Good news! The House Family's dossier (huge package of documents you need to compile for adoption) has been translated and (finally) registered with the ministry that handles adoption in Paul's country. This means it is now in the system to be reviewed and to assign the family a travel date for their first trip to meet Paul. How exciting!
On his facebook page Paul's adoptive Dad posted:
So, we need (6) round trip tickets and (1) one-way ticket. That is close to $13,000. If you or someone you know has United and/or Continental Airlines Miles and want to sponsor us through a 55,000 mile puchase of a ticket in our name, please let us know. We already have (2) potential donors.... 5 more!
Anyone out there have United or Continental Miles to spare? It couldn't go to a better cause.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
A Papa's Story: The Worst of Days
Just keeping it real, but wishing it didn't have to be. Below is a link to read about child who died before his prospective adoptive family could complete the journey.
Please say a pray for this family and for all the children waiting for their families to come and bring them home.
A Papa's Story: The Worst of Days: "What an incredible spring morning--the magnificent sunrise over our shimmering pond was exquisite. The chirping birds were happily going abo..."
Please say a pray for this family and for all the children waiting for their families to come and bring them home.
A Papa's Story: The Worst of Days: "What an incredible spring morning--the magnificent sunrise over our shimmering pond was exquisite. The chirping birds were happily going abo..."
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Rituals in adoption
There is a sort of coming of age ritual for many parents in families formed by adoption. It comes at a time when your child has an understanding of adoption that lets him (or her) know that the pool of potential parents was not limited to just the parents who raise him.
It usually manifests itself in the middle of a...discussion (we'll call it) with parents when it occurs to the child that perhaps, if he had different parents, he would not have to brush his teeth, take a bath, go to bed at 8 o'clock, clean his room, do his homework... Perhaps, if he had different parents, he would have an i-pod touch, his own handheld gaming device, be allowed to play Call of Duty, engage in on-line gaming with total strangers, and...
The particulars of the cruelty to which the parents are currently subjecting the child are not really important. The important part is that the child--in an "Ah ha, moment"--realizes that, for him, things could have been different. The ones born into the family, well, they didn't really have any other options, but for him...suddenly, the opportunities seem endless. (And yet, in a cruel twist of fate, instead of ending up in Buckingham Palace, his cousin's house, or some other home with reasonable parents, he ended up in a place where the parents are Luddites obsessed with dental hygiene. Life can be full of disappointment.)
How proud the parent feels when, hearing the child testing this new concept with a few loving words like "I wish you never adopted me", she is able to calmly respond: "We can talk about adoption later. Right now it is time to get ready for bed, and you need to brush your teeth."
I didn't know this day would come so soon, but I didn't laugh out loud (hey, you gotta give the kid points for trying), and it shows he understands something about adoption (which is pretty advanced, I think). So all in all, I am feeling pretty good about it. Rituals are important, and sharing them lets us know that we are not alone.
It usually manifests itself in the middle of a...discussion (we'll call it) with parents when it occurs to the child that perhaps, if he had different parents, he would not have to brush his teeth, take a bath, go to bed at 8 o'clock, clean his room, do his homework... Perhaps, if he had different parents, he would have an i-pod touch, his own handheld gaming device, be allowed to play Call of Duty, engage in on-line gaming with total strangers, and...
The particulars of the cruelty to which the parents are currently subjecting the child are not really important. The important part is that the child--in an "Ah ha, moment"--realizes that, for him, things could have been different. The ones born into the family, well, they didn't really have any other options, but for him...suddenly, the opportunities seem endless. (And yet, in a cruel twist of fate, instead of ending up in Buckingham Palace, his cousin's house, or some other home with reasonable parents, he ended up in a place where the parents are Luddites obsessed with dental hygiene. Life can be full of disappointment.)
How proud the parent feels when, hearing the child testing this new concept with a few loving words like "I wish you never adopted me", she is able to calmly respond: "We can talk about adoption later. Right now it is time to get ready for bed, and you need to brush your teeth."
I didn't know this day would come so soon, but I didn't laugh out loud (hey, you gotta give the kid points for trying), and it shows he understands something about adoption (which is pretty advanced, I think). So all in all, I am feeling pretty good about it. Rituals are important, and sharing them lets us know that we are not alone.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Fly me to the moon - Edited Version
So the first version of this post gave the retail costs of flights listed on the internet, which indicated that it would cost more than $2,500 just for Paul's one way ticket home. The good news is the actual cost should be much less. (Doing a happy dance here) BUT, the cost of three trips to EE is still high, and every family traveling to bring their children home can still use our help. For the new and improved version of this post, read on.
