EAST STROUDSBURG BUDDY WALK!~~SATURDAY OCT 2nd

Please come out to the 2 nd annual Buddy walk...It will be at Dansbury Park Oct 2 nd
Details can be found at The Pocono Parents of Down Syndrome www.ThePPODS.org

If you want to join our team it's TEAM TORRES just email me at rubenandjoann@msn.com

The walk is 1-2 miles around the park...but you may also just sit and relax..

We will have a REECES RAINBOW TABLE...Just look for the Big Banner...we will have brochures from Reeces Rainbow about adopting a child with Downs syndrome or other angels with other needs..

PLEASE JOIN US OCT 2 ND AND MEET MANY LOCAL FAMILIES THAT HAVE BLESSED WITH DESIGNER GENES!

Waiting for Marco!

Still waiting for Marco to arrive back in Ukraine....sometime this week..
In the meantime we are trying to clean and prepare for his arrival..and heave junk...I am getting organized now that the kids are back at school..Finally have tomorrow to stay home and not leave for anything...just cleaning.

Kiddos' Clubhouse Foundation offering scholarships!



Kiddos’ Clubhouse Foundation is awarding up to $2,500 scholarships to families who demonstrate the financial and therapeutic need for their children. Their goal is to provide a scholarship each quarter. The money can be used to pay for therapy services anywhere or therapy equipment. We all know families who have struggled to pay for therapy and have had to stop due to financial reasons. The application can be accessed here.



The deadline for the next scholarship is September 30th, 2010.



Past recipients have used the monies for music therapy, ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, medical equipment and therapy equipment. If you or any families you know have questions about how to fill the application out or questions about the foundation, they can call 678.527.3224 x11 or email: foundation@kiddosclubhouse.com for assistance.



Visit the Kiddos' Clubhouse Foundation

website to learn about their first annual

"Race to Rally Hope"!



a Fun Run/5K/10K

Sunday, October 17

Alpharetta, GA










DSAA

4355-J Cobb Pkwy, #213
Atlanta, GA 30339


Tel. 404-320-3233


facebook

I'm Down With You: An Inspired Journey (Excerpt)

Turn off music below to watch video...made me cry..

Publicidad de OREO (hermanos)

Reece's Rainbow

Reece's Rainbow

Reece's Rainbow

Reece's Rainbow

It is Buddy Walk time again! Team Torres will be there!

The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.

Over the past fifteen years, the Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 walks to more than 300 expected in 2010 across the country and around the world. Last year alone, 250,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk! They raised more than $9.5 million to benefit local programs and services as well as the national advocacy initiatives that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join a Buddy Walk in your local community!

This is a stunning little girl from Eastern Europe..Needs a family..thought she had one but it was a mistake...

Westley can be adopted along with Anya & Misha!

WESTLEY NEEDS A FAMILY ASAP! $2195 grant available!

Westley (12)

Boy, Born July 21, 2004

Praise God that we have finally been able to get an update and new photos of this beautiful child. He was posted with us nearly 3 years ago, and then dropped off for paperwork and health problems. He is already 6 and so blessed to still be at the baby house. He is the size of a one year old :(( He is facing imminent institutionalization, and HE CAN NOT BE ADOPTED FROM WHERE HE WILL BE SENT. We need a family's commitment urgently for little Westley!

From his medical records: Down syndrome, Hirschsprung's disease, bowels colostomy, strabismus

From an adoptive family who visited with him in August 2010: This child watched us the entire time we were there. He was up and down in his crib inside and outside. He was even trying to climb out of his crib to get to us. Then, once the workers took them all in, and we finished with Ivanna we went in for a while. I then was able to communicate and ask permission to pick him up. Oh how sweet. They are all starving for affection more than anything in the world. I just held him for the longest time and he just seemed so content.

There are MANY children with Down syndrome and other special needs waiting in this orphanage who can be adopted together.

>

"The Gift of a Servants Heart"

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This Blog
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Monday, August 16, 2010

The gift of a "Servant's Heart"
I don't post on here as often as I'd like to, but felt led today to share my thoughts.

Yesterday I read a blog post from one of our families who are in Ukraine now adopting two little boys who desperately needed to get out of that orphanage they were in. Her story resonated with me, and will probably resonate with you too.

"This morning at the bus stop I heard some soft crying. I crossed the street and I noticed a black puppy struggling under the bench at the bus stop. It was howling in pain. It must have been hit by a car and crawled off the road. My bus arrived just then so I got on and left. I couldn't help but cry for that little pup. I'm such a dork. I had to pull myself together or my day would be ruined. Crappy, unfair, hurtful things happen every day, all over the world. The only reason I was upset is because I witnessed the hurting puppy. I don't cry every day for all the hurt puppies all over the world. Why today? Crappy, unfair, hurtful things are happening to precious children every day, all over the world. We don't cry for them because we don't witness what is going on. We don't hear about it. We don't know about it. We don't want to, do we? Because then we might have to get a little closer to the edge. "

Every single day, God puts opportunities into our paths to do right by someone else. You see someone or something in need, and that voice in your head makes you think "gosh, how sad", but it's usually not loud enough to make you DO something about it. It could be this puppy, it could be a homeless person in need of a bottle of water. It could be an elderly person who needs help with their groceries or just crossing the street. It seems so cliche and "Girl Scoutish" to just take a moment and do the right thing, but I was a Girl Scout through my senior year in high school, and that experience taught me compassion and leadership skills and a sense of confidence that I could make things happen in my world if I chose to. I can tell you without question that God is WATCHING. We're all guilty of walking away or ignoring that voice...we're busy or late or are nervous to help a total stranger...the traffic light changed...we don't have any cash on us...he's just a drunk....what will I do with this puppy?....somebody else will come along to help....oh, the orphan problem is way too huge for little me to do anything about it....you can't save them all. If I had $1 for every time someone tried to convince me of that, I would be a rich woman. Don't tell me that we can't save the world...we save the "world" of an orphan with Down syndrome very day!

Now this message is not to judge this mom because she wasn't able to stop and help this puppy. This message is to comment on how she felt about leaving it behind. It's a pesky little thing called COMPASSION...and the gift of a servant's heart. It moves us to be open to witnessing the needs in this world, and being open to hear God when He speaks to us...whether it's a puppy or an orphan or picking up a bottle thrown on the side of the road. DO THE RIGHT THING, ALL THE TIME. Reece's Rainbow gives you no choice but to step to the edge and to witness the need of these children first hand. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of faces staring back at you from our website. Don't be afraid to let it in. The pain and heartache is gut-wrenching, but it also motivates you to step up to the plate and say 'Here I am, Lord".

