Rescue? Really?!

Hi there friend!

When I first became aware of Reece's Rainbow and started following a few blogs written by  families sharing their adoption journey, I kept reading how these folks were trying so hard to "rescue" their child.

At first, I would think it was a bit dramatic. I mean - Rescue? Really?!

Well, I've come to realize - YES! Really!!

Maybe you don't believe me. Maybe you think I'm the one being dramatic now.

I am a silly goose sometimes {silliest goose in the pond according to hubby}, and I may be a perfectionist {reason it takes me a bazillion edits before I'm satisfied and publish a post}, and I can be quite sarcastic {in my younger adulthood I was the "Queen of Sarcasm" - again, so named by hubby}. But, dramactic? No, not so much.

Anyways, below are three links to blog posts that were written by two mom's who've adopted sweet kiddos from Ukraine in recent years.

They've given these children a family and lots of love. And with just those two basic ingredients the results in these sweet, former orphan's lives have been amazing and miraculous. {OK, a tiny bit dramatic. But, oh so true}

Please - take the time to go to each link. We're looking at maybe 5 minutes of your time.

Thank you!

Ok - take a peek at what Lindy shared about her sweet Gabe HERE. It's a post and pictures about him walking. See the difference from when he was first rescued.

Now it's Summer's turn.  See what she shared in her post  "19 Cribs" by clicking HERE.
And watch this video "Ordinary Miracle" about sweet Lyla by clicking HERE.  I can not help but smile whenever I see a picture of this precious little one.

Thank you Lindy and Summer for allowing me to share a glimpse of your stories and the amazing things God can do, and does, through adoptions.

So, now, I ask myself... .
Rescue?
Really?!

Ummm, YES - these kiddos do need to be rescued! And yes, I want to help.

How about you?
I sure hope your answer is-  YES! Count me in!

That brings me to Reece's Rainbow's 2013 Christmas Angel Tree. Last year hubby and I chose to be an Angel Tree Warrior for sweet Tobie.

This year we did not. Instead, we'll help one (or two.... or more) of the families who have committed to a child listed this year on the Angel Tree page.

There are already over ten sweet ones who's forever families have found them. That's over ten miracles in the making. And you can be blessed by helping - pray, share with others or donate to their adoption grants.

There are so many sweet ones listed on this year's Angel Tree .... so many in need of love. Way too many in need of basic necessities to.... well, just to survive.

So many miracles waiting to happen. Help make a Christmas miracle happen for one of the least of these.

To see the sweet angels on RR's 2013 Christmas Angel Tree click HERE.
 

Love ya friend!

Mother's Day 2013

Hi friend! So glad you've stopped by today.

Some thoughts on this Mother's Day 2013 .......

I've had a wonderful day and have been made to feel so special by my hubby, son and daughter-in-law. My mom came over to have dinner with us all. We had such a nice time and I'm blessed that we could all be together. A little later I'll go to visit our other son's memorial bench.

It's been a great Mother's Day!

And yet I can't help but think of the little ones who have no mommy to say "Happy Mother's Day" to.

There are three little ones who live half way around the world, who I have never met, that I am thinking of this year on Mother's Day. At one time or another I have thought that if my circumstances were different maybe I could have adopted one of these sweet ones.

Precious Miss Maribel was the first one. The first one to steal my heart. {can you tell? - this blog was named after her}

Yep! If I was younger and hubby didn't have the health problems he does, I would have seriously considered making her my own.

Thankfully, she was taken back by her biological mom and is no longer an orphan. Yay!


Then there was sweet pea Tobie.

Just this past Christmas we chose him as our angel to advocate for through RR's 2012 Christmas Angel Tree fundraiser.

Sadly, Tobie's birth country is no longer allowing adoptions from the US. It's a bunch of political poop and is only hurting these precious orphans. {Oh buddy! I could write a whole post about my feelings on this subject.}

Because it doesn't appear as if anything will change any time soon with that country's policy, we've re-gifted Tobie's 2012 Christmas Angel Tree grant money to Dane.

I had recently requested to be Dane's prayer warrior, but hadn't heard back. I guess it's because he is now listed on the MFFM {My Family Found Me}page.

He has a family that is in the process of adopting him! Doing a happy dance!!

They are the Breakfield family. I'd love for you to take a minute and hop over to his soon-to-be forever family's blog and follow their adoption journey. Go to: breakfields.blogspot.com

So friend,  I couldn't let this day go by without writing something for Mother's Day 2013. Just a few random thoughts and info. But, also a ton of happiness for the Breakfield family and sweet Dane.

