Monday, December 27, 2010

Colorado Siblings need a Family

As 2010 ends these siblings are waiting to be matched with their forever family.
Please pray and share their information with your friends and family. For more information about these children please contact The Adoption Exchange at: 303-755-4756 :)

This sibling group of three is waiting for an understanding family to welcome them into their home! Tyler, who likes to be called "JT," is the oldest brother and has big plans for his permanent home! Being part of family who lives on a farm or can create the opportunity to be around horses or other farm animals would be his ideal situation. If not riding horses, he would love a family who likes to ride motor scooters and spend time outdoors. Playing basketball or riding his bicycle are two other ways he soaks up sunshine. Shopping for clothes at the mall with friends or family is fun for him, and he gets along nicely with younger and older children alike. In the fifth grade, JT does well in school and benefits from an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). In the last few years, he’s been on a streak of making impressive, positive strides in his life. Middle sister Aubrey is a bright and active child who continues to believe that there is a perfect, permanent home waiting for her. The swing set is where she has the most fun, unless she’s playing in her fort or with her little brother. As a full-time kindergartner, Aubrey does well in school and is very intelligent. She benefits from speech therapy, which will need to continue after placement. Last but not least is Keegan, the baby of the group, who is happy, playful, active and ready to bond with a new family. His favorite outdoor playmate is his sister Aubrey, but in a pinch he can entertain himself with a ball. Even though he can be a little shy around strangers, he will warm up quickly to play with other children and maybe even include you in his games. Not quite old enough for school yet, Keegan is quite content just to explore his world. JT and Aubrey attend counseling, which will need to continue after placement. Their case worker would prefer to place them in a two-parent home with a family who is committed, patient and loving; however, all family types will be considered. We only accept inquiries on the entire sibling group, who will be placed together. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services. For Colorado children, both homestudied and non-homestudied Colorado families are encouraged to inquire; only homestudied families from other states should do so.
If you are looking to fill your home with fun and adventure, Tayrome and Tayshawn will be the perfect addition to your family! Tayrome is a fun-loving guy who is active and athletic. Curious and inquisitive, he has never been introduced to an activity that he did not enjoy. Playing sports, fishing and gardening are favored activities and he loves animals. Tayrome is in the sixth grade and is doing well. Tayshawn, like his brother, is active and athletic and likes lots of hugs! His curious and inquisitive nature makes him fun to be around, as he is up for any new activity. This dynamic guy especially likes to spend his time playing sports, fishing, and gardening. Animals are of interest as well, and he enjoys taking things apart to see how they work. A fourth grader, he would thrive with parents who will support him academically. Most boys are afraid of eating anything green, but these awesome kids like to eat their veggies! They are nice, well-mannered and soft-spoken guys who like to figure out how things work and to be involved in adult conversation. Both boys get along well with their peers and have lots of friends. Currently Tayrome and Tayshawn benefit from counseling, which may need to continue after placement. They have a younger sister with whom they will need to maintain contact. Tayrome and Tayshawn need a forever family who is loving, helpful, structured and affectionate. Their caseworker prefers a two-parent family without a lot of other children, so that they will receive extra attention; however, all family types will be considered. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services. For Colorado children, both homestudied and non-homestudied Colorado families are encouraged to inquire; only homestudied families from other states should do so.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Merry Christmas to you and your families. I am sure your home is teeming with excitement like ours is. Company arrives tomorrow. We have baked, we have cleaned, we have shopped and wrapped, and listened to every Christmas CD in the house - we are ready.
This morning I was looking at Manger Scenes on the internet trying to decide on one to use for this post. Zinnia came and sat on my lap and was looking at them with me. When I clicked on the Fisher Price Manger Scene she said "That's it - that's for baby Jesus and it sings Away in the Manger". Zinnia ( 7 year old) being Zinnia had to get up immediately, pulling me by my hand leading me to the living room where we have this on display and push the angel so that the star could light up and we could sing Away in the Manger with the music.
It is such a blessing to watch the Miracle of Christmas unfold in our children's hearts and minds.
So how could I not use this picture? It is about God's amazing gift to us - His Son Jesus!!
Praying for all of you this season. :)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Heart Gallery Colorado

All of these children are waiting to be adopted. Their pictures are featured in Colorado's Heart Gallery newly released in November 2010.
This Christmas they don't have a forever family. You can have a part in changing that for them in 2011. I want to challenge you to commit to praying and advocating for them this season and into the new year. You can help by sharing this video link with all of our friends and family. Your email, twitter, or facebook post could connect them with their forever family. :)
If you would like more information about children waiting in Colorado to be adopted, please go to:

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

9 year old Haitian Girl in the US needs a Family

Haitian Girl Available Through ReNEWed Hope Program



Jessa
A nine-year old girl from Haiti, who has been living with her adoptive family and is now in therapeutic foster care is available for adoption. She is a sweet, intelligent, and artistic child who is well mannered and helpful.

