Oh my goodness-where do I even begin with this?
About a month ago I blogged here about an urgent situation two little girls were in. My heart broke. Being involved in the adoption community is such a blessing. Seeing little ones united with their families is such a joy to see. But, I also see those who wait. That’s hard. Sometimes God allows children to cross my path so that I can pray for them, and for their families to find them.
But this time something was different. Yes, I absolutely felt called to pray. But there was more, and we just were not quite sure what our role was or what God expected from us. Until now.
After weeks of praying and seeking the Father, we have heard the call. We have heard the still, small voice of the Lord saying, “This is the way…walk in it”. Precious friends, God is sending us on a new adventure, a mission to rescue one of His precious children in need.
The first time I laid eyes on her my heart almost stopped. Was I looking at the right child? Was she really four years old? She looked more like an infant. I inquired and got my answer-she was indeed four! How could it be? How can a four year old weigh only 15 pounds? She lies in a crib all day long and cannot even sit on her own. She is extremely delayed. She is a virtual baby. This precious little angel is one of the Father’s special little blessings-she is fearfully and wonderfully made, with Down Syndrome.
She will soon be known as Hailee-“heroine”-because she will overcome many obstacles. She will be victorious!
Precious friends, we would so appreciate your prayers as we journey to bring Hailee home. We are facing a few potential obstacles. She is living in an area in Eastern Europe where a new policy for orphans has been put in place. The locals are strongly advised to foster the children. Normally a good thing, but not here. As an incentive to foster, huge financial rewards are given. The result-local people are going into the orphanages (much like we would go to a shelter looking for a new dog), and just taking the kids out. No home study, no background checks. Nothing. Unfortunately the money is not being used on the children, but on other things. The consequence? Frail and weak children are literally not surviving.
Here’s the thing we’re up against-at any time during the paperchase, and right up until the day we get there, a local family has the right to come and take Hailee away. We have no protection at all. Local families are always given priority. We could loose her any day. Once she is taken into foster care, she can never be adopted internationally again. She will be lost forever.
Should Hailee be taken into foster care, her chances of survival are very slim. She is too weak, too malnourished to survive it. If there is any further neglect, she will surely die. She is living on borrowed time as it is.
We are trusting that the angels of the Lord would protect her and keep her safe until we get there. We need to pray that NO FAMILY comes to take her away. That the Lord would protect her and shelter her in that place until the day that she will be ours.
Here is the one and only picture we have of our newest blessing from the Lord. Isn’t she just precious?
This is a huge leap of faith for our family. This is us stepping out of our comfortable little boat and trusting the Father to meet us on the water, no matter how stormy it may become. Afraid? yeah, a little. This is a new journey. New adventures are always a little scary. We know nothing about parenting a child with Down Syndrome. But, we do know that when God says “Go”, He provides everything we will ever need to be successful. That does not mean it will always be easy. But, it does mean the Almighty will never withdraw His hand.
The brainstorming has begun. How to raise $24 000.00 in just a few short months. The process will be quick. Hailee will be home before the end of the year. We’re a one income family who lives dollar for dollar. God has never, not once, ever let us down. He has been so faithful and so amazing. We know He will provide for us to bring Hailee home. We know He has already gone before us.
Some say we’re crazy. Some say we have completely lost it. Maybe we have, I don’t know and I really don’t care. Our lives are completely and utterly about surrender, absolute abandonment! How can I ever say, “Here I am, Lord, send me”…and not mean it with all my heart.
We prayed it, and God knew we meant it. So, here we go again.
oh friend, i am so excited and thrilled that you have been called into this journey, this adventure, on behalf of hailee. oh, isn’t she precious?!?! i will be praying that she will not get taken into foster care, and i would love to share with others about your journey on my own blog. thank you for being willing to have simple obedience to what God is calling your family to do. it is a beautiful thing to watch.
Indeed you are not crazy, and either are we and those that walk with us-because the Lord said if they persecuted Him we too will surely be. Remember, at one point Jesus was accused of being filled with demons….I am praying for a hedge of protection around little Hailee, even asking the Lord to make it seem as if she is not there when people come to take a child. May she feel the love and protection of our Fathers arms each and every day until it is your arms that are holding her. We too had never heard of or known about sickle cell until the Lord asked us to step out! He who called you is faithful to equip you. Love from one crazy mom to another-in the worldly sense of the word.
