I'm Just Sitting In the Back

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirst for you;

my flesh faints for you,

as in a dry and weary land where there is no water...

 

This is not my symphony.

 

I'm not the one who wrote the melody.

After getting it started, I'm not even playing an instrument anymore.

I went in early and set up the stands.  Straightened up the chairs.  Stuffed the programs.  Got the concessions ready.

 

That's it.

 

I have a seat in the back where I can watch and make sure all the little things are running smoothly.

 

That's my job.

 

Just sitting in the back and watching the Master at work.

 

This is HIS SYMPHONY.

 

He alone gets the glory!

 

 

Do you hear??

 

Do you hear the sounds of our lost strains?

 

They were added at the last minute but do you hear?? 

 

Their family only a few weeks ago were on their faces before the Lord wondering.  Wondering.  How would they raise the rest of the ransom?  Promises made were not kept.  How?  They were broken before the Lord. The mountain was too high.

 

But God.

 

But God.

 

Our two lost strains are going to be singing a NEW SONG next week.

 

 

 

Their Mama and Papa are packing their bags and leaving in two days.

 

They are not quite fully funded but $5,687.00 has been raised, the grant was MATCHED, plane tickets have been purchased and hope has been restored!  They are only $1,400 short of being fully funded.

 

I stand in awe.

 

We almost didn't add in their music.

 

We came close to getting rid of that part of the score.

 

But God.

 

This isn't my Symphony.

 

I'm just in the back - marveling at all that He is doing.

 

I'm just sitting in the back.

 

So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,

beholding your power and glory.

Because your steadfast love is better than life,

my lips will praise you.

So I will bless you as long as I live;

in your name I will lift up my hands.

 

 

IT IS A SEPTEMBER SYMPHONY....

WE NEED TO RAISE:  $16,700.00

WE HAVE RAISED:  $14,208.00
(This includes the money for the Tam's and Deutsches and Brenton that is over and above the matching grants.  It does NOT include the hundreds of dollars that has been donated to the Hortons, Taylors, Unroes and Grace Knuth)

WE STILL NEED:  $5,376.00

 Renee and Steve Tam - 3,000 matching grant - Raised $4,819.00 FULLY FUNDED!!!
 Val and Bill Deutsch - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $3,187.00 MATCH MET!!
STILL NEED $1,400 TO BE FULLY FUNDED!!

 BRENTON - 1,000 matching grant - Raised $1,378.00 MATCH MET!!
HAS ONLY 13 DAYS LEFT BEFORE HE AGES OUT!!!!!
PLEASE DON'T STOP GIVING TO BRENTON!! 

Breaking it Down... 

Carla and Paul Dobrovits - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $2,283.00

Janice and Tim Rowe - 3,700 matching grant - Raised $1,932.00
 

PORTER - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant   - Raised $126.00 

DAGMAR - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant - Raised $135.00
PEARSON - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $171.00
GRADY - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $177.00

PLUS...

The Unroes have  been given a $500.00 matching grant....  They are listed below in our Extra Giveaway section!!  If they match that grant they will be FULLY FUNDED! They still need $246.00 to match the grant! Their grant account needs to read $23,038.00!!  Go donate to them, enter their giveaway and come back here and enter ours!! 

The Heroes of this Symphony....THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Jacquelyn, Tiny, Andi, Cathy, Cathleen, Arnie, Kenlyn, Andrea, Jennifer, Robin, Kim, Guy, Nicole, Christina, Gentry, Theresa, Cortney, Pamela, Laura, Tiffany, Holly, Amanda,  Rebecca, Penney, Sherry, Cheryl, Nancy, Samm, Hannah, Alex, Susan, Jennifer, Amy, Jamie, Leah, Victoria, Debbie, Pam, Robin, Kathryn, Lisa, Tina, Carolyn, Pam, Nicole, Rob, Julia,Annette, Ivy, Stori, Deanna, Hansini, Elizabeth, Michelle, Trish, Neil, Christine, Katherine, Jennifer, Renee, Janice, Carla, Amy, Frankie, Brooke, Tanna, Christina, Elizabeth, Brooke, Jessica, Christine, Sonja, Sara, Edith, Beth, Beth Ann, Missy, Csilla, Sue, Jessica, Nancy, Tracy, Andrew, Ben, Kim, Emily, Kim, Molly, Trina, Katrina, Tea, Constance, Rosie, Amy,  Christina, Mama, Andrea, Cindy, Martha, Emily, Erin, Robin, Laura, CareB, Salem, Frankie, Kayla, Coll, Heather, Elizabeth, Jamie, Carrs, Lynette, Deborah, Cheryl, Lisa, Amanda Amy, Amanda, Emily, Lisa, BB, Michelle

 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORPHANS, FAMILIES, RULES AND PICTURES OF ALL THE PRIZES....