Love ya,

RR Angel Tree Post # 8: Giveaway Results - the good, bad & ugly

* Today is 12/31/12 
 I guess I'm kinda overdue to share about the giveaway. I needed to think through what I wanted to say. Since today is the day that RR's 2012 Christmas Angel Tree ends, I figured I'd better finally post something. 


Here is what I wrote the week of 12/10/12 (with a bit of editing):

Our 10 Day Giveaway is over and I wanted to share with you how it went.......

The good:
~  $125.00 was donated
~  more people are aware of Tobie and his need for a family
~  more people have been introduced to Reece's Rainbow and their ministry


The bad:
~  only two families donated
~  only four people shared on FB

The ugly:
~ me and my feelings in the aftermath of our giveaway


As always, when I blog, I like to be open and honest.
Soooooo, I'm gonna keep it real about how I'm feeling - bewildered, very disappointed and upset.

I wanted so much more...... from others, from my efforts and for Tobie.


What happened?

I had a good amount of views on our giveaway post. So I know people read about it.
I posted many, many times on Facebook.

I mean we didn't keep it a secret. Silly me - that sure would have been dumb. But, it's like it was a secret.

I think I've come to realize that some people don't care, some don't have the money, some have other ministries and organizations they choose to give to.

And it's all good.

However, I thought this l0 day giveaway was easy, a great idea and had the potential to do so much more.

To be a part of our giveaway you could donate (any amount) to Tobie on RR's Christmas Angel Tree page.

Or you could share our Giveaway blog post on Facebook.

That. is. it.

I even gave links to RR's and Tobie's pages.
Easy peasy if you ask me.

And that's where my ugly starts to rise up. I mean even if you can't or don't want to donate how hard would it be to hit SHARE?

I mean really!?

How many times do we click on that SHARE button for funny, stupid, gross or inspiring things?

I'd say pretty often. And it doesn't cost you a thing.

Just shaking my head and praying for an answer.  I just don't understand.......


And so where do I go from here?

Keep sharing and praying and giving and .......... well, I'm not too sure what else I can do at this point.

It's all about a little six month old baby boy in an orphanage over in Eastern Europe.

Hopefully, before any long term harm is done his forever family will find him. I pray that will happen sooner rather than later. Because, later means that somewhere around the age of five he will very likely be transferred to an adult mental institution. Most children don't live past the first year after being transferred.

Breaks my heart that this could be a reality for sweet Tobie. Breaks my heart it is a reality for many orphans all over the world.

Why don't we care? And if we care, why don't we do more?
Especially when sometimes it's so easy peasy to do something.


So that's it......the good, bad & ugly.  There's more to share about helping sweet Tobie. And there are a few insights and lessons this Angel Warrior of his has learned.  But not today. 

Happy New Year friend!
May you be richly blessed throughout this coming year!

RR Angel Tree Post # 7: From Isabella's Mommy To You

Since I have never adopted, I've asked my friend, Dawn, if she would write something that I could share with you during our giveaway. Her and her husband recently adopted sweet Isabella. They found her on Reece's Rainbow!

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Dawn said:

If you had asked me this time last year - would I adopt. I think the answer would have been a resounding "NO, I'm done with raising kids". It wasn't until many scenarios came into play that led us to where we are now. 

We are home 2 months with our little "starfish" Isabella from the Ukraine. She is more than we ever dreamed of and envisioned her to be. 

Each day when we visited her in her orphanage the many children who waved and yelled "Mama! Papa!" to us broke our hearts and would stop us dead in our tracks. We would think, "There is SO MANY of them, how is this even helping?". Immediately, we would look at our soon to be daughter and look in her eyes, and know we were making a difference to HER! As sad as that was, we stayed focused on that one precious gem in our hands and rescued her! 

I know we are not all called to adopt, for different reasons. 
BUT, we are all called to DO SOMETHING! 

We must pray, advocate (share and help) those who are still waiting! We must pray and help those who are willing to go rescue a child! They can't do it alone, as I know all to well. We would have someone donate $5 and say to us, "I wish I could do more". But, believe me that $5 HELPED! 

Please, take it from someone who has seen the crisis first hand, who has seen the children screaming for help, and heard their cries - WE NEED YOU! WE need you to DO SOMETHING! Please don't just sit there and say you can't do anything. You can! You can pray, give $5, $10, or maybe you are blessed to give $100! I have seen that your money goes exactly where you wanted it to go! God will richly bless you, and that child you are helping! 

Isabella has flourished in the 2 months we have had her home. She is able to sit up on her own now, army crawl, say "dada" and know what it means, and she is taking a few steps holding our hands! That is what LOVE will do for a child, and that is what GOD can do when you just DO SOMETHING!