I and our amazing team of volunteers and advocates work tirelessly to keep these children front and center, in the face of people both inside and outside of the Down syndrome community. Many are just oblivious to the crisis, and are appaled (as I was) when they first learn of what life can be like for these kids abroad. It is particularly moving when someone writes me to say "oh my goodness, I can't stop crying, I had no idea, what can I do?" RR isn't just about fundraising, but raising awareness is a 24/7 job. The need never ends, so the work never ends. No, not everyone is in a position to adopt a child for many reasons...some people aren't even in a position to donate. But everyone is in a position to pray and to share Reece's Rainbow with others.

My husband and I joined our new church here yesterday morning. (Grace United Methodist in Gaithersburg, Maryland). And I was grateful to our new pastor for giving me 5 minutes to introduce myself and share the way God is working in my life through my son, Reece. (as if I could cram everything I have to say about the orphan crisis into 5 minutes! lol) Many people in the church do not know me well, even though we have attended there regularly over the course of the last two years, because many Sundays, I choose to stay home and "work". 70 hours a week includes weekends. These children are languishing in orphanages and mental institutions. Every minute that goes by for them is excruciatingly lonely, boring, hungry and hopeless. They have no concept of the days of the week, they all run together in endless suffering. God commands us to rest on the Sabbath, but this isn't "work" for me. It is service to God and to His children, all of whom He knows by name and has given a voice of hope to through Reece's Rainbow. So resting really isn't an option...asking for help from others IS.

After my few minutes in front of the congregation, so many folks were moved, they had no idea of the problem, they were "so proud of me"....I appreciate that greatly, and it always feels good to know that folks like what RR is doing. But I am not interested in being honored or uplifted for this work. I am interested in people stepping up to HELP ME and to feel as deeply passionate about serving as I do. Turn that burden in your heart into action. RR is coming into our very busiest time of the year. There have been no "lazy days of summer" for me as we prepare for:1.Updating and extending our powerful ministry video http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=b286b09fd78b4ab61b5491&skin_id=1009&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url
2.Upcoming Buddy Walks (which we still need volunteers and donations for!, www.reecesrainbow.org/buddywalks.html )
3.Our Christmas Angel Tree will be here before I can blink. (www.reecesrainbow.org/angeltree2010.html)
4.We're still raising funds for our mission trip to the DownsEd Convention in Ukraine (Sep 17-23), empowering birth families of children with Down syndrome there (www.reecesrainbow.org/downsedkiev.html)
5.Serving as the keynote speaker for the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Pathfinder Village (www.pathfindervillage.org)
6.My heart is burdened for the last minute financial needs of some of our adopting families, which is preventing them from submitting dossiers and traveling
7.Participating in the Raleigh, NC Down Syndrome Golf Tournament (October 2)
8.Accepting the Congressional Angel in Adoption Award (October 4-6 in Washington, DC)
9.Visiting with RR families in Richmond, VA and Raleigh, NC for their Buddy Walks (October 9 and 10)
10.Visiting with RR families in Alabama and attending the Birmingham Buddy Walk (October 13-17)
11.Growing our RR Canada program and raising awareness there
12.Expanding our ministry into more of Latin America, Asia, and Africa
13.Seeking more media opportunities outside of our traditional Down syndrome community
14.Reaching out for greater church support, from all faiths
15.Further emphasis on keeping the at risk children from being sent to the institutions
16.Greater exposure for the Older Children
17.Further growth of our HIV and Other Angels programs
18.Preparing for NEXT YEAR's World Down Syndrome Day in Bulgaria (www.reecesrainbow.org/connectingtherainbow.html)
19.Preparing for the launch of the "Know The Truth" campaign for next Mother's Day already!
20.Maximizing our presence on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and the Cambridge "Who's Who" Leadership Forum
And somewhere in between all of this "executive/strategic leadership stuff" are the even more critical daily activities of answering new family e-mails, processing donations, posting new kids, updating FSP's, working through crises, building new agency relationships, seeking new children and new country programs, budgets, Board Meetings, etc etc etc. It ALL has to be done to maintain and grow this ministry....

There are just SO many ways you can help...you CAN make a difference. Put your own servant's heart to work and watch your efforts change the course of a child's life! I can't do all of this by myself! RR has only grown as much as it has because of the commitment and dedication of so many volunteers and advocates who share the same passion.

Write me if you have questions, and thanks to ALL of you for everything you do to bring Reece's Rainbow into the lives of others. bamaroberts@comcast.net

Andrea Roberts, Executive Director

Reece's Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry

www.reecesrainbow.org




The gift of a "Servant's Heart"

USCIS APPROVAL!!

Well, finally the "golden ticket".... came today!! We were praying for no glitches & we had none..Some people were worried about the pink slip! So was I!! But we got the I 171 H approval for Marco & a pink slip for an extension if needed...so was a little confused at first! So girls...pink is not all bad with Immigration!!

Should be traveling sometime in October...Marco should be home with us by mid November!!

Dark Side of Serbian Mental Institutions

Hello Kiev Ukraine!!! I see you on my map!!

Hope you are all well in Kiev! Wish I was there..hopefully not as hot for you guys!!

Great & True quote...Thanks Traci

It is completely unreasonable to ignore God's standards and still expect a godly outcome.

Mailed off the package...

Sent off the letter to Marco & an Old Navy flag T-shirt...It should arrive within 10 days and our translator will take it to the orphanage and read it to him..I also included an English/Russian Russian/English vocabulary book for Marco to start learning some words...

Update...

Pretty soon our future son will be coming home from summer camp back to his orphanage! I will be sending him a letter & small gift to be delivered by our translator..She will be asking him if he still wants to come to America with us...All children 6 and over have the right to refuse adoption. SO we are praying and anticipating his answer..

We had our finger print appointment in Philadelphia and now are waiting for approval.
This could take while...

We have had a busy summer cleaning & changing things around...& just enjoying the kids & the pool. Hard to believe it is almost time for school again!

CONNECTING THE RAINBOW....

In only four years, Reece's Rainbow has found adoptive families for more than 300 children with Down syndrome and other special needs around the world!



The next step in the growth of our ministry is to educate and empower the birth families of children with Down syndrome living abroad. This is the only path to social change and inclusion for our children! We need the support of our national Down Syndrome parent groups to help us with this mission!




"Connecting the Rainbow" is our birth family outreach program.

It is led by Shelley Bedford (family pictured above), who is a member of the RR Leadership Team, a former special education teacher, and adoptive parent of three children with Down syndrome from Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria. CTR provides fellowship, support, education, and therapeutic resources for the birth families of children with Down syndrome in foreign countries. We already have a strong program in Bulgaria, and are building a relationship in Ukraine now as well! Ukraine is our largest and most successful adoption program, so our efforts there are vital.

Please read more about Connecting the Rainbow here!




