These are Our Rescued Angels and their loving families who committed to their life-saving adoption. Thank you for your sponsorship gift of love to give the families the financial support and the courage to continue their adoption journey.
God Bless You!
MARENA for Chris and Gretchen — ID
MARENA for Chris and Gretchen — ID
Chris and Gretchen have been married for four fabulous years. They have three sons whom they adopted from the Lord the old fashioned way. They are currently expecting their fourth child but that doesn’t stop them from seeking out the children who are already on this earth and in dire need of a home and family. During college Gretchen spent time living in Ecuador and volunteering in the orphanages there. The imprint those children left will never diminish. It showed her that orphans are out there, waiting; not living, not loving, just waiting. Adoption has always been in the plans but while in grad school it just wasn’t an option. Most recently Chris has finished school and started working as a Dentist for the United States Air Force. FINALLY they can open their hearts and home to the souls the Lord has already sent to earth. This will be their first adoption but likely not their last. With Chris having spent a number of years working and teaching in Russia this little angel was a perfect fit; not to mention she looks just like the rest of the family. Adopting is a daunting task, adopting a special needs older child is even more daunting a task but they know if the Lord brought them here, He will see them through. It is their hope that God will continue to bless and watch over her and all the other waiting children until they are brought safely home.
DECLAN for the Wagner family — GA
Mark and Amy have been married for seven years. They have two beautiful children. Their daughter, Emma is 6 years old and just completed Kindergarten. Logan, their son, is a rambunctious 3 year old. After the birth of their two children, Mark and Amy weren’t sure that they were finished having children, but knew that they wanted to wait a little while before making any decisions. Meanwhile, Amy loved to read various blogs. She would read about and follow various families adventures including those that had chosen adoption. Through this process, God began to work in Amy’s heart and open her eyes to the many orphans in this world. This broke her heart to think that so many children have no one to love them. As a result of her quest to learn more about orphans in this world, Amy came across Reece’s Rainbow. She looked at the sweet children’s faces many times and prayed that God would provide a home for each child. Little did she know that she would be drawn to one child in particular. When she came across Declan’s picture, her heart was instantly drawn to him. Even though she tried, she could not get him out of her mind. So, she shared this information with Mark uncertain of what his response would be and he suggested they pursue adopting Declan and bringing him home to our family. Amy was thrilled!! So, we begin our journey to get our paperwork in order, raise the funds and go get the newest member of our family. We are so excited and cannot wait to see what God has in store for us! We would love it if you would join us on this journey and support us as we work to bring our new son home.
Jason and Jennifer met and started dating during their first year at St. Francis College in PA in 1995. They have now been married 9 years and have two sons, Simon (“soon to be 5”, as he likes to tell everyone) and Jude (2.5 years old), whom are the biggest joy in their lives. Even before welcoming their first born into their family though, they talked of adopting one or two children into their family. After Simon was born, they knew that they would want to adopt a child with a skeletal dysplasia. Jason and Jennifer have learned so much from watching Simon’s strength, determination, and always doing everything with a smile, which Jude has learned from his big brother as well.
Simon was diagnosed via ultrasound at ~17 weeks gestation to have dwarfism, and he was born at 29 weeks gestation weighing just 1 pound 5 ounces. Miraculously, he was healthy and grew to put on weight to be able to go home with his parents after 7 weeks in the NICU, and he is now a very happy, healthy, active little boy. Despite seeing several doctors for his skeletal dysplasia/dwarfism, he is yet to be diagnosed. Jude was born two years later and is a happy, healthy and active little boy too (he does not share the health characteristics of his brother). Simon and Jude truly are the best of friends, and always wanting to be together.
Once learning of Simon’s skeletal dysplasia while Jennifer was pregnant with him, Jason and Jennifer joined Little People of America (LPA). Three years ago, after learning of the LPA Adoption waiting list, Jason and Jennifer agreed it was time to put their names on the list to welcome a baby girl with skeletal dysplasia into their family. When they learned of a little girl ready for her forever family through the LPA and Reece’s Rainbow, they immediately knew that she was meant to be a part of their family. They couldn’t stop looking at her picture and began praying that they would be the blessed family to bring her home.