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*Dawn, thank you VERY much for sharing with us!*


So friend,  there are a couple things I want to mention that amaze me.....

.... how Dawn and her husband could be so selfless. It was not an easy task to raise the money needed, fill all the paperwork, etc and travel half way round the world to adopt.  They have two teenage daughters and soon could be enjoying their "empty nest". However, they heard the Lord speak to their hearts, they saw sweet Miss Isabella's picture and fell in love. Wow!

So they did what had to be done and now Isabella has a forever family - a mommy, daddy and two older sisters who adore her. And they'll tell you they are the blessed ones to have Isabella in their lives.

.... you have to realize that Isabella just turned one. She is only now sitting up on her own, army crawling, and says "dada". She didn't have the interaction, nurturing or love in the orphanage to develop what we think of as normal baby skills. How could she when so much of her time was spent in a crib?!

Because Isabella has a forever family, she is learning new things all the time and making amazing progress. There is now hope for her future.

This is what a family can do! This is what love can do!

Do you see now friend - "why"?
Why I am Tobie's warrior?
Why I keep sharing on Facebook?
Why I give $$ when I can?
Why I donate quilts and pillows I make instead of sell them?

And why I pray a whole lot.... for these little ones, for the families who are adopting and for the families who will be adopting.

And why I believe we can and should all do something?!


I hope Isabella's Mommy's words have stirred something in you to consider what you can do and what you should do to help.

RR Angel Tree Post # 6: A Starfish for Christmas??

Hi there friend!

It's day 3 of our 10 Day Giveaway and I'm overjoyed to see Tobie's amount climb closer to our goal. 

But, I've been wondering why Reece's Rainbow chose a starfish design this year for their Christmas Angel Tree ornaments and blog buttons.  I loved the RR rainbow logo they've used the last couple of years. 

A starfish? 
Really?  

Sorry, RR, but I think it's kinda an odd choice. But, than again who asked me. 

It was odd until...........

I saw why they have chosen it. Duh! 
Makes perfect sense now. 

In fact - 
I.
love.
it. 

And I'm embarrassed to say I didn't realize (hanging my head) it goes right along with their It Makes A Difference To This One campaign.  

So anyways, maybe you've read The Starfish Story. Or maybe, like me, you're not sure and it sounds somewhat familiar.


The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking
along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and
gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked,
“What are you doing?”

The boy replied, “Throwing starfish
back into the ocean. The surf is up
and the tide is going out. If I don’t
throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man replied, “don’t you
realize there are miles and miles of
beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy
bent down, picked up another starfish
and threw it back into the surf.

Then, smiling at the man, he said,
“I made a difference for that one.”


Perfect! 
Right?

Perhaps you were thinking - 
"Why give to Tobie's adoption grant?" 
"How can only a few dollars matter?" 
"Sharing on Facebook doesn't do a thing for him."
"But, there are thousands of orphans that need to be rescued." 

Do you see it friend? It does matter. You can help make a difference to this one!  
And if you still aren't convinced I hope to explain a bit more in my next post. 

I personally believe it so much that I've made magnet cards with The Starfish Story printed on them. 
If you'd like one please email me at: findinghopeandjoy@gmail.com and I'll be very happy to send you one. 

Also, if you didn't see that you were invited to the 10 Day Giveway for Tobie -
you are invited!
 
You can click HERE  to check out all the fun and facts of our giveaway.

RR Angel Tree Post # 5 : You Are Invited

Today's the day! Yay!

I'm so excited about starting our Giveaway for Tobie. And you, my friend, are invited!

Here is all the info you'll need to participate and help us get to our Angel Tree goal of $1000:

Dates: 12/01/12 (around 6:00 am EST)  through 12/10/12 (at midnight EST)

How to  put your name "in the hat" for the random drawing:
(I may just use one of hubby's Notre Dame hats)

I'm giving you TWO ways to enter ..... do one or the other. Or BOTH would be really, really, really great. And yes, by doing both your name goes in the hat twice.

