/emailed all notarized documents to agency. One needs to be redone. So tomorrow.... back to notary then off to apostille. Hoping this can be done in one visit, but have heard others being limited to 3 per person per visit. We need 20. Hmmmm... Still need the HS final/notarized copy. Once that comes in and we have successfully obtained all notaries/apostilles.... we are ready to mail/fedex! I have this feeling that something is missing/messed up and I don't know what. Hoping that is normal and not a sign of problems to come. I think I will be nervous yet relieved once this dossier is mailed. Hoping I have time to catch up around here!

Getting ready

After yesterday's news (once I calmed down some) I began scanning/emailing the rest of our dossier to our agency contact. I had sent her some in advance, but she was able to give me a list of what was still needed (good thing because I couldn't think straight!). Today we received the notarized SW license, HS agency license and SW employment letter. I've already scanned/emailed those as well. This means we only need to receive the final signed HS and the I 171H. We still have to get notaries and apostilles, but at least everything is starting to come in.

We have been trying to take care of things around here as well. Realizing that we will be gone for a while we have tried to squeeze in our summer fun up front. I'd already mentioned last Saturday's trip to the Birmingham zoo and my sister's house. We also made it to the Military Zoo Day at the Montgomery Zoo (we are all zoo'd out now). We did bowling when Tim's family came in over Memorial Day weekend. Shelby and I made it to see 'UP' today. I think we have almost covered Shelby's list of Summer Must Do's. If not... she'll let us know! Thankfully she enjoys having lazy days as well! :)

Thanking God for our Miracle!

I am thrilled to share our news! I emailed our contact at Congressman Bright's office this morning to see if she had heard anything. She contacted them after receiving the email to check the status. She called to let us know that the person that had our file pulled our info when he received my email to USCIS. He APPROVED us on 6/10 and forwarded the info on to the Visa section. They said it would take maybe 10 days before we received anything, but that we were approved on 6/10! They said this person had done an exceptional job and had even WALKED our file through the process! I am beside myself today! God gave us the miracle we prayed for and our paperwork was processed in less than a week instead of the 90 days that we were told it would take. I must confess that I would still feel better holding the approval in my hand, but this is just wonderful news!!! I don't know who this person at USCIS is (yet...), but I know he is a true angel and has helped make a huge difference in the lives of 2 very special little girls!

(oh... and we were able to get the wills done today so that is something else off our 'to do' list!)

Just catching up

Not much to tell, but I'll catch you up anyway.... After seeing the expected timeframe for USCIS to process our paperwork (90 days from receipt of all documents and HS was just sent by DHR)we are trying to be proactive. I found a Military Helpline on the USCIS site, called it and explained our situation. I was given the email address for the USCIS Atlanta field office Adoption section. I emailed asking how to go about requesting expedited processing due to special circumstances (explained everything again). I received an automated response email that gave general info and at the bottom stated that I would receive a response within 3 business days IF they had all of our paperwork for over 30 days. Not really expecting to hear from them since our HS was just sent by DHR. In the mean time.... We contacted our Congressman's office in DC. We were advised to contact the district office for assistance. Made contact with the person we were told to contact. She emailed us a Privacy Waiver form to complete and send back (they couldn't do anything without this). We completed and fax back same day. We haven't heard anything, but I really didn't expect to either. I'm just hoping she has successfully reached her contact and that person is busy, busy, busy locating our file and getting it processed ASAP!

Our HS office advised us yesterday that they received our State Police Clearance letter. She is forwarding those to us for our dossier. Later when I checked our mail, we received our request for the State Police Clearance letter back with our money order enclosed as duplicate payment. So... at least that is $15 saved in the process!

We are still trying to get little things done around here in preperation for whenever we do get to travel. We were able to go to the PADS (DS support group) Zoo Day at the Birmingham Zoo. Tim and I were glad to be able to take the kids (Shelby and Abby) and have a fun day. We were also able to visit with my sister's family at their new house while we were in town. It was a good day altogether. We are hoping to squeeze more into the beginning of this summer just in case we have a miraculous turn around and are leaving towards the end of the summer! :) Forever the optimist??

Missed one! Yeah!

In all the excitement of children finding families I missed the opportunity to remove a button...


Grab This Button

Congratulations to the Adamson Family and Welcome HOME!

Many coming home soon...

I was just scrolling down the blog page looking at all of the buttons. I do this often, but today I was really noticing how many of the buttons displayed there that I will get to take down rather soon! So exciting! Many families have already met their children and are just waiting to come home, others are leaving soon to go, and some are expecting travel notice soon! I will miss seeing their precious little buttons, but I am always so excited when I get to delete one because that means they are NO LONGER WAITING! They have come home! Please remember to pray for the many families in process. It is a huge leap of faith and takes many of us well outside our 'comfort zone'! And continue to pray for the many children that continue to wait....

I'm sorry...

