tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29213566786256770692024-03-13T13:58:08.785-07:00Our Journey in Faith and LoveKelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-5097829722139309952017-07-27T11:34:00.003-07:002017-07-27T13:24:14.714-07:00Take the Leap <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chances are that if you are reading this you found my blog
from Reece’s Rainbow.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of you have
followed our journey to adopting Nic, prayed for, supported and encouraged us
from the beginning and for that we are so grateful.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And some of you are probably here because you have stared at
the children on Reece’s Rainbow, read about the conditions that they are in,
followed the journeys of others who have adopted and want to adopt “someday” or
maybe WANT to adopt now but are trying to get up the courage to take the final
leap of faith.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You want to know how it
works and what it takes, how in the world did people raise the money and get
the time off work.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were there before and I am happy to be on the other end
of it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's something very important that you need to know. Our family is no different then anyone else's in one sense... We are all sinners. We all lose our patience, worry, get hurt, among other things. We are not "a special family so we did a special thing". The only reason we can do anything is because we know that we serve a Great, All powerful, Almighty, All-knowing, Sovereign God. Still even knowing that we can become like the panicked disciples on the boat in the storm or Peter on the water sinking in a moment of weak, sinful, faithless, fear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So while this might not be the specific answers that you are looking for, because every family’s situation is different, here’s the one
thing that I can tell you that can be applied universally to everyone reading
this.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you believe in the power of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, if you believe that God created the universe, if
you believe that He calms the wind and the rain and holds the stars in his
hands, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed and you are being called to
adopt, all those worries and fears that seem so huge to you WILL be taken care
of according to His plan.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can guarantee you that you will have struggles and things
go “wrong” according to YOUR plan from the moment you commit to adopt, but it
is all in His plan and will grow your faith as you trust in Him through it all.
</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have not been called to a life of comfort and ease.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are not striving for an “imperishable
wreath”, temporary riches, rewards and worldly accolades. Hallelujah and Praise the Lord... We get to rejoice in that,
knowing that those things cannot compare to the true joy and peace that comes through
obedience and faith in our Father. </span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">God's ways are so much better than our ways! I am so thankful for Nic and the beautiful gift that God gave us when He opened our eyes to first Down syndrome with the birth of our son Colt and then adoption with Nic!! Glory be to God for His perfect plan!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, take a deep breath.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Open up the Word of God</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Get
yourself some music that reminds you of the power of our<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Mighty Lord</span></b> in every word and
keep it on auto-play. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>PRAY</b>.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>LEAP!</b></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: minion-pro; font-size: 14.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: red;">Consider the
stars in the sky;<br />
Look up and wonder, can you count their number?<br />
Consider the stars in the sky;<br />
Umbrella to hide in, a dance floor of heaven.<br />
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Do not be afraid<br />
Do not be afraid<br />
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Consider the stars in the sky;<br />
When it is darkest they shine out the brightest<br />
Consider the stars in the sky<br />
In every anguish, Oh, child take courage <br />
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Do not be afraid<br />
Do not be afraid<br />
He who made all of this, and who holds all of this,<br />
Holds you in his hands<br />
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Do not be afraid<br />
Do not be afraid<br />
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Consider the stars in the sky;<br />
Diamond in a ring. Over the Child King.<br />
Consider the stars in the sky;<br />
Grace He had promised, coming to find us<br />
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Do not be afraid<br />
Do not be afraid<br />
He who made all of this, says “You’re worth more than this,”<br />
And holds you in his hands” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: minion-pro; font-size: 14.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: red;">— Words and Music by Keith Getty, Kristyn
Getty, and Fionan de Barr</span></span></div>
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<b>(I highly recommend Keith and Kristyn Getty's worship music! </b></div>
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<b>I love their newest cd "Facing a Task Unfinished"!)</b></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="color: red;"></span>Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-15618318696169962212017-06-15T12:24:00.000-07:002017-06-15T12:24:25.529-07:005 Months Home!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5 Months ago today we were walking out the door of the orphanage where Nic had spent his first year of life. We carried him out of the only building, the only room for that matter, that he had ever seen. He was seeing the outside world for the very first time.<br /> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VGOqqBvN63iDgRmNdNBy-S6OesIAWlOuukNQkbolwmgul3B0xYLmDjd1lzREJfy9iRT-TkePWIsGve2JY3iE-FmhrngJxYwym7PKGGi3mdLA5H5_gF2qm2P8SupnwQ05Wnf0vyrAtFkx/s1600/nic+colt+cute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VGOqqBvN63iDgRmNdNBy-S6OesIAWlOuukNQkbolwmgul3B0xYLmDjd1lzREJfy9iRT-TkePWIsGve2JY3iE-FmhrngJxYwym7PKGGi3mdLA5H5_gF2qm2P8SupnwQ05Wnf0vyrAtFkx/s320/nic+colt+cute.JPG" width="240" /></a><br /><br />I have tried to be sensitive to all the new sights and sounds that he is exposed to at once, but he has quietly enjoyed taking them all in with no objections or anxiety. </div>
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I will never forget his first time at the park looking back and forth at it all, tilting his head all the way back to see the tall trees and waving his hands and feet to feel the grass, or the way he calmly looked all around at his first track meet at the crowds with their loud cheers and the busyness of the action on the field. </div>
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<br />He went in the pool for the first time yesterday. He wasn't so sure about it but he was calm as always. </div>
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<br />It seems like everyday he experiences something new. <br />As he smiles back at friends and strangers who wave and talk to him when we are out and about I can't help but think about that baby who had never even had a visitor for his first year of life, the baby who spent his days laying in a crib, bobbing his head back and forth for any type of stimulation. The baby that had no idea he had a family that loved him and was frantically trying to get to him. <br /> </div>
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I really don't know how to describe in words the feelings of my heart when I see the love and joy surrounding Nic now through people and experiences. </div>
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But through God's love, provision and providence we have been able to see a vivid picture of love and redemption. It is not because we are a special family or extraordinary in any way but simply a family who can only love because HE, Christ, first loved us and our love pales in comparison to His. (1 John 4:9) <br />
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Charles Spurgeon wrote in a commentary on this verse, "The distinguishing mark of a Christian is his confidence in Christ's love for him and in the offering of his love to Christ." <br />
<br />Then describing the early believers he wrote, <br />
<br />"Love for Jesus was a flame that fed upon the core and heart of their being and therefore by its own force burned its way into their demeanor and shone there...<br />
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Because of their dependence upon Christ's love they dared much, and because of their love for Christ they did much, and it is the same now." (Evening by Evening, Charles Spurgeon)<br />
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I pray that out of zeal and love for Christ our family will depend on Him and dare much so that we may do much in our short time on this earth and by doing so we will continue to see these example of God's love, faithfulness and redemption. <br />
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Thank you for following our journey and if you are looking for the courage to step out in faith and adopt or to follow wherever the Lord might be leading, you don't have to take my word on God's faithfulness, simply open up HIS word :0) <br />
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--Kelsi<br />
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Full Quote From Spurgeon's "Evening by Evening"<br />