The Greene family is defined by their love for each other and their faith. Simon and Jude are excited about welcoming a baby sister into their family. Jason and Jennifer feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing journey, and cannot wait to welcome their daughter home. Thank you for your prayers and support!
NEAL for the Crooker family — MI
William and Tona have known each other for over 13 years and married 3 years ago. They have 4 adorable children at home and are excited to continue expanding their family. They always knew they would adopt one day and for several years have been very interested in pursuing international adoption of a child with special needs. They knew it would happen when the time was right for them.
Tona is a stay at home mom. She also spends her time advocating for adoptions and children with special needs. in 2011 She started advocating for a disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). She has followed several stories of families who are effected by this disease and is determined to make a difference in the search for a cure. She works hard at spreading awareness and every one she knows and meets is informed on exactly what it is an how they can help.
Early in 2012 she found Baby Neal, who is also effected by EB, listed on Reece’s Rainbow. She knew as soon as she saw his precious face that she would do everything she could to help Neal find his forever Family. A few months after she began advocating for his adoption while spreading awareness for his disease, Tona and her husband, William realized that they very much wanted to bring Neal home! They will need tons of support, love and prayers to bring their sweet baby home, but are positive it can be done!
They are very excited to welcome sweet Baby Neal to their family, where he is already very, very loved and with 4 siblings eager to meet their newest baby brother! They just can’t wait to hold him in their arms!
Eliza 15H
Born, September 2006
eyes grey
Hair dark blond
Character communicative
eyes grey
Hair dark blond
Character communicative
A & A for the Kelly Family
When we started the journey of building our family, we weren’t exactly sure where the road would take us. We were led to a wonderful baby house and to our daughter. Not only did our sweet girl steal our hearts, but so did her friends and the staff. We left the baby house for the last time on Gotcha Day promising to pray and advocate for the children with special needs that we left behind.
Little did we know that our prayers would be answered in a way that we never anticipated…
We are privileged to be able to make the journey a second time and make two of our daughter’s friends her sisters.
Any help that you can offer our little family is most appreciated!
SAMUEL for the DeHoog family — Moreno Valley, CA
http://reecesrainbow.org/33196/sponsordehoog
Geoff and Laura have been married for 6 years and have 3 little girls of their own. They have always wanted children and are over the moon for their girls. Their oldest is extremely sensitive and caring while their middle daughter tends to be outgoing yet shy at the same time. what drew them to Samuel is him having spina bifida like their youngest daughter. All of their girls have taught them so much about what life truly means but their youngest having to deal with the everyday challenges she faces that others take for granted is simply remarkable. Life is truly centered around their children and their success and enjoyment of life.
Several months ago Laura happened to stumble upon Reece’s Rainbow and Samuel. Laura and Geoff were immediately drawn to him. As a couple they feel that God has led them here to this time and this place in their life for a reason. Their family was ready to grow once again. The fact that he has spina bifida meant little but at the same time it meant so much. Seeing a child with the same condition as their daughter brought them to act upon the feelings of their heart.
NATALIE for the LeBu family — Fairview Heights, IL
http://reecesrainbow.org/36071/sponsorlebu
Mike and Kelly have been married for almost twenty years and have four biological children. Their youngest daughter was born with Down syndrome almost five years ago. In 2009, Kelly came across a blog that described the plight of abandoned orphans with Down Syndrome in Eastern European countries. The blog included a link to Reece’s Rainbow. After spending hours of reading through the web site (and shedding numerous tears!) Kelly and their oldest daughter Jesslyn signed up to be prayer warriors. It was not the right time for Mike and Kelly to adopt back then. However, the issue never permanently left Kelly’s heart. Three years and several military moves later, God began nagging at Kelly’s heart and directing her once again to Reece’s Rainbow. She and Mike tried to commit to two different boys at different times during the past year, but each time another family got there first! Now they realize who God was trying to show them from the beginning and what Mike had been secretly hoping for… another little girl! One night, they both separately scrolled through the faces of waiting children and felt God drawing them to the same little girl.. unbeknownst to each other!! They decided to step out in faith and trust God to lead them on this journey towards bringing sweet little Natalie home. The LeBu siblings can’t wait to meet their new little sister and are anxious to welcome her into the family!