1. Donate $5.00 or more to Tobie's Angel Tree account.
 - to make it easy peasy:  just click right HERE to get to RR's 2012 Christmas Angel Tree page
 - now scroll down until you find the cutest little sweet pea dressed in yellow. Yep, that would be Tobie! 
 - click on the DONATE button under his name and follow the directions they give from there
 - come back here and leave a comment that you donated

2. Share on Facebook about our Giveaway and Tobie. And invite your FB friends to join the fun.
 - real easy as well..... go to bottom of this post and click on that little "f" (Facebook icon).
 - sign on to your FB page.
 - write a comment to invite your friends. Hit SHARE
 - come back here and leave a comment that you've shared this post and invited your friends

* Why you need to leave a comment is obvious, but please don't leave an anonymous one. Gotta know who you are so if your name is picked I can let you know so we can arrange to send you your gift.
** If you have any questions or would like to contact me other than by leaving a comment you can email me at: findinghopeandjoy.gmail.com

Gifts:

"Times of Joy" Platter

Measures 13" x 13" and is dishwasher and microwave safe. From Blessings Unlimited. Donated by Mom

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Crosswords & Swirls Tote

Quilted tote, fully lined. Measures 14.5" tall; 12" wide; with 11" straps. Has a covered button & loop closure. The squares are solids, a swirly design, lines & dashes and crosswords puzzles. Machine washable. Made by me.

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"Faith-Family-Friends" Pillow

Decorative and cute pillow made from 100% cotton material. Faith - Family- Friends.... what is more precious in life?!  The backing is the same fabric as the bottom strip. Measures 12" x 13". Made by me.

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Chic Denim Tote

This quilted tote is made from denim and 100% cotton material. Fully lined. Two 10"straps. Measures 12" tall; 11.5" wide. Covered button & loop closure. It even has a cute fabric flower that adds to the cuteness. Made by me.

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"Choose Joy" Pillow

Made from 100% cotton fabrics. Solid color backing in an off white. Super soft, cuddly and stylish, while making a statement we need to always remember - Choose Joy. Measures 15.5" x 14". Made by me.

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Wooden Stationery Box & Cards

Beautifully constructed and designed. This wooden box is from Blessings Unlimited. A pretty dark teal ribbon holds the sliding top panels secure. Pretty painted flowers and Bible verse on the top. Writing: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace. Romans 15:13". Measures 11" x 7.5" x 2". Inside are two packs of blank cards with envelopes. After the cards are used, this adorable box would make a wonderful box for jewelery, small keepsakes or love notes. *wink*  Donated by Mom.

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"Special Days" Calendar

This cute and handy calendar is spiral bound on the top. Measures 10.5" x 7". Each month has a different design and Bible verse. Great way to keep track of the special dates year after year. Made by Blessings Unlimited. Donated by Mom. 

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Announcing the Winners: 
On 12/11/12 I'll randomly draw seven names one by one.  
7 gifts = 7 winners!
I'll  contact the first person who's name is picked to get their mailing info and choice of gift. Than I'll contact the second person who's name is drawn and so on.
I should have everything mailed out on 12/15 or 12/17 at the latest. 

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who participates.... whether by donating or sharing - it all helps!

RR Angel Tree Post # 4: 5 + 1 + 7 + 10 + 2 = 891

Hi there!

I was thinking, planning and adding some stuff up very early this morning and here
is what I've calculated:

 5 + 1 + 7 + 10 + 2 = 891

Hmmmm... I guess you may be asking - "What kind of crazy math are you doing?!"
or "Maybe you should go back to bed cause you're obviously not awake." or
"Please have your morning coffee, re-add those number and try again."

Hmmmm... I'm wondering - "How many of you just added it up for yourselves?" *giggle* 

Ok, so it's not really math. It's more like a puzzle or hint for what's about to happen
here on "Helping This One".

Are you ready for this?!

In 5 days
I'm having 1 huge giveaway
and there will be 7 gifts I'm giving away.
It will last for 10 days and
I'll be giving you 2 different ways to enter
(cause it's Christmas time and I'm really nice like that).

When this event is all said and done
it will {hopefully} all add up to 891 dollars for Tobie.
He has $109 so far and this will get us to our Angel Christmas Tree goal of $1000.

YAY!! FUN!!

I realize I had said that I was gonna have two giveaways, but this will be way better.

So friend be ready because in just 5 days this fun and important giveaway for Tobie will begin!

RR Angel Tree Post # 3:You Are Not Alone Little One

Huummm ... you are not alone ..... and I'm gonna fight for you ..... la la la.....

I keep humming Kathy Troccoli's song -
"I'm Gonna Fight For You" from her Sounds of Heaven CD.

You are not alone. He is here.
You know you're dear to His heart.

I wouldn't lie to you. O He'll come.
He has known the pain you're going through.

And faithful is the Lord.
In the darkest hours of night.
To keep the flame of hope alive.  

And I'm gonna fight for you. 
Lay down my life for you. 
Cause His love never dies. 

And I'll get down on my knees for you. 
I will believe for you. 
Oh I'm right by your side. 
I'm gonna fight for you. 

