Redeemed

Today is a significant day. Today two families in two different countries experienced two victories. You remember these families from prior posts here. Today we get to celebrate with them.

The Hartman family was granted the adoption of little Judd Danil Hartman!

This is a huge victory because his adoption is from an older institution - one that is very remote, poor and often forgotten. It is well know, that once a child is transferred to an institution like this, their chances of both survival and adoption decrease significantly.

But ... God ...

God intervened for a little boy today - and Judd is coming home!

You can visit the Hartman's here and congratulate them on their victory. This is not just a victory for them, but for the forgotten children still residing in this institution. This means that there is still hope ... that they too can be redeemed.

Like little Heath pictured below. His picture grips my heart. It really does. He is still there, in that forgotten place, where the Hartmans are right now getting Judd. He is older, and because of that is often passed over. He will require more initial work, and that often intimidates. He can not walk on his own just yet, and that makes him less desirable. BUT - God created this boy, knowing all of the challenges. He, too is fearfully and wonderfully made. Look past the stained shirt and dirty socks. Look at his beautiful face, look hard. He is worth it people. He is worthy of a family. Worthy of your time. Worthy of the investment. He too, can be redeemed. Yes, it takes work. I won't lie. But, is that reason enough for us to turn our heads? To pass him by yet again? This extra leaf is worth saving. He holds potential - and he is still waiting ...

Let's not forget Heath. Please.

Go here to read more on Heath.

In yet, another country - another case was being heard. This time the Supreme Court. The Davis family were denied the adoption of Kirill earlier this year. The reason: the judge decided that Kirill would be better off in an institutional setting than that of a family - all because he too, has Down syndrome. Well, today - with the prayers of thousands throughout this nation and across the globe - the Lord granted the Davis family their most earnest prayer: and the Supreme Court judge granted the adoption of Kirill Davis - effective immediately!

You can congratulate them on this huge victory here. When I say huge victory: that is exactly what I mean. This case helps pave the way for other children from this region to also be adopted.

Congratulations to both these families. Praise the Lord for these two children being redeemed!

Noodles For Noah

Tomorrow - a local family is having a Spaghetti Fundraiser Dinner to help in the costs with bringing home a little boy with Down syndrome from a very poor orphanage in Eastern Europe.

We will be there - and look forward to sharing our experience with our own adoption process.

If you can make it here is the location:

2111 117th Ave NE
Lake Stevens, WA

Dinner times:

5:00pm, 6:00pm or 7:00pm

You can go here for more information.

Maybe we will see you there!

Pray

Do you remember Brady? The little boy who was transferred to an older mental institution last year? Well, his waiting is over. This week he no longer sits lonely. This week is being played with by his Mama and Papa - oh the JOY that fills my heart at such a notion. A lost boy ... found.

Brady aka Judd - is now no longer going to be weighed down with such hard burdens. His little six year old frame can safely melt into the strength of his father, Ben Hartman. A father. His father.

Judd no longer will cry tears in a dark place alone. No. His Mama, Melanie Hartman, is there to wipe them away and kiss his cheek. Oh, the healing touch of a mother.

... or at least that is what we pray for ...

You see, it isn't over yet. Court needs to take place, and of course the judge needs to grant the Hartman family the right to adopt little Judd. This is where you and I enter.

Court is already scheduled and fast approaching. The Hartmans are in a remote village - and by remote I mean REMOTE. You and I - need to pray. There has never been a court case held in this village - or possibly with this judge. The court needs to assemble a jury as well. I am coming to you and asking for prayer. Please pray. There is much oppression and I am sure that there will continue to be - as it is not in the norm to let these children go from a place they were supposed to be exiled forever.

I'm asking that you pray. It is needful. Pray for the judge's heart to be pricked now - and tender toward Judd's need of a family. Pray for the jury, that they would be desiring to do right by both the Hartman's and Judd. Pray for the facilitator to have the right words to speak. Pray for the Hartmans to be encouraged and have peace.