"In my heart there’s a passion, in my mind a realization of the possibilities, and in my living room, proof of the combination of the two."





--Meredith Cornish, RR Director of Family Adoption Services for Ukraine, with her adopted son, Micah



Reece's Rainbow will be attending the DownsEd Convention on September 22, 2010 in Kiev, Ukraine!

Your donations towards the cost of this trip will make it possible for our leadership team to:



Meet the members of the Down Syndrome Association of birth families in Kiev
Celebrate their brand new Down syndrome therapy clinic
Build a partnership with them and DownsEd to further support people with Down syndrome throughout Ukraine
Reach out to families living in rural Ukraine who have even less access to information and services
Meet with a special needs “club” in one region that provides therapies and aid to families raising their children with Down syndrome and other special needs.
Visit several orphanages and finally meet the directors, caregivers, and children in person
Plant the seed of truth about the potential and value of our children with Down syndrome
Educate the staff on simple techniques to better stimulate and encourage the children
Bring toys, therapeutic items, and translated literature for the staff to use with all of the SN children
Share photos and stories of the children who have already been adopted from Ukraine and how well they are doing now
Improve the quality of care of our orphans with Down syndrome while they are waiting for their "forever families".
Solidify our relationships there to improve the process of adoption going forward


You can not put a price on the value of a face to face meeting , and we pray this trip will open doors and hearts for future trips, including ones where other volunteers and missionaries can join us! We estimate the cost of this trip to be approx $10,000, so we need your help! Even $10 or $20 from each person who recieves this e-mail will go a long way! We also encourage all of our DSA's to consider a larger gift, to show your support for these courageous families abroad.



Click here for more details about this trip, and to DONATE NOW!

www.reecesrainbow.com

Reece's Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry | PO Box 4024 | Gaithersburg | MD | 20885

Congratulations Meredith & Family!!! Monroes new Mommy...

Friday, July 30
Monroe Has a Family!!
Written by Meredith Cornish....
God has touched his family’s hearts and spoken to them! He used their pastor, this Sunday, to confirm the call. Not having spoken with their pastor yet, they had just prayed that God would use someone on Sunday morning to give confirmation one way or another about whether they were supposed to adopt Monroe.

You see, when it’s not a question of “can we” but instead “should we,” the answer is sometimes difficult! Monroe’s family was waiting for that little extra push from God that says “yes”. And this is what they heard in the middle of their sermon on Sunday:

“This picture I took represents to me the broad path and the narrow path, and all of us have opportunities to make decisions. Today, when you leave here, you’re going to have the opportunity to make a decision, this week you’re going to have all kinds of opportunities to make decisions. Will you choose the path of least resistance, the broad path, or are you going to trust your heart into God’s hands and follow him into whatever path He leads you in? It’s a matter of trust, and you cannot have love without trust. God wants us to learn to trust him. His ways are higher than our ways, his thoughts higher than our thoughts and when we learn to trust him because of His love, it’s easier to follow him, down the road. Learning to live in God’s love…”

At that point in the service they looked at each other and laughed, knowing that God had provided the confirmation and peace-at-heart that they had prayed He would provide, and on Sunday afternoon they committed to Monroe!

Still wondering who that family is? Or… were YOU at church with us on Sunday? :)

YES, WE ARE ADOPTING MONROE! :) (Mereidith Cornish)

In the first week that he was available, I didn’t even read his profile. I saw his photo, announced his grant, and was amazed to hear he didn’t have that family I thought he would have in 48 hours. It wasn’t until I sent out my second plea on my bl0g that I went and read more into his profile and looked at the older photos of him. Then, prompted by Shelley and Lyndi (yes, I blame them LOL), I sent a link to

You might find this informative

21 Foster Parenting Truths As Seen By a Veteran Foster Parent
from Keith Thompson

My wife and I have been doing foster care for 17 years. Along the way,
we've learned a few things that seem to be givens when
working for our children.

1. Love may not be enough, but when you add unlimited patience and a
sense of humor, you can usually get through.
2. Things go best when you go by the book - but you have to be using
the right book!
3. Having a spirit of contention accomplishes nothing - especially
when you are trying to work with the "system".
4. You can't help every child, but you can still cry for them.
5. You can't help every child, but you can still pray for them.
6. Some people know how to fix a broken child, and some people know
how to fix a broken system - very few people have the time
and talent fix both!
7. You can feel close to God when changing a diaper.
8. Foster Care is the worst paying job in the world.
9. Foster Care is the best paying job in the world.
10. Enjoy the good days when they come - on the bad days, find someone
to serve.
11. Kids who've had it rough in life need good, strong parenting.
12. Kids who've had it rough in life need someone to serve them.
13. Knowing when to be a parent, and when to be a servant brings the
greatest joy and success.

This is the one I'm most partial to:
14. Abused kids are used to being yelled at - try using funny voices
instead!
15. Never let a child go to bed without a "tuck-in".
16. A 10 year old who's never been allowed to be a 10 year old, will
not become a 10 year old upon arrival in your home - pick your
battles and conquer one behavior at a time.
17. ALWAYS expect that the children will not resemble their "resumes".
18. Children are more important than furniture.
19. Work as if everything depends on you - Pray as if everything
depends on the Lord!
20. The greatest lesson the Lord has ever taught me about fostering
children came during a church meeting one Sunday. Our newly
arrived, nine year old foster son came in during the meeting and asked
me to tie his shoes. My first thought was to scold him for not
being able to tie the shoes himself. My next thought was to kneel down
and tie them for him. My final thought was - I am kneeling at the
feet of the Savior!
21. And since I have still not learned everything, my most recent
lesson comes from someone I only recently met. When we ask
ourselves why a child had to be born to such an abusive parent,
remember that the birth of a child is the keeping of a promise made
in heaven.

MONROES IS GOING HOME!

Monroes's new family could have him home by Christmas if all goes well! Please pray for him to come to America soon..he has some medical issues that need attention...
Thank You Lord for this family stepping forward!

MONROE HAS A FAMILY!!

So happy to learn this today! I think I know who!! And what a great family he will be going to !! To be announced on Reeces Rainbow soon!

Boys Room Done!

Finally have one room completed & newly painted..bunk beds are together and look great! Now to paint my room...Did I mention I hate to paint? But I love it all done...so here we go again...Pictures coming soon...!

Two Inquiries for Monroe!!! $20,000 Grant!

He has 2 families that are interesteed and thinking about adopting him...we are all praying on the support group that he is committed to soon!

Time for Finger Printing..

We received our letter to get our finger prints done...So we will go to Philadelphia
in 2 weeks ..hoping we can go sooner...

This came from Lu's husband..so well put!