I wish I could hold Tobie and sing to him.
Let him know people are praying for him,
Jesus loves him,
and that he is not alone.

Well, I can't. In reality I'll probably never meet Tobie. And that's OK.

But I can, and I will, keep praying and telling and fighting for him.
I'm his WARRIOR after all. And a warrior's gotta do what a warrior's gotta do.*wink*

Don't you agree?

RR Angel Tree Post # 2: A Warrior Is......

Hi friend,

Since signing up with hubby to be Tobie's Christmas Tree Warrior I've been thinking that I won't make a very good warrior.

You see the definition for warrior is: 
1. One who is engaged in or experienced in battle. 
2. One who is engaged aggressively or energetically in an activity, cause, or conflict.


Hmmmm. Nope that's not really me. Not really at all.

I hate conflict. Although, I can be pretty darn sarcastic. 
I'm not aggressive. Yet, I don't easily give up. 
I'm not very opinionated. But, I will stand up for what is right. 

I'm thinking a warrior is..... not me. 

All of this presents a bit of a problem with being an Angel Tree Warrior. 

As I sit here and contemplate all this I realize that ....
.... I'm stubborn
.... I don't quit
.... I can be strong even in the most stressful of situations {but, I might collapse into a puddle after}

And most importantly....
.... I believe that every child deserves to be loved and part of a family.  

 So I guess it means warrior princess or not I will fight for Tobie. 

I will "engage aggressively and energetically in any activity" I can think of to help make our Angel Tree goal by December 31st!

Even if it makes me uncomfortable asking people to chip in -  I have to do it. 
You know friend, I can't help but think that life is not very comfortable for Tobie. 

One other way I will be his warrior is to pray daily for his safety, well-being and that his "forever family" finds him. In fact, my prayer is that next year he will be home for Christmas. Wouldn't that be wonderful?! 

Friend, this timid warrior is asking you to please consider giving. And please pray. 

Click HERE to go to Reece's Rainbow.
Click HERE to go to RR's 2012 Christmas Angel Tree page, scroll down until you see sweet Tobie. 
Click HERE to go to Tobie's  RR page.

Easy peasy! 

Thank you and love ya friend, 

RR Angel Tree Post # 1: Is This Kinda crazy??

Hi friend!

Is this kinda crazy or what?

"Helping This One" is my third blog!

CRAZY ?- Well, maybe it is and maybe it isn't, but it's the best way I know of to connect and get the message out that hubby and I are Angel Tree Warriors. Yay!!
Reece's Rainbow has an annual event they call their Christmas Angel Tree. It's their most important fundraiser of the year. It runs from November 1 - December 31.

The angel we chose to help is Tobie {not his real name - kinda his RR "screen name"}. Oh my he is such a cutie!!!  And he needs a forever family.

So, anyways, I may truly  be a little crazy. However, I'm thinking it's a good kind of crazy.

Crazy to love the unloved.
Crazy to speak out about things a lot of people would rather not hear.
Crazy to take the time and effort being an Angel Tree Warrior will require.

It's only for 61 days of "crazy" for me.
But you see, if Tobie doesn't ever have the gift of a family, than it's a lot more days than that for him.
Days spent in an orphanage and perhaps in a few years the rest of his days in an adult mental institution.

So yea - I'll be a little crazy for Tobie!

Another crazy thing -  I'm gonna be having two giveaways that you won't want to miss. One this month and one next month.

Ya know friend, I really do believe we can't change the world, but we can help change the world for one orphan.

Who wants to be a little crazy with me? Come on it'll be fun!

Five Updates

Hi friend!

It sure has been a long time since I've sat and wrote anything here at Miss Maribel's Place. And I'm sorry about that.

I have some updated info on the adoption journeys of the five families that I shared about in my last post.

YAY!

Lyla's (she has the most beautiful green eyes) parents have met, loved, hugged and kissed their sweet one. Their process requires two trips to finalize the adoption. One trip down and one to go before bringing her home. I have so enjoyed following their journey via their blog. Makes me smile every time!

Ian's (the little dude) parents also have to make two trips. They have met their soon to be son and will go back very soon to bring him home to his forever family.

Vitaliy's parents are waiting for a travel date. Unfortunately, because of some trolls {stalkers that stalk RR blogs and say really horrible things} they have made their adoption blog private. So, all I know is their "status" from the RR updates, but not much else.

Evie's forever family is still in the process of raising funds and compiling their dossier. (ie - tons of paperwork) They have also decided to bring home a second child named Langley.

Kory's parents are there now!  They will meet their son this week. His name will be Kole. And they are so very excited to find him (not sure what orphanage or institution he is in), get to know him and bring him HOME!!

