Birthday Week Featured Child: Mirabel

Dearest Readers,

It is now, officially, our birthday week. Woohoo!

 Our birthday is Friday, I have my theater class's show Saturday, and then it's Easter! I will be blogging about the festivities once they are all said and done. But today it is time for you all to meet....


Mirabel.

Mirabel means "wondrous", or of wondrous beauty. Definitely
an appropriate name for this beautiful girl!

About this time last year I wrote this post about an orphan in Eastern Europe who, like me, was about to turn 16.

I knew I wanted to feature another waiting child this week, but who? An April baby? Another 16 year old? Instead, I picked a four year old born in August.

That smile. So precious!

Mirabel is four years old. In her country, this means she will be transferred to a mental institution soon. Soon she will be taken away from the only home she has ever known. She's only four years old. Most four year olds in America don't cross the street without a parent's hand.

 Adoptive families are called forever families for a reason. Mirabel's whole life has been unstable. Nothing has been constant. When she is home with her family, though, the same person will wake her up every morning. She won't cry alone after surgeries. 

A family that met her last year said the following: 

” We saw Mirabel this morning.  She is in the laying down room.  The nannies were carrying them outside.  She can’t hold her head up, support herself, sit, or stand.   It looks like she has no control over her legs at all…flopped to the side when the nannies carried her. She does, however, have good use of her arms.  She kept reaching up to try to touch me.  I gave her a set of the rings to play with.   She was SO happy to have something to play with. She kept smiling at me. I really think that there is a smart, aware little girl in that broken body.”

Will you please pray for Mirabel this week? Pray that she will get to celebrate her birthday with her family one day. 

If you would like more information on adopting Mirabel, please go to her profile at http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=mirabel. 

Your Blogger,

 Claire

Four Little Lives

Dear Readers,

 Please take four minutes and watch this video. 

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26332429/ns/dateline_nbc-international/t/serbias-horrific-institutions-relic-past/#.UkcLK7_N7FI


Then look at the below children...all of whom are facing transfer to mental institutions like the one in the video.

Janna, facing imminent transfer to a mental institution

Marla, facing imminent transfer

Salome, facing imminent transfer

Jefferson, already transferred.

Now please take a moment to pray for these children. Please pray for their biological parents and the hurt they may be feeling. Please pray for these precious ones, pray for them to be filled with peace during this time. And please pray that adoptive families will come for them before they are transferred. 

Your Blogger,

 Claire

Dearest Readers,

   Thank you so very much for your prayers, kind notes, and words of encouragement this week. We so appreciate you!!

Hopefully Benjamin will be coming home tomorrow (woohoo!!!). In this entire hospital stay, as in the ones years past, my mom has been by his side the entire time. She left only briefly yesterday. (And yes, we enjoyed every moment she was home!)

Every time we are in that hospital room, I'm blown away by my mom's love and care. Despite her extreme exhaustion, she jumps up whenever Benjamin needs her. And every time we are in that hospital room, I find myself wondering about the children who are in the hospital without their mothers beside them? I have wished numerous times during the week that I could DO something for children left alone in the hospital. And although they're not in the hospital, I do know of three precious ones who are at this moment lying in a bed without their mother beside them to comfort them. I wish with all of my heart that they had someone to hold them in their arms and love them. And since I can't magically transport myself to these precious little ones, (Mason's been introducing me to Doctor Who this week...I couldn't help myself :)) I can make sure that one more person knows about them. 

So without further ado....meet Seeley, Linny, and Marla. 

This picture breaks my heart. Sweet Seeley's little arms. He looks as if he's just laying there, waiting for someone to swoop in and tenderly hold him and love him. I've looked at it so many times these past couple of years, and yet no one has ever come to pick him up and take him out the doors of his orphanage. He still lies in that crib alone.

There are many children like Seeley listed on Reece's Rainbow. They're referred to as "crib babies" because they are bedridden. The saddest part of Seeley's story? His mother cared for him until April 2012. He's been alone ever since then. I can't imagine having your mom by your side, and then one day losing her. I would be devastated.  Precious Seeley has had to endure that. 

Sweet Linny. Another crib baby...