Pray ... pray ... pray.

God will hear. He will answer and honor the prayers of His people.

Let's fill the ears of our Lord with the sweet pleas for this family.

If not ... if the judge's heart is hardened, if the jury is skeptical, if the facilitator makes a mistake ... Judd will remain and the Hartmans will go home leaving him there - exiled and lost forever.

Stop by the Hartman's blog here to follow their story and leave a word of encouragement. If you could leave a comment to let them know you are praying - that would be a blessing. I know it takes time to comment, but those can be SO impactful when you are away from your other children, culture, friends and country. Thank you.

Say What?

You know, Sunday mornings around the Browning home can sometimes be a bit hectic. Eight kids means sixteen shoes to look for, at least ten little oatmeal grubby hands to wipe clean, three dresses to press and five button down shirts to be sure are crisp, and all the while my coffee is cooling as we go. Often times this is a recipe for ... chaos. Sunday morning chaos. During such a busy morning, there is not a whole lot of time to take notice or spend time with particulars that can otherwise wait. The rush is to get every child clean, happy and ... into the van, hoping we can maybe this time - make it to church without being late.

Today though ... was a little different.

Max. Our little quiet boy. Non verbal except for the occasional sound and constant laughter. Max decided he would cause a bit more excitement.

As I quickly got his shoes on - I kept saying "ma ma ma" - and then out of the blue, Max repeated what I had just said. He copied me!!! I couldn't believe it! He was repeating, ma ma ma ma!

And then ...

He said MAMA!

Now I know he probably has no idea that he put that together to form a word, but to me it is a START. A clear sign that he can mimic sounds/words and say them. He has the ability!

This might just be the end of it, or me over reacting. Maybe. BUT, today - for a brief moment in our busy morning - my heart burst and I began to hope that Max just might have the ability to talk after all.

Five months home from the orphanage and both children are not just doing well, but really thriving. Thank you for the on going prayer and encouragement. That you choose to continue with us in this journey is humbling and very encouraging.

Two Years Ago

Two years ago today - my husband and I welcomed our sixth child into this world. A blessing from our Lord - in so many ways.

Justus Theodore Browning

Our very first 'extra leaf' blessing ...

Labor started early in the morning - but I was too stubborn to admit it or maybe I was just too grouchy to want to have to deal with it. Either way, that morning I dropped my husband off at the ferry for his morning commute - not knowing that he would just have to come right back.

My friend, Amanda, had been staying with us - and thankfully she was able to drive me to the hospital as Phillip diligently sought to get to the hospital as quickly as he could. My contractions quickened - and his stress level raised while the boat slowly made it's way back toward home.

It was during this time that God guided Phillip to Psalm 139 - which in just a few hours would prove to be a great comfort.

My husband made it in time for the delivery - and I was thankful. He is my best friend - and feel lost without him. My labor progressed, and soon little Justus Theodore Browning entered into this world.


When the doctor placed Justus in my arms and I looked into his eyes - I could tell that something was ... different. I, exhausted, could not place my thoughts as to what it might be - and the doctor and nurses said nothing - so I assumed everything was fine ... but the feeling lingered.

In a few hours we had visitors here and there - and while some friends held our son, I looked up from my meal to see my new son's foot - almost black it was so purple. (this shot above was randomly taken earlier in the day just of his feet, not meaning to capture his purple feet - but when I saw him, his feet were much much darker)

I gasped, and asked if his feet were cold. They were not, and my husband called for the nurse - who then called the pediatrician in right away.

The doctor listened to Justus' chest and looked up. He asked if we wanted our friends to leave, we stated no -

He then proceeded to tell us that Justus had a significant heart murmur and he suspected that he also had Down syndrome.

I'm so glad that God directed his speech so that the heart murmur was mentioned first. It may sound odd, but my mind was fixated on that. I heard the Down syndrome part, and really was not shocked - given my lingering feeling earlier. It was the heart condition that scared me - and made me weep. I broke down and sobbed.

