Angel Tree is coming back (and it guess who's joining in)

Alright, I think it goes without saying that I support the work Reece's Rainbow and other similar organizations due. So, it just makes sense that I would be excited for their biggest fundraiser and awareness campaign of the year - Angel Tree.

Most morning when I need a smile I go and visit the "My Family Found Me" page which lists all the children who have tentative commitments or the "Already Home" page where families who have already connected with their children and brought them home are listed. There is an incredible joy to see these children loved, thriving, and in a family (it's also fun when families sneak in some time to update on their blogs and you see the impact of the adoption process).

That said, I wasn't going to join in with Angel Tree this year.

Yep, I was just going to hide in my own little cubbyhole online, watching and cheering on those brave enough to speak up on behalf of their angels.

The last few years have been tiring, exhausting even and my reserves are pretty low. I get excited about all the good and wonderful things I see going on (which is a lovely contrast to the news I've had to cut out of my life thanks to an anxiety disorder) but before I can step up and say "Here I am, I can help" a little voice in my head calls out how little I have to offer. So, I shrink back to my corner and allow that voice to win. You see, that little voice has had a lot of support these last few years, people confirming what it whispers throughout the day, reminding me of  my failures, my weakness, and where I can't measure up.
Hiding seems like a pretty solid option in those circumstances.

Here's the thing, there's something tantalizing about hope, unavoidably drawing about love and encouragement.

I was sitting frustrated as I felt the edges of yet another anxiety attack creeping up into the edges of awareness and popped into the Angel Tree Facebook group to see what was happening, holding my breathe that maybe distraction could hold off my anxiety. As a scanned through threads I was amazed at the support, the encouragement, the dedication of the members to cry out for these kids because all it takes is a person willing to cry out . . . and as they laid it out they drew me in.
As I was drawn in- we started talking.
As we talked - that inner voice found some conflict.

It doesn't take much to make a difference for people: a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, a helping hand. It can bring people out of isolation and into community.

With Angel Tree it doesn't take much to start a journey - a donation here, a share there, hope and love can be kindled in a family for a child around the world and with the help of their community, the RR community a family can be encouraged as they work through the long road of international adoption and a child can find a home.

I may only be one, with my doubts and insecurities, but I'm still one and that counts for something and you can bet I'm going to shout my heart out for a little girl half way around the world in the hopes that maybe her Mama and Daddy will hear.
Who knows, maybe with  all that shouting that little condemning voice won't be able to get in as many words.

I'm back and so is Angel Tree (almost)

Oops.

I didn't mean to be away so long.

 Last year, about half way through Angel Tree I found myself feeling a bit off, a little queasy. So I stepped away from blogging to figure out what was going on, only to find out we were getting ready for our family to grow. This past June we welcomed baby S. to our family. The pregnancy included a few complications, a cross-country move, and an early arrival from our newest little gentleman.

Over the past few months we've been learning how to balance life as a family of four.
All the while I sat quietly watching and celebrating as so many Reece's Rainbow kids were found and taken home, beloved sons and daughters.

Yet so many kids are still waiting.
In fact, some children have been waiting for so long that they are ineligible for Angel Tree- their grants are too large after slowly accumulating through the years and prior Angel Tree campaigns as all Angel Tree participants have grants under 5000 dollars.
It's mind boggling when you take a minute to think about it.
There is an entire category of kids on RR who have grants above 5000 dollars and are still waiting. That's a significant dent in the cost for overseas adoption.

Some of these kids are former Angel Tree participants

Like Eva

Eva's described as friendly and communicative who loves to play and attends school (3rd grade in fall of 2014). Eva also has $5500 already in her grant to help her family bring her home.

Or Tara

Tara was my Angel on the tree last year and, sadly, she's still waiting for her family to find her. Although there haven't been any new updates on Tara in the last 12 months, her grant is now over 

$15 000 and would go a long way to help her family get her home before she ages out in only 11 months. (children in Tara's country are ineligible for adoption after their 14th birthday)

Katrina

Katrina's been listed on RR for as long as I have been following this organization.
Looking at her picture it's hard to believe this little girl will be having her 14th birthday this December. Her last update was before last year's Angel Tree as well.Katrina's ineligible for Angel Tree due to her grant being over $7000

and Andruis

Andruis' is another one who is in danger of aging out with his 16th birthday coming next December. Thanks to changes in his institution, Andruis shows lots of potential, attending school and therapy. His grant of over $21 000 would go a long way to helping his family get him home and see just how far his potential could go.

