The book of Mark is full of action. But the heart of the Gospel is faith, our belief in God.
So the story of the father in Mark 9 always touches me -- Jesus acts, but more than that, He teaches and shows that He is God. A man brings his child to be healed, couching his pleas with words like "but" and "if":
22 "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
____________
Too many times, we preface our prayers with words like "but" or "if" or the one I use a lot, "just" ("just please help them"). But God can do much more than "but" or "if" or "just."
And so tonight I have tears rolling down my face because I believed more in "if" and "but" than in the truth of my prayers. When our family committed to Isaiah at the beginning of December, I didn't know if we could raise $1000 for his future family. I didn't know if other children would have the same amount raised for them, or that so many needy kids would have families choose them.
And so I come to you, and to God, in humility. Lord, help my unbelief. Because you -- me -- we -- and, ultimately -- God -- did it. Isaiah has $1400 in his account. One less hurdle for a family to cross. And the great thing is that SO many other kids have their goals met, too. See for yourself here. Oh, my goodness, this is AWESOME. What an AWESOME God we serve.
May Isaiah and so many like him have a family in 2011, like the new commitments we celebrate tonight. Happy New Year to you all!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Cherished
Like all of our children, our son with Down syndrome is cherished. He is beautifully and wonderfully made.
Gone are the days, at least in this country, when parents are told that their child will never do anything worthwhile. Today, people with Down syndrome have jobs, friends, families, and lead lives of purpose.
If we can change attitudes in our country, then we can pray with hope for change in other countries, too. Pray for places in Eastern Europe, Asia, and other locales, who do not know the potential of these treasured children. A disability -- whether it be cognitive or physical -- does not need to be a death sentence any more. Instead, these children can be hugged, tickled, thrown in the air, and loved by the whole family.
I pray these children get to experience the joys and wonders of the world around them.
I pray that people across the world love their children, cherish their children, each for who they are and who they can become.
Baptized to grow in faith.
Loved, played with, read to, because he can achieve potential just like everyone else.
Gone are the days, at least in this country, when parents are told that their child will never do anything worthwhile. Today, people with Down syndrome have jobs, friends, families, and lead lives of purpose.
This couple, both w/DS, are married
and the subject of the HBO feature film Monica and David
If we can change attitudes in our country, then we can pray with hope for change in other countries, too. Pray for places in Eastern Europe, Asia, and other locales, who do not know the potential of these treasured children. A disability -- whether it be cognitive or physical -- does not need to be a death sentence any more. Instead, these children can be hugged, tickled, thrown in the air, and loved by the whole family.
I pray these children get to experience the joys and wonders of the world around them.
I pray that people across the world love their children, cherish their children, each for who they are and who they can become.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas, Isaiah
I know it is Christmas now in Russia. I don't know what Christmas means in the orphanage where you live, Isaiah. Do people celebrate? Are there special treats or music? Or is it like any other day?
So I pray for a Christmas miracle. For God to impress upon the hearts and minds of a family somewhere that their life is not complete without you.
Tonight I held my little extra chromosome guy extra close. He is so sweet, fighting a cold, in his Christmas jammies, with no idea of what the morning will bring. What joy he will have. What joy all of us will have!
May Isaiah -- and many other orphans -- experience the joy of family next year. This is my simple, humble Christmas prayer.
So I pray for a Christmas miracle. For God to impress upon the hearts and minds of a family somewhere that their life is not complete without you.
Tonight I held my little extra chromosome guy extra close. He is so sweet, fighting a cold, in his Christmas jammies, with no idea of what the morning will bring. What joy he will have. What joy all of us will have!
May Isaiah -- and many other orphans -- experience the joy of family next year. This is my simple, humble Christmas prayer.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Filling My Cup
I have been feeling down lately, due to many factors, including the stress of the "holiday season," the leaking dishwasher and ruined floor in my kitchen, and the juggling act of parenting and homeschooling three very different kids. Lately, I have also been challenged by the many orphans and hurting people in this world. It can be depressing, even obsessing, to read blogs, check Facebook posts, follow Angel Tree numbers, and other things.
It is then that I realize I am filling myself up with things and thoughts that are not, first and foremost, about God. Yes, there are people hurting everywhere. A friend of mine's daughter has leukemia. Another person's home was lost to fire. So many sad episodes. Now, don't get me wrong. It is definitely good for us to pray for people, to advocate for them, to help them.
But if my own spiritual cup is empty, what good am I? Or, as they say here in the South, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." I must give my first fruits to God.
So tonight I read from the book of Isaiah (yes, I noted the connection!). My favorite passage from the book is the Servant Song in Chapter 53. Usually I focus on verse 5 ("wounded for our transgressions"), but tonight, the Spirit showed me something in verses 3 and 4.
