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Compiling Dossier
Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome...
Jeromy and Stacy have been googly-eyed since 1995. They started married life in 1996 in Anchorage, Alaska, college sweet hearts and best friends. After moving back home to Idaho, they decided to begin a family. After falling in love with their first 2 little girls and having very difficult pregnancies, they decided that building their family through adoption would be a wonderful idea.
By the grace of God they brought home their first little boy in 2005 at 16 days old through the foster care system. He was diagnosed with Arthrogryposis, a birth defect the family had never heard of but soon became very familiar with. Two years later, they got a call about another precious little boy with anoxic brain injury. They waited several days to find out he survived and was in need of a family to care for him. After attempts at reunification with his birth family they were able to become his permanent parents through guardianship.
After getting more involved in the adoption community and feeling led by God to be part of reaching out to older orphans, the Scheels found out about a beautiful teenage girl in Eastern Europe. She was 10 days away from aging out and, like their son, had arthrogryposis. This began their first international adoption on the fast track. She has been home almost 2 years and the Scheels are now stepping out in faith to add to their family once again through international adoption. They are excited to add Raymond to their family knowing the very special blessing each child brings.
Dane and Misty have been married almost 22 years. Their family has grown over the years, and to their great joy now includes 11 children! They never thought they would have a family so large, nor be the parents of two daughters with special needs. They traveled to Eastern Europe last year to bring home their daughters, both girls have Down syndrome. They felt God call them to father the fatherless, and although there were many unknowns they pressed forward and pursued international adoption. The blessing of adoption has flowed into every part of their lives. Both Dane and Mistys' faith has grown, and their family had embraced their new sisters! Their house is full, full of love and laugher and joy! But something was missing. Even when all the children were seated at the table, they would ask, "Who's missing?" It was Debbie that was missing! When Misty showed Dane her picture and told him she'd been transferred and needed a family soon, Dane felt she was theirs. Misty knew it too. They prayed and brought the idea of adopting Debbie to their children. Once again God moved their hearts and the children all agreed – she belonged in the family!
Now the Andersons are embarking on another international adoption, the third adoption in less than a year, the cost is monumental, and the paperwork and the stress is still there, but it's worth it! They all feel it's worth it, to save a life, to redeem a lost child, to make one less orphan.
Won't you help them bring Little Debbie home? Home to a life filled with love, acceptance, joy, and of course fun!!
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog thesassafraschronicles.blogspot.com
Christie and Raymundo met in June 2000 while they were both living in Hilton Head, SC. It was a chance meeting that changed their lives forever! Two people who probably would have passed each other on the street and not given it a second thought, were now on a path that neither would have predicted.
Raymundo (Mundo) was born in Mexico and always had a passion for learning English and traveling to the United States. When the opportunity arose to come to the US, he seized it! The hardest part of the trip was leaving his family. However, they were (and still are) very supportive of his dreams and urged him to go. Christie is also from a loving family and, at the time had been moving around the country working for Marriott.
Skip ahead almost 14 years later – Christie and Mundo have been married for 11 years and have biological daughter named Laura. Laura is 7 years old and in the 1st grade. Christie now works for the public school system in Savannah, GA as a special education teacher and Mundo works within the hospitality industry. They had been thinking of expanding their family for several years, but wanted to do it through adoption. They both felt that there were too many children who were already here in this world that needed a home and a mom and dad to call their own. They thought of fostering to adopt and made several attempts through the local social services, but it just wasn't the right time or place.
In September, Christie welcomed a new student into her classroom who had been recently adopted from Ukraine. After getting to know his family and learning about the conditions that children with disabilities face and the grim outlook for their future if not adopted, Christie felt the calling to find a child for she and Mundo. Upon finding Reece's Rainbow and searching for children with Down Syndrome, Christie and Mundo found Evan! After much discussion, tears, and prayer, Christie and Mundo made that first step to bring Evan home to live with them. Their daughter, Laura, is beside herself with excitement and cannot wait to be a big sister! Every day she talks about the things that she is going to teach Evan to do.
The Orta's believe that they were led to Evan and that God is calling them to adopt this sweet boy into their family. Many fund-raisers have taken place with LOTS of support from friends, family, and the community! They have loved getting updates on his progress and seeing his pictures as he has grown the past several months. However, no update or picture could ever take the place of holding your child in your arms. They are anxiously waiting for the day when they can board the airplane to bring their son home.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at evan4theortas.weebly.com
Dewey and Suzanne met in Lexington, MO in 1995 while taking care of a terminally ill patient and his family. With much encouragement, by the family, Dewey asked Suzanne out. After 3 short months they married and have now been together over 17 years. When they married Dewey had 3 children, living with him, and Suzanne had none. She had been told, by Doctors, that she never would have any. Dewey knew Suzanne had a desire to go to China and adopt and that she had been saving money for that reason. But, God is kind and gracious and two months later, Suzanne found herself pregnant. They now have 7 living children (ages 29-3), one in heaven, and 5 grandchildren and twin grand daughters due in June 2013. They still have 5 children living in their home, but know there is room for more. Daniel and Abby are both home schooled and in the 10th and 9th grades. Aaron currently attends early childhood education at the local school, to receive speech therapy, to correct a speech deficit, caused by frequent ear infections and hearing loss. Hannah (who has down syndrome) started attending early childhood education this year, where she gets speech, physical and occupational therapies.
Clara joined our family in May of 2012, through the Special Needs Adoption Program from China. Clara, like Hannah, has down syndrome. She also came to them with many other medical needs. Since her arrival in the US she has had her cleft lip and palate repaired, tear ducts enlarged, tubes in her ears, which returned hearing to her right ear, had her tonsils removed and major dental work done. In January of 2013 she had open heart surgery to repair her ASD, VSD and PDA. For the most part her surgery was a success. After surgery it was discovered that her PDA had partially burst open, due to high pulmonary pressures, and at her post-op visit it was noted that her pressures were decreasing, and her PDA was closed in March of 2014. She recently had her 1 month post of visit and they said her pulmonary pressures were remaining lower and they were very happy with the results. Clara and Aaron are finishing up their kindergarten year.
They had seen Elizabeth's picture about a year ago and had been praying about her. While they were deciding what to do, another family submitted their LOI. Two other families did the same and released her. Through a miracle her file was found and they knew she was their daughter. They submitted their LOI and have received their PA. They are working to quickly get through all the paperwork so they are able to adopt her before she ages out in December of this year.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at bringinghomeourchinesebutterfly.blogspot.com
Kevin and Monica Gerber met in college at Liberty University and have been married for over thirteen years. They have 2 biological girls and 1 adopted son from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and have been amazed how God has grafted their son seamlessly into their family. God has used a simple act of obedience to love an orphan for his glory and they have watched with joy as countless others have had their hearts softened toward the plight of the orphans around the world.
They and their children are thrilled to be claiming York (Kennedy) and Flora (Ruthie) as their own from Asia. Kennedy is unable to walk due to post-operative hydrocephalus and Ruthie has Down syndrome. It is their sincerest hope that the gospel and God's love for the fatherless would be made famous and multiplied. They would be so thankful for your prayers and financial support.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at www.facebook.com/gerber.family.adoption
John and Heidi were married in 2001 and became proud parents of their daughter, Ariauna later in 2001 followed by their son, Jaeden in 2003. Heidi has a degree in psychology and has worked with the developmentally disabled population and John is a veteran with a degree in criminal justice. John currently works full time while allowing Heidi to stay home and homeschool their children. As a Christian couple, they attend and serve at a local church where Heidi just returned from a 15 day mission trip to Indonesia.
Heidi has always had a passion for the disabled, which prompted her search for a career in that field. The hands on work with these people only strengthened the love she felt. Growing their family through the miracle of adoption was something close to Heidi's heart so when she felt the Lord was directing her to pursue that calling, she shared it with John. Through time and prayer, John felt the same nudge from God and as a couple, they knew they must be obedient to the Lord's calling. John has a special love for folks, both young and old, who have a diagnosis of Downs Syndrome so it was without question that they would pursue a special needs adoption!
John and Heidi's children could not be more excited to have a younger sister and are already advocating for her to be treated just like them. Their compassion and love will help their little sister to develop into all that God designed her for. She has no idea the impact she has already had on the Bison family and the Bison family has no idea the joy that this sweet little bundle will bring to their family.
The Bison family asks for your prayers as they venture through this journey. If you feel led to help financially, no amount is too small!
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog bringgraciehome.wordpress.com
David and Stephanie met in 1991 at First Baptist Church Frisco through David's sister, Cindy, who was Stephanie's Sunday School teacher. Stephanie grew very close to Cindy and her family as she began babysitting Cindy's son and daughter. David and Stephanie were only initially family friends who only saw each other at church when David came to visit his family since David was in college and Stephanie was in high school. Once Stephanie graduated high school and began college, their relationship forged into a friendship where they occasionally met up to hang out. However, all of that changed in November 1996 when David's mother was in the end stages of terminal cancer. Stephanie rallied around David's family and became a strong support and source of comfort to David. It was during this time that God made it abundantly clear that their relationship would become more than "just friends." In the month that followed, they began praying and seeking God's will and timing for their new dating relationship. A month later, in January 1997, David and Stephanie became engaged to be married. Over the next eight months, as Stephanie finished her senior year in college, they continued to seek the Lord in their relationship and prayed for ways to serve Him together. In September 1997, David and Stephanie were married.