P.S. I will post a link to your blog today on my blog!
Wonderful, wonderful news! I will be watching intently. Yay!
crazy ….. we have heard that comment many times!!! Those that walk with Christ are often seen as crazy because we follow where He leads. He doesn’t lead down the easy selfish path, but the tough, narrow road … but as you know, the blessings and rewards far outweigh the hardships.
May the Lord greatly bless you as you travel this road. We will trust the Lord with you to provide for what He has called you to do.
I am so excited for you and look forward to reading the updates.
Michelle
Indeed some might not understand your choices but the place of obedience is the happiest place on earth! I’ll be praying for you on this journey and rejoice in the assurance that God will lead you faithfully as before.
Living the “crazy life” with you and praying for Hailee and His abundant provision for your family!
Love,
K
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! Praise god, I am so excited for you guys.
I almost emailed you the other day about a little boy that needs a family but somehow I knew you were going after this little girl.
I am beyond excited for you! God provided the money for Jaxson in one week when we had nothing and I am trusting with you that He will provide every penny you need to bring this precious child home.
YIPPPPEEEEEEE JESUS!!!!!!
Amazing news!
This is what it’s really all about! Sending prayers and support your way.
Barbra
Oh sweet friend! That is wonderful news. I think only other adoptive parents can understand that TUG you feel when you see these children just sitting on a list. Then when you see one that tugs even harder, well…you just gotta be obedient.
I will be praying for you and your sweet girl. Our sweet Savior loves her even more than you do and will protect her.
Oh, I have goosebumps and tears. What exciting news. The Lord will work for Hailee and we will pray for her. Yes, we’ve been known to be “taking on too much” but God doesn’t ask us to be comfortable…just faithful. Do you know the song by Brandon Heath…Comfortable, don’t get comfortable, I am gonna move this mountain, then I’m gonna move you in…” God Bless you and your family.
Adeye, I have chills. This is so exciting! I will definitely be praying for your family & for precious Hailee. What a beautiful little girl. I’m praying for protection over Hailee as you begin the journey. Praying the journey is quick and the finances come. Praying you will be united as a family soon. Love you always! Deb
I just posted on my blog for you.
Are you going to fundraise through Reece’s Rainbow?
Adeye,
My gosh! I am so excited for you!! It may be a long road ahead of you but Jesus ,himself, is waiting on the other end. May God richly bless you for seeing the face of his Son in Hailee. My best friend has an 11 yr old daughter with Down Syndrome. I know she would be happy to advise whenever you need it. You and your husband are inspiring. Thank you for being willing to leave the comfort zone and trust God in this way. You ,two, are an inspiration to everyone who knows you.
Lisa
WOW! It is hard to believe she’s 4 years old. I’ll be praying for your journey to her and following along. Its so exciting to me that you and your family are willing to step out there and OBEY knowing that He is faithful!
I’m covered in chills.
Surrender. Scary and yet so liberating.
There is a little girl in “E. Europe” through RR with HIV that has my heart and my husband and I talked and prayed and we contacted Andrea to see if we could begin but because he is deploying so soon and because the process is so fast, the answer was no. I know God has his reasons.
I so wish I had $1000 to give you today but I don’t have anything extra this pay period.
I know that Jehovah Jireh will supply!
I will stand with you in prayer for Hailee. I pray also that the rules will change to keep children who are in the process of being adopted from being torn from orphanage to foster home never to have a chance again at a family.
I am just amazed at God’s love and mercy. He chose you for this task!
And I am thrilled that you have said yes. You’ll never regret following Jesus…no matter where He leads!
Love,
Holly- Purpose Driven Family
Okay, I just posted about Hailee on my blog…I did use an excerpt from this blog post. Please check it out and make sure it is okay.
I did not name the country or give any specifics.
God is already at work.
I LOVE Him!!!
I am so excited for your family and for your precious little girl. We already have a daugther with DS and are in the process of bringing home 2 more. I am so thankful God chose me to be her/their mom! I can honestly say… you will be truly blessed!