Here are the verses:
3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
4 Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
God knows who we are. He knows our pain. And he knows the pain of these orphans with disabilities for whom many of us are advocating. These children are despised and rejected, given over to orphanages and later mental institutions. I don't know what it is like to be one of them. Even as a parent of a child with Down syndrome, I have compassion, but I have no idea what it is like to be a scared child, lonely and hungry and wondering WHY.
But Jesus does. Read the words: Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering. He knows. He hurt when He was on earth, and He hurts now as he sees these little ones despised and rejected.
But Jesus, who knew rejection, became the Cornerstone. He is the one we can count on no matter what. Yet if we spend all of our time focusing on good things, nice things, busy things, but not God Himself, then our cups will be empty.
So how will you fill up your cup with the Lord? How do you keep from feeling down or challenged? I'd love to hear your ideas. Because God promises us that if we are walking with Him, our cups will overflow.
It is then that I realize I am filling myself up with things and thoughts that are not, first and foremost, about God. Yes, there are people hurting everywhere. A friend of mine's daughter has leukemia. Another person's home was lost to fire. So many sad episodes. Now, don't get me wrong. It is definitely good for us to pray for people, to advocate for them, to help them.
But if my own spiritual cup is empty, what good am I? Or, as they say here in the South, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." I must give my first fruits to God.
So tonight I read from the book of Isaiah (yes, I noted the connection!). My favorite passage from the book is the Servant Song in Chapter 53. Usually I focus on verse 5 ("wounded for our transgressions"), but tonight, the Spirit showed me something in verses 3 and 4.
Here are the verses:
3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
4 Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
God knows who we are. He knows our pain. And he knows the pain of these orphans with disabilities for whom many of us are advocating. These children are despised and rejected, given over to orphanages and later mental institutions. I don't know what it is like to be one of them. Even as a parent of a child with Down syndrome, I have compassion, but I have no idea what it is like to be a scared child, lonely and hungry and wondering WHY.
But Jesus does. Read the words: Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering. He knows. He hurt when He was on earth, and He hurts now as he sees these little ones despised and rejected.
But Jesus, who knew rejection, became the Cornerstone. He is the one we can count on no matter what. Yet if we spend all of our time focusing on good things, nice things, busy things, but not God Himself, then our cups will be empty.
So how will you fill up your cup with the Lord? How do you keep from feeling down or challenged? I'd love to hear your ideas. Because God promises us that if we are walking with Him, our cups will overflow.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Questions from the Kids
Each day our family has been praying for Isaiah. As you can imagine, this new topic of prayer has also generated questions from the peanut gallery! Kids ask good questions, silly questions, and hard questions. Here are some of the queries we have received. I hope we can answer them truthfully, but as you can see, some questions are hard to answer!
Where is Isaiah?
He is in an orphanage in Russia.
What is an orphanage?
In some countries, it is a place where kids who do not have families are sent to live. There are people there who will help take care of them.
Why doesn't Isaiah have a family?
Well, we're praying that he does have a family.
(This one is so tough! How do you explain to a 4- and 7-year-old the reality -- that Isaiah has Down syndrome, just like their brother, which means that he is considered unwanted by some?)
Are we going to adopt Isaiah?
No, we don't plan to right now. We are praying for Isaiah to have a family.
(You knew this one was coming! This is another tough one. In reality, we probably couldn't adopt him. Russia has very strict rules about adoptive parents, and my history of postpartum depression is considered a "mental illness" in Russia.)
Is Henry going to a place like Isaiah?
No, Henry is your brother. We love him and he will always be a part of our family.
(My oldest, in particular, can't figure out why others think Down syndrome is a problem. She was saddened to see so many kids with Down syndrome on the Reece's Rainbow site. She loves her brother SO much that she says she wants a boy with DS when she grows up!)
I wish our world were different, with no orphans, sickness, or sadness. But until our Lord returns, we live in a this fallen, broken world. Explaining these things to kids isn't easy, and I have kept things from them due to their age and innocence.
My message to them is the same to you -- we pray, we have hope, we have faith. In the past two days, for example, two more children have found families through RR, and Isaiah has another $100 in his Angel Tree fund. There is hope in this broken world -- hope in Christ.
Where is Isaiah?
He is in an orphanage in Russia.
What is an orphanage?
In some countries, it is a place where kids who do not have families are sent to live. There are people there who will help take care of them.
Why doesn't Isaiah have a family?
Well, we're praying that he does have a family.
(This one is so tough! How do you explain to a 4- and 7-year-old the reality -- that Isaiah has Down syndrome, just like their brother, which means that he is considered unwanted by some?)
Are we going to adopt Isaiah?
No, we don't plan to right now. We are praying for Isaiah to have a family.
