Anything is possible 31 for 21 challenge

Waiting & preparing...

I am still rearranging the furniture & getting the bedroom ready for Marco...I keep changing it to look better each time..Also passes the time away...
Hoping for a travel date this week..if not it's ok because I really wanted to be home for Halloween with the kids..we have a party with the ESU students on October 30 th.. These kids are from the council for exceptional Children...they take the kids & have so much fun with them while the parents get to relax & watch...Respite care! They love when we come because we can supply a lot of kids for them, and I love it so I can watch & enjoy...

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

This just makes advocating for these kids no joke..WOW

I have often thought of adopting Ann Marie and Andrea has even suggested to me to go and get her because it was an easy region...I know we can't save them all but this is heart breaking to many people on our Reeces Rainbow Forum...If you cannot adopt yourself please help a family who is willing by praying for them & making a donation on their family sponsorship page at www.reecesrainbow.org and click committed families and you can pick which one you feel led to help..The Angel Tree is coming up for Christmas and you can donate as little or as much as you want to...

Sad News From Reeces Rainbow...

All, it is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of our sweetest little Anne Marie :(( Jesus will be her Christmas Warrior this year.

Her grant of $1105 of has been shared now with ALEXANDER in the same orphanage. 4 of the older children with DS have already been transferred to the institution now. I know we can't save them all, but this loss really comes as a blow for me. We have been advocating for Anne Marie for SO long.... ;((((((( Your prayers for ALL of the children as they wait and wait and wait.....

For those of you who have signed up to be Christmas Warriors for these kids....the fundraising goal is only $1000, but we all know it costs a LOT more than that to adopt, and that the more grant money a child has, the greater their chances of being chosen. So although your set goal is only $1000, shoot for the moon. Each child deserves nothing less than your absolute best. We have seen MIRACLES in fundraising these last many months, and this year's Angel Tree will be our biggest and most successful EVER with your help.

God bless each of you, and God bless and hold our baby Anne Marie.

God doesn't make mistakes Leonor.wmv

Still Waiting....

No date for SDA yet...should be any day...waiting patiently...sort of...
Starting to pack my suitcase and get things together for the trip...We will be gone for 6 days for our first trip...Then 10-12 days later we will be 3-4 days away..and then back for the pick up of Marco about 12-14 days later. I will happy to be home after 3 trips flying to Europe...LOL But it beats staying away from our family for 5 or more weeks..Last year it was 7 1/2 weeks away and I cannot do that again..I will be taking some donated hair color & my scissors to give the ladies in Vorzel some hair doos..

Ukraine: 42 killed in bus, train collision

Ukraine: 42 killed in bus, train collision
AP



The remains of a bus lay next to a railway train at the site of an accident outside the town of Marhanets, Ukraine, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010. The crowde AP – The remains of a bus lay next to a railway train at the site of an accident outside the town of Marhanets, …

* Train, bus collide in Ukraine Slideshow:Train, bus collide in Ukraine

– 54 mins ago

KIEV, Ukraine – A train crashed into a crowded bus in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, killing 42 people on the bus, including two children, and injuring nearly a dozen others, officials said.

The Interior Ministry said the accident occurred outside the town of Marhanets in the Dnipropetrovsk region after the bus attempted to cross the track, ignoring a siren that indicated an oncoming train.

The Emergency Situations Ministry said in a statement that two children were among those killed. Police officials had said earlier that 11 survivors were in critical condition with grave injuries.

Rescuers, medics and investigators are working at the scene of the crash. All the casualties were on the bus, railway officials said.

President Viktor Yanukovych declared a national day of mourning Wednesday.

Prime Minister Mykola Azarov ordered his government to pay the family of each of the dead victims 100,000 hryvna ($12,600).

He also instructed transport officials to install automated crossing gates at all the nation's railway crossings to prevent cars, buses and trucks from ignoring the siren.

Road and railway accidents are common in Ukraine, where the roads are in poor condition, vehicles are poorly maintained and drivers and passengers routinely disregard safety and traffic rules.

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness month

October is Down syndrome awareness month. A genetic condition generally affecting health and development, Down syndrome occurs when a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. 1 out of every 800 live births result in a child with Down syndrome.