Because of her background, she needs a home with no younger children and a family who will provide her with counseling and support.

An Evangelical family who is willing to home school is preferred. The family should understand attachment and adoption-related issues.


The placement cannot be made until after January 15, 2011.

For further information regarding this child or about our ReNEWed Hope program for children who come from other adoptive families, please contact:

Laura Beauvais-Godwin
Nightlight Christian Adoptions
Laura@Nightlight.org

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Christmas Books

Here are a couple of our favorite Christmas Books!! :)
One Small Miracle
One Small Miracle written by Lance Wubbels is about a young girl that needs a family. It speaks to the importance of acceptance and love in a child's life and how "One Person" who takes a chance and steps out of their comfort zone can make the difference in the life of a child and find their life and heart changed in the process.

The only thing that Timmy has of value to him is a shoebox of important things. In fact, it is the only thing that he has that he can call his own as he goes from one foster home to another. He takes this shoe box with him everywhere, but will never share with anyone what is inside. What will it take for Timmy to share the contents of his shoebox?


Haiti Update


Thank you to all of you who have been such a great support to Welcome Child's Orphan Ministry. I wanted to share an update with you.
We have an amazing team at Timberline Church that has been preparing to travel to Haiti for the last 4 months. They were set to leave this week and minister to the children and the staff at Son of God Orphanage. Because of all the unrest in Haiti that was brought on by the elections the decision was made yesterday to postpone this trip.
We are anxious to get back to Son of God Orphanage to show them in person how much we love them.
Please join us in praying for all the kids and staff at Son of God Orphanage. They have had some cases of cholera with 26 of the kids being hospitalized last week. 23 of them have been released and are back at the orphanage. The child that our family sponsors, Louis Kenson is one that is still in the hospital. This is a picture of me with him in Haiti when we were there in August.
Your prayers will make a difference in the lives of these children.
Thank you! :)

    Friday, December 10, 2010

    Kevonda needs a family!

    Kevonda is waiting for a family here in CO. She is in the 5th grade. She was born in June 2000. She love gymnastics, dancing and music. She is missing something very important in her life and that is a forever family. Someone who will be there are her good days and on her bad days. Someone who will love her!!! Could that be you or someone that you know? Please share her picture with others and commit to praying for her.
    If you would like more information about Kevonda, please contact the Adoption Exchange at 303-755-4756. :)
    Here is a brief profile that was written by her case worker:
    Bring someone into your life who will make a difference in this world! Kevonda is a great leader/teacher in the making. She excels at gymnastics, and enjoys music and dancing. Kevonda is in fifth grade where she benefits from an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). She thrives on structure and participates in counseling, which may need to continue following placement. The caseworker prefers a two-parent or single-female family; however, all family types will be considered. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services. For Colorado children, both homestudied and non-homestudied Colorado families are encouraged to inquire; only homestudied families from other states should do so.

    Sunday, December 5, 2010

    Free Family Days in Denver!!!

    Mark you calendar for these free family days in 2011!! :)

    Go to the Denver Zoo website

    Go to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science website

    2300 Steele Street
    Denver
    (303) 376-4800
    http://www.denverzoo.org/

    2001 Colorado Boulevard
    Denver
    (303) 322-7009
    http://www.dmns.org/

    January 8
    January 24
    February 6
    February 19
    October 12
    October 20
    November 6
    November 12

    2010
    December 6

    2011
    January 9
    January 31
    February 14
    February 27
    Apri 17
    August 22
    August 28
    September 18
    September 26
    October 31
    November 13
    December 5

    Go to the Denver Botanic Gardens website


    1007 York Street, Denver
    (720) 865-3500
    http://www.botanicgardens.org/

    January 17
    February 21
    March 20
    April 22
    July 19
    August 29
    September 26
    October 10

    Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
    8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton
    (303) 973-3705
    http://www.botanicgardens.org/