(You knew this one was coming! This is another tough one. In reality, we probably couldn't adopt him. Russia has very strict rules about adoptive parents, and my history of postpartum depression is considered a "mental illness" in Russia.)
Is Henry going to a place like Isaiah?
No, Henry is your brother. We love him and he will always be a part of our family.
(My oldest, in particular, can't figure out why others think Down syndrome is a problem. She was saddened to see so many kids with Down syndrome on the Reece's Rainbow site. She loves her brother SO much that she says she wants a boy with DS when she grows up!)
I wish our world were different, with no orphans, sickness, or sadness. But until our Lord returns, we live in a this fallen, broken world. Explaining these things to kids isn't easy, and I have kept things from them due to their age and innocence.
My message to them is the same to you -- we pray, we have hope, we have faith. In the past two days, for example, two more children have found families through RR, and Isaiah has another $100 in his Angel Tree fund. There is hope in this broken world -- hope in Christ.
Friday, December 17, 2010
$448
So thrilled to share that Isaiah has $448 in his Reece's Rainbow Christmas Angel Tree fund!! THANK YOU to all who have donated to his fund or to other orphans. (Note that the ChipIn at right shows only those who donated through this site -- the RR Angel Tree page has all these donations plus those sent directly to RR.)
There are so many families out there who want to adopt children but who are challenged by the incredible cost. There are others who may consider adoption, and knowing that funds are available may help them take that leap of faith.
Four hundred forty eight. What a blessing. Let's keep praying for Isaiah and others like him to feel God's blessing in his life -- and most of all, the blessing of family!
There are so many families out there who want to adopt children but who are challenged by the incredible cost. There are others who may consider adoption, and knowing that funds are available may help them take that leap of faith.
Four hundred forty eight. What a blessing. Let's keep praying for Isaiah and others like him to feel God's blessing in his life -- and most of all, the blessing of family!
Why Rescue Orphans?
Because of the overwhelming need and because God directs us to do so in scripture:
There is no greater gift, one that goes 3 ways, than to adopt a child, with or without special needs. You honor God, you are blessed with an angel in your own life, and you change the course of a child's life forever. If you have any doubts about it, please read below:
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, "Give them up!" and to the south, "Do not hold them back." Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth" Isaiah 43:5-6
"A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God sets the lonely in families. (Psalms 68:5-6)
"He defends the cause of the fatherless" (Deuteronomy 10:18)
"In you the fatherless find mercy." (Hosea 14:4)
"You are the helpers of the fatherless." (Psalm 10:14)
"It is not the will of your Father that one of these little ones should perish." (Matthew 18:14)
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." (James 1:27)
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Luke 18:16)
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)
"Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." (Matthew 18:5)
"And Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them." (Mark 10:16)
"Remember those…who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (Hebrews 13:3)
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us…let us not love with word or tongue, but with action and in truth." (I John 3:16-18)
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." (Matthew 25:35)
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…defend the rights of the needy." (Proverbs 31:8,9)
"He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me, declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 22:16)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A Perfect Christmas Gift
(SHHH Don't tell Andrea Roberts....)
You run around trying to find those perfect Christmas gifts for your kids, your grandkids, your husband, your wife, your niece or nephew. What to get. What to get. You look in catalogues, browse the aisle in the stores. Wonder. Wonder. Think. Think. Finally you figure out what they would like, what they need, what would be fun... buy them - wrap them up. Place them under the tree. You smile. You can't wait for Christmas day.
But something is missing. You just know it. Something is missing that you should be giving them. What?? They need an envelope. An envelope in their Christmas stocking. It could be red. It could be green. It could be a boring old white envelope.
An envelope with a stamp on it.
And an address.
This one: Reece's Rainbow, PO Box 4024, Gaithersburg, MD 20885
Inside the envelope with the stamp and the address - some money. Maybe a 1 or a 5, or a 10, or even a 20. Maybe a 100. Whatever. A bit of money in an envelope. What's it for? This Perfect Christmas Gift? What is that little bit of money for....
It is a chance on Christmas Day to stop - go to the computer - let your child, or grandchild, or niece or nephew, maybe your husband or wife, how about a neighbor or a friend - let them take their money - go to the Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree and let them pick a child - any child - or two - or three - and put that money in that child's account.
You already sponsor a child?? That's okay. Pick another child. The more the merrier. This is their Christmas gift pick. Put the child they picked - put their name on a piece of paper and put it in the envelope. Seal it. Walk out to the mailbox on Christmas Day and stick it inside. EASY. A five minute gift. But priceless. Then - for just a few minutes, stop and pray. As a family. Pray for that child. Those children. Consider them. Consider their world, their circumstance. Pray that a family would come soon. And... Maybe - maybe - maybe - it could be your family. Maybe.