I know for a fact that sweet Linny has been in the hospital recovering from surgery. She had an operation to repair her spina bifida. She was developing typically physically and mentally after this operation. At 21 months old, however, she was admitted to the hospital again, this time for head trauma. She endured yet another surgery, and is now paralyzed on the right side and unable to walk or talk. Was she alone during these hospitalizations?

Precious Marla, who will soon be transferred to
a mental institution...

And then there's dear Marla. This precious angel is six years old. In an earlier picture, she was laughing. Here she looks so heartbreakingly alone. Once transferred to an institution her hope for a family, for a life outside of a crib,  will be practically non-existent.

These are just three of many, many crib babies in the world. They all contain so much life inside of them if only they would be taken out of those cribs!

Please pray for these little angels on earth. Please pray that someone will see their value and lift them out of those cribs. I'm thankful to know that even though they don't have mamas beside them, Jesus has never left their side. 

Beautiful news!! Reece's Rainbow waiting child

Do y'all remember Sebastian? I posted about him ten days before my birthday. 

I talked about how his birthday is about a week after mine.

And how if he didn't have a family by then...

he would never have one.

WELL guess what? 

SEBASTIAN HAS A FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"....Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning." ~Psalm 30:5

I'm so thankful morning has come for Sebastian. May the Lord bless and strengthen his family as they work to bring him home, and protect his heart as he waits! I'm so thankful that his 16th birthday will, despite the odds, be filled with joy. Thank you, Jesus. 

http://reecesrainbow.org/57191/sebastian

Ten days...

In just ten days Benjamin, Mason and I will be sixteen years old. 

Just eight days after that, this young man will turn sixteen. 

So close in age...

and yet our stories are completely different.

He lives in an orphanage in Eastern Europe...

I live with my loving family...

His birthday means he no longer has a chance of having a family...

My day will be spent celebrating with my parents and siblings...

"16" means homelessness for him....

It means getting to drive and volunteer at Phoenix Childrens' Hospital for me...

Please be praying for all of the orphans who will be turning sixteen this year. Please pray for protection of their hearts and bodies. Please especially be praying for Sebastian. He will be on my heart all month. 

It could have been me. Reece's Rainbow Waiting Child

Benjamin, Mason, and I meet Cinderella!

Dear Readers,

  Today was a wonderful day for us and I hope it was for you, too! It was so wonderful to be together again. We had fun sending out Christmas cards and sewing! Thank you for your prayers for Benjamin....we truly appreciate them. He is doing well! 

    I was all set to write a Christmas post, but God had other plans...

                                

Rebekah, a precious child listed
on Reece's Rainbow

Meet Rebekah. Isn't she just precious? I was scrolling through Reece's Rainbow this afternoon in search of a child to feature on an advocacy blog that I'm blessed to write for, Still We Wait. I fell in love with her and decided to post about her. As I pulled up the short segment Reece's Rainbow has on her, I read a sentence that hit me in the chest. See if you notice anything about this sentence: "Rebekah was born premature at 27 weeks and has quadriplegic CP." 

    Born early at 27 weeks. Benjamin, Mason, and I were born at 28 weeks. Oh. My. Goodness. 

  I suddenly was filled with the desire to go hug her now, to hold her and squeeze her and never to let her go. She has Quadriplegic CP just like Benjamin. She was born at 28 weeks. And she is darling. 

  

    "Okay, Claire, we get it, y'all were all born early! What's the big deal? Most of the kids listed on RR were born early!" I know. I know, I know, I know. 

   But the reason her story so broke my heart was because I know that could have been me. Or Benjamin. Or Mason. We could very well have been the child listed on a waiting children site. 

   But the difference between Rebekah and Benjamin, Mason, and I is our mothers. My mother chose life for us, because she loved us with or without disabilities. She loved us through the long, tiring days at the NICU...loved us through hard days of therapy....loved us through times where I felt alone because I didn't have CP...loved us through surgeries...tears....and days of joy and triumph. Rebekah's Mommy said she couldn't do it. She said she couldn't handle a baby born premature, couldn't handle CP. 

   

   I'm not going to lie. This makes me mad. So, so, nailbiting mad. How anyone could look at that face and not be willing to give her the world is unthinkable to me. 

