Called, Chosen, Special?

I had the most interesting conversation with a friend in the grocery store, yesterday. I hadn't seen her since before we went to meet our boys and so naturally, she asked about our trip and the boys. I love this friend. She is beautiful inside and out, because she loves Jesus. Imagine my surprise when she asked me, "Don't you think it takes special people to do what you and Marty are doing?" Followed by, "Don't you feel like you were called to do this and your boys were chosen for you?"

Would you like to hear my answer? I think it might surprise you, because it surprised my dear friend. No! Marty and I are not special or "called" to adopt. I've touched on it here before, but let me be clear. If you love and serve JESUS you are commanded to care for the orphans! None of us gets a free pass. It doesn't make Marty and I special, because we're on this journey to our sons. We just answered when God commanded. Our sole purpose here on earth is to serve and glorify God. It's what we were created to do. So, when His word says that the religion He accepts as pure and faultless is to care for the orphan and the widow, who are we to do anything but follow His command?

How about were our boys chosen for us? I think, this will surprise you, too. I believe that God is writing the story of our lives. He led us to our boys. That being said, I also believe God had a better plan for our boys. A plan that didn't involve a sin fallen world. A plan where children are born into the families that God created them to be in and those families are able to love and care for them. Ultimately, the best place for both of our sons would have been in the families they were born in, but because of SIN that is not an option. Our world is no longer perfect and so, we look for a better home. We walk by faith where He has called commanded us to walk, so that we might be the hands and feet of Jesus. If we love Him, we will love them. We will be a part of making the sad things come untrue, so that men might see Jesus in us and glorify HIM! Not us, Jesus!

Now, let me ask you a question. Do you love Jesus? I hope that your response is a resounding, "YES!" If so, let me leave you with John 14:21.

Words of Jesus: "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

Do you love Jesus? Then, do what He commands!

Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...

Hidden in Christ,
Mandy

Q and A time with Marty

Q. When did you first realize what it means to be an orphan with special needs?

A. I remember that I didn't want to think about it at first. Mandy wanted me to watch a news special about orphans with special needs and I kept putting it off, because it wasn't something I wanted to face.
It's one thing to hear about the reality of orphans with special needs, it's another thing to see it.

Q. What did you think would happen if you really looked and saw the need?

A. That I'd have to realize the truth, which is that there are children out there that need families, homes and love. I knew I would feel responsible to do something, if I was capable of helping, but I didn't want to have to, so I tried to ignore it.

How did you make the leap from "maybe one day" to "the time is now?"

Well, I don't know that I went from "maybe one day." I went from, "No, I'm not doing that."

Once I realized what was happening and that I could do something. I still didn't want to make the life long commitment, but I asked myself what if this were Eli or Julie, would I have turned them away?

I've always loved children, but I wasn't sure about down syndrome. At first, I wanted it to be a different special need, something I was more familiar with, because I wasn't comfortable with down syndrome. I got Godly advice from our Pastor and talked with other people who knew someone with down syndrome. I did some research online, too. The more I learned about down syndrome, the more comfortable I became. I went from, "No" to "Why not two?"

I still wasn't sure how comfortable I'd be until we went there. After meeting our boys, I realized they really are no different than any other child.

Q. Why 2 boys?

A. I honestly don't know, now, because I wish we were bringing home a girl, too. I think we chose boys, because boys are easier.

Q. How did you choose?

A. We picked em out online. The short and sweet version is we picked Samuel, quickly. He fell into the country, age, sex, category we were looking for. We looked at so many other little ones and then Joseph. I just knew he was ours. I don't know how to explain it. He was just ours.

Q. Did you have any questions or concerns from family, friends, or co-workers about your adoption?

A. Yes, lots. Most people didn't question the adoption part. People were concerned that we were adopting boys with down syndrome. Family mostly, I think, because of how they were raised and what they were taught about children with down syndrome. They were worried about the amount of time and effort it would take to raise a child with down syndrome. Overall, we haven't had a lot of negativity and we were worried that we would.

