Proverbs Twenty-four Twelve

Lilly's Birthday

2012-02-28T22:38:00.003-06:00

This month is my sweet angel Lilly's birthday. I don't know the exact day, I just know it's in February. She's turning 5. And that just breaks my heart.

She should be tucked in at night by her mommy. She should be playing with her family. She should be lovingly cuddled. She should be having playdates with friends. She should have cute outfits to wear every day. She should be kissed and hugged all the time. She should have her hair done by her mommy or sister. She should be able to go to the doctor when she needs to. She should be fed good, healthy food. She should be able to wake up each morning with a smile on her face waiting for her parents to get her out of her crib to play. And sometime this month, she should be celebrating her birthday with family and friends, eating cake and celebrating her beautiful life.

But she's not.

She shouldn't be lying in an orphanage, alone. She shouldn't be wasting away for 5 years. She shouldn't have to die of her heart condition because she wasn't able to get medical attention in her country. She shouldn't be facing a life of lying in a crib all day long in an institution. She shouldn't be immobile because nobody took the time to teach her how to crawl and walk. She shouldn't be barely surviving in an orphanage only because she has Down syndrome and a heart condition. She shouldn't be forgotten.

But she is.

5 years. Five years, she's been alone. How could she have been passed over for 5 years?? My beautiful, blond-haired baby. Passed by for 5 years. Forgotten for 5 years. When will someone go get her? When will she be able to spend her birthday with people who love her?

I wish so badly that I could say "happy birthday." But I'm almost sure that it won't be. It'll be like any other day. She probably won't even know that it's her special day. So please, please, pray with me that next year she'll have a family to celebrate her birthday with her. I know I ask for prayers for her a lot, but she needs them so much! Thank you! ♥

Oh my sweet girl. I love you so, so, SO much. I'm praying as hard as I possibly can that next year, when you turn 6, you will have someone to love you and be there with you on your birthday. ♥

Waiting Wednesday

2012-02-22T22:15:00.002-06:00

Meet beautiful Arina Y.! She's a sweet little 3 1/2 year old girl, who is facing the institution this year. She needs a family to save her from a life in a crib! I don't have much information about her, but I do have lots of pictures! You can see how much she grows in each picture. She needs to be growing with a mommy and daddy to love her, to celebrate each new thing she does. Please pray with me that she finds a family soon so she doesn't have to live in an institution!

March 2010

August 2010

February 2011

November 2011

And even a baby picture!!!!

Arina Y. 14F

qs7w -14

Date of Birth: September 2008
Gender: Female

Eyes: Blue
Hair: Dark
Character: calm, quiet

Beautiful Arina has been waiting so long. Her wispy blond hair is so precious! She is already 3 1/2 and facing the instituton this year. Lots more photos available, SINGLE MOMS WELCOME.

$30.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Help Save Langley!

2012-02-21T17:16:00.001-06:00

Remember when I posted about this darling boy for Waiting Wednesday? It was a long time ago so you probably don't. Well, this is Langley! He's a handsome 4 1/2 year old boy who lives in an orphanage in Eastern Europe. Here is a little bit of what Jen says about him:

"Langley is due to be transferred to an adult mental institution soon. He may be there already actually (he can still be adopted after he is transferred). In these institutions children with disabilities are locked away from society like they do not even exist. Many end up dying within the first few years of arriving due to lack of food and being contained within rooms. Their heads are shaved, they are sedated 24/7, they have no toys or books. They are often tied to their cribs or left alone in their crib all day long. They just give up on life. I don't want this for Langley. I need for him to know what the warmth of a hug and belly ache from laughter feels like. Langley deserves to be playing with trucks and baseballs, not confined to a crib in an institution."

This wonderful lady is hosting a giveaway to help save Langley! The cost of adopting from his region is about $35,000 - which is a lot of money. Every penny will help his future family bring him home! For this giveaway, $5 gives you one entry to win one of many amazing prizes such as a Blackberry Torch, gift cards, and more (listed below), and sharing it on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter will give you additional entries. And Jen and Joey are matching every donation up to $2,000!! So every dollar will double, and you will literally be helping save Langley's life! Go HERE to donate through the ChipIn, and comment to say that you donated/shared!!

Here are the prizes:

Premium Sponsors
RIM - BlackBerry Torch 9800 (Telus) (MRSP $599) Facebook Twitter
LVE Life - Solar Powered Backpack (MRSP $199 - Buy on Amazon) Facebook Twitter
Rapanui Clothing - Gift Package Facebook Twitter

Additional Fantastic Sponsors
Ethical Ocean - $25 Gift Card (there are 2 of them) Facebook Twitter
Darly Bird - $30 Gift Card
Clean and Green - Package of cleaning essentials Facebook Twitter
Blushing Pixie Jewelery - $40 Gift Card Facebook Twitter
Perseus Books - Copy of Skinny @#!*% : Home Beauty and Style Twitter
William George - Baby Gift Package Facebook
Brant Heritage Travel (Marlin Travel) - 400 additional Air Miles upon booking
Samantha's Art Studio - 2 8x10 Prints Facebook Twitter *NEW*

Don't forget to go HERE to Jen's blog to let her know if you donated!! Thank you!!

Forever Family Friday

2012-02-17T18:25:00.003-06:00

I know I've posted about Heidi before for Forever Family Friday, but I'm posting about her again! :) You remember Heidi - my sweet Lucy! Yes, the Lucy who I saw in EE, who I touched, who I kissed, who I fell in love with. Well, her new name is Heidi!

Her family, the Jacobson's had court and legally became the parents of Heidi and her two brothers, Ezra and Gustav!

Oh my, that ever-so-familiar playroom. With it's giant stuffed animals, and big comfy couch, and mini kid tables and chairs...I remember every bit of it, and I miss it!

They had Gotcha day and brought Heidi out of the orphanage forever!!

Another very familiar place. I walked in and out these doors so many times...

Today - well, actually, right now if there were no delays - Heidi, Ezra and Gustav, and their mama and daddy are stepping off a plane into the U.S.!! Soon they will be FOREVER in their home, and I'm so excited! My sweet Heidi will be loved, cherished, cuddled, played with, and fed right. I can't wait to watch her grow into the little girl she was meant to be!

One more thing... please, read Heidi's mama's post The End. It's a wonderful post - I don't know how to describe it to you, so you'll have to read it for yourself! Here's a little excerpt:

"I have no illusions that the next time in our lives will be easy. We left easy when we said "I do". But, God will be there. Suffering is not to be feared, and is the place to find the purest joy. Because he is there. Goodbye friends! I don't know if life will be a bloggy kind, or a desperate hanging-on-for-dear-life kind. But I will end with this: DO IT. GO THERE. If you are his, that means the place that you are scared of, but you know is the path of obedience. He will be there."

I love you so much, Heidi!!! I miss you!! ♥

Waiting Wednesday

2012-02-15T22:51:00.001-06:00

On this beautiful Wednesday, meet Seamus! Isn't he so stinkin' handsome?? It's those eyes, I think! Sweet little 1 1/2 year old Seamus has Down syndrome, and a kidney condition. He recently (this month) had kidney extraction surgery, and he is in urgent need of a family so he can have the medical attention he needs to save his life. Please, help save this little boy. His life depends on it, and he doesn't have a ton of time left. He can't get the medical attention he needs in his country - he needs to be adopted. Please pray for him, and spread the word about him!! I don't want this adorable little boy to die alone in an orphanage. His only hope at life is to be adopted - give him a chance!

Seamus 23HA

1vcqs-23HA
Boy, born May 2010
Brown eyes

Diagnosis: Down syndrome; kidney condition

URGENT NEED

Seamus is very small and fragile for his age of 20 months. He is a very happy and smiling boy with big, radiant eyes and a charming smile. Such a beautiful child! He had kidney extraction surgery in February 2012 and is in URGENT need of an adoptive family and medical attention to save his life.

Married couples only, small families only (no more than 3 children at home).

New Pictures!!!

2012-02-11T22:00:00.001-06:00

I LOVE getting new pictures of "my" babies. Unfortunately, I didn't get any new ones of my sweet Lilly girl, but hopefully someday, soon, I will get updated pictures of her! But I did get new pictures of a couple of my babies!

This was the last picture I had of Faith before, from October...

And here she is now! Poor girl got a haircut, but she's still as cute as ever! ♥

And Diane! This is the picture I had before...

And this is now! Isn't she just darling?? And her hair didn't get cut! :) Such a cute little girl! I love you Diane! ♥

Waiting Wednesday

2012-02-08T21:48:00.000-06:00

Today, meet a little 6 year old girl named Nastya! Oh my, she just captured my heart the moment I saw her! Isn't she beautiful? She has spina bifidia and minor hydrocephalus, and can't walk yet. She is already 6 years old and is facing transfer to the institution soon. I can't imagine this little angel bedridden for her whole life, without being able to play or cuddle or go outside or do anything that 6 year old's should be able to do. Nastya needs a chance to shine! Please pray that someone will choose to bring her home and keep her from a life in a mental institution!

Nastya

Girl, Born July 27, 2005

Nastya was born with spina bifida and minor hydrocephalus. She has had corrective surgery, but is not able to walk. She has already turned 5 and needs a family right away to save her spending the rest of her life bedridden in a mental institution.

PLEASE HELP!

More photos available, please inquire.

Set Silas Free Giveaway!

2012-02-06T18:38:00.000-06:00

Today I would like to show you a fundraiser for "my" sweet boy, Silas! Silas is 7 years old, and has cerebral palsy and strabismus (crossed eyes). He has already been transferred to the institution, and needs a family desperately - so a few wonderful ladies (including my friend Sarah) have put together a fundraiser to help him find a family and raise his grant money!

I love his beautiful smile!

Here are some of the prizes:

Kindle Fire from Amazon

Ipod Nano

2 Ipod Shuffles -1 For Social Media Entries Only

Ring from Distorted Earth etsy shop.

Will be sized for person who gets it.

Jeremiah 29:11 sign from Wallbling etsy shop.

