Teamwork Tuesday: Brett

This post was written by Pamela who blogs at Saving His Sparrows. She wrote it so perfectly I took (with permission)


So without further adieu, here is Brett

Abandoned! Teamwork Tuesday - Brett

He was born in a field and abandoned...

Left all alone to die...

Thankfully somebody found him before it was forever too late!

The doctor saved his dear little life...

But he still needs a Mom and a Dad...

To tell him that though once he was abandoned...

They've chosen to make him their own...

Never again to be deserted...

Loved and cherished at last!

*****

Doesn't he look sad and lonely...

And maybe a bit hungry too?

While he waits for a Mama and Papa...

To see his great need of some love...

And determine to cross the great ocean...

To rescue their own chosen child...

To give him the love he is lacking...

And feed him the food that he needs!

To read him stories at bedtime...

And give him a chance to grow and to learn!

To put a smile on his face and a light in his eyes...

And fill him with laughter and love!

He's a beautiful, long-hidden treasure...

Just waiting for someone like you...

To see his great worth and great value...

And bring him home at last!

He's sure to enrich you life...

With joys and laughter and love...

For he is a long lost treasure...

And a blessing from God above!

*****

You can read more about Brett or donate to his grant fund Here!

Brett can be adopted by single mothers, older parents, or large families.

Travel is easy and it is possible to adopt more than one child at the same time for relatively low cost!

Please consider Brett!

*****

This is a Teamwork Tuesday post...

Where we join together to spread the story of one precious child!

This week is for Brett!

Together we can make a difference...

Will you join us?

Cookbooks Still up for Grabs and I've Got the Chip In!

Here's what's up. Due to issues beyond their control for the safety of their adoption the Abell's have temporarily closed their blog. No big deal but just bad timing for the success of their cookbook, which is going towards their 2nd trip.  


So I've got the chip in!  

Here is a peek of the book with over 80 yummy recipes compiled by just some of the people who love and support Jenn and Chris. 

 This adoption will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most stressful yet absolutely one of THE MOST miraculous!

Two little girls are so very close to ending their time in limbo. Their ransom is almost completely purchased and they have an incredible family chomping at the bit to love and hold them forever!!!!

I've developed a friendship with Jenn that I value as I would a rare gem. I've watched her evolve and grow during this adoption. I've seen her sad, mad and frightened. She has been stressed to the max, and tried and challenged by friends. I've seen her support grow and I've seen it all but disappear.  I've seen this woman fall and get back up so many times I stopped counting. She has been told to give up, walk away, it can't be done. And repeatedly and consistently her answer has been a resounding.

I WILL BRING MY GIRLS HOME!


A $20.00 donation to the chip in in my sidebar will get you a beautiful cookbook made with so much love and faith. Shipping is included. All you have to do is enjoy it! And know that you helped bring a family together, to be a family forever.  





 

 

Racing for Orphans with Down syndrome! On Your mark, Get Set....

Sometimes someone comes along and they are just good. Good, through and through. Brady is one of those people.


Please read the post below written by Brady and then take the five seconds to vote! There is no registration just one click! It's all for what makes my heart beat. Orphans with Down syndrome. My passion, and Brady's! Only he's an Ironman and I'm a cream puff,  lol! 

So, On your mark, get set... Read on!!!!

Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome

My family and I have loved being able to work on behalf of the children on Reece's Rainbow since finding this great organization.  It's for this reason that I had a hard time sleeping because of the excitement after hearing about this announcement!

Two months ago, Ironman announced a contest called Kona Inspired.  How it works is they have given the general public an opportunity to submit a 90 second video based around the theme, "Anything is Possible".  Winners receive a spot to race in the Ironman World Championship in October, but most importantly, they will race as a media athlete and have the opportunity to share their story on NBC's nationally televised broadcast of the championship this year!  THIS COULD BE OUR OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THESE PRECIOUS CHILDREN'S STORY WITH THE WORLD!!!

After reading Ironman's press release we immediately went to work.  This is an opportunity to help these children in a way that I never imagined possible!  The video came together with the help of many wonderful people and we submitted it.  105 videos were submitted.  After over a month long preliminary public voting, we just received word that we are one of the top 15 videos and will compete in the final round of voting June 4 - June 18!!!

