TOREZ CHALLENGE GRANT

MEET THE CHALLENGE AND PASS IT ON TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.iorphan.org/projects/torez_challenge.asp

Challenge Grant

I sincerely apologize for my absence the past few months. With school back in session and added weekly therapies for Christopher, Blogging time has been falling off my top ten for the day to accomplish.

Time. Such a powerful gift. How we each choose to spend our time can change our lives and the lives of others in ways we cannot fully imagine. Wisdom is also a tremendous gift, although often I feel lacking in such a grace, I thirst for her presence in my daily life. As a parent of an exceptional child who does not communicate verbally and sometimes, not at all, I need every ounce of wisdom I can get, just to survive the day. When I ask my son a question and he turns his head away and stares off into the dead space, I wonder what or if he is thinking about anything. Tell me, tell me too, my heart screams out, but there is a deafening silence. It makes me wonder if his little spirit was broken so many times in the poor conditions that he remained in for the first 7 1/2 years of his life, that he just determined that no one was listening to him anyways, so why bother asking or telling. I imagine many of the orphans living in poor conditions and without the constant love and sense of belonging have decided that it doesn't matter if they have a need, it won't be met anyway.

Fortunately, Christopher is learning each day, that things have changed in his life and his needs do count and will be met to the best of our abilities. Thankfully, those blank stares are becoming less frequent and he is making purposeful eye contact more often. It is truly food for my soul.

Yesterday, I learned of a Challenge Grant that is running out of time to be matched. This grant can provide for some significant needs for the non-ambulatory children who spend their days and nights lying in a toddler bed. The Challenge Grant will purchase desperatly needed therapy equipment that can facilitate a child's movement out of a no win situation and into an opportunity for physical and mental wellness. The transformation we saw in just a few weeks when our son was home with us and no longer flat on his back and becoming atrophied in every way, was astonishing. These children need to be moving and growing while they wait for their forever families to find them. Think about it for more than a moment and then pass this on to someone who may be able to contribute to this project today. Time is running out for this MATCH opportunity. The deadline is October 31, 2009. Go here now to help:http://www.iorphan.org/projects/torez_challenge.asp

Evidence. Christopher went from lying down all day to "freedom and mobility". Take the Challenge Today! Change a life forever! "Expand your heart and watch a miracle grow" http://www.iorphan.org/projects/torez_challenge.asp

If everyone reading this could commit to sending $5.00 to the Challenge it will be met in a miracle minute.

More little miracles..........

A BIG THANK YOU to all of you who so generously gave to the pajama drive. There were over 20o pairs of pajamas collected for the children of Torez Special Needs Orphanage. We also want to express our gratitude to the Knights of Columbus Council 4599 for their committment to host the drive and ship the donations to Ukraine.

Pajama Drive for Special Needs Orphans Extended

Our Pajama Drive has been extended to August 10th as our host organization, The Knights of Columbus are collecting donations at Saint Joseph's church in Marietta, GA on August 8th and 9th.

I also want to extend a very big HUG and THANK YOU to those of you that have already sent in donations. I know these "jammies" will all be gratefully and joyfully received. We look forward to making this an annual event.

The truth about HIV+ and Aids orphans

For families called to adopt a child who is HIV+ there is an incredible organization committed to assist you, educate and support you in your process to adopt a child or children with this special need. Here is the link: www.projecthopeful.org.

Alexei is officially a Reed

Congratulations Reed Family!!! Rejoicing with you and your new son, ALEXEI MATTHEW REED. Safe travels. Our prayers and thoughts remain with you.

Balloon Race for Kyle

This is such a cool fundraiser I just had to include it in my post today. Please follow the link and consider this awesome event to help bring Kyle home to his Forever Family.


I had no idea how much prospective adoptive parents in England must go through to adopt Internationally. It certainly will make me all that more grateful as I begin our next dossier to get Yulia.

http://www.britishadoptionhelp.co.uk/

Here is the e-bay item number as well. You can go to e-bay and place this number into search to purchase a ticket. Tickets are three dollars and some change. 320393786923

"Never, Never, Never, Never Give Up"

Churchill said this on October 29, 1941, when he visited Harrow School. It was after the Blitz and things were looking up a bit for Britain. Here is the relevant part of the speech:

But for everyone, surely, what we have gone through in this period--I am addressing myself to the School--surely from this period of ten months, this is the lesson: Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.