Initially they did not want children, so David continued his career as an accountant and Stephanie began her career as a secondary English and Reading teacher. For the next four years they happily continued on their career paths and continued to pray that God would open doors for them to serve Him in a mighty way through their daily lives. In May 2001, Stephanie's life was shattered when her brother, Shane, tragically passed away. During this time of unspeakable grief, David and Stephanie sought comfort in God and remained steadfast in their desire to serve Him. God, in return, began to change their hearts in relation to their views on having children. Within a few short months, Stephanie was pregnant with their first child. What started as an uneventful healthy pregnancy changed when Stephanie entered her second trimester. On December 23rd, during a routine sonogram, the Barnett's were informed that their precious baby no longer had a heartbeat. They were completely devastated and in mourning, but found comfort in knowing that, without a doubt, their precious baby was in the arms of Jesus and that they would one day be reunited as a family. The Barnett's also found solace as they continued to place their trust in God and believe that, in His Sovereignty, God still had a plan for them that included children.
In February 2002, the Lord led the Barnett's to begin an apartment ministry and Stephanie took a leave from teaching to focus on the ministry full time. They absolutely loved the diverse apartment residents and cherished the fact that they were serving the Lord through ministering to this community. As they were serving, they could not help but feel that God was using this apartment ministry to prepare them for a bigger life-changing permanent ministry. They continued to pray and ask God to lead them where He wanted them to serve by opening the doors "to get there."
On a Thursday night in April 2002, God widely opened the first door that would place David and Stephanie on their life ministry. Stephanie was on her way home from a ladies' night out event for the apartment community when she received a call from a family member. This family member knew of a perfect blonde-haired newborn baby who needed a family because his birth mother was unable to care for him. Immediately, Stephanie told the family member that she and David wanted this baby! It was only after she hung up the phone did the word "adoption" form in her mind and sear into her heart. Her very next thought was, "Oh my goodness, I just committed to this baby and did not even consult David!" Oops! When David got home from work later that night, Stephanie informed him that he would be a daddy in a matter of days. Thankfully, David reacted with more enthusiasm over adopting their son than Stephanie did! Several days later, the Barnett's became first time parents through the beautiful world of adoption. They named their precious gift from God Copeland Shane after David's grandpa, Copeland, and Stephanie's brother, Shane. It was at this moment David and Stephanie knew their family would be built through adoption and not biologically. They could not believe that God would bless them in this way and could not wait to see how He would grow their family!
In 2004, the Barnett's moved to San Antonio and began to earnestly pray that God would once again open the doors to adopt another child. Stephanie had returned to the high school classroom by then and, in 2005, met a teenager with Down syndrome who changed her life forever. Although he was not Stephanie's student, this amazing boy asked her to help him with his homework each morning. As Stephanie tutored him, she could not help but fall in love with him and marvel at just how perfectly and beautifully God had created him. So, for the next three years, David, Stephanie, and Copeland prayed that God would bless them with a child with Ds whom they could adopt. In 2008, their many prayers were answered when God blessed them with a beautiful blonde-haired hazel-eyed newborn baby with Down syndrome! God had now wonderfully added the words "Down syndrome" to the word "adoption" while building their family. They named their new son Silas Eli. In the New Testament, Silas was one of the first Christian missionaries who served beside the Apostle Paul. It was only fitting that they chose this name because this was the missionary journey that they had been praying for and that God had called them to. Eli was David's grandpa's middle name.
From the moment the Barnett's brought Silas home, he absolutely rocked their world! They now knew that God would call them to adopt more children with Ds. In 2010, Stephanie happened to be reading her weekly People magazine when she came across an article about Andrea Roberts and why she was inspired to start Reece's Rainbow. The Barnett's lives were forever changed because of Andrea and RR. There were absolutely devastated and their hearts were broken when they learned that special needs babies are abandoned at hospitals as newborns and then sent to mental institutions by age three or four to live out the rest of their lives, with a large percentage of them dying within the first year of transfer as a result of malnourishment and mistreatment. They could not believe that the majority of people in this world could not see just how worthy and capable children and adults with special needs are. They immediately realized that God was calling them to action in order to show the world just how wonderful, worthy, and capable those with special needs are. The Barnett's had living proof: Silas Eli.
Over the next few months, the Barnett's found themselves praying about RR and growing their family again through "adoption" and "Down syndrome." During Thanksgiving week 2010, Stephanie reached out to RR for the first time. She made contact with Andrea and implored about the possibility of adopting ONE boy from Ukraine. Over the next couple of weeks, God made it clear to the Barnett's that they would be bringing home TWO boys from Ukraine as He led them to Igor's and Tihon's pictures and profiles on the RR website. As David, Stephanie, and Copeland prayed over their two boys' pictures on RR each night, they could not help but scroll past the picture and profile of a tiny little girl named Leeza with both Ds and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Stephanie found herself literally knocked to her knees late each night for almost two weeks sobbing as she begged God to bring Leeza a mama through a forever family. Little did Stephanie know that she was actually praying for herself, David, Copeland, and Silas! Through a series of miraculous events, the Lord completely opened the doors for the Barnett's to bring home THREE children. A few days after Christmas 2010, they officially committed to bringing home Igor, Tihon, and Leeza. In October of 2011, David and Stephanie landed on US soil with Igor (whom they named Teague Josiah), Tihon (whom they named Trenton James), and Leeza (whom they named Maclayne Faith – Mackie for short). The Lord had now graciously added the word "orphan" to the words "adoption" and "Down syndrome" as He continued to grow their family.
Now, a little over two years after bringing home Teague, Trenton, and Maclayne, the Lord has answered the Barnett's prayers of adopting again by opening initial doors for them to bring home two more orphans, Felix and Greta, with Down syndrome from Eastern Europe. The Barnett's are absolutely head over heels in love with Felix & Greta and cannot wait to bring them home! Please join the Barnett's on their journey through prayer and support as the Lord once again grows their family through "adoption," "Down syndrome," and "orphan." The Barnett's are forever blessed and humbled by all those who have joined and will join them on their beautiful journey to fulfill God's calling for their lives and ministry. Thank you!
17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. 18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also." ~ John 14:17-19
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at obedient2hiscommand.blogspot.com
Quinnlee has had a hold on so many hearts. So many people loved her and prayed for a family to come forward for her. She finally has a family that is moving forward to adopt her!
The Hurst family is so excited to announce that she is their daughter. Their oldest daughter, Faith, prayed for a little sister fervently for so long and her three brothers are just excited that they still outnumber the girls! Katie and Craig have prayed for Quinnlee for two years and finally realized that God was calling them to her. They have loved her for so long that the whole process seems surreal to them.
They have kept a verse hidden in their hearts for her as they prayed.
John 1:5 "And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." They are confident that while Quinnlee may never see light that she will be the brightest part of their lives.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog www.webearthelight.com
Paul and Kim have been married for 18 years in August and tried getting pregnant right away. Paul had two children from a previous marriage so they decided to have only one child. They tried for two years to get pregnant, had 3 miscarriages but finally had Laura in October of 1998. Their family was perfect. They had 2 girls and a boy, they had custody of Paul's 2 children. Life was filled with college for Aaron, dance classes, softball, church youth groups, jr high school, preschool and birthday parties. Then our world fell apart, in October of 2002. Aaron was killed in a car accident. The next three and a half years were like a bad dream that they couldn't wake up from. They were all living in the same house but their family was broken. They went through life day to day hour to hour. Kim tried to keep normalcy for Caprice and Laura. They continued with the sports, dance, youth group, and school activities. Paul barely existed. He went to work, was put on anti-depressant medication and when the medication didn't work he turned to alcohol to numb the pain. Caprice decided to go live with her mom which made the hole in our hearts even worse. Nothing seemed to be bringing their family back together at this point not even counseling.
Until the night Paul was driving and wrapped his car around a tree he had been drinking it was the anniversary of Aarons death. The police officer that had arrived on the scene first at our son's accident arrived first at Paul's. He said his biggest fear arriving on the scene with Paul hanging out the window was that he would again have to come to our house and tell us of the death of yet another member of our family. This was Paul's turning point. Paul survived the accident with only bumps and bruises. Their lives changed after that night. They started going to a Christian counselor, their friends invited us to go to Cross Creek church and they started going and even started volunteering there. Life slowly got back to the "new normal".
Friends from their new church were foster parents so they decided to honor Aaron's life by helping other children. They started taking foster care classes and became foster parents. They have helped 9 children over the last 6 years ages 2 months to 15 years old. They have watched them come into their home scared and broken and leave happy, secure, healthy and most of them with Jesus in their heart. They see the children and keep in touch through visits, calls and cards and are so happy that they were able to help them along the way. This is one of the reasons that they would like to adopt because they would like to help a child permanently.
Another reason is, their families have adopted. Kim's dad and mom adopted 3 children from Korea, her brother adopted a boy from Russia and her sister a boy from New Jersey. Paul's sister adopted 2 children from Korea also. Their families and the love they have for these children have been a tremendous inspiration.
Finally one of our biggest inspirations besides their son are a couple in our church who adopted a little girl with down syndrome last year. We never thought about adopting a "special needs" child until they introduced us to a picture of "Conner" on Reeces Rainbow. We fell in love at first site. "Conner" has Hodgkin's disease and went through 6 rounds of chemotherapy and is now in remission, he is also close to aging out. We are his last hope.
So although they were not expecting especially financially to adopt from Eastern Europe God has led them to "Conner" and they can't wait to give him a forever home that he deserves. They also cannot wait to show Conner the unconditional love of Jesus Christ as they have shown all the children who have come into their lives. They have been shown that his is the GREATEST LOVE of ALL!!!