 

Our Terror Is Ours Alone

We carried him out three years ago today.

September 22, 2010

 

 

I will never forget that day as long as I live.

Not because it was Aaron's Gotcha Day.

But because of the terror I felt as we waited for hour upon hour for the last papers to be signed and for Aaron to finally become our son in both word and deed.

We arrived at the institute fresh from an amazing trip where we had had the privilege of walking the corridors of Aaron's babyhouse.  We arrived with the images of his first home forever implanted in our minds. We arrived at the green, forbidding gates with memories of the open arms and warm hugs we had received just the day before.  Where tears of joy had been shed and pictures had been taken.  We arrived with our eyes wide open as we saw the mental institute in stark contrast against the safe rooms of Aaron's babyhouse. 

We arrived expecting to sign a few papers, to be given the traditional tour of Aaron's rooms, to be given words of encouragement and joy as we carried him out of there forever.

 

It was a hard day.

It carried with it none of the romance that so many have when they first carry their child out from the gates.

We were told to sit and wait in the gazebo while the papers were signed. 

 

At first we sat and hummed a merry tune.

 

But then music from the building where papers were to be signed began to crash into our happy little tune.

 

It was loud and overwhelming.

 

We stopped singing and sat and listened.  The beat of its drum brought terror to our hearts.

 

Voices raised.  Clashed.  Yells. 

 

People began running in and out of the buildings.

 

No one wanted to look in our direction.

 

We sat.

 

In terror.

 

Not for one hour.  Not for two.  Not for three hours.  We sat for almost four hours listening to the crashing of the cymbals in the building next door.

 

We sat as darkness swirled around our hearts.  We didn't understand.  We weren't prepared. 

 

A few times our facilitator would come sit with us.  Try to extend comfort.  But then the music would start inside the building and she would rush back inside to try to get it back under control.

 

They didn't want to let him go.

 

They didn't want to let him go.

 

We sat in terror and wondered.  Wondered.  Would we be allowed to carry our son out of the gates.

 

Finally.  Finally.  They signed the papers because they had no choice.

 

But they slammed the door when it came to allowing us to see his bed.  His room.  Where his toothbrush hung on the wall.

 

We were given a few minutes to ask questions.

 

Questions that were asked under the watchful, oppressive presence of the director.

 

Questions that were answered by a nervous caretaker - afraid she would give away dark secrets.

 

We were off balance and unable to formulate our thoughts.

 

We had so many questions but most were left unspoken.  We couldn't think.  We just wanted them to bring our son so we could leave.  Flee.

 

They examined the clothes we brought. 

 

Sniffed at them.  Jacket?  Socks?  Underwear?  I showed them each piece.

 

They took them from us.  Cold.  Hard.

 

We waited.  Waited.

 

Finally our son.

 

Aaron.

 

She didn't want to let him go.

 

The director.

 

She was afraid.

 

She was afraid that we would harm him.

 

Hurt him.

 

 

They didn't believe that we wanted him as our beloved son.  They believed the worst.   That we would sell him.  Use his body for parts.  Mistreat him.  Abuse him.

 

What we heard as anger was really fear.

 

What we believed was hatred was really terror.

 

She let me take her picture with him.

 

 

And then after we put him in the car and started to drive away she stood outside the gates and wept.  She wept as we drove away.  Tears pouring down her face.

 

I will never ever forget looking back and seeing her standing there.

 

Lost.  Afraid.

 

Not believing.

 

Weeping.

 

Nine months later when the Hartmans walked through those green gates and met her she shared. Confessed.  Admitted her fear.  Her terror.  They gave her pictures.  Presents.  Words of encouragement that their Vanya was thriving.  Her weeping became rejoicing.  Her Vanya was safe.

