Monday, October 11, 2010
Red Thread Sighting...
I volunteer monthly to substitute teach in the preschool wing in our church. Yesterday, as I was sharing our news to adopt Sarah with the directors, one of the ladies came around the desk to hug me and tell me some news that I can only see as another Red Thread. Our church may be sending a team to Sarah's country in the spring. Dates aren't set, nor is it confirmed. But how amazing would it be meeting our daughter oversees and possibly connect with friends from home!!!! Even if it doesn't come to fruition, this is another Red Thread confirmation we are on the right journey. On every journey, there are seasons of time. Seasons of moving fast, seasons of waiting, and seasons of moving slow...but all that matters is we are continually looking ahead to the time when we will see her face to face. Then, the journey will have been worth the seasons.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Making a Difference
If we're really honest with ourselves, there are probably times when we think, "What possible use can I be in this world? What need is there for somebody like me to fill?" That's one of the deeper mysteries. Then, God's grace comes to us in the form of another person who tells us we have been of help, and what a blessing that is.
Fred Rogers, Mister Rodger's Neighborhood
Fred Rogers, Mister Rodger's Neighborhood
Saturday, October 9, 2010
I have a Voice...
As we walked around Crew Stadium during the Buddy Walk, this traveling gallery was played on the big screen. Beautiful...
Friday, October 8, 2010
An Amazing Husband and Father
I am blessed to have married a man with a passion for making a difference. He is all about the great outdoors, and wants to pass this love on. A few years ago, he and his father joined a kayaking group that kayaked for pleasure, along with teaching families, children, and other adults the love of kayaking. Before our children were born, he and I took a trip to Maine. I briefly mentioned that I'd like to kayak. The next thing I know, we set out on a 3 day kayaking trip(overnight) camping on an island. We kayaked across the ocean, with all our gear packed inside a double kayak. (Did I mention that I've never gone kayaking before!!) On the LONG paddle back, our guides got lost and paddled a couple miles past our pickup point. I broke out into an all-out panic attack on the ocean, trying to get out of the kayak. (Did I mention my claustrophobic issues?!!) Needless to say, I've never stepped inside a kayak again.
He loves the mountains, and we've never been to Colorado. So, for our tenth anniversary, he planned a 10 day trip out west. What beautiful country in southwest Colorado!! But, we found out driving through the mountains, I cannot handle looking out over the cliffs. During a 2 hour drive and no stopping places, I went into a full-out panic attack!! (Anyone seeing a pattern, yet!!!) I yelled for him to stop the car, jumped out, and began hyper-ventilating over the side of the mountain. That's irony for you!! One day, he rented a jeep to go off road high up in the mountains, and I went to the spa!!!:)
He, also wanted to make a difference and joined a Regional Search and Rescue team. He has gone out on searches, volunteered at races, and family events to promote healthy, safe living. And this year, he is volunteering to be a cub scout leader for Austin's group. 
Lastly, he will camp out in the back yard and take his children on a Back-To-School Camp-out every year. Soon, he will be sharing his love for the outdoors with another little princess.
He is AMAZING!!!Thursday, October 7, 2010
Sarah first, then Ds
Throughout my learning journey over the past few months, I've read and processed so much information on adoption, Down syndrome, and Special Needs children. I continue to learn daily from those who have walked this path before me and look to them for guidance, advice, and a listening ear when I need it. For our family and friends who have little experience with a child with special needs, I want to share with you some insights I've learned on this journey.
Sarah is a little girl with chestnut hair and chocolate eyes. She has Down syndrome, and most likely was placed in an orphanage in Eastern Europe because of her diagnosis. In her country, there are no therapies, there are no schools for children with special needs, there is no life. Parents are given their child's diagnosis at birth and the recommendation to place them in an orphanage. At 4 or 5, these children are moved to mental institutions, where life expectancy after transfer is 2 years. They do not see potential in children with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is not Sarah, nor is Sarah, Down syndrome. She is not a Downs baby, nor has Downs. (It does not have an s on it. It was named after Dr. Down, who discovered Ds, not someone who had it.) She is Sarah with Down syndrome. By saying Sarah with Down syndrome, it shows respect to Sarah and that you see Sarah for Sarah, and not Down syndrome. Until Sarah was born in our hearts, I was not aware that my words mattered. It may seem like semantics, but Sarah and other individuals with Ds (Down syndrome) need to be seen for who they are, and not the Down syndrome piece first. Sarah is beautiful, Sarah is lovely, Sarah is a life to be cherished, and Ds is a part of her beautiful puzzle. Her potential is bursting to get out, to be given opportunities, to have a life outside the plain walls. Sarah is a life worth saving, a life worth living, and a life worth the love of her forever family. So, when talking about children with Down syndrome, remember their name first, then Down syndrome.