Any Size and Color Children's Owl Hat made by Sarah! http://www.handiworkforelijah.blogspot.com/

Flowered hair clips from AverysGifts etsy shop.

$45 Gift Certificate for Set of 6 Photo Blocks - from WasteNotRecycledArt etsy shop.

Slouchy Hat made by Sarah!

Teen/Adult sized

Headband made by Anna!!

Child sized

2 Handmade Bracelets

2 Down Syndrome Awareness Corkers

Hop on over HERE to enter for a chance to win one of these awesome prizes, and help Silas find a family! Thank you! ♥

Waiting Wednesday

2012-02-01T21:55:00.004-06:00

I'd like you to meet two sweet babies, Grace and Raina! I know I don't post babies for WW much, because they are usually the first to be chosen. But these two angels have totally captured my heart. They can be adopted together (but don't have to be). Aren't they just the sweetest little things? Grace is about 5 months old and Raina is one year old. They are so young, and are at a perfect age for being adopted!

Grace

Girl, Born September 2011

Me thinks these two muffins won't be waiting long! What a blessing! More medical info coming soon. At this time this is the only photo we have.

Married couples only, larger families ok, travel for both parents required. Grace can be adopted with Raina, if a family is approved and interested.

Raina

Forever Family Friday

2012-01-27T22:42:00.000-06:00

Tonight I am posting about a little girl named Olivia. The same little girl, in fact, that I posted about on my second Forever Family Friday! But I need to post about her again, because so much has happened since then. She has a very special place in my heart. Why? Because I met her. When I was in EE in her orphanage, I got to hold her soft little hands and squeeze her toes. And we got pictures of her! Oh my, she is just a little sweety. I simply cannot wait until she is home, forever, with her beautiful family!

Her original RR picture

The pictures Ashley took!

When I posted about Livvy Mae for my second FFF post, she was 4 months old. Now, she is almost 1 year old (her birthday is in February). She's still so young, but a year is a long time. Soon, though, very soon, she will be forever home, loved, rocked to sleep, tickled, played with, and cherished. Please pray with me that Olivia's family will be able to go get her as soon as possible! Visit their blog here.

Waiting Wednesday

2012-01-25T22:19:00.002-06:00

Today I am going to post about a sweet little girl named Ksenia. You may have seen her picture before, but in case you haven't, here she is. Sweet little almost-9-year-old Ksenia.

Yes, the picture below is the same little girl. It's horrifying. She just plain needs a family, BADLY, as you can see. This should not happen to little girls. It breaks my heart to see pictures like this.

The thing is, she can only be adopted by Canadians, and the total cost is $50,000-$55,000. That is a lot of money. But we can find her a family! Like my friend Sarah said, we just need to post her picture everywhere!

No child should have an "after" picture like this. Let's get Ksenia's "after" picture to be of her home, with her family, snuggled in the arms of her mommy and daddy!

Forever Family Friday

2012-01-20T17:34:00.003-06:00

I know I haven't been keeping up with my weekly posts, but today I'm posting about a handsome little boy who has been home seven months! Meet Gabe House!

Gabe and his amazing big sister, Genesis

Seven months ago, Gabe ate only from a bottle. He could hardly sit up. He didn't want to be touched. He didn't know how to play with a toy. He weighed just 20 pounds (he's six years old). He was neglected.

I think he was a lot like my Lilly is. According to her most recent update, she eats from a bottle, doesn't play with toys, isn't mobile, and doesn't speak. She is neglected.

Now, though, Gabe is no longer an orphan. He's home, he's loved, he's cherished. He's not neglected any more. He's loved by his mommy and daddy and brothers and sister.

Gabe, 7 months ago

Gabe now, after 7 months home!

7 months ago

Now!

Look what love can do! Now, Gabe has gained 10 pounds since he got home. He crawls, he signs "eat," and loves to be held. He has a beautiful family who gives him all the love he missed the first 6 years of his life. (Go HERE to read the post about Gabe being home 7 months!)

Gabe has had his miracle. Now, what about Lilly? She's in a similar situation that Gabe was in before his family brought him home. She can blossom just like he did, if she's only given a chance. As Gabe's mom said in her post... We're not called to care for orphans. We're commanded. No child deserves to be neglected. So please, please, pray. Donate. Advocate. Adopt. Give Lilly a chance to thrive just like handsome Gabe!

Begging for Lilly

2012-01-12T22:49:00.003-06:00

I need to beg. I need to just plead on my knees to you for my Lilly. I've posted her pictures so many times. I don't know what else I can do, except for beg you to give her a chance.

I cannot even describe to you how much I love my sweet Lilly. I want her to have a family. I want her to be loved. I don't want her to die alone in an orphanage. And I am so, so scared for her. She's doesn't seem to be doing well at all. She has a significant heart defect and really needs to see a cardiologist. She is not mobile and can't speak. She eats from a bottle (she's almost 5 years old) and doesn't know how to play with toys, and throws them. The picture above is the most recent picture I have of her, but it's still not very recent. I don't know how she's doing.

So, what more can I say that I haven't already? She's going to be 5 years old in February. Close to being transferred...and I really don't think she'll last long in an institution. I don't even think she'll last long in her orphanage. She needs someone. She needs you. So, so badly. Please, I'm begging you, pray for her. Donate to her grant. Post about her so she can be seen. Consider adding her to your family. Please. Just give her a chance. I'm scared that she won't make it much longer. I'm so scared. I love her so much, and I don't want her to die alone. But I'm afraid she will if we don't help her...so I need to beg. Please, give her a chance, see past her age and her heart condition and see the real treasure inside her shine. She's a treasure, and she doesn't deserve to lie alone, slowly dying in an orphanage. Help me save her. Please.

Waiting Wednesday

2012-01-11T21:49:00.004-06:00

Today's Waiting Wednesday is going to be a little different. I'm going to post pictures of many different kids. Every single one of them needs a family so badly. I love them all, just the same. They are all lost and forgotten by most people - but some of them are more lost than others.

What I mean is, we only know these kids on Reece's Rainbow by their pictures. Some have better pictures than others. You know what I'm talking about - some kids have the perfect photo, they're smiling, and the picture looks professional. Other kids have pictures that are worse - some photos are bad quality, some kids are not smiling, some kids are crying or look tired in their picture. Now when I look at their pictures, I see beauty. I see God's most special creation. But others might think differently. Is it harder to find a family for a kid who is crying in their picture, or who doesn't look the same as everyone else, or someone with a blurry or bad quality picture? Unfortunately, usually the answer is yes.

But really, these are just pictures. It doesn't capture their true beauty as a creation of God, it doesn't capture their whole personality, it doesn't capture who they really are. It's a picture. So don't judge these treasures by the quality of their picture. Because every single one of them is treasured and loved by God, no matter the quality of their photo.

Here are some of the kids with better pictures. They're smiling, they seem happy, the pictures are good.

Anastasia S.

Artem T.

Lizzy

And then there are those kids who don't have such good pictures. They're not smiling or happy. The pictures are bad quality. But I do not want them to be forgotten and left behind just because of a picture. They deserve as much a chance as anyone to blossom into the child they truly are. They are beautiful, bad picture or not.

This is the picture that Darlene (now Ivy)'s family had of her.

It was blurry. Very bad quality. They couldn't even really see her face very well. But did they say no, because all they had was a poor picture? No. They knew that she was their daughter, even though they didn't know what she looked like besides that one blurry picture. But they said yes. They said yes to Ivy and yes to God.

This is Ivy. This is what she really looks like. This is what she blossomed into. Her family said yes. Just look what God can do. Can you help turn one of those lost children's photos into a child who blossomed through love and a family?

Forever Family Friday

2012-01-06T10:48:00.003-06:00

(Sorry, one day late! I thought I posted this yesterday but I guess I didn't!)

Today, I am so excited, because I finally found out who Alice's family is!!

And, she is going to have a little sister, Mara!

Visit their family's blog, here. Soon, these two girls will be Alyssa and Mary! Their family has adopted before, and are excited to be adopting again, this time two sweet girls with Down syndrome from EE. Please consider helping them out by praying or donating to their grant! They have a current fundraiser going on here. And, you can find their FSP to donate here. Thank you in advance! I can't wait until Alyssa and Mary are home where they belong, and where they will finally be able to experience love!

Waiting Wednesday

2012-01-04T22:27:00.003-06:00

Today, meet a handsome little boy named Alexander. He is almost 5 years old, and has probably already been transferred to the institution. He needs a family desperately! Alexander has a large grant of over $11,000 to help with his adoption. This little guy has been on my heart for a long time. I cannot wait until I see him on the My Family Found Me page! Please pray with me for him!

Boy, born February 2007

Eyes: Brown
Hair: brown
Character: Calm, sedentary

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ALEXANDER! Alexander is a sweet boy with brown hair and eyes. He was born with Down syndrome and also struggles with epilepsy. He has strabismus as well. Alexander is described as affectionate and social.

UPDATE Nov 2011: DS, mental deficiency, epileptic syndrome, generalized [systemic] idiopathic epilepsy, atrial septal defect, congenital stenosis of aortic valve, subluxation of a hip, strabismus.

Alexander is almost 5 and has probably already been transferred. He needs a family! Please consider Alexander! This region is wonderful to adopt from, we have a fabulous agency partner and many families have successfully adopted here. There is great support for the adoption of children with DS in this region. SINGLE MOMS WELCOME!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T19:13:00.001-06:00

Today, I've been thinking a lot about everything that's happened in 2011. A lot happened last year...

♦ I started my blog in January, and I'm becoming more and more passionate for helping orphans each day!

♦ I met Elijah for the first time in January, who arrived at his forever home December 31, 2010! (I don't have any pictures of that.)

♦ I added 13 babies to "my family," who I'm doing my best to advocate and find families for.
♦ Jonathan came home in July, and had his first birthday!

♦ I went to the Down Syndrome Awareness Walk, with Elijah and Jonathan's family and other dear friends from my church.