 

A few months ago when the Marrs walked through those same green gates they carried more pictures.  More testimony that he was growing and learning. 

 

She no longer fears adoption.

 

She is no longer as afraid.

 

The families that are coming behind us are coming with testimonies and stories and pictures that give her hope for her boys.  A future.  A life outside the gates. 

 

Our terror is ours alone.

 

Our memories of that day are not the same memories that the Hartmans and Marrs share.

 

The hours we sat inside that gazebo holding hands and praying and shaking with fear are over.  God is doing a new thing in that institute.  The director knows that we are the ones supporting the ministry team going in.  She knows we are behind the purchase of air conditioners and heaters.  She knows we are behind the purchase of diapers and medicine and medical supplies.  She knows we care.   She knows we have rallied people across the world to care. 

 

Pearson.  Grady.  Porter.  Dagmar.

 

    

 

She willingly allowed their pictures to be taken.  She agreed to get them listed.  She is open to having them adopted.

 

It is not a walk in the park there but God has made a way and the process is smoother.  Easier.

 

They need families.

 

They need Gotcha Days.

 

Today is Aaron's.

 

September 22, 2010 - September 22, 2013.

 

They need Gotcha Days too.

 

IT IS A SEPTEMBER SYMPHONY....

WE NEED TO RAISE:  $16,700.00

WE HAVE RAISED:  $12,172.00
(This includes the money for the Tam's that is over and above the matching grant.  It does NOT include the hundreds of dollars that has been donated to the Hortons, Taylors, Unroes and Grace Knuth)

WE STILL NEED:  $6,347.00

WOO HOO
 Renee and Steve Tam - 3,000 matching grant - Raised $4,819.00 FULLY FUNDED!!!

Breaking it Down... 

Carla and Paul Dobrovits - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $1868.00

Janice and Tim Rowe - 3,700 matching grant - Raised $1,932.00
 Val and Bill Deutsch - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $2,209.00

PORTER - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant   - Raised $117.00  NO DONATIONS YESTERDAY
 BRENTON - 1,000 matching grant - Raised $806.00

DAGMAR - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant - Raised $104.00
PEARSON - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $140.00 NO DONATIONS YESTERDAY
GRADY - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $177.00

The Heroes of this Symphony....THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Jacquelyn, Tiny, Andi, Cathy, Cathleen, Arnie, Kenlyn, Andrea, Jennifer, Robin, Kim, Guy, Nicole, Christina, Gentry, Theresa, Cortney, Pamela, Laura, Tiffany, Holly, Amanda,  Rebecca, Penney, Sherry, Cheryl, Nancy, Samm, Hannah, Alex, Susan, Jennifer, Amy, Jamie, Leah, Victoria, Debbie, Pam, Robin, Kathryn, Lisa, Tina, Carolyn, Pam, Nicole, Annette, Ivy, Stori, Deanna, Hansini, Elizabeth, Michelle, Trish, Neil, Christine, Katherine, Jennifer, Renee, Janice, Carla, Amy, Frankie, Brooke, Tanna, Christina, Elizabeth, Brooke, Jessica, Christine, Sonja, Sara, Edith, Beth, Beth Ann, Missy, Csilla, Sue, Jessica, Nancy, Tracy, Andrew, Kim, Emily, Kim, Molly, Trina, Katrina, Tea, Constance, Rosie, Amy,  Christina, Mama, Andrea, Cindy, Martha, Emily, Erin, Robin, Laura, CareB, Salem, Frankie, Kayla, Coll, Heather, Elizabeth, Jamie, Carrs, Lynette, Deborah, Cheryl, Lisa, Amanda

 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORPHANS, FAMILIES, RULES AND PICTURES OF ALL THE PRIZES....

 

16 Days

Oh My Goodness.... All the drops in the buckets yesterday were awesome to behold. 

 

Especially for this sweet boy... His grant jumped by HUNDREDS!

 

He's at the end, Dear Friends.

 

He has only a matter of days before he ages out.

 

He turns 16 on October 7th.

 

16 DAYS BEFORE HE TURNS 16.

 

 

No cakes.

 

No parties.

 

Just another day for him on October 7th.

 

Just another day except for the sound of gates shutting forever on his chance to GET OUT OF A CHAIR WHERE HE IS TIED...