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog vanaukenfamilyadoption.blogspot.com
Chris and Ali have been married for 7 years and have two beautiful children already entrusted in their care. Their spirited little girl is three, and they have a sweet man cub who is one. Adoption has always been on Ali's heart and a number of years ago she somehow found Reece's Rainbow. The babies on this site haven't left her thoughts since. You can't unknow what you know — and they both felt convicted to ACT as a result of what they learned about children with special needs in other parts of the world. God has been working on growing their family biologically the last couple years, and recently made it clear that NOW was the tie to pursue adoption. They are over-the-moon to be adding this little love muffin to their family, and would sincerely appreciate your prayers for him and their family as they learn and grow and stretch over the course of this journey.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog therighttoholdyou.com
The Abrams have been married for 22 years and have been blessed with 3 amazing daughters age 20, 16 and 12. They live in San Diego, CA where Tim is a firefighter and Michele homeschools their daughters. They are a silly family with lots of joy and they have always wanted to adopt. The Lord opened a door when their 16 year old daughter, Ember went to China on a mission with close friends. The Abrams fell in love with all of the disabled orphans Ember cared for. But one sweet blind boy stole their heart and the Lord began to give them faith to adopt him. They are working hard to get their dossier finished and bring their son home.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at www.adopttimmy.com
Eric and Tam have adopted previously and were not looking for another adoption situation. They were busy raising their ten kids. Then a little girl caught their eyes and they couldn't forget her.
The story of redemption is powerful. One that speaks to the heart of all men and begs the question, "why me?" Yet in the life and very death of Jesus Christ – we see the act of redemption, reaching out to the poor and desperate, seeking those who needed to be found, healing those who were sick, sinful, and hopelessly lost. Ultimately Christ gave the ultimate gift, His very life, to redeem all people from sin and He continues to give the gift of eternal life to all who believe.
The theme of redemption echoes in our very souls, moving us forward to show the love of God to others – just as Jesus did for us. In Hebrews we are commanded, "And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16.
It is with this in mind, that Matt and Katie have begun a new journey that God has laid before them. It will be a long road, with possible disappointment and frustration, but overflowing with blessing beyond measure and the fulfillment that comes when obedient to God's leading. Adoption.
A little girl has been calling to their hearts, "come, take me home." She is an orphan. She has been waiting her entire life for her very own family. She has Down syndrome and cataracts and needs a family who will love her, support her, and help her reach her full potential.
God has uniquely equipped them to understand the needs of children with Down syndrome, by giving them a son with Down syndrome. They are surrounded by an amazing network of family, friends, church members, doctors and educators who share the same passion for helping those in need. They have been uniquely prepared to welcome another child into their home, because they have 5 children of their own and have experienced a myriad of trials and tribulations .
Matt and Katie are anxious to meet their new daughter and covet your prayers, words of encouragement and partnership with them on this new journey.
Before Amy and Andrew had kids and went to bed nightly before 10pm, they used to travel the world and visit orphanages. It was there that they discovered the needs of vulnerable children and how even two young people can make a small difference for kids in need. Fast forward to now, they have 3 kids, a couple of them adopted from Russia a year and a half ago. These kids have made such a profound difference in their lives as they grew and experienced real love, that here Andrew and Amy are again, one more time. Although they have a fun and busy family life, they knew that they can provide a family for one more little one.
And when they told the kids it would be a little sister, they FLIPPED and talk about and pray for her daily, "Get one more apple sauce — for me LITTLE SISTER!"
She will be loved, she will be cherished. She will be read to, cuddled and eat a variety of home grown healthy food, go to the beach and have dance parties at home with her siblings. For anyone who donates to our little girl and helps us bring her home, we will love you forever. Literally.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog tinygreenelephants.com
If you knew me you would know that I have a rather shy personality. I don't like to share personal experiences or do things that might draw too much attention to me. But if you knew me you would also know that I LOVE being a mom more than anything else in the world. I LOVE having babies. I love the entire process. I pray daily for the blessing of more children. I can't wait until I can have another baby. I know it might sound crazy when I already have 5 beautiful children, but I dream every day about having more children. I have always wanted 7 children, my 7 beautiful dwarfs in my fairy tale life. My children bring me more joy than I ever knew existed, and they make my life perfect, each in their own unique way.
I have always thought about adopting a child. I can do without all the different social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest, but I find myself searching Reece's Rainbow constantly. Even though I have this overwhelming desire to adopt, the thought of not going through my favorite part of being pregnant got in the way of really considering it. I worried that by adopting a child I would be taking away from my family, and I was afraid.
In November of 2013, I came across a little girl on Reece's Rainbow that stole my heart. She is a Down Syndrome girl from China that is 2 years old. It was love at first sight. Her eyes were calling to me and I felt an instant connection to her. I really don't know how to fully explain it even now, but I knew in an instant that she was meant to be a part of my family. I sent her picture to my husband and told him that this was our baby. He didn't know whether to take me seriously or not, but he fell in love with her on that day, too. Time went by and I looked up this baby daily, and my husband, seeing that I was indeed serious, agreed that we needed to look into making Ruthanne a part of our family. We inquired about her, but did not hear back.
The next thing I knew I was pregnant. I was SO excited, but something inside told me something wasn't quite right. I could not stop thinking about Ruthanne, but thought that because I was pregnant that I was not meant to adopt her. I tried to move on, but I still had a nagging feeling that something was not right. It was so hard to let go of my thoughts of Ruthanne and it was very confusing for me. I also knew in my heart that my pregnancy was not going to be okay.
I remember lying in my bed, so scared because I felt inside that the road I wanted to take was not the one that my Heavenly Father had planned for me. The next day I started to miscarry my baby, and I was beyond devastated. I have never felt such pain and heartache. As I prayed for comfort I had an overwhelming feeling that Heavenly Father had a different plan for me, and later that day I received a phone call from an adoption agency telling me about Ruthanne. When I got off the phone I knew from the top of my head to the tip of my toes that this was the plan my Heavenly Father had for me. I remember dropping to my knees and praying and feeling complete peace. As the weeks went on I tried to convince myself that I was just emotional and was making myself grasp onto something to try and get over losing a baby, but tiny miracles each day verified that this truly is a divine plan.
I have never had to have faith to this degree. I am terrified and excited, both at the same time. I will be adopting a child from China with Down Syndrome. How will she fit in with my curlyhaired, green-eyed children? Will I be able to care for a child with special needs? This beautiful girl will be with me forever and she will need my full attention, will I be able to give her what she needs and deserves while still having enough left inside to give to the rest of my family? How will this change my perfect family? Will I feel the same about her as my naturally born children?
What will my family picture look like? Will people think I am crazy? After all, I will have 3 year old twins, two 2 year old girls, one with special needs, and yes, I still hope to have one more. How will we pay for the large adoption fees? These are all the thoughts that have been racing through my head. And every time I pray about it, to seek the confirmation that I am doing the right thing for my family and Ruthanne, I receive the same answer. Have faith, and everything will be as it should be.
So, here I am. I am adopting a beautiful Down Syndrome child from China. Right now I don't understand why I am supposed to do this or why I am worthy of this important task. I am terrified. What I do know without a doubt is that I am meant to take this road, and Ruthanne is meant to take this journey with me. I know that if I have faith in my Heavenly Father and his divine plan for me and my family then we will all be blessed. This is not where I thought I would be in my life, but I now truly understand what it means that "My thoughts are not your thoughts neither are my ways your ways" and that sometimes you must forward with faith even when, or perhaps especially when, you can't quite clearly see why. I will move forward with faith that I have never had before. I am afraid, but I have trust in the Lord and know that He is leading me on this journey. I know with all my heart that this is the path my family is destined to take, and I know that we will not take this journey alone.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog itstartedoutasafeeling.com
Jacob and Sarah had that "love at first sight" moment 10 years ago at Dallas Baptist University and never stopped living the fairytale. Jacob is a risk manager at Alliant Enrisk and Sarah stays home with their 4 children ages 2, 4, 6 and 7. After the birth of number 4, they knew they had room in their hearts and home for one more and started looking at Recce's Rainbow for the perfect child with "something extra." They were surprised when the "something extra" turned out not to be a chromosome but a sibling. Their plans changed the moment they laid eyes on them and suddenly their hearts and home found room for 2 more. The whole family is so excited to welcome their new brother and sister.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at justusholts.blogspot.com
Since she was a little girl, Tiffany wanted a large family. At 30, Tiffany decided to adopt as a single mother. With a degree in social work and a love for international travel, she traveled most of Latin America over the last 10 years. International adoption from a region of the world she loved so much seemed a great way to start a family.
A friend shared several waiting children in Latin American and Tiffany immediately fell in love with Pepe. Having traveled to Pepe's country in the past as a tourist (and loving it), it was an even better fit. Tiffany's work with immigrant children in the US keeps her well connected to the Latin culture, a part of her life she wants to share with Pepe.
Pepe has some delays, but is a "people person" and makes friends easily. He is an active boy and his momma cant wait to get him home and keep him busy making friends and seeing the world.