Please take a moment to WATCH, VOTE, and SHARE our video as much as possible throughout the day from your home computer, work computer, laptop, phone, etc!  We need to be in the top 2 videos at the end of the day on June 18. 

KONA INSPIRED VIDEO LINK

Thank you for your time and willingness to make the dream of these orphans of finding their forever family a reality!

Let's Get Cooking!!!

Whether you are a gourmet chef or you just muddle through like me ,this cookbook is for you!!

Why,  do I think  you need to have this cookbook? 


Well, because it was made for these two Princess 

                                                                                    Vanessa

This book was made by their mama, Jenn, to help get them fully funded  for their 2nd and 3rd trip so these girlie girls can come home and have a taste of what family life is all about!!!

And our community of cookers all helped out too! There are over 80 recipes compiled from all of us. 

So with summer just about here, how about treating yourself and your family to some scrumptiousness!!


And knowing that you are helping to bring a family together , that honestly has waited long enough, is just an extra feel good bonus!


Hey, maybe you are not the cook in the family. Maybe dad would love this for Fathers day!!! Lots of dads like to cook!
 And if you don't cook and dad doesn't cook and you survive solely on take out, then how about  giving this book as a gift?

Say for...
a new bride
your boss
Teachers gift!!!!
Friend, who can't cook, but thinks she can and you want to help with love and kindness;)
mom
sister
new neighbor
old neighbor
hostess gift
for your BFF, just because
a graduate, getting ready for college








Here are some more details from Jenn:

The Details:

Each cookbook with over 80 tried and true recipes is $20 including shipping. The first 20 books sold will be entered into a drawing for a really cute handmade apron made by daughter Rebecca. (She has worked so hard sewing hobo purses, aprons, and no-sew blankets for our upcoming auction, she is a true blessing and such a joy to have as a daughter). Also, if you share about our cookbook fundraiser on your blog or facebook you will get an entry into the drawing for the apron. Just make sure you let me know you shared.

Click here to get your book!!!


And Happy Cooking!!!

Crawling Back Up To the Surface

I never thought I would not want to blog anymore. I never thought that I would lose interest or not have the energy to even put the computer on. I never thought I would experience being completely burnt out!


I won't lie here friends, it's been a tough time for us. Peter has been searching day and night for a job for going on two years. Financially we are in pieces. And I believe with my whole heart the only reason we are not on the streets is because God has His hands on us. The stress has absolutely taken over our lives. I feel like we are walking on a sheet of thin, cracked glass and at any moment it's all going to give way and we will fall into some black hole. And on some days I feel like stomping on that thin glass to make it shatter to just get it over with!


It sucks to live like this! It sucks to watch your husband apply for job after job after job, and not get one. He's a freaking genius! He's one of those spooky smart people that can do everything. His mind is like a flippin' computer.


It sucks to see the stress taking it's toll on your children. They can't go places , they need things. And we can't supply it. And that pisses me off!


It sucks to know that people are talking behind your back! Whispering ,"He still isn't working? How are they surviving? What's wrong with him, why doesn't he get a job?" 


It sucks to worry every single moment of every single day!


It sucks to be accused of putting Emmie in half day preschool so I could stay home and not have to work. Yeah that really happened! And just for the record there is no full day preschool in her school!


But you know what doesn't suck?


That through all of this, this freaking nightmare we've been calling "life", through all of it and because of it, my faith has grown leaps and bounds.


These past four years, beginning from when we found out Miss Em would be born with "extra-ness" we have been challenged and tested in ways I never dreamed of. Not just financially. Since Em was born, our eyes have been opened to the plight of orphans  with special needs. Our hearts completely broken.We have an inability to look away. We cannot ignore it or pass the problem to someone else. And that is challenging! It's hard and it's frustrating! It would be so easy to say a prayer for them and move on. But that's not Gods plan for us.



Sometimes I feel like heaven and hell are in a tug of war over us. And admittedly I've been furious at God. Furious that we have been left in the dust. That we can't get a break.  That others cruise through life never knowing hardship. But then I think of how God is working in our lives.