Winston Churchill was certainly not the first to determine that we should never give up when faced with adversity and obstacles seem to be meeting our every footstep. God's holy word is laden with these words and examples of His children never giving up. But when it comes to convincing ourselves that we should not give up when thing are tough, it takes more than reading a passage or quote from someone who has been there. It takes personal experience to believe that victory will come.

I have had the priveledge this past year of meeting one of those special angels on earth that exlemplifies courage and wisdom. Robert is a member of our church and I believe that God placed him in my path to encourage me as I learn how to communicate and relate to my son Christopher, who cannot speak or hear normally and depends on me for all of his cares.

Robert is a man about 60ish and has cerebral palsy. He is independent and you would not know from a distance that there is anything "different" about him. The first Sunday after joining our new Parish, Robert greeted Chris and I with a very gentle smile and inquired as to what Christopher's name was. His speech was very slow and purposeful but he articulated well. Robert stated that he was just like Christopher at the same age and he did not speak his first words until he was 8 years old. He said he would be praying for Christopher (and I believe he is on a daily basis). Then he began to struggle a bit with his words and paused. He looked at Christopher and then at me and gently patting Christopher on the shoulder said " Never give up, never , never, never give up".

Only God knows if Christopher actually heard or comprehended Robert's words that day, but I certainly did and it was as though Christ spoke through Robert that day to me and gave me the encouragement I certainly needed. There have continued to be many Sundays since that first meeting that Robert approaches us asking the same questions about Christopher and reminding me and any of my other sons who may be standing near to "Never give up".

Two Saturday's ago we attended a Trivia night at church and Robert was present. We had Christopher with us and as we entered the room Robert approached and I shook his hand as usual and we had our usual exchange of words, with me feeling that I was a bit selfish for always getting the gift of encouragement like some kind of a vitamin shot. What was I giving in return? I must get to know Robert a bit better, I decided. As he was on another team I did not get to speak with him until the game was over but I sought him out with Christopher by my side. Robert began to share with me that he had visited the miraculous Shrine of Our Lady in Fatima, Spain three years in a row and testified that after each trip he received a slow progressive healing over the years with regards to his speech. He began to open up a bit as I acknowledeged that it must have been frustrating before he gained speech to know what you want to say, but cannot express it in words.

Robert confessed that the only one that really believed in him and encouraged him 100% was his mother and that she never would let him give up. This time I made sure that I thanked him more than once for his prayers for Christopher and told him that I always looked forward to seeing him and talking with him. I am looking forward to getting to know Robert better. I imagine his vast spritual insight, wisdom and intellect is grossly underestimated by the general population and I certainly do not wish to do so. Many of the children who are labled with various "defects" by our society are the ones that God has chosen to represent Him best. When God whispers in your ear that you have been appointed to the care of one of these exceptional little ones, do not be afraid, say "yes, I will receive this beautiful gift " and He will send you angels in disguise along the way to encourage you on the days that you feel so totally ill equipped. He will never, never, never, never give up on you!!

Miracles for Orphans

Below is our latest product. A tote bag with images representing children who are exceptional and have found their forever families and a few that are still waiting. 100% of all monies raised by your purchase will be used to purchase therapy equipment for Torez Special Needs Orphanage in Ukraine. The tote is $20.00+$3.00 for shipping (there is no charge for "handling" this covers only the postage and cost of envelopes) For orders of more than 2 bags, please e-mail me for additional postage charges. You may order via the PayPal button in the right sidebar or orders may be requested at t_wollschlager@yahoo.com an you may send check or money order to:



Theresa Wollschlager
2332 Targa Lane SW
Marietta, GA 30064

Rebecca needs a family

URGENT NEED!!! Rebecca is a sweet little girl was born in January of 2003 from a fifth pregnancy, caesarian section. She has been diagnosed with hydrocephaly from birth, Osteogenesis Imperfecta ("brittle bones") and Spina Bifida. She has had only one fracture according to her medical so we are not sure the OI diagnosis is correct. Her development is delayed due to the various health problems, and she will need considerable support to aid with gross movement in particular. Our biggest concern at this point is her tiny stature. Rebecca is only 31.5 inches tall and weighs around 17.5 pounds. She is tiny. Despite her diagnoses and paraplegia, she can move independently by crawling and scooting in a sitting position. She can feed herself, follow commands and participate in the daily routine. She has a positive emotional state, and speaks using simple words. She likes to play with her toys and has a favorite caregiver. Rebecca desperately needs a loving family to help her live a fulfilled life! Her international fee has been reduced to around $1,500. If you would like more information, please contact Kids To Adopt by email at kidstoadopt@yahoo.com or by phone at 360-695-1704.