Fly me to the moon, let me play around the stars...everytime I sing that song the lyrics are a little different, but it always feels good. Imagine playing among the stars?
Know what else makes me feel good? The House Family has completed their paperwork and submitted it to Paul's country. This is a time of waiting, and right now they are are just waiting to hear on their travel date! (I get teary just thinking about it.)
Paul's country traditionally requires two trips, but some regions (like the one where Paul lives) are now requiring adoptive families to make three trips.
With the cost of fuel and airfare constantly rising, the cost of travel is huge.
So, who wants the honor of buying Paul his ticket home? It could be YOU! Imagine what a privilege, what a thrill that would be? It would be like dancing among the stars!
Do you have transferable frequent flier miles? Would you be willing to donate them to cover Paul's trip from an institution in Easter Europe to a home and family?
If you can't do it on your own, how about sharing the privilege with family and friends?
If you and 24 friends have $100 each to contribute, that would be $2,500 toward the travel costs?
How about you and 99 friends giving $25 each?
Or 250 friends could get together and contribute $2,500 for just $10 each! Now that could be a challenge for someone with 250 facebook friends.
Imagine Paul flying home to his family. Now imagine that you were able to play a part in flying him home. Fly me to the moon...you'd be singing that song for weeks.
Fly me to the moon, let me play around the stars...everytime I sing that song the lyrics are a little different, but it always feels good. Imagine playing among the stars?
Know what else makes me feel good? The House Family has completed their paperwork and submitted it to Paul's country. This is a time of waiting, and right now they are are just waiting to hear on their travel date! (I get teary just thinking about it.)
Paul's country traditionally requires two trips, but some regions (like the one where Paul lives) are now requiring adoptive families to make three trips.
With the cost of fuel and airfare constantly rising, the cost of travel is huge.
So, who wants the honor of buying Paul his ticket home? It could be YOU! Imagine what a privilege, what a thrill that would be? It would be like dancing among the stars!
Do you have transferable frequent flier miles? Would you be willing to donate them to cover Paul's trip from an institution in Easter Europe to a home and family?
If you can't do it on your own, how about sharing the privilege with family and friends?If you and 24 friends have $100 each to contribute, that would be $2,500 toward the travel costs?
How about you and 99 friends giving $25 each?
Or 250 friends could get together and contribute $2,500 for just $10 each! Now that could be a challenge for someone with 250 facebook friends.
Imagine Paul flying home to his family. Now imagine that you were able to play a part in flying him home. Fly me to the moon...you'd be singing that song for weeks.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Cost of International Adoption
Why does international adoption from Paul's country cost so much? I don't really know, but here is an estimate of adoption costs from that country, which does have some of the highest costs around.
Homestudy $750-$3,000
Documentation Authentication $1,000-$2,000
I-600 Visa Application $500-$600
Postage/Telephone $200-$500
Application Fee $150-$600
Program Fee $16,000-$28,000
Child's Passport/Visa $300-$400
Child's medical exams $200-$500
Gifts $100-$200
Post Placement Reports $400-$1,000
Airfare $2,000-$6000
Other Travel $5,000-$15,000
Driver interpreter $2,100-$4,000
Average Cost $30,000-$40,000
Source: http://theadoptionguide.com/tools/planner/budgets.php
Now why did I share that with you? To help you understand the importance of supporting those who are working so hard to bring children from institutions into families.
Paul's family, Charlie and Melissa House, have raised $19,747 of the $33,000 cost of his adoption. Their goal is to raise $25,000. That is only $5,253 more. Can you believe it? Only $5,253 stands between Paul and home! Let's do something about it.
Homestudy $750-$3,000
Documentation Authentication $1,000-$2,000
I-600 Visa Application $500-$600
Postage/Telephone $200-$500
Application Fee $150-$600
Program Fee $16,000-$28,000
Child's Passport/Visa $300-$400
Child's medical exams $200-$500
Gifts $100-$200
Post Placement Reports $400-$1,000
Airfare $2,000-$6000
Other Travel $5,000-$15,000
Driver interpreter $2,100-$4,000
Average Cost $30,000-$40,000
Source: http://theadoptionguide.com/tools/planner/budgets.php
Now why did I share that with you? To help you understand the importance of supporting those who are working so hard to bring children from institutions into families.