I'm angry that all mothers aren't like my Mom. I'm angry that Rebekah's Mom was unwilling to care for her daughter, despite the sacrifices. I'm angry that she has to suffer while I was blessed with so much. I'm angry that she has waited for six years. I'm angry that no one has snatched up this beautiful little girl! How could you not?? 

   

  But maybe you are feeling like Rebekah's birth mom did. Maybe you feel called to adopt, but unable to care for a child with a disability. Let me tell you this: You yourself are unable to handle caring for Rebekah. It's true. You can't do it. But God can. God is able to care for her and the millions of other inhabitants of the earth. In fact, He does it everyday! He is caring for her as we speak. He is caring for you, and me, and my family and yours, too. He will carry you as you carry Rebekah out of that orphanage. His GRACE is sufficient for you in all that you do. Adoption included.

   My sweet little angel Marcia is no longer listed on Reece's Rainbow as being available for adoption. She may never know the love of a family, may never feel the arms of her mother around her. She might not know how it feels to be loved until she reaches Heaven. She waited for five years and now it is too late.

  

    But it is not yet too late for Rebekah! She still has a chance! She is filled with so much joy, despite her suffering. She would be the biggest blessing you have ever received, I can assure you of that. She needs you. Please step up and save her before it is too late. 

Give her the world like my Mom gave me. 

Thank you, Mom, for all you have done for us and continue
to do! You are the biggest blessing
God has ever given me!
 Te amo!

There is HOPE for Rebekah and many other children around the world! Please remember them in your prayers as we celebrate the One who gave us blessed hope. Your Blogger,
 Claire

  

     

Her life is no mistake.

"The other side of the world....she's just a few days old...a helpless little girl, with no family of her own. She is not to blame for the journey she is on. Her life is no mistake.
                                                Won't you lead her to my cross?

  Won't you be my voice calling?....won't you be my hands healing?...won't you be my feet walking, into a broken world?... Won't you be my chain breaker?... Won't you be my peacemaker?... Won't you be my hope and joy?
                                                         Won't you be my love?"
 ~Mercy Me's Won't You Be My Love


Dear Readers,
  Above are two pictures of Marla, a five year old listed on Reece's Rainbow. She has Cerebral Palsy and faces imminent transfer to a mental institution.  I can't even write I'm just staring at her picture wishing I could scoop her up and hold her close.  My arms are getting that achy feeling I get so often when I look at these kids' profiles...tears are blurring my vision and  I...am going to stop before I just burst into tears.  It's not fair that she is lying there alone, about to go to a mental institution where she will probably die. It's just not fair. We aren't allowed to say that phrase in my house, but there is nothing else TO say as I look at her picture...This child deserves so much more than this. So much more.
    Won't you be Christ's love and commit to pray for sweet Marla?
There are so many orphans around the world...and yet even though this earth and its people have failed them, God hasn't. He cares deeply about each of these children...so I feel it is important to pray not just a blessing over "all the orphans of the world", but to pray for individuals, also. Let Marla's story hurt your heart. Cry over her. Don't just generalize this group of children and not let your heart be touched. They are real, they are living. Show them someone still cares.
Your Blogger,
 Claire
   
 
Dear Marla.
  Please know that your life is not a mistake. There is One who loves you so much...He loves you more than anything else in the world! He cares for you so much He was even willing to die for you. And even though you may feel alone right now, I need you to know that you are not. Your Heavenly Father is with you always...He's there when you hurt, and He's holding your hand as you cry. He cheers for you  when you experience joy, and waits for the day when you will be back in His Arms again. He's using you, even now as you lay in that crib, for His Glory. You are touching the hearts of those around you and those around the world who see your picture. Don't lose hope, precious girl, and remember that you are a treasured child of the King! You are important and you are loved.
Much love,
 Claire

One more note... here is a devotion from Joni and Friends that I felt related to Marla and all the other children listed on Reece's Rainbow...