The National Association for Down Syndrome, primarily serving the Chicago metropolitan area, encourages families to spread awareness about people who are differently-abled. Their ideas include:

• Distribute NADS posters and bookmarks to area schools, libraries, or businesses (you can order them through the NADS office or the website: www.nads.org)
• Talk to your child’s class
• Write a letter to your local paper
• Organize a special event during October to highlight the gifts of people with Down syndrome
• Organize a “Down Syndrome Awareness Day” at a local restaurant or community event

Use social media as a tool to spread awareness. Find an inspiring quote or story or a video about an individual with Down syndrome. Tweet it or put it on your facebook status. Blog about someone with Down syndrome who has touched your life. Do a search on Google to find out what events are organized in your community. Volunteer to help.

Donate to the Chicagoland Buddy Walk this Sunday, October 10 in Wheaton, Illinois.

For more information and ideas go to the National Association for Down Syndrome

Enjoy this article? Click on the subscribe button at the top of the page to read more from this examiner. Gillian Marchenko

31 for 21 day challenge! Day 11

Love this place....Please turn off the music below to view videos

Misericordia:Disabled Care with Dignity, Chicago

Down Syndrome - Ability Awareness PSA Video Day 10 31 for 21 challenge....I know a day early..might be too busy tomorrow! TV is coming Monday...

Down Syndrome in the 21st Century 31 for 21 challenge

Praise God..Yulia/Julia has a family!

31 for 21 challenge Julie and Derrick Tennant talk about loving your life

World Down Syndrome Day 2010.wmv Poland

Speech in Down syndrome Love this kid... Day 5 31 -21

Meet Jessica! Day 5 31 for 21 challenge

Dreams Day 4 31 for 21 challenge

Day 3 ~ 31 for 21 awareness

Ten things people with Down syndrome would like you to know

BUDDY WALK EAST STROUDSBURG PA

We had a good turn out at our local Buddy Walk..I think our leader expected about 1000 people.. we did the walk around Handing out the Reeces Rainbow Christmas brochures & magnets... Had a few people stop at the table earlier but noticed it was much more effective getting out in the crowds like Andrea suggested, you were right! So will do it this way again next year..Got to talk to a lot of people that way about our own adopted children & we towed them in the little wagon so people could meet them! People seemed open to listen more to the plea for the orphans by them meeting our kids! Some brochures we just handed out... hoping for good exposure for Reeces Rainbow this year with all the Buddy Walks around the globe!

DIFFERENT TYPES OF DOWNS SYNDROME?

Different types of Down syndrome?
First question: "Can you tell me the differences between all 3 (I hope that is right) types of Down Syndrome? I get a little confused on the differences. Thanks so much!"

Thanks for asking, Molette!

Yes, there are three types of Down syndrome:

Trisomy 21, Translocation and Mosiac.

Here's an explanation of the three types from the National Down syndrome Society:

Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called "nondisjunction." Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. This type of Down syndrome, which accounts for 95% of cases, is called Trisomy 21.

The two other types of Down syndrome are called mosaicism and translocation. Mosaicism occurs when nondisjunction of chromosome 21 takes place in one-but not all-of the initial cell divisions after fertilization. When this occurs, there is a mixture of two types of cells, some containing the usual 46 chromosomes and others containing 47. Those cells with 47 chromosomes contain an extra chromosome 21. Mosaicism accounts for about 1% of all cases of Down syndrome. Research has indicated that individuals with mosaic Down syndrome may have fewer characteristics of Down syndrome than those with other types of Down syndrome. However, broad generalizations are not possible due to the wide range of abilities people with Down syndrome possess.

Translocation accounts for about 4% of all cases of Down syndrome. In translocation, part of chromosome 21 breaks off during cell division and attaches to another chromosome, typically chromosome 14. While the total number of chromosomes in the cells remain 46, the presence of an extra part of chromosome 21 causes the characteristics of Down syndrome.

Digger & Penny...

Headed to Vorzel for Hairdoos next month..

We don't have our date yet for travel but I got a message today from a girl at the orphanage where my 3 little one came from..The ladies are so excited I will be coming back to do their hair LOL They were so funny..I have to say the best make-overs I ever had the opportunity to do...They were good sports! Here is the FB post from Danielle:

Today the dr had me speak with her daughter on the phone to translate that they want to know when you are coming back. They showed me your picture so that I would understand. What should I tell them? Are you going to be in Kiev next month? I have never seen them so excited when I said that I thought that you were possibly coming back soon. They really like you!
-Danielle

Best& only missionary thing I ever got to do in another country...

Sending a package off to our future son! Still not sure what his name will be.
Marco Yura Torres
Yura Marco Torres

The Ike Special - Varsity Edition (2010)

Adoption Season for Evangelicals

Last Saturday at Grace Chapel in Denver, Focus on the Family (in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Human Services) hosted an information session for parents interested in adopting children out of the foster-care system. More than 150 families were represented and 55 of those have already begun the process. It was a successful and fitting end for the summer of 2010, which turned into a season of adoption for evangelicals.

