Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
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.
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
Sunday, July 5, 2009
"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!!
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!!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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
Thursday, June 11, 2009
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.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
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
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0902324.htm
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
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.
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.
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