"The love that they felt toward the Lord was not a quiet emotion that they hid within themselves in the secret place of their souls and that they spoke about in private or when they met on the first day of the week and sang hymns in honor of the Christ Jesus crucified; it was a passion with them of such vehement and all consuming energy that it was visible in all their actions, evident in their conversation, and seen in their eyes, even in their casual glances.<br />
Love for Jesus was a flame that fed upon the core and heart of their being and therefore by its own force burned its way into their demeanor and shone there. Zeal for the glory of King Jesus was the seal and mark of genuine Christians.<br />
Because of their dependence upon Christ's love they dared much, and because of their love for Christ they did much, and it is the same now"<br />
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<br />Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-58810577656491254412017-04-12T12:28:00.000-07:002017-04-12T12:28:08.882-07:00Three Months Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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*** If you want to see more pictures of Nic and regular updates just go to my Instagram "downrightwonderful"***<br />
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Nic has been home for three months already. In some ways the time has flown by and in other ways it's hard to believe that it has only been three months because it seems like the whole adoption journey was years ago and that Nic has always been a part of our family. <br />
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I continue to be amazed at the way he blossoms every single day. His smiles come easier every day and little things that we take for granted with our other children, such as a giggle when something delights him, can brighten our whole week. <br />
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I never thought that I would WANT a baby to cry, however, a baby is supposed to cry for his mom or dad or when they need someone to take care of them and love. Nic does not cry very often, but he is now crying for us and that is a beautiful development. Several weeks after being home he cried in the middle of the night for the first time. As I rubbed his back he became quiet and as I slowly got up to leave his bed he started to cry again. I returned and rubbed his back until he was quiet, only to have him object to my leaving a second and third time with his cries. The cycle continued and I stayed there in the dark and praised the Lord that Nic now knew love. He knew that we would be there for him for no other reason then just to rub his back if needed and his cries would be answered.<br />
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His continuous head bobbing and rocking has completely stopped. I learned that rocking and bobbing is a very common trait of children out of orphanages because it is the only way they get stimulation of any kind in their crib. I don't know anything more behind this, but I am so amazed at how soon after he was home that this constant habit came to an end. I just can't fathom what life must be like for these children in the orphanages. <br />
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One of the hardest parts has been figuring out how to feed him properly. He will not stop eating when he is fed and cries when his food is pulled away. Knowing that he went hungry we want to feed him until he stops himself, however, we learned the hard way that he will NOT stop. He will eat three days worth of food if we continue feeding him and then have a stomach ache and throw it all up. Finding the tricky balance of giving him enough until he is full without giving him too much has just had to come down to measurements, trial and error and nutrition. His blood tests showed how malnourished that he really was and so we know that it will take time and healing for him to learn that he will not go hungry. <br />
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He is so loved by his brothers and sisters and of course us, mom and dad. Watching our children love and take care of their new brother is a special gift that I couldn't explain in words. When adopting people often ask, "what about your other children?" I wish those people could see my "other children" with Nic. There is too much to write here, but I'll just sum it up with the fact that they have learned more about God's love and giving of ourselves for others with every child that we have added to the family and to see them embrace and show that love even deeper to their newly adopted brother keeps me constantly thinking, "thank you Lord!" <br />
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Adoption isn't easy and it isn't all "rainbows and unicorns", to quote someone else, not sure what that really means, but we went into it trusting in God and God is faithful. He does not change. He was faithful through the whole process and provided for every last detail and we know that in the hard and easy times, everything was and is in His control. We continue to praise Him for bringing Nic home and for His love. <br />
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Once again, thank you all for your prayers, love and support for Nic and our family. There are so many orphans who need you. They need your prayers. They need you to take the leap of faith and adopt or to support someone who is adopting.<br />
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Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends<br />
John 15:13<br />
<br />Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and <strong>take</strong> <strong>up</strong> their <strong>cross</strong> <strong>daily</strong> and follow me. <br />
Luke 9:23<br />
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Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.<br />James 1:27 Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-19108171013416415922017-01-24T12:28:00.001-08:002017-01-24T12:28:08.884-08:00Our Adoption Journey<br />
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After spending his first 11 months in an orphanage in Ukraine we celebrated Nic's first week home and his 1st birthday on Sunday!</div>
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Here is a short video that we put together of our adoption journey.</div>
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We began it with nothing but trust in God. He is faithful and provided above and beyond for every detail through your prayers, generosity, love and support! </div>
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Thank you for being a part of His amazing plan!</div>
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Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-86769374411164664262016-12-24T10:17:00.000-08:002017-01-28T10:20:18.570-08:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After Luke and Ryann were born we discussed whether we should have more children or "stop while we're ahead." We thought we had two "perfect", healthy children and with each child we run the "risk" of upsetting our "perfect" world with a child who might have a disability or problems or more than we can handle. </div>
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<br />As ignorant as we were, at least we knew a few things that allowed us to have the beautiful gifts that we have today: God's grace is sufficient 2 Cor 12:9, Children <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">are a gift from the Lord Psalm 127:3, Wonderful are His works Psalm 139, Gods love has been poured into our hearts Romans 5:5, He'll never give us more than we can handle 1 Cor 10:13, love is to lay down our lives for another John 15:13 and to take up our cross daily Matt 16:24, among so many more truths. </span></div>
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So now as I'm watching Colt smiling while getting ready to fly back to Eastern Europe for our 7th child and newest baby boy who shares Colt's same special gift, I can't help but think about what we would have missed out on if we hadn't trusted in the fact that God's word is always true and He is always faithful! We do not expect easy days ahead but we know that they will be filled with a deeper love and faith through it all. <span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v7/f6c/1/16/2764.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">❤️</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v7/f6c/1/16/2764.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">❤️</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v7/f6c/1/16/2764.png" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">❤️</span></span></div>
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And so, from our bunch of weak, fearful, sinning failures apart from the strength, grace, courage and love of our Lord, to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and that you may trust the faithfulness of our Saviour through the hard and easy times this year!<span class="_5mfr _47e3"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v7/f6c/1/16/2764.png" width="16" /></span></div>
Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-61783448799124130762016-11-28T13:08:00.000-08:002016-11-28T13:10:02.561-08:00HERE WE COME!!<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_583c9b5f17e723840663585">
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We received the exciting call on Thanksgiving that we will be traveling to Eastern Europe this week to be there in time for our DAP (Department of Adoption) appointment! SO, here we go!!<br />
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He<span class="text_exposed_show">re are the steps that we have left:<br /> </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">At the DAP we will hear any medical and background info on Nic. We might not learn much but I am just excited to learn what his birthday is and anything at all! We will accept his referral there. I am hoping we will get to meet Nic for the first time by the next day! AHHHHHH!!!!!! My heart is hurting for this moment!!</span><br />
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Next, we will receive an assigned court date. We are praying this will be very soon because if it is we will stay in Ukraine until court. If it is scheduled for say a week or more away we will fly home and have to fly back for court. Praying that court goes smooth and that we get an adoption friendly judge.<br />