Paul's family, Charlie and Melissa House, have raised $19,747 of the $33,000 cost of his adoption. Their goal is to raise $25,000. That is only $5,253 more. Can you believe it? Only $5,253 stands between Paul and home! Let's do something about it.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Life...priceless
Okay, I admit it. I've been a total blog slacker. Family, work...LIFE, got in the way.
That is so appropriate, because this blog is about LIFE. It is about life in a family for children whose first families and cultures had no place for them.
Today, as it has been on many days, this blog is about the LIFE of one little boy and one particular family.
The boy is that little sleepy-head in the picture, Paul.
The family is Charlie and Melissa House, who have persevered through disappointment and heartache to the point where their paperwork is complete and submitted to the country in Eastern Europe where Paul lives. (You can read their update here).
In this process the projected cost of thier adoption has changed. It has increased from $30,000 to $33,000. (I updated the thermometer on the side of the blog to reflect this change).
Why is it that the cost of adoption never goes down? Why does it cost so much to ransom a child from life in an institution? I don't know the answers to those questions, but I do know that the value of a child's life is beyond cost. Paul's value is priceless.
Charlie and Melissa are now only $2,000 from their original fundraising goal. The increased cost of Paul's adoption makes it more crucial than ever that we help them to meet that goal. We can do it. After all, Paul is priceless.
That is so appropriate, because this blog is about LIFE. It is about life in a family for children whose first families and cultures had no place for them.
Today, as it has been on many days, this blog is about the LIFE of one little boy and one particular family.The boy is that little sleepy-head in the picture, Paul.
The family is Charlie and Melissa House, who have persevered through disappointment and heartache to the point where their paperwork is complete and submitted to the country in Eastern Europe where Paul lives. (You can read their update here).
In this process the projected cost of thier adoption has changed. It has increased from $30,000 to $33,000. (I updated the thermometer on the side of the blog to reflect this change).
Why is it that the cost of adoption never goes down? Why does it cost so much to ransom a child from life in an institution? I don't know the answers to those questions, but I do know that the value of a child's life is beyond cost. Paul's value is priceless.
Charlie and Melissa are now only $2,000 from their original fundraising goal. The increased cost of Paul's adoption makes it more crucial than ever that we help them to meet that goal. We can do it. After all, Paul is priceless.
ipad 2 giveaway
The Senti family is doing an ipad 2 giveaway to help raise money to bring home this little cutie. Adding a Senti: 4 days left!: "Only 4 days left to have your chance at winning the ipad 2! Just click HERE to make a tax deductable donation and get entered into the giv..."
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Generosity
Generosity is such a beautiful thing. My little guy--the one who can be absolutely reckless as he rushes through life--has the most generous spirit. He is always giving away his things to his brother, friends and cousins. I love his generous spirit and try to encourage it whenever I can.
Charissa Browning is another person with a generous spirit. She is doing a give away on her blog to help the Burger family bring home this little guy, Brian, from an orphanage in Eastern Europe. AND she is doing it with some great prizes.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
A 7 day blitz for kirill.
Remember Kirill? He is the little boy with Down Syndrome who was deemed socially unadoptable in his own country. Well, his prospective adoptive parents have taken an appeal and some fellow A-Moms are doing a 7 day give away to raise the additional funds they need. There is every reason to hope that the Davis family will be able to adopt Kirill eventually, since the same judge who found Kirill unadoptable allowed another child with Down Syndrome to be adopted last week. Yeah!
Follow the link to learn more:
our perfectly imperfect life: a 7 day blitz for kirill.: "On March 17, 2011, the Davis family sat in a Russian courtroom and listened as the judge rejected their plea to adopt Kirill, an orphan with..."
Follow the link to learn more:
our perfectly imperfect life: a 7 day blitz for kirill.: "On March 17, 2011, the Davis family sat in a Russian courtroom and listened as the judge rejected their plea to adopt Kirill, an orphan with..."
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Our Eyes Opened: Kirill's Story
Our Eyes Opened: Kirill's Story Sometimes things happen in the world that just break our hearts, and compel us to prayer. Please join in prayer for this situation, this child, this family, and all the other children and families this legal decision will effect.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Give Away Winners
And we have two winners! Yeah!
The winner of the Green with Envy Jewelry Give Away is Colleen at Sunshine from Heaven. Colleen, would you please leave a comment or email me, so I can put you in touch with the Fab Four at To Love the Unloved? They still hold the jewelry and can send it to you.
The winner of the Adoption Wisdom Give Away is Therese, who doesn't have a blog. (In the interest of full disclosure, Therese happens to be related to me, but that is purely a coincidence.)
