Vera Beth is home

Yesterday, I received a birthday gift nearly two years in the making. 

First picture we ever saw
of Vera



In September of 2009, my mother-in-law asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I couldn't think of a single thing, so I decided we'd raise funds and advocate for a child from Reece's Rainbow - and specifically, a child from William's birth country.

And thus, the quest to find Vera's family began. We prayed and prayed. We asked God to lead a family to become Vera's forever family. We shared her story with everyone, and we waited for God to lead her family to her.

Yesterday, I saw those prayers answered. Vera is now a daughter and a sister. She has a Daddy, a Mommy, two brothers, and a sister.

It was beautiful. I can't even put into words what it was like to kneel down beside her and talk to her.

Instead, I'll show you a few pictures of her homecoming, and simply say...

God is good... all the time!

Don't Miss an Opportunity!

September 2010: Sitting at William's first soccer practice of the season. I struck up a conversation with a mom sitting nearby. As we talked, I shared with Tracy that we'd just adopted Daniel about two months ago.

October 2010: Another soccer practice. Tracy was talking to Zack (I was running an errand with the wild 5-year-old), and asked which country Daniel is from. Zack shared that both he & William are from Ukraine. Turns out, Tracy's friend Pam and her family were about to host a young girl from Ukraine for the holidays.

November 2010: we met Pam and her family for dinner. We shared about our experiences in Ukraine and offered to have them over for a Ukrainian dinner when Katya arrives.

December 2010: the whole family, including Katya, came over. We had a great time hanging out, eating borscht and vareniky, and getting to know each other better.

Well, many of you know that I've been advocating for a little girl in an Eastern European orphanage since September 2009. Last year a family committed to Vera's adoption. But early this year, I received the news that the family was not adopting her after all. My heart was broken. She was approaching her 6th birthday and I knew her time was running out.

So I began praying. Pleading. Asking God to open the eyes and ears of the family that was meant to be Vera's forever family. I plastered her picture and story everywhere. Our blog. Emails. Facebook. Twitter. I asked people to share on their social media outlets as well.

My new friend Pam did just that. She posted Vera's picture on her facebook, and it was then that Vera's family found her. A friend of Pam's had been dreaming of a little girl. Little did she know, that face in her dreams was a real girl.

As soon as she saw Vera's picture, she recognized her. And within days, Vera's family was pursuing her. They already had most of the paperwork including homestudy, just had to get it updated. And a few weeks ago, they arrived in Vera's country and met their youngest child for the first time.

In about 48 hours, they should be landing in America. If all goes as planned, I'll get to be a part of their welcoming committee.

Vera is now a daughter. She has a dad, a mom, two brothers, and a sister. And we live about 20 minutes from them!



In the past there've been times when I've wondered if I should just leave strangers alone. Maybe they don't want to hear our story. Maybe I should stop telling our story, and just let people go about their business. But what if by telling the stories of our family, God is working through us, and we're utilizing the opportunities that He gives...

So my perspective has changed. Now I think back to that hot day on the soccer fields with Tracy. And I see that what at the time might have seemed to be an innocent conversation, turned out to be a part of a chain of events that brought a daughter home.

Don't Miss Out on Opportunities!!

Just up the road

Want to hear some great news?

Vera has a family committed to bringing her home and adding her to the family!! I found out last week, but it's now official (i.e. they're now listed on the RR website - see HERE).

And I have to admit, I'm extra-excited because this family lives just a couple of towns over from us!

I can't help but smile when I picture our Daniel and their daughter playing together.

And I can't help but think that God is smiling down, having one of those "I told you so" moments.

The family is pretty close to being paperwork ready, just some minor things to do in order to get their dossier together. Please pray as they prepare their documents and their hearts for this little treasure.

Slava Bogu - this little angel will soon be with her family!

Pray, Share, Act: Vera

For reasons we do not know, Vera is once again on the waiting children list. Vera will be 6 at the beginnig of April. Thankfully, she is still in the baby house and has not yet been transferred to an institution. But regretfully, this transfer will likely happen very soon. And for so many children, this transfer is ultimately a death sentence.

Please don't make any negative comments about the family that intended to adopt her - we don't know what happened. That's between them and God.

Please don't ask any questions about what happened.

Instead, please PRAY:

• Pray for Vera, that the orphanage staff will have a soft place in their hearts for her and find some way to keep her from being transferred until a family can come and rescue here.
• Pray that a family will step up NOW and commit to her.
• Pray about the possibility that her forever family might be YOUR family.

Do you have room in your home & family for a precious little girl?

