(Guest post by big sister, Sarah!)
Picture post coming soon, but first, here are some videos!! Thanks to my friend Matthew, his patience with me, and his fast internet, these videos now exist on the internet instead of in a file! :) So in honor of the Packer's victory in the Super Bowl, the first video is of Elijah dancing to "Green and Yellow" last night. I was feeding him yogurt, then ice cream (which he loves and is very unusual for a child from an orphanage who has had nothing cold before!), and I had the laptop up on the kitchen table. I pulled up "Green and Yellow", and he started dancing to it! He got mad when it ended, and he was soo cute that I didn't have much of an option but to go get my camera!
The next video taped by Isaac (6 yo brother, in case you can't tell... he needs a little more practice with the camera!) awhile ago, but our internet is too slow that I didn't get it uploaded until now. Sorry it's a little long, you don't have to watch the whole thing, but Elijah had fun "wrestling" with me. :)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Masha & Christopher will be RESCUED!!!
Great news today!!!! God answers prayers!
Sweet Masha has a family!
And baby Christopher has a family too!!! (Quite possibly the same family...)
Masha has already been transferred to the institution, so hopefully her family will get to her soon. Christopher is at the same orphanage Elijah was. In fact, he was listed with RR shortly before we left to get Elijah (the same time Shea was listed actually). We got his photos one night and prayed and prayed to see if this little one was to come to our family. But the next morning, we found out that he wasn't cleared for adoption yet. God answered that prayer quickly. And get this...he was born while Pat and Sarah were in EE for their mission trip in July. How wild is that? He's SO young and is SO very fortunate to have a family coming for him, maybe even by his first birthday!
More fun news too! Christopher was the only child left with Down syndrome at Elijah's former orphanage listed with RR that didn't have a family commited to him yet. So, now there are none (for now). To the best of my knowledge when the Burmans and Karols get home in a few weeks, ELEVEN children with Down syndrome will have been brought home from this orphanage since July!!!! That is AMAZING!!! God is SO good. Plus, Noah and Christopher will be home soon too!
But, please don't forget to continue to pray for Eddie's family to step forward. He needs a family ASAP too, along with the "other angels" still there. http://reecesrainbow.org/category/waitingbycountry/ee-1/orphanage-9 Sergey and Camille both have sizable grants too!
Sweet Masha has a family!
And baby Christopher has a family too!!! (Quite possibly the same family...)
Masha has already been transferred to the institution, so hopefully her family will get to her soon. Christopher is at the same orphanage Elijah was. In fact, he was listed with RR shortly before we left to get Elijah (the same time Shea was listed actually). We got his photos one night and prayed and prayed to see if this little one was to come to our family. But the next morning, we found out that he wasn't cleared for adoption yet. God answered that prayer quickly. And get this...he was born while Pat and Sarah were in EE for their mission trip in July. How wild is that? He's SO young and is SO very fortunate to have a family coming for him, maybe even by his first birthday!
More fun news too! Christopher was the only child left with Down syndrome at Elijah's former orphanage listed with RR that didn't have a family commited to him yet. So, now there are none (for now). To the best of my knowledge when the Burmans and Karols get home in a few weeks, ELEVEN children with Down syndrome will have been brought home from this orphanage since July!!!! That is AMAZING!!! God is SO good. Plus, Noah and Christopher will be home soon too!
But, please don't forget to continue to pray for Eddie's family to step forward. He needs a family ASAP too, along with the "other angels" still there. http://reecesrainbow.org/category/waitingbycountry/ee-1/orphanage-9 Sergey and Camille both have sizable grants too!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Elijah Health Update
This is a bit overdue, but better late than never. But first, please remember to continue to pray for the Burmans and their process of adopting 2 very special little girls from Elijah's former orphanage and the institution he would have been transferred to. Even though the director agreed to allow their adoption to continue, they still need all of the saints undergirding them in prayer. Thanks!