In May, megachurch pastor Rick Warren held a "civil forum" on the subject. An audience of 800 attended and thousands more watched the webcast from their homes. "Orphans and vulnerable children are not a cause," said Warren. "They are a biblical and social mandate we can't ignore. A country half the size of the U.S—that's how many orphans there are in the world. We're not talking about a small problem."

Adoption was the cover story of Christianity Today in July. It included a feature by Russell Moore, dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in which he described in heart-wrenching terms the circumstances of his own adoption of two brothers from a Russian orphanage.

Mr. Moore, the author of a book called "Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches," has become a sort of go-to person for evangelicals on the issue of adoption. In trying to explain why Christians have a particular duty to adopt, he told me that "every one of us who follows Christ was adopted into an already existing family."

Which is to say that unlike Judaism or Islam, faiths that one is born into, Christianity requires each member to have an individual relationship with Christ. And so, in that sense, it is as if each Christian is adopted.

Yet it is the efforts of Focus on the Family, a group which has previously been most known for its political involvement on issues like abortion and gay marriage, that have produced the most striking results so far. The group announced two years ago that it would be devoting a considerable amount of its resources to a new initiative called "Wait No More." Focus is partnering with different state governments—six so far—to reduce the number of children on foster-care roles.

In Colorado alone, Focus has moved about 500 of the 800 kids in foster care into permanent homes over the course of less than two years. The group has had success helping infertile couples desperate for families, but also in placing children with couples who are older, some of whose children have already grown up and left home.

The Focus efforts are particularly interesting because foster kids are typically not young, and often have emotional or even physical problems as a result of a lack of prenatal care, or neglectful birth or foster parents. Sometimes they can only be adopted with siblings, and so a family must take on two or more children at the same time.

Foster children are also likely to be of a different race from their new adoptive parents. As more and more evangelical churches take up the cause of adoption on a large scale, their congregations have begun to look like the multiracial sea of faces that Christian leaders often talk about wanting. But it does involve parents giving up on having children who look like them.

All of this makes the growing evangelical interest in adoption seem particularly countercultural. With the widespread availability of artificial reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization, many couples who previously would have chosen adoption can now use surrogates, donor sperm or donor eggs to have a baby who shares their DNA (or whose DNA they have carefully chosen), and whose prenatal care they can closely monitor. Taking a child as he or she comes to you may be a difficult choice for some parents to make these days.

The contemporary cultural message that we can have complete control over our children goes beyond making sure our babies are healthy and our children are given good moral direction. We take yoga classes with our infants, we attach GPS devices to children's backpacks and we call our kids in college on a daily, if not hourly, basis. There is no doubt that the world can seem a more dangerous place, with too many other influences, particularly new media, trying to exert control over our children. Now that Americans are having fewer children, we fret more over each one, too.

But how much control can we have? A Christianity Today cover story earlier this year on "The Myth of the Perfect Parent" discussed the sense many religious parents have that they've failed if their child strays from the church. Given this backdrop and the wider cultural messages about parenting, one wonders how these evangelical adoptive parents overcome their own desire for control, bring a stranger into their home, and then take responsibility for raising him.

The most persuasive explanation comes from the author of that article, Leslie Leyland Fields, who exhorts her readers: "We are not sovereign over our children—only God is. Children are not tomatoes to stake out or mules to train, nor are they numbers to plug into an equation. They are full human beings wondrously and fearfully made. Parenting, like all tasks under the sun, is intended as an endeavor of love, risk, perseverance, and, above all, faith."

Ms. Riley is an affiliate scholar at the Institute for American Values.

THE CLOWNS OF GOD

This passage is from a book entitled, The Clowns of God, by Morris West. In the
> book, a deposed pope has gone through many trials and tribulations and it is the
> time of the Second Coming. When he meets the Returned Christ, the former pope is
> afraid and unsure much like the apostles when Christ first arose. This passage
> takes place in a mountain hideaway where children from a school for Down
> Syndrome are among those present. The Returned Christ is speaking about one of
> these children as he holds her.
>
>
> "I know what you are thinking. You need a sign. What better one could I give but
> to make this little one whole and new? I could do it; but I will not. I am the
> Lord and not a conjurer. I gave this mite a gift I denied to all of you--eternal
> innocence. To you she looks imperfect--but to me she is flawless, like the bud
> that dies unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by
> ants. She will never offend me, as all of you have done. She will never pervert
> or destroy the work of my Father's hands. She is necessary to you. She will
> evoke the kindness that will keep you human. Her infirmity will prompt you to
> gratitude for your own good fortune... More! She will remind you every day that
> I am who I am, that my ways are not yours, and that the smallest dust mite
> whirled in the darkest spaces does not fall out of my hand... I have chosen you.
> You have not chosen me. This little one is my sign to you. Treasure her!"
>
> Molly