♦ In September, my dear friends Jake and Ashley told me they would take me to EE with them to get sweet Carter!

♦ One of "my" babies, Alice, found a family!

♦ My awesome friend Sarah changed her blog to Handiwork for Lilly, and asked me to help make items for it. We've had a great time crocheting things together to sell for Lilly and other kids at craft sales!

♦ I traveled over 5,000 miles, across the Atlantic Ocean, to Eastern Europe in October with Jake and Ashley, and had an amazing, unforgettable experience!

♦ I met Carter for the first time, in the orphanage, and fell in love instantly.

♦ I met my sweet baby Lucy who is in Carter's former grouppa, and got to hold her hands and kiss her and tell her I love her!!

♦ I also got to see some of my other babies - Nadine, Dennis, Chandler, and Miranda!

♦ We busted Carter out of his orphanage forever in November, and brought him to his forever home!

♦ A family who adopted through Reece's Rainbow (visit their blog here) was featured on national TV! A lot of awareness was brought to the plight of special needs orphans and to Reece's Rainbow.

♦ Last of all, Reece's Rainbow's Christmas Angel Tree was a success, and every child made their goal of $1,000! Praise the Lord!

I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store! Happy 2012, everybody. Remember, every day is a choice - make each day in 2012 count!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T20:19:00.000-06:00

This time last year, three special boys didn't know of Christmas. They didn't know of Jesus, the reason for the season - they didn't know of presents - they didn't know of a decorated tree - they didn't know of home. One of them had a family in his country then, working to bring him home, but none of them had a home - none of them had Christmas with their whole family.

Today, they are all home. Yesterday, they experienced the joy of Christmas the first time!!! I'm SO excited! See what God has done in just one year!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Letters to My Babies - Vol. 11

2011-12-18T12:32:00.003-06:00

Dear Diane,

There are only 7 days left until Christmas! I'm really excited - Christmas is my favorite holiday! I love celebrating Jesus' birth, and putting up the tree and lights and ornaments. But I can't help but wonder if you'll be celebrating. Will you have a little party in your orphanage? Or will the nannies even tell you that it's a special day? Will you get any special treat? I keep wondering what it's like where you are. It's so hard not knowing. I saw many of 'my' babies in the orphanage that I visited, and I know how most of them live. There's only a few, like you, that I have no idea about the conditions. But whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I know it's nothing like a family. Every two-year-old is excited about Christmas, ripping open presents and playing with them, being with family and friends, snuggling while reading the Christmas story. While you may not even know what Christmas is. I am praying hard that next year, you'll be celebrating Christ's birth in the loving arms of a family! I'd do anything to help get you home to a family. I love you so, so, so, so, SO much little Di!

♥ Much love, ♥
Rachel

*************************

Faith is in the same region (but maybe not the same orphanage) as Diane.

Dennis.

2011-12-17T15:52:00.000-06:00

Dennis was born in December of 2009, so he's turning or has turned 2 this month! (I posted about his birthday here.)

Like most of 'my' babies, Dennis has Down syndrome. He also has a PFO, a small hole between the chambers of the heart. This is common in childhood, and often closes without medical intervention.

Dennis is also in the orphanage I visited - in fact, he is in Carter's former grouppa! We got to see him once, but we couldn't get any pictures. Most of the kids in the grouppa were sitting at tables, or playing on the ground (or running around :)), but a few were in cribs. Dennis was standing up in his crib in the corner of the room, watching us as we waited for Carter. He is darling!! I loved seeing my babies so much. Three of them I got to touch and get pictures of, and three I only caught glimpses of. But I'm thankful for each glimpse!! I love you Dennis!

Forever Family Friday

2011-12-16T16:33:00.000-06:00

I was going to post about Kolina for Waiting Wednesday, but before I could do that, she found a family!! I am excited to be able to post about her on this Forever Family Friday! So, today, meet a beautiful little girl named Kolina. Look at those giant blue eyes!! She's gorgeous!

Can you guess how old she is, by looking at her pictures? Young, right? She's in a crib, and about the size of a toddler.

The reality is, she is 9 years old. Yes, nine. And tiny. And skinny. And malnourished. But nine years old, and the size of a toddler? That's not right. At all. I have posted about some other kids in her orphanage, like Liliana, Keith, Steven, Tommy, etc, who are all tiny and malnourished as well (who all have families too!).

Do you know why I advocate for these children in dire situations? Because amazing transformations can happen when they have a family, with just a bit of love. It's truly a miracle.

There is another little 9-year-old girl, named Katerina, who was in the same orphanage as Kolina. She went from a lonely, severely malnourished little girl...

...To a little girl with a family committed to bringing her home...

To a little girl who was immediately brought to the hospital, upon arriving to the States...

(LOOK at those eyes!!! Gorgeous!)

...To a little girl at home, with her family, who love her so very much, who is blossoming and growing every day - all because a family chose to save her, despite the difficulties they knew they would face. She's growing, because of love - God's love, her family's love, love of all the people praying for her. Now Katie knows what love really, truly means, and she's becoming more like the girl she's meant to be.

Katie has a happy ending to her story. She is now home and loved. And I'm so happy to say, soon Kolina, too, will be home! She has a family working hard to bring her home where she belongs. She is going to have a chance to become the little girl God meant her to be, instead of sitting in an orphanage, literally starving to death.

Many people have been advocating, praying for, and donating to this sweet girl, trying to find her a family! But we can't stop now - please, continue praying for Kolina and her family! Pray that they will be able to get her as quickly as possible, because I don't want her waiting any longer in that orphanage. You can help save her life! Go here to her profile to donate to her grant. I don't know who her family is yet, but even though we don't have a name yet, we can pray for them! Sweet Kolina, soon you'll be home forever. No more dirty, lonely orphanage walls - you're going to have love, toys, snuggles, food, hugs, and kisses! I can't wait to see you blossom and see how your story unfolds. ♥

Kolina #11-17

Girl, Born 2002

Diagnosis: Down syndrome

Kolina is a beautiful 9 year old girl who is the size of a toddler She has reddish hair and giant, striking blue eyes. We are waiting on more medical info for her, but she is in a dire situation.

Kolina does have many facial features of fetal alcohol syndrome, in addition to her Down syndrome. Kolina is in an orphanage where most of the children are malnourished and receive only the most basic care and minimal therapy. As a result, she's significantly delayed.

Families considering Kolina should be home study approved to adopt a severely neglected and institutionalized child.

More photos available. Single moms, large families, and older parents welcome. EASY TRAVEL.

December Birthdays

2011-12-15T12:46:00.000-06:00

Two of 'my' babies have birthdays this month! I don't know the exact date, but I do know it's sometime in December. They are both turning two years old!

Dennis

Robert

They aren't asking for toys for their birthday. No, all they want is a family. Wouldn't that be the perfect birthday and Christmas present? Please join me in praying for them, especially this month. Pray that Dennis and Robert will find families to bring them home! "Happy" birthday, boys. I love you!! ♥

*************************

Chandler's birthday is next month, and he'd love a family for his birthday present too!

Waiting Wednesday

2011-12-15T12:45:00.000-06:00

Today, I am heartbroken for a little 9 year old girl who is living in an orphanage. Anastasia's profile on RR says, "She dressed in her prettiest dress to have her photo taken, hoping her forever family will see how pretty she is and choose to bring her home." That makes me so sad. She wants a family to bring her home. She is 9 years old - she totally understands. Will a family ever come for her? I don't know. I hope so. I pray. There has got to be a family meant for this precious little girl. Isn't she beautiful?

Anastasia

Girl, Born June 29, 2002

Anastasia is a lovely young lady with blonde hair and blue eyes. She dressed her in prettiest dress to have her photo taken, hoping her forever family will see how pretty she is and choose to bring her home. Anastasia was born with CP, and has difficulty walking, but she is very smart and affectionate and doing well. Physical therapy will work wonders for her. She will be a wonderful daughter for anyone who considers her!

Nadine.

2011-12-13T20:54:00.003-06:00

I'm going to start on a new series of posts, about each of 'my' babies that I'll post over the next month. A while ago I posted about Lucy, and I want to tell you everything I know about each of my other babies. Some of them I know a lot about, like Lucy, and some of them I know nothing but what's on their Reece's Rainbow profile. I will start with a precious baby, Nadine!

Nadine has Down syndrome, and congenital heart disease, for which she's already had surgery. She was born in June, 2010, so she's just one year old!!

We saw her in the orphanage, and got to hold her little hands and snap a couple pictures. She is just a darling!! Such a gorgeous, little baby :) If I'm allowed to have favorites, she's my second right after Lucy!

I took this picture!

I don't really know much else about her. I only got to see her for a minute or two. I do know that she is in a better orphanage, and receives good care. But still, she needs a family so badly, because the kids are transferred anywhere between 4 and 6 years old.

Ashley took this picture (you can tell the difference between our cameras :))

I do know, that anyone who will have her as their daughter will be truly blessed! I can't even describe to you how my arms ached to hold her when I saw her. It's just amazing, falling in love with a picture, and then actually meeting the child. Oh, how I love little Nadine. ♥ Now, to make this a happy ending, she needs a family!!

Motherless Monday

2011-12-11T21:45:00.001-06:00

Introducing, two sweet boys in Orphanage 7, Aiden and Maxim! An amazing missionary is in EE right now, visiting them in their orphanage! Visit Natalie's blog here. Be sure to look for more pictures of Aiden and Maxim...they're TOO cute! And they both need families so, so badly.

Aiden

Maxim

Maxim Signing "family"

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Robert is in the orphanage that I visited in EE. I didn't see him, but all the babies in that orphanage are very near to my heart ♥

Letters to My Babies - Vol. 10

2011-12-11T13:04:00.000-06:00

Dear Lucy,

Your life is about to change a lot! Your new mama and daddy met you for the first time, and they're going to be able to take you home soon. You'll have two new brothers coming home with you too! Wow, I'm just amazed. You'll be home soon! I can't wait! :) I love you so so so so so so so much. And you are just SO stinkin' adorable!! I cried my head off watching the videos of you with your parents. (The videos are here.) It makes me miss you more. And it makes me think about when I sat on that couch and played with your little buddy Carter, and when I walked along that path outside. It was a month ago, but it feels like just yesterday I was holding onto your hands as you smiled up to me. And now you have a mommy and daddy to play with and smile with, who are taking you home soon!! I'm so happy for you, little miss Peanut!