If it weren't for all these impossible times we are going through, my faith would not be where it is today.
I wouldn't have developed the compassion I now have for others. I would not have learned to never, ever judge anyone. No matter what "it looks like", from the outside.  You have no idea what's going on in peoples lives.


If it weren't for these challenges we are facing we would still be living in a "me" world. We have done without so much for so long that our mentalities have completely changed. We don't need or want so much of what we had.




God stripped us down to nothing to rebuild us to serve Him. We weren't headed in the right direction. Somewhere, even though we thought we were being "Good Christians" we made a wrong turn.  We weren't serving Him in the way He wanted us to. I honestly believe He had to just completely remodel us.


I like who I am now. I am a better person then I was four years ago.I'm a stronger... much stronger person than I was. And my priorities are in order.


My way of thinking has changed so drastically. I used to be a total shopaholic! Big time! Now I just can't justify it. Don't get me wrong, I love a good sale and going to the mall still stirs butterflies in my stomach. But the need to spend money on something that I don't need is gone. I'd rather put into someones FSP.


Even Peter who since he was old enough to sit up on his own has wanted a Mercedes, thinks differently now. Now he sees one and thinks , that car could fully fund an adoption for someone.


So I guess what I'm getting at here is , God is  working in our lives every single second. And I believe the tough times are when He is working the hardest because He sees our potential. 
If you are going through something that seems overwhelming and insurmountable, don't run from Jesus. 


Double time it into His arms. 


Trust Him, because He always has a plan. And don't try to figure it out because I also think He loves the element of surprise!!!


We're digging our fingernails in. Clinging to Jesus, and not giving up! 


For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

~ Philippians 4:13, NLT



 

Teamwork Tuesday: Darryl

Ok he just makes me smile!

Darryl

Date of Birth: June 2007
Gender: Male
Eyes: Gray
Hair: brown

Diagnosis: Down syndrome

 What a sweet, sunny little boy!   Darryl is going on 5.  He has brown hair and brown eyes.  Darryl is growing well, physically active, friendly and sociable.  More medical info available from the agency!

Single moms welcome!

Darryl

Bet he makes you smile too! 

Imagine how he'd smile if he had a family!

Re- Sharing : An Open Letter To Carina's Mother

 A lot of people are sharing Carina's beautiful face and info on FB today. We're all looking for you. We're all trying to work together to save Carina. She has so many people who love her!! But just one Mama and that's you! Please come rescue your daughter!! This is the letter I originally wrote to you on April 17th. I thought I'd send it out one more time.

Hi there, 

I don't really know how to start this letter. Maybe I should introduce myself to you. I'm Carina's Warrior. I found her in November when Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree was getting started. She wasn't my first choice, you know. In fact I didn't even notice her until I had to go back and pick another child. You see my first choice  was Lucille. Her big smile just drew me right in, but she already had a warrior, so I had to choose another child.
That's when I saw her. Just the opposite of Lucille, Carina had no smile at all, not even a hint of one. I just sat and stared at her for a moment wondering what this sweet child has already had to endure, what had those beautiful eyes already seen, to give her such a sorrowful look on her beautiful face. 

Well, I was in love and there was no turning back. She didn't have a penny in her account and had never had an inquiry, but she had me, for whatever that was worth.

But she needs you! Her mama!

I wish I could be everything to her, I wish she could lift her arms up to me one day and call me, mama. I dream about holding her and snuggling with her and above all else, seeing her smile! But that is not to be. 

I know you are out there. I know with all my heart that you exist. I know that for every orphan there is a family. God would never abandon any of his children. It's just finding them that is challenging. And finding them in time.


Carina doesn't have a lot of time. She is turning four this month and at  that ripe old age she is aging out. She is too old for the baby house. Imagine that. Too old at four. So, she will be transferred to an adult mental institution. Somehow I'm not seeing how four is the appropriate age for this final destination either.
I'm not seeing how any age is an appropriate age to be transferred to hell on  earth.

I'm afraid for her. I'm afraid her spirit is too broken already to withstand what lays ahead of her.  

 I am terrified that she will give up. 


When I found Carina in November, I honestly thought she would get adopted during Angel Tree. I mean she is healthy, and just breathtakingly beautiful.  I'll admit, I was a bit stunned when I found out, that nobody even asked about her. But, I still had confidence that long before April she would have a family committed to her. I put her photo everywhere, I blogged about her, and all of FB knows Carina... at least all of my friends. 