 

Ryan Leads the Way

Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! Philippians 4:1 Ryan Mazza is a profoundly disabled man who lives in a care center. He was born with Crouzon's syndrome and has endured countless setbacks which have left him blind, mentally disabled, paralyzed, and unable to feed himself. But he can hear. He loves the sound of his father's voice - especially when his dad reads to him from the Bible. In fact, his father used to work as senior American executive for the Suzuki Motor Company located near Ryan's care center - many times the nurse would call Doug Mazza out of a meeting: "We are having trouble getting Ryan to eat his lunch... would you please come over? He'll respond to you!" No matter if it was a top management meeting or a marketing presentation, Doug was out-the-door to go help his son. To this day, Doug reflects, "No one has impacted me more for Christ than Ryan." This young man inspires not only Doug, but thousands who hear his story. Does this make Ryan nothing more than an audio-visual aid in the hands of a utilitarian God who only uses him for inspiring others? Are Ryan's severe hardships merely "object lessons" from which we can learn? What does Ryan stand to gain? Plenty! What others gain from observing Ryan's sweet attitude gets credited to his eternal account (Philippians 1:25). Almighty God notices when Ryan's life encourages others - if they profit, Ryan gains. If his dad is rewarded, Ryan reaps. Ryan's "joy and crown" are people who are blessed by his example. Think of the crowns being reserved for Ryan Mazza! By the way, his father left Suzuki years ago... N. Douglas Mazza serves as our President at the Joni and Friends International Disability Center. And, yes, Ryan keeps leading the way. Lord Jesus, I need this perspective in my life. I pray for all the "Ryans" who are persevering through pain - thank you for the rewards they'll receive in heaven for inspiring people like me.

    

Snapshots of a life...

These are all raw pictures of Marcia. I haven't edited them to make it look like sunshine is coming through, I haven't blurred out the orphanage background. This is her. This is her reality.
Sometimes I don't even know what to pray for her...a lot of times I have to just trust that God hears my moans for her and understands because, honestly, what can I say? Her chances of adoption are so slim...and even if she is adopted it will take so long...sometimes I wonder if God's plan for her is the same fate as so many other orphans. My heart cries out for Him to give her a family! She can't die alone. That would be so wrong, so unjust. Yet it is the fate of so many...

Marcia deserves someone to tell her she is beautiful.

I question people every day...how can there be so many? Surely more people are able to adopt? I ask my parents. Surely more are able...yet they don't come. Is her diagnosis turning you away? Or is it her age?

When you are in Heaven and God asks you why you didn't help her, are you going to look into His eyes and say "I just couldn't handle Spina Bifida!" When you meet her in Heaven will you tell her "I'm sorry I didn't adopt you--you were just too old. You weren't cute enough. You couldn't walk. That was all!" Is that really what you will say??
Choose now to make a difference before it is too late. Help Marcia before it is too late.

(Taken from http://www.4alittleloco.blogspot.com/)

That picture above isn't dramatized...this is her reality.
She deserves so much more than that!

This child deserves to be held, and loved!

Marcia deserves someone to play with her...

She deserves someone to take dozens of pictures of her--not just referral pictures--pictures taken out of love.

Marcia deserves someone to tell her "You can do it. You are beautiful. You are important."



Will you be that someone for Marcia?

Baby Mine...

Dear Readers,
   Today I am participating in a "Blog Blitz" for Reece's Rainbow....this is where bloggers from all over our little RR 'family' is coming together to shout out for 63 children who have been listed on Reece's Rainbow for years. They have been passed over, laying in cribs all these years, waiting for a family who never comes.
   I can't convince you to adopt. My blog posts, Facebook statuses, and ramblings probably won't change anyone's heart. So I'm going to let the children do that today. I'm going to show you the pictures of these precious children and let them tell you their story...

Sweet Tina. Isn't she beautiful?
http://reecesrainbow.org/728/tina-9

  When you look at Tina's picture, what do you see?  She is beautiful...she has captivating, blue eyes, and hair that would be gorgeous long and flowing. But there is also a grimace on Tina's face. She doesn't seem to be very happy...But then again, why should she be? Tina is in one of the poorer orphanages.  Sadly, all of the children here are malnourished and small. They are immediately transferred at four years old. My Prayer Warrior child, Marcia, was transferred a few months ago. The effects break my heart. Knowing Marcia is in a mental institution right now makes me sick. Absolutely sick. You can stop this from happening to Tina. She still has a chance! The children in Tina's orphanage are in dire need of being rescued. Please do something before it is too late.

