This is my son, Joel. He is brilliant, charming and an old soul in a 6-year-old body. He loves fire trucks, organization, and Papa Dave and Grandma Weezie’s house. If you walked into his room right now, you’d see that he took the initiative to decorate for Christmas. He put up a little tree and wrapped a towel around the bottom for the tree skirt. He has smuggled ornaments off the big tree to put on his own tree. An old light-up glow stick is his idea for lights.
Joel is in Kindergarten and loves school. He works hard to learn, as he is hearing- and vision-impaired. He compensates well and has a team of adults who work hard to help him reach his potential. And here is the beauty of it all. Joel is loved and accepted in this wonderful community. He attends a school that works hard to accommodate his many needs. He has friends and family that look past the fact he has no ear and is missing part of his jaw. Joel is embraced and valued in spite of his differences.
It is when I think about Joel, in an orphanage in Eastern Europe, that my heart breaks. My son would not be loved and cherished. He would be considered cursed and placed away.
There are special needs children just like Joel. Waiting…. Desiring a family. Wishing for someone to love them. Love them for who they are, not what they will become.
Waiting…..
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- Milo is deaf and waiting.
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- Anthony has Down Syndrome and is waiting.
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- Susy has cerebral palsy and is waiting.
Dylan, no longer waiting, but chosen
Never believe you can’t make a difference. When we first started this journey I did not know how we would do this. How in the world could I come up with $24,000 to adopt Dylan? I couldn’t, but God can. In a few short months, we are almost halfway funded. And my faith has been stretched in ways that have been painful and scary, but what an incredible journey so far. I encourage everyone to reach deep and follow what God is calling you to do. Lay aside your fears and step out of the boat.
Susan, Anthony and Milo can be found on the Reece’s Rainbow website or click on this link. I know that we are not all called to adopting a special needs child, but even a 5$ donation to a child’s fund can make a difference.