What a gift. What a Perfect Christmas. For just a few minutes - in the midst of the hustle and bustle of presents and festivities ON CHRISTMAS DAY - to let your children, your family, your friends - to let them be reminded of the Lonely - the Lost - the Fatherless. To let them - for a moment have their hearts broken for the 'Least of These.' 1, 5, 10, 20, 100 dollars. Just a bit of money. But what a priceless gift.
And Maybe - just maybe - that little child or children that they picked will, next Christmas, be getting a bit of money in their own Christmas stocking. So that they too can pick a child.... and pray...
Do it. Give the Perfect Gift..
And... If you do it - If you participate in the "Perfect Christmas Gift".... Don't tell Andrea Roberts at Reece's Rainbow.... SHHH... Wouldn't it be fun to bless her socks off with a whole host of envelopes after Christmas??? Come on. Do it!! It costs little and yet it means so much! I'm going to. There will be an envelope in each of our stockings. I can't wait. If you want to join me just leave a comment and let me know!! And yes - you are welcome to post this on your blogs and on Facebook.
From the Reece's Rainbow Blog
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Advent Conspiracy
What is Christmas really about? What is this Advent season? Is it about shopping and cookies and toys? Our world sure seems to think so.
Our church pastor has been preaching about Advent the past few weeks, using biblical text and also some inspirational phrases from the Advent Conspiracy site. Here are some words from that site to get us thinking.
________
The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.
So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.
And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?
What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?
______________
Advent is about the coming of Jesus. Immanuel. God with us.
How can we act in ways that show the world the power of the Prince of Peace?
Our church pastor has been preaching about Advent the past few weeks, using biblical text and also some inspirational phrases from the Advent Conspiracy site. Here are some words from that site to get us thinking.
________
The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.
So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.
And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?
What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?
______________
Advent is about the coming of Jesus. Immanuel. God with us.
How can we act in ways that show the world the power of the Prince of Peace?
Friday, December 10, 2010
A Parent's Perspective on Down Syndrome, Part I
For anyone contemplating life that includes a child with Down syndrome, please know you have a wonderful adventure ahead of you! I love all of my kids, but somehow my little guy with his extra chromosome has brightened my world beyond anything I can measure.
What is it like to parent a child with Down syndrome? For the most part, it is the same as parenting any other child. Look at the list below of Henry's attributes. Do they sound like any other boys or kids you know?
Are there challenges with Down syndrome? Certainly. Children with Down syndrome present different characteristics, but in general they are delayed in motor skills and speech, and they are at greater risk for respiratory and other illnesses. When Henry gets a little cough, it can sometimes turn to croup. About forty percent of children with Down syndrome are born with heart defects, some of which require surgery.
Henry, for example, has some hearing issues. He can hear well, but often fluid is in his ears. Ear tubes helped with this, but he needs to see an ENT every six months just to be monitored. Luckily, Henry did not have any heart issues present at birth, and his eyesight is great (some children w/DS have eyesight issues).
The great thing about Down syndrome is that there is so much research and support for this condition. There are clear guidelines for medical treatment, such as the need for regular thyroid testing. And the support and encouragement from other parents is amazing.
I am happy I have a child with Down syndrome, as he has brought more joy and blessing to our family than I ever could have imagined. I hope that others are moved to embrace people with Down syndrome into their lives.
____
Update: As I pray for Isaiah and many others to find a family, I am happy to report that five orphans from Reece's Rainbow have been chosen by their forever families this week. Praise God!
What is it like to parent a child with Down syndrome? For the most part, it is the same as parenting any other child. Look at the list below of Henry's attributes. Do they sound like any other boys or kids you know?
- He will take a toy, any toy, and throw it, bang it, scratch it on the floor, fling it across the room, or in general make a big noise with it.
- He laughs when he burps (boys just know this is funny, somehow, right?).
- He loves goldfish and pizza. He doesn't like peas.
- He smiles when his sisters play with him, and giggles like crazy when they tickle him.
- He wants the remote. Or the phone. Or my Blackberry. He knows the difference between the pretend phone and the real thing.
- He loves Elmo and Signing Time.
- He is the happiest kid I know. When he cries, I come running, because he so rarely fusses.
Are there challenges with Down syndrome? Certainly. Children with Down syndrome present different characteristics, but in general they are delayed in motor skills and speech, and they are at greater risk for respiratory and other illnesses. When Henry gets a little cough, it can sometimes turn to croup. About forty percent of children with Down syndrome are born with heart defects, some of which require surgery.
Henry, for example, has some hearing issues. He can hear well, but often fluid is in his ears. Ear tubes helped with this, but he needs to see an ENT every six months just to be monitored. Luckily, Henry did not have any heart issues present at birth, and his eyesight is great (some children w/DS have eyesight issues).