And yet, she still waits. 
Where are you??
She needs you now!


Please, she cannot go on without you. And neither can I. 


I cannot let her down. 

In November , April seemed so far away. Maybe I was over confident. Maybe I just assumed everyone would love her like I did, and there would be a line forming for her. 

 I think about you often. I wonder where you live. If you have other children, do you already have a child with Down syndrome?  Do I already know you? So many thoughts of you swirl around in my mind. 

 But the only thing that matters is that you love her. That she makes your heart skip a beat when you look at her. That you can't think of anything else but bringing her home. 

If by some miracle you are reading this, I want you to know, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to get her home. I will help you in any way I can. And there is a big beautiful community out here who I'm sure won't mind me speaking for them too.  We will help you get her home.  It's just what we do for each other.
 Please don't let fear stand in your way of saying Yes! You're not alone, that's for sure!

Please, Sweet Carina's Mama, put your faith in God, and step out to Carina. Extend you hand and your heart to this beautiful child who needs you so desperately , right now.
I'll be right behind you.

Carina

 All my love, 
Stephanie

Zachy.. You Are So Amazing!!!

This is "Zacky" and I" met" him this morning. He blew me away! Take a few minutes to watch this video. see why we need to NEVER stop advocating for these kids.


These thought to be broken and useless children. These unloved and discarded bunch of gems!


Look what a little love did for Zacky. Just a brief encounter with a welcoming set of arms and kisses.  Zacky is hanging on to hope with all he's got. This sweet little soul is clinging to hope.


Watch, fall in love, have a good cry, let your heart break then fight for these little ones who have no voice but ours! Even a whisper helps!

You can view Zacy's bio on Project Hopeful. 

There is a really quick and easy registration . Don't let that deter you! It's really easy and painless!I did it in under one minute! Yes, I timed it. Zack is on page 7 of the waiting children.

A Moment Captured

Andrew is an awesome brother. But, he's eight and Em is three and well, let's just say at times he'd probably like to put a for sale sign on her and leave her on the nearest street corner. She is always in his stuff, she messes with his trains and doesn't know how to "play the right way".  She definitely doesn't abide by the rules and that drives Andrew insane. So what I'm saying is that they have a very "typical" relationship.


Every once in a while, when the planets are all aligned and there's not static electricity in the immediate area to make young brains twitch, and hair to stand on end, you get a moment. A beautiful moment and you capture it. And just love it.

Andrew found some Barney videos on the computer and thought Em would love them. By the look on her face , he was right.

The view from the back is as good as the one from the front. Love that little hand on his back!

Bottoms Up

Should I be worried??

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Teamwork Tuesday: Kyle

Every Tuesday I wonder what am I going to say today. How can I make this Tuesday Teamwork child stand out? What can I possibly say that I already haven't said before?  If this child's mama is reading how will I get her attention?

Today I want you to meet Kyle. I don't know much about Kyle. But what I do know is that yesterday I wrote this post about Em, and I just know that Kyle is also someones guiding light, someones rock, someones ultimate joy! 


Boy, born November 2006
Eyes: Blue
Hair: brown
Character:
Diagnosis: Down syndrome
SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!

Kyle is facing the institution.   He has striking blue eyes and bright blonde hair!  Kyle is medically healthy outside of his flat feet and strabismus.   Please give Kyle a chance to grow up in a loving family of his own!

$3903.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption! 

Please pray for Kyle.Could he be your light??? Your son?? Your constant joy????

She makes Things Look So Easy

When 's the last time you smiled like that?

Or laughed so hard you got the hiccups?

Delighted in making silly faces?

Shown off bright blue nails?

When was the last time you were just content?



Content with being who you are and where you are? Content with dealing with what your life brings and doesn't bring?  Content to love those around you , not because you have to , but because you want to.

Content to accept your life. The ups the downs and the all arounds. 

I can't honestly answer these questions. Because lately I've been asking a lot of "whys?" and "when?" and "how much longer"?

I have so much to learn from my Littlest Love!! 
I have a feeling that she is the one we should all get behind and follow. Especially on those tough days. She just lights the way so we don't get totally lost!