I held my son, as my husband and our Pastor and his wife encircled me. Then, that scripture that God had laid on my husband's heart during his ferry ride back - was being spoken out loud by Phillip. He was reading it to me - Psalm 139

Verses 13 and 14 stuck out:

13For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

I can't explain it - and it may sound goofy - but an instant peace invaded my soul that moment.

Justus was transported to another city to be placed in a NICU. It was later determined that he did indeed have Down syndrome, and a heart condition known as Tetrology of Fallot (TOF) and would need open heart surgery.

~ Our going home picture from NICU~

Justus Theodore Browning

Four months after Justus was born, we were back in a different hospital, preparing for what was one of the hardest things I have ever done as a mother. I handed my sweet baby over to the heart specialists - who would perform a six hour surgery on Justus to repair his heart. I knew it was needed - required to sustain his life, I just wanted so badly to hold on to him and not let go.

Justus did well and was recovering -

Only, the next day his sternum came apart and needed to be repaired. That was done, and soon Justus was fighting an unexplained fever that made his heart race, and threatened his life. It was during this time that God was truly touching hearts. I'll never forget how churches across the nation knelt in prayer on behalf of our son - many that I will never know, but I am forever grateful for.

Many more things happened during this time, too much to go into now - perhaps another post. One thing that really struck us, was the many battles being fought by the other children we saw laying in ICU rooms or trudging the halls with IV's attached. It was a truly humbling experience being in that children's hospital.

After 10 days in the hospital, Justus was able to come home - and we began to settle into a routine.

We began early intervention therapy as soon as he was okay to move around and sit up.

We praise God for each of our children. We believe that Justus is a special gift. One that we don't exactly have to train up to leave our home - and that may be a strange way of looking at it, but I am truly thankful that he gets to be my buddy for life.

Justus has taught us so much already. Through allowing Justus to be born into our family, God has taught us what it is to be broken in prayer. There is NOTHING like nearly losing a child that will drive you to your knees harder. Nothing. We also became aware of the BLESSING of Down syndrome. Before I had Justus, I would feel awkward around other moms who had a child with special needs. How was I to act around her, or the child? I felt ... sorry for her. To my shame. I had no idea. I can't explain it really. I really feel like God gave us such a special gift in Justus. One that not everyone gets to have. I find such joy in what others might think of as unfortunate.

My other children do too. I love how having Justus has changed the perspective my kids will have for life. I am thrilled to see a more benevolent spirit in each of my children. It makes me teary eyed to think at how my other children gravitate towards those with special needs. They literally will seek to strike up a conversation or go out of their way to be sure that they can interact with that child.

It was because of having Justus that our hearts became burdened for orphans with Ds - thus our journey to adopt Max and Ivanna. We would have never entertained the idea of a costly international adoption for two children with Ds otherwise.

God is teaching our family so much through the blessing of Down syndrome.

My husband and I tend to joke that every family should have the blessing of having a child with Down syndrome.

It truly has been such a beautiful journey, and promises to continue to be.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTUS!!

Thank you Lord for such a gift of a son!

A Few Heart Tuggers

This morning, while pondering our trip last fall for the adoption, I started to think of those children still left behind. Still waiting for families. They all tug at my heart. They all seem to speak to you through the computer monitor. While, difficult to confront these emotions at times - I never want to forget either. The reason? I just feel very burdened over these little ones. Maybe it's having been there. Maybe it's me seeing pieces of my own children in each child that is listed on Reece's Rainbow. I don't "like" being confronted with the grief associated with knowing where these children are, what they face day to day. However, I also don't want to forget them. I don't want to neglect them in prayer. They are real little ones - in need of real hope. That said, there are a few that weigh heavily on my mind this morning.

