It is Not Possible...

This video was sent to me by the Allen family whom we met in Aaron's country. Their little adopted girl, Irina, sang the song on this video to the judge when they went to court to get her (read that sentence again if you missed it!).  Imagine the shock of everyone in the courtroom when she began to sing this song.  You need to watch it.  You will need kleenex.  It is a heartwrenching song of adoption.  The Allen family is trying with all their hearts to go back and get another one, sweet Addison.  Another one who needs for them to cross the ocean. Because in real life... unlike in this video the little ones can't come to us.  And in real life.... sadly... it is possible for little ones to be lost without their Mamas.

There are so many orphans in this world who are crying out for their "one and only Mama" in their loneliness.   There are so many who need Mamas. They need Papas too. It is not possible for these little ones to cross the seas without help. It is not possible. 

Over the last week - two little ones whose Mamas and Papas were doing EVERYTHING to go get them died. Two little ones got lost at sea. Their families did not make it on time.

Yes, they are with the Lord. Yes. But the reality that little ones die in these places is so very real.
Who will heed the call to rescue these little lost ones before it is too late?  Who is going to go get Jonah and Heath and Eddie?  Who will go get the hundreds, thousands, millions more?

  And who will be faithful to help and assist all the families who are desperately trying to raise the money to go get them?  I know so many families who are sacrificing everything, selling the shirts off their backs - willing to go over in leaky boats or even ice rafts to get their kids out.   Desperate to go - faithful and true.  Church - we need to support them.  We need to dig deep into our pocketbooks and give these families what they need to bring their little ones home.  Home. 

Money should not be the deciding factor for why a child is left on the other side of the ocean.  Right now it is for the Allen family.  Go read their blog to understand their story.  It is for so many other families. 

Here are just a few families who need help.  They are so close  - so close to crossing the ocean.  Will you consider helping?

http://www.loveforlittlelydiah.blogspot.com/ - This family is doing an ipad giveaway!  They crossed the ocean last year and are trying to go back again this year to get this precious little one, Lydiah. 

http://www.hopeforian.org/ - This family - the Stewarts - are close to meeting their son Ian (1st trip).  They have funds for the first trip but are short around 10,000.00 for the second trip.  Their need is great!  They were amazing in their support of us when we brought Aaron home. 

http://bringingkatyahome11.blogspot.com/ - This family - the Duecks are literally working around the clock making items to sell to fund their adoption of Katya.  They still need to raise over 15,000.00 to rescue their sweet little one. 

http://silvamoose.com/ - This family is adopting Noah who is in the same orphanage where Masha, Eddie and Tori were.  They are also around 15,000.00 short of what they need.  The children in that orphanage suffer in so many ways.  It is the hearts desire of all those families who have been in that orphanage to have every single child who is available for adoption to be rescued as soon as possible.  Noah is one of them. 

Please consider helping these families.  Pray for them.  Encourage them.  Support them financially. 

It is not possible for these little ones to cross the ocean without help.  It is not possible.  But it is possible for the church to rise up and care for these orphans.  It is possible.

The Prince One

We are a drama-loving - music-loving family.  Acting, singing, performing - that is our definition of fun.  This winter Ben and Elijah are in a combination of two different musical drama productions. 

The Little Mermaid and Into the Woods. 

The fun fact of the day - Elijah was cast as the prince in The Little Mermaid and Ben was cast as the prince in Into the Woods.  It makes for a very hard and busy month of March as we are consumed with never-ending practices and shows but it is worth every minute because they both enjoy it so much.

This weekend we have thoroughly enjoyed watching Elijah in his shows.  He just plain makes this Mama proud.  His singing is amazing and his perfomance as the handsome prince are top-notch.

 













I just plain LOVE this son of mine!!





Round 8

Another long and wearisome trip to Shriners.  

Can you tell this little guy was dragged out of bed at 1:30 am and only slept for 30 minutes on the way to Philly?  Guess how much sleep Mom got?

We were hoping for a quick trip up and back but it was not to be.  After the nurse removed Aaron's cast, he wanted to walk on the floor.  When Dr. Van Bosse arrived, Aaron proudly displayed his walking abilities.  His right foot was flat to the ground but that stubborn left foot still does not want to go down.   Seeing the discrepancy, the Dr. decided to order new X-rays of Aaron standing to make sure that there was enough room between the bones in his left foot to actually get the foot to a 90 degree angle.  Sigh!  Once diverted at Shriner's - the chances of getting on the road before rush hour becomes a wish and a prayer!  Fortunately, Aaron does have enough room between his bones to eventually get the foot down.  This means continued casting and maybe another nicking of the tendon (double Sigh!) until that foot goes flat. Sadly, we again sat in traffic around DC.  Triple Sigh! 