In one month, over 100 kids will have the chance to be shared, seen, and have their grants grown.A lucky few will have their families take a chance and say yes to starting their journey to bring their sons and daughters home. In the weeks leading up to Angel Tree can you look into the faces of these 4, of the "other angels", the aging out, and those whose grants are over 5000 and share them, shout for them, allow them their moment too.

Sunday Spotlight

I didn't intend to miss two weeks of Sunday's on here, however, apparently moving across country/starting a job hunt while in your third trimester leaves one a wee bit tired. Oops.
In hindsight I probably should have been able to figure that one out ahead of time.

I realize I could have put something together early but part of me hopes so dearly that these kids will move between the day I pick them out and Sunday I can't help but wait an extra day or two just in case the "My Family Found Me" page gains a few new faces.

I know shouting out the names of a few kids each week doesn't seem like a lot and perhaps, when reading this, you can't see the point of sharing either. I didn't. It took me months before I realized even something small could mean a big difference.

Once our internet came back on (woohoo, didn't expect a two week Facebook hiatus but it's amazing how much unpacking happened) I eagerly scanned the MFFM page and was thrilled to see a few faces who have been on my heart. However, that excitement was tempered by a quick visit to the "In loving memory" page. If you've ever been to Reece's Rainbow and not stopped by that link, do me a favour? Go and take a peek. Look at the faces of the ones who are no longer with us. Some had families coming, others didn't. Some had been listed for weeks, others years. All died in their orphanages around the world.

Now onto our spotlight.

First up is Dani!

Dani's been listed for so long with RR and looks like such a little monkey. Her file has been listed as imminent transfer for some time as well and could very well have already been moved to an institution or older children's home.
Dani is listed as having Cerebral Palsy as well as vision and hearing impairments. Although, as all children would need an assessment once adopted to discover her true abilities and potential. This little one won't be 6 until December and could receive so much help if placed with a family at this age. (As of Autumn 2015 Dani is home!!)

Next up is another sweetie who's been listed far too long considering her young age :(

Leilani 

Leilani has only ever appeared on RR, to my knowledge, in her crib and has a list of conditions that could scare away potential families. However, a crib and an institution are this little one's most likely future unless a family steps forward. Even with this little one's issues, there are a host of people standing behind Leilani's future family with her grant already exceeding $8000, a great start to bringing her home.


Claire

This little lady appears to be a favourite (given by her large bows) and has her orphanage advocating for a family which is a huge benefit and not necessarily a given in international adoption. Claire's workers note that she is is need of speech therapy and potentially has other cognitive assessments which would be more easily attained in a family setting, as would the attention this little girl so desperately seeks. She would most likely do best in a situation where she was the youngest child.

Although we usually only feature 3 on Sunday, since I missed a few weeks, here is

Colette

Colette is listed as having CP affecting her lower limbs. Although she can walk short distances, a wheelchair is required for longer trips. She is reported to be a clever girl who is both sweet and affectionate.

Even if you only have a moment, won't you take that moment and share one of these little girls this week? Give them a chance to be seen, to be heard, and maybe even be found.

Sunday Spotlight

Well, although I intended to write these every Sunday, however, I'm currently writing this in advance as Sunday is our long awaited moving day!!

Even better we have a house as of Tuesday, the only condition being we don't actually get keys from our landlord until the 1st. So, between an extended move and trying to find a new internet provider these posts may become a little spotty until those details are smoothed out.

With that said, onto our spotlight!

Up first is Vera

Even without reading her description you can tell this sweetie spends far too much time in her crib. This little one has a list of conditions on her profile and families should expected to get well acquainted with their medical professionals through her care, but should also not discount the potential which could be uncovered. Her pictured reminds me so much of another RR angel who has been home now for close to a year over at http://crunchylutheranmommy.com/


Next on our spotlight is Shirley

Shirley is listed as having Cerebral Palsy but has also learned to attend her own needs and has an independent streak.
Sounds like a pre-teen to me ;) (just kidding I love working with junior high students they always have the most enthusiasm and best ideas!)
 Placed in a foster home in 2006, Shirley has enjoyed more personalized attention and therapies which probably added to these increased skills and has been noted to enjoy playing with dolls and playing dress up.

Finishing off this week is Maiya

Maiya's another little girl that seems to have graced RR for too long and needs a family to step up and take her home. Listed with intelligence delay and epilepsy Maiya is reported to be delayed with no language although she can make sounds and finish simple tasks. This little girl doesn't seem to let that get her down for too long. Look at that smile!

Sunday Spotlight

With our move rapidly approaching it has become surprisingly easy to loose track of time and yet, here we are, another Sunday.