♥ I LOVE you to the moon and back! ♥
Rachel

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Nadine's ornament is on my tree too, but she won't be with family this Christmas.

My Favorite Songs

2011-12-10T16:54:00.000-06:00

Just because I feel like it, I'm going to post some of my favorite songs. First up, Beautiful Things! This is my absolute favorite song. Ashley played it all the time in EE, and now whenever I hear it I think of that trip. "All around, hope is springing up from this old ground, Out of chaos life is being found in You. You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of the dust. You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of us." ♥

Next, Leavin' on a Jet Plane. This song is always stuck in my head, and I play it all the time! (Even ask my sister!)

One Way Ticket. We heard this all the time in Niko's car in EE :) Now I laugh whenever I hear it!

Last of all, a Russian cartoon! Carter's birth name was Anton, and the nannies always called him Antoshka. There is a cartoon called Antoshka, and I love it :)

The words are, in Russian on the left and English on the right:

Антошка, Антошка, Antoshka, Antoshka
Пойдем копать картошку!, Let's go dig potatoes!
Антошка, Антошка,, Antoshka, Antoshka
Пойдем копать картошку!, Let's go dig potatoes!

Дили-дили,, Dili-dili
Трали-вали,, Trali-vali
Это мы не проходили,, We did not study it,
Это нам не задавали!, It was not required!
Тарам, пам, пам,, Taram, pam, pam
Тарам, пам, пам,, Taram, pam, pam

Антошка, Антошка,, Antoshka, Antoshka
Сыграй нам на гармошке!, Play for us on the accordion!
Антошка, Антошка,, Antoshka, Antoshka
Сыграй нам на гармошке!, Play for us on the accordion!

Дили-дили,, Dili-dili
Трали-вали,, Trali-vali
Это мы не проходили,, We did not study it,
Это нам не задавали!, It was not our homework!
Тарам, пам, пам,, Taram, pam, pam
Тарам, пам, пам,, Taram, pam, pam

Антошка, Антошка,, Antoshka, Antoshka
Готовь к обеду ложку!, Prepare your spoon for dinner!
Антошка, Антошка,, Antoshka, Antoshka
Готовь к обеду ложку!, Prepare your spoon for dinner!

Дили-дили,, Dili-dili
Трали-вали,, Trali-vali
Это, братцы, мне по силе!, This, brothers, I can handle,
Откажусь теперь едва ли!, I hardly can refuse!

Тарам, пам, пам,, Taram, pam, pam
Тарам, пам, пам,, Taram, pam, pam
Парам, пам, пам., Taram, pam, pam

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Forever Family Friday

2011-12-09T21:57:00.001-06:00

Meet Dmitriy! His family is changing his name to Seth!

Remember a couple weeks ago, I posted about sweet Sarah (Genesis on RR)?

Well, Seth and Sarah are going to be siblings!!! They have both been transferred to the institution, and now they are going to be saved. I am so, so, SO happy!!! Seth is five years old, and will be six at the end of December. He has waited so long...but soon he will be forever in his loving home. I can't wait! Visit his family's blog here.

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Miranda is also six years old, and needs a family before she is transferred too!

Peanut

2011-12-08T18:21:00.000-06:00

Lucy is 'my' very first baby to find a family!! I'm so excited for her. I can't wait until her family can finally meet her! Once, when we went to pick up Carter for our visit, Ashley knelt down and held out her arms for Carter, and Lucy came running. The nanny stopped her before she could get to Ashley - but I know Lucy would have ran right into her arms if she could have. Oh, how I wish I could be there when Lucy's mama will get down on the floor, and Lucy will run to her...and the nannies won't stop her. And Lucy will be wrapped in arms filled with love. I'm crying now just thinking about it! And it will be SOON! (Her parents met her two new brothers, and hopefully soon they'll meet Lucy!)

Lucy dear, my sweet little Peanut...I know right now you don't know the love of a family. But soon. Soon you will be taken home, forever. Soon you will know love. Oh, how great that will be. I can't wait. I love you so much, princess. ♥

Waiting Wednesday

2011-12-07T12:13:00.000-06:00

Meet handsome Shaun! He's in the same region as my Lilly. :) This 4-year-old boy struggles with cleft issues, facial deformities, kidney problems, and possibly Edwards syndrome. Yes, he has many complications, but he's so beautiful and deserving of a family. I wonder if it will be harder to find him a family because he doesn't look "normal." Probably. But I don't care - this little boy needs a family as much as anyone, maybe more. He's not meant to sit around in an orphanage, waiting to be loved. He needs love now! Will you be a part of Shaun's miracle?

Shaun 3G

Boy, Born November 2007

This darling little boy is waiting for his forever family. He struggles with significant cleft issues and facial deformities. He also struggles with kidney problems. From his medical records, they indicate that he has Edwards Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 18. This is quite a challenge, and most children do not survive past birth. We do not know if he has any of the other complications, but he clearly has many of the facial features and cognitive delays.

Maybe there is a super special family out there who will give Shaun a chance to really shine, and be all God intends for him to be!

Alice...

2011-12-06T17:12:00.001-06:00

...has a family!!!!!!! I am so happy!!!!!!!!! My second baby who has found a family!! :) Go to the My Family Found Me page and see it for yourself. She looks so beautiful on that page... ♥ Soon, baby, you'll have a FAMILY to love you and snuggle you and give you kisses and give you everything you've been waiting for, for over 5 years! I love you, my sweet baby!

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I'm praying that soon, soon, soon, I will also find Faith on the MFFM page!

Motherless Monday

2011-12-04T17:36:00.001-06:00

*To Dona Holmstrom who commented on my post yesterday about Alice: My email is helpingtheleastofthese (at) gmail (dot) com, so please email me with your questions so I can reply! Thanks :)*

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On this cold, frosty Monday (ugh...) I would like to brighten your ~~day~~ (I planned to post this earlier!) night, with some beautiful children who are waiting for families. All these kids are in Russia Region 2. There are TONS of kids in this region, and it was hard to choose who I would post today. All of them need families so badly!


Beautiful Celine!

Kennedy has already been transferred :(

Alexander might already be transferred and he needs a family!

Precious Robyn

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I recently got new information on my little Diane girl!! Now it says:

"Little Diane has what is referred to as "Babydoll Syndrome." This has been described as a syndrome that limits how her brain and body grows. She will always be mentally delayed, and very small in stature.

It's possible, but not confirmed, that she has some degree of FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome).

From a family who met her in Nov 2011:
In spite of her delays, she is keenly aware that some of her friends are going home with their mommies … and she wants one. She would cling to me and cry when I brought my daughter back to the groupa. She has the LONGEST eyelashes I've ever seen in my life. She loves music and dancing. She's got a very gentle personality."

She sounds like such a sweety! And she sounds like she really, really needs and wants a mama. ♥

The ABC's of My Life

2011-12-04T16:34:00.000-06:00

I saw this on a couple of different blogs, and decided to post it here so you all know a little bit more about me :)

A. Age: 15
B. Bed size: Twin
C. Chore that you hate: Feeding chickens and collecting the eggs
D. Dogs: Golden Retriever
E. Essential start to your day: SLEEP!
F. Favorite color: Pink, or pink and brown together, or blue and yellow together :)
G. Gold or Silver: Silver
H. Height: 5'4" I think...
I. Instruments you play: Piano
J. Job title: Babysitter...?
K. Kids: I don't have any real official kids, but I have 'my' babies, Lucy, Nadine, Lilly, Chandler, Faith, Dennis, Robert, Orion, Silas, Miranda, Diane, Carmen, and Alice!
L. Live: Wisconsin
M. Mother’s name: Lisa
N. Nicknames: UFO, Rachebach, Rachie Bachie (Jake calls me this all the time...UGH! I must admit, though, I miss it a little since he called me that all the time in EE...), Rach, Rachie
O. Overnight hospital stays: 0
P. Pet peeves: When people do '&' instead of 'and'; when Sarah claims she makes perfect sense when she totally doesn't (like how I can get lost in an empty room, because there is nothing in it therefore I don't know where anything is...I still don't understand it!!)
Q. Quote from a movie: "I don't need easy, I just need possible." Soul Surfer
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: Josh (17) and Rebekah (12)
T. Truth or Dare: Probably truth...
U. Ultimate Vacation: Ukraine!
V. Vegetable you hate: Tomatoes
W. What makes you run late: Whoever is driving me!
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Wrist
Y. Yummy food that you make: I have no idea...
Z. Zoo animal: Cheetah

Now you know a bit more about me...so now do it yourself and post it on your blog if you have one!

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I am going to be posting one of my babies at the bottom of each post I write. And, if I feel like it, new information about them :)

Alice has $19,292 in her grant!!! Wow!! RR says for her region, "Total approx. cost $30k". That means almost 2/3 of it is already in her grant! This girl needs a family!!

Letters to My Babies - Vol. 9

2011-12-03T08:24:00.000-06:00

Dear Lilly,

I haven't forgotten about you! I still love you, SO much. I'm praying every day that you find a family. What a Christmas gift that would be, to have a family commit to bringing you home!! Every day I check the My Family Found Me page, and every day I'm disappointed when I don't see you on it. You need a family so badly. And, whoever your family is, I know they need you too. What a blessing you would be! I can't wait for the day I see you on the My Family Found Me page. I just know it will happen someday. And I'm hoping sooner than later!! You need out of there as soon as you possibly can!

I think about you tons! I love you so much!!!
♥ Love, ♥
Rachel

Forever Family Friday

2011-12-02T17:11:00.000-06:00

Today I would like to introduce you to Lucy's new family, the Jacobsons, and Lucy's two little brothers that they are also bringing home!

