Get Worth Home | Reece's Rainbow

For the past few months, I have been pretty quiet on the fundraising front. I thought I was fully funded.

However, after checking and rechecking the numbers and talking with my family and wise friends, I have realized that I need more than I thought.

So it is back to the fundraising drawing board. Here's what we have so far.

The Puzzle Fundraiser is back! Lots of the world is still up for grabs, so claim your favorite spot while you can.



My son is definitely Worth the Wait, but boy is waiting hard! Snag a coffee mug or a cute shirt for the little one you waited for.

 

Have a heart. If you donate any amount to my Reece's Rainbow FSP, your name will go on a heart around Worth's map puzzle, and I will send you a traditional Martenitsa doll pair, which celebrates new life. (FSP needs to read $16,193 to be fully funded.)

I have lots of new and used baby clothes for sale on my Facebook. I have mailers ready to fill with these cute little outfits and send your way!

But you guys. I am stressing. I am worried. I am scared and nervous. But I am choosing to believe that money will not keep Worth from his family. Some way, some how, he's coming home. Soon.

So much love, Elizabeth

Son | Reece's Rainbow

It's been 149 days since I have written a post; the last thing I shared was the sheer joy of meeting my son.

I spent three wonderful days with Worth. And then I handed him to a nanny, who put him in a pack-and-play, and I turned and walked out of the orphanage door, tears streaming down my face.

For many of these past 149 days I struggled to find the words to express that feeling; that emptiness. Nothing seemed quite right. So this blog fell silent.

But then, on September 16, 2016, a judge on the other side of the world declared to be true what I already felt and knew.

I am Worth's mother. He is my son. Forever.

That was the best message I have ever gotten.

And just when I thought I couldn't possibly miss that little boy any more, the hole in my mama heart grew and my empty arms felt ever heavier. My son was waiting for me. With that longing though came a hope that, before, I was afraid to feel.

I'm coming, Worth! I am forever yours, just as you are forever mine.



Love, Worth's Mama

Spread the Love: World Down Syndrome Day | Reece's Rainbow

Happy World Down Syndrome Day, my friends!

Down syndrome is what most people call Trisomy 21, which means that people with Down syndrome have an extra 21st chromosome.

Three of chromosome twenty one. 3-21.

So on March 21, we celebrate all people, young and old, rocking their something extra.

In the United States, we have many resources for kids and adults with Down syndrome. Early intervention programs, countless therapies, Special Olympics, job training programs, I could go on and on.

But in some parts of the world, children who are born with this special something extra don't have these same opportunities.

Most of the time in these countries, the mothers and families have so few options for their child that their best choice is to place them in an orphanage and pray they are adopted.

[I once thought of these parents rejecting their own children with anger, sadness. But now, I have come to realize it is the hardest decision they will ever make. Even if there is rejection and fear, there must be at least a bit of hope mixed in. Certainly some love.]

So because of this fear and the culture and the misunderstanding, thousands of children sit in orphanages around the world waiting for mama. All because they have a little something extra.

I want to introduce you to the sweetest little boy.

This is Joey*. Joey is six years old and lives in an orphanage in the same Wren and Dub's home country.

Joey has Down syndrome.

Joey is not less of a person.

Joey is not a statistic.

Joey is a precious little boy, a son waiting to be found.

Today, on World Down Syndrome Day, please see Joey. See him for the valuable, image-bearer that he is. He is capable of love, capable of great joy.

Could you be Joey's mama? Joey's papa? Joey's brother or sister or neighbor?

Joey is one of thousands of children who wait today.

What can you do for him?

If you have questions about Joey or other children waiting for their families, please let me know. I would love to chat with you.

Love,
Elizabeth


*Joey's name has been changed for his protection.