    2010
    November 5
    December 3

    2011
    January 7
    February 4
    March 4
    April 22
    June 3
    July 1
    August 5
    November 4

    Go to the Denver Botanic Gardens website

    Go to the Denver Art Museum website

    1101 13th Street
    Denver, CO 80204
    (303) 893-4000
    http://www.denvercenter.org/

    100 West 14th Avenue Parkway
    Denver
    (720) 865-5000
    http://www.denverartmuseum.org/

    SCFD 10 for $10. Each Tuesday at 10am, the DCPA will sell a limited number of $10 tickets. Ten seats for each show in the coming week will qualify (up to 25 shows per week). Good for all Denver Center Theatre Company plays and select touring shows. Use code SCFD. Maximum: 4 tickets per person.

    January 1
    February 5
    March 5
    April 2
    April 24
    May 7
    June 4
    July 2
    August 6
    September 3
    September 10
    October 1
    November 5
    December 3

    Monday, November 29, 2010

    Fundraiser for Son of God Orphanage in Haiti

    holiday Loveland
    Miss Market is hosting an event at The Outlets in Loveland this coming weekend.
    The Outlets are located at: 5661 McWhinney Blvd. Loveland, CO (formerly the Liz Claiborne building)
    Saturday December 4th from 11am - 7pm
    Sunday December 5th from 11am - 4pm
    Stop by and purchase some raffle tickets that will be entered for some great prizes. All Raffle proceeds will go to Son of God Orphanage. :)
    www.missmarketevents.com

    SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS!!

    Joy – A feeling of great happiness or delight

    Look up the word "Joy" in the concordance in your bible. Here are two:

    Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

    John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

    The first thing we have to do is get past what we think the season “should” look like. You know the magazine and movie pictures that come to your mind? Those need to go!! We get an idea in our minds of how things should be and when they don’t go that way we can feel angry and frustrated while also making those around us feel angry and frustrated.

    Keep in mind constantly the Reason for the Season and that is that we are celebrating Jesus’ birth, not that our house looks just so, or that our sugar cookies are perfectly decorated. It is easy to get distracted during the Holiday Season and put unnecessary pressure on ourselves and our family.

    Don’t be Critical. If all the ornaments end up on one side of the tree or all around the bottom (this is usually what happens in our home) so be it. In the days leading up to Christmas you can gradually move some around without making a big deal and the kids usually don’t even notice. When putting out special Christmas decorations, make sure that the kids have some that are at their level to play with. Fisher Price has an awesome, hands on nativity set. The less you have to monitor your kids activity around the decorations, the better!!! You won’t feel like a parole officer and your kids won’t feel like they can’t touch anything.

    Baking. Small batches and low expectations will keep everyone happy. If your child tends to overuse the icing to decorate, only give them the amount that they can use and take pictures of their creations so that they can see them long after the cookie has been eaten.

    Gift Giving and Receiving. In our family all the siblings draw names on Thanksgiving Day for who they will buy or make a gift for to exchange on Christmas Day. This is a big deal and usually much more time is put into what they are going to give their person than on what they themselves would like to receive. Get your family involved in giving in your community through Adopt A Family, visiting a nursing home with goodie bags for the residents (you need to get permission from the facility first), making cards for soliders overseas, etc. By keeping them involved in giving, the receiving is not as important.

    Sensory Challenges. Keep in mind your child’s ability to handle certain settings. If that means you will not be able to be able to stay long at a gathering prepare everyone that you will be leaving before the party is over. If this is hard for kids without sensory challenges you could make arrangements for one of your kids to be brought home by another family later or you can get a sitter for your child/children with the sensory challenges so that you can all stay and enjoy.

    The Family Dinner. The dinner that we put so much time into and what can be a huge tradition in most families can turn into a big argument. If your child is totally opposed to eating “that yucky stuff” make them something ahead of time and let them do another activity during the main meal. It will not be the end of the world if they are not sitting around the table. Decorate the kids table just as fancy as the adult table. We use sparkling grape juice for holiday dinners. The kids get small wine glasses for their juice. Make place cards for the dinner in the days leading up to Christmas. Make them easy so that the kids and you feel successful.

    Enjoy each other. God created and grew our families according to His will. He will give us wisdom in how to keep the peace and joy in our homes through the season. We just need to make sure that while we are busy preparing that we don’t leave God out of our activities.

    Tuesday, November 23, 2010

    You can make a Difference!!

    Jedd lives in California with his wife and four children.