Although Kim and Eric met in middle school, they married later in life (ok, so meeting in middle school is a stretch as they were both teachers there). Once they were married they left their home state of New York to move to Maryland. They continued to teach with the hopes of filling their home with the blessings of children. As the years passed they came to realize that birth children were not in God's plan for them. Rather than search for answers in biological terms, they chose to begin their search in the many faces of orphaned children. In September of 2012, they brought their first son Anthony home from China. His cleft lip and palate was likely the reason he was abandoned and his age was likely the reason he was still available. Knowing the joy that Anthony brought to them, they soon found Anthony's little brother. Gabriel came home from China exactly one year after Anthony. He too is considered by China to be special needs with psychomotor developmental delays. While they were considered "special needs" all Eric and Kim know is that they are SPECIAL. Both boys are so full of life and personality! Eric and Kim only wish that the boys birth parents could see the thriving, happy, beautiful children they have become. Anthony is now five and Gabriel will soon be three. As time went on Eric and Kim knew that they had the space in their hearts and home for an older child who didn't know the love of a forever family. It wasn't long after their second that they knew God was guiding them to their next child. Little did they know that it was actually TWO and yes, boys again! Michael and Matthew are from the same orphanage and are friends. They have been waiting too long for a family and China only recently decided to process their paperwork and let them be known. Michael will be 10 in July, 2014. Although he was born without feet, he runs, jumps, and plays with the energy of a 10 year old. Matthew recently turned nine and has the most precious smile. While he can hear well, his special need is the absence of an ear. While in China these children have three strikes against them – their special needs, their age and the fact that they are boys – little do they know that they are already loved by a family that is eager to bring them home. Can you imagine the look on these boy's faces when they are told they are being adopted AND together as brothers?! Please take a second to think about the moment they get the wonderful news……and consider helping the Pellegrino's make it possible.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog faithhopeloveadoption.blogspot.com
Mike and Anita have been married for 28 years. Anita was adopted at 11 months old. Her dad was also adopted but at the age of 3. He actually was one of the last orphans to ride the orphan train. Anita and Mike had a heavy heart to adopt as it's always been a part of Anita's life. They have 4 children all adopted from China and began the journey back in Dec. 2000 when they brought home their first daughter Emmi from Nanchang at the age of 12 months with the nsn program. She is now 14 yo. In 2003, they found their second daughter Maggie on the first sn listing. Her need was cl/cp. She is filled with energy and bounces through the house twirling and doing cartwheels. Not even thinking about a son, they felt the call again to adopt. But this time, God had a different plan for them, it was a son. They found Jacob at the age of 3 also on a sn list. He had a club radial hand. Anita advocated for him and didn't even realize he was to be their son. Then God layed it on her heart and she knew!!! Trusting in Him, they started the journey to bring him home. Again, what a joy he has been to their family. In 2009, their heart became heavy for the older child. With prayer and trusting in God, in 2010 they found their daughter, Faith, age 12 yo. She was listed with Sequalae from a brain injury, cp. Since coming home, Faith has adjusted very well and is learning with leaps and bounds. It is with great joy that she is coming to know Jesus and attends a Friday night Chinese worship group and then of course on Sunday too. Now as the Vantrease family starts the journey again to their second son, the entire family is giddy to get him home. As with the previous 4 children, Keegan will be loved and adored. He will grow and learn about the love of Jesus in a home where He is present everyday.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at adoptmilesoftheheartoneless.blogspot.com
Kerri and Dan have some very exciting news to share!!! This adorable munchkin will soon be part of their family! Kerri and Dan have many reasons to be thankful for the internet. They met on Match.com four and a half years ago, and knew right away that they had found "the one." They have been married for two and a half years now, and thanks again to the internet, they have fallen in love with a baby on the other side of the world. They knew right away that she was "the one."
Dan has a 6 year old son and a 9 year old daughter, who is also lucky enough to have Down Syndrome. While Dan's children live far away, they get to visit with them as often as possible. They are excited that their new munchkin will have such a wonderful big brother and sister, to help her become the newest member of the McLean clan. Kerri and Dan live on a small family farm, which is home to 5 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses, 2 goats, and a handful of chickens. They also both have large extended families who all live nearby. Everyone is looking forward to welcoming this much anticipated member of the family, as soon as they can get her home! Thank you for all your support!
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at soundscrazyoutloud.blogspot.com
The Davenport's are a family of four, soon to be six that live and serve in Central China (since 2012). Eric and Wendy have been married for 13 years and have two sons that are 11 & 12 years old. They have been touched by and passionate about orphan care since 2009. That's when they spent time in an orphanage in Africa and then later that year welcomed their first foster baby into their home. They fostered 5 children over a two year period. Those years spent as foster parents were treasured times. They continue to reminisce about the little ones that God placed in their home and in their hearts. They didn't initially feel led to adoption but, after moving to China and working with orphans in 2012, God did a mighty work in them and in their hearts to draw them towards the decision to provide a permanent home to children who need a home. For that they are so thankful! They feel so clearly directed by God to adopt that they want to obey Him. God desires for orphans of all nations to be loved, cared for, and adopted into families.
They are well into the long process of providing a 'forever home' to two boys in China. They have been matched with one child and are awaiting a match to the second. They will be traveling to get their first Chinese son in the spring of 2014. He was involved in an accident at the age of two that nearly took his life. He spent 6 months in the hospital and was abandoned during that time. He had multiple surgeries to help repair his injuries. He has recovered and can walk, talk, run and play. He is incontinent and wears a diaper. His incontinence prevents him from attending school.
The biggest challenge is not opening their hearts and home to adopted children (God has already taken care of that!), but it is finding the finances to make this happen. The estimated total cost for the adoptions is $40,000. That's certainly money they don't have. Actually it's laughable from an earthly standpoint. But they know God is faithful and the call to adopt was so strong that He won't leave them alone in this. He is a God who provides.
They are overwhelmed by the support they have been given through encouragement, funding, and prayers. They would like to ask for continued prayers as the process unfolds. Please also pray that their boys in China will be loved and cared for in their absence and daily feel His presence.
Caring for the fatherless is a mark and responsibility of His people and they believe God is moving through the Kingdom in a profound way to care for these precious ones. Perhaps your role is adoption or fostering. Maybe it's being a prayer warrior for the least of these. Or maybe you are called to use the resources He has entrusted to you to help welcome children into Christian homes. If so, please consider helping them overcome this financial hurdle.
Please pray this entire process will glorify God and fulfill His purposes. Thank you for investing in the Kingdom through prayer and finances—it will be an investment with an eternal return!
Joe and Audra May knew that a seed had been planted in their hearts and that adoption was in their future when they left a Steven Curtis Chapman concert in February of 2002. Expecting their first of what was to be 3 biological daughters at that time, they didn't know when that might be. However, they committed to praying and seeking the Lord. 10 years later their bio daughters now 9,6 and 3, God had indeed called them forward to adopt, as they had already started the process in July of 2011. They were seeking to adopt a special needs little girl through China's waiting child program. At the end of February 2012, they had found their daughter, Emmalin. She was living at Maria's Big House of Hope, the same home co-founded by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth Chapman in honor of their daughter Maria. God had brought the connection to Steven and the seed for adoption had blossomed in their hearts and came full circle.
After traveling to China and visiting not only the orphanage Emmalin spent time in but also Maria's Big House of Hope, as well as experiencing the miracle of adoption, their hearts had been forever changed. Joe and Audra began to pray and seek the Lord's plans for their lives and whether God was calling them to adopt again. They had also learned and were very heartbroken for the thousands of little boys, more than little girls waiting for their forever family in China. February 2014, Audra stumbled upon the picture of a little boy on a waiting child page and she was immediately smitten. She was also surprised to realize that he was the same age and had the same medical condition, a form of Spina Bifida, as their daughter Emmalin. After sharing the little boy's picture with Joe, who wasn't ready to leap yet, they committed to praying. After a few weeks of prayer God revealed to them that the little boy was indeed their son and they were blessed to be able to pursue adopting him. This adoption, as was Emmalin's is a complete leap of faith. Having no adoption funds to begin, God continues to pour out his blessings and open the doors as they pursue Samuel. Joe and Audra know that God can easily call the able to adopt but he often calls the willing and that's what they are, willing to do the Lord's work and to go where he calls them.
The May family is very excited and eager to bring Samuel home. They are eager to have their first little boy in the family and their daughter Emmalin is especially excited. Joe and Audra have been very open with Emmalin concerning her adoption. Through many conversations she already understands and likes to share with others wherever they go, that Samuel is from China and will be adopted just like her!
The May family would covet your prayers for their family and Samuel as they journey to bring him home. They are also blessed and so very thankful for any financial blessing they receive, no amount is too small.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at mayblessingsflow.com
Rob and Donna had the wonderful blessing of meeting "Anastasia" in Russia in September of 2012. Having four days to be her Mama and Papa was a joy beyond words. After the adoption ban, it has taken quite a while for them to discern what their next steps should be. Although they would go back to get Anastasia tomorrow if possible, God has given them a peaceful release and a new direction – with the promise that He will continue to guide them.
So it is with great joy for the future that they are going to be headed to Asia to adopt 5 year old "Lily!" What a blessing she will be to her new family!
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." Psalm 32:8
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at hemmedinbyHim.blogspot.com
Jeff and Caroline Stallmer married in 2003, and have been blessed with 3 biological children Madeline 10, Thomas 8 and Oliver 2. Oliver was diagnosed with Down syndrome 10 days after his birth. It came as a complete surprise to the family. Not knowing anything about Down syndrome they were devastated. Thanks to modern technology they were able to sit by his little crib in the NICU and start researching. They came across countless inspirational videos of all the amazing things that children and adults with Down syndrome can do and how much love they give to their families and friends. Oliver has changed their lives completely. They are apart of a community of amazing people. Not long after they brought him home from the hospital they came across Reece's Rainbow and knew that someday they would adopt a child with Down syndrome. Today is that day. W hen they saw the picture of Oscar they just knew it was meant to be. They have been praying everyday and receiving some almost unbelievable little signs from God daily that this is what they are supposed to do. Please help them adopt Oscar from China!