Levi

Shawn

And of course, my little Peanut :)

Aren't the boys so handsome?? And Lucy of course is my beautiful little girly :) The Jacobsons are leaving TOMORROW for EE, for their first trip of probably three. Since they just decided to bring Lucy home as well, they need more funds. I don't like asking for money...but for Lucy, I'd swim with sharks (and I'm terrified of sharks after seeing Soul Surfer!), I'd jump in a pit of snakes (I'm also terrified of those...), I'd walk into a burning building...you get the idea. :) Fortunately, I don't have to do those things (whew!) - I just have to ask you to please, please, please consider giving a little something up to help bring Lucy home. Maybe give up going out to eat one night, or give up that new pair of shoes, or a candy bar at the store, or...anything. Peanut needs it. I want her home with her family as soon as possible! I also want to buy her some clothes (I'm obsessed with toddler girl clothes... :)) and I need her home so I can find out her size ;) More importantly, though, I want her to feel the love of a family and I don't want her to have to wait another second. And please, please pray for them!! Pray that they can get home as soon as possible and everything goes quickly. So, all that to say - please help Lucy and her brothers. A couple bucks and a prayer can go a long way. Peanut needs it!! ♥

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Before Lucy had a family, my parents and I bought two Christmas ornaments with Lucy and Nadine's picture on it. We got them today, and they are SO cute (the girls and the ornaments :))!! ♥ If you don't have one yet, it's not too late to get one! I don't think you can get one of Lucy anymore, but there are tons of other kids. Go HERE to Angel Tree to look through the kids and choose your ornament. It's only $35, and $30 of that will go to the kid's grant!! I can't believe I saw and touched both of these girls less than a month ago, and now they're on my tree!! I only wish they could really be under a tree, with their family. Lucy will be, soon, but Nadine is still waiting.

(It says their country underneath their name, so I pixellated it so you can't see it. And I only put them on this tree for a picture - it's a mini one that's in my room. They're going to go on the big tree once we get it, hopefully this weekend!)

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The Jacobson's FSP

LUCY, SHAWN and LEVI for the Jacobson family — Nicholasville, KY

Everett and April are some of the most blessed people you will ever meet! They met in college and have been best friends ever since. Shortly after they were married, the welcomed Susannah(now 11) into their lives. Soon, they were blessed with Juliet (now 10) and Ysabel (now 7). After a hoping for another child for a long time, they were blessed to have Sarah, who sadly died before she was born. This tragic time cemented not only the love that their family felt for each other, but also showed them that God was good and faithful to each of them. God then gave them Violet (now 2) and Cosette (now 8 months). Everett and April have always longed to have a large family, and after God had given them 3 beautiful daughters, their hearts were called to adoption. Seven years (and two more daughters!) later, they are overjoyed to bring these beautiful children into their home.

Everett and April love children and are passionate about special needs advocacy. They have been preparing themselves, their children and home for many years to finally welcome orphaned children into a new family where they will finally know the unconditional love that God has given them as His children. They know that adoption intrinsically means brokenness and sadness, but they are committed to helping these precious children find healing, hope, and joy. The Jacobson girls can’t wait to have another sister, and finally, some BROTHERS!!! Thank you for helping them show the love of God to these little ones!

“I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” -John 14:18

11/24/11—APPT IS DECEMBER 6

Follow the Jacobson family's adoption journey on their blog at http://threemorejacobsons.blogspot.com

My Babies

2011-12-01T12:47:00.000-06:00

I just finished making collages of all 'my' babies, so I will share them with you! Feel free to use any of them if you would like to post about one of the kids on your blog/facebook/etc!

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Last but certainly not least, my dear Lucy who has a family!

Waiting Wednesday

2011-11-30T12:10:00.001-06:00

Today I'm posting about one of 'my' babies, who I saw at the orphanage!! Dennis is in Carter's former grouppa, and on Gotcha day, we saw him!! He was just standing in his crib, watching everything around him. He's an adorable little boy, who is just one year old. He needs a mama and papa before he gets too much older. Is it you? Or, if you donate $35 or more to his grant fund, you get a Christmas ornament with his picture on it!

Dennis

Boy, born December 2009

Dennis's new picture came in AFTER the Angel Tree ornaments were prepared, but we still wanted to share!

Dennis did not seem thrilled about having his nap interrupted for pictures, but he sure looks like he's got personality!

He has Down syndrome and a patent foramen ovale – which is a small hole between the chambers of the heart. This is common in childhood, and often closes without any medical intervention.

These children are blessed to be in an excellent orphanage, however this region typically requires 3 trips (due to length of time between appt and court). This is a great orphanage and the children receive excellent care, and there is minimal travel in-country. This orphanage is close to the Capital city, so it's fantastic for sight-seeing.

We have had many successful adoptions from this orphanage, and families are willing to share their experiences.

$200.00 is available toward the cost of my adoption, including $195.00 from Angel Tree donations!

Lucy.

2011-11-29T16:14:00.000-06:00

I wrote this post a while ago, before my dear Lucy found a family. I don't really need to post it anymore, because now she will have a family and will have someone to love her and snuggle her and kiss her - but I will post it anyway, just so you can know a little more about the angel who stole my heart. ♥ I will post more about Peanut and her new family tomorrow!

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Isn't Lucy just beautiful? Believe me, she's much more beautiful in real life. Such a gorgeous girl...living in an orphanage. With no mommy or daddy.

She's in a nice orphanage, as orphanages go. But she is starving - not for food, but for love and attention. Every day, when we would go to get Carter for our visit, she would try to run to us. Most of the time a nanny stopped her, but when they couldn't, she'd grab our hands. She would hold on to them, lean back, and smile and laugh up at us, just enjoying the love that we showed to her, even for just a few minutes. Then the nanny would grab her and take her away from us. But the next visit, she'd try to come to us again. And it was heartbreaking to think that we would have to leave her there.

One day, we got to go outside and play with the grouppa during our visit with Carter. We got to see all the kids, and I got to kiss Lucy and tell her "I love you. I love you so much - and Jesus loves you too. And I will try my best to find a family for you." I so wish I could have told her that she has a family who loves her so much and is trying to get her home as fast as they can. But she doesn't. I will do what I told her though - try my best to find her a family. She's such a sweetheart and I know she would make a wonderful daughter. She would do so great in a home.

Home? Lucy knows nothing about a home. Her "home" is the orphanage. The orphanage where nannies care for her - but don't really love her. Once she gets older, if she's not adopted, her new "home" will be in an institution. Will she ever have a home? Will she ever have a true home, with a family who loves her? I hope so - I pray that she will - and I will try as hard as I possibly can to find her one. I just know there is one out there. But how long will it take? How long must she wait there? I wanted so badly to put my arms around her, pick her up, and say "I'll take you home. I'll love you - you'll always have a home with me." But it wouldn't be true. I had to leave her there. I cannot possibly describe how painful that was for me.

It's as if, in the moment she grabbed onto my hands and looked up at me, she grabbed onto my heart as well. I loved her before I ever saw her - but now I love her so much more. And to leave her there just broke.my.heart.

Like I promised Lucy, I will try to find her a family. So, let me ask you - is she your daughter?

Birthdays

2011-11-28T20:18:00.001-06:00

Two of 'my' beautiful babies have birthdays this month. Silas's birthday is today, November 29th. He is now 7 years old. Seven years of living without a mama and papa, without a home, without love. I can't imagine. And soon, it will be too late for him. He's already living in an institution, and if he's not adopted soon, he will be bedridden the rest of his life.

Silas has just $11 in his account for his adoption. On his birthday, won't you give just a little to help save his life? Any amount will help; $1, $5, $20, or $100. Anything you can do. Just go to his RR profile, HERE. And please, please, please pray for this little guy. Pray that he will have a family for his next birthday. And pray that today, someone, somewhere, will give him a bit of love. It's not impossible. Please pray with me!! I love you Silas ♥

Also, my dear Lucy's birthday is in the month of November. I don't know when the date is, but she is/will be 3 years old. I would say 'happy birthday,' but I'm sure it's not. She does live in a 'good' orphanage, but I'm not sure if they celebrate birthdays there. Either way, I know she isn't getting love from her mama and daddy. I know she isn't being snuggled, being given lots of hugs and kisses, and opening presents, like she should be on her special day. All I can do is pray. Pray that she will be given at least a little love, a hug or kiss, a loving touch. And I pray, as hard as I can, that next year, on her fourth birthday, she will celebrate it with a family. In her home, being snuggled by her mommy and daddy and siblings, given kisses by her grandparents, cousins, etc, and opening her own presents. Won't you pray with me?

"Happy" birthday, my sweet angel. I love you SO much!!! ♥

Edited to add: Lucy is now on the My Family Found Me page!!!!!!!!!!! Praise God!!!!!! Please pray that her family can get her home before Christmas!!!! I will be writing a post about her soon :)

Motherless Monday

2011-11-28T19:51:00.001-06:00

Today, meet five beautiful kiddos from Orphanage (39)!

Beautiful Reese is 5 years old and waiting for a mama!

Marcus is a handsome little guy! He will be 9 years old in December.

Precious Erin is 9 years old, and has cerebral palsy.

Gorgeous Patti is 7 years old, and has CP and possibly FAS.

Tyler is 12 years old, and is waiting for a mama and papa to call his own.

All these kids have waited for a home for 5 to 12 years. Haven't they waited long enough? They need families desperately, and it's harder to find families for older kids. But there has to be a family just for each of these kids. Is it you?

Sarah Barah ;)

2011-11-27T16:28:00.001-06:00

Today I need to tell you a little bit about my bestest friend Sarah. (I foolishly told her I was posting about her, so she posted about me first...stinker!) First of all, she is the most awesome, beautiful, amazing, BESTEST friend ever!! And yes, bestest is a word! It may not be in the dictionary, but it's in MY dictionary. :) We have a ton of funny memories together. And LOTS of inside jokes (those are my favorite)! She likes telling me she knows a secret, and then torturing me with it. And if I do that to her, she has some kind of blackmail to make me tell her! I'm older than her, yet she can force me to do anything. That's what friends are for, right?? :)

I love you Sarah!!!! You're awesome, and you're the BESTEST!