It isn't that the enemy is attacking you (us all)... it is that by helping the orphans we are going behind enemy lines... we are attacking the enemy and he is simply defending his territory.

So, when things go wrong, just keep in mind, YOU are making a difference and are a threat to the enemy or he wouldn't feel the need to defend himself against you. :)

MONROE HAS A FULL GRANT!

Monroe (12)

BOY, Born February 4, 2005

SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!!
Monroe is a sunshine of a little boy! He is already 5 and blessed to still be at the baby house. He needs a family right away!



From an adoptive family who visited with him in June 2009: Monroe has CP. It appears that he is unable to use his arms and legs and is not sitting up on his own. He has the most beautiful smile and I don't think there is much of a cognitive delay. He loves to be held and his whole face lights up when you come near him."

*** Monroe has an incredible benefactor who has offered a FULL GRANT of $20,000 for his adoption. He is facing imminent institutionalization, and will regress quickly once he is transferred. Families who are qualified (www.reecesrainbow.org/newfamily.html) to adopt internationally and who are approved to adopt a significantly delayed child should contact Andrea for more information. This is a very fast program and it is very possible to have him home before the end of 2010! ***

MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE

I have $20,000 in my grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!

This little boy is in the Orphanage where my 3 girls came from and recently visited! Please consider Monroe to be a a part of your family!

TRICKY TRAY / YARD SALE ~ SUNDAY JULY 18

YARD SALE BEGINS OFFICIALLY 10 AM IF NO RAIN~ 11 AM IF RAIN UNDER PAVILLION
TRICKY TRAY STARTS 11 AM FOR VEIWING BASKETS ~ DRAWINGS START BY 1:00
PICNIC FOOD & BEVERAGES AVAILABLE

$6.00 ADMISSION TO TRICKY TRAY INCLUDES 1 SHEET OF 25 NUMBERS OR 4/$20
KIDS GAMES 25 CENTS AND UP...WINNER EVERY TIME!

MUSIC

SHUT OFF MUSIC BELOW TO WATCH THIS VIDEO>>BOTTOM RIGHT SIDEWAYS EQUAL SIGN

Our 3 Beauties from Ukraine are in this video..The picture with the little one with hand on the hip is our trio!

Reece's Rainbow Down Syndrome

Shut off music below to watch videos..Bottom right grey box..hit the side-ways equal signs

COMMERCIAL TIME...SUSHI & DANCE CLUB!

This is a great place to eat & have fun! We will be having 2 gift certificates from the owners of DESAKI Reastaurant & Night Club at our fund raiser! I have known this wonderful couple & family for many years! Please check thier place out in Swiftwater PA...

DESAKI SUSHI RESTAURANT

"A Deliciously Dynamic Destination"

Restaurant Hours are from Tuesday - Saturday: 4-10pm and Sunday: Noon - 10pm

Desaki Japanese Restaurant's entertaining Hibachi chefs prepare all of your favorites like filet mignon, lobster, scallops, chicken, and shrimp right before your eyes to ensure it's just the way you like it. Desaki's ultra fresh Sushi menu includes traditional items as well as our chef's own unique creations. More than delicious dining, Desaki is an entertainment experience where adults and children of all ages can enjoy the dance floor, game room, and a ride in their authentic Rickshaw.


Dance Club Hours are Friday and Saturday: 10pm - 2am

Desaki Dance Club offers the most chic and sophisticated night life in Northeastern, PA. Enjoy a signature martini at one of the four fantastic bars and dance the night away to pulsating rhythms set to the backdrop of the most mesmerizing light, sound, and video show this side of New York City.

My Wonderful Son waiting for his new brother most out of anyone!

Doing hair in the Ukraine..exhausted but fulfilled!

Thankful that the Lord allowed me to participate in the missions group with Pastor Sasha & his team.

Love this picture in his blue United Colors of Benneton Shirt!

Need another Home Study...

I am waiting for another Home Study to come in the mail...The other one is good just that the notary signed in black ink...so both Social Worker & Notary must sign in blue ink...so I have sent one of the other copies to USCIS..they don't care about ink..LOL and one other copy will go to apply for a grant. So none will go to waste..the third one is a copy for me to carry to Europe when I go..I have a copy of my whole dossier in case we need something while in country.

Missions Trip to Vorzel Ukraine

Check out this link..http://almazgo.com/news/14/

New Client Today!

I met a new woman today that was referred to me! I like new clients being that after 30 years doing hair and being a busy Mom it gets me out once in a while to keep my identity! I highly recommend this to mothers of many! LOL

What was so great is she was a retired teacher of 35 years! She had very good insiteful information. I wasn't sure what I should do with an older child coming from Eastern Europe as far as schooling and the language barrier..she reassured me that putting him right into the intermediate school he will learn the language fast and love it! She has had kids come to her classes from other countries and they did very well..and also learned how to pretend a little longer that they didn't know English to skip some homework!! Funny Funny kids are...Anyway she made me feel more confident to just put him right in the school & keep him busy..I agree with that..My older sister told me once I had kids I wouldn't have time for my own worries & fears and problems! She was sure right about that and I am thankful God gave me so many children so I don't have time to whine...Lord knows I would be.

What about Now?

Have you ever considered adoption? There are many children in the US that are in need of a family through Foster care with little or no costs involved...Kids are kids no matter their age and still need love and hope in their lives. Yes some will come with issues, but a little inconvenience builds character! Come on out of your comfort zones and consider adopting or Fostering this summer.

We were told our family is too large to adopt from the US, so we adopt Internationally..Unfortunately there are major cost factors with over seas adoption.. So we must do some fundraising to conquer it. It isn't easy asking for money or donated items for our tricky tray, but it is humbling.

God talks about pure religion because people were trying to be religious only hearing THE WORD OF GOD BUT NOT DOING IT...just like today ..in James 1:27 it points out pure religion is taking care of widows & orphans...we create useless rules and standards for the religious "wanna bes" and then we measure ourselves by those same standards to see if we are keeping up...meanwhile there are millions of orphans with no homes while we contimue to build & spend millions on the next church project..yet the same people won't lift a finger to help an orphan or other families who are willing to..This is completely contrary to what religion is...
trade in the tie for a towel...and get dirty for Christ's sake.

If you cannot adopt yourslef..please help another family who can...go to reecesrainbow.org to the committed families page and pick one you can donate to...
You will be glad you did..and the family will be so appreciative.

Reece's Rainbow was started in 2004 as an outreach program serving new families with babies with
Down syndrome at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, GA. The nurse who attended me post-partum with
Reece, Mrs. Kim Wood, RN, called me one day out of the blue and asked if she could use Reece's name
for her hospital service project. She asked if I would come talk to new families and share everything I have learned with them before they were discharged from the hospital. I was moved, honored, and terrified. Would I be able to face a new grieving mother? Would I be able to HELP and not break down again? YES.