Happy Anniversary Reece's Rainbow

Click on the Link below to read about Reece's Rainbow. This wonderful organization is such a perfect example of what it means to choose life by way of the gift of adoption.

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0902324.htm

WANTED: STORIES OF HOPE

Miracles for Orphans is seeking inspirational adoption stories related to exceptional special needs children for publication on this site. Prospective adoptive families, families in process of adoption and even experienced parents need daily encouragement from others on this special journey of hope and love. This Blog is about and for these extraordinary children and you, their families.

Submissions for consideration may include challenges you and your child have overcome, miracles in the midst of daily struggles, humorous andecdotes or sharing a resource that we have not discovered or mentioned on this Blog yet. Please feel free to also send the link to your personal Blog so that it may be included here. Submissions can be sent in PDF format to tessieoryan@ymail.com.

Pajama Drive for Special Needs Orphans

Beginning Monday, June 1st Miracles for Orphans is collecting new and gently worn pajamas for Torez Special Needs Orphanage in Torez City, Ukraine. We are very excited to announce that the The Knights of Columbus Council of Saint Joseph's Catholic Church has adopted this project and will be partnering with us on promoting the event, collecting of donations and shipping. The drive will continue through July 31st so there is plenty of time to get the word out to your co-workers, family and friends.

* Pajamas should be new or very gently worn (please no stains or tears).

* Both summer and winter weight fabrics

* Styles for boys and girls may include sleepers, two piece sets, nightgowns

* Size range 24 months through 16 years

Although the youngest child at this orphanage is 4-years old, many of the children are very small for their age so we are requesting sizes starting at 24 months to accomodate these little ones.

Please send your pajama donation to: Miracles for Orphans

c/o T. Wollschlager

2332 Targa Lane SW

Marietta, GA 30064

Please consider including a donation with your pajama gift to help cover the cost of shipping.

Make checks payable to Knights of Columbus Council 4599

Diapers at deep discounts

I would like to pass on a proven method to get a deep discount on diapers and even possibly free. Last month while shopping at one of the grocery stores I frequent, there was a package of diapers in the clearance cart that had been torn open. At first glance, the package appeared to be filled to capacity or at most, short a single diaper. It was a top brand name and happened to be the size my son wears. I was ecstatic when I noticed the new bright red price sticker that read $3.00. This was a package that would normally cost me $10.99 on a good day. Needless to say, I scooped it up before anyone else claimed my deal of the week.

Later that day, as I was delighting in my good fortune (anyone with a child in diapers knows why I am lingering in this) I thought, "Hey, does this happen each time they have a damaged package?" With 5 boys at home I'm at the grocery store much too frequently and have not noticed this before?"

The next day I put my thought to action. I went to speak with the store manager and shared a bit of my son's special history with him. He had a big smile on his face and called his manager in charge of daily inspection of damaged products. He introduced us and instructed her to "take good care of me". I call the manager twice a week now, on days she has specified and when she has opened packages of diapers that are the size we need she puts them aside at Customer Service for me to pick up. Depending on the size of the package, I am paying between 2.99-3.99 per package. I have just asked the manager if he would consider donating their store brand diapers in any size to the Orphan Baby Hospital in Donetsk, Ukraine as unlike the name brand diapers, they would normally dispose of any torn packages.

I encourage anyone who has this ongoing expense to visit your area grocery store that you frequent and excercise your consumer savvy.

PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT FUNDRAISERS IN THE RIGHT SIDEBAR AND PASS THIS SITE ONTO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

An Invitation

Dear friends,

Welcome to our Blog. If you are reading this for the first time it is because we believe you were specifically chosen to do so by Divine appointment no matter what your race or creed. You will soon understand that the author of this Blog is grounded firmly in her Judeo-Christian roots and the contents of this site will express those values. She makes no apologies for her passion and desire to help care for the forgotten little ones and her position on the value of life. If you are about to join us and our cause as a fervent prayer warrior, to gift your financial support, as a parent or prospective parent of an exceptional child, or just because you are a concerned human being and value life according to how our Creator defines it and not by the negative influences of the human condition, we are grateful for your participation.

Please bear with us as this site grows; there is much to be added. We appreciate you passing on the existence of this Blog to your friends and family and to ask them to do the same.

Please see the details on our first fundraiser in the right column. Click on the "Tupperware for Tots" link.

All for His Glory,
Theresa