There is a mandatory 10 day waiting period after court. Some regions will waive this 10 day waiting period. Ours is not one of those regions from what I have heard. HOWEVER, we are praying for the judge to waive the 10 days. If the Lord wills it, He can certainly make it happen, so we are asking with strong faith! We will fly home during the 10 day waiting period if we must wait and then fly back to get Nic out of there! <br />
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The last step is to get Nic his Visa, passport, medical, etc. and bring him HOME!!<br />
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Praise the Lord for this fast DAP date!!!!!! Please pray, all Lord willing, for our DAP appointment, our court date to be immediate, our judge to be for us, waiving of the 10 day waiting period, our travel, Nic, and our children at home and that through all of this whether things go the way WE want or not, that we will bring glory to God and be witnesses for Him through every step.<br />
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Thank you all again so much for your support through all of this!<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-7499955547503649602016-11-02T10:53:00.001-07:002016-11-02T11:12:44.381-07:00Almost There!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have been officially approved by USCIS (US immigration), which was the very last piece of paperwork that we needed! I don't think I could put into words the emotions, relief, elation, you name it, when I answered my phone and heard our USCIS officer on the other end of the line say that we are approved and that the letter is in the mail!<br />
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Thank you all so much for praying and praise the Lord for His hand in this. We had been told that this step in the process could take days to months depending on the officer that you get. I am so thankful that we got an incredibly kind and efficient officer who approved our file within a few days of receiving it. He was so amazing! It could not have gone any faster! <br />
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As soon as that letter arrives in the mail, I will hustle to get it notarized, then certified at the County clerk's office, then apostilled at the Secretary of State's. This only takes a few hours and is the process for every document (approximately 40) that has been sent to our facilitator in Eastern Europe. <br />
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This last piece in our process should be submitted in Europe early next week and then all we have to do is WAIT for our travel dates! Travel dates are all over the place too. They could be 8 days away or they could be 8 weeks away. There is no way of knowing. Please pray for fast travel dates, Lord willing, and an adoption friendly judge!<br />
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If I could describe for you what this is like, I would say it is sort of like being pregnant in your ninth month and you just cant wait to get that baby out and hold him. All the excitement, anxiety, running around, waiting, sleepless nights and you feel like you're going to burst if you don't get your baby in your arms at any moment!<br />
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One major difference though is that unlike my pregnancies, I can't feel him or see him through an ultrasound, or have a doctor check on him to know he's ok. We can't talk to him so he hears his mom, dad's, sisters and brother's voices to know he's loved. He is thousands of miles away laying in an orphanage crib. His picture on the cover of my phone is as close to him as I can get and that still catches my breath and sends my emotions all over the place at any given moment. That part is painful. We just continue to pray that our Father in Heaven will wrap Nic in His love so that he might feel how loved he is while we now count down the days until we can get there!!<br /><br />Thank you again and again for all of your prayers and support! You are just as much a part of giving Nic a family and love as we are! We are so grateful for all of you! Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-13843116801221627862016-10-25T13:10:00.001-07:002016-10-25T15:28:41.574-07:00Christians and Adoption<div>
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Alright, here I go again. </div>
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In my adoption resource room I have before me every single day the faces of children that we are all praying and fighting for, fighting to find families who will trust the Lord and take the leap of faith to save 1, 2,3,4...of these children. </div>
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The orphanages in these Eastern Europe countries and all over the world are not what us here in the United States could ever imagine. These special needs children are starved, sedated, left alone in cribs for days that turn into years until they can no longer hold on or they are transferred to adult institutions where they rapidly "deteriorate" to die alone. </div>
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I continue to write about and post about these children, not to tug on your heart strings, but to open eyes to what is going on. I know that I had no idea. Ignorance is bliss. It is painful knowing what's going on and wondering, praying every day about what MORE can I do?! How many can we bring home? Who can I "get" to bring "this one" home?! </div>
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Visit <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://Reecesrainbow.org&source=gmail&ust=1477507491819000&usg=AFQjCNGayX76Tl58t5FnXyW5cwhaiDijDw" href="http://reecesrainbow.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Reecesrainbow.org</span></a> to see hundreds of children with special needs of all ages that need to see the love of the Lord through you! We don't know why we are led to certain children that you will know the Lord is telling you to pray for, give money for or to bring home, but isn't that like our own adoption by our Father? </div>
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Here are a few children that were posted about in my resource room recently that need you...</div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/97043/jayce" target="_blank">Jayce</a>, beautiful 14 year old boy with Down syndrome. Where does he get the energy to smile as he is clearly starving to death?</div>
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<img alt="image1.JPG" class="CToWUd a6T" id="m_71080017990800883805F9817AA-D333-429C-B02B-88D5BB16006A" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e7b8e3c093&view=fimg&th=157fbe1bd4ddb9a2&attid=0.1.2&disp=emb&attbid=ANGjdJ-c3jWtxNKp0N7E20AeU2ZdaTUSI6ZcFOOKLycFtMpq0c7pZbdXmm0BdoDPK78TmoZ5EPGD_bmJA7D9YQndx5YkMqqxjS9ntBkIoPQHpPpy5RSFoAHn1EypWvk&sz=s0-l75-ft&ats=1477421091817&rm=157fbe1bd4ddb9a2&zw&atsh=1" tabindex="0" /></div>
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And...</div>
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"This beautiful boy, <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/57758/carter-2" target="_blank">Carter</a>, with cerebral palsy, turns 5 next month.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOffyO8m3akPFppRxVuwImJBU7vVWrPW_C4qKKIauQXNCrS3Ac2a7LpfjpLorD6hF4iKPgzwJjQatfrAwL78qmBD8bfjAh6psEBxxXxyPvgRsf9Bx-lBEMr0ZKDqwGWD_lctf6OB_9-Bdm/s1600/Carter-2014-224x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOffyO8m3akPFppRxVuwImJBU7vVWrPW_C4qKKIauQXNCrS3Ac2a7LpfjpLorD6hF4iKPgzwJjQatfrAwL78qmBD8bfjAh6psEBxxXxyPvgRsf9Bx-lBEMr0ZKDqwGWD_lctf6OB_9-Bdm/s1600/Carter-2014-224x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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That's 5 years of no one celebrating his birthday. 5 years of laying in a crib. 5 years without love.</div>
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Can we make this birthday the last one he spends alone?"</div>
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Above is an old picture but <a href="https://www.facebook.com/keshia.melton/posts/10207440566277881" target="_blank">Click here to see a recent video of Carter.</a></div>
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And...</div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/category/waiting-children/boys-down-syndrome-3-5" target="_blank">Sean</a>, precious 3 year old boy with Down syndrome.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pf5S8vFS6yI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pf5S8vFS6yI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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There are babies up through teenagers (until they are transferred), that need us! </div>
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Just since we have begun our adoption process, we have received news of four children in Eastern Europe that have been added to Reece's Rainbow's <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/background/in-loving-memory" target="_blank">"In Loving Memory"</a> page. They couldn't hold on any longer waiting for their family. We know that they are healed and in the arms of our perfect loving father now and we rejoice in this but can't help but weep over the fact that these children never knew the love of family on this earth. We have been commanded to care for these children who died alone in pain and starvation and we as Christians are failing them. </div>
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Adoption is not charity. It is gospel. It is missional. It is spiritual warfare. </div>
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As gospel it "tells us about our identity, our inheritance, and our mission as sons of God...Adoption tells us our purpose in this age as the people of Christ. Missional adoption spurs us to join Christ in advocating for the helpless and the abandoned... Adoption is about an entire culture within our churches, a culture that sees adoption as part of our Great Commission mandate and as a sign of the gospel itself." (Russell Moore, Adopted for Life) And as a picture of the gospel and a missional fulfillment of the great commission it is extreme spiritual warfare. The Prince of this earth, the demonic powers, hate adoption, hate babies, hate "the least of these", the most vulnerable among us and want nothing more than to destroy this picture of Jesus. </div>