Thanks to all who participated. Those Give Aways may be over, but there is still plenty of opportunity to help the House Family, and all the other families working so hard to bring children with Down Syndrome and other disabilities from insitutions into families.
The winner of the Green with Envy Jewelry Give Away is Colleen at Sunshine from Heaven. Colleen, would you please leave a comment or email me, so I can put you in touch with the Fab Four at To Love the Unloved? They still hold the jewelry and can send it to you.
The winner of the Adoption Wisdom Give Away is Therese, who doesn't have a blog. (In the interest of full disclosure, Therese happens to be related to me, but that is purely a coincidence.)
Thanks to all who participated. Those Give Aways may be over, but there is still plenty of opportunity to help the House Family, and all the other families working so hard to bring children with Down Syndrome and other disabilities from insitutions into families.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Give aways ending March 17
Just a reminder that the two great give aways to raise funds for Paul's adoption end this Thursday, March 17!See the Give Away buttons on the side of this blog? They will both come down on Friday.
To enter make a tax deductible donation to Reece's Rainbow to benefit "Paul for the House Family". You can donate by clicking on the Paul button on the side of the blog or mailing a check
to:Reece's Rainbow
PO Box 4024
Gaithersburg, MD 20885
Then leave a comment on this blog or send me an email, letting me know that you make the donation, and which give away you are entering. $5 per entry, 5 entries for $20.
Even if you cannot make a donation, please spread the word about the give aways by reposting on your blog or facebook. That will also get you entered in one of the give aways, just leave me a comment so I can confirm your reposting.
Your odds of winning are very good, since as of this minute only one person is entered in the Green with Envy Jewelry give away and no one has entered the Adoption Wisdom give away. It's a good cause--just look at the little guy--and your chances have never been better.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Finding Martin...: Putting stuff back together.
Finding Martin...: Putting stuff back together.: "I just wanted to put a quick post out there for all our followers. I am in the process of starting a new blog and when I do I'll post the ne..."
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Lenten Sacrifices and Giving
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. For Christians Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time of preparation for Holy Week and Easter, traditionally parked by prayer, fasting and alms giving.
A very old Lenten practice is to fast or give-up something for Lent and to donate the money that you would have spent on the item or activity. As a family, we are going to have two meatless days a week for Lent. Contrary to my big guy's suggestion, we are not going to replace meat with Salmon or crab legs, but with rice and beans, or a vegetable soup. We are going to try to live more simply this Lent and donate the money we save to Reece's Rainbow, to help bring children with disabilities from institutions into families.
When you make your Lenten Sacrifices, as you fill your mite box or rice bowl, please consider donating those funds to an organization that works with orphans.
A very old Lenten practice is to fast or give-up something for Lent and to donate the money that you would have spent on the item or activity. As a family, we are going to have two meatless days a week for Lent. Contrary to my big guy's suggestion, we are not going to replace meat with Salmon or crab legs, but with rice and beans, or a vegetable soup. We are going to try to live more simply this Lent and donate the money we save to Reece's Rainbow, to help bring children with disabilities from institutions into families.
When you make your Lenten Sacrifices, as you fill your mite box or rice bowl, please consider donating those funds to an organization that works with orphans.
Monday, March 7, 2011
A Shout Out for Kolya
Okay, first a picture to whet your appetite for more information. How stinkin' cute is he?Remember how I just could not get Martin out of my head? Remember how I needed to do something to find him a family? Well, there is another mom out there who feels the same way about Kolya, and she is offering her engagement ring to try to find a family for him.
Kolya turns 11 in July, so he is exactly one year younger than my big guy! Wow, it will take a confident family to move forward to bring home a child that age, but nonetheless, still a child (just like my big guy), still in need of a family to love and parent him. He is described by his friends, the orphanage workers who so want him to find a home, as "a really good and loyal man."
Go here to read what this mom has to say about Kolya.
Along The Road: While We Wait: "While we sit waiting for the next step, there is a little boy that I must share with you all: 'Kolya' Region 15. Love him? Contact Reese's..."
Then go here to read more about Koyla. There is a newer picture than the one I have here, and he looks a bit thinner to me. Maybe Koyla is just having a growth spurt like so many boys his age do. Or maybe he just really needs to come home, so his mother can spoil him with macaroni and cheese, and his father can take him for a special treat at the DQ.
Do you have room in your heart and in your home for "a really good and loyal man"?
Less than perfect...just like us
"In the end, everything funnels down to a simple fact: Many babies and children need a mommy and daddy, and if they are less than 'perfect,' they are really only like their parents-to-be."