Wonderful news for these families don't ya think! Really, really GREAT news for these precious children in need of a forever family.

Mother's Day ~ 2012

Happy Mother's Day 2012!

For Mother's Day  2011, I had shared about two Ugly Words - widow and orphan. It was a hard time and I was just keeping it real.  This year some things are the same and a few have changed. And I'm still gonna share what's on my heart.

It's never my intention to make you feel uncomfortable. Nevertheless, some things in life are hard, sad and wrong. They are the things we'd all like to ignore. Sometimes, the ugliness of it all makes us want to turn our head and close our eyes. And friend, I'm sorry, but sometimes we need to face it and make a difference.

Not quite the Mother's Day post you expected? Sorry about that. Please keep reading and you'll see where I'm going with this.

So, let's go back to those two ugly words from 2011......

Widow ~
Last year I was still in shock after my dad died. It broke my heart to think of my mom as a "widow". This year I don't really think about my mom being a widow. She's my wonderful mom. She's kind and giving. She loves to help and encourage. Yes, she misses my dad terribly, but she's a strong woman of faith. She knows dad is healthy and happy. She knows she'll see him again one day. 

Orphan~
Last year it made me so very sad to think of Maribel being in an orphanage and facing transfer to an institution. This year sweet Miss Maribel is home with her biological mom. So for her, the ugly word "orphan" no longer applies. I imagine her getting kisses, cuddles and hugs. I like to think she has sweet dreams each night after hearing a bed time story. I pray she is happy, healthy and adjusting quickly to her new home.

Thankfully this year the word widow doesn't have such a sting to it.

But orphan?  It will always be an ugly word.

*     1 ugly word
* 147 million orphans in the world
* ???? tears of loneliness
* ????? deaths from neglect

Hard numbers to consider? Yea, I know.
And we have a choice:  close our eyes?  or make a difference?
I vote for make a difference.

How?
Well, there are quite a number of ways.
But, today, I'm gonna suggest that we each help by donating to an orphan's adoption grant.

Because tomorrow is Mother's Day and every child deserves to have a mommy.

Would you do me a favor? Please consider giving something to one of the families at Reece's Rainbow. 

I've linked up to a few of my favorite adoption blogs. All you need to do is click on the child's name and it will bring you to that little one's forever family. Each blog has a donation button of some sort to make it easy to donate. Some families are having virtual fundraisers and giveaways. Oh these parents are so creative in the ways they come up with to raise the funds to bring their sweet son or daughter home.


Evie ~  Ashley & Seth had committed to bring home Maribel and make her part of their sweet family. They than decided to adopt a second little girl named Evie. Even though Maribel has been taken back by her biological mommy they still plan on bringing home Evie and one other sweet one.

Vitaliy ~ I fell in love with this little guy during Reece's Rainbow's annual Christmas tree fundraiser. Isn't he just the sweetest little man you've ever seen? Aaron & Jenny are very busy filling out their paperwork, praying and raising the money to bring this little guy home ASAP.

Lyla ~ What a story this little one has. She's had some heart problems which could have prevented her from being adopted. There was a wonderful  family that was going to adopt her, but then found out they couldn't. God quickly found another family,  Dave & Summer, who have committed to bring her home and be her forever family. What a precious family and an amazing story they've shared on their blog of finding this sweet little one.

Ian ~ This little dude lives in the Bad Place. Really. It's BAD. Please read Jennifer & Jon's story. I can't begin to explain the conditions their son is in. They are courageous in their fight for change and to bring him home.

Kory ~  After bringing home two little guys in 2011, Lindy & Guy are going back to bring this sweetheart home, too. They are just $3000 short and are planning a fundraiser via their blog in the near future.


Evie, Vitaliy, Lyla, Ian and Kory. This Mother's Day they are called orphans. By next year, on Mother's Day, they will give their mommy flowers. They will get hugs and kisses. And that's just the way it should be.


 "External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world." James 1:27 (Amplified)

Bittersweet News

So friend, I have some bittersweet news about Miss Maribel.

This morning I was thinking about how I could help continue to spread the word about Maribel's adoption in hopes of having friends join in by praying, sharing with others and even giving to her adoption grant at RR.

I went ahead and messaged Ashely via Facebook to let her know about a post I want to do this year around Mother's Day. Ashley wrote me back to let me know that Maribel will not be coming home to live with them. Her biological family has taken her back home to live with them.

And friend, I don't know what to say. {I'm usually not ever at a loss for words.} This has taken me by surprise.