Elijah saw the pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital on the 4th. The doctor could not find ANYTHING wrong with his heart! Praise God! We were told at the orphanage that Elijah had an ASD and they didn't know if he would need surgery or not when we got home. Well, the Great Physician took care of that and the cardiologist does not need to see him again. Yay!
Elijah kind of freaked out at first in the semi-dark room with the machine and lots of blinking lights. But after he realized it wasn't going to hurt, he calmed down. The technician did a full echo, so it took quite a while. We counted fingers and he even tried to tickle me, sort of making the "tickle tickle tickle" sound. It was very cute!
Then, just this past Thursday, he saw his pediatrician for a growth check. He weighed in at 25.5# and 33 1/4". That may sound tiny for a 3 yo, BUT he gained 2 1/2# and grew 1 1/4" in ONE month! That's amazing!!! But, I'll tell you, it feels like he's gained a lot more than that when I pick him up. The doc was very pleased, and so am I. She doesn't need to see him again until his 4th birthday in September. Yay!!!
Oh, and remember how our pediatrician has adopted from the same EE country we did and has several patients with Ds? God place the right person in the right place at the right time. Well, thanks to Debbie, she hooked us up with a very nice lady that works in the lab of the same clinic as the pediatrician that is from Russia! We met up with her on Thursday to give her Elijah's medical records the orphanage gave us. See, they are in Russian, and cursive Russian at that. So, they did me absolutely no good. But this sweet lady is going to take them home and translate them for us. How fun is that!?! It will be interesting to see if there are any surprises on there. The only thing they gave us translated was his vaccination records. So, anyway, I love how God continues to put the right people in the right place at the right time for us. :-)
And as a side note, we had Rachel's 15 mo well child visit this past week too. The little munchkin has yet to break 18 pounds! She is so petite, but her height continues to go right up the curve. We'll continue to try to "fatten her up" over the next few months.
Speaking of Rachel, her and Elijah are getting along really, really well now. Makes me wonder what I was so worried about at the beginning. :-) They even do each other "favors", like picking up dropped sippy cups and handing it back. It's very cute to watch. They are picking up new signs together too. Elijah probably has close to 10 signs already that he uses appropriately. The other day he asked me for a drink of milk. I was pretty impressed!
Sarah is working on another picture post, so hopefully she'll have that up in a few days.
Elijah saw the pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital on the 4th. The doctor could not find ANYTHING wrong with his heart! Praise God! We were told at the orphanage that Elijah had an ASD and they didn't know if he would need surgery or not when we got home. Well, the Great Physician took care of that and the cardiologist does not need to see him again. Yay!
Elijah kind of freaked out at first in the semi-dark room with the machine and lots of blinking lights. But after he realized it wasn't going to hurt, he calmed down. The technician did a full echo, so it took quite a while. We counted fingers and he even tried to tickle me, sort of making the "tickle tickle tickle" sound. It was very cute!
Then, just this past Thursday, he saw his pediatrician for a growth check. He weighed in at 25.5# and 33 1/4". That may sound tiny for a 3 yo, BUT he gained 2 1/2# and grew 1 1/4" in ONE month! That's amazing!!! But, I'll tell you, it feels like he's gained a lot more than that when I pick him up. The doc was very pleased, and so am I. She doesn't need to see him again until his 4th birthday in September. Yay!!!
Oh, and remember how our pediatrician has adopted from the same EE country we did and has several patients with Ds? God place the right person in the right place at the right time. Well, thanks to Debbie, she hooked us up with a very nice lady that works in the lab of the same clinic as the pediatrician that is from Russia! We met up with her on Thursday to give her Elijah's medical records the orphanage gave us. See, they are in Russian, and cursive Russian at that. So, they did me absolutely no good. But this sweet lady is going to take them home and translate them for us. How fun is that!?! It will be interesting to see if there are any surprises on there. The only thing they gave us translated was his vaccination records. So, anyway, I love how God continues to put the right people in the right place at the right time for us. :-)
And as a side note, we had Rachel's 15 mo well child visit this past week too. The little munchkin has yet to break 18 pounds! She is so petite, but her height continues to go right up the curve. We'll continue to try to "fatten her up" over the next few months.