Since that time, we have met countless numbers of new "colors" of Reece's Rainbow. We have made so many wonderful friends, and our life has been blessed in a million ways. Our network of friends and families continues to grow. But the one constant is REECE...the beauty and innocence that a child with Down syndrome brings to the world is truly one of Divine nature. God has led me through some very difficult times, but waiting on the other side of that "rainbow" for me was enlightenment, empowerment, compassion, mercy, and a tremendous "calling" to reach out to other children like Reece who were not as fortunate as he to have a loving, supportive family to grow up in.



In 2006, the program expanded to include promoting the international adoption of children with Down syndrome. By raising money to offer adoption grants on waiting children, we are able to give adoptive families the extra financial help they need to bring a child with Down syndrome home from a miserable existence in overseas orphanages. Our Sponsorship Program provides a unique opportunity for anonymous donors to contribute to the adoption journey of our families. These children are viewed as outcasts with no ability to learn or be functional members of society. They languish in mental institutions, hidden away from the world in shame. Even if you are not able to adopt a child at this time, you truly can change the course of a child's life by helping adoptive families afford the costs of international adoption. $20, $50, $1000....whatever you have goes into an interest-bearing fund for ANY family adopting a child with Down syndrome. Click here to learn the many ways you can help!




Families interested in adopting should visit our New Family page for more information on our country programs, our waiting children, the costs, and the process in general.







The primary goals of


To raise awareness regarding the plight of children with Down syndrome in foreign orphanages and their availability to be adopted

To raise adoption grant donations for each of our waiting children

To seek new adoptive families for orphans with Down syndrome internationally

To provide adoptive families with additional fundraising opportunities.

To fund humanitarian aid opportunities and improve the quality of life of our children waiting to be adopted

To fund educational and therapeutic opportunities for orphaned children with Down syndrome living in foreign orphanages

To fund and facilitate the development of new Down syndrome birth parent support groups in foreign countries, thereby decreasing the number of children placed in orphanages

To enact social change abroad about children with Down syndrome and other special needs through the testimony of adoption

Adoption Fundraiser coming soon! What's up with my hair? I look like a man here..LOL Thank Goodness for ....

Please join us on Sunday July 18 th at the American Legion Pavillion for our Adoption Fundraiser! We will be having a Tricky Tray ~ Yard Sale Rain or Shine

Yard Sale starts at 10 am Tricky Tray 11 am
Drawings start at 12 :45

Picnic Food & Beverages Available ~ Music
Tricky Tray ~ to play is $6 includes a free sheet of 25 numbers~ additional sheets $5

American Legion Pavillion is located at 201 East 5 th Street
East Stroudsburg, PA Near Wendy's

for more info visit trickytray.com
We will have kids games & water balloon games 25 cents and up! Prizes & Fun!
Bring the whole family and spend the Day with us as we raise money to bring home our future son Marco!

TURN OFF MUSIC AT BOTTOM RIGHT TO VIEW VIDEOS

Mark Wills - Don't Laugh At Me

Just Wondering...

...What is Marco doing now? I hope having a lot of fun and also thinking about America & his future family. We are certainly preparing for his coming.. The room where he & his brother will share are freshly painted. We moved the 3 little ones cribs out and made it back to a boys room. They have a new lilac room with larger windows to see out. It is a good view from this new room considering they don't take their naps like they should & can look outside & watch their older siblings swimming & jumping on the trampouline..

I have our Home Study all sealed up for Immigration and will mail it tomorrow since the post office was closed today...Also received a document back that needed apostilling in Florida..So I am waiting only for Immigration approval and we're done..Hoping there are no new changes in Adoption Law and all is perfect. Lord knows I need an easier process and so far it has been one.

Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid! The Team Meeting

From a friends blog...too funny Gillian

This video on YouTube is hilarious and will resonate with any parent who has to sit through IEP meetings for their kids with special needs. I had the pleasure of talking to Gina Gallagher, the co-author of Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid, A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children, along with her sister Patricia Konjoian. The book comes out in August with Random House. Pre-order it NOW! You can also join their facebook fan page here.

Gina was delightful and she made me laugh out loud.

Home Study is here!

I can now send this off to Immigration and hope for a quick approval..This is the part that can take a long time..but I was told by their office they like to get them done in 3 weeks..well...we shall see. I have heard of many delays lately...Hoping by the 1 st week in August...This will put us right where we were hoping to pick up Marco...September sometime. It would have been better I think for August but he is in Italy until September when he starts back to school....Also it's up to Immigration. So could be later than September. I just want to get in & out of Eastern Europe before the snow falls!

This little boy helped carry the fruits & veggies we bought from the market..He needs a family too..He is 11

Kenny needs a Family

This is Kenny..He is in the orphanage with Marco...He is a sweet boy 9 years old. He was always smiling and happy. Reminds me of Dennis the Menace..He would be a great addition to a family looking for an son/brother. For more info visit
www.worldswaitingchildren.org

From a another Adopting Family....they need help!

A few days ago, I got an email, one I had to sit on and wait for more details, but one that I thought was devastating at first. Well, now that I have details, we are a bit more optimistic, but still in a "panic".

What did we learn?
We learned that our Freddie was not born in the country we are travelling to, but instead, he was born in Russia.

What does that mean?
That means that in addition to attending court in the country he lives in, we will have to have a country lawyer go to Russia after court to obtain his original birth certificate.

How does this affect the adoption?
Other than adding a few steps, it does NOT affect his ability to be adopted! Praise Jesus for this, we were very worried until we got our details!!!

What does this mean financially and to your timeline?
It DOES affect these 2 areas!! The cost of this person to go get his birth certificate is an additional $3,000. It also prolongs our stay by about a week.
We are still lacking a couple thousand dollars to meet the demands of our little "hiccup". I know a lot of you have donated directly through RR, using the FSP page....I do not have those totals yet, but wanted you to know that I am aware of the fact that you have been doing that, and I really appreciate it!

If you want to donate through the FSP fund, just click on Freddie's picture in the right hand column and it will direct you to that page. You can also use the chip-ins in the right column or even make payments directly into my pay pal account. lyndishupp@yahoo.com is my pay pal email address! visit our blog at www.lyndishupp.blogspot.com

I thank you all for your continues support and all the prayers that are going up for Freddie and our family!

I'm having another boy!

"Don't allow the fear of "what if" ruin the joy of "what is". -- Melody
Beattie

This is Ann Marie

You can find more about Ann Marie on reecesrainbow.com...she is a beautiful little girl with Down Syndrome who will be aging out of the orphanage soon. Her photo was touched up to look so angelic by Heather on our adoption group. She is a professional photographer and is doing a special fundraiser of her own to help find a family to commit. You can also make a tax deductaable donation through her profile page on reecesrainbow.org.