The Arc PSA - Respect

Advocacy and Resources for Citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities

WOW!! great job, this is a wonderful news! Here is the new legislation that protects people from 18 to 59 years old that suffer from abuse or are neglected. Many of us voted for this change. This is history! Well Done!!

Another great news: as many of you know we are under the umbrella of the ARC of NEPA.
The name ARC, until few weeks ago, stood for Association for Retarded Citizens of the United States.
Now, they have changed their name, not for the first time, but always trying to adapt to the changes made due to the impact that words have in people's lives:


Advocacy and Resources for Citizens with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their families.



This is a great improvement in the law that tries to protect and give the same rights to people with intellectual and developmental challenges. Our children are facing a better future thanks to families like you.



Here is the law that made this possible:
Senate Passes Rosa's Law! Critical First Step in Removing Term "Mental Retardation"

Last week, the Senate passed Rosa’s Law, legislation that would remove the term “Mental Retardation” from all federal laws and replace it with the more commonly used term “Intellectual Disability.” CEC has long supported this legislation in the Senate and will now shift its efforts to advocating for its passage in the House.

Rosa’s law is named after Rosa Marcellino, a Maryland girl with Down syndrome. Similar legislation proposed in the House is known as the Elizabeth A. Connelly Act in honor of a former member of the New York Assembly who was influential in pushing for services for those with disabilities. The bills are the same, except for their namesakes.

It is important to point out that this change would not alter the eligibility requirements for any services and supports. It would, however, ensure that current language in all legislation impacting this group of individuals was consistent. CEC believes that replacing antiquated terminology with more common and accurate language is an important and respectful step for people with disabilities.

As this legislation now moves to the House, CEC encourages you to contact your Representative and urge them to co-sponsor this important legislation. Find your elected official by entering your zip code into CEC’s Legislative Action Center and tell them why this is important to you.

We are coming for you soon Funny Boy...

MARCO YURA TORRES teasing me...!

First Day of School!

I had to post this Darlena! This is what it's all about...She looks great & modeling for the camera! Great job you are doing with the Princess..she is so happy!

BUDDY WALK EAST STROUDSBURG PA

Please come join our East Stroudsburg BUDDY WALK at Dansbury Park..Saturday October 2nd 11 am...I'll be at the Reeces Rainbow Table handing out brochures about how you can adopt a child with Down Syndrome and other designer genes...Look for the Big Banner!

From Kim in our Adoption Support Group....

My husband and I had a child with Cockayne syndrome, like Julia…they are precious, sweet spirits. These little ones never weigh very much, when they have the severe type of cockayne like Julia. They are tiny little children with huge hearts! They do have shortened life spans but the journey you take with them is worth it J These children love to be held…

We would grab her in an instant but I just found out about RR only a week ½ ago. When I saw Julia’s face and heard the conditions of her care I was brought to my knees. God told me to DO SOMETHING last week so I started a blog for Julia and a facebook page under Julia’s Hope. Seeing her little face in that crib, knowing what she is capable of if given the chance – this has moved me to tears and action! Trying to get awareness to many, many to help get her into a mommy and daddies arms…soon. If anyone wants to talk to me about the syndrome please feel free – going on a local tv show next week to talk about Julia and RR. It would be wonderful to have a family committed to her by then!!!



Kim

Circle of Hope

(256) 759-2178 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (256) 759-2178      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Serving families of children with life threatening illness

Unique College Experience For Students With Disabilities - Regional News - Poconos, Coal Region Story - WFMZ Allentown

Unique College Experience For Students With Disabilities - Regional News - Poconos, Coal Region Story - WFMZ Allentown

Our Dossier was Submitted!

Our documents were submitted this past Monday..so we are waiting & hoping there are no more found mistakes..Our translator found a couple but was able to fix them. So praying there are no others and our next email is a travel date!

WISH I WOULD HAVE HAD THIS LAST YEAR FLYING HOME WITH 3 TODDLERS FROM THE UKRAINE!

