Happy Birthday, Kate!

No longer a baby on the Angel Tree, 

Kate turns eight years old today.

By the grace of God, she has been saved from a mental institution.

She lives in a "school," where she's been given the opportunity to learn.

She has done well, grown healthy, despite her diagnosis.

From a family who visited her orphanage last Christmas:

"She is really something.  She is so funny, and she is ready to jump into arms and be hugged and kissed!  She smiles, has good vocabulary..."

So many praying for you, sweet Kate,

but your family has not found you.

Let your army of prayer warriors grow,

let your mama find you soon,

let your ninth year bring you hope

and bring you home!

Third Day of Christmas 2011

The children exchanged gifts!

Laura Belle is the giver. Each Thursday she picks a prize at school - and she rarely selects something for herself. After Thanksgiving, she decided to keep all her prizes secret, wrap them, and give them as Christmas gifts to her brothers and sister.
...
All year, I have been collecting little things for stocking stuffers. When I pulled everything out, there were a LOT of little things. Since the boys don't have a prize day at school, I set up a Rudolph Shop for them (inspired by RR Fundraisers - thanks, ladies!). Each gift cost 10 cents. Even though spending those dimes hurt, Samson and Ben were pleased that they could buy gifts too.
...
I have laughed at them all December. When they receive little gifts from friends, they always come to me with the bow or the bag and say "I want to save this to wrap presents with." That would be Thomas' economizing genes coming out. Please don't tell them about saving tissue paper. I don't have enough closet space to save all that paper!
...
Toys 'R' Us would do well to build a location out by my parents' house. My mom, "Anna," also took each biggie on a trip to the store to get presents for siblings. Plus, she wrapped and delivered their purchases - thanks, Mom!!
...

So this morning was great fun for the wackies! It was fun for me, seeing what they picked out for each other. Pillow Pets for everyone! Star Wars, Disney Princesses, rubber spiders, jewelry, puzzles - and Samson and Laura Belle surprised me with artwork! Sweeties!

When Thomas and I started celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas, the gift exchange days were few - his family, my family, us. It was strange, spreading everything out, but I knew that more giving days were coming, that we'd be adding a day to give gifts to the children and a day that the children give to each other. Seeing the sibling exchange for the first time, seeing the children own the celebration of this day, was hugely gratifying.

Merry Christmas, everyone! There's lots more to come!

Second Day of Christmas 2011

Well, it's not a catchy lyric but... on the second day of Christmas, Santa gave to me... national media coverage of international Down syndrome orphan adoption.

The Cox family is one of the first I read about when I discovered the Reece's Rainbow ministry. It was so exciting yesterday when Kecia posted "Big News!" on her blog.



And to see the institutions where these children are headed... isn't it shocking?

Annalisa

Annalisa will be three in February.

Jonas

Look at this bright little guy!

Jonas will be four in April.

Living in a region that often transfers children to the institution at four years old, 

he only has a few months left. 

I appreciate all the support that Annalisa's received so far. In a month, her grant fund has grown from $5 to $640! This is phenomenal! Thank you so much!

However, after this season is over, please don't forget Annalisa. And don't forget the others like her. Please continue praying for them and sharing their stories when you can. 

AND you can help committed families like the Cox family. Go to "Sponsor a Family" at Reece's Rainbow to find a family that is working to bring a child home. 

The Evans family is ready for Amanda!