~ ~ LORIE ~ ~

Lorie does not have Down syndrome. She was born with CP and Spina Bifida. The hernia from her spine was removed. The caretaker showed me her scar one day. This has affected her ability to walk. Although, I did see that she can walk a bit when assisted. One morning, as I entered her groupa - it was not a caretaker who greeted me at the door, but Lorie. She smiled up at me, like her usual self. She reached up for me, and seeing that she was not to be refused - I reached forth my hands to her. I held her hands, and bent down to smile at her. I helped her walk back into the groupa area, and sat her down at "her" bench. When I let go of her hands, she cried. The first time I had ever heard her cry. My heart sank. I knew she wanted me to hold her. To love on her, like she had been witnessing me doing with her groupa mate, Ivanna. She may not talk, or walk - but she is a smart cookie. I think she had figured out why I was there every day.

I felt horribly, and that day when I went back to the apartment - I lamented our inability to bring her home too. We had put in for a blind referral, but it was as if the SDA did not see it - and it was not okay to be pushy. I dug through my suitcase and pulled out the doll I had purchased back in the states for Ivanna. Ivanna was not interested in even holding a toy at that time. I decided that the doll was for Lorie. She is holding it in the picture above. The day after I gave it to her, I noticed the doll had been shelved. That was a cruel little reality. Even though I gave the doll to Lorie - it isn't really hers. Orphans have nothing. I had forgotten that.

Lorie needs a family. She resides in the same groupa Ivanna was in. A laying room. She may be able to crawl and get around that way, but due to her inability to really walk - this is where she stays. No stimuli. No outside walks. I watched as she would crawl to a crying baby and try to soothe him. She is a beautiful little girl. Truly.

Lorie turns six this month. This orphanage does not keep a child past six. She is due to be transferred to an adult mental institution. Please help by sharing her profile. Pray for her.

You can see her profile here.

~ ~ Angela ~ ~

Angela is a cutie. She was just recently added to Reece's Rainbow and is available for adoption. We saw this sweet girl too. Although, we were not able to interact with her. She has Down syndrome and has had one heart repair. She is a tiny little peanut, and just beautiful. This particular region was not difficult at all. No long train rides - and no difficulty in court. She just turned three in December. To read more about Angela or inquire go here.





~ ~ Heath ~ ~
** I see my Justus in Heath's face**

Heath breaks my heart. He is already in a mental institution. He has been seen in a wheel chair, and has little stimulation. He also has Down syndrome, and most assuredly receives no therapy, no stimulation. A family has seen him - and blogged about Heath. You can read these posts here and here. You can also read his Reece's Rainbow profile here. Yes, Heath is older. Please remember that EVERY child deserves a chance. If nothing else, please pray for this little guy. Yes, even at ten years old - he is a little guy.

If you think of it, please join me in prayer this next week for these three children.

The Winners Are ...

First I would like to thank all those who shared/prayed/donated for this giveaway to be a blessing for the Burger family. A blessing indeed. It is true that the family is still in need of over $9,000.00 - but what a joy to report that as of today - because of all of you - they are closer than they were a few weeks ago. Thank you -

I also want to say thank you to my very sweet husband, Phillip. He stayed up with me last night, even though he gets up at 4am - to help me make a spreadsheet and get prepared to enter all the participants into the random number generating site. Thank you sweetheart - I love you and am grateful. ;)

Ok. So - let's get to it.

There were a total of 652 entries. This comprised of all who donated through the chip-in (via paypal) and so we were able to track all donations that way. We had donations via FSP - and were able to track that as well. Each entry was assigned a number - so if you gave enough for multiple entries - you were eligible to win multiple times based on that. However, if one entry already won - then that particular entry number was "retired". Make sense?

Winners: if you have been listed - please use the 'contact us' button at the top of this page and send us your email address along with the prize you won. Also, if you know of another person that won an item - help a sister out - and let them know! THANKS!