CARES Kids Fly Safe Air Travel Safety Restraint

How You Can Help Children with Down Syndrome

How You Can Help Children with Down Syndrome

Monroe & Mommy

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Meredith finally meets her new future son! This is a beautiful picture of her & Monroe..
He is a beautiful boy and she is looking for a new name for him...This name is just given by Reeces Rainbow to protect the children...She is very anxious to get back to pick him up so they can meet his medical needs...and love him up!

Brian is a beautiful boy in need of a family asap!

Brian is a bundle of love :) Blonde hair and big brown eyes, he is waiting for his family to come for him. He was born with hydronephrosis and does have hypothyroidism.

Brian is already 4 1/2 and needs a family quickly. He can not be adopted from the place he will be sent. He is blessed to still be at the baby house, which is one of the nicer ones. We have had several families adopt from here, and this region is a beautiful place to visit. There are MANY children with Down syndrome and other special needs waiting in this orphanage who can be adopted together.

Hope someone will consider Brian!
I have $4350 in my grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!

Hamilton Has a family too!!

The orphanage where we adopted our 3 little Angels from is clearing out! We are so happy about this...Of course it makes room for more children, but they are getting families so fast! This is great news..We are praying also for Anya & Misha & some others there to get a family soon...she was recently visited and got great pictures of her smiling..but they were deleted accidentally...so hoping another girl has some...

Check out www.reecesrainbow.org

Congratulations Malone Family!! You guys are great!

My Family Found ME!!! Westley!! YAY!

Kelly Fitzgerald

We're coming soon!

Final Documents Gone!

The rest of our dossier will be in Kiev by Monday or Tuesday...I met the fedex man at the North Buiding in Harrisburg today just after the docs were apostilled! Still hot off the press!
While getting the docs done..I met a courier that makes her living taking documents for apostilling...she was talking to the lady behind the desk and she said her son's principal just adopted a Downs child..I knew they had to be from Reeces Rainbow! Sure enough it was the Lakota Family who adopted Juliana...This worker was so nice & happy to help all families with their apostilling process of adoption..If you haven't adopted International..you don't know what you're missing! LOL Wowie..Talk about paper work...glad we are done...The cost to apostille a whole dossier is approx. $500 +

We should be in Ukraine by October 23 rd..we plan on meeting some other families while there and revisit some contacts & wonderful friends we have made...We'll be very busy over there...planning on doing a few hair doos as well..Some ladies are waiting in Buccha as well...I will be making 3 trips instead of staying the entire time due to school in session...Our new son should be home with us by Thanksgiving!

Reece's Rainbow

Reece's Rainbow

Adoption - Lifesong for Orphans

Oh my...tears of joy..I am so happy Marco still wants to come..Here is the email:

Dear Jo Ann,

Yes, Yura wants you to adopt him. He came back on the 5th of September late in the evening. Right after he returned he asked the worker of the orphanage : Did my mother came? He is waiting for you.

Best regards,

Natasha


We are all so happy & can't wait to go and get him!

From the heart of Lu Poppies...

Rescue those being led away to death: hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does He who guards your life not know it?"
I consider it my duty to inform the world of these children who are being dragged away toward slaughter. Who hears? If anyone needs understanding of what these children face, here it is: these institutions have been deemed "concentration camps for childre," and so they are. ARISE, whoever will, on their behalf.See More
The Journey: Doing Nothing...
ann-orphans.blogspot.com
What if you knew adopting would literally save the life of a child? Does it help to know it’s our duty, as God’s warriors to stand up for the orphans? *Maybe it’s what God has in mind for your family and aren’t His surprises really Blessings we hadn’t thought of yet?!!

Project from Reeces Rainbow...

We are losing more and more of our children at the special needs orphanage of Torez due to Malnutrition! In the last month alone, 2 children with special needs lost their lives at the orphanage of Torez.
You can make a difference! You can help SAVE a child's life by giving them the food that they need to keep their fragile little bodies healthy. Please donate TODAY by contacting meganf@life2orphans.org or visiting the Life2Orphans website to purchase or donate food. Below is information on Malnutrition. For the cost of a coffee each day you can help a orphaned special needs child see his or her next birthday by keeping them healthy!

What Is Malnutrition? What Causes Malnutrition?

What can YOU do?