• Yes, she is a "special needs" child. But the right therapy could do wonders.
• Yes, she might be developmentally delayed. But then again, our boys were. And they are a picture of what love and attention can do - they are THRIVING.
• Yes, adoption is expensive. But she already has a $3,050 grant. And there is the adoption tax credit - it's $13k for adoptions completed this year, and is fully refundable. And people WILL help if you ask. (and don't get me started on other things we'll spend thousands of dollars on without blinking an eye)
• Yes, international travel is hard. But it's also exciting! And what a great opportunity to share the love of Jesus with those you wouldn't normally get to meet.
• Yes, there can be post-adoption challenges. But there are books, websites, support groups, and GOD.

She needs a family. She needs a bright future. She deserves better than what she's facing now. Please consider Vera. If you're not able to consider her for your family, please share about her via your blog, Twitter, and/or Facebook.

Click HERE to see her Reece's Rainbow profile. There is a facebook share button on her page.

The word Vera means faith in Russian. And I have faith that God is watching over this precious little one.

UPDATE: A blog has been set up to advocate for Vera. It has more photos, as well as opinions & feedback from 2 families that met her while they were at the orphanage. Visit HERE.

The Land family... dossier submitted!

Remember Vera? She's the little girl we did fundraising for about a year ago (read about her HERE). On January 21st, I learned that a family had committed to pursuing Vera (read that post HERE).

The Land family is not just seeking to adopt Vera, but 2 other children from her orphanage as well. They have been working diligently to raise funds, knowing that they were very close to having the opportunity to submit their dossier. As of October 16, they still needed $15,000.

On October 20, an anonymous family stepped forward and provided what they needed (read about that HERE).

And yesterday, their dossier was submitted to the SDA!!!

Please pray that everything is in order, and that they will receive their travel dates soon. Pray for their health and safety during this time, as well as the health, safety, and transitions ahead for them, their 2 children already at home, and the children God intends to add to their family.

Slava Bogu (Praise God!)!  Be sure to stop by their blog HERE and let them know you're praying for their journey!

Christmas shopping!

It's definitely not too early to start your Christmas shopping - Christmas is just 3 months from tomorrow!

The Land family has some fun fundraisers that can help you do just that. Here's text copied from some of Amy's recent posts... (and you can visit their blog HERE)

• Scentsy Fundraiser - remember to click on Land Adoption on the left. Also have the items shipped to yourself.
• Sarah's Treasures - ONLY ONE DAY OCT 8 - You will need to tell her it is for Land Adoption.
• Discovery Toys - You will need to e-mail Jill and tell her for the Land Family Adoption.
• Coffee Fundraiser
• T-Shirt Fundraiser
• Donate to our Family Sponsorship Program - tax - deductible donations

Do Good & Share with Those in Need

Remember Vera, the little girl we did fundraising for last year?

There is a family in Indiana that is working hard to bring her home - along with 2 other little ones from her orphanage.

The Land family is making progress, and hopefully soon they'll be traveling to bring their children home. But as you can imagine, the expense of adopting 3 children is not exactly small.

There are several ways you can help the Land family bring their children home...

• Buy coffee HERE (it is SOOO good!) and a portion of the money goes to the family
• Buy cool t-shirts HERE (similar to the ones we wore on our trip home) and a portion of the money goes to the family
• You can make a tax-deductible donation to their Reece's Rainbow account here: http://www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorland.html

Please prayerfully consider how you might be able to help this family as they seek to live out James 1:27.

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need.
These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16

Help the Land family!

There is a family I know only through the blog world, a family that is trying to raise funds to adopt 3 precious children.

This family wants to officially commit to these children, but still needs to raise more money in order to do so. Because they have not yet officially committed to the children, I can't share with you the specific reason why they're so special to me. But if you've followed my blog for more than a few months, you can probably put 2 and 2 together.

I pray for this family often. I want so badly for the funds to be raised so they can rescue these children. This is a good family, a Christian family with good values and with a heart for God's will, a heart to help the fatherless.

If you have a few dollars to spare, would you please help the Land family?

You can donate via their blog HERE.

You can support them by purchasing t-shirts HERE.

You can support them by purchasing REALLY GOOD coffee HERE.

You can mail a donation to them (details HERE).

Or you can contribute $5 to their puzzle fundraiser HERE.

Any of these will help get the Land family another step closer to their children! Please prayerfully consider helping this family, and helping some very special children in Eastern Europe.

You can support Vera & Sasha's family

The family that is pursuing Vera and Sasha is working diligently to raise funds for their adoption. If you'd like to support them, please email me and I'll give you an address where you can make a tax deductible donation to them. They need to raise $3,000 right away to get the ball rolling on phase 1 of all the paperwork. I know that any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated!

(To everyone that has already given to Vera's fund, the funds in the Reece's Rainbow account will be available to this family once they travel, to cover the in-country expenses)

You can also click HERE for info on how to donate.

Shouting from the rooftops!!!

Vera's forever family has committed to her and is pursuing her adoption!!