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I know that many Christians cannot adopt for whatever reason but we ALL need to be serving them! We have all been called to serve "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40).</div>
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I have posted this quote before but it is one that stays with me: </div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);"><span style="text-align: center;">"Kids in crisis can't afford to wait until it's most convenient for you to care for them. They don't have that luxury. They need you to stop rationalizing what you know God is calling you to do - and just do it. </span><b style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Your "no" is a lot more difficult on them than your "yes" will ever be on you.</u></i></b><span style="text-align: center;"> Perhaps these kids needs your family as much as your family needs these kids. One is given comfort and security for likely the first time in their life while the other is </span><b style="text-align: center;">freed from comfort and security, and as a result, actually finds life</b><span style="text-align: center;">. Jesus Himself said, "</span><b style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:25)</u></i></b><span style="text-align: center;"> In perhaps one of the most counterintuitive and countercultural statements He ever made, we find what life is all about - losing ourselves for the sake of someone else's gain. Hard? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. What you stand to lose pales in comparison to what everyone, including yourself, stands to gain. </span><b style="text-align: center;"><i><u>There's never really a perfect time to foster or adopt; just a lot of opportunities to say yes to losing yourself despite the many reasons you have to say no.”</u></i></b><span style="text-align: center;"> –Jason Johnson B</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);"><span style="text-align: center;">I had the intention of writing a quick message with a couple of pics of children- oops. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);"><span style="text-align: center;">If you're still reading, then thanks for hangin' in there! </span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-56525314752048474742016-10-22T04:10:00.001-07:002016-10-22T04:10:40.664-07:00Waiting and PrayingIf I could sum up where we are in our adoption process right now in two words it would be "waiting" and "praying". We have submitted every single paper possible to Eastern Europe and to US immigration and now we are just praying that they land in the hands of men and women that will see them through as quickly as possible. <br />
<br />
Because we have submitted all of our dossier (lots and lots of notarized, certified and apostilled documents) to Eastern Europe in anticipation of moving the process along as fast as possible, we just have to wait for US immigration approval to go through for the final paperwork to be submitted in order to receive our court and travel dates.<br />
<br />
Because of Nic's Down syndrome and other potential special needs, all of this has been done with a requested medical expedite. However, whether it receives the medical expedite and the speed at which it goes through is completely out of our control. So, we are PRAYING and requesting all of our wonderful family in Christ who has loved and supported Nic and our family through this, to pray as well. <br />
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If it takes two days or two months we know that the Lord is in control and it is all part of His plan so we can't worry. But Lord willing, it will move at record speed with the power of prayer to His glory. <br />
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We continue to pray for Nic to feel the Lord's love while he is waiting for us and for his health and strength as he is growing. We are also praying for the other orphans and how the Lord can use us in their lives as well. <br />
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Thank you for your love, prayers and support! <br />
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<br />Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-56651597000525753882016-10-06T19:11:00.001-07:002016-10-06T19:11:23.876-07:00Fully Funded!YES, you read the title right. Praise the Lord, we are FULLY FUNDED!!!! <br />
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AAHHHHHH!!!!!!!! <br />
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That is me squealing with excitement!!! I am still walking around in a state of awe and giddiness! <br />
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I wish you all could witness just how amazing the Lord has provided and how He has worked through so many showing love to Domenic!<br />
<br />
We not only received our most recent check that fulfilled our adoption needs, but have had others who have wanted to still give to help with medical needs! <br />
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This verse just keeps going through my head:<br />
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</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.<br />-Ephesians 3:20-21</blockquote>
We cannot thank you all enough for your prayers, sharing and generosity to help make this happen!<br /><br />When we first made the commitment to adopt Domenic we almost let the expense stop us from moving forward, but we knew that if we were just obedient we could trust in God for every detail. He is faithful! We are still in complete awe at the amazing way the funds came in! <br /><br />We are so incredibly grateful to every single one of you who have supported us through this process! It means so much to us! You all are apart in saving Domenic and bringing him home. I can't wait for him to see just how loved he is!! <br /><br />We will keep you updated as we continue through the process. Our paperwork is waiting approval in the US and will then be sent to Eastern Europe for approval. At that point we will receive our travel and court dates. We are praying for all of these steps to move rapidly, Lord willing, so that we can get him home!! Please continue to keep Domenic and speed in the processing of each step in your prayers. <br /><br />Our sincere thanks!!!!!!! All glory to our amazing Father in Heaven!<br /><br />Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-77316210240120588452016-10-05T11:36:00.000-07:002016-10-05T19:26:59.666-07:00Kids For Kids <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JyB3D4avHO1n5Y1eMf8aV4HIva3yM1MK9dmfthGC1A3tIjhdA_Z9MgpLqdRZPkA6ta0aiBhhAThVpyJhNOXaUj1qpzhx7NqKc4ihYqf4UMXxOoBB2U7zEUPdW3z6uA-TNqmDmo1NDush/s1600/kids+for+kids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JyB3D4avHO1n5Y1eMf8aV4HIva3yM1MK9dmfthGC1A3tIjhdA_Z9MgpLqdRZPkA6ta0aiBhhAThVpyJhNOXaUj1qpzhx7NqKc4ihYqf4UMXxOoBB2U7zEUPdW3z6uA-TNqmDmo1NDush/s320/kids+for+kids.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Well, my children's fundraising efforts for Nic have grown a bit bigger into what they have named the "Kids for Kids" Club, (the CURRENT official name after much deliberation). They have spent countless hours putting together the logistics in an attempt to make this idea a reality.</div>
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My daughter decided that their club should not close its doors, or hanging sheet in their case, once the fundraising for Nic has ended but should continue on in their efforts to help orphans. </div>
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They were so encouraged and excited by people who contributed to their "club" adoption fundraising efforts that they decided once they reach their goal for Nic, they are going to find another orphan from Reece's Rainbow to support with prayer and fundraising.</div>
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As always, their cousins were on board and ready to help make this happen. I found the above picture on my phone, apparently the minutes from the last meeting: "'donashons' coming in:", "we have raised $172.50", more "ideas to 'rais' money for Nic," along with multiple photos of "Kids for Kids" club t-shirt designs that they had sent back and forth to their cousins for review. Since none of them have their own phones, my phone has pretty much been taken over by my children as they facetime and talk to their cousins from their "Kids for Kids" club headquarters about the plans for their club t-shirts, name, verse, recruiting strategies, fundraising, and any other details. </div>
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I believe they finally settled on the club verse:</div>
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"We love because He first loved us." </div>
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1 John 4:19</div>
I think that perfectly sums it up.<br />
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I don't know what will become of this exciting idea of theirs, but I love their hearts for these children and their desire to help do <i>something</i>. I love that their eyes have been opened, even a little, to seeing beyond themselves and their immediate space. I love that their efforts to help aren't limited by the fear and doubts that we adults have. And, I love that they will see how the Lord can use them to share His love and compassion. </div>
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Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-53795908929039700742016-09-23T04:35:00.001-07:002016-09-23T04:54:36.034-07:00Encouragement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SsCPWNwOJiQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SsCPWNwOJiQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
I know that some of you reading this are going through the adoption process right now. <br />
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Some of you reading this probably stumbled across this blog through Reece's Rainbow because you want to adopt and are saying "one day" while in the mean time you are reading the stories of others who are going through the process to see if you can take that leap of faith. <br />