Littlest one!

Our littlest one is growing up! She is losing her toddler look... trying to say words & doing a couple signs...She is very aware of what is going on..She loves to dance when the right beat comes on and just loves to get hugs. She is such a lover with this little growl thing she does when you hug her and she pats your back..so cute! We have decided to keep her home another year before starting school..we are not ready to part with her just yet..we will be doing some neat stuff this school year with the kiddos since we may have Marco home too..

Our 3 Ukrainian beauties were only 7 kilometers from their future brother!..Who knew? God knew..

Child Abuse Clearances are back already!

That was a pretty quick turn around...so off to the Social worker they go & Home study coming soon!

Update

Our child abuse clearances have been mailed! So I got the date they were issued and have given it to the Social worker to add it in the Home study...as soon as she notarizes it we can ship it off to USCIS..Then we wait & pray for a quick turn around.

Thank You Ana & Yuri...

Hello Ana & Yuri..I see Kiev on the map! I wanted to thank You both again and also your Mom for the delicious meal you made for us while in Kiev. Also thank you again for picking us up and allowing us to be a part of your lives. Hope to see you again in September.

Marco & friends at the flea market

Glad to be home...

We had a great day yesterday together again as a family...I really missed the kids & Ruben while away. Had a lot of laughs and projections about our new son/brother. He will fit right in with us. I am praying there are no glitches & his arrival will be uneventful. We are cleaning & heaving excess things & furniture..I have been trying to become less cluttered for awhile now and it is happening slowly..The only excess items are clothing now..so I will tackle that next week..and of course the pile I have thrown out front! So on the weekend we can cart it away to salvation army...Junk is such a distraction from everything.

Also getting more documents in order for our dossier. Most of the paperwork is in Ukraine and waiting on an answer to a letter from us that was submitted last week to confirm Marco is free & clear for adoption. He is a beautiful child and we had an instant connection at our first visit. I thought that I may not be able to see him, but the director then allowed us and many visits after. On our second visit the translator, Marco & friends & I, walked to the flea market to purchase some fruits & veggies for the orphanage...We also purchased shampoo/dish soap/laundry soap/bar soap,cleaning products and sponges. The orphanage has less support for food & items during the summer so they were very grateful and I was happy to do it..

While we wereat the flea market, I asked if Marco wanted anything and he said Potato chips! So he ran back with his friends and 100 grivnahs (about $8) to get them. He is a giving child and shared with the others. He shared his soccer ball with the older boys and is not greedy for anything. I am very pleased with his behavior & personality. This orphanage is a boarding school, so the children wear uniforms and attend church and also take turns helping the Priest in services.. The main religion in Ukraine is Orthodox.

All of the children when passing look you in the eyes and most will say Good Morning or Good afternoon. Some wait for you to say it first. I thought this was very respectful.

Today I catch up on clients at the shop...should be a full day. I start at 7:30 am. I am missing Marco today and thinking he is reminiscing as well & day dreaming of his new future.

SHUT OFF MUSIC BELOW TO WATCH MONTAGE

My Montage 6/23/10 at OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Making a difference..

I am so thrilled to be making a difference in an older orphan's life. He was so happy when he finally got what the translator was saying to him about being adopted..I will never forget his expression and the joy & relief in his face knowing his answer to prayer would be coming true! It is such a different experience because the girls may not have felt all of this, not understanding..but an older child knows what is happening and will be forever grateful. I am grateful God is allowing me to be a part of adoption and saving an older child.

Considering an older child...

I never thought we would adopt an older child....but a woman who we adopted Yulia from once said..they are still children, do not be afraid of them. Well, now meeting Marco I understand, He is a child still climbing trees and playing ball and respectful. Despite the loss of his mother and having nothing..he is still a happy boy with a great disposition just wanting and needing a family.. There are 60 0ther orphans available in his orphanage. The other hundreds of children have families but they live there because they can not afford to keep them at home.


We are all anxious to get Marco home to join our family. He is going to make a great brother and son.

Marco

We Met Marco!

Marco who is a beautiful sweet child! He is still boy like and not too old for a
great brother for my son. He is a good diciplined boy. His Mother died a few years ago..but he still remembers...I held it together until that info was given...he is so willing to be loved and have a Mama and a large family. He is eager to meet Benjamin and be a part of our family. He couldn't stop looking at the photos and smiling..I will try to upload pictures and video. The boarding school is very close to Vorzel orphanage and we never knew it. We passed it so many times on our way visiting our little ones.

Yesterday we went to Vozel and saw Ivanna, Liza and Igor/Ivan looking out the window..We saw Timothy..and some other little children we will find out later about..we are now headed to lunch be back later!

Headed to Kiev!

Well..I am headed to Kiev this afternoon! Everything is packed to the max for the orphanage and we will drive to JFK this morning to park just outside the airport and be dropped at the Delta counter! Sandie is filled with more than me..aside from the crafts/bonnets/toys/Sandie is bringing some child size walkers and crutches,,I have a few pairs here as well that were donated from Youngs Medical. Now just need to figure out where to put them! I know I met my 50 pound mark with my suitcase!

Looking forward to landing at 9:10 tomorrow morning Kiev time..but it will be 7 hours earlier here in the USA. Hoping to sleep on the plane so we don't miss a beat!
Sunday we will just relax and get reaquainted with Kiev and meet with other Americans at TGI Fridays at 5 pm for dinner. There are about 4-5 families in Kiev adopting little ones through Reeces Rainbow Down Syndrome Ministry. We will be spending some time with then through out the week.



We will be picked up in Kiev by Ivanna's parents.. Ivanna has been waiting so long to get out of that orphanage! Her new Mommy, Darlena will be close behind us hopefully with her travel plans to rescue her..and what a great day that will be..
The orphanage director has held Ivanna so long for her family..He has a big heart.

My real exciement for this trip is to meet a boy named Marco...well that's not his real name, but I have grown accustomed to it! He looks like a Marco now! I will be meeting him on Tuesday at his orphanage/boarding school...This is the hilight of my trip. He lives in the Bucha Orphanage just on the out skirts of Kiev. His mother died a couple of years ago and Marco was placed there due to no family to take him.
Praying Marco will be a great fit to our family..My son really wants a brother!


I am also looking forward to eating...my favorite pass time! The food is wonderful & cheap in Ukraine..Be back later from the iphone!

Our Local Ambassador for Easter Seals

By Andrew Scott
Pocono Record Writer
June 10, 2010 Like most 2-year-olds, Giovanna Apel is learning how to climb up onto things.

Like the living room table or the couch.