We are a military family and are working towards the adoption of two children from China. We have three home grown children, one Ugandan grown child and are beyond excited to have the opportunity to add two China grown children to our family. We know we cannot do this alone and pray that we find our "village" along the way. Thank you.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at thewbaby.wordpress.com
Wendy and Jeff Reed have been abundantly blessed with 9 precious children, four born to them, and five through the miracle of adoption! Many of you are very familiar with the Reed's last adoption journey to China in February 2014 to bring their son Joel home as well as their loss of their sweet daughter Sophia who passed away just days before they were to travel for both of their children. The Reed's are so very thankful to all who were a part of helping to bring Joel home and were a tremendous support in their time of loss and grief. Jeff and Wendy are so very excited to introduce you to their newest treasure, Miss Talia Grace, and the incredibly amazing journey God has set them upon to bring their daughter home.
"Beauty from Ashes" has been a theme that has been entwined throughout the Reed's journey to Talia since they first found out about this beautiful little girl, and from the very beginning of her tiny fragile life. Talia was born with a life threatening condition called biliary atresia that really has no treatment options in the area of China where she is from. Since surgery was not performed at an early age, Talia's liver sustained severe damage, and her only hope for survival was to receive a liver transplant (almost completely non-existent in China!). Her story could have ended there in despair and ashes, but she was given hope when she was moved to a Foster Home in Beijing, China where she miraculously received a liver transplant. Talia has continued to recover and BLOSSOM from that life-saving surgery…a beautiful story of" beauty from ashes" only made possible by God's intervention!
The Reed's were originally in process to adopt BOTH Joel and Talia when they began their adoption journey two years ago. Talia's adoption file was just being compiled and they were eagerly awaiting its completion so that they could adopt both Joel and Talia at the same time. As time went on, there were issues that arose that would stop all adoptions coming out of Talia's region.
After a year into the adoption process, Joel had already been waiting far too long and the Reed's had to make the heartbreaking decision to move forward with his adoption without Talia. The Reed's attention was then turned towards a beautiful little girl on their adoption agency's waiting child list who desperately needed a family that was traveling soon to come for her. Sweet Sophia had a serious heart condition that was inoperable in China and her only hope was for a family that was close to travel to come for her as quickly as possible so that she could receive life-saving heart surgery here in the US. The Reed's wanted to give sweet Sophia the same opportunity for the hope of a healthy future that Talia received with her life-saving liver transplant surgery and so they agreed to move forward towards bringing precious Sophia home. Jeff and Wendy were just 6 days from traveling for both Joel and Sophia when they received the devastating news that Sophia had suddenly passed away. Their sweet baby girl had gained her heavenly Princess Tiara and was now in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Heartbroken over the loss of Sophia, Jeff and Wendy clung to their faith that in time God would bring "beauty from ashes" once again. Our God is FAITHFUL and He did just that! Shortly after Sophia's passing, the Reed's found out that Talia's adoption paperwork had been released and was finally moving forward again! It took a bit of time and a great deal of patience, but on May 30th the Reed's FINALLY received Talia's adoption file from their new adoption agency and submitted their request to make Talia part of their family!!! They have received Pre-Approval from China to move forward towards bringing Talia home, and so the Reed's begin one last journey to China for their precious daughter! Wendy and Jeff are so excited to see the beautiful painting that God is creating from those ashes and are looking forward to having Talia home in their arms!
Wendy and Jeff invite you to follow along on their journey for Talia Grace, and covet your prayers and support as they work towards bringing her home! Your encouragement and support have been instrumental as they worked towards bringing each of their beautiful treasures home from China and they would not be here without YOU!
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at www.paintingbeautyfromashes.com
The Darrow family met Tatiana when they were in Eastern Europe several years ago, adopting their twins. They came home anxious to see Tatiana with a family of her own. As they have watched the twins blossom, Tatiana has remained on their hearts. Eventually they realized that the time was right to add Tatiana to their family, as well!
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog iveyrock.wordpress.com
Richard and Lisa have been married for 26 years and have 11 children. Their twin boys, Jacob and Josiah, now reside in Heaven. They have had the awesome privilege of raising 3 girls and 6 boys. Lisa is a stay at home mom and home schools the youngest 6, who still live at home. About 22 years ago, Richard took a mission trip to Eastern Europe and fell in love with the children of that area. Since then they have always had the desire to adopt and give a child in need a home to call their own. Upon learning about the orphan crisis in Eastern Europe, Richard and Lisa felt there was no better time than the present to move forward. It was time to step out in faith and trust God's leading to start the process in bringing home a new daughter and son from Eastern Europe. Their siblings are excited for the new additions to the family, and they cannot wait to welcome them into their home and hearts. They invite you to join them in this exciting adventure, whether by prayer, encouragement, or contributions as their journey begins. They thank you in advance for all your support!!!
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog thebowlingfamilyadopts.blogspot.com
Ryan and Carmen knew since their first date they would choose adoption to begin their family. Ryan was adopted from birth, and always knew he wanted to provide a loving home to a child in need the same way his parents did to him, and Carmen has always had a heart for children with special needs. She remembers volunteering her recesses in elementary school to work with the precious students in her school's special education classroom, and kept her love for helping others through her life, and earned a bachelor's degree in Special Education. (Fun fact: first date was June 28th 2012, engagement was August 4th, 2012, and their wedding was on January 19th, 2013!–even "funner!" fact: the daughter they are adopting's birthday is Jan. 18 (2004) (that time of year is going to get way more expensive for Ryan!).
Their adoption process began sooner than they imagined thanks to a dream Carmen had been having since before her and Ryan were married (or even knew each other!). Carmen had the same recurring dreams for several years where she arrived home to the Nashville airport with her newly adopted daughter. The beautiful girl had gorgeous darker skin and dark wavy hair on her sweet head, she also had significant special needs, and was met with tears of joy and prayers by Carmen's family at the airport. Fast-forward a few years after having this same dream over and over again, and while looking at the sweet children on an adoption advocacy site, THERE SHE WAS! THE SWEET GIRL CARMEN HAD BEEN DREAMING ABOUT! Thankfully, she already had a family coming for her, but Ryan and Carmen took her to be their sweet little angel who was telling them now was the time to begin their adoption journey. And so they did. One day while praying for the children and families of Reece's Rainbow, Carmen scrolled down a page to have her husband grab her hand and exclaim, "Why hasn't anyone adopted her yet?!" he repeated this several time until Carmen smiled and said, "I don't know, maybe because we're supposed to?" And that was it-the beginning of the journey to bring "Hallie"/Lu (soon to be Lucy if she wants a new name!) home. (fun fact: Carmen and Ryan are not actually that big of "I love Lucy" fans, they just thought giving her the name "Lucy" would be a great way to keep her Chinese name incorporated into a name given to her by her forever mommy and daddy)
See, Carmen is the weepy emotional sort and Ryan is the confident strong one–it makes for a great balance in this crazy little journey of life and adoption. Carmen is also the fiercely outspoken passionate one and Ryan is the gentle humble one–making yet another perfect balance in the crazy little thing called love. Carmen traveled to Afghanistan a year and half after 9/11/2011 to teach in newly gender-integrated classrooms, she has also been to Burma to set up day medical clinics in secret house churches, rocked babies in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and lived briefly in Uganda. After having seen so much pain and suffering, she decided she was either part of the problem or part of the solution–impassioning her even more. Once when talking to a friend about how she could possibly maintain a quiet and gentle spirit (1 Peter 3:4) when she's seen so much injustice and suffering she was handed this ditty: "if you see suffering and injustice, you better shout it from the rooftops"-and that's what she's been doing ever sense, shouting it from the rooftops. ("fun" fact: while teaching in Afghanistan, Carmen had the taliban sit on on several of her classes; luckily she doesn't scare easily, unless it involves spiders-then her life is over )
Ryan is the operations manager for the Home Depot and is always looking for ways to bless the immediate community around him, from donating crates upon crates of watermelon to the homeless mission to doing workshops with individuals with special needs. He is generous and humble-hearted: whenever Carmen approaches him with a way to "save the world (for somebody)" he listens and plans with her on how to do just that. (fun fact: Carmen sometimes convinces Ryan and a few of his coworkers to come and do a mini-workshop with her preschoolers, and one time they made bug catchers and told Ryan they wanted to catch black widows and poisonous snakes in it–Carmen did the important thing and taught them later that snakes are actually referred to as "venomous" and explained the difference–there is always a learning opportunity!).
Since Ryan and Carmen had only been married a year when they began the process to become a forever mommy and daddy to a sweet child on RR, they had to write a letter requesting a waiver (China requires you be married for 2 years). Remember how Carmen has a knack for writing with tons of emotion and being weepy and incredibly impassioned, well she wrote such a letter and pled her (and her husband's) case, and…it was approved! Then a few weeks later the PA came, and now their are giddy new parents-to-be of a sweet 10 year old. (fun fact: Carmen and Ryan's first dance was supposed to be to "Fools Rush In"–because, well, that's what happened, remember the first "fun fact"?, but someone started the playlist before they got to the reception, so they didn't)
They feel truly blessed, and look forward to walking through this journey with such a beautiful community (Carmen wants to make sure you know that is you!)