Q. Do you have concerns about bonding with the boys once they're home?

A. No. Personally, I feel like our boys are going to want love and attention and we have that. They're going to love us! (Marty's words, not mine)

Q. Do you worry about the future for your boys?

A. I don't worry about their futures, but I do think about it. I think about whether they will go to college, get a job. I don't really think about what they will do as much as I think about what we will be able to do for them. Like, can we provide them with the life skills they need to leave home. If they never leave home, that's okay, too.

Q. How did your faith play into your decision to adopt?

A. God's always provided for us and I knew this wouldn't be any different.

Q. Does the lack of involvement in orphan care from the church in general concern you?

A. I think the church as a whole should be doing a whole lot more than they're currently doing, but I'm glad for the few people that are answering God's call for the orphans.


Q. Why is it (normally) harder for men to agree to adopt?

A. We typically have our lives planned how we want them to go. For me, I have goals of things I want to accomplish and adoption feels like a wrench thrown into the plan, making it harder to reach those goals.


Q. What's the one thing you would tell a Dad who's hesitating to begin an adoption of a child with down syndrome?

A. Maybe we men need to stop thinking about ourselves and think about what God has planned for our lives.

Q. Will you adopt again?

A. Yes, I will consider adopting, again. Next time, I'm hoping for a girl.

I'm so thankful Marty took the time to do this. If you have any other questions, ask in the comments and I'll try to get him to answer them, too.

Blessings,
Mandy and Marty

She's waited long enough...

I have looked at this little girl's picture again and again. I've read her story. How in a country where children with extra chromosomes are shut away and deemed less worthy, Kate has found a place. She is so amazing that even people taught to believe she is less worthy have seen value in her life.

What does Kate still need, though? A Mom and a Dad. It's quite simple. She's an orphan. No matter how you look at Kate's circumstances they are less than ideal, because no child should have to grow up without parents. I happen to think this one is pretty spectacular. She is funny, loving, smart and waiting to be loved. She is beautiful.

 Today is Kate's 8th birthday. 8 years this precious Christmas baby has waited to be chosen. I'm praying that this will be Kate's last birthday without a family. Her last birthday as an orphan. Will you please share her story? Here's her profile on Reece's Rainbow, where you can learn more about her: Kate

I am resolving to do more for the orphans this year. Will you join me? Let's give more, pray more, advocate more and maybe even adopt a couple of our own in 2012. What do you think? You have a place in orphan care. Will you do what you can to find out what that place is and then walk in obedience?

Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something.

Hidden in Christ,
Mandy

Reece's Rainbow on ABC News!

Link to video! I'm excited to share this video with you. Marty and I enjoyed following along on the Cox Family's Blog as they journeyed into the Ukraine to pick up Mia and bring her home. We were so blessed to watch as Mia became part of a family, knowing that we were at the beginning of our own adoption adventure.

We can't wait to have our boys home, too! Look what fun Mia is having on the other side of the (Reece's) Rainbow!

Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Save a Life!

Hidden in Christ,
Mandy

Away in a Manger

Away in a Manger, no crib for a bed

The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head

The Stars in the Sky looked down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay

Be near them, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay

Close by them forever and love them, I pray

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care

and fit us for Heaven to live with thee there

2,000 years ago, He came. 

He stepped out of Heaven and into the flesh of humanity.

He came to make the sad things come untrue.

He came to bring light into a darkened world.

He came to be Emmanuel-God with Us!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

We're so glad you came.

Wishing you each a Merry Christmas and the JOY of knowing the truth (Jesus)!

Blessings,

Mandy

One Year

Marty's working and the kids are in bed. I'm sitting by the Christmas tree, enjoying the peace and quiet. Thinking ahead to what next Christmas will be like. I will be the mother of four children. Next year, I will have a 10 year old (where has the time gone), two 7 year olds, and a 5 year old. Life will be so full that I wonder if I will have a quiet moment to collect my thoughts, to reflect on the year gone by.