Sarah is a little girl with chestnut hair and chocolate eyes. She has Down syndrome, and most likely was placed in an orphanage in Eastern Europe because of her diagnosis. In her country, there are no therapies, there are no schools for children with special needs, there is no life. Parents are given their child's diagnosis at birth and the recommendation to place them in an orphanage. At 4 or 5, these children are moved to mental institutions, where life expectancy after transfer is 2 years. They do not see potential in children with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is not Sarah, nor is Sarah, Down syndrome. She is not a Downs baby, nor has Downs. (It does not have an s on it. It was named after Dr. Down, who discovered Ds, not someone who had it.) She is Sarah with Down syndrome. By saying Sarah with Down syndrome, it shows respect to Sarah and that you see Sarah for Sarah, and not Down syndrome. Until Sarah was born in our hearts, I was not aware that my words mattered. It may seem like semantics, but Sarah and other individuals with Ds (Down syndrome) need to be seen for who they are, and not the Down syndrome piece first. Sarah is beautiful, Sarah is lovely, Sarah is a life to be cherished, and Ds is a part of her beautiful puzzle. Her potential is bursting to get out, to be given opportunities, to have a life outside the plain walls. Sarah is a life worth saving, a life worth living, and a life worth the love of her forever family. So, when talking about children with Down syndrome, remember their name first, then Down syndrome.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
An Adventure Family?
Sunday evening, we headed back into the COLD, WET
outdoors for an Indian Princess family event at Indian Caverns . It's father/daughter
group that meets quarterly. Our kids loved the climbing wall and caves. Me, not so much:( I'm very claustrophobic, and fear going underground. The kids had fun and that's all that matters!!!
What we do for FAMILY!!!
outdoors for an Indian Princess family event at Indian Caverns . It's father/daughter
group that meets quarterly. Our kids loved the climbing wall and caves. Me, not so much:( I'm very claustrophobic, and fear going underground. The kids had fun and that's all that matters!!!
 |
| I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. |
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| Race you to the bottom!!! |
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| Seriously, these dark, closed spaces are creeping me out!!! |
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| Almost to the top... |
What we do for FAMILY!!!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Buddy Walk Recap
Waking up excited for our first Buddy Walk, our eyes opened up to gray, cloudy skies and cold, windy air with a possibility of rain:( Walking out the door, we grabbed mittens and hats, and I'm so glad we did! It continued to be cold the entire time. However, the rain held off until the event was almost over!!!:) Yeah!
Walking into the registration area, we found the Reece's Rainbow table. We met Yana and Robyn's family and began talking about where we all are in our process. Soon, Addy's Girl Scout troop came and we walked with the Carlisle Cuties, and their captain, Bailey. What a day! Seeing so many walking up and down Crew Stadium, celebrating children with Down Syndrome. Cheerleaders, clowns, mascots, and more were all around to share in the event. I sent an email over the weekend to the past president of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio to request newsletters and information because her name was given to me from friend as a resource. Will wonders ever cease, but when we stopped at the information booth, there she was!!! I introduced myself to her and she was so thrilled for us, and wanted to have coffee soon. We didn't get to talk much, but there is the promise of conversations to come. The RR/Down Syndrome network embraces anyone into the fold with open arms, willing to assist on any level. We are forever grateful for the day our eyes were opened, because this journey has had so many rewards:)
For Addy and Austin, one of their favorite moments was meeting Bridget and Alina, from Living in the Light. They've been reading their blogs and watching their montages since we begun our journey to Sarah. All throughout the walk, our kids and friends were sharing how next year we'll be walking with the newest member of our family!! We can hardly wait:) What a great, fulfilling day!!
Walking into the registration area, we found the Reece's Rainbow table. We met Yana and Robyn's family and began talking about where we all are in our process. Soon, Addy's Girl Scout troop came and we walked with the Carlisle Cuties, and their captain, Bailey. What a day! Seeing so many walking up and down Crew Stadium, celebrating children with Down Syndrome. Cheerleaders, clowns, mascots, and more were all around to share in the event. I sent an email over the weekend to the past president of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio to request newsletters and information because her name was given to me from friend as a resource. Will wonders ever cease, but when we stopped at the information booth, there she was!!! I introduced myself to her and she was so thrilled for us, and wanted to have coffee soon. We didn't get to talk much, but there is the promise of conversations to come. The RR/Down Syndrome network embraces anyone into the fold with open arms, willing to assist on any level. We are forever grateful for the day our eyes were opened, because this journey has had so many rewards:)
For Addy and Austin, one of their favorite moments was meeting Bridget and Alina, from Living in the Light. They've been reading their blogs and watching their montages since we begun our journey to Sarah. All throughout the walk, our kids and friends were sharing how next year we'll be walking with the newest member of our family!! We can hardly wait:) What a great, fulfilling day!!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Our First Buddy Walk
Today, we are heading to Crew Stadium to participate in our first Buddy Walk with Addyson's Girl Scout Troop. The Buddy Walk was developed in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome. What began as 17 walks in 1995, has grown to over 200 worldwide:)
This past June, the Girl Scout Troop mothers met to think of activities and ideas for our girls to do with a Making a Difference theme. I had been reading about Down Syndrome at the time, and threw out the idea of participating in the Buddy Walk in October. Another mother shared that her family walks with their niece every year, and would love to have our troop join them. We'll be joining the Carlisle Cuties. Stop back for pictures of the event:)
This past June, the Girl Scout Troop mothers met to think of activities and ideas for our girls to do with a Making a Difference theme. I had been reading about Down Syndrome at the time, and threw out the idea of participating in the Buddy Walk in October. Another mother shared that her family walks with their niece every year, and would love to have our troop join them. We'll be joining the Carlisle Cuties. Stop back for pictures of the event:)
Saturday, October 2, 2010
September Sunrise...