Letters to My Babies - Vol. 8

2011-11-27T14:54:00.001-06:00

Dear Nadine,

I sure miss you! I only got to see you once in EE, but boy are you sweet! I wish I could have spent more time with you. But I am SO thankful that I got to see you! I didn't think I would get to - but I'm so blessed to have been able to see four of 'my' babies, and eight RR babies, while I was there.

A picture Ashley took

If I could have stuffed you in my backpack and brought you home, I would have! But I don't have enough room in my backpack for all of you, and I would get in trouble. :) So I will just say, I love you so much. And I will try to find a family for you, who will love you unconditionally! I wish I could have told you how much I love you, but I only got to see you for a minute. I pray that you feel how much I love you, though. Because I sure love you a LOT! Whoever will have you as a daughter will be blessed, because you are a gorgeous little girl!

♥ Love, ♥
Rachel

I took this picture :)

Forever Family Friday

2011-11-25T10:29:00.001-06:00

Today, meet Genesis (her family is naming her Sarah)!

Sarah is a beautiful little almost-5-year-old girl, living in an institution. The good news is, she has a family working to make her their daughter and get her out of that institution forever! Visit her family's blog HERE. What an amazing family they are!! Please consider donating a little bit to help Sarah's family save her. I know I ask this every week, but if you are able, it would be greatly appreciated. If you went Black Friday shopping, think of how much you spent on that, and then see what you are able to give to save precious Sarah's life. This girl needs to get home ASAP!

I am THANKFUL

2011-11-24T22:22:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for my awesome family, a dear friend from my church, and my grandparents who celebrated Thanksgiving with me! I am also thankful for my aunt and uncle and cousins Jack and Vinny, who would have been here but Vinny was sick.

I am thankful for all my friends, including many orphan advocating friends who I have made through blogging! You are all amazing!!!

I am thankful for Reece's Rainbow, who is advocating and finding families for orphans. I am thankful for Blogger, which allows me to advocate for those kids and do my best to find them families!

I am thankful for all the adoptive families I have "met" and talked to, and I am thankful that they answered God's call. You are all awesome!

I am thankful for my grandparents who emailed me nearly every day of my trip! And I am thankful for Ashley's grandparents, who Skyped with us almost every day! (If you're reading this - I miss talking to you!)

I am thankful for all the sweet blessings I know who have Ds, because they are all so special to me. And I'm thankful for their awesome families! I'm thankful that Jake and Ashley came to church with Carter last night - because after close to a month of being with the three of them, I sure missed them after a week! I'm thankful for my dear friend Sarah and her family, and her little brothers and sisters who I missed while I was gone!

I am thankful for my wonderful church family!

I am thankful for the fuzzy pajamas and fuzzy socks that my grandparents got me for Christmas (they are leaving for Florida soon, and will be gone all winter so we got our presents today)! And for a wonderful grandpa who hand-made me a BEAUTIFUL box, with a secret compartment may I add (that is unfortunately too small for my chocolate ;))!

Most of all, I'm SO thankful for Jesus! I'm thankful that he saved me and loves me!

At church last night, my pastor played a video about being thankful - while I couldn't find the video, I found some of what it said.

"I am thankful for my teenager who is complaining about doing dishes...
...because it means she is at home, not on the streets.

I am thankful for the extra taxes I have to pay this year...
...because it means I am employed and have a sizable income.

I am thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing...
...because it means I have my own home.

I am thankful for all the complaints I heard about the government...
...because it means we have freedom of speech.

I am thankful for the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot...
...because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.

I am thankful for weariness and aching muscles at the end of the working day...
...because it means I have been capable of working hard.

I am thankful for the alarm clock that goes off in the early morning hours...
...because it means I'm alive.

I am thankful for too much email...
...because it means I have many friends who are thinking of me."

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T22:21:00.000-06:00

Today, we're celebrating a wonderful holiday, Thanksgiving. But so many of us forget what it's all about. This day is not about eating turkey and pumpkin pie. It's not about football. It's not about having everything perfectly neat for friends and family coming over. It's not about decorating everything in pumpkins and leaves and fall colors.

I'm not saying it's wrong to do those things. I will be eating pumpkin pie and spending time with friends and family too, and I will surely want everything clean! But that's just not what it's all about.

It's Thanksgiving. Giving thanks.

For our many, many, many, uncountable blessings.

We have SO many blessings. I couldn't even begin to make a list of them all.

Every day, we should be thankful. But especially on Thanksgiving, a holiday just for that.

So don't forget. As you're eating pie and turkey, watching football, being with family and friends, cleaning the house - on this Thanksgiving day - don't forget to thank God for all we have. Because in reality - we have so, so much. So much more than most of the world.

The reality for Lucy? The day that we celebrate, that's special for all of us, will be like any other day for her. She'll spend it alone. Yeah, there are the nannies, and the other kids in her grouppa. But not family. Not someone to love her. I love her - and I know a lot of people do - but nobody can be there with her, and show her. I would do anything to be with her, and tell her how much I love her. But I can't. She needs someone to show her love. She needs someone to give her something to be thankful for.

I know, I know, every holiday I post about an orphan who will be spending their time alone, with no one to love them, while we celebrate, etc etc. Well, I'm sorry if you're tired of it. But I will not stop. I will not quit trying to find families for these babies. I will not quit telling you what they will be going through on days that we celebrate. I will not quit begging you to help save their lives.

It's so easy to forget - or ignore - how others are spending this day. But please, today, as you go through your day - just remember Lucy. Remember orphans. Remember others who are going through this day - that should be spent thanking God for all we have - alone. And say a little prayer for them.

And most of all, don't forget.

Don't forget to thank God for your blessings - and don't forget to ask Him to bless someone who doesn't have all we have; who has to be alone.

Lord, thank you for all my blessings. I have far too many to count. I'm sorry for all the times that I haven't thanked you, when I should have. So often I take for granted all you've given me. I'm sorry. Thank you, so much, for everything. Thank you for loving me. Lord, please bless Lucy today. Give her something - a loving touch, a hug from a nanny, a bit of love. I wish I could be there to snuggle her and celebrate today with her - but I can't, and I know you have a plan for her, Lord. So please comfort her while she waits for someone to give her love. Comfort her while she waits for someone to tell her about You and Your greatness.
I love you Lord! Thank you!
Amen.

Something I am thankful for: I am thankful for Down syndrome. And I am especially thankful for the three little blessings in my church, who are there because of Ds! ♥ I love you Carter, Elijah, and Jonathan!

Waiting Wednesday

2011-11-23T17:44:00.000-06:00

Introducing...a super cute little boy named Jonathan! He is just two years old, and would so benefit from a family. And I just got a bunch of new pictures of him (thanks Sarah)!! What a beautiful, beautiful boy with a sunshine smile! Won't you give this boy a chance? Right now, you can't donate to his fund, but you can still pray and advocate for him. Let's find his mama! Is it you?

Oh. My. Goodness!! Who can resist that smile?!

Is he sweet, or is he sweet?! LOVE this kid!! ♥

Jonathan 15H
1et8w-15
Boy, born February 2009
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Dark brown
Character: Calm

Many pictures available!!!

Donations will be accepted for this child when full medical history is received from the agency.

New Pictures!!

2011-11-22T16:45:00.001-06:00

My awesome, amazing, bestest friend sent me new pictures of 'my' baby Diane!!!! Oh my goodness, she is beautiful... I love her so much! ♥

Her RR picture

Look at those eyelashes!!

That smile just melts my heart... ♥ I love how her eyes squint when she smiles!

Darling!!!

Motherless Monday

2011-11-21T17:12:00.001-06:00

This beautiful Monday, let me introduce you to some kids in Russia Region 15! This region is a little more strict and expensive, but the all the kids need families so badly. Here is some information about the region:

2-3 trips
1st trip, Both parents for 5-7 days
Wait 2-3 months for court
Both parents travel for 2nd trip, one can leave after 4 days
10-day waiting period is NOT waived for special needs
Only one parent would need to return after the 10-day wait
Up to 8 children in the home if the family income is sizeable (the adopted child being the 8th child)
Both parents must be younger than 60 years
Parents may NOT be currently on anti-depressants; prior history of anti-depressants may be permitted on a case-by-case basis
EASY TRAVEL IN-COUNTRY
Fee includes orphanage donation
Married couples and single mothers may apply
Un-related children may not be adopted simultaneously
Total program and travel fees approx $35-40K

'My' sweet Diane

'My' precious Faith...where's her mama?

Isn't Annalisa just darling?! ♥ Look how she has grown since the first picture!

Jonathan

Thad

All these beautiful children need families. This region may be more difficult to adopt from, but our awesome God can do everything!! Trust in Him and He'll make it work...He can and will help you save the life of a beautiful baby! If one of these children is yours, just say 'yes'. Click on their names to go to their Reece's Rainbow profile.

Letters to My Babies - Vol. 7

2011-11-19T13:29:00.001-06:00

I decided to change "Letters to Lilly" to "Letters to My Babies," because Lilly isn't the only one of 'my' babies I'd like to write letters to! Today I will write a letter to Lucy.

Dear Lucy,

The first time I met you was just...incredible. I recognized you immediately and gasped. At that second, I fell in love with you so much more. I saw you almost every day, and I wish I could describe to you how much it hurt to leave you there every time. It hurt to leave Carter, too, but I knew we'd be back, and I knew we'd bring him home. But I knew I would have to leave you there, never knowing if I'd see you again. I hope I do, Peanut! But I hope it's not in the orphanage. I hope it is with your family.