Honestly, I have so many mixed-up emotions.
I'm sad for Ashley and Seth.  So very sad.
Happy that Maribel gets to live with her biological family and stay in her homeland.  
Hopeful for her future. Sad I won't get to know about it via good old Facebook.

We'll never know why she was placed in the orphanage or why her family has reclaimed her. Or even why now.

Ashley is amazing. Here is part of what she wrote me: "The only comfort I have about this is that God has a plan for her. We are still praying and will continue to pray for her-that this is God's will and that she will have a good life with her biological mother."

Part of my message back was - "I don't understand.... but I have learned that we don't always understand what happens in life. All we can do is stand on our faith that God knows what has happened and He is indeed in control."

So, even though I have more questions than answers and more bitter than sweet I will trust in the One who is watching over sweet Miss Maribel tonight as He has every night.

And yes, Ashley, I do believe that the Lord has a plan for her life.

Hey! Did You See The Rainbow?

I love rainbows! And a double rainbow just makes my heart dance.

I guess I get this from my mom. In fact, since we live only a few miles from each other, more than once we've called each other to say, "Quick! Go look outside and see the beautiful rainbow! It's over to the east."

When it's raining and the sun starts to peek out (which happens pretty often here in the Sunshine State) I start scanning the sky for a rainbow.

Rainbows amaze me as they hang shimmering in the sky. So pretty!
It takes a little bit of dark clouds, a bunch of raindrops, some sunshine....
and wha-lah!  ....
all those colors lined up to form a bow in the sky!

It also amazes me how many people just don't see it.
They never look up.
They don't venture outside.
They keep driving. {Well, ok, when driving it's good to keep eyes on the road.}

Maybe they just don't care.


Well, today, I was looking at a different rainbow and it's gotten me thinking........

You see friend, I was watching a video at Reece's Rainbow.

I love looking at the beautiful "rainbow" of children featured there. Wanna know what gets my heart dancing? Seeing that another sweet one's "forever family" has found them. Love the "My Family Found Me" page.

So, how about you think of this post as me calling you and saying, "Quick! Go look on Reece's Rainbow and see the beautiful ministry video they have there. It's on the right side of the homepage."

Please, look up .... look up www.reecesrainbow.org
Please do venture outside .... outside of your comfort zone.
Please don't keep "driving" ..... put it in "park" and check it out.

You do care, don't you? Yea, I know you do.

So could you pray for these little ones? Share on Facebook? Send a donation to Reece's Rainbow or a family's adoption fund? Or maybe even consider rescuing one of these precious little ones and give them a family.

My heart would just about be doing cartwheels if I saw you on the MFFM page!!

Miss Maribel's Mommy

Yay! We finally know who sweet Maribel's mommy will be.

Her name is Ashley. She is married to Seth. They have three adorable little girls. Love it that Maribel will have three sisters!!

We also know where she will be moving to - western Pa.

OK... I admit that I'm a bit disappointed, because I was so hoping her family would live in sunny Florida. But hey, they're in the same time zone. And yea, that's being selfish. {don't judge people  - that little sweetie has stolen my heart} Truly, though I'm just so thankful that Maribel will have a wonderful family to love her forever.

Ashley has started a blog titled "The Right Kinda Crazy" to keep us updated about their progress on getting Maribel home.

If you're interested you can follow their adoption journey at: http://therightkindacrazy.blogspot.com/

Please be in prayer for them as they seek God's timing, wade through the stacks of paper work and raise the money needed to bring Maribel home.

I'll keep you updated on any fundraisers they may have. And you can always go to Maribel's page on Reece's Rainbow if you'd like to donate to her adoption grant. 

I'm hoping that Ashely will allow me the privilege of making Maribel a quilt. Oh that would be such a joy!

And We're Waiting.....

And we're still waiting. Bummer!
I really thought by now we'd know.

Nope. Not yet.

Nothing new has been posted about who Miss Maribel's family will be.

I have to admit I check the Reece's Rainbow site a few many times a day.

It's great to see all the new commitments that have been made to so many of these precious ones. I rejoice with each of these families. But, so far, nothing has been posted about who has committed to Maribel. She is still on the My Family Found Me page.

That is good, I guess.

Hopefully, it will not be too much longer.

In the mean time I'm praying for them, for the process they have to go through on their adoption journey and of course for sweet Maribel.

Hope you'll join me in praying for them, too. 

Did you hear the news?! MFFM

MFFM!

Oh happy day!!!

My
Family
Found
Me


Yep! It's true!
I just found out the other night that precious, sweet Miss Maribel's forever family has found her!

I smiled and had tears in my eyes as I read the news.
I wanted to laugh and cry.
Jump and clap.
And even do a little happy dance.

