Angels Among Us

Our yardsale for our Yana was this weekend. We made a little over $1,600.00 from sales, donations and outright goodwill of others. My friend Kris donated a whole bunch of stuff and a great amount of her time to help set up and during the day of the yardsale. Sherol and Jewl from work donated a bunch of stuff to the sale. Dr. Alahakoon donated some really cute Gymboree clothes. Dr. Bermudez handed me $50 cash. The day of the sale came and people were dropping off donations. A really sweet lady by the name of Linda donated some really nice things-Mrs. Joseph donated $50-The Swingles donated $20-a wonderful woman that has adopted internationally donated $20-The Ivoska's donated money-Ruth Ann Lynn gave my husband a $500 check during church-my children Gabby,Dylan and my husband were wonderful & if I forgot someone I am sorry. Trust me when I say that I appreciate everything.



I know that this seems like a lot or a little to some, but it is the beginning of a long road to Yana's freedom and a chance at a life. It is also an answer to one of my greatest dreams...continuing to save the innocent. Another one of God's angels. In a way not only are we saving Yana, but answering a calling I believe God has given us. God has placed children with DS on this Earth for a reason...they are wonderful and beautiful. They fill this world with so much joy. I just wish everyone understood that. Well that is another thing I love to do for our children...educate the world.



Today when I was alone in the gym at St. Thomas...I felt the need to pray. I prayed for God to guide me and show me the way to bring her home. I told him that whatever he needed me to do, I would do it...just lead the way. I asked that he opens my eyes to see the way so I don't miss any chances. I felt tears come to my eyes. I know he was listening. I felt it. I found this prayer today...it is fitting for our Yana and our life now......

Saint Anthony (Saint of Miracles)

O Holy St. Anthony, reach down from Heaven and take hold of my hand.

Assure me that I am not alone. You are known to possess miraculous powers and to be ever ready to speak for those in trouble.

Loving and Gentle St. Anthony, reach down from Heaven I implore you and assist me in my hour of need. Obtain for me the ability to bring Yana home to be a part of our family like I feel she already is.

Dearest St. Anthony, reach down from Heaven and guide me with thy strength. Plead for me in my needs and teach me to be humbly thankful as you were for all the bountiful blessings I am to receive.
Amen.

IT'S OFFICIAL!!

http://www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorsmith2.html

Happy Birthday Carmen

March 22 would be Carmen's 2nd birthday. Carmen was a beautiful angel born with Translocation DS and Mosaic DS. She was also born with an unbalanced AV canal which basically gave her Left Hypoplastic Heart Syndrome. Carmen had open heart surgery at one week and two days. Carmen never left the hospital, never making it home to her new adoptive family, but instead left to be with her Lord Jesus. I spent almost five weeks with Carmen. I was there within 24 hrs after her birth. I will never forget the times I held her before her surgery. The times that I rubbed her feet with lotion and would read her stories are like golden memories for me. We would watch American Idol and vote for David Cook...we were in KC, MO afterall. Not at anytime did I imagine she wouldn't make it. I left three days before her death to come be with my oldest daughter for her confirmation in Ohio. The morning of April 27th, 2008-Carmen left her Mommy behind to go to Heaven. She is up there,I am sure, with her birth grandparents and her adoptive grandparents at her side. I miss her each and everyday. Carmen-Mommy loves you and misses you so much! Do me a favor o.k.? Watch over your sister Yana...keep her safe...and please help us bring her home! I love you baby girl!!!

LOOK WHO IS ON THE FSP PAGE?!?

http://reecesrainbow.org/familysponsorshipnew.htm

FINALLY :)

Guess What!?!?

Guess what everyone?? We have an agency to do Yana's adoption!! I filled out the application today online. They are waiting on some important information from the MOE in her region to finalize some things. Andrea is placing our angel on hold until things are finalized with the agency. Our FSP page will then hopefully be up. Also, our homestudy meeting on Monday went great! God please let things continue to go well!!




Please don't forget our chip in for Anastasia M! She needs all of us to help her!!

Homestudy Date!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we have the date set for our homestudy visit. It is Monday March 8th at 7 p.m. Today we are taking three of our dogs to the vet to get thier shots updated (something that needs to be done and a requirement for the homestudy.) Our Yard Sale for Yana is going to happen on the 27th of this month. I am dilligently working on our paperwork for our homestudy. So, hopefully by the grace of God...we will hear good news about Yana's agency soon. Thanks so much for your prayers!

World Down Syndrome Day!

This short lived fundraiser only lasts until March 21st--WDSD. Every year, on March 21 (to honor the 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome presented in Down syndrome), the world comes together to raise awareness and advocate for people living with Down syndrome. Because Reece's Rainbow has an international focus, we are doing our part to further the recognition of this very special day! Although this beautiful girl is not our Yana...she needs a home and family soon. We are not adopting her, but have chosen to be her fundraising/prayer warriors. Anastasia is so close to being placed in a institution. The doctors have pretty much written her off...let's band together and help raise money to help make it easier for her chosen family. God Bless you all!!