Ray Guarendi, Adoption: Choosing It, Living It, Loving It.
For more adoption wisdeom from Dr. Ray contribute to the House Family Adoption fund and enter the Adoption Wisdom Give Away.
Ray Guarendi, Adoption: Choosing It, Living It, Loving It.
For more adoption wisdeom from Dr. Ray contribute to the House Family Adoption fund and enter the Adoption Wisdom Give Away.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Amazing Camera Give Away to Bring Noah Home
Wow, some people think of really amazing give aways to raise money to bring children home, like this one for Noah. Makes me feel like quite the slacker. Go on over and take a look.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Martin's Hope
Such good news!I always knew that Martin was going to do great things in this world, and at only 5 years of age, he already is at it.
Martin is no longer available for adoption, but he has brought hope to another child, Paul.
Like Martin, Paul was born with a little something extra, a third copy of his 21st chromosome. Like Martin, Paul was abandoned at birth to the tender ministrations of a state-run orphanage. Now, like Martin, Paul has the hope of a family. The House Family is pursuing Paul's adoption.
I have so much respect for this wonderful family, pushing through their loss and moving forward. Choosing a child who has no hope, and giving it to him.
Let's continue to work together to help give an orphan hope, a family to love and care for him, to dry his tears, teach him that every morning can be good, and kiss him to sleep at night. Since Martin is no longer available for adoption his funds have been transferred to Paul, and you can contribute to Paul's adoption fund by clicking on the House Family Sponsorship button with Martin's picture on it on the sidebar of this blog.
I like that there is not a new button yet. It makes me smile to think of Martin working to bring his little brother home.
What is fear keeping you from doing?
"The number of people wanting and willing to adopt would be higher except for one thing--they're scared." Ray Guarendi in Adoption: Choosing It, Living It, Loving It
Fear can be a powerful force. Some fear is a good, even necessary thing. It helps us to be safe. Fear prevents me from driving 100 miles per hour through my neighborhood. It keeps me from walking into a dark ally alone at night.
But fear can also be a very negative thing in our lives. Fear can keep us from doing things that we should do. Fear of failure can keep us from even trying. Fear makes it all about us, since it focuses all attention on keeping ourselves safe. Other people, God, all other considerations must give way to that fear induced self-obsession (or perhaps the self-obsession causes the fear?). Usually, fear promotes the status quo, and keeps us from making changes in our lives, even when those changes are for the good.
What is fear keeping you from doing?
Fear can be a powerful force. Some fear is a good, even necessary thing. It helps us to be safe. Fear prevents me from driving 100 miles per hour through my neighborhood. It keeps me from walking into a dark ally alone at night.
But fear can also be a very negative thing in our lives. Fear can keep us from doing things that we should do. Fear of failure can keep us from even trying. Fear makes it all about us, since it focuses all attention on keeping ourselves safe. Other people, God, all other considerations must give way to that fear induced self-obsession (or perhaps the self-obsession causes the fear?). Usually, fear promotes the status quo, and keeps us from making changes in our lives, even when those changes are for the good.
What is fear keeping you from doing?
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Losing Martin...Moving Forward...
Losing Martin...: Moving Forward...: "Well, we have finally had 'the discussion'. The one about what our next move is going to be. We have known all along that we still want to a..."
After some tough times, the House family is ready to move forward again in this crazy world of international adoption. In Melissa's words: "I have not given up on Martin and most likely never will. He will always be in my thoughts. I will always wonder where he is and how he's doing, but I know that there is another little boy out there that needs our family. So we are off to finish this crazy, insane journey and bring home our son, whoever he may be."
If Charlie and Melissa can keep their eyes focused on a child's need for a family, then I think that we can too. Wadda ya say? Let's continue to help support them to bring their son home, "whoever he may be."
The Adoption book and Green with Envy Jewelry give aways were supposed to end on Monday, but I am going to continue them through March 17.
After some tough times, the House family is ready to move forward again in this crazy world of international adoption. In Melissa's words: "I have not given up on Martin and most likely never will. He will always be in my thoughts. I will always wonder where he is and how he's doing, but I know that there is another little boy out there that needs our family. So we are off to finish this crazy, insane journey and bring home our son, whoever he may be."
If Charlie and Melissa can keep their eyes focused on a child's need for a family, then I think that we can too. Wadda ya say? Let's continue to help support them to bring their son home, "whoever he may be."
The Adoption book and Green with Envy Jewelry give aways were supposed to end on Monday, but I am going to continue them through March 17.
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