"She's fearless," her father, Laurence Apel, said while he and her mother, Leonilda Apel, watched her play with her toys in their Middle Smithfield Township home as "Elmo's World" came on TV.

Giovanna is fearless now, but there was a time when her parents felt fear. It was when Leonilda Apel, 38, was pregnant with Giovanna in 2007, a year after the couple moved from their native Long Island, N.Y., into the Knoll Acres II development in Middle Smithfield Township.

"Mine was a high-risk pregnancy because of my age," Leonilda said, fondly encouraging Giovanna as she toddled over to her musical giraffe and pressed a button that produced a tune.

The ultrasound showed Giovanna had two holes in her heart. Doctors told the Apels there was a good chance she would be born with Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that affects physical and mental abilities and strikes one out of every 800 babies born.

When Giovanna was born via an emergency C-section on Dec. 3, 2007, a pediatrician immediately noticed she showed the facial features of a Down syndrome baby. Giovanna's blood work later verified the presence of an extra chromosome that causes the disease.

"At first, I was scared and depressed and asking myself why it had to be my baby," Leonilda said. "Then, the doctors told us we lucked out in the fact that Giovanna didn't have the physical problems that some Down syndrome children have."

As Giovanna grew older, her parents noticed she wasn't using her hands and seemed to have trouble grasping and holding things. She wasn't aware of her hands, a sign that the disease has affected her mentally.

The Apels contacted the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program, which referred them to an agency that provided a speech therapist and special instructor for Giovanna.

When the Apels realized they needed more, MH/MR referred them to Easter Seals. The program provides medical, therapeutic and preschool services and relies on state funding and community donations so that client families pay nothing out of their own pockets.

Easter Seals is an early-intervention program for children up to age 3, but support and references go beyond that as needed.

The program provided three key people, whom the Apels now fondly call their "dream team."

Occupational therapist Amy Kromer started working with Giovanna at 5 months old. Then speech therapist Adrienne Westheim and special instructor Danielle Weiss came on board.

Kromer, Westheim and Weiss each come on a different days to work with Giovanna for an hour. They follow Giovanna's lead.

"We let Giovanna decide what she wants to do, what toys or games she wants to play with or what kind of activity she wants to do," said Weiss of Saylorsburg. "Then, as she's doing it, we make it educational as well as fun for her. That's how she learns, grows and develops.

"But, the important thing is to let her choose what she's interested in, not force her to do something she doesn't want to do or have her sit somewhere for an hour."

A mother herself, Weiss has started a weekly play date support group for Giovanna and other disabled children, providing fun-based learning activities for children while allowing the parents to network with each other.

The specialists also suggest activities the family can do with Giovanna to keep her engaged and learning.

"They help us to help her," Leonilda said. "It's a great partnership."

Giovanna has progressed into a confident, curious, energetic toddler. "If she's determined to do something or learn something new, she doesn't give up until she achieves it," Laurence Apel said. "She wouldn't be where she is today if it wasn't for Easter Seals. They're very personable and genuinely concerned with her progress and how she's doing."

Giovanna gets to help raise public awareness about Easter Seals, having been selected as one of three child ambassadors to the annual Easter Seals Walk With Me benefit, supported by area businesses, on Wednesday on the Lehigh Parkway in Allentown. Festivities start at 4 p.m. and the walk starts at 6 p.m.

Families have the options of taking a one-mile walk or three-mile walk along the parkway. Participants are organizing walking teams to solicit sponsor donations.

The event's other two child ambassadors are Ricardo Rivera, 9, of Reading, and David Wint, 2, of Hellertown.

Leonilda Apel said, "If you have a child under 3 with a disability and don't know where to turn or if you want to see children get the proper help they need, please come out and support the walk. Giovanna and other kids are counting on you."

For information, call 610-289-0114, ext. 222, or visit www.easterseals.com

"We are not all called to adopt these children into our families. But we are all called to look at them, even though it makes our eyes burn, and be willing to let their needs disrupt our lives."
~Kristin Swick Wong



"Realize that life, not stuff, is what matters. Objects are just objects — if you lose them, if they get stolen or destroyed … it’s not a big deal. They’re just objects — not your life. Your life is the series of moments that is steaming through your consciousness right now, and how you use those moments and what you fill them with is what truly matters, not what you fill your home with. At the end of this short journey, you’ll look back and remember your experiences, the people you loved and who loved you back, the things you did and didn’t do. Not the stuff you had."

Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.
Irving Berlin

Monday, June 7, 2010

Monday, June 7, 2010
Leaving soon!

I will be heading to Ukraine this Saturday! Praying for a good flight..Should be nicer traveling this trip flying straight to Kiev without a lay over..and hoping to sleep on the plane so I won't miss a beat... leaving in the afternoon from New York and arriving in Kiev in the morning! Don't want to have to waste our first day there..but somehow we will miss time I just know it and I'll want to crash in the bed in the afternoon! Planning to meet at TGI Fridays at 5 pm with the Reeces Rainbow families.. This will be great!

Hoping Monday to get to meet Marco on my blog..Not sure if they still have school this time of year...we will be taking soccer balls to the orphanage for the kids. This will be an excuse to go there because normally people cannot just show up at an orphaange without a missions team or doing an adoption. So praying I will have a long visit to get to know hime with the translator..I have lots of questions. Praying he will like me and want to go to America one day soon. We will try to get pictures and profile info on other children at this orphanage as well.

Then Tuesday we will head to Vorzel if not Monday morning too..all depends when we can go to see Marco.

Please pray for a safe trip and productive finding new children to put on the Reeces Rainbow website. We want to get updated pictures for all those who will be going to Ukraine soon for their children..

Leaving soon!

I will be heading to Ukraine this Saturday! Praying for a good flight..Should be nicer traveling this trip flying straight to Kiev without a lay over..and hoping to sleep on the plane so I won't miss a beat... leaving in the afternoon from New York and arriving in Kiev in the morning! Don't want to have to waste our first day there..but somehow we will miss time I just know it and I'll want to crash in the bed in the afternoon! Planning to meet at TGI Fridays at 5 pm with the Reeces Rainbow families.. This will be great!

Hoping Monday to get to meet Marco on my blog..Not sure if they still have school this time of year...we will be taking soccer balls to the orphanage for the kids. This will be an excuse to go there because normally people cannot just show up at an orphaange without a missions team or doing an adoption. So praying I will have a long visit to get to know hime with the translator..I have lots of questions. Praying he will like me and want to go to America one day soon. We will try to get pictures and profile info on other children at this orphanage as well.

Then Tuesday we will head to Vorzel if not Monday morning too..all depends when we can go to see Marco.

Please pray for a safe trip and productive finding new children to put on the Reeces Rainbow website. We want to get updated pictures for all those who will be going to Ukraine soon for their children..