Look at what this year has brought into our lives. Last Christmas, adoption wasn't even on our radar. God was changing some things in our lives, shaking things up, stirring up old gifts. We had that unsettled feeling like God was calling us somewhere, but where? We were pressing in, like never before, trying to hear His voice in the busyness of life. Then I saw a picture of a little girl, named Olga.

I stumbled upon my friend, Patti's blog, a few weeks before Christmas I read this post. I read these words, "Olga turns five next month. In Eastern Europe, babies with Down Syndrome are deemed unacceptable at birth. Olga has spent her life in an orphanage...until now. Soon she will be transferred to a mental institution. Forever." I thought, "What is she talking about?" My journey into the world of what it means to be born with down syndrome or any other special need in Eastern Europe began here. Thank God, for Patti and for the obedience of Andrea who started Reece's Rainbow to help these precious children. Over the next couple of months, God would break my heart, Marty's heart, Eli and Julianna's hearts until it moved our hands and feet. The staggering reality that we have so much and they are dying hit home like never before.

Did we want to turn away? Did we long to pretend that we had not seen and did not know the truth? With every part of our humanity. We were comfortable. Our lives were full and blessed and we didn't need any more children. But, were there children who needed us? I am weeping as I type this post. God used Patti to open our eyes to the truth. God used Olga to shake us out of our complacency. God began to speak clearly to our hearts. He had at least one son waiting for us on the other side of the ocean. Were we brave enough to trust Him? Could we step out of the boat and keep our eyes focused on our Savior? Could we answer the call to help the orphans?

We didn't think we'd qualify. Who were we to think we could adopt extra special children? Who did we think we were that anyone would trust us with such an awesome responsibility. Yet, we knew God wanted us to do this.

We're not special. We're not "called" to adopt, anymore than anyone else. We don't feel like we're doing anything admirable or praise worthy. In fact, it feels strange when people tell us how blessed our boys will be to have us. How lucky they are that we chose them. Very strange, because we know that we are the ones who are blessed. James 1:27 says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." We're not doing anything extraordinary or radical. We are simply living out our faith.


It's amazing to know that one blog post, written by one of the most faithful women I have come to know on this journey, helped us find our sons. God simply needs yielded vessels, willing to do whatever He asks. If you love Him, you do have a place in orphan care. Your life will change forever, if you'll allow Him to break your heart until it moves your hands and feet.

Check out the reward...

Next year, these boys will be under our Christmas tree! We'll be on a new adventure and we can't wait to see what God has in store.

Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something, you won't regret it!

Hidden in Christ,
Mandy

Praising God this Morning!

I just can't explain the JOY I felt when I read this post! God is so much bigger than we will ever begin to understand. The way that He weaves our lives into a beautiful tapestry that gives Him the glory. What seemed hopeless a week ago, now has HOPE! Shane and Oleg have a family coming!

Not just any family, but one who is ready to bring them home, now! They will be heading over to pick the boys up in January. God knows, He sees. There is nothing too big for Him. When we pray, He moves.

Only God could tell this story, so well. I am reminded, once again, of just how small I am. How I don't see the bigger picture. I keep hearing the verse from Romans echoing in my heart, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Praising God that He is working things out for the good of two little orphaned boys. What a wonderful Christmas gift.

Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...it matters!

Hidden in Christ,
Mandy

Questions and Answers from Marty?

Wondering if you'd like to hear from Marty? It's not often we get to hear the Dad's perspective. We're thinking of doing a Q and A post, where Marty answers commonly asked questions about our adoption and our boys. Do you have a question you'd like Marty to answer? If so, ask it now, this may be your only opportunity to hear from my man. Ask whatever you'd like to and don't worry about offending us. We're not easily offended. We'll do our best to give you real, honest information.

Blessings,
Mandy and my reluctant husband, Marty.

New Blog Design?

Okay, I need honest opinions. Do you like the new design? I'm still working out some kinks and technology is not really my friend. I think, it's easier to read. I enlarged the font size, went to black and white, because I had some complaints about the color scheme. I updated the boys pictures at the top. Just let me know if there's anything I should change. I hope you like it. I tried to make it comfortable and welcoming, so you'll stop by more often.