I've been remiss. I have not introduced you to my kids. This is because when I do remember to take pictures, they don't turn out to well. I'm on a newer computer that doesn't have many photos yet, so slim pickings! I'm posting these, but please overlook the red eyes and closed eyes! This is Shelby and Abby. Courtney avoids the camera like me, so there was only one of her on this computer. She would so kill me for posting that one so .... sorry, you'll have to meet her later!

Waiting...

We continue to play the waiting game. The question for right now is how long will we be waiting on this step. Our HS has been sent to USCIS. I had heard 4 weeks was the norm, but when I went online to verify our service center's time frame they had posted they were currently working on applications from September 2008. WHAT? I checked with our HS agency to see if their clients had found this to be accurate and was advised that the USCIS have been running around 90 days from when the last piece of information was received. Our application and fingerprints have been there, but our HS is just now on its way. Not very encouraging. Our concern is that the girls will be transferred in August. We do not have 90 days to wait on this one step... 4 weeks was pushing it! The unresolved political debate regarding the adoption process in the girl's country is an ongoing concern as well. Who is to say when our temporary reprieve is over! We will be praying for God to intervene and things to progress more rapidly. Once we have given the US Mail time to deliver our HS, we will also be in contact with our State Reps to see if they can pull a string or two for us! We could really use your prayers for things to go quickly... Thanks again for being along for the ride!

Yeah! Yeah!

I have not been able to celebrate much so far so I am going to take advantage! We have been advised that our HS packet is being sent out today from DHR to the next step in the process.... USCIS! Yeah! We already submitted our application to USCIS and had our fingerprint appointment. The HS is the last part of the 3 requirements for USCIS to review our file for approval. Time for us to get everything else in order so we are ready to submit our dossier when we get the I171H.

I think you are all already aware that the rumors about the changes in the adoption process are temporarily laid to rest. The item was removed altogether from the schedule vote for yesterday. Regardless of what happens in the future, this was a blessing because it has at least bought time! Much needed time!!!

Happy Birthday!

Darcy
Girl, Born June 2, 2004

We are not able to tell you a Happy Birthday, throw you a party or any of the things that we would normally do for you on your special day. We do love you and we celebrate your life today even if we are unable to be together this year. Our gift to you this year is our promise that we are doing all that we can to come for you! Happy Birthday, Princess! You are loved and you are celebrated!

"An Orphan's Prayer"

I am waiting..... somewhere far...far...away on the other side of the world.
I may not know who you are or what you look like,
But some how deep in my heart I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time...
I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering why I was born here and not somewhere else?
Asking...why my life couldn't have been different?
It is so lonely...
Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing...I know in my heart I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace...I long to be saved by a mother's love...
Gazing out the orphanage window, I offer a prayer of hope,
"Oh God please help them come quickly."
Even as I lay in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured,
That no matter how lost I appear I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe my tears, touching my lonely heart.
The one who made me,
The God that knew me before I was born,
Hears me every time I call.
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found?
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you.
That He will make sure that you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields,
That He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door.
My prayer is...
When He speaks...Please don't forget to listen...
When He calls don't be to afraid to go
For I am waiting...somewhere, far...far...away
On the other side of the world
To come Home.

~Author Unknown

3 Year Anniversary of Reece's Rainbow!

Posted from the RR website:

YOU ARE THE FUTURE of Reece's Rainbow!
In June of 2006, Reece's Rainbow started with a tiny vision and five waiting orphans in Ukraine. With the help of hundreds of advocates, generous sponsors, and amazing adoptive families, Reece's Rainbow has evolved into a true catalyst for social change!
Three years and seventy hours a week later, (190) children with Down syndrome and other special needs in (32) countries around the world have found their "forever families". (150+) more are on our website and still waiting for their families. This ministry has truly become a voice of hope for hundreds of children who would otherwise have spent their short lives in foreign mental institutions and dire poverty. But we can't continue this without your help!
Our ministry is completely dependent on small, private donations to cover our operating expenses. So much has been accomplished on so little! We are still proud to say that 100% of donations given for waiting children and adopting families goes to those kids, without taking any off the top for administrative purposes. But in order to provide the exceptional level of care, service, and support as our families and children need now, we MUST have committed support for our Voice of Hope Fund. Your gifts to this fund are truly THE FUTURE OF REECE'S RAINBOW. Without your help, now and throughout the year, we simply can't effectively meet the needs of all of our waiting children, grow the program, support advocacy and outreach projects, seek new children, or care for our families.

Make your pledge of support now with a gift to the Voice of Hope Fund. Whether it's a one-time donation or a monthly love offering, our children will be grateful beyond words. Because of Reece's Rainbow, (190) children with Down syndrome and other special needs will be home with their families and have a chance to be everything God intends for them. (150+) other children wait for families on our site, and thousands more with Down syndrome are still waiting to be FOUND and given a voice through this ministry.
Share this celebration fundraiser with others you know, and rejoice with us in EVERY CHILD who comes home! Please give generously, "pay it forward", and know that every penny will change a child's life! You don't have to be in a position to adopt to make a difference for SO MANY!
All donations are tax deductible, and can be made via Paypal or with a check to: Reece's Rainbow, PO Box 4024 Gaithersburg, MD 20885