 

 

 

And be free!

 

Brenton doesn't know what freedom feels like.

 

 

But he knows how getting attention feels...

 

 

Sweet boy - you deserve a family.

 

16 years hidden away - never knowing what love feels like - you are due.

 

 

We are trying to raise money for Brent but more important.... MOST IMPORTANT...

 

HE NEEDS A FAMILY!!

 

He needs a family who can file their 1600A with USCIS before October 7th.   

 

I am well aware that the majority of those reading this are not ready to go that fast.

 

BUT....

 

There are families out there and the only way that Brenton has a chance for a life outside those gates is for us to share and share and share about him.

 

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT BRENTON IS  GOING TO SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE TIED TO A WHEELCHAIR.

 

The caretaker to patient ratio does not allow for much more care beyond the basics. 

 

The ratio at Aaron's institute was 20 boys to 2 caretakers.

 

Those caretakers were responsible to not only care for the boys (wash, feed, change, dress, potty) but they also had to wash all their clothes, wash the bedding, take care of the gardens and clean the buildings. 

 

That's one of the main reasons why the boys are put in the sheds.

 

One caretaker can stand at the door and monitor the boys while the other one does the other jobs.

 

I wish I had a picture to show you.

 

I wish I could have you see inside the windowless shed with the boys inside and the caretaker standing guard at the door.  The way out blocked by a bench. I wish you could see and hear what we saw and heard.

 

It is the reason why three years after carrying out Aaron we still are unable to just walk away and get on with our lives.

 

 

From what I have been told - the ratio and workload is even worse at the adult mental institutes.

 

The older and heavier they get - the harder it is to get them out of the beds and even into the wheelchairs.

 

It is much easier to just keep them in bed and put a diaper on them than to get them up and dress them.

 

Twice a day they are changed and given clean diapers and bedding.   

 

Three times a day they have liquid food poured down their throats.

 

The rest of the time they are left to lay in their waste and stare at the ceilings.

 

If they are able to get up and into a wheelchair - they are the lucky ones.

 

But not really.

 

Sitting in a wheelchair all day without anything to do and no one to spend time with you isn't what I would consider lucky.

 

Oh please let's give Brenton a fighting chance of getting out of that chair.

 

 

Somewhere out there is a family who would love to have a tiny little 16 year old boy singing at their table. 

 

Be his voice.

 

SING A SONG OF FREEDOM FOR BRENTON!!

 

Share about him.  Pray for him.  Donate to his grant account.

 

He has 16 days left before he turns 16.

 

 WHERE IS HIS FAMILY???

Brenton needs a family who can file their 1600A with USCIS before October 7th.   Preferably mailed one week prior to allow for travel time and processing into the system at USCIS.  Contact debbie@reecesrainbow.org with questions.

IT IS A SEPTEMBER SYMPHONY....

WE NEED TO RAISE:  $16,700.00

WE HAVE RAISED:  $10,545.00
(This includes the money for the Tam's that is over and above the matching grant.  It does NOT include the hundreds of dollars that has been donated to the Hortons, Taylors, Unroes and Grace Knuth)

WE STILL NEED:  $7,974.00

WOO HOO
 Renee and Steve Tam - 3,000 matching grant - Raised $4,819.00 FULLY FUNDED!!!

Breaking it Down... 

Carla and Paul Dobrovits - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $1572.00

Janice and Tim Rowe - 3,700 matching grant - Raised $1,447.00
 Val and Bill Deutsch - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $1,530.00

PORTER - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant   - Raised $117.00
 BRENTON - 1,000 matching grant - Raised $698.00

DAGMAR - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant - Raised $90.00
PEARSON - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $140.00
GRADY - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $132.00 NO DONATIONS YESTERDAY