MALCOLM for the Smith family — Phoenix, AZ
http://reecesrainbow.org/35177/sponsorsmith-3
Charles and Eli (Elisabeth) met at church. In fact, she was a teacher in his religious education class and they married in 2009. Charles brought three children to the party, Jordan and Brianne, both young adults who are finding their own paths and 12 year old Shiloh who is making her way through 6th grade! One of their greatest wishes was to increase the family with biological children but when it became clear that was not to be they started looking at other options. They had just begun the process to become foster parents when Malcolm entered their lives.One of Eli’s bridesmaids blogged about Reece’s Rainbow and posted Malcolm’s picture asking for donations to help these beautiful children find permanent homes. While Malcolm tugged at their heartstrings they felt they couldn’t possibly consider international adoption – the cost alone was insurmountable. But then someone showed them a video of Malcolm and Charles was sunk. This little boy had captured his heart.Eli was a different matter because her head usually leads her heart; but her faith leads both. New friends and old friends came together and prayed for God to reveal His will. They were assured that He would provide a way for the Smiths to bring Malcolm home where he will be loved. She read another friend’s blog which quoted the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which said, in part:“On coming into the world, man is not equipped with everything he needs for developing his bodily and spiritual life. He needs others. Differences appear tied to age, physical abilities, intellectual or moral aptitudes…. These differences belong to God’s plan, who wills that each receive what he needs from others, and that those endowed with particular “talents” share the benefits with those who need them.”When she read that nothing was clearer than the fact that this little boy needed a home and that home was in Arizona with her family.
MARTIN for the Peterson family — Joppa, MD
MARTIN for the Peterson family — Joppa, MD
http://reecesrainbow.org/34339/sponsorpeterson
Erik and Sara have been married for 12 years and are the proud parents of five biological children. In late 2011 Sara read the book Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis and began thinking seriously about the suffering of orphans and the responsibility of all Christians to care for these at-risk little ones. A few months later, Sara began reading about the fate of orphans with special needs in Eastern European countries and she thought God might be asking her to do something about this. Sara talked to Erik who looked at the waiting children on Reece’s Rainbow and said that while adopting one of these children was a good and noble thing to do, it was such an enormous responsibility that God would need to provide an “engraved invitation” before he would be convinced that it was right for the family. God provided just such an invitation, the very next day, and the Petersons began the process to adopt Martin a week later.The Petersons live on a 21 acre farm north of Baltimore where they homeschool their children, raise chickens and ducks and tend raspberries and a vegetable garden.
OLGA for the Barth family — Topeka, KS
http://reecesrainbow.org/29697/sponsorbarth
The Barth Family is so excited about being Olga’s forever family! They have four children. Their son is 17 and their daughters are 15, 13, and 11. Katie always dreamed of continuing to grow their family and had a desire to do that through adoption. Randy also had a heart and a passion for the orphans and lonely children, but had concerns about how that would ever be possible with already having four children at home. Time and finances were always on short supply and he worried that there wouldn’t be enough of either to go around if their family grew even larger. Over the years, adoption became something that their children talked about often and they also had the desire to help a child in need. The Barth Family has seen many families forever changed for the better through adoption and were so touched by the testimonies of those that walked through the journey. Randy began to soften to the idea of adopting and as he prayed about it and learned more about it, he was surrounded by talk of adoption-it was literally everywhere he went! God wouldn’t let him get away from it and suddenly he didn’t want to-he wanted to be a part of it. So, their family began the journey by praying together about where God would use them and who He would place in their lives. After a few months of praying, they really felt as though they were being led to adopt domestically and began the application process. Now, as all adoption processes, it did not really go as they had planned and wasn’t going as smoothly as they had expected-they were waiting to hear back on several items from the State of Kansas. They were a little frustrated, but willing to wait. While waiting, Olga’s picture came to them through a friend of a friend. It was asking for prayers to find this little girl a home because she would be turning four and would be sent to the institution at that point. When they opened the email and photo, they were stunned because she looked so much like their other four child, especially their oldest son. Randy and Katie couldn’t get her out of their mind, but weren’t really thinking she was for them because that wasn’t the direction they were heading. However, they shared her picture and story with their children the next day and asked them all to pray for a family for her throughout the day. As the children came home from school that day, they all had the same response, “She is supposed to be our child-she belongs here with us. We’re her family!” For the first time in the journey and after looking at hundreds and hundreds of pictures, they were all on the same page-they all wanted to bring Olga home to their family. They spent the weekend praying for her and trying to gather all of the information that they could about her. The more they learned, the more they fell in love with her. While they were unsure about her medical prognosis with a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, they knew that in an institution, she had no hope for a future, but that with the love of a family and the greatness of God, nothing is impossible and that there are no limits to what she might be able to do. The way all of the pieces fell into place in such a short period of time, they knew that this was where God was leading them and they would definitely be obedient and say “Yes!” They are trying to get their paperwork done as quickly as possible in hopes of keeping Olga at the orphanage until they can bring her home. Their eyes have been opened and their lives already forever changed just through a few weeks of this journey with Olga and they know there is so much more excitement in store for them. They are trusting God and moving forward!