Speaking of Rachel, her and Elijah are getting along really, really well now. Makes me wonder what I was so worried about at the beginning. :-) They even do each other "favors", like picking up dropped sippy cups and handing it back. It's very cute to watch. They are picking up new signs together too. Elijah probably has close to 10 signs already that he uses appropriately. The other day he asked me for a drink of milk. I was pretty impressed!
Sarah is working on another picture post, so hopefully she'll have that up in a few days.
Monday, February 7, 2011
GOD WINS!!!
I just saw this post by the Burmans and thought I would share the GREAT news before we got our day started here!
Today, a miracle occured!! Today God answered each and everyone's prayers. Today a life changing event occured. We became the family for Reagan!!! God opened the door to this institution and we walked in. I am so happy to share with you that our sweet Reagan Faith just met her Mommy and Daddy.She is beautiful and smart and oh soooo big!!!! I have no idea how to post pictures but will put them on my blog. Thank you for all of your prayers! If ever there is a person to doubt the power of prayer send them to me and we will share this story.
THANK YOU LORD!!!! Thank you for praying!!! Please continue to pray for the Burmans as they finish their in country process - court, etc. And please continue to pray that Eddie's and Masha's families step forward in faith to rescue them! Thanks for praying!
Today, a miracle occured!! Today God answered each and everyone's prayers. Today a life changing event occured. We became the family for Reagan!!! God opened the door to this institution and we walked in. I am so happy to share with you that our sweet Reagan Faith just met her Mommy and Daddy.She is beautiful and smart and oh soooo big!!!! I have no idea how to post pictures but will put them on my blog. Thank you for all of your prayers! If ever there is a person to doubt the power of prayer send them to me and we will share this story.
THANK YOU LORD!!!! Thank you for praying!!! Please continue to pray for the Burmans as they finish their in country process - court, etc. And please continue to pray that Eddie's and Masha's families step forward in faith to rescue them! Thanks for praying!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Prayers Needed NOW!!!
Yes, I am posting this in the middle of the Super Bowl, and yes, I live in Packer country. Somehow, the importance of the Super Bowl pales in comparison to the importance of what will be happening while we sleep tonight.
But, first, I have some sad news. I found out a few days ago that Eddie (Elijah's former grouppa-mate) was transferred to the "home for the invalids" at some point earlier this month. :-( I'm not sure when. I just know he was still there in Dec. 27th and now he's no longer at the baby house. Please pray for him and his sweet heart as he tries to adjust to his new home. Please pray that his family steps forward VERY SOON!!!!
Secondly, we all need to be storming Heaven right now as the Burmans will be meeting with the director of the institution (where Eddie is at) while we sleep tonight. Please pray for God's Light and Love to break through the spiritual darkness surrounding this place. GOD CAN DO THIS!!!!! GOD WILL DO THIS!!!!! PLEASE PRAY!!!!!
I've reposted what Stephanie posted on her blog yesterday. This meeting is not just about Tori/Reagan, it's also about giving Masha, Eddie and any other child that is transferred out of Elijah's former orphanage a much needed chance for a family. This is of utmost importance.
From Stephanie:
Here is the official word: Masha WILL be transferred to the mental institution. It will likely happen next week.
Oh, my heart.
I have failed her. She's the one.
She is the one child for whom I was bent on finding a home. I was certain that someone would be touched by our story and be inspired to rescue her.
Like Theo was rescued.
There is still a chance for Masha.
And Tori is the key.
Tori, soon to be renamed Reagan, was transferred about a year and a half ago to the same institution that Masha will soon call home.
This coming Monday morning in Eastern Europe there will be a meeting. A very important meeting. An American couple wishes to adopt Tori and has received her referral. They will show up at Tori's institution and meet with the director.
Now, I have heard conflicting reports about this director. Some say the director is difficult and some say the director is agreeable. Some say the director is opposed to adoptions. This director has the power to say "yes" or "no."