    Tina has Fetal Alchohol Syndrome. It's not fair that she is in that orphanage right now because of a mistake her mother made. But her adoptive mom who I know has to be out there can make sure she's not put in a mental institution because of the mistake she made. 

  

   "Dear Mama,

      Where are you? I don't understand why I'm here all alone...I need you right now! I'm hungry, Mama. And I'm so cold...please come and pick me up! I'm tired of laying in this crib...my back is so sore! Oh, Mama, I know you are going to come. I just know you are on your way. I want you to know that it's okay that you're taking so long, I forgive you. I love you anyway, Mama. I'm waiting for you, Mama....waiting....waiting...." ~Tina 

Here is Alexandra. When I first saw her, I thought she was a baby, she's so tiny. But actually, she's a five year old with Oestogenesis Imperfecta, or Brittle Bone Disease. Despite the name "disease", this isn't a terminal illness or even contagious. OI simply means that her bones are very fragile.  Because she is in an orphanage without proper care and therapies, she is unable to walk or sit up.  Due to her OI, a fall or even a hug that's too tight could break her bones.  I'm worried that the reason Alexandra has been listed for so long is because her special need seems too "big". Families might look at this tiny, fragile little girl and feel  afraid. "What if I pick her up wrong and she...breaks?" "What if she falls out of bed when I'm not looking?" "What if I hug her and the results are disastrous?"

   

 The possibilities seem to be endless, and they turn away from that sweet little face because they are too afraid of hurting her.  But what do you think is worse, friends--laying in that bed all day, having no loving family to interact with, no hope for the future, and eventually death in an institution, OR having a loving family, having hope for the future,  and, most importantly, being able to LIVE--with a few broken bones here and there? 

   There are solutions so that your child doesn't break bones everyday. Wheelchairs so falling isn't such a threat. Bedrails, toilet rails, shower chairs--so your house isn't such a danger to her. And as for hugs, how did you know not to slap your newborn's head? Education and common sense goes a long way. Yes, there may be broken bones, tears, misunderstandings, and pain in Alexandra's future--but isn't there in every child's? If she could tell you, I know she would say she would rather have your imperfect family over no family any day.  Broken bones can be casted, fixed. But if Alexandra dies without a family, well, there is no way to fix that.


"Dear Mommy and Daddy,
   I am here waiting for you to come get me! I am very ready to be a part of your family...I have waited for so long. I  often dream of the day you, Mommy, come pick me up out of this bed and hold me close to your heart.  But when I wake up it's just me, alone in this bed, with no smiling face looking down at me or arms reaching out. And there are so many others waiting, moaning and crying. A lot of them lose hope and just give up. But I won't, Mommy and Daddy, because I just know you are coming for me! For now, I will content myself with my dream..." Until then,
                                                                                                                    Alexandra

This sweetheart is Talia. She has to be one of the cutest little girls I've ever seen! Her smile lights up the whole picture, and even with her strabismus, her eyes are just gorgeous. I can already imagine her sitting at the kitchen table fingerpainting, making up stories with her dolls, and cuddling with her mommy before bedtime. Are you her mommy? Can you see yourself tickling Talia to urge this sweet smile out of her?  Talia's birthday is March  17, 2007. She is five years old and has been listed on Reece's Rainbow for years. That sentence makes me want to vomit. Years. How could sweet Talia have been overlooked for so long? How is this possible? In fact, how is it possible that ANY of these kids have been looked over for so long? They are in desperate need of families. For basic needs--clothes for their cold little bodies, food for their starving tummies, therapy for stiff, cold muscles, and teaching for minds capable of so much if given the chance. But Talia and all the other children listed are in dire need of something much bigger than all of that.  love.
These kids need someone to love them, to hold them, to teach them about the love Jesus has for them. They need someone to celebrate all their "firsts" with them. The protective hand behind Talia in this picture makes me wonder if maybe she was just learning to walk when this shot was snapped. It is so sad to me that she had to experience this without the love of a mommy. Not sad for her, neccessarily, because she won't remember, but sad for that woman who is missing out on this precious little life.