Blessings,
Mandy

White Elephant Gift #3 Winner

The winner of our third gift is Brooke K. Brooke is great about sharing our story and even does giveaways for us sometimes, so it was nice to see Random.org choose #3 and realize it was Brooke! What did Brooke win?

A $10 Target Giftcard and a copy of the book,

Becoming a Woman of Extraordinary Faith: What If You Gave It All to God? 

I'd love to post a picture, but my computer is being crazy. For instance, it's capitalizing everything i type. How strange?

Anyways, congratulations, brooke! I'll be in touch.

Blessings,

Mandy

It's Christmas Time...

It's Christmas time...we love Christmas at our house. We love the celebration of Jesus' birth. We love the family time, the giving of gifts to friends and family. It's not feeling like Christmas time this year, though. We are struggling to find the Christmas Spirit. There are two little boys who are missing from our home. There are gifts ready for them under the tree. There are empty beds and empty rooms. There are closets quickly filling with little clothes. There are books waiting to be read. There are arms waiting to hold and secrets waiting to be told. Two little boys missing, it's making Christmas time a little sad in our house this year.

Then, at church this morning came the gentle reminder from Galatians 4:4-5 "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." Our sons were born under the law, just as we were. They were born under a law that said they were useless and worthless and not worth keeping. Sound familiar? Thank God that when the time had fully come He sent his Son. At the beginning of this journey, we knew that we were being called to help make the sad things of this world come untrue for our boys, just as Christ has done and is doing for each of us. The law and the demands of the law have been met in Christ Jesus. We are free! Our freedom is what allows us to love our sons so much and so completely. Not to see flaws or imperfections, but to see the beauty that God sees.

This year God is giving our family the gifts of faith and trust. He is encouraging our hearts and renewing the belief that everything works together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose. If this pain is a necessary step in the journey to our sons, we will take it, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion...

They are coming home, just not as soon as we'd like them to. But God has a plan for our lives and in the fullness of time, at exactly the moment of His choosing, our sons will come home. Not by accident or by chance or by coincidence, but by divine appointment and intervention and direction. Because He willed it to be so...they are coming HOME.

I think, I wrote this post more for my own heart than for anyone else, but I will publish it and pray that it encourages you. That no matter what the circumstances are in your life, God has a plan, an appointment with your circumstances. We don't get to set the time or move God's hand for Him, we just get to trust that Daddy's got this! The battle is already won and victory is ours, because Jesus finished it all on the cross.

Blessings,
Mandy

Forever Family Friday

The news is not good for these two little boys. I shared them last week and I'm going to share them, again, today. They need families or a family, now! The orphanage can not hold them any longer. They are being transferred to an adult mental institution. My heart is breaking. Little Oleg is 6 years old and the size of a 2 year old (sound familiar) and I don't know how long he'll survive in an institution. Here is a new picture of him from this week...

Please, understand that age is just a number. Oleg needs a Mommy and a Daddy. He has over $7,000 in grant money. That means he can come home for around $18,000 more. If you add Shane in along with his grant of $2500, you're looking at a little over $15,000 to save both boys from life in a mental institution.

Here's Shane's new picture from this week.

Please do not allow these boys to become "Lost Boys." You can read their Reece's Rainbow profiles. Shane and Oleg, they need to come home. Share their stories. Pray and cry out to God to move mountains on their behalf. What can you do to change the lives of these little boys? What will you do to change the lives of these little boys?

Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...Do Something!

Hidden in Christ,
Mandy

White Elephant Gift #3

Sorry for the break. Busy getting some Christmas stuff together. Anyways, back to our White Elephant giveaway. Today's gift is something to read and encourage your heart, along with a little something to spend. Hopefully, it will be enough to make you smile.

Same as before...free entry for sharing and two entries for every $5 you donate. A winner will be drawn tomorrow around noon. I hope you're enjoying our little giveaways as much as I'm enjoying blessing my friends.

Every dollar is a dollar closer to our boys coming home. Keep sharing!

Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...

Blessings,
Mandy