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am. I've been sitting at my desk crying, and just trying to let it sink in. Her family has a blog that you can visit HERE. As soon as their donation page is set up, I will share the link. They are also pursuing Sasha, a precious little boy at the same orphanage.

Please stop by their blog and congratulate this family, and join me in praising God for uniting another family!!

Lera, a Netbook, and Vera

Lera is a precious little girl in Eastern Europe who is waiting on a forever family. And the exciting news is that there is a family that has committed to her adoption! Her family is currently holding a fundraiser, and the giveaway is a Dell mini netbook! How awesome would that compact little computer be, especially for a family that might be traveling overseas to get their little one soon!?!? So I encourage you to click HERE to visit their site and donate to Lera's adoption fund.

And while we're talking about Eastern European orphans, just a reminder to please continue to pray for Vera. As far as I know, there is still no family committed to her, and her time is running out. I'm certain that there is a family out there that would be a perfect fit for her, and I pray that they step up soon.

Vera... and maybe a sister for her, too?

Please click HERE and read Michelle's post about Vera and another precious little one in the same orphanage, Alina. Please pray for a family to commit to them soon!!

$1328...

... that's how much money is currently in Vera's adoption fund through Reece's Rainbow. It continues to increase. And if a family will commit to her adoption, I will gladly continue to advocate to help you increase her fund even more!

Vera's 5th birthday is just a little more than 3 months away. Please don't let her be transferred. Please share her info on your blog or your facebook page, tell friends and family about her, do anything you can to spread the word.

My Christmas wish was that a family would commit to Vera before the end of the year. There are still a few more days for that wish to come true...

Continued Prayers

Vera'a adoption fund is now over $1300! Please join us and continue to pray for Vera's very own Christmas miracle. I pray that THIS WEEK, a family will commit to her and begin their preparations to bring her home.

Let this be Vera's last Christmas in the orphanage

I just noticed that Vera's adoption fund has once again increased! Praise God that there are people out there continuing to think of her!!
My Christmas wish is a Daddy & Mommy for her. Let's pray fervently that her family will step up and commit to Vera before this year is out. What a wonderful Christmas gift it would be to know that she has a family coming for her!

The clock is ticking..

In April, Vera will be 5 years old. For most kids, a birthday is a great day. They are surrounded by friends and family. They receive gifts and load up on sugary cake. They are celebrated and adored, and they are filled with happiness.

But not so for Vera. If someone does not commit to her soon, her 5th birthday will more than likely mark her transfer to a mental institution. Her country simply does not have the resources to provide for the needs of these children. I don't imagine the workers in her home relish this thought, but it's a decision that's outside of their control.

I continue to pray for a couple to step up and commit to this sweet little girl. She doesn't need perfect parents. She needs parents who will love her, praise her, support her, give her time and attention, and provide the therapy she needs.

Please join me in praying for her. And remember that it's not too late to contribute to her adoption fund. There's more than $1100 in it right now. I believe that the more that's in there, the better her chances are. You can donate to Reece's Rainbow and designate your funds for "Vera (19) - other angels."

Winners!

So I totally forgot to video the event, but William drew the winners for the blog giveaway!

The Kaysers were the first to be drawn. Since they've already read the book, they asked it be given to another family. But they will be getting the Starbucks card!

And the second winner is the McConnell family, so they'll soon be reading Adopted for Life!

I personally believe that this book should come with the agreement that after reading it, you must pass it on to another family. It's THAT good, and I hope that our blog readers will take the time to read it.

$1,320!!!!!!!

WOW! We raised $1,320 in just 2 short months!!!

We will do the drawing for the book & Starbucks card in the next couple of days, and will announce the winner here on the blog.

Thanks to everyone who made donations. If you'd still like to donate to Vera, it's not too late. You can make a donation to her fund by visiting Reece's Rainbow. Just note that the donation is for Vera in Eastern Europe on the Other Angels page.

And thanks to everyone for your prayers for Vera. Please continue to pray that a family will commit to Vera's adoption very soon. Her time is running out.

If you have any questions about Vera or would like further information, you can CLICK HERE to contact Andrea at Reece's Rainbow.

Donate Today! (new chip in)

I thought by putting the end date of my chip in as Nov 17, the chip in would run THROUGH Nov 17. But instead, it ended it and wont' let me restart it. So I just created a second chip-in on the left for anyone that would like to donate today.

Please make a difference in this little girl's life by making a small donation into her adoption fund!

Keep in mind that we have already raised $1250, so whatever is raised today will be added to those funds. All donations from both chip-ins are eligible for our giveaway/raffle!

LAST DAY!!!! Please donate!

~Today is November 17th~

the last day of Vera's fundraiser

Please consider a small donation to Vera's fund today.

The more money that goes into her account, the better the chances of a family committing to her adoption.

So let's boost that total!