Well, I'm just going to go with a post today that is on my heart.  I had wanted to advocate for the other families adopting that I know... but I can't get some of the kids off of my mind.. so I guess the other will have to wait until another day.

We have committed to adopting a certain boy and I know in my heart that this is the right path for us to take.  That doesn't mean that I am not drawn towards certain other children in need or that they don't touch my heart in some way.  These are the ones that I feel would fit into my family easily and probably many other homes out there as well. Their medical needs and diagnosis's are easily treatable here and I feel would be able to be brought into any size family with ease.  They all have very impersonal medical diagnosis's in their write ups, yet they could be my child.  I look at my kids and see those very descriptions in different ways.  I hope that you can too.

One of the first children I saw that grabbed my heart was "Marcus".  His little impish grin and almost dimple remind me so much of my own son that is the same age!

He is 9 years old and needs a home that is wheelchair accessible.  He has been asking for over a year for them to find them a family of his own. He is quiet and well mannered and very independent. He is doing very well in school and should continue to do so.  He hasn't had a whole lot to smile about in his life, and I would love for that to change for him!  If we could add another, I would bring him  home in a heart beat!

There is a beautiful little girl who is called "Aleksa".  At 7 years old, she is my youngest daughter's age!  Look at that SMILE!  She uses a walker, as does my middle daughter, and would probably need glasses.  That doesn't sound so overwhelming, does it?  I can tell you, that a walker will not slow her down in the slightest.  She loves typical kid stuff, playing with toys and games and I can just see her with her first BARBIE!

Another little boy who I think would fit into our family easy-peasy is "George".  At 5-1/2 years old he is ready to go to school and make new friends.  Although he has some health concerns that would need to be followed by specialists, it sounds like he would be able to live a long, happy, "normal" independent life!  I can picture him running and playing on the playground equipment, laughing at his friends and family and just being a typical kid.  Could he be yours?

And then there is 4 year old "Anne".  Look at her beautiful outfit all ready to go out to church or maybe a visit with grandma?  What a huge BOW!  In an orphanage, typically the bigger the bow, the more favored the child, she must be some one's favorite little girl there.  She has a seizure disorder, so a good neuro and medication would be needed.  She is behind in her skills, but if her seizures are not under control, she is missing out on being aware of the world around her during those times.  Again, having a child with a seizure disorder, seeing her all dolled up in her Sunday Best with her big brown eyes and brown hair makes me just want to hug her close and help her find her mommy.  She could so easily be one of my own.  Maybe she is yours?

"Marshall" is an on the go 2 year old ready to rock your world!  He was born with hydrocephalus (extra fluid in the brain) but looks like he has either already had shunt surgery or it is no longer an issue.  What does this mean?  Seeing a neurosurgeon to see how he is doing and if anything further needs to be done, probably with yearly follow ups just to keep tabs as he grows.  Not a huge deal in the US with our wonderful doctors and equipment, but in his country, if it gets worse, it could mean brain damage and death.  Are you dreaming that your family had a little boy in it?  Can you see matchbox cars, Lego's, and t-ball practices in your future?  Please consider "Marshall".

And what family could be complete without a precious little angel baby?  "Harlowe" is only 3 months old and have you seen a cuter little girl?!  She has been diagnosed with Down's Syndrome but there is no mention of any health impairments.  How wonderful would it be to have the chance to include her in your family and see her grow from an infant to adult and celebrate all those milestones with her.. rolling over, sitting up, taking her first steps, being able to say "mama" and "dada" to people who love her. To be there at her graduation and see her living her own life, something that is not possible in her home country at this time.  Here, her future possibilities are limitless!  Will you open your heart and home to this little one?

All of the above children are looking for adoptive families of their own.  I understand that everyone cannot adopt, if you could, then there wouldn't be any more orphans!  Be that as it may, could you do something for me?  If you could share their information via this blog would be one way to help.  The more people that see them, the better chance they stand of finding a forever family of their own.  Another way is to donate to their adoption funds, because international adoption is pretty expensive.  Sometimes having a grant to offer perspective adoptive parents can sway them to move forward when the lack of money in their pockets give them pause even when their hearts are willing and open.

More information on international adoption for special needs kids can be found at  http://reecesrainbow.org/

Do what you feel is right and where your own conscience leads you.  Thank you!