The Heroes of this Symphony....THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Jacquelyn, Tiny, Andi, Cathy, Cathleen, Arnie, Kenlyn, Andrea, Jennifer, Robin, Kim, Guy, Nicole, Christina, Gentry, Theresa, Cortney, Pamela, Laura, Tiffany, Holly, Amanda,  Rebecca, Penney, Sherry, Cheryl, Nancy, Samm, Hannah, Alex, Susan, Jennifer, Amy, Jamie, Leah, Victoria, Debbie, Pam, Robin, Kathryn, Lisa, Tina, Carolyn, Pam, Nicole, Annette, Ivy, Stori, Deanna, Hansini, Elizabeth, Michelle, Trish, Neil, Christine, Katherine, Jennifer, Renee, Janice, Carla, Amy, Frankie, Brooke, Tanna, Christina, Elizabeth, Brooke, Jessica, Christine, Sonja, Sara, Edith, Beth, Beth Ann, Missy, Csilla, Sue, Jessica, Nancy, Tracy, Andrew, Kim, Emily, Kim, Molly, Trina, Katrina, Tea, Constance, Rosie, Amy,  Christina, Mama, Andrea, Cindy, Martha, Emily, Erin, Robin, Laura, CareB, Salem, Frankie, Kayla, Coll, Heather, Elizabeth, Jamie, Carrs

 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORPHANS, FAMILIES, RULES AND PICTURES OF ALL THE PRIZES....

 

Be a Drop in Their Bucket...

All I have to offer is just a drop in the bucket.

 

 

My little drop isn't going to amount to much.

 

Just a tiny little drop in a great big bucket.

 

But with my tiny little drop...

 

and your tiny little drop...

 

 

 

and someone else's tiny little drop...

 

well....

 

 

 

 

THE DEUTSCH FAMILY IS LEAVING IN A WEEK

 

Did you read that?

 

Next week they are boarding a plane and in less than two weeks.... these two children are going to have their worlds rocked!

 

 

 

Oh please, PLEASE pray for them. 

 

The harsh part of this process is that they are going to be given a few minutes time with this family who will have crossed the ocean to adopt them.  And in that few minutes time they will both have to make a decision that will impact them for the rest of their lives.

 

Because of their special needs - they have NO FUTURE in their country. 

 

Yet they could turn down in a heartbeat the chance for hope and a future.

 

The Deutsch family understands the risk.

 

They know going in that one or both could turn them down.

 

But they are sacrificing everything to give them the opportunity to say yes.

 

They have a $2,500.00 matching grant.

 

They are desperate to have it met BEFORE they leave NEXT WEEK.

 

$1,232.00 stands in the way.

 

They don't have the luxury of time.

 

Please help me match this grant. 

 

BE A DROP IN THEIR BUCKET!!!

 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW...

 

We are a week into our September Giveaway and we are almost HALFWAY to our goal of raising 16,700 to receive 20,700 in matching grants...

 

Do you realize that we have raised $7,092 for our families and that money is being matched so in essence we have raised $14,184 dollars???? 

 

Do you realize that we have raised $615.00 for the boys and that money is being matched and for four of the boys that money is being matched AGAIN which means we have raised $1,655.00 dollars!

IT IS A SEPTEMBER SYMPHONY....

WE NEED TO RAISE:  $16,700.00

WE HAVE RAISED:  $8,135.00
(This includes the money for the Tam's that is over and above the matching grant.  It does NOT include the hundreds of dollars that has been donated to the Hortons, Taylors, Unroes and Grace Knuth)

WE STILL NEED:  $8,993.00

WOO HOO
 Renee and Steve Tam - 3,000 matching grant - Raised $3,428.00 MATCH MET!!!!!

Breaking it Down... 

Carla and Paul Dobrovits - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $1421.00

Janice and Tim Rowe - 3,700 matching grant - Raised $1,403.00
 Val and Bill Deutsch - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $1,268.00

PORTER - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant   - Raised $95.00
 BRENTON - 1,000 matching grant - Raised $190.00

DAGMAR - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant - Raised $63.00
PEARSON - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $135.00
GRADY - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $132.00

The Heroes of this Symphony....THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Jacquelyn, Tiny, Andi, Cathy, Cathleen, Arnie, Kenlyn, Andrea, Jennifer, Robin, Kim, Guy, Nicole, Christina, Gentry, Theresa, Cortney, Pamela, Laura, Tiffany, Holly, Amanda,  Rebecca, Penney, Sherry, Cheryl, Nancy, Samm, Hannah, Alex, Susan, Jennifer, Amy, Jamie, Leah, Victoria, Debbie, Pam, Robin, Kathryn, Lisa, Tina, Carolyn, Pam, Nicole, Annette, Ivy, Stori, Deanna, Hansini, Elizabeth, Michelle, Trish, Neil, Christine, Katherine, Jennifer, Renee, Janice, Carla, Amy, Frankie, Brooke, Tanna, Christina, Elizabeth, Brooke, Jessica, Christine, Sonja, Sara, Edith, Beth, Beth Ann, Missy, Csilla, Sue, Jessica, Nancy, Tracy, Andrew, Kim, Emily, Kim, Molly, Trina, Katrina, Tea, Constance, Rosie, Amy,  Christina, Mama, Andrea

 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORPHANS, FAMILIES, RULES AND PICTURES OF ALL THE PRIZES....