MARTIN
http://reecesrainbow.org/19024/martin-14g
Date of Birth: August 2009
Gender: Male
Eyes: Gray
Hair: Dark
Diagnosis: Paralysis of legs and urology
You cannot imagine how much force of life and movement is in Martin’s personality! Martin does not feel his legs and the movement of the lower part of the body. But he begins to roll , then learn to crawl and sit down. His force of will is amazing! Everybody points out that Martin is developing intellectually very well; he is clever and adorable boy. He speaks, sings songs, loves listening music and plays with toys. With the help of Mom and Dad this child might be the future computer genius. Martin needs family badly, if not adopted; he will be transferred to a mental institution due to his physical disability.
ANGELICA
http://reecesrainbow.org/30740/angelica-26ha
Girl, born September 2009
Little Angelica was born with missing limbs. She does have siblings, but they are not available to be adopted.
From her medical records: phocomelia, otherwise is healthy. There are no hidden diagnoses. Prostheses, most likely will need to be put on each year. From the observations of the psychologist: The child possesses the qualities that have Olympic athletes: strong-willed and with a strong character. The girl is sensitive, tender, affectionate and very independent."
October 2011: Angelica is curious, active and since birth is well developed. The girl loves the individual attention of adults and games with peers. Angelica loves listening music and fairy tales, roll the ball and play with the dolls. Despite of the problems with hands, Angelica eats alone and capable to take bread, toys with the available fingers. She walks with confidence. By nature, Angelica is calm, sociable and friendly girl. She speaks single words and knows that the cat says "Meow-Meow," and the dog-"woof-woof".
Married couples only. Travel required.
SAMUEL
Boy, born March 2007
http://reecesrainbow.org/21428/samuel-23ha
Samuel was born with open spina bifida, which was surgically addressed when he was a newborn. His mother was told he would never walk, and so she gave him up — but he is starting to walk now and doing quite well. He recently had a clubfoot surgery and now is in a recovery period.
From a volunteer who visited with him in June 2010: "I spent a whole day with Samuel yesterday. He is full of charm and charisma. He loves attention, responds to it well and can even be sly about trying to get it. We walked (he walks very well when you hold his hands) one direction and "flew" back, because he would only walk toward the entrance door. At lunch time he wanted to eat on my lap, but his nanny made him mind his manners and put him in his chair. He truly has good table manners and won't spill a drop. I was all admiration. Looking at Samuel and other kids like him, I always wish my own child was that well-behaved and responded as well to the attention of those around him… He is now waiting for a loving family!"
Update in Summer 2011: He needs some support while walking (holding on something or someone's hand) , his legs are still weak, he can crawl on his knees, can get up and sit unassisted … it is big progress as you know, when he was born, he was diagnosed to be bedridden. As far as concern his incontinence: he can control his bladder ( the volunteer said that he can miss it when he is laughing), but he still can not control bowel movements ( she wrote that in the orphanage has a schedule for him to be placed on a potty and he used to this schedule). This is update on his health before the surgery, which was done last week. The doctors hope for the better and great improvement. Samuel is now in the recovery period. I will keep you posted.
She also wrote that Samuel always looks for a man to be around…all small kids want to be with Mommy but Samuel wants to be with Daddy first….he is a Daddy's boy. When a man comes to the orphanage, Samuel is the first to meet him and tries to get his attention.