Change the world, for somebody.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at beforeievenknewyou.blogspot.com
Chad and Erin Foerch met at Cedarville University and became college sweethearts. They have been married 13 years and have four biological children: three boys ages 11, 6, 1, and 1 girl, age 8. Erin graduated with Elementary Education and planned to return to school for a degree in special education. She has always had a heart for kids with special needs. Erin currently home schools their children and plans to continue home schooling after the adoption. Chad and Erin planned to have another biological child, but God began stirring individually in both of their hearts towards adoption. They found their daughter on Reece's Rainbow and fell in love with her through her pictures and her profile. She will fit in perfectly in their family dynamic. Their children are all very excited to bring their new sister home, especially her big sister, Eden. They are currently open to adopting two children and are praying that the LORD will make His will clear. They greatly appreciate the financial support along with the ministry of prayer and encouragement that comes from Reece's Rainbow.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog www.excuseourmess.com
Aaron and Leslie have been hoping, dreaming, and praying for their child for the last three years. Initially, they started the traditional route of domestic adoption and opened themselves up to many special needs. Leslie is a special education teacher and Aaron's uncle was adopted and has Down Syndrome. He has also worked with adults with varying special needs. They discussed their lives with children of varying needs and what they would be comfortable with; they soon found themselves open to almost everything in their grids. Eventually they were matched with a baby boy who was going to have Down Syndrome and they were overjoyed at the prospect. They made their travel arrangements and left home dreaming of bringing home their son. Unfortunately, the birth parents were not able to let him go and decided to parent. It took time and prayer to accept and to understand God's plan and why that happened to them. The best part of that situation was the knowledge that they had an abundance of love to share and they were more determined than ever to find their child.
Aaron and Leslie started to look at Reece's Rainbow and all of the children that needed homes. It was overwhelming the number of children that were in orphanages and they felt a calling that this was the way to go. It saddened them that these children were thought of as less than perfect in their countries and seemed entirely unfair at such young ages to go through so much. They started to research the different countries and requirements for each. Finally, at the end of February they saw him "Aran" and knew that he was destined to be theirs. Quickly, they began the process and were soon matched officially with him. It was a wonderful day when they received their Pre-Approval and knew that he would be their son.
Aaron and Leslie are completing their home study and dossier requirements in hopes of traveling in the fall of 2014. They continue to hope, pray, and dream of bringing their son home and sharing their lives with him through God's grace.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog
Alison is a single Registered Nurse. She has always dreamed of having children, but has not been so blessed. Alison has worked with children and adults with special needs in the past, including Down syndrome, and has always enjoyed it. One night, she had a dream that she and her sister were looking at a website of children for adoption with Down syndrome. When she woke, she did a search on her computer, and found Reece's Rainbow. After years of looking at the site, and much encouragement from family and friends, she decided to give it a try! There have been many roadblocks in the process, but she has finally fallen in love with the little girl she feels was meant to be her daughter!
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at achildforali.blogspot.com
Brad and Becky first met in 7th grade, their lockers were nearly side by side. Throughout middle and high school they became good friends and eventually on graduation day they started to date. They dated long distance through college and then married just after their college graduation in June in 1999.
In the past several years God has blessed the Willock family with 8 children, 5 boys and 3 girls. Their second son has a rare genetic disorder that limits his mobility but not his personality. In 2006 they were blessed with the opportunity to adopt their daughter who shares the same disorder as their son. Then in 2012 God once again blessed them with the addition of their youngest son through adoption.
This time the Willock's are looking to adopt internationally and they girls (who are outnumbered 5 to 3) have requested they bring home a little girl and they are prepared to head halfway around the world to bring her home.
The Willock's are trusting in God to open doors for this adoption as He did in the past and can't wait to share the amazing miracles He works in this process.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at willockadoption.blogspot.com
Stephani has always wanted to be a mother. Since she was a little girl, she knew she would have a big family and at least some of her children would arrive through adoption. She thought her family was going to be starting in 2009, when she found out she was pregnant. Sadly, God had other plans and her daughter Emma was stillborn.
Stephani found Reece's Rainbow in 2011, through a friend that was adopting, She would spend hours looking at the children, reading their stories, hoping that soon, the time would be right to adopt. When a friend posted about "Zola", Stephani knew instantly that hits little girl was meant to be her daughter.
Stephani was raised by a single parent and understands the struggles that lie ahead but knows that with God's blessing and the love and support of her family, she is ready to provide "Zola" with a bright and happy future.
A sincere thank you to everyone for your prayers and financial support.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at snowandhotcocoa.blogspot.com
Jeff and Sabrina believe that children are a blessing and over the last 25 years they have been very blessed. They enjoy having a large family. They have grown children and little children and children in between. Last year, they experienced a whole new blessing through their first adoption. Alayna was adopted from Bulgaria and came home in 2013. Ally has settled in and has grown so much. She is such a joy and everyone loves her.
This year the Lord has called them to another little girl in another country in Eastern Europe. This time it's an older child whose time is running out. The Musk family is so looking forward to bringing her home. It's not easy, but those who walk with Christ aren't called to easy paths. It's going to be a fast and busy time and they would definitely be blessed by prayers and encouragement.
7/13/2014—HOMESTUDY iCOMPLETE
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog iwillgobeforeyou.blogspot.com
Justin and Lindsay have been married for almost 4 years. They have always had a special place in their hearts for individuals with special needs but never knew the true reason why until now! They finally heard God's calling loud and clear and took a step in faith & began the process of adopting this sweet little boy.
The Macks currently do not have any children of their own but they are excited to start their family with such a precious gift. They look forward to filling their house and hearts with an angel like Asher.
The Macks will be able to provide Asher with a loving and caring home where he will be loved by many! The family greatly appreciates prayer warriors through the process and any financial assistance they may receive.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at bringinghappinesshome.org
"Mom, we need to talk. I don't know if it's a thought that God keeps putting in my head or a thought that I keep putting in my head, but I think we should adopt a little boy." "I don't care which of you put it there, you need an eraser!" This was the conversation between my then 10 year old daughter and I in November 2009; a conversation that changed our lives forever. It was the springboard that flung us into the world of adoption! Within two weeks I went from being a single divorced mom of two biological daughters, to a committed adopting mom of a Russian son with Down Syndrome. Fourteen months of paperwork, praying, fundraising, paperwork, praying, 2 trips (5 weeks!) in Russia, and oh, paperwork and praying, my daughter and I brought home our little prince, Maxim Alexey.
After a crazy journey, I was committed to a 5 year old little boy in China, but his file hadn't been prepared because "he isn't as smart as the other children so nobody will want him." Well, that was all it took for me to know that he's a Stickley! They said that it would take a year to get his file prepared and that I would be looking at almost 3 years for the adoption to be complete. Did they really think that was going to scare me off? I decided that not only is he not "unlovable," he is worth the wait!
Then, less than a month later, I was approached about adopting a little girl from China who was 13 and only had 5 months to be adopted. The timing was perfect in that I could adopt her while waiting for the little boy's file to be compiled. Several agencies told me that it would be impossible to complete the adoption in the 4 month time-frame. Well, we proved them wrong! We have now had Ava Monet home for two months! God's timing is perfect!
While in China, I got to meet some of the wonderful orphanage workers from Ava's orphanage. I told them that I advocate for families for these children and asked if they had any other children for whom they would like for me to try to find families. They said that they would give me a website, but then we just all stood around socializing for a long time. Next thing I knew, they introduced me to a seven year old little boy, and the power between us silenced the room! "Mom, we have to come back for him!"
So, I am a blessed mom of two biological daughters (22 and 14), an adopted son from Russia (5), an adopted daughter from China (14), and I've just been approved to adopt BOTH little boys! Oh, did I mention that all 4 of my children from another mother have DS? Three of the four of them were listed on Reece's Rainbow. So, adopting two little boys right on the heals of a previous adoption has caused me to reach beyond my financial comfort zone and step out in faith. Any help and support will be greatly appreciated and I pray that God multiplies it in return to all donors! Thank you!
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog tinastickleyadoption.blogspot.com
Rex and Melissa have a wonderful family and have been blessed with three biological children, but adoption has always been in the forefront of the couples mind as a way to grow their family. Melissa, especially, has been thinking of adopting since she became familiar with Reece's Rainbow back in 2007. In her early career, Melissa worked with many young children with special needs and was drawn to the work being done through Reece's Rainbow. After filling their tree with ornaments of the precious kids that had touched their hearts Rex and Melissa were drawn into the idea of adoption after falling in love with one of the children featured on the website, Susan. After much discussion and prayer, the couple, along with the support of their children and families, made the decision to look into adopting the little girl that had captured their hearts. After contacting the placing agency they began researching the adoption process and decided to make this precious little girl part of their family.
Follow the family's adoption journey on their blog at all4hannah.blogspot.com
After a wild roller coaster adoption ride that ended in heartache, the Isom family is back and ready to go full force in their new adoption process. Through a selfless and heartfelt act by another RR family … the Isoms are beyond grateful and overjoyed to have the honor of one day calling this sweet little girl their Daughter.
John and Jenny met in high school and became instant friends. After high school John served a full time mission for their church. When he returned 2 years later the two ran into each other and the rest is history. Ten years later htey have two awesome little boys. Linkon is 5 years old and Hank is 2 years old … both wild energetic funny little boys. Their family also consists of a little dog named George, one rabbit named Rosie, a bird named Pecky and a bearded dragon named Turbo.
They are all excited to share this amazing journey with you and appreciate your love and support.
Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. – C.S. Lewis


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A certain amount of Fascinating e Artwork
ma quanto è bello sto poster
Image by ibiscus27 1. un'estate fa, 2. Untitled, 3. time, 4. vallegiulia, 5. porzioni di cielo, 6. le crocs nuove nuove, 7. granuli, 8. Untitled grazie grazie grazie al quoquo per l'idea e la realizzazione (quoquo quanto sei bravo ihih), a taftà per la foto e a cici per la convincente presenza sul risci(u)ò
Bad Sci-fi: E-Meter
Image by Giant Ginkgo The scientologists were out in force at the Cinco de Mayo celebration, they had set up a booth for their infamous free "stress-tests" to help recruit people under the guise of Dianetics. At the time that I was taking this picture, the e-meter was being used on a young boy. Hopefully the woman mentioned how the boy was filled with Operating Thetans and needed help to clean the dastardly alien souls out of his body. I was quite surprised that I got this close to the machine, scientologists tend to be pretty adverse to people checking out their equipment, especially taking photographs. They were so busy doing their sales pitch, that they didn't bother me at all. I even stepped behind this woman to get the shot, but she was totally intent on the young boy. My girlfriend thought that the e-meter looked totally cheesy. Personally I always thought it was kind of charming in a retro 50s sci-fi prop sort of way. But what totally kills it is the metal cans that the poor inductee holds. They look so cheap, like dime store tin cans, that it is hard to take it seriously.

subset: commoncrawl


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Located in the tallest building in the state of Florida, this luxury condo is currently the most expensive residence on the market in downtown. Read More
Crazy colors and extraordinary geometric designs create a tripped out vibe at this Miami Beach condo. Read More
Residences by Armani/Casa will be a César Pelli-designed, 60-story luxury oceanfront tower in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla. Read More
NFL player Julius Peppers purchased a sprawling mansion in Coral Gables for $5.2 million. Read More
Tour a 1980s throwback mansion for sale in Boca Raton, Fla. Read More
Hockey player Sergei Fedorov is selling his nearly 6,000-square-foot mansion in the sky for $14.9 million. Read More
Even David Beckham is talking about The Bond, a new luxury condo project in Miami. Part of an aesthetic intended to channel London's legendary jet-set lifestyle, the design theme features iconic celebrity photos and a British-glam vibe. Read More
Elvis Dumervil has parted ways with a spacious seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom home in Broward County, near the Florida Everglades. Read More
Tour a serene sanctuary situated on an exclusive island that's located between Downtown Miami and South Beach. Read More
Travel Channel, Randy McNally and USA Today say Delray Beach, Fla., is one of the most fun small towns in America. With its vibrant art scene, beachy lifestyle, and warm and friendly atmosphere, it's easy to see why. Read More


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Town Square
Pooch Parade back at First Wednesday August 2nd
Original post made by Ptown Mom on Jul 12, 2008
When thousands of humans gather downtown for the August First Wednesday street party next month, four-legged canines will join them, strutting their stuff in the popular Pooch Parade.
The parade coincides with the August street festival and will feature at least 100 dogs of all shapes, breeds and sizes, some costumed, others au naturel.
Registration begins at 5 p.m. The pooches will begin to line up around at Lions Wayside Park on First Street and the parade down Main Street starts at 6 p.m.
There will be contest categories pet owners can enter their dogs in.
The event, always a crowd pleaser, benefits the Tri-Valley Guide Dog Puppy Raisers, a local nonprofit that trains puppies to become guide dogs for the blind. For information, visit www.pleasantondowntown.net or trivalleyguidedogs.home.comcast.net
Comments (4)
on Jul 12, 2008 at 12:25 am
Oh it's too late to be clear on the details! Corrections below.
Date is August 6th!
Registration time is 6 pm.
Fee is $10.
Can someone please edit possibly!
Blame it on the heat and the smoke.
on Jul 12, 2008 at 12:33 am
It was very hot during the pooch parade last summer. Some of the dogs were covered in costumes, and we all stood in the direct sun while people blabbered at us through a megaphone. Whatever they were saying was unintelligible and not important. The dogs were literally suffering in the heat. Dogs suffer far more in hot conditions, and it was terrible that they were made to stand on a hot day in direct sun, some with cloth costumes, while we listened to gibberish through a megaphone.
on Jul 12, 2008 at 2:33 am
Do the organizers of this parade realize the pavement on Main Street is still hot at that time of day. Hot pavement can injure a dog's foot pads. I wouldn't allow my dog to be on pavement at that time of day. Can't this parade be held on grass in a nearby park.......
on Jul 14, 2008 at 11:47 am
Animals do suffer in the heat. Ask that nobody put garments on their pooch, have plenty of water available and hold the parade on grass, preferably under shade trees.
If the organizers can't accomodate such a humane request, don't show up with your pets!
Signed, Jason
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Understanding Early Decision in College Admissions
By Elizabeth LaScala | 1 comment | 2,325 views
New heights for NIMBYs
By Tim Hunt | 31 comments | 1,509 views
Weekly, TV30 to host Pleasanton mayoral, city council candidates' forum
By Gina Channell-Allen | 2 comments | 1,090 views


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Innovative Rigs on the Street: North Bailey's Commercial Pumper
For many years fire apparatus were traditionally built on commercial chassis as they were readily available and could easily be adapted for different fire service applications. During World War II, with all manufacturing efforts designated to provide...
For many years fire apparatus were traditionally built on commercial chassis as they were readily available and could easily be adapted for different fire service applications. During World War II, with all manufacturing efforts designated to provide materials for our troops, very few municipal fire departments were able to acquire any type of new apparatus. Notable manufacturers like Maxim, Mack and Hahn together with both American and Ward La France turned out hundreds of fire apparatus built on commercial chassis to support the war efforts here at home and overseas. It was not until late in 1945 when American La France introduced their cab ahead of engine design with the 700 series model apparatus that fire departments began to acquire this style of custom cab apparatus, replacing conventional engine ahead units.
In several parts of our country where colder winter weather prevails many departments continue to prefer the conventional engine ahead design which allows the apparatus manufacturer to construct their own crew cab and body compartments on the chassis. Heavy duty International, Kenworth and Peterbilt chassis are often favored as they can provide a wide range of engine and chassis options to meet the needs of these departments at considerable cost savings over a full custom fire chassis.
The North Bailey Fire Department operates as one of several all volunteer organizations in the Town of Amherst, NY, which lies just north of Buffalo. The department today is under the command of Chief Dave Humbert and covers a 2.2-square-mile area of the township which is heavily built up with commercial strip malls, plazas, schools as well single-family homes. The department has a long history of operating with heavy duty commercial chassis for their apparatus including a 1974 Ford LS model 1,250-gpm pumper with Young bodywork and a 1980 Ford LS 1,250-gpm pumper built by Pierce which is assigned as Engine 2. While these pumpers had a longer wheelbase than a custom chassis unit, the setback front axle provided a reasonable turning radius for the apparatus.
The Department Today
The current fleet of North Bailey apparatus operates from a single station and consists of a 1993 Peterbilt model 377 chassis with bodywork by Custom Fire. Engine 3 is equipped with a 1,750-gpm pump with a 750-gallon water tank. Rescue 5 is a 1999 Peterbilt model 330 which is equipped with a walk-in crew area at the front of the body together with a fully compartmented rescue body which was also built by Custom Fire. The department operates a unique tractor drawn aerial ladder with an American La France 100-foot trailer that originally saw service with the Buffalo Fire Department. The tractor for Ladder 6 is a 1974 Ford L-800 model which was modified to accept the trailer. In addition the department operates an EMS first response unit and several chiefs vehicles.
When the department sought out to replace Engine 2 they carefully studied their response area and the types of equipment that would normally be utilized at an incident. After meeting several times with the department's apparatus committee they began to work closely with Mike McLaughlin from Empire Emergency Apparatus who represents Rosenbauer America.
The result of this planning was the delivery of a 2009 Rosenbauer General pumper built on a Peterbilt model 367 chassis. The 367 model chassis was built with a 10 3/4-inch frame with a full length liner incorporating a 20,000 pound rated front with a 30,000 pound rated rear axle. The unit is powered by a Caterpillar model C-15 engine rated at 435 horsepower through an Allison Generation IV model EVS-4000 five-speed automatic transmission. The apparatus is equipped with 16 1/2-inch by 7-inch brakes on both the front and rear axles together with a Caterpillar compression engine brake utilized for auxiliary braking. The Peterbilt cab was built with seating for two personnel with a bumper to back of cab dimension of 123 inches.
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Heat Forces Musuem To Find Harvesting Alternatives
Antique farm equipment still works after 50 years, but it tough on volunteers at the Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering. Volunteers began their first cutting of alfalfa this week using a 1960's versatile canvas swather. Despite going through a drought, the alfalfa crop grew very well this spring. In a interview with KNEB/Rural Radio Network, Volunteer Alvin Kuxhausen says it took them several hours just to complete a single round with their historic equipment. Cutting the whole field at that rate would have been too much in the heat.
Legacy of the Plains Museums Executive Vice President Larry Hubbard made some phone calls, and Frank Implement offered the use of a modern
swather. Frank implement offered their rotary disc swather. With modern equipment the eight acre alfalfa field was cut in about a hour and half.
The hay baled will be used to feed the museum's seven head of Longhorn cattle.
Hay will also be featured crop at this year's harvest festival at the Legacy of the Plains Museum September 21 and 22nd.