Winners:

iPad2: Justin Haskins

Korker Bows: Deanna Sader

Matryoshka Doll: Justin Haskins

Tu-Tu Dress: Bethany Balsis

'An Extra Leaf' Poem: Gretchen Thibault

Bundle of Beach Glass: Judy Bateman

Flower Hair pretties: Stephanie Nance

'An Open Door' Book: Judy Bateman

Happy Hartman Hope Soap: Maria Falvo

Thomas Kinkade Gazebo: Gretchen Thibault

Gift Card: Lisa Pickens

A Delay

First, I am hoping all of you had a wonderful weekend celebrating the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He has risen - he has risen indeed! We had ... an eventful Easter. The morning started with a very sweet friend coming from the nursery up to the youth class where I was to tell me Justus did not look right. The right side of his face was super swollen with a hard knot right in his upper jaw area that was HUGE. So ... not knowing what it was, and not wanting to take any chances - away to the ER we went. The conclusion: a swollen parotid gland. I had no clue there was such a gland - or that it could swell. No fever - just watch it for a couple of days. Feeling relieved, but a little like it was a trip for naught - we made the forty minute drive home to join up with family for lunch.

As we were winding down from visiting with family and packing kids and all their stuff up, little Ivanna decided she wanted to follow Daddy into another room. Daddy didn't know she was doing so, and shut the door behind him. Yes, you guessed it. Her finger was in the way. This is an older home with super heavy solid wood doors. As soon as Phillip heard her moan, he opened the door and our sweet Ivanna was there. It was a horrible picture and my heart sank. I was useless and a pool of tears as the ambulance was called. Her finger tip looked to be hanging and there was a lot of blood. The paramedics wrapped it and away we drove ... back to the same ER.

Ivanna's finger required seven stitches. It was a partial amputee with an open break. The tip had broken. She is fine now, on antibiotics and Ibuprofen for pain. Still seems to be bleeding a bit though. *sigh* She is such a little flower of a girl, it was terrible to watch her in pain.

All this to say ... I need to take this day and love on my babies. I will announce the winners on Wednesday. I hope you all understand. I am excited to see who the winner is and am so grateful to all of you for your support. Have a great day!

Leaving Soon for Brady

As we take a break from the giveaway for a couple of days and anticipate the winners (announced on Monday) I wanted to take a moment and share some more of how God has worked, has moved and the absolute awe I am in of the blessings abound - all out of a burden given by Him.

~ burdens turned to praise ~

This is Brady - well, that is his photolisting name. This little boy, and I do mean little, was spotted by another family almost a year ago. Tiny, and malnourished, Brady (soon to be known as Judd) had just been recently transferred to a very remote older boys mental institution. That hurts my heart to even utter. I look at his face and think there is no way he should be there, playing in the dirt mound he was seen to be in - with no toys, stimulation or truly an invested care.

Why is stimulation so important? Any child, if not stimulated or provoked to reach his or her milestones - will apathy in both skill and ability. Given that Brady has Down syndrome - and left to himself, he will never tap into the potentials that God has surely placed within him. I know from experience. Our little Ivanna had not been challenged to do much of anything. The result? A five year old girl with no knowledge of how to chew, feed herself, hold a toy, walk, or interact with others. Praise God, she is gaining victory in much of these areas, but it takes WORK and teaching, stimulation and challenging her.

Brady will slowly regress in ANY skill he may have learned in the orphanage (baby house) and apathy in those things if not challenged otherwise.

The Hartman family has stepped forward to rescue this little guy. They have taken a leap of faith, filled out more paperwork than seems fathomable, fundraised their eyeballs out, and now... well I am happy to report that they will be flying out on Mother's Day to go to Brady's country and meet him for the first time. How awesome is that? Mother's Day!?!

I. Am. Thrilled.

They have one LAST little fundraiser they are running. It ends: tomorrow (Easter Sunday). Please ... go there and check it out. If anything, drop a line of encouragement and PRAY for them.

Click here to visit the Hartman's blog to see their auction and follow their journey.

I am pretty sure you won't want to miss how their travels unfold. Remember, they are going to an institution, and not an orphanage. They need heavy prayer, and support. Let's be there for them.

Little Judd Hartman will look good amongst this bunch. Love you Hartman family! Can't wait to see you all together!

One Hour ...