DANA
http://reecesrainbow.org/31097/dana-23ha
Date of Birth: August 2006
Gender: Female
Eyes: Gray
Hair: Dark
Character: calm
TREACHER COLLINS SYNDROME
This goldilocks princess is a favorite of the orphanage as she is very smart, calm, obidient and good-natured. She is a very kind and friendly and always there to help the younger kids in the group. Dana was left in the orphanage next day after the birth because of the facial deformities, undeveloped ears and cleft lip. She wears a hearing aid, but she can hear without it. The speech therapist is happy with her progress: she is talking well. Her personality is rather quiet and silent, by nature she is more stay-at-home child. The development corresponds her age. The face deformities are getting less noticeable every year.
The orphanage’s administration is very interested in finding the parents for her and will fully cooperate with the adoptive parents. Dana needs a facial reconstruction surgery, speech and hearing corrections. This adorable girl has an amazing personality!
WALKER
http://reecesrainbow.org/28360/walker-iag
Boy, born June 2010
Blue Eyes
Walker is diagnosed with HIV and he was originally reported to have hepititis C, but we are told that he does NOT have a hepatitis diagnosis anymore.
He is being treated: his last HIV and hepatitis related tests are normal; his HIV viral load is low; his hepatitis viral load is undetectable. His motor and psychological development is according to his age group. His physical development is delayed due to the fact that he is always hospitalized.
Walker is a charming kid; he was a ward of the head of the pulmonologist unit in the hospital. His foster parent took good care of him, paid for his very expensive tests, vaccinations, treatments, and even contacted his biological mother to ask her whether she ever had tuberculosis.
Walker is a very happy and a radiant kid! He is "honey-sweet" with a healthy glow on his cheeks and beautiful huge brown eyes. He is sensitive and responsive: life-loving child with radiant smile; he rarely cries. Since he spent most of his short life in the hospital, he has some deficiencies; he can, however, sit and stand with support, hold his bottle, and eat from spoon if fed by adult. He babbles actively, mimics expressively and communicates emotionally. Walker has an “open heart” and welcomes any kind of communication; he is not shy of strangers. He loves attention, and, when he receives it, he laughs and screams with joy! He appreciates toys, especially those making musical sounds; he studies them carefully. He is always happy to be picked up by an adult, loves to cuddle, and is constantly awaiting attention of adults. When an adult leaves his room, he feels hurt, becomes upset and cries. Walker's appetite is very good, and he sleeps peacefully.
DANNY and DANTE for the Villemure family — Monroe, MI
http://reecesrainbow.org/28853/sponsorvillemure
“Danny” and “Dante” have the promise of a joyful life with their new mom, brother and sister. God blessed Yvonne with a biological son in December of 2006, shortly thereafter her marriage dissolved and Yvonne embraced single parenthood. Yvonne has always had adoption in her heart and felt from an early age that her family would be built by adoption. In early 2009, Yvonne was led to her daughter’s Special Needs adoption when she saw this impish 4 year old little girl born with dual limb difference. Today that 7.5 year old little girl is riding her bike without training wheels, riding her brother’s razor scooter and hiking thru the woods with her family, leading an absolutely normal and happy childhood. After a year of careful consideration, the support of both her children and becoming educated about the boy’s special needs, Yvonne decided to start an adoption journey to Eastern Europe to adopt both “Danny” and “Dante.” Yvonne is working quickly to complete their dossiers and to raising the funds to bring the boys home. Yvonne cannot wait for these little guys to be home in her arms, running around the yard and giggling with their brother and sister.
Pollyanna
http://reecesrainbow.org/28002/pollyanna
Jason and Kendra met at a singles Bible study and went on their first date Valentine’s weekend. Kendra was a single mom who had recently moved 1500 miles across the country from California to Arkansas with her 5-year-old son Carter. While they were dating, Kendra had to undergo surgery and was told by the doctors that she had only about a year to get pregnant if she wanted another child. She thought it might be a deal-breaker for Jason who always wanted to have children, but he loved her and Carter too much to let that stop him. It didn’t take long for them to know God had meant for them to be together, and they married just over 7 months later.