This week has been filled with up and downs as we prepare to leave the only place we've lived while married for new horizons and yet a story about why RR and international adoption is so important has continued to bring me smiles throughout the week. For a few smiles of your own pop over to http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.ca/ to read the wonderful story that has been unfolding for one family.


First up this week is Victoria

Victoria has been listed a few weeks on RR and yet her grant still lists at 0 as I sit here, Can anyone help get her adoption fund started?

Victoria is listed as having a mild mental delay as precaution to interested families, however, previous meetings have revealed her to initially be a very sweet girl who loves to dance and perform as well as already having some English skills to assist her in transitioning into her forever family.

Sarahfina

 This little girl has been listed as autistic, although her description seems to imply she is at least somewhat higher functioning enjoying her meals and enjoying good health. A lifelong resident at her orphanage, this little girl has been waiting far too long for a family to step forward.

Charissa

Look at that smile! This happy girl has been diagnosed with spina bifida and post-op hydrocephalus both conditions with treatment options in North America and which certainly don't seem to slow this girl down at all!Charissa is said to be eager for a family to adopt her.

What would it take to share a picture? Tell a story? Take one cup of coffee and donate the cost to a child in need? 

What would it look like if instead of old pictures of children alone, in 12 months time there were new pictures of new families?

If you have a minute please share these children, pray for these children, and help bring them home.

Sunday Spotlight

Somehow it just seems appropriate on this weekend that signifies hope and new life to so many around the world to feature three more little ladies who are also waiting in their corners of the globe for a chance at a family and a whole new life.

First up is Lucy

Lucy is 11 years old, giving her just 3 short years to find her forever family. Diagnosed with mental and language delays (remembering diagnosis are always cautionary and could be better or worse once a child comes home and has access to differing diagnosis and treatments), Lucy is noted to be an outgoing and energetic young lady. Her carers note that she loves singing and dancing but also enjoys a good book. Overall, Lucy's caregivers present a well-rounded young girl who is waiting for her chance to shine.

Jade is a relatively new posting on Reece's Rainbow and I'm sure has caused more than one person scrolling through to light up with a smile to match the one on her profile

She is noted to be a happy and hyper young lady who has already benefited from being with a hosted family for a time, exposing her to English. With a love for photography and dressing up Jade would be a lively addition for the right family.

Finally, Nadene.

Nadene's been listed on Reece's Rainbow for awhile now and, sadly, her pictures have shown the regression that can happen without the tailored attention and therapies a family can provide. Diagnosed with mental delays and mild cerebral palsy, Nadene still holds much potential for a patient family willing to walk alongside the hurts and regression this young lady has accumulated.

It takes a special family to take on the challenge of pursuing and adopting an international special needs orphan and the challenges this joy can bring with it. However, it takes 5 minutes to pray, share, or donate to help these kids find the hope and love of a family. We never know just how far a simple action may ripple outwards.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

Sunday Awareness from Reece's Rainbow

So I meant to be on here a lot more than I currently have been (isn't that always the case?).

However, since my last post:

Hubby has successfully defended his MA thesis defense

We are officially moving across the country in 3 weeks (eek!)

We are still house and job hunting for said move (double eek)

My placenta previa has resolved (oh, did I mention we're expecting again?)

With everything going on, writing has, once again,  fallen to the bottom of my to-do list and probably will remain so for a little while longer as we pack, clean, and say goodbye to an area we've lived in for a decade.
No matter whether a place has been good or bad there is always grief to be worked through when leaving a significant place.

Since I'm a little nuts though and we're already establishing so many new changes I figured why not add one more little change that maybe could make an actual difference in the long run?

My hope is that on Sunday's when I have internet access, I can share a few of the children on RR who are still waiting for their forever families, starting today.

First up is Victoria.

Victoria has only been listed on RR for a short time but is already under 2 years from aging out where she'll no longer be eligible for international adoption. According to her bio she loves to dance and already knows some English. Judging from the look in her eyes I bet there's a lot of life in this girl.

Katerina,on the other hand, it seems has been listed on RR for too long.

 This little girl has cerebal palsy which really does benefit from therapies which are easily attained in North America (my own brother had PT for his mild CP when he was little), as well as other listed conditions. More importantly, this little one needs a family to watch over her.

Finally, Adelaide also seems to have been listed at RR for awhile. I love reading her description as a a sweet, joyful girl because that certainly seems to shine in her picture don't you think?

This little girl has spina bifida and is in a wheelchair but doesn't seem to let that slow her down at all, now all she needs is a family to help her reach her full potential.

Obviously, the end goal of advocacy is adoption, but equally important are those who give, those who pray, and those who share the stories and the needs of the children around the world who sit and wait. Do you fall into any of those categories?