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Others of you are reading this to follow our journey.<br />
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Whatever reason you are here, I wanted to share something to encourage those who put your faith and trust in Christ. We have had a few weeks that have tested us and through it all we continue to see the Lord's provision and His hand and know that He is in control of everything. He is so good!<br />
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We have replayed this throughout the week. The God of angel armies is always by our side! What do we have to fear?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30591J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30591J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>he who is in you is greater than <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30591K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30591K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>he who is in the world." - 1 John 4:4</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> <b>of</b> <b>hosts</b> is with us; the <b>God</b> <b>of</b> Jacob is our fortress. -Psalm 46:7 </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"David proceeded with a longer stride, a larger embrace since the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>-of-the-Angel-Armies was with him." -2 Samuel 5:10</blockquote>
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"And David became greater and greater, for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, the God of hosts, was with him." -2 Samuel 5:10 ESV </blockquote>
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"God is our refuge and strength,<br /> A very present help in trouble. </div>
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Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change<br /> And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; </div>
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Though its waters roar <i>and</i> foam,<br /> Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride" </div>
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Psalm 46:1-3</div>
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Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-3249360017379687012016-09-19T12:18:00.001-07:002016-09-19T12:43:56.428-07:00Orphan Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoh0ooi_yJ1XMfNLl5-OtgnAoSNPwqpQ_0w2kok_znNpXlZ7Fn1MmXM_2ZGkX8uF6fsg1Li-DVvh8ASWWE-SNFVpYxBmADzBKCNhUosQd78vpDKX0YaGyTCZjtz4Tks_eHyyIDNTAkZdc/s1600/Leilani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoh0ooi_yJ1XMfNLl5-OtgnAoSNPwqpQ_0w2kok_znNpXlZ7Fn1MmXM_2ZGkX8uF6fsg1Li-DVvh8ASWWE-SNFVpYxBmADzBKCNhUosQd78vpDKX0YaGyTCZjtz4Tks_eHyyIDNTAkZdc/s320/Leilani.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/53187/leilani" target="_blank">Leilani on Reece's Rainbow</a></div>
This is Leilani. Today I read this message about her, like too many that I have read since beginning this adoption journey.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"All of the Leilani fans I'm afraid we do not have much time to find her a family. Since her transfer to an awful place a couple years ago, she has dwindled and continues with each check up. Someone was able to see her this past Friday and get a photo. Her state is even much worst than in august when they visited. Her body is starting to be covered with hair. That is the very last stage of starvation. She isn't dying because of her diagnosis, she is dying because she is starving. My heart is broken. She needs a mama NOW. Please share her. Her grant has over $10,000 lets build it. " <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/53187/leilani" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a></blockquote>
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I read these sort of messages daily and it is heart breaking. There is an orphan crisis with 100,000 children who need families, many in these horrible situations. These children need you.<br />
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I know that not everyone has been called to adopt. But, we can all pray and prayer is powerful. We can all share and help open the eyes of other's to these children who need us. Some have the means to give to help others adopt these orphans and give them the family, love, food and medical attention that they so desperately need. We can all do something.<br />
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We know that some people don't understand adoption or fundraising to adopt. We know that some people judge us for not being in the "perfect" situation to adopt, whatever their individual definition of "perfect" might be. But, I don't think there is ever a "perfect" time or position to take a leap of faith like adoption and adopting a child with special needs. I don't think it could ever make perfect sense and especially to someone who doesn't understand that every one of these children are worthy of life, love and sacrifice. A day in our lives with the love of family is better than many of these children will experience in their lifetime in an orphanage or institution. God has called us to help orphans and the "least of these" and we cannot rationalize our way "out of it". <br />
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I read this challenge the other day and I want to pass it on:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: proxima-nova; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Now, the challenge. Kids in crisis can't afford to
wait until it's most convenient for you to care for them. They don't have that
luxury. They need you to stop rationalizing what you know God is calling you to
do - and just do it. </span><b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Your "no" is a lot more difficult on them
than your "yes" will ever be on you.</span></u></i></b><span style="font-size: large;"> Perhaps these kids needs
your family as much as your family needs these kids. One is given comfort and
security for likely the first time in their life while the other is
</span><b><span style="font-size: large;">freed from comfort and security, and as a result, actually finds life</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">. Jesus
Himself said, "</span><b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever
loses their life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:25)</span></u></i></b><span style="font-size: large;"> In perhaps one of
the most counterintuitive and countercultural statements He ever made, we find
what life is all about - losing ourselves for the sake of someone else's gain.
Hard? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. What you stand to lose pales in comparison to
what everyone, including yourself, stands to gain. </span><b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">There's never really a
perfect time to foster or adopt; just a lot of opportunities to say yes to
losing yourself despite the many reasons you have to say no.”</span></u></i></b><span style="font-size: large;"> –Jason
Johnson Blog</span></span></div>
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Please pray for little Leilani, who is starving to death in her institution. Pray that her family, somewhere, will take a leap of faith and bring her home. </div>
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Please continue to pray for Domenic and our adoption process. Pray for our papers to process quickly, Lord willing, and for Domenic as he is waiting in his orphanage. Praise the Lord for the funds that we have received and for the amazing people who are sharing in the joy of binging Nic home and helping through their prayers, generosity and support! </div>
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Also pray for all of these children who are waiting for families. Pray for the Lord to open the hearts of others to adopt, pray and give to help these wonderful children! </div>
Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-2705976918363085842016-09-10T05:40:00.002-07:002016-10-04T13:34:37.487-07:00Our Good Father's Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vQN2RqiYaqIIiX4wx0jnj5HkxhaRWRvDqRj4pfmHkH_bZimoPPIUvhmZdtilAy5vg1bNbEz7ocgu24wetAiXGY8zFQ1w5WVKMHLYA8osBULstTbU1YLLXYD47MPDRC9IhZfrjo2Inxjz/s1600/IMG_8276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vQN2RqiYaqIIiX4wx0jnj5HkxhaRWRvDqRj4pfmHkH_bZimoPPIUvhmZdtilAy5vg1bNbEz7ocgu24wetAiXGY8zFQ1w5WVKMHLYA8osBULstTbU1YLLXYD47MPDRC9IhZfrjo2Inxjz/s320/IMG_8276.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our celebration was a little late, but on Sunday we finally
stuck a “2” candle in a loaf of oat flour Pumpkin bread, sang “Happy Birthday”
and declared it Colt’s special day! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93bb0oJVQ2dUiRfv4I5saESwiuE6MdVZybSUunypl5SwElkfiRoXg3_QQ-l48O3Cn5jHMg_5R93R6tttZKRoRSsZb2_v7GfgDKJ0F3EMmhWaJROeIuLNwk3hAkqX9t0UeKbYCU17d6-AU/s1600/colt+rockin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93bb0oJVQ2dUiRfv4I5saESwiuE6MdVZybSUunypl5SwElkfiRoXg3_QQ-l48O3Cn5jHMg_5R93R6tttZKRoRSsZb2_v7GfgDKJ0F3EMmhWaJROeIuLNwk3hAkqX9t0UeKbYCU17d6-AU/s320/colt+rockin.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When the Lord gave us Colt, He surprised us with a little something extra, something wonderful, changing our lives and hearts forever. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we celebrated these two amazing years with our boy, and look forward to, Lord willing, many more, I could carry on about his smile, hugs, perseverance, love, funny faces, bear crawl, endless goodnight kisses, dancing, signing, his insistence on waving at strangers until he gets a wave back, and more, that add so much joy and love to this family.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUtXDcdRQfy7rVgwMNzi4e-UjtFgN6gPcSpS0iVPseOXjMAWi_4BF75BbSKNT319BC6rWtmwPixefB0C2QkmYeJendQQHKag8MEIQgAmIsgWufTZ_860MrIeqlRWaiHyVL3iibMYkhlnk/s1600/colt+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUtXDcdRQfy7rVgwMNzi4e-UjtFgN6gPcSpS0iVPseOXjMAWi_4BF75BbSKNT319BC6rWtmwPixefB0C2QkmYeJendQQHKag8MEIQgAmIsgWufTZ_860MrIeqlRWaiHyVL3iibMYkhlnk/s320/colt+3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, we have known from the beginning that he is here for a much bigger purpose.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>We are all here for a bigger purpose</b>.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our birth, life and death is ordained by God and we are here for the glory of God.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>It was two