Is it Intermission?

I've had writer's blog block today.

 

I have stared at this empty screen all day and nothing.nothing has come.

 

What's funny is that I've been writing history related stuff like crazy today.  I researched and wrote about the history of the Maypole.  I did a geography write-up on Sweden.  I wrote about some other cool stuff. 

 

But in between all that I kept coming back to this empty screen and nothing. 

 

I ate some my favorite fall candies for inspiration...

 

 

But even that didn't do it for me.

 

I've got nothing today people.

 

Do they do intermissions in a Symphony????

 

Maybe that's my problem...

 

Even so.... 

 

THESE FAMILIES AND BABES CAN'T WAIT...

 

We are chipping away.

 

Please won't you take part!!

 

I added another Giveaway you can enter in and  get extra entries here... Grace Knuth is adopting Tommy and could really use our support!!  So go show her some love and make sure to come back here and tell me! 

 

 

IT IS A SEPTEMBER SYMPHONY....

WE NEED TO RAISE:  $16,700.00

WE HAVE RAISED:  $6,720.00

WE STILL NEED:  $9,980.00

WOO HOO
 Renee and Steve Tam - 3,000 matching grant - Raised $3,384.00 MATCH MET!!!!!

Breaking it Down... 

Carla and Paul Dobrovits - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $727.00

Janice and Tim Rowe - 3,700 matching grant - Raised $1,303.00
 Val and Bill Deutsch - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $1,214.00

PORTER - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant   - Raised $59.00
 BRENTON - 1,000 matching grant - Raised $141.00 -No Donations Yesterday!

DAGMAR - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant - Raised $36.00 -No Donations Yesterday!
PEARSON - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $63.00 -No Donations Yesterday! 
GRADY - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $96.00 -No Donations Yesterday!

The Heroes of this Symphony....THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Jacquelyn, Tiny, Andi, Cathy, Cathleen, Arnie, Kenlyn, Andrea, Jennifer, Robin, Kim, Guy, Nicole, Christina, Gentry, Theresa, Cortney, Pamela, Laura, Tiffany, Holly, Amanda,  Rebecca, Penney, Sherry, Cheryl, Nancy, Samm, Hannah, Alex, Susan, Jennifer, Amy, Jamie, Leah, Victoria, Debbie, Pam, Robin, Kathryn, Lisa, Tina, Carolyn, Pam, Nicole, Annette, Ivy, Stori, Deanna, Hansini, Elizabeth, Michelle, Trish, Neil, Christine, Katherine, Jennifer, Renee, Janice, Carla, Amy, Frankie, Brooke, Tanna, Christina, Elizabeth, Brooke, Jessica, Christine, Sonja, Sara, Edith, Beth, Beth Ann, Missy, Csilla, Sue, Jessica, Nancy, Tracy, Andrew, Kim

 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORPHANS, FAMILIES, RULES AND PICTURES OF ALL THE PRIZES....

 

An Aaron-Style Hug!

I wish you could have watched the families respond as the nickels and dimes were donated into their accounts yesterday.

It was precious and beautiful and every single one of you who gave deserves an Aaron-style hug. 

 

Let me tell you he gives amazing hugs.

 

To you it may seem simple.

 

Putting money in a grant account.

 

It isn't simple.  Your gift lifts up and encourages. It buffets against the storm.  It makes the road easier and the way clearer.  Each donation speaks volumes to the recipient. 

 

You may never know this side of heaven how what you do matters.

 

It does matter.

 

Yesterday I watched this video and even though it may be a work of fiction... it's message is profound.  It is three minutes long and I guarantee you will watch it yourself and then you will share it with a friend. 

 

 

 

 

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

 

 

IT IS A SEPTEMBER SYMPHONY....