I wonder what you think when you see people come into your grouppa, play with one of your friends, and soon you never see them again. Do you ever wonder why they don't take you? Do you ever think about them? Do you ever think about me? I think about you all the time. I wonder what you're doing, if the nannies are being nice to you, if you're feeling well, if you're eating good. I can't stop thinking about you. And I will never stop loving you! I love you so, so much. If only I could tell you just how much. I would do anything to have you sitting on my lap right now - you can be sure I'd be snuggling you and giving you lots of kisses! I would have taken you home with me if I could - but I couldn't. But I will try my hardest to find a family for you, I promise.

I love you, little Peanut. SO much!

♥ Love, ♥

Rachel

Forever Family Friday

2011-11-18T21:15:00.001-06:00

Introducing, a sweet boy named Trent!

As you can see, Trent doesn't have any arms and is missing one leg, and his other leg is not formed correctly. But isn't he a beautiful little guy? He may be missing limbs - but he has a loving family working hard to bring him home! Trent doesn't know it yet, but he has his own crib, clothes, toys, and, most importantly, his very own mommy, daddy, and sister! I can't wait until he is home, where he belongs. Please pray that his family can get to him as soon as possible! Visit their blog here.

Sweet Alaina

2011-11-17T19:45:00.001-06:00

A bloggy friend of mine is doing an awesome iPad2 giveaway to bring home her sweet girl, Alaina! Don't stop reading though just because you're sure I'll be asking you to donate! Because there's another something to sweeten the deal. Not only will you have a chance to win an iPad2 if you donate, but you could win 15 bars of Milka chocolatey goodness that came right from Ukraine! Let me tell you, it is SO good. I have eaten it every day my entire trip...and I will surely never get sick of it!

I, being the computer genius I am, could not figure out how to send the picture of the chocolate to Lauren! It took me at least 15 minutes to load the picture onto the computer, and then another 15 minutes to try to send the picture to her. When that didn't work, I tried to put it in a Google document and send that to her. That also failed...see, I told you I'm a computer genius! ;) So I will just post it here, so I can be sure it will work :)

Here is the giveaway post...please consider blessing this family as they work to bring home precious Alaina! And wouldn't it be awesome to win an iPad2 or some chocolate just in time for Christmas? More importantly, wouldn't it be awesome to help save a sweet little girl?

*************************

Okay, folks, it's time to stop pouting, it's time to stop crying, and time to remember that God's heart is for the orphan, and that He will provide for our sweet Alaina. Unfortunately , it's easy for me to sometimes forget that. I'm working on that. :)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.." Thank you Mandy, for reminding me of that. I've been repeating it daily.

So, I've sat down, rolled up my sleeves, and tried to figure out approximately how much we need to raise before we can take our first trip, which should be in January.

Here we go. Hang on tight and try not to get to nauseated.

$16,000. For one trip.

Nauseated? Nah, me either.

Let's start some place small. To submit our dossier and pay the foreign fee, we need to hand over $6,655 to our agency.

So, to entice all of you to help us raise the ChipIn meter to the right, we are giving away an iPad2!!!!!

Here's how you can enter the giveaway and have one of these snazzy things in the palm of your hands:

$10 = 1 entry

$20 = 5 entries

$50 = 15 entries

You can pay through the ChipIn box at the top right of my blog, and leave a comment stating you entered.

A winner will be selected with http://www.random.org/ on a date yet to be disclosed.

Share this giveaway, and get an extra entry. Be sure to leave me a comment stating that you shared!

Here's the part that I don't want to share, because I'm so afraid this will hinder you from participating. We obviously don't have the money to outright buy one of these things, so we need to raise enough to purchase one. IF we don't raise enough, then the winner will get half of the total amount donated. I still think it's a sweet deal, and I hope you do too!

Let's get this girl HOME!!!!!!!!!! Ready. Set. GO!!

*************************

Now if that chocolate or iPad didn't make you want to donate...look at sweet Alaina's face!! Isn't she simply precious?? I just cannot wait to see pictures of her with her family. Don't YOU want to help make that happen? Don't you want to be a part of her story? I know I do. I love you, Alaina! ♥

Home

2011-11-17T13:57:00.001-06:00

My journey to EE is over. We got home on Tuesday afternoon. It's nice to be back - but I already miss Ukraine. And Carter. I guess I'll have to get used to not seeing him every day! But I am just blessed, so blessed to have been a part of this journey and a part of Carter's life. I am SO glad, after all this waiting...that he is home, forever home! Isn't it good to be home, buddy?

If you want more details on our homecoming and flights, go to Ashley's post. Let me just say, though - Carter was a trooper. He was so, SO good on the flights! He hardly slept at all, but wasn't crabby. I am so proud of him!!

I was looking back at pictures from our visits in the orphanage, and I can't help but laugh at his hilarious clothes. I think the tights are cute (as long as they match!) but I like his American clothes much better! :)

I think this one is the funniest. Light blue shirt, red undershirt, dark blue shorts, lavender and red tights, and pink shoes :)

His awesome American outfit :)

No more orphanage clothes for you, buddy - you're HOME! Forever!

Waiting Wednesday

2011-11-16T13:23:00.001-06:00

I got home from EE yesterday, and I'll post more about that later. But for now, I'll resume my weekly posts!

Today, meet Artem K.! Isn't he such a beautiful little boy? He's five years old, and facing transfer soon. He needs a family desperately! And, he has a $16,562 grant to help with costs. Is this sweet boy your son? Please, give him a chance at life! He's been waiting so long and doesn't deserve to wait another day. I can just see him thriving in a loving family! Are you his mama or papa?

Artem K.
boib -5G

Boy, born June 4, 2006
Eyes: Brown
Hair: dark brown
Temperament: good-natured
SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!

It is so painful to see these kids whose mothers drank during their pregnancy (( Artem's mom was clearly not interested in giving him the best chance in life. This was her first pregnancy, he was born at 38 weeks, but she smoked and drank throughout the pregnancy. His mother kept him home until he was nearly a year old, so there is no telling what other damage she may have caused him during that time. Despite his difficult beginnings, he is described as a good natured boy, and will thrive in a loving family. He does have a minor myocardiopathy that should be followed once home, but he is active and doing much better now that he is in the orphanage.
FULL MEDICAL RECORDS AVAILABLE! SINGLE MOMS WELCOME

Lots more photos available!

$16562.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Goodbye

2011-11-14T10:58:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow, we're leaving Ukraine. I can't believe that this journey is almost over. And I can't believe that I've been here 23 days. It feels like it's gone so fast, but yet it seems like I've been here forever...it's hard to explain. But anyway, I will be sad to leave. I'm SO glad that Carter will soon be home, with his family, where he belongs. But yet it's sad to leave. I really love it here. This has been an amazing journey, and I'm so blessed to be along...

Until next time, Ukraine. I will miss you. Dasvedanya.

Chocolate!!

2011-11-12T10:24:00.001-06:00

Today was a great day! We stayed and relaxed in the apartment until 3:00, and then we went to Celentanos to eat with Alecia and Bryan and their four kids. We had a great time! Then, after the pizza and soup...guess where we went to celebrate Bryan and Alecia's anniversary?! Chocolate! Yep, a restaurant called Chocolate. I was in heaven! We ordered cheesecake and fondue. Alecia (who had been there before) said that the fondue was the best, so we were all super excited for it. A few minutes later, the waitress came back and said they didn't have any more fondue. What?!?! We were so upset. The cheesecake was good - but we were so looking forward to fondue. So, we decided that tomorrow we will go back to celebrate Bryan's birthday. And they had better have fondue, or they will have some very angry customers!! So we're looking forward to that :)

These days with Carter have been so much fun (tiring I'm sure, but fun). I'm just so amazed with him. He's doing so well! Sure, he has fits. He gets into stuff he shouldn't (quite often ;)). He takes his shoes and mittens off when he's not supposed to. He throws stuff on the ground. He stops doing something cute the moment you get the camera out. But he makes up for that with his infectious laugh. His sunshine smile. The adorable things he does (too many to count!). His sweet cuddling. His hugs. He just melts my heart - I love him so, so much. More and more every day! I can't imagine life without this sunshine, stinker, cutie, amazing little Carter Benjamin. I love you budzo!!! (Don't even ask about that nickname...)

My little sunshine

Gotcha Day!

2011-11-10T01:27:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Gotcha Day!! The day when we took Carter out of the orphanage, for good. It's amazing to think that he will never spend another night in the orphanage - he'll always go to bed with hugs and kisses and wake up in the morning with snuggling with his mommy and daddy!

Yesterday was the first time I ever saw his toes! At the orphanage he always had tights on, so we could never see his toes and legs. Well let me tell you - he has chubster legs! And they're more fun to squeeze without his tights on :) And he looks SO cute in his American clothes! Even though I sort of liked the tights...his new clothes are much cuter :)

He also had his first bath last night - and he loved it! The little fish didn't want to come out! :) Right now he's crawling around on the floor, playing with his toys. I just can't believe he's actually here... God is good!!! And Carter is such a blessing!

Excitement!!

2011-11-08T12:26:00.000-06:00

Gotcha Day is...tomorrow!!!! Tonight, getting ready for Carter - child-proofing the apartment, cleaning, setting up his bed, getting his clothes ready, packing all the needed stuff for tomorrow - is getting me SO excited! I can't believe the day is almost here. I just can't believe it...and I'm just so amazed. Amazed that Jake and Ashley would actually take me along, halfway around the world, to get their son, to allow me to be a part of his life, to witness this process. Amazed that God worked everything out perfectly, according to His will. Amazed that soon, we will take Carter out of his silly orphanage clothes, and into the adorable clothes that we set out for him (including the shirt that I got him for his birthday!). Amazed that tonight, God willing, will be Carter's LAST night spent in that orphanage. Amazed that I am here, to be with him!

Soon, little buddy, you will be taken out of your old 'home,' and into your new home. Into your new home with loving family and friends. Into your forever family. And I can't wait. Just CAN'T WAIT!! I am so blessed to know you. You are a HUGE blessing! I love you so so so so so so so much, sunshine!!!!

Okay, I think I will go admire his Gotcha day outfit and imagine it on him. And maybe pore over some pictures and videos of him since we weren't able to visit him today or yesterday. But that's okay now - because soon he will be WITH us!!!