 

Talia looks so happy in this picture, I long to scoop her up!
http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Talia


When I took a break from blogging today I went and played the piano. While I played the song "Baby Mine" from Dumbo, I thought of Talia, Alexandra, Tina, Austin, Nana, Marcia, and all the others. What these babies would give for a mama to hold them! But what, also, would a mama give for the right to hold these babies? I know their mama is out there...aching for this child, even if she doesn't yet know it. I'm praying for her and all the other future-mommies. Will you join me, please? Mothers are the greatest gift.

Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes

Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine

Little one when you play
Don't you mind what they say

Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine

If they knew sweet little you
They'd end up loving you too

All those same people who scold you
What they'd give just for
The right to hold you

From your head to your toes
You're not much, goodness knows

But you're so precious to me
Cute as can be, baby of mine


And this is dear Austin! My only little boy in the whole group, he recently had a birthday. For many children, a birthday is a reason to celebrate. But not for Austin....this birthday just marks another year being without a family. Another year closer to the institution. Many children are lavished with gifts, a party, and relatives telling them how grateful they are for their lives. Austin deserves all of this. And yet he doesn't have any of it. He's had too many birthdays like this...let's pray for him to have a family this time next year, friends. And maybe his birthday after that will no longer be spent alone.


"Dear Mom and Dad,
A lot of my friends have gone home already. I watched as one of my closest friends' parents came to get him...they brought so many presents, even a picture book with pictures of his siblings. He ran into their arms and sobbed as his mom held him close. I though the hug would never end! And then a few weeks later he was gone, and once again I was alone. Why haven't you come for me yet? They always tell us to believe in mommy and daddy...but I'm not so sure you even exist. After all, if you're really out there, then why am I still alone? Please come and get me, too. I want to love you. I want to believe in you. I long to run into your arms, too. I don't want to be left alone again." ~Austin

Dear Austin. He has the cutest smile!
http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Austin

And last but not least--darling Nana. When I
saw the list of children featured this Sunday,
I chose group 9 because I had already fallen
in love with this precious little girl.
http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Nana


Oh, sweet, sweet Nana.
Nana has such potential. Even though this picture makes her seem non-responsive, I know with love she would just blossom. She may never be able to walk or talk, but I want to tell you that some of the sweetest kids I've ever met have been unable to do either. Nana can still communicate her feelings even if she is unable to talk. So if this is what's holding you back from adopting her--don't let it!! She is able to teach you so much more than you could ever imagine, and love you with her whole heart. Ignore what the picture might seem to say.
BUT at the same time, Nana may be able to walk, talk, run, and skip--and she will still be an immense blessing! No matter what this child's abilities are, it comes down to this: she is here on this earth for a reason. Not just to simply exist, but to LIVE. Are you willing to give her that chance?


All of these children are those in the most dire need. These are the ones who have watched friends leave with their forever families, year after year, while they are still alone. They need people to stand up for them, be their voice, and most of all, pray for them. Will you?

I'm not the only one who blogged for these kids today. Here is a list of the other blogs, most of whom have different kiddos who they're advocating for. I encourage you to read their blogs and to open your heart to what they have to say. Cry over these children, and pray for them with your whole heart.

Thought I was done? So did I! But it turns out I wasn't. As I was collecting these blog addresses (below), I realized a new child had been added to our Blitz list-- Emmitt. He is a sweet, kind, intelligent fourteen year old living in a mental institution. He has Spina Bifida and has been living there, sadly, for many years. God has blessed him, however, and he still is bright, funny, and kind. He would be a wonderful son. Here's what Reece's Rainbow says: Emmitt is a sweet boy. He is living in one of the mental institutions, and has been for many years, yet he remains sweet, intelligent, and kind. Ttwo of our adopting families met him while they were there, and are pleading for a family to save him. From his medical records: myelomeningocele (spina bifida) From one of our adoptive families: " Emmitt has a severe deformity of his legs. He cannot walk at all. He is very friendly, funny, and talkative. He desperately seeks out attention. He was talking to my husband, and holding Zack's hand, which he then put on top of his head for Zack to rub his hair. He is extremely intelligent, and just precious! I brought him paper and crayons, and he drew me a flower "

There is so much need, y'all. My kids isted above aren't the only ones in dire need. Emmitt is also waiting. And there's millions more. Let Emmitt be a reminder to all of you that the work is never done. Even when we think it's finished, "oh, She adopted a child" or "oh, I went on a mission trip" the work is NOT done. There is still so much God is calling us to do if we just listen. So. I'm not going to stop at one blog blitz. I'm not going to stop at one prayer! And I sincerely hope you won't, either. Remember these children.