The great thing about Down syndrome is that there is so much research and support for this condition. There are clear guidelines for medical treatment, such as the need for regular thyroid testing. And the support and encouragement from other parents is amazing.
I am happy I have a child with Down syndrome, as he has brought more joy and blessing to our family than I ever could have imagined. I hope that others are moved to embrace people with Down syndrome into their lives.
____
Update: As I pray for Isaiah and many others to find a family, I am happy to report that five orphans from Reece's Rainbow have been chosen by their forever families this week. Praise God!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
I-Pads and other fundraisers to help Orphans
While I am committed to supporting Isaiah and praying for his needs, I know there are SO many others out there who are in desperate need of a family.
Three great families are raising money for orphans and have some great causes to which you can contribute!
Julia (whose post on "Nothing" was featured yesterday) is raising money for Gavin, a young boy in Eastern Europe. Go to http://www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/ to enter to win an I-Pad and help Gavin.
The Fillmore Family has committed to adopt Anya/Anna. She is so beautiful! They are raising funds with various auctions, including one for an I-Pad. Go to http://www.fillmoresjourneytoanna.blogspot.com/ to learn more and enter to win.
A sweet family which has just moved to my county has already adopted THREE precious children through Reece's Rainbow. The girls began making bracelets to help bring home their sister, and now they are making bracelets to help another family raise funds for their adoption. I have ordered some for my girls' Christmas presents (shh!). Visit http://www.laciesbracelets.blogspot.com/
I would be happy to post about other fundraisers as I am able. Thanks to all of you who are praying for Isaiah and the many other orphans in this world!
Three great families are raising money for orphans and have some great causes to which you can contribute!
Julia (whose post on "Nothing" was featured yesterday) is raising money for Gavin, a young boy in Eastern Europe. Go to http://www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/ to enter to win an I-Pad and help Gavin.
The Fillmore Family has committed to adopt Anya/Anna. She is so beautiful! They are raising funds with various auctions, including one for an I-Pad. Go to http://www.fillmoresjourneytoanna.blogspot.com/ to learn more and enter to win.
A sweet family which has just moved to my county has already adopted THREE precious children through Reece's Rainbow. The girls began making bracelets to help bring home their sister, and now they are making bracelets to help another family raise funds for their adoption. I have ordered some for my girls' Christmas presents (shh!). Visit http://www.laciesbracelets.blogspot.com/
I would be happy to post about other fundraisers as I am able. Thanks to all of you who are praying for Isaiah and the many other orphans in this world!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Nothing
Many thanks to my friend Julia, who has allowed me to re-post this entry from her blog. http://www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/ Julia and her husband recently adopted six-year-old Aaron, who had already been transferred to an institution.
Julia writes passionately about the "Lost Boys" left behind, hoping and praying for them that they may find families and a life outside of an institution. (This is the kind of place Isaiah will go in a year or two if he is not adopted.) Please PRAY for children all over the world that they may be saved from a life of....nothing.
___________________________________
We live a harried life. Running here, there and everywhere. We work, take our kids to this activity, then that activity, rush to meetings, juggle schedules and cook, clean and work side-jobs in our spare time. We rarely have time to do Nothing.
We love doing Nothing. A day where we have no appointments, no meetings and no places where our children have to be. An evening where we can stay at home, curl up as a family with a bowl of popcorn and watch a movie. An afternoon where we can take a walk or play in the yard. Nothing. Nothing so that we can do what we find pleasurable. Reading a book, building a puzzle, playing a game. Nothing has warm connotations, happy thoughts. Nothing is what we live for as a family.
For us, in America, Nothing means Everything.
For the Lost Boys and Girls, Nothing means NOTHING.
This is what NOTHING looks like for the Lost Boys at Aaron's former institute. This was Aaron's Nothing. A shed with Nothing in it but carpets and benches. Nothing.
On warm days, 20 plus boys will be led to this shed. 20 plus boys will go inside this shed. A bench will be placed across the door so that they will not be allowed to leave. Then, those 20 plus boys will do nothing. They will sit inside that shed. They will sit. They will rock. They will cry out. They will moan. They will stare at the walls. They will hit each other. They will hit themselves. They will sit. They will sit. They will wait. After hours of sitting they will get to leave for another shed, to eat. They will be forced to eat quickly so that they can be led back to this shed. To do Nothing. In the afternoon they will be led to their rooms. They will be made to lay down on their beds. For hours they will lay on those beds. Some will sleep to escape. Others will lay and do Nothing. Staring at the walls, ceiling - staring at Nothing. When it is time to get up, they will go back to their shed. Again, to do Nothing.