Everyday I have  with her, I can see more and more clearly why God chose to bring her in to our lives. She didn't need us...we needed her.  For our basic survival! She has been the one to keep us together, to make us pick ourselves up over and over again. Because of her we are surviving what life throws at us. This tiny but mighty little one is our rock!

Hey Who's Laughing!!!

Oh Miss Em , laughing with you my sweet!!! Always laughing with you!!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

 

When Balloons Attack...

... it's a really good day!

Yes! Emmie Still Lives Here!!

Wow anyone remember her? I know it's been quite some time since it was all about Em. I'm seriously considering starting another blog just for the orphans and keeping  this one all about Em. Any thoughts on that?


Well here's what Miss Em and Co. have been up to!
I haven't even posted Easter pictures yet!  I guess it's never to late to show a cute kid in a gorgeous dress! (The dress was Miss Anna Banana's)

 

Bella finally got her "requested" surprise birthday party. She was shocked!! And it was awesome!

Emilia wore a lovely two piece bathing suit,( also compliments of Anna Banana), to the surprise party to go along with her can of silly string. 







Can't forget Opening Day! That's a big one! Andrew is in AAA this year. He's a little on edge , but he's doing extremely well!  Last year, in AA, he took a really hard hit in the back from a pitch, and for the rest of the season he wouldn't bat. Yes, the kid benched himself. When he made it into AAA this year the first thing he asked was " do the kids pitch" We thought there was no hope! But he's batting!!  We are so proud of him!

A really big day for my Little Man! He made his First Holy Communion! And we all decided that he cleans up reeeeeeal nice!  We never saw him look so stinkin handsome!

And then there were moments like this one. Just think how my heart stopped when I drove into my driveway and this is what greeted me.

  My next thought was , "Where is her father"!!! But that question was quickly answered when he met me at the front door with the camera!! Seriously?

 Just to ease your minds the window she is in doesn't open. Just the small side one do. But she is standing on the window sill. Seems she wasn't content to just stand on the chair to look out the window.  She can see so much more standing up higher! She has no fear!!!
And in her father's defense, she is sneaky,and quick, much quicker than him. He had no shot of catching this little lightning bug! But once he heard her triumphant cackles he was right there behind her! Except for the moment her left her to bring me the camera! lol

Teamwork Tuesday: Quinton

It's Tuesday and time to highlight another orphan from Reece's Rainbow who is still waiting. I know what you all just did. You all just said " doesn't she do that almost everyday"  Yes I do! But Tuesdays are different. There's a whole bunch of us that all post for the same child hoping the exposure will help find their family. The more the merrier, so if you'd like to join in , just ask and we'll set you up ;)


Now, on to Quinton.

Date of Birth: August 2009
Gender: Male
Eyes : Gray
Hair : red
Character:  noisy, active
Down syndrome

Diagnosis: DS, delayed development, protein-calorie deficiency, non-malignant growth


Isn't he handsome! His Character is described as being noisy and active... Just perfect!!! He is a little boy after all!.
But I know he doesn't get to run around outside and play in the dirt with cars or make forts with his friends. 

His clothes don't get dirty and he's never been all sticky from a Popsicle melting too quickly. He doesn't get tucked into bed exhausted from the days adventures, and I'm sure his dreams are not sweet. 


 I'm asking  ask you to share Quinton today, and please say a prayer for this noisy , active little boy who just longs for a family.

Birthday Wishes and Princess Dreams, and Something more...

Once upon a time there was a princess named Brigita. And she lived in a  kingdom far far away. The only problem was they didn't believe she was a Princess. And even her own parents doubted her. They doubted her to the point of giving her away. 

People around her were kind at times but Princess Brigita knew in her heart that these people were not her family. She was not where she belonged. Even though she was just a child , she knew this was not her Happily Ever After,

Brigita grew through the years. She learned how to get by. She learned the ways of these people who were not family, but seemed to try to take care of her. And she has survived.   One thing that no one could take from her , was her spirit! Her Hope! And that's why after years of waiting , she can still smile! 