Praying for you as this new adventure begins. What a blessing she will be to your family!!
I’ve been waiting for this post
Love you my friend XXXXXXX
You know my thoughts!! I love you, sweet friend. Walking the journey right along side you..
In Him,
E
praying for you. What a sweet girl. God’s got a plan! He’ll provide. Oh, Lord, rescue Hailee and bring her home. Amen
I am so excited for you! You are definitely a gift from God!
Christy
We are so excited for you Sweet Friend! I can’t wait to see what the LORD is going to do. What an adventure, eh?
love,
Shonni
I will be praying! I pray for His protection for you and Hailee, and that you will be able to bring her home soon to join your family. Praying for God to take care of the finances, too. I know God will bless you for your surrendered hearts.
I am so happy for you Adeye!! I will be praying God just amazes you with His blessing’s. I will put the word out there on my blog also. I can’t wait to see your beautiful girl in your arms and will be praying for Gods protection and comfort while she waits!!!
I remember seeing your face, showing me her face, and knowing that it was a matter of days before you were going to save her. You inspire me, and apparently many others to move and go when you are asked. As always, you have our love and unwavering support.
Congratulations on your new journey! We brought home our second SN child from Ukraine in March 2009. Both of ours were older,even though there is a big push in that country for foster care, no one is looking at the older SN child. Praying for your journey, because once we are moving in God’s plans and direction the enemy will always do his best to send doubt, fear and confusion! Praying for sound mind, peace and grace!
Oh my goodness!! I am offline for a few days and totally MISS your big news!!! She is utterly precious! I will be praying for you, sweet friend, and know that God is totally able to provide and will meet ALL of your needs. Sooooo exciting!!!
What a precious gift this little girl will be to your family! May God bless you with every resource you need for this journey.
In Jesus’ love,
Julie B. (mom to 14; 4 adopted from West Africa)
This is the way, walk in it! Amen my sweet friend.
Thanks for splashing around with me today. Your kind words blessed me.
Hugs from Costa Rica,
Sarah Dawn
Holy Cow!!! I saw Violet was matched and I had no idea it was you!!! I am so beyond excited I wish you could have heard my joyful laughter when I came to her picture!!!!! She is such a beautiful child! And yes, I do agree… God has called you to this and HE will make a way!
I wish I had all the money you needed and I would deliver it to your door with a big red bow! I am just so overjoyed!
If you are crazy, it is a state of being I wish more people would embrace!
God IS moving on behalf of the orphans of this world! Praise God we can be a part of the blessing! 
WoW! Where have i been? How awesome is that! God WILL PREVAIL and your sweet one will be home before you know it!
Hugs, Jen
Lovely post. Hi. We are also adopting through RR and we leave tomorrow! I read that you said that your girl would be home before the end of the year—- I think you may have a little more time to fundraise than that (however it would be awesome to see her home in five months), so you can relax a teeny little bit.
Anyhow, I love your heart- we too have adopted through a disruption twice and feel like we are stepping out of the boat as we leave to drive down to the airport.
Nice to meet you!
A-Maz-ING. You are the hands and feet of Jesus to a little girl who desperately needs you, and you’re allowing us to share in this joy! Thank you!
Congratulations in a big way!
I am so excited for you, my friend. And I’m pretty much back among the living so I’ll be praying for you intensely!
PRAISE GOD for you! And praise GOD FOR HAILEE!
I’m just catching up….oh you are leaving me in tears again! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for walking in faith, for listening to the Lord and for doing what He tells you to do! I’m so EXCITED and will be praying. I may be missing it, or I may have already missed it, I don’t see Chip in, do you have one? ALSO, I would love to have you contribute to our James 127 blog if you want. How about if I add you as a contributor and you can write as you feel led?
We are so close (we are in Durango right now) I’m tempted to come on up and hug you in person!!
Hugs and blessings!
Oh my goodness I am so excited for you guys! SHE IS JUST PRECIOUS!!! I will be praying daily for that she is not taken into foster carea nd praying for your family as you begin this journey! You are such an inspiration!!! Amy
She is as precious as can be - what a beautiful child of God.
Praying that our dear Lord bring her home to you soon!!
blessings,
Jean