Your Blogger,

Claire

http://gilda-findingpearls.blogspot.com/

http://wholelottalovin.blogspot.com/?m=1
http://melissa-roomatthetable.blogspot.com/

http://lifesbeautifulbutterflies.blogspot.com/

http://www.multitaskingmama.com/

http://4alittleloco.blogspot.com/2012/07/blitzing-for-love.html

http://departtoserve.blogspot.com/?m=1

http://answeringthecallfororphans.blogspot.com/?m=1

http://motherslittlehelper004.blogspot.com/?m=1

http://savinghissparrows.blogspot.com/?m=1

http://wonderofboys.blogspot.com/

http://butbygraceitcouldbeme.blogspot.com/

http://supermomwithoutacape.blogspot.com/?m=1

http://www.savingsullivan.blogspot.com/

http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/

http://the-scenic-route-momto6kids.blogspot.com/

http://thestarsaligned.blogspot.com/?m=1

http://www.zerothezeros.blogspot.com/?m=1

http://onechildonevoice.blogspot.com/?m=1

Please.

~Note~ If you are going to read this and then completely forget about this child I do not want you to read it. I only want those who are going to DO something to read this. Duncan doesn't need you to sit here and feel sorry for him- he needs you to DO something. So, if you are willing to get down on your knees, I beg you to read this. I beg you to remember him, and to mention him to your friends. Blog about him yourself, print out his picture to keep in your Bible, post about him on Facebook,- what ever you do is appreciated. So long as you do it. Thank you.

Dear Readers,

 

 I love children with special needs. I wish every single child knew how much they are loved. But the sad fact is--they don't. There are many children in the world who don't know they are loved, and it tears my heart to pieces. A lot of these children were given up for adoption because of their special need. There is nothing wrong with them, they are not defective, they are made exactly the way God wanted them to be. Yet some of them don't know that.  Duncan is one of them.

  

He actually worried someone who saw his picture would decide not to adopt him
because he was ugly. Break. My.Heart. (again!)

My brother Mason, and my shadow signing I love you to him. :)

Duncan is almost 16. Once he turns 16, he will be sent to a mental institution. A mental institution is a terrible place. For many, it is a death sentence.   I picked him to write about because he reminds me of Mason. Duncan has Cerebral Palsy and uses a walker to walk. He is very smart and compassionate. He does not deserve this life. He did not choose this life. And I am going to do everything in my power to make sure the rest of his life is different. I beg you to do the same.
Here is what the family who met Duncan said about him:

"Duncan very much wants a family. He is smart and works hard. He gets along well with others. Duncan struggles with facing the future here in his native country. He knows that unless a miracle happens and he gets adopted (or a family commits and gets USCIS approval) in the next few months, he is going to be sent to a mental institution, even though mentally, he has no issues. Duncan appears to have CP, and he is small for his age (about the size of a 13 year old). Duncan's medical information is en route from the orphanage now, but the family who met him and who he approached to ask for a family and the facilitator want to go ahead and get his information and picture out there.

Duncan uses a walker to walk and is independent in mobility. Duncan is a compassionate teen and one who says he "fears even to hope for a family, because he doesn't think anyone would want him because he isn't handsome". In fact, when it was time to pose for this picture, Duncan worried that someone would see it and then not want him. Duncan needs a family to show him God looks on the heart to see beauty (even though he's a quite handsome boy regardless)- and so do Christian families. Duncan's heart is big, and he is well-loved in this orphanage. Many worry for him if he doesn't get adopted before he turns 16 and it is too late."
 
  Wow. Are tears streaming down your face?? Duncan has so much to offer the world. Please help him.
 I realize there are lots of people hurting, and the orphan crisis might not be your "thing" you want to support. Trust me, I get that. But look at Duncan. How long does it take for you to post his picture to Facebook? To print out his picture? To pray for him?
 There are so many children in the world who don't know how much their Father loves them...I can't imagine a bigger blessing than showing them He does.
Your Blogger,
 Claire