years ago, this same month, that I was holding our beautiful baby while reading this verse,
being shown again the goodness of our Father in Heaven.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="color: #5b9bd5; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But God chose what is foolish in the
world to shame the wise; </span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="color: #5b9bd5; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God chose what is weak in the world to shame the
strong;</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #5b9bd5; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>1 Corinthians 1:27</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This world seeks the beautiful, perfect, or
“normal”.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They are quick to abort, mourn
over or throw out anyone they deem inconvenient, less worthy or less able. And these are the
very ones that God has chosen.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He is a
good Father and he has created Colt to be mighty for Him. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now as I
look back on these two years, I realize I get to vividly witness something that
I already knew. God’s word is always true. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Lord has
used Colt to teach us something that the greatest preachers or teachers couldn’t
do and because God is a good Father, perfect in all of His ways, He knew that.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Domenic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our love for
Colt has opened our eyes to our fear of discomfort, disabilities, pursuit of
ease, and the safe road that keep us from the joy of living a life in a deeper
walk and a deeper trust in God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We read verses like</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #5b9bd5; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Religion that is pure and undefiled before
God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and
to keep oneself unstained from the world.<br />
James 1:27 <br /><br />
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of
the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’<br />
Matthew 25:40</b></span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">-and said,
“if the Lord opens that door…”, “if the Lord places a baby in our lap we are
willing…”, or “another time…”, and “we are doing enough…”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even though we know the Lord’s definition
of “enough”.</span></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I appeal to you therefore, brothers,</span></b></i><sup><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i></span></sup><i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">by the mercies of God, to present your
bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your
spiritual worship. </span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><b>Romans 12:1</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our Father
is so good though.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He taught us and
opened our eyes in the most gracious, patient and loving of ways.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He gave us Colt.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I long to be a parent more like Him.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We
deserve death and He gave us life.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We
deserve eternity in Hell and He gave His son so that we might have eternity
with Him.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We ignore His Word and He knows
just how to draw us deeper.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our perfect Father is using a two year old, who
happens to have Down syndrome, to change our lives, to save the life of another
baby who he loves deeply, and to show us that those children that have been
thrown out and left behind because they are "unworthy", "inconvenient", and
uncomfortable, are not just helpless faces.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They are Colt. They are every one of our children. Every one of them is worth sacrificing </span><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ALL</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> for.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> They aren't helpless. The Lord has told us to help. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I see those verses that I had read so many
times and wonder how I missed what they were saying for so long.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://thesometimes8irons.blogspot.com/2016/08/8-one-year.html" target="_blank">Auggie, Read his story here</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIUoYMQZDtDI5PPj3OLOWJY3jwf1svXu5l9-p2p1Fo3IAjBS4GTn_Sh4IpVV478qu-frfUN8-TgsuR3FBSoF6yHnnQ-9XxILe3tgukQ-Hs_HWJltvn5NYCKAQ-0X5HqqdoPeC3a5ofoqQ/s1600/baby+starr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIUoYMQZDtDI5PPj3OLOWJY3jwf1svXu5l9-p2p1Fo3IAjBS4GTn_Sh4IpVV478qu-frfUN8-TgsuR3FBSoF6yHnnQ-9XxILe3tgukQ-Hs_HWJltvn5NYCKAQ-0X5HqqdoPeC3a5ofoqQ/s200/baby+starr.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtOANpuzk5eoH95PM3Q1iZYTbAdzgJnISOvUuTOjOLZJxZpWfcSqPogEAkiIwXDBj3GDVNefXodJUyHAh0EV5eh38G8SMs_aps0lQYry0c_r14u32tg5uvtHnQgFTg-AYDJj946NPpma3/s1600/Baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtOANpuzk5eoH95PM3Q1iZYTbAdzgJnISOvUuTOjOLZJxZpWfcSqPogEAkiIwXDBj3GDVNefXodJUyHAh0EV5eh38G8SMs_aps0lQYry0c_r14u32tg5uvtHnQgFTg-AYDJj946NPpma3/s200/Baby.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All of these babies are listed on </span><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reece's Rainbow</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> among hundreds more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6tVg8GGtxQVqKexjqg9W5tbatYzC50af4DLlTDBb323azs6_wXfua5tNUJzXk9Jhga-3Opcu4oNrq6AxkYviKAHh4I1vASVC9ivQSDLAdUKTsDkz2b-BnTFdFxBHZW-0g_aqXW1pSjd2/s1600/colt+bumbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6tVg8GGtxQVqKexjqg9W5tbatYzC50af4DLlTDBb323azs6_wXfua5tNUJzXk9Jhga-3Opcu4oNrq6AxkYviKAHh4I1vASVC9ivQSDLAdUKTsDkz2b-BnTFdFxBHZW-0g_aqXW1pSjd2/s320/colt+bumbo.jpg" width="214" /></span></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So while we celebrate Colt's 2nd birthday, we really celebrate something much bigger than him. We celebrate, praise and give glory to our perfect creator, who fearfully and wonderfully made Colt. We praise him for the good Father that He is in giving us the gift of Colt and pray that He will grow all of us to be more like Him every single day. </span></div>
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Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-18345307184546260702016-08-11T11:45:00.001-07:002016-08-11T11:53:18.038-07:00Children's Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4ChvV0ihZjQwBxp3TnqHZUAnprSy3U_qtgLfDvrhpg7m2RIJpoXKJycd49r-jVv3frGcIvsrf_p_XIOYrmdqibu4eKXT7SI43PC4OpjqrbIEDHTN492_EcCneC8OyQUmDBVp_1WXNW15/s1600/kids+fundraising.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4ChvV0ihZjQwBxp3TnqHZUAnprSy3U_qtgLfDvrhpg7m2RIJpoXKJycd49r-jVv3frGcIvsrf_p_XIOYrmdqibu4eKXT7SI43PC4OpjqrbIEDHTN492_EcCneC8OyQUmDBVp_1WXNW15/s320/kids+fundraising.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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You are looking at our children's official "Nic Fundraising Headquarters". They have pictures of Nic hung on the wall and they meet here to discuss how much money they have earned to bring home Nic and what new business ventures they are going to do to increase their funds. This emergency meeting was called due to the fact that our 6-year-old daughter had lost her front tooth and earned $1 from the Tooth Fairy so the books had to be updated to $76.36 to reflect the proper earnings to date. <br />
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It is not just our own children that are wanting to do what they can for Nic. Their cousins decided to live on beans and rice for the month so that they could give the money saved on groceries to bring home Nic. At the same time our nephew has given generously from his lawn mowing money.<br />
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On the other side of the country our nieces and nephews are planning a lemonade stand to do what they can to help bring Nic home to family, medical treatment and love. <br />
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I love to see their hearts and excitement for our Nic. The simple hearts of children who can't even fully understand the circumstances that he is in and yet see a baby in need and want to do anything they can to help. <br />
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That $76.36, that $1 from the tooth fairy, their lawn mowing money, or lemonade earnings, might seem small when looking at the almost $30,000 need, but to them it is everything that they have to give and it is huge to us and huge to God. Those dollars and pennies are far more than money. They are love, simple, innocent love of children.Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-81913114458246436102016-07-27T12:41:00.001-07:002016-07-27T13:00:11.455-07:00The Adoption ProcessHere's a little run down of our adoption process and where we're at in it. I cannot be too specific with details on a public forum but I can give a general idea. <br />
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We are adopting from Eastern Europe which is usually around a seven month process. We are praying that ours will be MUCH faster. <br />