On rainy days, or cold days, they will stay in their buildings. They will not leave those buildings. They will not venture downstairs or get to visit the other boys in the other buildings or even in the other part of their building. No. They will stay in their section. They will sit in the sitting room. It is as empty as the shed. Benches and carpets. They will sit. They will sit and they will do Nothing. They will rock. They will moan. They will hit each other. They will hit themselves. They will sit. They will wait. They will stare at the four walls. They will do Nothing.
Once in a while, on weekends, they will get to hear music. The bigger boys will get to do jobs. Some jobs that are heart-breaking. The best behaved boys will get to kick a deflated ball sometimes. Sometimes a stick can be found for drawing in the dirt. Sometimes they will even let a child or two play in the sand pile that is often used as a toilet. Sometimes. On really rare days, when visitors come, they may even get out a hidden toy or two. Rarely. Most of the time, they do Nothing.
Nothing for the Lost Boys and Girls in Eastern Europe means Nothing.
Two worlds. Our Nothing. Their Nothing. Can we just sit by and do Nothing?
Julia writes passionately about the "Lost Boys" left behind, hoping and praying for them that they may find families and a life outside of an institution. (This is the kind of place Isaiah will go in a year or two if he is not adopted.) Please PRAY for children all over the world that they may be saved from a life of....nothing.
___________________________________
We live a harried life. Running here, there and everywhere. We work, take our kids to this activity, then that activity, rush to meetings, juggle schedules and cook, clean and work side-jobs in our spare time. We rarely have time to do Nothing.
We love doing Nothing. A day where we have no appointments, no meetings and no places where our children have to be. An evening where we can stay at home, curl up as a family with a bowl of popcorn and watch a movie. An afternoon where we can take a walk or play in the yard. Nothing. Nothing so that we can do what we find pleasurable. Reading a book, building a puzzle, playing a game. Nothing has warm connotations, happy thoughts. Nothing is what we live for as a family.
For us, in America, Nothing means Everything.
For the Lost Boys and Girls, Nothing means NOTHING.
This is what NOTHING looks like for the Lost Boys at Aaron's former institute. This was Aaron's Nothing. A shed with Nothing in it but carpets and benches. Nothing.
On warm days, 20 plus boys will be led to this shed. 20 plus boys will go inside this shed. A bench will be placed across the door so that they will not be allowed to leave. Then, those 20 plus boys will do nothing. They will sit inside that shed. They will sit. They will rock. They will cry out. They will moan. They will stare at the walls. They will hit each other. They will hit themselves. They will sit. They will sit. They will wait. After hours of sitting they will get to leave for another shed, to eat. They will be forced to eat quickly so that they can be led back to this shed. To do Nothing. In the afternoon they will be led to their rooms. They will be made to lay down on their beds. For hours they will lay on those beds. Some will sleep to escape. Others will lay and do Nothing. Staring at the walls, ceiling - staring at Nothing. When it is time to get up, they will go back to their shed. Again, to do Nothing.
On rainy days, or cold days, they will stay in their buildings. They will not leave those buildings. They will not venture downstairs or get to visit the other boys in the other buildings or even in the other part of their building. No. They will stay in their section. They will sit in the sitting room. It is as empty as the shed. Benches and carpets. They will sit. They will sit and they will do Nothing. They will rock. They will moan. They will hit each other. They will hit themselves. They will sit. They will wait. They will stare at the four walls. They will do Nothing.
Once in a while, on weekends, they will get to hear music. The bigger boys will get to do jobs. Some jobs that are heart-breaking. The best behaved boys will get to kick a deflated ball sometimes. Sometimes a stick can be found for drawing in the dirt. Sometimes they will even let a child or two play in the sand pile that is often used as a toilet. Sometimes. On really rare days, when visitors come, they may even get out a hidden toy or two. Rarely. Most of the time, they do Nothing.
Nothing for the Lost Boys and Girls in Eastern Europe means Nothing.
Two worlds. Our Nothing. Their Nothing. Can we just sit by and do Nothing?
Monday, December 6, 2010
O is for Ornament!
First, I have amazing news to share. In addition to money given here, some person or persons have given directly to Reece's Rainbow in Isaiah's name. Thank you! He now has $250 in his Angel Tree fund!
Reece's Rainbow also is offering ornaments with a child's picture on them. I wish I were tech savvy enough to show you the cute one that is already on our tree! What a neat way to pray for a child each day!
Here's what you need to do: (this information is from the RR site)
-- Gifts of $35 or more are eligible for a photo ornament of your chosen child (but ANY amount is appreciated and adds up!).
-- For those sponsors desiring an ornament, $5 of your donation goes to Reece's Rainbow's Voice of Hope fund and the remainder will go to your child's grant fund. So if you donate $35, $5 will go to Voice of Hope and $30 will go to the grant. (The Voice of Hope fund covers administrative expenses such as Paypal fees, postage to mail the ornament, etc.)