We must pray for this director. For a soft heart, for a willing spirit. For Tori is the key. If she can be rescued then there is still a chance...
for Masha,
and Eddie,
who both have grants that could cover their WHOLE adoption! And the countless others who have been and will be sent to this place.
So please pray now. Let us storm heaven for the sake of the inmates (yes, this is what they are called) of Tori's institution.
If you wish to pray during the actual meeting, set your alarms...Monday morning. Early. 1 a.m. - 3 a.m. Central Time, USA, I'm guessing.
Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes. ~David Platt, Radical
But, first, I have some sad news. I found out a few days ago that Eddie (Elijah's former grouppa-mate) was transferred to the "home for the invalids" at some point earlier this month. :-( I'm not sure when. I just know he was still there in Dec. 27th and now he's no longer at the baby house. Please pray for him and his sweet heart as he tries to adjust to his new home. Please pray that his family steps forward VERY SOON!!!!
Secondly, we all need to be storming Heaven right now as the Burmans will be meeting with the director of the institution (where Eddie is at) while we sleep tonight. Please pray for God's Light and Love to break through the spiritual darkness surrounding this place. GOD CAN DO THIS!!!!! GOD WILL DO THIS!!!!! PLEASE PRAY!!!!!
I've reposted what Stephanie posted on her blog yesterday. This meeting is not just about Tori/Reagan, it's also about giving Masha, Eddie and any other child that is transferred out of Elijah's former orphanage a much needed chance for a family. This is of utmost importance.
From Stephanie:
Here is the official word: Masha WILL be transferred to the mental institution. It will likely happen next week.
Oh, my heart.
I have failed her. She's the one.
She is the one child for whom I was bent on finding a home. I was certain that someone would be touched by our story and be inspired to rescue her.
Like Theo was rescued.
There is still a chance for Masha.
And Tori is the key.
Tori, soon to be renamed Reagan, was transferred about a year and a half ago to the same institution that Masha will soon call home.
This coming Monday morning in Eastern Europe there will be a meeting. A very important meeting. An American couple wishes to adopt Tori and has received her referral. They will show up at Tori's institution and meet with the director.
Now, I have heard conflicting reports about this director. Some say the director is difficult and some say the director is agreeable. Some say the director is opposed to adoptions. This director has the power to say "yes" or "no."
We must pray for this director. For a soft heart, for a willing spirit. For Tori is the key. If she can be rescued then there is still a chance...
for Masha,
and Eddie,
who both have grants that could cover their WHOLE adoption! And the countless others who have been and will be sent to this place.
So please pray now. Let us storm heaven for the sake of the inmates (yes, this is what they are called) of Tori's institution.
If you wish to pray during the actual meeting, set your alarms...Monday morning. Early. 1 a.m. - 3 a.m. Central Time, USA, I'm guessing.
Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes. ~David Platt, Radical
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
HUGE GRANTS!!!!
I just found out this morning that HUUUUUGE GRANTS (thanks for the heads up, Michelle!) have been received for Masha AND Eddie!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!! Masha's grant is now over $17,000 and Eddie's is over $16,000!!!! God is SO Good! Please continue to pray for their family (families) to come forward NOW! They can't spare another day.
A Difficult Post...PRAYERS NEEDED NOW!
Several prayer requests listed below. Please take some time and pray for Masha, Eddie, Shea and Tori. Thank you!
Don't worry, Elijah is fine. He's healthy, gained a ton of weight, smiles all of the time, is learning new signs everyday, loves wrestling with his brother, and just LOVES being LOVED. Why??? Because he has a family!!! God ordained us his family from the moment he was born. Of that, I have NO doubt. Absolutely none. (Sometime, I'll have to do a post about how the Lord has been preparing me the last 20+ years to be his mother. The more things I remember, the more it amazes me.)