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We are filling out paperwork and doing everything that we have to do EVERY SINGLE DAY as it comes in so as not to delay anything. However, some of it is completely out of our control. Once the paperwork is filled out, much of which has to be notarized, then certified by the county clerk and then Apostilled by the Secretary of State it is handed over to a variety of different government agencies or to our out of country facilitators to be handled in the country of our adoption.<br />
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We have FBI fingerprints, doctor's reviews, blood test, FBI fingerprints a SECOND time, passports, visas, background checks, etc. Every step that is completed is then turned in to wait to be passed through whatever government agency it is being sent to. <br />
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We are currently in our Home study portion while doing all the things just mentioned. The "Home Study" is just what it sounds like, a study of our home. A social worker regularly meets with us for interviews, home safety and all sorts of good stuff. I am very thankful that we have a wonderful social worker who I enjoy talking and meeting with and who is extremely helpful through this process. <br />
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Our country facilitator, who is also amazing, handles all of our paperwork for our Eastern Europe country and all travel and logistics in that country, including visa, orphanage, medical, court appearance and much more.<br />
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We ALSO have an Eastern Europe country agency which helps with our child's placement and other in country business. <br />
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Once all of this has been completed and approved we receive a court and travel date within our EE country. This is when we will actually get to meet Nic, visit him regularly, while doing the necessary thing IN that country, one of which is appearing in court. Praying all of this goes smoothly, we then wait for the court papers to go through. It is only once that is done that we get to actually get our sweet Nic out of that orphanage and with us forever!!!! Oh we can't wait for that day!!!!<br />
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I know this is a very general idea of what we are doing but it gives you an idea of the process and what all the funds that we are raising goes towards. <br />
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Please be praying that every piece of paperwork and every step goes through quickly and smoothly so that there are no delays in getting Nic home. <br />
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With Nic's special needs we need to get him medical care as quickly as possible but on top of that, we have been told things about the orphanage, which I can not write here, that has us all the more urgent in getting everything done as fast as possible.<br />
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I know I say it every time, but you have no idea how thankful we are for everyone who is helping bring Nic home through your prayers, sharing and donations!! <br />
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<br />Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-31522106502032048712016-07-26T10:27:00.002-07:002016-07-26T10:27:27.702-07:00Reece's Rainbow Tax Deductible Donations!We are so excited to announce that our Reece's Rainbow Family page has been set up! This means that we can receive donations for Domenic's adoption that will be tax deductible!<br />
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Within the next week I should have a button up and running here in the right hand column, but until then it can be accessed through this link <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/109984/sponsorromero" target="_blank">Reece's Rainbow Romero Family Page</a> . Their "Donate" button uses Paypal OR they except checks to "Reece's Rainbow" PO Box 277, Monrovia, MD 21770 specifying for "Romero Family for Domenic".<br />
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Thank you for all your prayers, support, giving and sharing that you have been doing to help us get Nic home!! <br />
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We will try to update you on the process soon, although we have to use caution when getting into specifics on a public forum.Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-81983401034595898262016-07-25T04:55:00.000-07:002016-09-13T10:42:15.736-07:00Shop With A Purpose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you have ever been through the adoption process or know anyone who has, you probably know how consuming it can be. It is hard to take a moment off when you are thinking about a baby in an orphanage who needs to be home with the love of a family. <br />
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The moment a new piece of paperwork comes in we feel as if we must get it done immediately or it might cost that baby another minute in the orphanage. Just sitting on the couch I find myself looking around at what I could possibly sell to bring in funds quicker.<br />
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We know that Nic is in the Lords hands and the timing of the adoption process is all in His sovereign providence and we want to be giving our very best efforts and sacrifices too. <br />
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While I really don't like talking about money and fundraising so much, it is a rather necessary part of adoption. Please know that your prayers are coveted more than anything as we know that the Lord is who really takes care of this whole thing and we trust in His provision in whatever way He chooses. <br />
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Here are just a couple creative ways that can help bring a little more to our funds. If these are something that you are interested in shopping for anyway, than here is a way that you can do it that will give 20% back to our adoption funds.<br />
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JEWELRY AND ACCESORIES<br />
For one week my friend Elaina Gupton is hosting a Noonday Fundraiser here: <a href="https://www.noondaycollection.com/pws/ElainaGupton/eventstore26315/AMUS/default.aspx" target="_blank">Shop Noonday</a><br />
for our adoption. Noonday sells "an inspired collection of jewelry and accessories made by Artisans across the globe" to provide opportunities for women and families in vulnerable locations.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfskcxvE3gcgUR7-lzJZrN3h-9Yr8KZVu7wjNPRZZ9C7dcmAoiqnmjoHBRxnKS_oYQNAOOls6e2OOaqly1Qb9UKpNSRGlf1TFVSKICsHr6LGktXooF_Bqo4EvhBOLQndyd76U_EUTmSdy/s1600/Beginners-Trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfskcxvE3gcgUR7-lzJZrN3h-9Yr8KZVu7wjNPRZZ9C7dcmAoiqnmjoHBRxnKS_oYQNAOOls6e2OOaqly1Qb9UKpNSRGlf1TFVSKICsHr6LGktXooF_Bqo4EvhBOLQndyd76U_EUTmSdy/s200/Beginners-Trio.jpg" width="200" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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ESSENTIAL OILS<br />
As some of you know, I have been "into" Essential oils for quite some time. Now I have a whole new purpose and goal with raising money for this adoption. If you have had any desire to purchase essential oils, here is my web site: <a href="https://www.mydoterra.com/thepureandsimple/" target="_blank">https://www.mydoterra.com/thepureandsimple/</a> . All earnings from my essential oil sales (20%) are going straight to our adoption funds. This is my retail page. Shop the retail prices or click "Join and Save" to get starter kits or membership for wholesale prices, which are 25% off the listed retail price and I still earn the funds. <br />
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Thank you for your help through your giving and your prayers!! <br />
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<br />Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-5690490018769198482016-07-16T12:15:00.000-07:002016-07-16T12:15:31.073-07:00"Of The Lord"Before we had even committed to adopting Domenic we were discussing what we would call him. We threw around names and talked about keeping Domenic as his middle name. We had already been referring to him so often as "Domenic" though that it just didn't seem right to call him a different name.<br />
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When Jim suggested calling him "Nic", it was the perfect answer. We would keep his name Domenic and call him "Nic", a name I have always loved.<br />
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As with all of my children, I question if we have the perfect name for them until I have to sign the official certificates and there is no turning back. So, I typed in a search for the meaning of the name Domenic. Here is what I found.<br />
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Domenic: "Of the Lord"<br />
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I couldn't think of a more perfect name for this baby boy!!Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-21026257803774404742016-07-12T19:31:00.001-07:002016-07-28T12:00:32.070-07:00Dear Nic...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWN-UGjvZixCPlCoVanvjHkQKsmLxukwllC50hnudQiBf28jNcg_xSEK4NZ9bflXfSM9K4KY6eMGKz1VHqXDlTo7-htOcPmHuW0jIRwfaq4g_gfvhPp2uBkajR1wHeRqsBtF2d3fSMNuS2/s1600/Domenic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWN-UGjvZixCPlCoVanvjHkQKsmLxukwllC50hnudQiBf28jNcg_xSEK4NZ9bflXfSM9K4KY6eMGKz1VHqXDlTo7-htOcPmHuW0jIRwfaq4g_gfvhPp2uBkajR1wHeRqsBtF2d3fSMNuS2/s200/Domenic2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />Dear little Nic, as I carry your picture I find myself
gazing at your sweet eyes searching for a glimpse of what you might be
wondering or experiencing right now. It
is hard to hold back tears with the realization that all you know of the world is
what is seen from the view between the bars of a lonely crib.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />As you spend your
days gazing up from your bed, there are no love filled eyes looking back at
you. </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> You don’t know the
feeling of being cuddled in your mommy’s arms or falling asleep on your daddy’s
shoulder. </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You don’t know the sound of your own giggle from your
brothers and sisters tickles and funny faces.