10-Day Wait is OVER!

2011-11-04T07:34:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged for the past few days, and I'm sorry. But anyway - yesterday was the last day of the 10 day wait! That means, soon will be Gotcha Day, and I'm so excited to take Carter out of that orphanage forever! Soon he will be home with a loving family, and loving friends, forever. No more lonely days at the orphanage - he will be constantly loved and hugged and kissed and played with! He will always know love, he will always have someone there for him. He will have presents on Christmas, and on his birthday. He will be with family for Thanksgiving, and have a big meal. He'll be able to play outside in the snow this winter, go to church with mommy and daddy, and play with friends. He will always have a bed to fall into at the end of the day, and a mommy and daddy to kiss him goodnight. And I'm so excited!

But my heart breaks for the children left behind. They don't have a loving family, they don't have anyone to give them hugs and kisses, they don't get to celebrate on Christmas or Thanksgiving or their birthday, and they don't have a mommy and daddy to kiss them goodnight. They will stay, day after day, in the orphanage. Until someone comes and gets them - and if no one does, they'll be moved to an institution, where they will die. And my heart is breaking. I love these kids. I don't want to leave them. But, I have no choice. I cannot be their mommy. I cannot sneak them into my backpack and bring them home (as much as I would like to!). All I can do is ask - no, BEG you, to give these kids a home. Pray for them, donate to their grant funds, advocate for them, or be their family. Be the mommy or daddy to tuck them in at night. Be the family to celebrate their birthday with them. Be the family to give them hugs and kisses. Be the mommy or daddy to love them unconditionally. Be the family to always be there for them. Be their forever family.

Precious Lucy is in Carter's grouppa. She doesn't have a mommy to snuggle, or a daddy to play with, or anybody to hug her and kiss her owes. I know that the family who chooses her will be BLESSED!

Nadine won't get to open presents this Christmas, or have a special meal on Thanksgiving. She won't get gifts or a celebration on her birthday. Can you change that?

Robert won't get to wrestle with daddy, or play outside with brothers or sisters this winter. He'll be in his crib as usual. Will you be this angel's family?

Please, if you can't be their family, could you just say a prayer for them? Or maybe consider donating to their grant, to help find them a family? If you donate $35 or more to one of them, you will get a Christmas ornament with their picture on it! Go to Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree for more information.

While you open presents, decorate a tree, spend time with family and friends, and have a special dinner this Christmas - remember these little ones, who are spending their Christmas alone. Who will spend their whole lives alone, if no one saves them.

Day 6 and Day 7 of 10-Day Wait

2011-10-31T16:08:00.000-05:00

Sorry about the boring titles. I have no idea anymore...

Today started out great...we got to sleep in, and had delicious pancakes made by Jake! :) Then we went souvenir shopping. I got a few things for my parents and Josh and Kaitlyn (sorry Rebekah, I couldn't find anything for you yet). Well if I can't find anything the whole time - I will just get lots of chocolate! That always makes a good souvenir... :)

We got to the orphanage early, and the nannies brought Carter to us early! Which was good, since we had to leave early, because we had called a taxi. It gets dark earlier, since we changed our clocks back, and it's Halloween, so we didn't want to be walking around! Plus we didn't wear our coats, because it was a lot warmer earlier in the day. Anyway, as we were leaving the orphanage, we saw a group of kids walking around outside with a nanny. We saw that one of them was Judah (Cole on RR)! We said "Privyet" (hi) to him, and he sweetly said "privyet" back to us! He's such a handsome little man!

Sorry I didn't post yesterday, so now I guess I'll have to write two things I love about EE! One of them is seeing all the sights! Last night we walked around on Kreschatyk (the main street), which is closed on weekends. It was amazing! Everything was so beautiful, and there were people playing music and stuff on the street. So awesome! Here are some pictures that Ashley took.

I love this picture! It's so beautiful!

Another thing I like about EE, is walking. Well, not the walking part exactly...but that if we want to go somewhere, we can get there. We don't have to worry about gas or a vehicle or anything - we can just walk there. I can't drive yet, so usually my parents have to bring me everywhere. But here, we can just walk or take the metro wherever we want to go (or call a taxi :))! It's really nice. And when it's not cold, it's actually very fun to walk! Unless it's to the orphanage and back, which gets boring because we do it every day. But walking on Kreschatyk and in Independence Square was very fun!

Great Visit, and More Chocolate!

2011-10-30T07:34:00.000-05:00

I say pretty much the same thing for each visit, so now I'll just let the pictures do the talking! :)

I forgot to take pictures of these two stuffed animals yesterday. They aren't creepy! Yay! ;)

Blurry picture, I know. But he won't stop long enough for me to take a good picture!

Another blurry picture. See, I told you he has a shoe obsession!

Grabbing another shoe... :)

He likes the crocodile!

Playing with the apartment key.

We stopped at the grocery store on the way back - and guess what we got? Chocolate, of course! We tried a new kind of Milka chocolate, strawberry cream! It was really good! So far the kinds of Milka we've tried are regular, almond, hazelnut, caramel, strawberry, and dark chocolate. Plus the other chocolate! But Milka is totally the best :)

Hillsong Church!! And Day 5 of 10-Day Wait!

2011-10-29T15:27:00.000-05:00

We went to the Hillsong church today, and it was AMAZING! Check out Ashley's post and pictures - exactly my thoughts. :)

Another thing I like about EE is driving in the car!! Driving here is more crazy - but it's so much fun! I love it. And, you don't wear your seat belt. I accidentally started putting it on once, but I remembered and stopped before the driver Eugene got in the car. Sometimes it offends the driver if you wear your seat belt! :) I guess because it means you think they're not a good driver and they will crash? haha :) I was so happy because we finally got to drive in a car again when we had a taxi bring us to Hillsong! The last time I think was when we drove to the orphanage after court.

We also went to Ashan right after church, and got Carter some new shoes! They are so cute, and I think they would go great with the dark tights he was wearing today and the red sweatshirt they got for him...but Jake doesn't think so! He doesn't like the tights! I think they are super cute :)

More Creepy Stuffed Animals...and Another Great Visit!

2011-10-29T07:17:00.000-05:00

We were in the playroom again today, so I didn't see Irene. Since I couldn't do that mission, I took pictures of most of the stuffed animals in the playroom today...and most of them are creepy!

A strange purple hippo I believe

The devil cow is really scary...not something I'd like to play with if I was a kid!

This one is actually pretty cute

I think this is the crocodile from Peter Pan! :)

An evil-looking pig laying on the rug

Huge furry pink bear!

An elephant riding a bike...

Carter likes this frog because the mouth has a zipper! It's sitting on the iPad :)

I think this is the creepiest thing there. I don't even know what it is!

This is the ceiling! It's really cute! I just noticed it today.

Another great visit today, as usual! We turned the sink on that was in the playroom and discovered that Carter likes water! So cute :) Go watch Ashley's video that she will probably post soon! I love what he does with his fingers :)

He has an obsession with shoes...he played with all our shoes at least once today!

Love those chubster legs!! I love squeezing them and those tights :) I must admit, I think the tights with shorts are really cute (as long as they match!). Jake, not so much. But I like them!

Adorable squeezable arms too!

Creepy Stuffed Animals...and Day 3 of 10-Day Wait

2011-10-28T15:26:00.000-05:00

I failed my mission today...but that's because we were in the playroom! When we're on the couch, Irene (the grumpy nanny who I'm trying to take a picture of; that's not her real name, but I don't know her name so I will call her Irene :)) walks by, but in the playroom she does not. But it was another great visit!

This stuffed animal isn't so creepy looking, but thinking of a giant pink elephant driving a mini car is rather creepy...

This is the one that really creeps me out!

Carter loves the iPad :)

Now for another thing I love about EE - Chocolate!!! I know I sort of did that before about food and drinks, but this is all about chocolate. We bought 3 more Milka chocolate bars today when we went to get groceries! One thing's for sure, we'll never run out of chocolate! :) We also tried another thing - Milka hot chocolate. It was SO good! Jake liked the tea better, but I LOVE this hot chocolate! Definitely bringing some of this home. I like it better than regular hot chocolate. If you want some...well let's just say it will be tough getting me to share ;)

They're like little containers of chocolate syrup that you put in hot water. I was advised not to drink the milk here, but when I get back to the US I will try it with some milk! Yummm....

A Mission, and Day 3 of the 10-Day-Wait

2011-10-27T14:41:00.000-05:00

Today was wonderful! Walking to the orphanage in the morning was quite chilly. Walking back was nice, and it was almost too warm with my coat on as we went to the afternoon visit! We stayed on the couch, and Carter was happy and giggly! After a while, a lady came in to visit her granddaughter (not listed on RR), and they sat on the couch with us. She was so cute!! We played with Carter's squishy light up toy, and whenever it would turn off, she'd hand it back to me and say 'Na! Na!' Which means 'On! On!'. I'd turn it on for her and she'd smile her adorable smile and laugh! What a cutie!

Anyway, about my mission. There is this grumpy nanny who works in the orphanage, and I want to get a picture of her, but I can't let her know that. So I aim the camera sort of at Carter, so it looks like I'm taking a picture of him. I did not succeed this afternoon...but I will tomorrow now that my camera battery is charged! Even though she is mean an grumpy, I like that lady for some reason. :-) I will try to talk to her and say 'Privyet! Kak dela?' which is 'Hi! How are you?' and see if she starts talking! :-) Though I hope she doesn't ramble off in Russian that I don't know...

This says "Head Accountant." But it's not on the grumpy lady's door :)

Another thing I love about EE is the metro! I love it! It's so much fun, especially when I get by a window, and now I can do it without holding on to anything. :-) You have to ride down on a 2-minute escalator ride! That doesn't seem very long but next tim you are on an escalator, time it. Plus this one is faster than any at stores and airports!

The track of the metro

The front of the metro. Sorry it's blurry, but it was coming fast!

I took this from out the window of the metro.

All the people!