You can stop the pain and low mortality rate by donating NOW to special needs institutions like Torez through the Life2Orphans feed the children program! For pennies a day you can help a child with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and many other special needs conditions nourish their little bodies, so that they will not endure the pain of malnutrition. Please visit HTTP://WWW.LIFE2ORPHANS.ORG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and donate to Torez a special needs orphanage today. Your love and generosity will help save a child...We have lost too many special needs children so far (several this year) at the hands of malnutrition Please feed a special needs child’s body, heart, and soul today! Begin donating NOW...CONTACT meganf@life2orphans.org or go to Life2Orphans.org and donate online.

Malnutrition - Individuals are malnourished, or suffer from undernutrition if their diet does not provide them with adequate calories and protein for maintenance and growth, or they cannot fully utilize the food they eat due to illness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is the gravest single threat to global public health especially in the area of special needs children in Eastern Europe Poor diet may lead to a vitamin or mineral deficiency, among other essential substances, sometimes resulting in scurvy - a condition where an individual has a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency. Though scurvy is a very rare disease, it still occurs in some patients (very often with orphans) - special needs children living in institutions, or those that live on a diet devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables. Similarly, infants or children who are on special or poor diets for any number of economic or social reasons are severely prone to scurvy According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, it is estimated that over two million people are affected by malnutrition (subnutrition), and a high percentage are the children in orphanages and institutions.

Poor diet may lead to a vitamin or mineral deficiency, among other essential substances, sometimes resulting in scurvy - a condition where an individual has a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency. Though scurvy is a very rare disease, it still occurs in some patients (very often with orphans) - special needs children living in institutions, or those that live on a diet devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables. Similarly, infants or children who are on special or poor diets for any number of economic or social reasons are severely prone to scurvy.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, it is estimated that over two million people are affected by malnutrition (subnutrition), and a high percentage are the children in orphanages and institutions.




The World Health Organization (WHO) says that malnutrition is by far the largest contributor to child mortality globally, currently present in half of all cases. Deficiencies in vitamin A or zinc cause 1 million deaths each year. WHO adds that malnutrition during childhood usually results in worse health and lower educational achievements? While malnutrition used to be seen as something which complicated such diseases as measles, pneumonia and diarrhea, it often works the other way round - malnutrition can cause diseases to occur.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary:


Malnutrition is "Faulty nutrition resulting from malabsorption, poor diet, or overeating."
Undernutrition is "A form of malnutrition resulting from a reduced supply of food or from inability to digest, assimilate, and use the necessary nutrients."
What are the signs and symptoms of malnutrition?

Loss of fat (adipose tissue)
Breathing difficulties, a higher risk of respiratory failure
Depression
Higher risk of complications after surgery
Higher risk of hypothermia - abnormally low body temperature
The total number of some types of white blood cells falls; consequently, the immune system is weakened, increasing the risk of infections
Higher susceptibility to feeling cold
Longer healing times for wounds
Longer recover times from infections Longer recovery from illnesses
Reduced muscle mass
Reduced tissue mass Tiredness, fatigue, or apathy
Irritability
In more severe cases:

Skin may become thin, dry, inelastic, pale, and cold
Eventually, as fat in the face is lost, the cheeks look hollow and the eyes sunken
Hair becomes dry and sparse, falling out easily
Sometimes, severe malnutrition may lead to unresponsiveness (stupor)
If calorie deficiency continues for long enough, there may be heart, liver and respiratory failure
Total starvation is said to be fatal within 8 to 12 weeks (no calorie consumption at all)

Children - children who are severely malnourished typically experience slow behavioral development, even mental retardation may occur. Even when treated, undernutrition may have long-term effects in children, with impairments in mental function and digestive problems persisting; in some cases for the rest of their lives.

What are the causes of malnutrition?

Malnutrition, the result of a lack of essential nutrients, resulting in poorer health, may be caused by a number of conditions or circumstances. In many developing countries long-term (chronic) malnutrition is widespread - simply because people do not have enough food to eat.

Poor diet - if a person does not eat enough food, or if what they eat does not provide them with the nutrients they require for good health, they suffer from malnutrition. Poor diet may be caused by one of several different factors. If the child develops dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) because of an illness, or when recovering from an illness, they may not be able to consume enough of the right nutrients. Many special needs children suffer from this!

In poorer, developing nations malnutrition is commonly caused by:

Food shortages - Food shortages are a significant cause of malnutrition in many parts of the world

REMEMBER - "TOGETHER CAN WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE" PLEASE HELP THE SPECIAL NEEDS ORPHANED CHILDREN OF TOREZ TODAY!

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"

This Blog Linked From Here The Web
This Blog
Linked From Here
.The Web
.
.
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