</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You don’t know soft whispered words of comfort or sweet
lullabies to soothe your little infant cries. </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You have not felt the warmth of kisses on your forehead or fingers
stroking your soft cheeks. </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You have never felt family gathered around you doting on your
every coo, or the simple sensations of the grass beneath your legs and sunshine
on your face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />So many things that every baby should know, you do not. Yet, in your short life you have already
learned something that should be a mystery to every child. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />The feelings of being unloved and unwanted by
the world around you do not have to be taught.
</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">But I promise you that you will soon learn that what you
know right now is a lie. </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If only there was a way we could tell you at this moment how
loved you really are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thousands of miles
away, you have a mommy, daddy, four loving sisters and two amazing brothers, a
Mimi and Papa, Aunts, Uncles, a whole lot of cousins, Grandma, friends,
neighbors and church family, that are frantically working to bring you home to make
up for lost time and cover you with their love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />And even still there is a greater love. A love that has been with you before you were
even known by the world. A love that
sent His son to save you, you who others declared unworthy, lowly and
weak.<br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />A love that gave one family a
beautiful baby boy named Colt, who happened to have Down syndrome, almost two years
ago to open their eyes and hearts to the beauty and the needs of so many special children and led them to you. A love that chose the humble vessel
of that baby boy to be the reason that you now will know the love of
family and the unfailing love of your Father in Heaven. We may not be able to get to you yet, but His
perfect love has been with you from the beginning.</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />So, while our heart aches and longs for you to be here,
there are hundreds of people praying for you to One who loves you with a far
more perfect love than anyone in this world could match. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />Precious Nic, someone deemed you unworthy, but you are a
prince to your Father and you ARE loved.
Soon, you will know this</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></div>
<br />Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-90260220438989999452016-07-08T05:53:00.000-07:002016-07-09T05:46:05.993-07:00Bringing Home Nic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDu1cxvIEHrpvQ6i-RdzawgrZp7LWT7b8n-3J6aYbuyG0iUUe7iF4I6vkspIWIa1kEfqe426WAsGCFDoiZuesU6QBt1bLB6ral2vmJCnciu9FWGubgqBXPNfWIC0H2dDTSdCjo0lLecrFr/s1600/domenic.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDu1cxvIEHrpvQ6i-RdzawgrZp7LWT7b8n-3J6aYbuyG0iUUe7iF4I6vkspIWIa1kEfqe426WAsGCFDoiZuesU6QBt1bLB6ral2vmJCnciu9FWGubgqBXPNfWIC0H2dDTSdCjo0lLecrFr/s1600/domenic.PNG" /></a></div>
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"Nic"</div>
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Isn't he wonderful? Here's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzGcmraxIzY&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1" target="_blank">a video of him that I watch no less than a dozen times a day :)!</a></div>
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People all over the world view these precious children as outcasts simply because they have an extra chromosome (Down syndrome) or other special needs. </div>
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We can't get him out of that orphanage into love fast enough!! It is so hard to think about the fact that he is laying in an orphanage crib, staring at a ceiling all day, with no one loving on him!</div>
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Here is our <a href="http://blog.handofhelpinadoption.org/2016/07/family-found-domenic.html" target="_blank">Hand of Help in Adoption Page that has a few more pictures and our family page</a>. </div>
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I just finished adding our "<a href="https://www.youcaring.com/jim-and-kelsi-romero-598876" target="_blank">You Caring</a>" link and <a href="http://www.handofhelpinadoption.org/2016/07/romero.html" target="_blank">Hand of Help In Adoption</a> link to the side bar and I will be posting our Reece's Rainbow link as soon as it is up. Please feel free to share with anyone!</div>
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We are also asking for your prayers. Pray that God will protect Domenic while he waits and will display His amazing power and glory through this journey to bring him home. Pray that the funds and donations will come quickly and papers and travels will be processed fast. Pray for God's glory to be seen by all through it all. <br />
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All of these are ways that you can help one little baby get home faster to experience the love of a family that every child deserves! <br />
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There are SO many children in need. We are working to save one, but please pray for all of these orphans as well, that God will move the hearts of others to help them in whatever ways they can through adoption, prayer and giving of time or money. </div>
Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2921356678625677069.post-32716002427061068592016-07-08T05:20:00.002-07:002016-07-09T15:00:22.222-07:00Our Heart in Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well here we go!! My first entry to this exciting journey in bringing home baby "Nic"!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wrote a bio for our Reece's Rainbow profile. I know that it is way too long, but how do you express your heart in words? I am sure there are others that could do it in a much more concise way but I am not one of them. So, here it is. I will TRY to keep my future entries much shorter! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you so much for following and praying for us on this journey! Also, here are </span><a href="http://www.handofhelpinadoption.org/2016/07/romero.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> photos of our baby boy</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">! I am limited as to what I am allowed to post at this time but I will be updating here soon, including ways that you can help! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">OUR HEART:</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> We are the Romero family.
We have six children ages 12-2. We
</span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #424242; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">learned that our
youngest was gifted with an extra chromosome shortly after his birth in July
2014. </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #3a3c3f; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The truth
of </span></span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ps%20139.13" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: #c6000e; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Psalm 139:13</span></span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #3a3c3f; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> — “You knitted me together in my
mother’s womb” — became that much more intimate as we explained to our children
that God added the extra copy of chromosome 21 more than a trillion times. We knew that God made our son and every one
of us uniquely, in His image, for His glory and there are no mistakes. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #3a3c3f; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #3a3c3f; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had never thought about adoption before but through our
son’s birth the Lord opened our eyes to the needs of children all around the
world with a special calling to those with Down syndrome and special needs. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #3a3c3f; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> When we learned about Reece’s Rainbow, <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a ministry </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">whose mission is to find families for orphans with Down syndrome,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> at our first Buddy
Walk</span> and read that in other parts of the world </span></span><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">these children are viewed as outcasts with no ability
to learn or be functional members of society, languishing in mental
institutions, hidden away from the world in shame, our heart broke for these
children. We see their faces and picture
our son being born into those circumstances.
Our family knew that we had been called to serve these children. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> We stared at the Reece’s Rainbow magnet on our
refrigerator and their web site for almost a year, praying for the children and saying
that we will adopt “one day”. We saw this precious baby boy, only a few months old, who was abandoned to live his life in an orphanage. We knew immediately that we needed to bring him home, but we also continued to consider all of the obstacles. We prayed AND prayed. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally we realized that the only thing holding us back was fear, fear of
traveling, fear of all that is involved and a lot of financial fears. We
thought about how powerful our God is and the fact that the bigger the “task” the
greater glory we see through His hand in it.
We were reminded of Gideon whose army was dwindled to 300 just so that
the glory would go to the Lord and the miracles that Christ did throughout the
Bible. He is the creator of this
universe. How could we fear or doubt His
power in this? We know it won’t be easy
but we have trust in Him. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also thought about what the life of one child was worth. We would sacrifice everything and do anything for our children.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are so excited to bring Domenic home to our
family. We are so anxious to wrap our
arms around him and show him the love of a family and the love of our
Savior! In our minds and hearts he is
already our son. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With special needs adoptions like this, the child does not have the luxury to wait long periods of time to collect the funds that are needed to bring these children out of the hard orphanage conditions. They need out as quickly as possible.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We know that not
everyone is called to adopt and not everyone is called to adopt an orphan with
special needs. But, everyone can share in the joy of helping through earnest prayers and giving. What an amazing picture of the body of Christ at work, all for the love of this one precious baby. Thank you for joining us and may all glory go to our amazing God!!</span></span><span style="color: #444444; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
Kelsihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831897610165021041noreply@blogger.com0