People have asked me what the most difficult part of the adoption process was. Two things stand out to me. First, meeting Elijah's birth parents. I can't imagine the continued depth of their pain. Please pray for his mama's heart to be healed. Second, THE most difficult thing was leaving those children left behind. I knew that going in. I just never realized how difficult it would be. Debbie realizes this now too. I was able to become a bit emotional numb though. I needed to in order to cope and not leave the visits in tears - every.single.day.
Today, we learned from a family that is at Elijah's former orphanage right now, that sweet Masha will be transferred within the WEEK! By saying "transferred", I mean she will be sent away from the only place she's ever known to a horrible "home for the invalids". That's what the locals call it anyway. It's a mental institution, insane asylum...whatever you want to call it. You get the point. This is NO place for a child of ANY age, let alone one so full of life! I posted about Masha a little while ago here. Several people have posted about Masha today, including Stephanie who is still raising funds for her, Summer, who also met Masha, and my friend, Ashley, new to the blogging world, who shares about her Aunt Marsha with Down syndrome and Masha. Precious!
WE NEED TO STORM HEAVEN ON BEHALF OF THIS LITTLE GIRL! Please pray for a miracle to happen! A "paper ready" family needs to step forward ASAP to possibly save her from transfer. If/when they do, please pray the director consents to keeping her there until her family comes. Also, please pray for her grant to continue to grow. Thank you!
**********
My heart is also VERY heavy for another little person at Elijah's orphanage...Eddie. He turned 4 in August. My gut tells me that the doctors that were checking out Masha today, also visited Eddie in his grouppa room on the other end of the building, preparing for his transfer to this same place. I don't think I've posted too much about Eddie before. It's been too hard for me to write what I want to say, what I can say, and what I should say. Eddie was NOT liked by the nannies, for whatever reason. None of them. They treated him like an animal. Yes, I saw this first-hand with my own eyes. He was shut away in a dark room because he fussed to get out of hisplaypen little prison when I came into the room. All he wanted was some affection, an ounce of love. There is more, but this is enough for now. Breaks my heart...
WE NEED TO STORM HEAVEN ON BEHALF OF THIS LITTLE BOY! Please pray that his family will come forward ASAP. I'm not sure his transfer could be delayed, but he needs a family NOW! He doesn't deserve to spend one more day without a loving family. Also please pray his grant to continue to grow. Thank you!
There's more...please keep reading.
****************
Remember Shea???
Yes, I blogged a lot about Shea when I was over there. But as you know, he has a family now! (Yes, I had been meaning to blog about them since I got home. Even have a draft post in my folder from 1/1/11...sigh...life! Sorry Liz!!!) Please pray for their continued speedy process that his family can get to Shea ASAP. BUT...Shea is 4 already. Supposedly, the director of the orphanage was told a family was coming for him. I may have stepped over the line and told one of the nannies that a family was coming too and to not let him be transferred. (She was overjoyed!)
PLEASE PRAY SHEA IS HELD AT THE ORPHANAGE UNTIL HIS FAMILY COMES FOR HIM!!! A transfer to the institution would be devastating for him. He is loved by the nannies, and frankly, a bit spoiled by some of them. :-) I can't imagine what a life in a crib in an institution would do to him until his family comes for him.
****************
All of this talk of transfers to institutions would not be complete with out mentioning "Tori". Tori's new name will be Reagan! Her family is adopting a beautiful little girl with Ds from Elijah's former orphanage, as well as Reagan.
Reagan WAS transferred probably close to a year ago. Her family will be the FIRST family to adopt out of this institution, thus blazing a trail for other families coming behind them (like Eddie's family!). Since they have gotten to her region, they have heard all about how "difficult" the director of this institution can be to work with and that she will NOT allow adoptions out of this institution because she feels they have no worth.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE LORD TO KNOCK DOWN THIS "MOUNTAIN" AND FOR HER FAMILY TO BE ABLE TO BRING HER HOME!!! Please pray specifically for this director's heart to be softened towards the Burmans and to allow them to adopt Reagan. I'll try and keep you posted on this, as their blog is private.
