We are excited to tell you that we are in the process of adopting a 4 year old girl from Eastern Europe! Olivia has mild Cerbral Palsy that only affects her legs. She does not walk independently but does pull up and cruise furniture. We have been very blessed to be connected with a family who just returned from her orphanage who has given us tons of information about her! We know that at her age and in her country she was nearing the time when she would be sent to an institution. The statistics after that are grim to say the least. Olivia is precious, as you can see below, and we are told she is a cuddle bug who desperately wants a family. God clearly called us to a special needs adoption awhile ago and were prepared to start training through the state of Arkansas, but little did we know He had other ideas! We were on one path and rather quickly God plucked us off of that path and stuck us on the one marked "international". Before we had time to say "Wait! That's not the path we were on!" He introduced us to our daughter and then we really didn't care anymore where the path was leading! We will continue to use this blog to share our progress through this journey.
I will add that her country requests anonymity. All I can say on this blog or on Facebook at this time is that she is from Eastern Europe and I will also tell you that Olivia is not her actual name but is the name given to her by the organization that we are working with. If you are a person who we have told privately more than this please do not post that information in any comments. Thank you!
If you are interested in learning more about the organization we are working with you can find them at
www.reecesrainbow.com. Their goal is to place children from overseas who are facing institutionalization because of their disabilities. The majority of their children have Down Syndrome but they also have what they call "other angels" who have other disabilities. This is where Olivia was listed....now she's under the section that says "My family found me" :).
10 comments:
Wow! We are so excited for you and Olivia. What a huge blessing the Lord has given you all. By the way, we Iove the blog, it's a great way to keep up with you.
I am so excited for you all! I can't wait to see what God continues to do through you and your boys as "Olivia" joins your family.
I am so happy to see God working through you to help others! I hope that you will continue to share your blessings through the blog. May God Bless your endeavors!
WOW!! That is exciting news! Can't wait to follow on you fantastic journey!
Congratulations! Adoption is a wonderful gift!
How exciting!! So, is it just a matter of filling out the paperwork? What's the timeline like from this point and how can we pray specifically for your family?
Yay!
The journey IS just beginning isn't it!? What an amazing voyage with the Lord it will be. We will be praying for your beautiful hearts and precious Olivia over these next months.
Bless you! Tina
You don't know me but I have been praying for a family for Olivia for quite some time (and Elizabeth with DS who also seems to have a family now). I know she will be a wonderful addition to your family and I am just so happy that she is going to have a mama and papa to call her own. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything.
Best wishes on your journey with Olivia! You guys are true heroes!!
My heart skipped a beat when I saw that Oksana has a committed family! And you sound so lovely! God Bless you all!I had the pleasure of seeing Oksana from a distance while at her orphanage this past summer! She appeared to be such a charmer and 'vibrant'! I'll be going over there (hopefully) this June to work with the children in the orphanage so I'll be sure to check in on her for you!!!Best of luck for a smooth 'paperwork pregnacy'and rapid deliveray of your angel! Sandie Flannery Early Intervention Specialist
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