However, I was just so overwhelmed that all I could do was sit there in awe of what this means for Maribel. And whisper a prayer to the One who has answered our prayers and always seems to leave me in awe when He shows Himself faithful.

Than my thoughts started spinning....
Who is this family?
Might they live nearby?
Have they adopted before?

How can I help?
Gotta make a quilt.
Make pillows and wall hangings to sell.
Have a giveaway.
Tell friends & family.
Get that etsy shop going.

I can't wait until Reece's Rainbow has Maribel's family listed on their "New Commitment" page. Hopefully by then the family should have a blog page so we can follow their journey of rescuing sweet Miss Maribel.

Come on friend - do a little happy dance with me. And whisper a prayer of thankfulness to the One who is forever faithful.

Ugly Words

Hey friend, thanks for stopping by. Tomorrow is Mother's Day and my goal was to get a new post up before it arrived. I had also wanted to have pictures of one or two of the items I'm going to be making to sell when I start my Etsy shop.

Life threw me a giant curve however, when on April 16th my daddy, unexpectedly, passed away in his sleep. My focus, emotions and world changed once again. 

Three weeks later we're doing ok and adjusting to life without my daddy being here. We know he's in heaven. We know we'll see him again. We know he's no longer in pain and can see. In fact, he's the first one of us to be greeted by my Kyle as he entered heaven's gates.


So, anyways, as part of the adjusting and it being the day before Mother's Day here's why I'm writing about "ugly words":

.... My Mom is an amazing woman. Her faith is strong and her resolve to adjust to life as a widow is just as strong.  Widow - that word has taken on a whole different sound to me. I hate saying it now. It's not a nice word to say when speaking of my mom. It means she's alone without my dad.

.... Miss Maribel is a little girl who is an orphan. She doesn't have a mommy to give flowers to tomorrow. Orphan - I have begun to really not like that word. It means more than not having parents. It means no cuddles or tickles or kisses. No mommy to read a bedtime story to her. It means she is alone without a mommy.


Both of these ugly words make me sad.
And yet there's not much I can do about it.... or is there?
Honestly, I'm trying to figure that out.

So, for now, I'm thinking the only things I can do
are pray and help in small ways with great love.
{so glad I picked that quote to be part of this blog}
OK - so that is like the third post in a row that I've referenced that quote. Silly me. I promise I won't do it again.
{at least not any time soon}


Mom - I love you bunches! You are not alone.... you've got me. 
 I'm praying for you every day.
Maribel - I love you sweetie! You are not alone.... Jesus is by your side.
 I'm praying that by next Mother's Day you'll have a mommy to give
 flowers to.

Dreaming & Praying & Hoping

Hey friend! Thanks for stopping by!

So,  to be honest, I feel a little nervous about my first post here at "Miss Maribel's Place". Kind of silly since I've been writing my other blog - "Finding Hope & Joy" - for a little over a year now.

This new little place of mine in blog land all started because of a sweet little girl named Maribel. Actually, Maribel may not be her given name, but a "screen" name the adoption agency (Reece's Rainbow) uses. I think Maribel is a pretty name. In fact, it's meaning in French means beautiful.

The main focus here at Miss Maribel's Place is all about - dreaming & praying & hoping.  {at least that's how I'm starting out}

So here we go.... are ya ready?


~ Dreaming.....
.... of the day Maribel will have a forever family. I'm dreaming about this little orphan girl who lives half way around the world. I've never met her and have only seen a picture of her - but she has stolen my heart!

~ Praying.....
.... Maribel will be loved and well taken care of until her forever family rescues her. I pray she will grow up healthy and happy. That she will be all that God created her to be. That she will laugh, sing, run and play. And that she will be told that Jesus loves her. Maybe "Jesus Loves Me" will be the first song she learns to sing!
.... that the day will come when these precious little ones will be adopted by the time they turn four instead of going to an institution to live out the rest of their lives.

~ Hoping.....
.... that just as my heart has been broken over the conditions these little ones endure - your heart will be touched as well.  And that you too will choose to help these precious ones.

A lot of times, during the process of writing and editing, I get a clearer understanding of things. This first post has been no different -  I've started to realize that what I'm really, really wanting is change. Change for Maribel, change in how orphans are treated and cared for, change in the adoption process. Change so big that children will not be given up for adoption because of medical issues or social stigmas.

Big change? Yes! 

Possible? Not sure - I know it will take a lot of time, work and effort by a lot of people. 

But, I'm willing to do what I can do, even if it's only a little. And I'll do it with great love.

So friend what do you say? Will you dream and pray and hope with me?