Jason and Kendra left pregnancy in God’s hands and began discussing the possibility of adoption. Kendra is a special education teacher and has always has a heart for children with special needs. In fact, she didn’t know when she earned her MA in special education with a focus in Autism, that her own son would one day be diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. They set a timeline to undergo fertility treatment before committing to adoption. During that time, God brought other adoptive families into their lives and they were introduced to Reece’s Rainbow. Jason was hesitant at first as they were looking at children with Down Syndrome and gaining exposure through events like the Buddy Walk.
It was a few months into looking at the waiting children on Reece’s Rainbow and discussing what types of disabilities would work best for their family that Pollyanna was added. They immediately knew she was the one God had chosen for them. Carter was also very excited as he wanted a child who was able to play with him. He has written a letter to the Russians telling them he “means peace” and wants to teach Pollyanna English and will take good care of her. He even bought her a Christmas ornament, read a book about Russia and made room for her to put DSi games for girls in his case. He wants to sell hot chocolate to raise money for her adoption so she can be home in time for him to teach her how to Call the Hogs when football season starts. Everyone is very excited to bring her home and complete the family.
1/25/12—HOMESTUDY in PROGRESS
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at http://www.penniesforpolina.blogspot.com
Brother Y. and Sister M.
http://reecesrainbow.org/10956/sponsorfanz
Ike and Alicia have been married for almost 14 years. They have 3 biological children, ages 21,11, and 9. Their oldest recently graduated from college and got married. They home schooled their two younger children, who are in 3rd and 6th grade. As a family, they enjoy camping, hiking, and going to the beach. They thought their family was complete, but God had other plans. Through a friend, who has 4 special needs children, they found Reece's Rainbow. God began to speak to them about his vision for their life, which included opening their hearts and home to two precious children. Since making the decision to move forward, they are filled with excitement and cannot wait to bring these children home.
AntonBaby Tony has a family working hard to bring him home and give him the love and care he needs. We will update when we can.
Marissa Chris and Gretchen have been married for four fabulous years. They have three sons whom they adopted from the Lord the old fashioned way. They are currently expecting their fourth child but that does not stop them from seeking out the children who are already on this earth and in dire need of a home and family. During college, Gretchen spent time living in Ecuador and volunteering in the orphanages there. The imprint those children left will never diminish. It showed her that orphans are out there, waiting; not living, not loving, just waiting. Adoption has always been in the plans but while in grad school, it just wasn't an option. Most recently, Chris has finished school and has started working as a Dentist for the United States Air Force. Finally, they can open their hearts and home to the souls the Lord has already sent to Earth. This will be their first adoption, but unlikely their last. With Chris having spent a number of years working and teaching in Russia, this little angel was a perfect fit, not to mention, she looks just like the rest of the family. It is their hope that God will continue to bless and watch over her and all the other waiting children until they are brought safely home.
Vanessa
HelenAaron and Molly have been married for two years and this is the second adoption for them in a year! In December 2010, Aaron and Molly added Reed and Lena to their family from Ukraine. They were praying about adopting again, and learned about Helen's situation. They prayed for her and after several crazy twists and turns, they have decided to bring her home. Now, they are very eager to add Helen, who is just two months younger than Lena. Because of Helen's medical needs, they are hoping to bring her home very quickly. They appreciate your prayers and support as they work their way through the process.
NicolasBoy, Born February 2010Very affectionate and calm. He is a very advanced and intelligent boy. Not capricious and not whining. He responds well to speech and understands everything that is said to him. He is enthusiastic about musical toys and when he hears melodies, he starts to dance. He is happy, smiling and affectionate. He started walking in April 2011. More photos available.
Brother Y. and Sister M.
http://reecesrainbow.org/10956/sponsorfanz
Ike and Alicia have been married for almost 14 years. They have 3 biological children, ages 21,11, and 9. Their oldest recently graduated from college and got married. They home schooled their two younger children, who are in 3rd and 6th grade. As a family, they enjoy camping, hiking, and going to the beach. They thought their family was complete, but God had other plans. Through a friend, who has 4 special needs children, they found Reece's Rainbow. God began to speak to them about his vision for their life, which included opening their hearts and home to two precious children. Since making the decision to move forward, they are filled with excitement and cannot wait to bring these children home.
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