WE NEED TO RAISE:  16,700.00

WE HAVE RAISED:  $5,975.00

WE STILL NEED:  $10,725.00

WOO HOO
 Renee and Steve Tam - 3,000 matching grant - Raised $3,371.00 MATCH MET!!!!!

Breaking it Down... 

Carla and Paul Dobrovits - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $622.00

Janice and Tim Rowe - 3,700 matching grant - Raised $578.00
 Val and Bill Deutsch - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $1,027.00

 BRENTON - 1,000 matching grant - Raised $141.00

DAGMAR - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant - Raised $36.00
PEARSON - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $63.00
 PORTER - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant   - Raised $41.00
GRADY - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $96.00

The Heroes of this Symphony....THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Jacquelyn, Tiny, Andi, Cathy, Cathleen, Arnie, Kenlyn, Andrea, Jennifer, Robin, Kim, Guy, Nicole, Christina, Gentry, Theresa, Cortney, Pamela, Laura, Tiffany, Holly, Amanda,  Rebecca, Penney, Sherry, Cheryl, Nancy, Samm, Hannah, Alex, Susan, Jennifer, Amy, Jamie, Leah, Victoria, Debbie, Pam, Robin, Kathryn, Lisa, Tina, Carolyn, Pam, Nicole, Annette, Ivy, Stori, Deanna, Hansini, Elizabeth, Michelle, Trish, Neil, Christine, Katherine, Jennifer, Renee, Janice, Carla, Amy, Frankie, Brooke, Tanna, Christina, Elizabeth, Brooke, Jessica, Christine, Sonja, Sara, Edith, Beth, Beth Ann, Missy

 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORPHANS, FAMILIES, RULES AND PICTURES OF ALL THE PRIZES....

 

I Had Been Beaten... I Will Beat....

A video came out this summer.

It was from behind the currently closed country.

It was sick.

I watched about 2 minutes of it and had to go vomit in the toilet.

I could not get the pictures out of mind.

I still can't.

I won't post it here because I have too many young ones reading this blog and I have no desire to implant those kinds of images in their minds.

It was a video taken by some older girls in an internat (older children orphanage).  They were 'disciplining' a group of young, underwear clad boys who were also in that internat. 

Beating them with a stick.

And laughing.

And videotaping themselves doing it.

The looks on the faces of those little boys haunt me.  Bruised.  Beaten.  Physically and emotionally.  In a few years, chances are, they will be taking sticks and beating the little ones behind them. 

How do I know.... in the words of one of the girls on the video when asked why she did it....

“I had been beaten in the orphanage, and I will beat.”


A few months ago a young girl in another internat from Aaron's former country jumped out a window.

Why?  Why would she jump?

Here's just a glimpse into her why....

"First the teacher kneed me in the groin, then led me into a supply room and beat me up while inside the room. And then she dragged me out by the hair and said, "Girls, I give you 10-15 minutes to tear her apart. Do with her whatever you like."

 She jumped to protect herself.

She had a choice of breaking her own body or having it broken for her.

I need to go vomit again.

If you think that these two stories are just two 'out of the ordinary' stories think again.  I have heard countless others.  I have read books and researched and can point you to families who have seen with their eyes the life these children live.  I have listened as families share the stories their children tell.  It is rampant.

 Not every place.  Not every internat.  There are great ones.  There are wonderful directors. There are mission teams and churches making a huge difference.

But the reality - the life of an orphan in the internats is hard.  The orphans have no one looking out for their best interest.

Who cares if an orphan is beaten with a stick?

Who is going to stop a caretaker from sending a child to bed without food?

Who is stepping in to protect a child from the constant bullying from the older children?

Who is going to make sure that unwelcome visitors are not taking advantage of the girls in the building?

Who is there to care for a child who is sick?

Who will protect them?


We are trying to raise funds for four families in our September Giveaway.  All four families are adopting OLDER children.  All of these children are living in internats except for Ianto who has reached the age of 15 and is now on his own at a trade school.  Before you think that being in a trade school is a good thing - for Ianto - it is NOT.  Ianto is ON HIS OWN making choices and decisions that no 15 year old should be required to make.  He is struggling.  He needs family. He desperately desperately needs a father and a mother to come alongside him and help him and guide him.  Most of the 15 year old and 16 year old boys and girls who age out are emotionally much younger.  They have NO life experiences except the dog-eat-dog, survival of the fittest experiences of living in an internat. 