TURN OFF MUSIC BELOW TO WATCH VIDEO

"Orphan Lullaby" by Lindsey Teefey (Adoption Song)

http://www.lotsofkids.com/index.php

A website for Large families

Good Article

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The contempt shown to parents of large families

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Posted: March 02, 2006
1:00 am Eastern


By Rabbi Shmuley Boteach
© 2010 WorldNetDaily.com





A funny thing happened to me the other day when my wife and I had, thank God, another baby (a boy). Many of my friends didn't seem all that happy for me. Sure, they went through the motions of smiles and congratulations. But it was evident that many thought me insane. Why would a young man and his wife ruin their lives with eight children? Who could afford the Jewish day-school bills? Didn't we want to live life a little, and not just be burdened with kids?

It got downright surreal when a European film company, pressed me, while my wife was in labor, to finish shooting a segment that had an urgent deadline (I obviously told them they were insane). And the next day, I was mildly criticized by a Jewish organization which was supposed to be hosting me for a lecture for having to cancel on them because the lecture clashed with the baby's bris.

I don't mind that the world doesn't really love babies, just that it pretends to. It's time we got honest about our priorities. Most people get a new car every two or three years, but one or two babies through the life of their marriage is plenty. You can get drunk on an airplane, laugh hysterically with your mates, and still not really anger people. But if you dare bring a crying baby on board you will be given malicious looks as if the little thing is a package that ticks. If you walk your dog along the street, people will stop you to tell you how cute he is. If you walk down the street with a baby, you might find a woman or two who coos, but for the most part, you'll be utterly ignored.


Indeed, the contempt shown to parents of many children is the last acceptable prejudice in our society. As a father of a large family, I find myself apologizing wherever I go, as if I committed a crime. The frequent and loaded stares from scornful onlookers imply that the famine in Africa was caused by my selfish insistence on overpopulating the earth. Long ago my wife and I discovered that few hotels were prepared to accommodate so many children, even if we took three of four rooms, which is why we bought an RV for travel.

How strange to live in a world where loving children casts one in infamy. Having a family with many children implies a backwardness and primitivism that is deemed unbecoming in the developed countries of the West. Large families, it is thought, exist only among religious weirdoes or the teeming hovels of the Third World.

Rich countries, by contrast, prefer to increase their standard of living rather than the number of the living. Looking at Western birth rates for the year 2001, the United States averaged only 14.2 births for every thousand Americans, and the birthrate among white Americans is so low that the United States will soon lose its white majority. Indeed, one can go for days in a wealthy city like Manhattan without encountering a single pregnant woman. Riches and children have become inversely proportional such that the more of the former, the less of the latter.

Hence, the high birth rates of extremely poor African nations like Uganda – at 47.52 births per 1,000 – or Niger with 50.68 births per 1,000, are deemed to be prime causes and indicators of their penury. The abundant fertility and unconstrained sexuality of these countries confirms the unspoken Western mindset of these country's inhabitants as being just one step above savages. Contraception has become a synonym for civilization.

A Christian mother of six once wrote to me, "I find it troubling to worry about getting pregnant again ... because I don't want to face the criticism of friends and family. Why do people not see children as a blessing?" A fair question which deserves a fair response.

Why is it that even many snagogues today are not children friendly? Why are people impressed that Jay Leno owns 20 motorcycles, but disgusted that some religious families choose to have 10 children?

Let's not finesse the response. We all know why. A world that has lost its innocence has trouble appreciating beings who are innocent. A world that has become selfish has soured to the idea of leading a life of selflessness. A world that has become grossly materialistic is turned off to the idea of more dependents who consume resources. And a world that mistakenly believes that freedom means a lack of responsibility is opposed to the idea of needy creatures who "tie you down."

They can go fly a kite.

By just looking at my children, I become more innocent. By loving them, I become more noble. By spending my money on them rather than myself, I find transcendence. And by being a father and liberating all of the love in my heart, my spirit soars free. I work hard to support a large family and I give up no pleasures in doing so because my children are my foremost pleasure.

I am often asked by women dating men how to tell whether they are marriage material. I tell them, "See if he enjoys children." A man who loves children is playful. He will spend his life joking with his wife because he loves to see her laugh, and will flirt with her because he loves to see her smile.

There was a time when husbands and wives worked hard to ensure they could afford the blessings of a large family. Today, the higher your earning bracket the fewer children you have, but then we always knew that many turn money from a blessing into a curse.

Before he died, the Lubavitcher Rebbe launched a campaign asking parents to have one more child than they originally planned. It is a campaign that a dwindling Jewish community should revive as it continues to disappear.

SHUT OFF MUSIC BELOW TO WATCH VIDEOS

Pictures of The Bucha Orphanage Boarding School

Vorzel Orphanage (Kitchen)

Ukraine Orphanage

To Watch videos turn off music below...Click parallel lines

Reeces Rainbow Waiting Children

Mission to Ukraine, Vorzel Orphanage

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, children are a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one youth. Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.
Psalm 127:2-5

Learned more about Marco!

Marco is not his real name..that is one thing I learned! LOL Also learned that he loves soccer..and he is not tall! This is all good info..but I also learned he has not been in the orpahanage all his life..just since 2008..because his mother died.
So finally I have some crumbs of info...I will be getting more very soon.

Peachy has a family!

Peachy has a pretty bad heart problem and needs surgery in America asap! It is to save her life! She was just listed a week or so ago and already has a MommY!

GOING TO UKRAINE!

First I was not going..Then I was going...Then not going..NOW GOING!! LOL
We will start off in Kiev..Then headeing to Vorzel for the missions group to help with the tasks they have set out to do. Women mostly work with the children. We hope to meet new children and get profiles on them for Reeces Rainbow! We will email them asap form Ukraine to add to the RR website. We will try to get updated pictures as well..Praying for this little "Peach" listed on RR with the heart malformation. Have heard there is a Mamma already for her! She needs to get to the USA right away for this surgery to save her life.. She is only 7 months old..I have posted her picture to the right!

Our First FundRaiser!

Tricky Tray/Yard Sale
Sunday July 18 th
Yard Sale Starts 10am...Details posted on trickytray.com

Pavillion at American Legion Rain or Shine
210 East 5 th Street
East Stroudsburg, PA

Hope to see you there!

Please check Back for updates!
Music & Fun...Food will be available to purchase!

I got the fever again!

Well...It's spring and it feels like I should be in Kiev....Praying about adoption again. We would love a brother for Ben and he would love it too!
I have been trying to avoid it by fixing around the house..gardening & landscaping & dealing with the pool..but it's still creeping in...
Time to start fundraising!

"Life isn't measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away"