-- If you do not want or need an ornament, please indicate that in your shopping cart or Paypal transaction, and the entire amount will go to the child's grant.
-- All payments must be received by midnight on Dec. 20 to receive an ornament. However, Isaiah's Angel Tree fund (and all others on RR) will be open through Dec. 31 for donations.
So if you want this cutie on your tree, get your donation in sooner than later! As always, your prayers are what Isaiah and other children need the most. Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes to the needs of children everywhere. May this knowledge make my heart -- and yours -- more open to your grace and your service. Amen.
Reece's Rainbow also is offering ornaments with a child's picture on them. I wish I were tech savvy enough to show you the cute one that is already on our tree! What a neat way to pray for a child each day!
Here's what you need to do: (this information is from the RR site)
-- Gifts of $35 or more are eligible for a photo ornament of your chosen child (but ANY amount is appreciated and adds up!).
-- For those sponsors desiring an ornament, $5 of your donation goes to Reece's Rainbow's Voice of Hope fund and the remainder will go to your child's grant fund. So if you donate $35, $5 will go to Voice of Hope and $30 will go to the grant. (The Voice of Hope fund covers administrative expenses such as Paypal fees, postage to mail the ornament, etc.)
-- If you do not want or need an ornament, please indicate that in your shopping cart or Paypal transaction, and the entire amount will go to the child's grant.
-- All payments must be received by midnight on Dec. 20 to receive an ornament. However, Isaiah's Angel Tree fund (and all others on RR) will be open through Dec. 31 for donations.
So if you want this cutie on your tree, get your donation in sooner than later! As always, your prayers are what Isaiah and other children need the most. Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes to the needs of children everywhere. May this knowledge make my heart -- and yours -- more open to your grace and your service. Amen.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Time for the F-word (shh...it's Fundraising)
When Kevin and I were preparing to adopt, there were many daunting aspects about the process: the paperwork, the waiting, and uncertainty. But a challenging aspect for many prospective parents, including ourselves at the time, is the expense involved in adoption. Depending on the country and agency, total adoption costs typically START at $20,000.
There are many families who WANT to adopt, but are stymied by the cost. That is where others can join in to help. We may not all be called to adopt, but we are called to do SOMETHING. One way to help is to donate to the cause of a child's adoption expenses, making the process easier for his or her prospective family.
Reece's Rainbow International Down Syndrome Orphan Ministry helps families raise money to offset the cost of adoption. In the coming days, I'll write about different ways we can help orphans, including financial ways, and the rewards (both tangible and not) that come from giving.
But more than anything, I hope to convey that there are MANY things we can do to reach out to those around us and across the globe -- pray, give, help a friend, share a meal, encourage, listen, cry, and cheer.
So, yes, I'm fundraising for Isaiah. No question about it. Thank you to those who have given and prayed for him so far. Isaiah, I keep hoping and praying for you and little ones like you. God has a plan for you!
There are many families who WANT to adopt, but are stymied by the cost. That is where others can join in to help. We may not all be called to adopt, but we are called to do SOMETHING. One way to help is to donate to the cause of a child's adoption expenses, making the process easier for his or her prospective family.
Reece's Rainbow International Down Syndrome Orphan Ministry helps families raise money to offset the cost of adoption. In the coming days, I'll write about different ways we can help orphans, including financial ways, and the rewards (both tangible and not) that come from giving.
But more than anything, I hope to convey that there are MANY things we can do to reach out to those around us and across the globe -- pray, give, help a friend, share a meal, encourage, listen, cry, and cheer.
So, yes, I'm fundraising for Isaiah. No question about it. Thank you to those who have given and prayed for him so far. Isaiah, I keep hoping and praying for you and little ones like you. God has a plan for you!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Picked last
Were you ever picked last?
Remember back in elementary school, and it was time to pick teams for kickball. There were always one or two kids who lingered; kids who, for whatever reason, weren't liked or weren't considered athletic enough or who were just....picked last.
Isaiah was that child just a few days ago.
Isaiah is one of hundreds of orphans listed on Reece's Rainbow, which is a ministry that advocates for orphans all over the world who have Down syndrome and other special needs (see button on the sidebar).
Every Christmas season, Reece's Rainbow hosts an Angel Tree and asks for people to be a Christmas Warrior for an orphan, praying for them and raising funds toward their adoption expenses. I learned on Tuesday that only a few kids didn't have warriors, and by the time I e-mailed the coordinator, Isaiah was the one child left. (Since then, I believe there have been more kids added to the Reece's Rainbow site.)