Who will keep the other children from beating Susan?  Who will protect Caroline and Estelle from unwanted visitors?  Who will guide Ianto and Gerard into making Godly, wise choices? 

FOUR FAMILIES HAVE RAISED THEIR HANDS AND CRIED OUT - WE WILL!  WE WILL!!


The Dobrovits are adopting Susan
The Tams are adopting Caroline
The Rowes are adopting Ianto
The Deutsches are adopting Estelle and Gerard

Five children out of the hundreds of thousands.

Just a tiny tiny drop in the bucket but they are worth it.

They are worth it.

These five children have hope and a future.

All five will have to agree to be adopted.  There is a risk for these families.  They could cross the ocean and be turned down. 

But all four of these families are willing to take that risk in order to offer these five a chance for a new life.  A family.  A future. 

Please help them.

Please help them.


IT IS A SEPTEMBER SYMPHONY....

WE NEED TO RAISE:  16,700.00

WE HAVE RAISED:  $4019.00

WE STILL NEED:  $12,681.00

Breaking it Down...

Carla and Paul Dobrovits - 2,500 matching grant - Raised $296.00
 Renee and Steve Tam - 3,000 matching grant - Raised $2,597.00

Janice and Tim Rowe - 3,700 matching grant - Raised $68.00
 Val and Bill Deutsch - 2,500 matching grant Raised $804.00

 BRENTON - 1,000 matching grant - Raised $113.00

DAGMAR - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant - Raised $36.00
PEARSON - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $63.00
 PORTER - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant   - Raised $32.00
GRADY - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  - Raised $10.00

The Heroes of this Symphony....THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Jacquelyn, Tiny, Andi, Cathy, Cathleen, Arnie, Kenlyn, Andrea, Jennifer, Robin, Kim, Guy, Nicole, Christina, Gentry, Theresa, Cortney, Pamela, Laura, Tiffany, Holly, Amanda,  Rebecca, Penney, Sherry, Cheryl, Nancy, Samm, Hannah, Alex, Susan, Jennifer, Amy, Jamie, Leah, Victoria, Debbie, Pam, Robin, Kathryn, Lisa, Tina, Carolyn, Pam, Nicole, Annette, Ivy, Stori, Deanna, Hansini, Elizabeth, Michelle, Trish, Neil, Christine, Katherine, Jennifer, Renee, Janice, Carla, Amy, Frankie, Brooke


 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORPHANS, FAMILIES, RULES AND PICTURES OF ALL THE PRIZES....

 

The Symphony Continues

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;

it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Praise the Lord with the harp;

make music to Him on the ten-stringed lyre.

 

Sing to Him a NEW SONG;

play skillfully, and shout for joy.

For the word of the Lord is right and true;

he is FAITHFUL in ALL he does.

The Lord LOVES righteousness and justice;

the earth is FULL of His UNFAILING LOVE.



THE SYMPHONY CONTINUES.....





 

Putting it in Perspective

I want to take a moment and put the September Symphony into perspective.

We have NINE matching grants on the table.

Those grants total $20,700.00.

THAT IS A LOT OF MONEY LAYING ON THE TABLE!!

IF we match those grants we will have raised $41,400.00.

And we don't even have to match 20,700.00.

We ONLY need to raise 16,700.00 in order for $41,400.00 to be disbursed between FOUR families and FIVE waiting orphans.

I don't know about you but I think that is a really sweet deal.

PLUS...

Well over $2,000.00 in prizes are up for grabs in this Symphony and donating to the Taylors, Hortons or Unroes puts you in the running for even more prizes. 

And I'm not even done listing prizes yet.

PLUS...

I've decided to just make it easy.

To enter this giveaway - all you need to do is donate ONE TIME to ONE FAMILY or ONE ORPHAN.

A ten dollar donation gets you in.

More donations - more families - more orphans - increases your chances.

We need to raise $16,700.00 in order to match $20,700.00 for a grand total of $41,400.00

We have three weeks.

Who's in?

-------------------------

 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORPHANS, FAMILIES, RULES AND PICTURES OF ALL THE PRIZES....