A little over a month ago, our family made the commitment to become a little girl's forever family. One month down, 5 more to go...
Here is where our time has gone:
*August 19-Contract with Home Study agency and they began working on our state clearances
*August 24-Commitment papers sent to Reece's Rainbow
*August 27-Doctor's appointment for one child/medical form completed
*August 28-Shared with our families and children of our adoption plans. Everyone is so surprised, excited, and thrilled for us. The kids begin placing her picture around the house.
*August 30-State fingerprinting. Social Worker calls to schedule our home visits.
*September 3-Doctor's appointment for one child/medical form completed
*September 4-Addy is writing a list of possible names for her from A-Z
*September 5-Family decision to call her Sarah
*September7-10-Completing more paperwork, education credits. Read a total of 6-8 books. All home study paperwork is completed.
*September 10-Need to reschedule home study visit
*September 13-Received the international paperwork and process
*September 16-First home study visit (the power came back on 5 minutes before she arrived:), Child Specific Petition/other forms notarized and faxed to her country
*September 17-Received ok to certify/apostille CSP/POA
*September 18-2nd home study visit
*September 20-CSP/forms certified, apostilled, and sent to her country
*September 27-Andy's Dr. appointment/medical form/tests completed
It's been a crazy, busy, but wonderful month as we are checking off things to complete.
Soon, Sarah, we'll be bringing you home...
Even more AMAZING...
I was reading the digest from Reece's Rainbow yesterday, and was in AWE!!! A coordinator was updating their website with commitments and My Family Found ME page, when she began counting back to our commitment day. From August 25 to this week, 34 angels found their forever family. 34...Two were adopted from another agency, and one went home with their biological family:) Still, 31 children have moved from waiting to My Family Found Me on Reece's Rainbow. 34 children will one day wake up in a loving, caring home. 34 children will be loved, cherished, and celebrated for who they are. There are no words, but AMAZING!!! All because someone stepped up and said, "I will love and bring a child home." There is so much good happening around us!!!! Celebrate it!!
Here is where our time has gone:
*August 19-Contract with Home Study agency and they began working on our state clearances
*August 24-Commitment papers sent to Reece's Rainbow
*August 27-Doctor's appointment for one child/medical form completed
*August 28-Shared with our families and children of our adoption plans. Everyone is so surprised, excited, and thrilled for us. The kids begin placing her picture around the house.
*August 30-State fingerprinting. Social Worker calls to schedule our home visits.
*September 3-Doctor's appointment for one child/medical form completed
*September 4-Addy is writing a list of possible names for her from A-Z
*September 5-Family decision to call her Sarah
*September7-10-Completing more paperwork, education credits. Read a total of 6-8 books. All home study paperwork is completed.
*September 10-Need to reschedule home study visit
*September 13-Received the international paperwork and process
*September 16-First home study visit (the power came back on 5 minutes before she arrived:), Child Specific Petition/other forms notarized and faxed to her country
*September 17-Received ok to certify/apostille CSP/POA
*September 18-2nd home study visit
*September 20-CSP/forms certified, apostilled, and sent to her country
*September 27-Andy's Dr. appointment/medical form/tests completed
It's been a crazy, busy, but wonderful month as we are checking off things to complete.
Soon, Sarah, we'll be bringing you home...
Even more AMAZING...
I was reading the digest from Reece's Rainbow yesterday, and was in AWE!!! A coordinator was updating their website with commitments and My Family Found ME page, when she began counting back to our commitment day. From August 25 to this week, 34 angels found their forever family. 34...Two were adopted from another agency, and one went home with their biological family:) Still, 31 children have moved from waiting to My Family Found Me on Reece's Rainbow. 34 children will one day wake up in a loving, caring home. 34 children will be loved, cherished, and celebrated for who they are. There are no words, but AMAZING!!! All because someone stepped up and said, "I will love and bring a child home." There is so much good happening around us!!!! Celebrate it!!
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