Thank you all so much for your faithful prayers! May the Lord bless you!
Don't worry, Elijah is fine. He's healthy, gained a ton of weight, smiles all of the time, is learning new signs everyday, loves wrestling with his brother, and just LOVES being LOVED. Why??? Because he has a family!!! God ordained us his family from the moment he was born. Of that, I have NO doubt. Absolutely none. (Sometime, I'll have to do a post about how the Lord has been preparing me the last 20+ years to be his mother. The more things I remember, the more it amazes me.)
People have asked me what the most difficult part of the adoption process was. Two things stand out to me. First, meeting Elijah's birth parents. I can't imagine the continued depth of their pain. Please pray for his mama's heart to be healed. Second, THE most difficult thing was leaving those children left behind. I knew that going in. I just never realized how difficult it would be. Debbie realizes this now too. I was able to become a bit emotional numb though. I needed to in order to cope and not leave the visits in tears - every.single.day.
Today, we learned from a family that is at Elijah's former orphanage right now, that sweet Masha will be transferred within the WEEK! By saying "transferred", I mean she will be sent away from the only place she's ever known to a horrible "home for the invalids". That's what the locals call it anyway. It's a mental institution, insane asylum...whatever you want to call it. You get the point. This is NO place for a child of ANY age, let alone one so full of life! I posted about Masha a little while ago here. Several people have posted about Masha today, including Stephanie who is still raising funds for her, Summer, who also met Masha, and my friend, Ashley, new to the blogging world, who shares about her Aunt Marsha with Down syndrome and Masha. Precious!
WE NEED TO STORM HEAVEN ON BEHALF OF THIS LITTLE GIRL! Please pray for a miracle to happen! A "paper ready" family needs to step forward ASAP to possibly save her from transfer. If/when they do, please pray the director consents to keeping her there until her family comes. Also, please pray for her grant to continue to grow. Thank you!
**********
My heart is also VERY heavy for another little person at Elijah's orphanage...Eddie. He turned 4 in August. My gut tells me that the doctors that were checking out Masha today, also visited Eddie in his grouppa room on the other end of the building, preparing for his transfer to this same place. I don't think I've posted too much about Eddie before. It's been too hard for me to write what I want to say, what I can say, and what I should say. Eddie was NOT liked by the nannies, for whatever reason. None of them. They treated him like an animal. Yes, I saw this first-hand with my own eyes. He was shut away in a dark room because he fussed to get out of his
 |
| Introducing EDDIE!!! This is where he spent most of his time. Rarely was he allowed to be "out and about" to play with the other boys. |
 |
| You should have seen his face light up when I gave him just a few seconds of attention. So cute! |
There's more...please keep reading.
****************
Remember Shea???
 |
| Shea is on the right. His smile totally lights up a room! |
PLEASE PRAY SHEA IS HELD AT THE ORPHANAGE UNTIL HIS FAMILY COMES FOR HIM!!! A transfer to the institution would be devastating for him. He is loved by the nannies, and frankly, a bit spoiled by some of them. :-) I can't imagine what a life in a crib in an institution would do to him until his family comes for him.
****************
All of this talk of transfers to institutions would not be complete with out mentioning "Tori". Tori's new name will be Reagan! Her family is adopting a beautiful little girl with Ds from Elijah's former orphanage, as well as Reagan.
Reagan WAS transferred probably close to a year ago. Her family will be the FIRST family to adopt out of this institution, thus blazing a trail for other families coming behind them (like Eddie's family!). Since they have gotten to her region, they have heard all about how "difficult" the director of this institution can be to work with and that she will NOT allow adoptions out of this institution because she feels they have no worth.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE LORD TO KNOCK DOWN THIS "MOUNTAIN" AND FOR HER FAMILY TO BE ABLE TO BRING HER HOME!!! Please pray specifically for this director's heart to be softened towards the Burmans and to allow them to adopt Reagan. I'll try and keep you posted on this, as their blog is private.
Thank you all so much for your faithful prayers! May the Lord bless you!
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