The improvement in his feet though is quite remarkable...

This picture is from January 7th.. Aaron walked only on his toes and his feet were stuck in this position.  This was their natural angle.  His toes pointing straight down!

This was yesterday.  Same camera angle. I love seeing those toes!!

And what is a trip to Shriner's without pictures of some of the other children we met. 

Rosa and Fuxia

The kids you meet at Shriner's - they are the toughest kids in the world.  Against all odds - they can still smile their way into your heart!!

I am weekly humbled as I walk the halls at that hospital.  That is all I have to say.

Aaron is now sporting one blue and one green cast. 

Until next Friday when we make the trip again....

Loaves and Fishes

Guess What??

As of yesterday afternoon, we matched the 1,200.00!!! 

Yeah! Yeah!! 

The checks are in the mail.  In a few days Jonah's account is going to jump by 1,200.00!! 

Praise God!

We have now raised 3,561.50 for one little boy lost!

But it isn't over.... NOPE...

We have been gifted with ANOTHER 600.00 in matching funds for Jonah! 

Unbelievable. 

Sweet little Jonah is loved.

Loved.

So here is where we stand - With the matching funds....

We have the opportunity to increase Jonah's account to...

$4,761.50

76 people have already lovingly donated to help him find a family.

  All it takes is a little bit here and a little bit there...

LOAVES AND FISHES. 

Let God do the multiplying!!

Jonah's account started with one precious five dollar bill from a little eight year old angel.

In just two weeks we have seen God multiply that simple gift.

Did I not tell you that God hears the prayers of the little ones?? 

Jonah's little prayer warrior - his eight year old hero is watching God answer her prayers.  She's finding out in a very BIG way that God cares.  He hears.

Pray with her.  Join in the chorus.

Jonah needs a family.

Pray that God will shout so loudly that Jonah's family will drop everything to cross the ocean and grab  him up in their arms.

Oh what a day that will be....

Just Too Cute for Words!

Not Happy Birthday - Shhhh

Shhhhh....

The candles are on the store shelf.

The icing is in the pantry.

The cake box sits on the counter.

There are no presents.

Balloons - limp in their bag.

Streamers and banners - in storage.

Not only were the invitations not sent but nobody made them.

Nothing special for dinner.

The birthday boy... missing.

Missing.

Sitting in a Baby House thousands of miles away.

No cameras - cheers - gift bags - nothing.

Just one more day like every other day.

Happy Birthday - Not - SHHH.

Turning four is threatening.

It's scary.

It comes not with rejoicing but whispers.

Four means transfer.

Today - Jonah turns four.

Not Happy Birthday Dear Jonah.

Not.

Nyet.

I'm praying dear little one that no one is celebrating your birthday.  

I'm praying that your birthday will go unnoticed. 

That you will fall through the cracks. 

That no one will realize the significance of today. 

 I'm praying for you Jonah that over there - where you live - that they won't know that you are now old enough for the car ride. 

Please dear Lord - don't let them notice that he is old enough for that ride.

SHHH...

Jonah is running out of time.

He needs a family.

Many RR children have been adopted out of his orphanage. 

Only one has been adopted from the place where he will be transferred.

Only one.  Our Aaron.

It is not a place for tiny, sweet and gentle little boys.

My heart bleeds to think he may end up there.

Thank you so much to the 67+ people who have given money for Jonah.

Thank you!

We still need $608.00 to receive the $1,200.00 in matching funds that have been offered for Jonah.

We still need a family.

Jonah desperately needs a family.

Please pray for a family.

Turning four should be cause for rejoicing not sorrow.

If you have given to Jonah's fund and have not told me - please let me know in the comment section.  Jonah's puzzle needs your name on it!

Fumes

That is currently what we are running on.... Seriously.  The trips up and down the road to Philly every week along with our already hectic schedule have just plain caught up to both of us.  Weariness has set in.  The boys are in a combination of TWO drama productions. Over the next four weeks we face two solid weeks of tech practices, a whole mess of other practices to boot and three full weekends of shows.  On top of that we are both frantically writing history curriculum before the spring homeschooling conventions start.  I'm teaching at the Co-op, we are homeschooling the boys and we are just plain tired.  I want to stop the bus.   I want to get through Aaron's casting process - I want to bypass the every single night a week schedule - I want to disappear the to-do list. I want time to be a family.   Life is too short to keep spinning without taking time to stop and enjoy the view.  In two short years my firstborn is going to be gone.  I can't stand the thought. 