© 2014 Rural Radio Network. All rights reserved. Republishing, rebroadcasting, rewriting, redistributing prohibited. Copyright Information


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Can there be a President with 16th Century beliefs?
by btchakir, Mon Dec 17, 2007 at 12:30:49 PM EST
While watching a series on cable recently about the creation and development of the universe, based on the scientific knowledge which has been growing for centuries, I was stunned by the flat out statement that the Earth was created 4.5 billion years ago in the smashing together of meteors.
This was in the context of a 10-billion-year old universe which started with a Big Bang.
The billions of years of lava formations, the cooling of water and the 1.5 billion year old covering of the earth with ice, the development of single-celled creatures that eventually evolved into water creatures thousands of years before dinosaurs - all these things which have been proven by science I found amazing and spectacular.
Then I read an online article about Mike Huckabee... essentially a discussion of his conflicts with environmentalists... and it brought up his Creationist beliefs: the six-thousand-year old world created by God, the separate creation of man (in the Garden of Eden, I guess).
This makes him no different from the early European church that burned those whose beliefs led to scientific discoveries, that kept millions from learning even to read, and made religion the basis of government.
How can time travel backwards in this way? I understand that there are millions of people who believe the same things and who will never allow themselves to read of, much less accept, contemporary knowledge. Religion, then, effects education, effects politics and effects our future.
We have spent seven years with a President who has all but disabled development in science, education and medicine, but who has used war and military invasions like the ancient Crusaders. Are we going to continue going into the historic depths of time?
Tags: Creationism, Evolution, Huckabee, Science (all tags)


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> View this now
Published on: March 29, 2012
Type of content: VIDEO
Price: FREE
With a variety of server options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which platform is best for your organisation. This short video examines one new addition to the server market and showcases its key benefits and characteristics.
Obtain detailed information on this server and how it can enable:


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Vegas PBS Newsroom
The Vegas PBS Women's Engagement Council Awarded National PBS Development Award
Posted by
The Vegas PBS Women's Engagement Council recently received the national PBS Development Award in the "Innovation" category for its work in educating the community on issues affecting women and girls, including human trafficking, the health and well-being of young girls and women who have made an impact in Southern Nevada.Read More
Lori Lea Elected President of Southern Nevada Public Television
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Vegas PBS announced the appointment of Lori Lea as the new President of Southern Nevada Public Television (SNPT), which provides volunteer, financial, marketing and advocacy support for the television station. She has been a member of the board for more than seven years and previously served as Vice President and Secretary.Read More
Vegas PBS Announces Annie Emprima-Martin as Veterans Coordinator for Workforce Training & Economic Development
Posted by
Vegas PBS has announced the appointment of Annie Emprima-Martin as its new Veterans Coordinator.Read More
Posted by
Las Vegas Student Named Finalist in National Writing ContestRead More
Vegas PBS Appoints Catherine Francisco Underwriter of Corporate Sponsorships
Posted by
Catherine Francisco has joined Vegas PBS as Underwriter of Corporate Sponsorships. In her new position, Francisco will be responsible for building support for diverse Vegas PBS television and outreach programs and special events.Read More
|older posts
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An excerpt from Loopdiver, a new experimental work by Troika Ranch Dance Company, whose creation is the subject of this NET documentary.
live streaming schedule & on demand videos
|07:30 pm
|Glenn Korff School of Music: Diane Barger/Mark Clinton/Jeff McCray
|07:30 pm
|Glenn Korff School of Music: Big Red Singers
|07:30 pm
|Glenn Korff School of Music: Symphony Orchestra
|07:30 pm
|Glenn Korff School of Music: UNL Jazz Orchestra and UNL Big Band
|07:30 pm
|Glenn Korff School of Music: ChamberFest
|NET News Statewide: Perspective - Foster Care, Carolyn Stitt on Spending
|Stitt says spending more now is better than spending much more later.
|NET News Statewide: Perspective - Call to Duty with Mike Tobias, 3/12/03
|"Statewide's" Mike Tobias reports on Nebraska guard and reserve soldiers training in Fort Riley as...
|NET News Statewide: Perspective - Guarding Bosnia, Overview, 6/13/03
|An overview of the work on Nebraska soldiers in war-torn Bosnia.
|NET News Statewide: Unicameral Preview
|The 2004 session of the Nebraska Legislature began Jan. 7. A "Statewide" e-mail survey showed a...
|NET News Statewide: Perspective - National Alliance examined, 5/21/04
|"Statewide's" Mike Tobias talks with Patrick McNamara, coordinator of the Hate Crimes Project at...
|NET News Statewide: Reality At The Roots, 10/15/04
|A unique photography project examines important issues at a grass roots level.
|NET News Statewide: By The People, 10/15/04
|On this segment of "Statewide", Nebraskans discuss America's role in the world during a daylong...
|NET News Statewide: Interview With Sen.Hagel, 10/22/04
|One-on-one with Sen. Chuck Hagel about Iraq and the presidential race. Inteview with Sen. Hagel an...
|2004 Elections: Interview with Steve Larrick, Green Party candidate for the House, 10/29/04
|Mike Tobias talks with Steve Larrick, candidate for US House of Representatives. Larrick outlines...
|NET News Statewide: Hire Me For The House: 2nd District Segment, 10/29/04
|"Statewide" puts candidates for Nebraska's three seats in the House of Representatives through job...


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balls > international
land of my fathers
All replicas are officially licensed and fully endorsed by the International unions. Balls in the licensed Gilbert ranges are fitted with a synthetic latex bladder. This is to ensure that they remain inflated for the maximum length of time when on display.
The Land of my Fathers Memorabilia balls are available in size 5, midi and mini and quote some of the famous words from the Land of my Fathers song.
Sizes available:
- Size 5 (£10.99)
- Midi (£7.99)
- Mini (£5.99)


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Toronto Condo Rental Photos and Description
1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathrooms, Sleeps 2
We also have connections with a roster of other Toronto properties--ask us!
Awesome location, stylish & spotless. Everything you could want for an urban getaway! Whether shopping on Queen W or enjoying the 'hood's legendary nightlife, it doesn't get more convenient.
Set in a modern, 5-year old boutique building a stone's throw from Queen Street's shops & restaurants and minutes from subway/public transit, the compact unit is decorated in high style, complete with dark hardwood floors, groovy designer furniture, stainless steel appliances, granite counters and west-facing floor to ceiling windows, plus a sunny balcony to watch the sun go down and the city come alive. The sleeping area is divided from the kitchen and living area by a floating wall, so the place is best for a couple or two good friends. Unit is professionally cleaned & spotless for every guest.
INCLUDES high speed WiFi, HD flat screen TV, DVD, surround sound, MP3 audio jack and even a local cell phone
Building is a modern, 5-year old boutique condo set back on a side street just a stone's throw from Queen Street's shops and restaurants, and minutes from subway and streetcar transit. Most major downtown hospitals are also within walking distance.
Condo is furnished with personal toiletries, high thread count sheets, and local pay as you go cell phone. There are indoor bike racks in the building, and there is an excellent bike shop literally across the street.
It's nearly impossible to be this central without staying in a hotel!
Walk Score of 98/100: 'Walker's Paradise!'
Much Music/City TV building: almost across the street!
Richmond street entertainment/club district, Scotiabank Movie Theaters: 3 minutes
Art Gallery of Ontario: 5 minutes
Roy Thompson Hall, Princess of Wales Theater, Royal Alexandra Theater: 5 minutes
Canon Theater, Elgin and Winter Garden Theaters, Massey Hall: 10 minutes
Eaton Center: 10 minutes
Rogers Center/Skydome, CN Tower: 10 Minutes
Toronto Metro Convention Center: 10 minutes
All major downtown hospitals (TGH, Sick Kids, Princess Margaret, Mount Sinai): 10 mins
Harbourfront: 15 minutes
- Suitability:
- pets not allowed
- non smoking only
- Long-term Renters Welcome
Guestbook comments from the owner
This condo more than lived up to our expectations and we certainly could not have asked for a better location. It is so central we walked everywhere without any problem. However if walking is not for you the public transport is excellent and convenient. We found the condo very clean and lacked for nothing. If we are lucky enough to visit Toronto again then we will certainly have no hesitation in staying here again. Thanks Brendan for letting us share your condo.
Brendan Powell
We are a married real estate team who have rented apartments in Argentina in the past and decided we should do the same in our own city - this is our second vacation rental in downtown Toronto. Brendan is a former travel writer and international tour leader who has worked and travelled in over 60 countries. Melanie is a former HR consultant for the advertising industry. Together we are also the BREL Real Estate team! Between us we speak fluent English, French, Spanish and Japanese. We are fun-loving, social and love our city--and look forward to helping others enjoy it too.
Read our reviews! The condo is very new, funky and in an incredible location--so central to the Queen Street shopping, bars and restaurants that you practically walk out the door and you are in the middle of things. It's a rare spot for a residential condo--there is almost nothing else quite like it location-wise...street noise is surprisingly almost nil despite being only a few doors north of busy Queen. Note that you don't really need a car here, as there is so much within walking distance. The subway is a couple of blocks away, and you'll never wait more than 30 seconds for a taxi right out front--at any time of night or day. An ideal location for the Toronto Film Festival, all Toronto's major live theatre venues or any of the central Toronto hospitals.
As world travellers who call Toronto home, we always appreciate the city's energy, multiculturalism and music and arts scene when we come home from abroad. We love eating out and going out, so we bought what we thought was the ultimate location for someone who wants to really explore the city.