    Sixseeds.tv interviewed Jedd Medefind, President of Christian Alliance for Orphans about adoption and how the church is responding. It is a great article. He mentions what is happening in CO regarding adoption! Please leave a comment after you read the article. For every comment posted CAFO will receive $2!! You can support Orphan Ministry Nationwide just by reading this article and posting a comment. :)

    Monday, November 22, 2010

    Blessed Blankets is a Blessing!!! :)

    Oct 4, 2010 download 020.jpg Our Blessed Blankets Ladies have been very busy!! They have made 28 blankets for Larimer County Foster Children. They are currently working hard to make blankets to send to Son of God Orphanage in Haiti with our team next month for the kids under 2 years old. A big Thank you to Vicky and Glyn for all of your hard work in organizing and recruiting others to join Blessed Blankets. When children are in foster care or an orphanage they likely have nothing to call their own. These Blankets that you have made and prayed over will be a blessing!!! If you would like to know more about Blessed Blankets please email Vicky at: Vicky@vickyflint.com

    The next meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7pm in Room 206 at Timberline Church.
    Nov 12 all 6, 3.jpg

    Thursday, November 18, 2010

    Welcome Home by Kristin Orphan

    I have had a lot of people ask about a song that Kristin Orphan and The Finally Home Band performed at our Dare You to Move Event. It blessed a lot of people. The words reflect how we feel about the children that God calls us to adopt. Here is a video letter that Pastor Mark and Kristin put together for Sadie. :)


    Welcome Home by Kristin Orphan

    Looking at you, it's hard to believe
    All that you've been through and all that you've seen
    You built wall so high of your fears, disappointment and sorrow
    You're too brave for tears
    You've waited so long just to laugh and to play
    Yesterday's gone, you're here today

    Welcome Home, This is where you belong
    Welcome Home, You don't have to be strong
    Precious child, you're safe now here in my arms
    Rest your head, be at peace, welcome home

    All that we have is yours now, too
    Hope, love and faith, we give to you
    And in return, we ask just one thing
    Open your heart and believe in your dreams
    And when you stumble or feel all alone
    Just call my name and I'll lead you home

    Welcome Home, This is where you belong
    Welcome Home, You don't have to be strong
    Precious child, you're safe now here in my arms
    Rest your head, be at peace, welcome home

    What is a family, what does that mean?
    You've Asked that question, now I hope you see......

    It's a home, where you belong
    It's a home, you don't have to be strong
    Precious child, you're safe now here in my arms rest your head be at peace

    Welcome Home, This is where you belong
    Welcome Home, You don't have to be strong
    Precious child, you're safe now, related by love
    Rest your head, be at peace, you're finally home.

    What Love Really Means

    I love this song!! This is a powerful song that is full of a truth that we all need to grasp. As adoptive parents we sometimes need to be reminded that God loves us for us. On our best parenting days sometimes it just doesn't seem to be enough and we can get pretty discouraged. Our kids need us to love them for them - right here, right now.
    Let this song pour over and fill your heart. God loves you for you, right where you are - not for what you will become.
    Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
    Stand on that Promise Today!! :)


    Saturday, November 13, 2010

    Orphan Sunday Food Packing Event with Change this World








    Way to go Kids Blast Kids and our awesome Joy Team volunteers - You packed 4200 meals at
    our food
    packing event with Change This World at our Orphan Sunday Event!
    Not
    only did you exceed our goal of 4000 meals you also raised $1500!!!
    Thank you to our Children's Ministry Leaders, Nikki Crosson and Trevor Laughlin and to Rita
    Noel from our Welcome Child Team.
    They really wrapped their hearts around this event. Because of their enthusiasm, all of the
    kids in Kids Blast heard how they can have an impact in the life of a child in another county.
    They wrote letters to the kids at Son of God Orphanage.
    Here is a little sample of what some of them said:


    Dear Piere, You are not alone. Don't give up. There are people who are praying
    for you.
    Dear Gerome, I promise I will pray for you every night. God Loves You.
    Dear Taina, I am at church and thinking about you. We are talking about what
    your life is like and I will pray for you. God is with you.
    Dear Cophe, I hope this food helps you. I think you will like it. I brought a lot of
    quarters to help.
    Dear Martial, I wish you are safe.


    I have had a lot of WOW moments in the last week and reading these letters
    was one of them. The seeds planted in their young hearts for adoption and orphan
    ministry will grow and bear much fruit in their lives and those around them. :)