In the midst of all the craziness of our current schedule - the frantic scurrying - the fight to preserve precious times with those we love - we are trying not to ignore the cry of those who have no voice.  I never want to fill my days in such a way that I am too busy to care, too tired to grieve and too overcome to advocate.  I want to speak out for the Jonah's of this world.  Little lost boys and girls who are doomed to a lifetime of loneliness and despair unless someone steps in. 

We are trying to find a balance.  Praying for wisdom.  Right now - just muddling through.

Little Boy Lost

Where is my Mommy to watch me as I dance around the room?

Where is my Daddy to video me when I shake my little pom poms?

Where are my Grandparents who will chuckle with pride as I circle with the other children?

Who cares that I am doing my best?

Where are those special someones who are there just for me?

 

Who will clap for me, cheer me on, pick me up when it is over to hug me close and praise me in my attempts?

 

Who is out there who loves me with a fierce and forever love?

 

Where are you, family of mine?

 

I am a little boy lost without you.

 

 

Please help me - I need to be found.

Please continue to advocate for sweet Jonah.

Share this video.  Help this little lost boy find his family.

I watched the video which was lovingly put together by a family who adopted three children from Jonah's baby house with tears flowing down my face. 

From what they have written on their blog and shared with me - Jonah is a tiny, gentle, sweet, quiet, smart and very loving little boy.  He is very obedient, does what he is told, and is desperate for someone to pay him attention.  During their weeks at the baby house, they never saw him go outside but they did notice that he was expected to do more work than the other children.  From what they saw:  His spirit is slipping away from the years of not having the luxury of being the little boy he was meant to be!

Please share about him on blogs - put him on your facebooks....

We have raised 336.95 of the 1,200.00 we need for the matching grants. 

....and drumroll please.... the winner of the Cross Give-away is....

MATTHEW BEATON

Please send me your address and I will put the cross in the mail!! 

We now have 65 people who have lovingly donated to help this Little Lost Boy find his forever family!

P.S. Please take the time to watch the video. It is precious and so worth the wait. It is RARE and PRECIOUS to get a video like this of an available child.  Also, from what I understand - the little girl with blonde hair and the pink dress who is behind Jonah at the beginning of the video is also available

 - Tatiana (23) -

Tatiana (23)

Girl, May 20, 2006

Tatiana  was born with FAS, but her medical records do not indicate any additional medical complications. However, she is also HIV positive.

$0 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

She needs a Mommy and Daddy too. 

Break my heart!

 

Foot Casting, Round... ??? What round is this???

Yesterday, when they asked us what set of casts we were on, I just stood there. I had completely lost track. When we rallied and remembered that it was Round 7, the nurse gasped. The highest number on the cast count form is 9. It looks like they may need to create a new form.

Removing the casts yesterday and getting Aaron on the floor made it obvious that we haven't quite attained the ultimate goal - getting his feet flat to the ground.  His right foot is almost down but his left foot will not bend to a ninety degree angle.  Here's the bottom line - they measured Aaron for braces and will design them as if his feet are flat.  He can't get out of the casts and start wearing the braces until his feet are flat to the ground.  So we will be treking up to Shriner's every single Friday until we have reached that goal.  Sigh - Sigh - Sigh.  Aaron's doctor went rounds yesterday working on those stubborn feet.  There were not happy sounds emitting from the casting room but we could tell a difference when the new casts dried. 

It was a LONG travel day.  We left our house at 2:30 am and returned home at 8:00 pm.  Aaron does not like to sleep in the van.  When he does take a quick cat nap he always wakes up so proud of himself saying:  "I sweep in the van."  Yeah right!

BUT - it was worth traveling up to Shriner's for one more very precious reason: We got to meet Tracey Schalk in person.

If you don't know her, Tracey is a 22-year-old who shares Aaron's AMC condition. She's been through it all, and continues to go through it all, and she shares her knowledge and experience with everyone.

She knows more about AMC than most doctors. When she's at Shriners Hospital, she's more like a member of the staff than a patient. She seems to know every single AMC patient there, and she has the run of the treatment rooms as her many friends undergo various assessments and procedures.

Beyond that, she was a big help in bringing Aaron home. Between our first and second visits to the Uk***ne, when we had met Aaron but hadn't yet convinced the judge to let us adopt him, Tracey helped us. She sent us "before and after" pictures to demonstrate what good medical care could do for a kid like Aaron. We put the pictures together on a page with some captions, which our facilitator translated for us. We think it made a big difference. The judge was impressed with what Tracey shared and with the whole idea of Shriners' Hospital, the likes of which does not exist in her part of the world.