The last one. How could I not act? Isaiah is four, the same age as my middle child. He is four, which means he will be leaving the orphanage soon, leaving the only "home" he has ever known for the harsh reality of a mental institution (where most children with Down syndrome die, as they are unable to handle the harsh conditions). Isaiah has Down syndrome, just like my precious little boy. That extra chromosome has been such a blessing to our family, but around the world, that "little bit extra" is equated with shame and abandonment.
So today my prayer is for Isaiah, that he feel a sense of love and hope. And I pray for so many others like him, who are "precious in His sight." Finally, I pray for people like you and me, who have families, friends, toys, homes, and love. We are so blessed. How can we avoid complacency and nonchalance? How can we step up? How can we act in a way that acknowledges that we live in an imperfect world, but yet we can still make a difference in the lives of people near and far?
How can we help those who are picked last?
Remember back in elementary school, and it was time to pick teams for kickball. There were always one or two kids who lingered; kids who, for whatever reason, weren't liked or weren't considered athletic enough or who were just....picked last.
Isaiah was that child just a few days ago.
Isaiah is one of hundreds of orphans listed on Reece's Rainbow, which is a ministry that advocates for orphans all over the world who have Down syndrome and other special needs (see button on the sidebar).
Every Christmas season, Reece's Rainbow hosts an Angel Tree and asks for people to be a Christmas Warrior for an orphan, praying for them and raising funds toward their adoption expenses. I learned on Tuesday that only a few kids didn't have warriors, and by the time I e-mailed the coordinator, Isaiah was the one child left. (Since then, I believe there have been more kids added to the Reece's Rainbow site.)
The last one. How could I not act? Isaiah is four, the same age as my middle child. He is four, which means he will be leaving the orphanage soon, leaving the only "home" he has ever known for the harsh reality of a mental institution (where most children with Down syndrome die, as they are unable to handle the harsh conditions). Isaiah has Down syndrome, just like my precious little boy. That extra chromosome has been such a blessing to our family, but around the world, that "little bit extra" is equated with shame and abandonment.
So today my prayer is for Isaiah, that he feel a sense of love and hope. And I pray for so many others like him, who are "precious in His sight." Finally, I pray for people like you and me, who have families, friends, toys, homes, and love. We are so blessed. How can we avoid complacency and nonchalance? How can we step up? How can we act in a way that acknowledges that we live in an imperfect world, but yet we can still make a difference in the lives of people near and far?
How can we help those who are picked last?
Friday, December 3, 2010
Making a Difference
There are over 140 million orphans in the world. That number is so huge that it is hard for us to fathom, and so many times we don't bother, thinking what difference can we make?
But these children are real. Isaiah is real. He is not just a statistic. He is a boy who needs a mommy and a daddy. He needs love, food, hugs, and friends. At age four, he has been in an orphanage all his life, and he will soon be transferred to a mental institution (yes, you read that right).
So does it make a difference to pray for and raise funds for just one? You bet it does. Consider this story:
The Starfish Story adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley 1907 – 1977
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference for that one.”
But these children are real. Isaiah is real. He is not just a statistic. He is a boy who needs a mommy and a daddy. He needs love, food, hugs, and friends. At age four, he has been in an orphanage all his life, and he will soon be transferred to a mental institution (yes, you read that right).
So does it make a difference to pray for and raise funds for just one? You bet it does. Consider this story:
The Starfish Story adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley 1907 – 1977
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference for that one.”
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Writing from the Heart
In recent months I have been moved by the plight of orphans with special needs around the world. As a parent by adoption, and also as a parent of a child with Down syndrome, God has prompted me to use my own experiences as an opportunity to advocate for others.
So this is where Isaiah comes in. Isaiah is a little boy with Down syndrome living in Russia. I know very little else about him, at least on paper.
But this much I do know:
-- He is a child of God
-- He deserves a chance at life
-- Someone in this world may want to adopt him -- hopefully soon!
So my family and I have chosen this Christmas season to pray for Isaiah daily, and we are hoping that others will join us in prayer for Isaiah and so many other little ones who need a home. We will also raise money for him, which will go directly to a fund for HIM and for the adoptive family who finds him (more on that later).
Will you join us? Will you stop right now and pray for Isaiah? He is four. He is so cute. And he needs our prayers.
So this is where Isaiah comes in. Isaiah is a little boy with Down syndrome living in Russia. I know very little else about him, at least on paper.
But this much I do know:
-- He is a child of God
-- He deserves a chance at life
-- Someone in this world may want to adopt him -- hopefully soon!
So my family and I have chosen this Christmas season to pray for Isaiah daily, and we are hoping that others will join us in prayer for Isaiah and so many other little ones who need a home. We will also raise money for him, which will go directly to a fund for HIM and for the adoptive family who finds him (more on that later).
Will you join us? Will you stop right now and pray for Isaiah? He is four. He is so cute. And he needs our prayers.
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