~~ There is ONE HOUR left to our iPad2 Giveaway listed in the post below ~~

At noon today (PST) we will close this giveaway. However, I will leave the chip in up for those who still feel burdened and led to help the Burger family.

I can't express enough our gratitude for those who have been an encouragement by sharing/donating/praying.

~ Thank you ~

** A chance to win an iPad2 -- an opportunity to help save a LIFE **

Winners will be announced Monday.

Let's see what can happen in an hour ... ;)

iPad2 and More Giveaway

~~~ 2nd UPDATE ~~~

Well, it is Wednesday. That means just two more days until this ends. There is great news: The Burger family received approval from USCIS for their orphan request. This means that they can now submit their dossier, requesting an interview with Brian's country officials in order to accept his referral. This is great news. So, with that in mind - let's continue to bless the Burger family by donating in this giveaway. Ultimately sweet Brian is who wins. Thank you to all those who have given and shared or posted on different social media sites. With your help we have gotten up over the $2,000.00 mark. What a praise! Let's see how much more we can do in these last two days! How exciting it is to be apart of rescuing that little boy!

*** UPDATE***

As of today (April 14th) there are eight days left. Another family within our Down syndrome community has stepped forward to help. The Sader family is donating $1 for you just merely sharing on Facebook or posting on your blog. Just be sure to leave them a comment that you have done so. You can visit their blog and get details here.

<< Also be sure if you donate to leave a comment here on this blog>>

~~~ Thank you to all those who have donated/shared/posted/prayed in support ~~~

I am very grateful for your help. Thank you.

A year ago, I sat at our dining room table and wept. It was the first time I was confronted with the images of the children listed on Reece's Rainbow. Having a baby with Down syndrome, my heart sank at the notion of what was happening half a world away to those who shared his same blessing of having an extra chromosome. The plight of these children weighed on our hearts so heavily that there was a constant pull - a burden that could not be ignored.

I thank God for that burden. We brought home Max and Ivanna last December because of that call from God.

The Burger family has sought out to answer a similar call. To adopt little Brian. To rescue him from spending the rest of his life behind these gates - where he will be transferred, an older boys mental institution.

*picture above taken by Julia Nalle, her blog is truly inspiring and touches hearts*

Look at this picture below. Brian is beautiful. Simply beautiful. He (nor any other child) should ever have to spend a life confined, uncared for, never to know the hugs from a mama or rough housing with papa.

That is why we are hosting this giveaway. Yes, it is fun - and it's always exciting to win. However - when you donate, it isn't you who may ultimately be the winner - it is Brian. So, with that said - let's get to the fun stuff. iPad 2 Giveaway

You have an opportunity to win a new iPad 2 - your choice of color, 16 GB, WiFi, and 3G - with Verizon or AT&T - valued at $629.00 purchased by the Burger family. *service plan will be winner's responsibility, if winner does not want the 3G capable iPad 2 - we ask you let us know upon winning*

Entrance Details:

$10 = 1 entry

$25 = 3 entries

$50 = 8 entries

$100 = 20 entries

$150 = 35 entries

$300 = 80 entries

** If you donate via chip in AND share this giveaway on your blog or FB page - you can have an EXTRA entry***

Giveaway closes April 22 at noon (PST), and the winner will be announced April 25th on this blog.

Winner will be drawn using a random number generating website.

Donations must be made via the chip in at the bottom of this post - or on sidebar.

Once you have donated please come back and leave a comment (this is where we will be deriving names for drawing).

When you leave a comment please include an email address if you are commenting anonymously and do not have a google account. All proceeds are going directly to the Burger family.

... but...

...that's not all ... Let's make this REALLY fun.

The first name drawn will win the iPad2, then we will continue to draw additional names for more prizes available.