On top of all of this, she gave Aaron a talking Thomas train that held his attention for much of the ride home! We can't say enough about how much Tracey has helped our little fellow. He now has special girl friends in both New York and Ohio. It's so good to know he has people who love him. He's going to need them.

Fun Friday

Since we are off for another round of casting at Shriner's Friday... we leave you with some Fun Friday pictures....

Psalm 34 1-14

I will extol the Lord at all times;

His praise will always be on my lips,

My soul will boast in the Lord;

Let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the Lord with me;

let us exalt His name together.

I sought the Lord, and He answered me;

He delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to Him are radiant;

Their faces are never covered with shame.

This poor man called, and the Lord heard him,

He saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,

and he delivers them.

O taste and see that the Lord is good.

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Fear the Lord, you His saints,

For those who fear Him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

But those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Come my children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the Lord;

Whoever of you loves life

and desires to see many good days,

Keep your tongue from evil

And your lips from speaking lies.

Turn from evil and do good;

Seek peace and pursue it.

P.S. - The bugle Elijah is playing in the pictures .... that is ANOTHER one of his creations.  He made that bugle and it does play - one single, loud, obnoxious note!  But it plays!

And for those who are cheering along with me for sweet Jonah to find a family....

As of late Thursday night - 60 puzzle pieces have been claimed for Jonah and we have matched 131.00 dollars of the 1,200.00 needed!  Praise God.   I can't wait to get back from a LONG day of travel Friday to see what the donation box looks like.

Come on...

Knock my socks off!

Every single dollar helps his future family bring that cutie home.... Tune in because a surprise Jonah Video AND new pictures of Jonah are coming!!

Matching Matching

I love Fiddler on the Roof.  It is my favorite ALL-TIME musical..... I have watched it a hundred times and could watch it again tonight if I could find three hours and if the boys would agree! 

I love dear little Yente, the matchmaker.  I love her take on life and her 'silent suffering'  - Not!  She cracks me up!



Well - On this Thursday morning - HAVE I GOT A MATCH FOR YOU....



Are you ready???

In the last 24 hours, 2 different sources have stepped up and offered to donate a total of 1,200.00 to Jonah if we can match that amount.

Is that not an incredible Match?  Much better than Yente's Match!!

1,200.00 = 2,400.00 on top of the 1,159.05 that has already been raised....

So to get the Matching funds - the donation button on the top right hand side of this blog needs to read.....

$2359.05

Can we do it??

I'm definitely game to try....

Will you join in?

If you do - please continue to let me know you have donated so that I can add your name to the puzzle list.  So far I have 51 names for the puzzle.  Only 149 names to go!



Weepy Wednesday

I've had people wonder why I focus on one child when there are so many who are in need of families.  How can I be so single-minded about Jonah when there are a ton of others who also face transfer or are already Lost.

I'll be honest.  It is purely because otherwise I would go crazy.  Somedays I feel like my heart is going to explode.  Expecially on days when I receive e-mails that just break my heart.

See this little guy.  His name is Easton and he HAS JUST BEEN TRANSFERRED. 

You want to know what makes me want to weep - there is a family who wants him.  They started the process to get him.  He is their son in their hearts.  But they don't live in the US and the laws in their country have made it next to impossible for them to commit.  So they e-mailed me asking if I would advocate for their son.  To find him a family.  Despite the fact that they want to be his family.

That is love and it makes me a puddle on the floor.  Easton has already been transferred.  Four years old.  Transferred. 

Some days I fail miserably at being single-minded.

Some days my heart explodes inside for Heath who has yet to have a family step forward, for Eddie who I fear is going to be left behind despite having a 16,000 grant, for Jonah who is so tiny and vulnerable and for the hundreds of others - so many on my heart.  So many.

Here is what is on the RR site about Easton - I need to go find my tissue.

HELP I HAVE ALREADY BEEN TRANSFERRED

Born October 30, 2006

Easton is a sweet little boy who was born wtih CP.  He is quite high functioning, able to walk and play independently, even ride a rocking horse!   He is considered very smart.  He does have some strabismus, and will greatly benefit from having a loving family of his own. 

 

From an adoptive family who visited with him in October 2010:  " Easton is VERY active, he loves to laugh and he loves to play with trucks. He seems almost silly but he loves attention. He and Alina are buddies, they seem to play well together and she gets really excited when she sees him. If you speak to him he listens intently and really studies your face.  He's a cute cute cute little boy!"