Meanwhile, in another kingdom on the other side of the world, there was a mother named Dee. She longed for a daughter.  She wanted a little girl to be her princess. A child to hold and love and snuggle with. A child to fill her heart with love.




Well, one day Dee found Brigita and promised to bring her home to her kingdom. Dee has been working very hard for months and months to bring Princess Brigita home!But it costs so much money! No one can possibly do it alone. 


I happen to know that today is Dee's birthday and I also know that her kingdom is full of loving people. I'd really like to help Dee celebrate her birthday today.I also know that the only thing Dee wants for her birthday is Brigita. I wish I could wrap her up and give her to Dee today, but that is impossible!

But what we all could do is bring Brigita a little bit closer to home.  Dee has been hoping and praying that her FSP would move for her birthday. 


I really think we can grant that wish today. ...

And just for fun, I'm throwing in some incentives!

Look at the treasures I found and want to share with whoever donates anything to Miss Brigita today in honor of her mama's birthday. I will use Random. org to pick three people who will each receive  a frame of their choice! 


#1. This is a beautiful Burns of Boston frame/ photo album.Fits a 4x6 photo and holds 60 photos inside. 

#2. Just in time for Fathers day!  Burns of Boston frame.Holds a 6x4 photo

 


 #3. And for the Graduate!  Burns of Boston frame.Also holds a 6x4 photo.

Just leave me a comment telling me you donated and which frame you would like to enter for . I do not need to know the amount. You can choose whichever frame you want. And no worries if you all want the same one, I can do that too!


Donate to Brigita here!!! And please wish Dee a very happy and hopeful birthday!!!!! She wants her Princess home so badly! And princess Brigita has been waiting year after year for her mama and her Happily Ever After!  







  

 


 

 

Looking for Lynne from South Georgia!!

Ok  I need to find Lynne from South Georgia!! You won!  Are you out here???


I posted you accidentally as Lynn S. It should have been Lynne, South Georgia!! 

Where are you???? LOL

 Please come back, and  leave me your address, so I can get your things on their way to you!!


And if anyone knows Sweet Lynne from South Georgia could you send her this way?

Teamwork Tuesday: Andrey

Being seen, is crucial to these sweet children that have been hidden away from view. Teamwork Tuesday highlights a certain child from Reece's rainbow every week in hopes of finding their family.


Today we post for Andrey!

Boy was born in May 2007
Diagnosis: Down syndrome and possible other facial deformities
Personable, active, friendly!   And being saved from the same place as Kirill.




It's his birthday month. The best gift would be a family! 


He is beautiful!






Also if you entered Carina's Giveaway, check here to see if you won. I need addresses!!!

Carina's Hope Winners!!!

Well, as far as I'm concerned EVERYONE is a winner! You all raised $1000,00 for Carina. 




Think about it! $1000.00 for a child on the other side of the world. You can't see her or hold her or know anything about her, but you all said "YES, I'll help her,I want to bring her hope"


And you did just that.  More people know who she is, more people are thinking about her and praying for her!


More people are thinking about adoption!


Carina is loved!


From the bottom of my very humbled and happy heart, THANK YOU!!!


From random.org, here is the list


#1,Jillian Raye design:  Elaina

#2 newborn dress: Stori


#3Meet Annie book: Megan McDonough

#4 Bows: KellyH


#5 Games: Melissa M


#6 Jubilee's Jewels Necklace: Becki


#7 Mrs. Meyers Cleaners: Debbie M


#8 Tulip skirt dress w/Hippos:  Rochelle

#9 Waterfall ruffle dress: Lynn S

#10 Searching for .. The you we adore Book : Alicia V


#11 Bow holder: Lynn S


#12 Silpada GC: Amanda (mandy)


#13 African Shell necklace: Deb W


#14 Baby Doll: Kelly H


#15 Bee's Felt Market GC: Megan Mc Donough


#16 Lisa Leonard Necklace : Polly K


#17  Newborn pink cardigan : Melissa M


#18 Photo frames: Lynn S


$10.00 Subway GC: Julia Nalle




Congratulations!!


Now I just need addresses.


Email: rarefindings@verizon.net or PM me on FB


And again thank you ALL!!!!! 
I am absolutely amazed at how well this went!


And I'm totally convinced that Carina will go home. God's got this!