You also have an opportunity to win:

Item #1 2 sets of custom made long Korker Bows by Malissa Farmer Upon winning - the entrant drawn for this item will let Malissa know what colors they want. Yes, that is a Reece's Rainbow korker bow you see. ;) Korkers are very well made and affixed to a french clip to stay in the hair better. Item #2 Matryoshka family doll Straight from Eastern Europe - this is a four piece doll that stands at 5 inches height at it's tallest. Item #3 Tu-Tu Boutique Dress by Deanna Sader These dresses are very much sought after - and for good reason. They are beautiful. I have two dresses made by Deanna and they are very well made and shipped very nicely. I love these dresses. Deanna is herself in the midst of adopting a little girl with Down syndrome from Brian's same country - so we thank her for the donation. You can visit her blog here. Winner will receive one dress made up to size 4T. Item #4

A copy of 'An Extra Leaf' in lustre finish in photo quality paper. Winner will have choice of

4X6

5X7

8X10 Item #5 Authentic loose beach glass straight from a local beach here in Washington. We have loose beach glass scattered throughout our home. It makes a nice accent and reminds me of days spent with the smell of sea air and toes muddy with sand. Winner will receive one bundle of loose beach glass. Item #6 Floral hair pretties made by me. The winner will receive the lot of hair pretties pictured above. These flower pretties are perfect for the upcoming Spring weather (will we ever get there - LOL) and Summer months. Pretties are affixed to alligator clips. Lot includes four sets. Item #7 'The Open Door' by J.L Ragsdale A touching true story of a well off Californian couple who gave up all their worldly riches and decided to follow God and open up The Open Door - a children's home, loving on those closest to God's heart ... children. This story - is quite impactful. Winner will receive one new copy. See ... the book is Max approved! Item #8 Happy Hartman Farm Hope Soap My friends, the Hartman family are preparing to journey to Europe and adopt their own little blessing with 'an extra leaf'. This soap has been a means of fundraising for them. Cured right on their farm, in wonderful scents. You can visit and follow the Hartman's journey here. Winner will receive 4 bars of soap. Item #9

Thomas Kinkade Gazebo New in package beautiful gazebo that lights up and winds to play music.

Is that all?

NOPE

Not everyone can donate - but you CAN share this giveaway and post on your blogs and Facebook pages. A second, separate drawing will be done for those who leave comments stating they have shared or posted to their blogs about this giveaway. Just leave a comment everytime you share - please remember to state that you are entering the "GIFT CARD" drawing.

A dear friend of the Burger's, Amy, donated one $25 Darden Gift card - good at the following restaraunts:

Red Lobster Olive Garden Longhorn Bahama Breeze Seasons 52

Winner of this second, separate drawing will receive this $25 gift card.

Okay ... let's have some fun - and help bring BRIAN home!!! You can donate here: (be sure to come back and leave a comment for the drawing)

Getting Ready

Do you remember that little face? Yes, it is Brady. Little Brady has a family preparing to come take him out of the mental institution he now resides in ... forever.

The Hartman family could use your prayer, encouragement and support. They are working to raise the very last of what they need. They were submitted to the SDA last Thursday. I know from experience - that this means their travel date is coming VERY soon. The Hartmans have a few fundraisers that you can check out at their blog: here.

I remember sitting in the foyer of a church our dear friend pastors - we were visiting, and Phillip was given the opportunity to share a brief testimony. We, ourselves, were preparing to go overseas and adopt our own little Max and Ivanna. I sat that morning in the foyer with a fussy Justus. Sitting next to me ... was Brady's soon to be mama. How sweet that memory will always be to me. A short, unremarkable conversation about our adoption, our son Justus, and how beautiful Down syndrome is. A small chit chat between moms.

I had no idea that God had been doing a work. That God would spark a flame in this family's heart for this little boy:

I am thankful for the Hartmans. I am thankful for Christ who is responsible for putting the burden before those who will answer His calling. I am thankful that Brady's future ...

his world ...

is about to change.

Praise be to God.

Please visit the Hartmans and let them know you will be praying for them. Maybe donate a few dollars - or just leave an encouraging word. Be sure to follow their blog. They will soon travel - and you don't want to miss that first meeting!