A blog to share a blog

I'd like to share a post I came across that I thought was pretty interesting.  I happened across Jen Logan's blog Down Wit Dat by way of another blog.  That is what happens in the blog reading world.  There are quite often links to other blogs within a blog and of course, once you start clicking, you never know where you might end up! 

   Anyway, I read this blog and wanted to share this specific post.  Jen Logan's entire blog is very well written and there are many many posts that are full of GREAT information, lots of statistics, stories and general truths and myths about Down syndrome (and life in general!)  In this specific post, she shares a list of famous individuals who had a family member with Down syndrome.  It's really quite fascinating.  Did you know that there was a princess who was born with Down syndrome? So very cool to read...

http://downwitdat.blogspot.ca/2012/05/brief-history-of-down-syndrome-part-3.html

And if you don't get sucked in to reading more of her blog, at least check out this recent post.  It has a long list of great news links... very helpful (and again, so easy to get caught up clicking away!) http://downwitdat.blogspot.ca/2013/10/in-news-september-2013.html

Climbing Mount Everest

This spring, in March to be exact, a young man became quite well known.  At just 16, Eli Reimer successfully climbed the 17,598 feet to Mt. Everest's Base Camp.  Though he was not quite the youngest to ever make this accomplishment, (being bumped only to second by a 13-year old in 2010) this was pretty amazing because he accomplished as a 16 year old, what I (and millions of other adults) have only ever dreamed about.  And to be completely honest, I bet most adults really don't actually dream about it, because there is not a chance that it would or could ever happen! 

Eli's parent's, Justin and Tamara, had founded The Elisha Foundation in 2005 to pursue Christ-centered transformation in the lives of people impacted by disability around the world.  The Elisha Foundation was named after their son, Eli (Elisha) who happens to have Down syndrome.  The fundraising trek up Mt. Everest was a fundraiser for their foundation.  $100,000 was raised by Eli's fearless endeavor.  

You can find out more about Eli's journey up Mt. Everest and find out the amazing things that The Elisha Foundation does by visiting their website, The Elisha Foundation. 

I love this little blurb from the website in regards to their Mt. Everest Trek:
"The Trek was a resounding success in every aspect. We had prayed that this adventure would be a platform for the gospel and to show God’s good design in disability. In the months leading up to our departure our Team’s efforts were producing opportunities to share about God’s grace and goodness in disability. Many of the friends who stepped up to support the Trek were being exposed to the heart of disability and the Christian faith. What an amazing opportunity for our Team! From the Trek launch last year, through our time on the trail, and, now, with all of the thousands who have been touched with this “story” God has faithfully made His name known through His purpose in this adventure."  

I especially like the phrase "God's good design in disability."  

My daughter has Down syndrome, but she is just as God intended her to be.  

He designed her perfectly.  And I know that she will have some amazing adventures in her lifetime.  

Will she climb Mt. Everest?  Nah, probably not, that's already been done...

He's Got The Whole World In His Hands

After getting this video uploaded, I decided it really just needed it's own post....

I love these kids. 

They make me smile whenever I'm around them

and I can't wait for my daughter to get to be their friend!

The last ones.

I have had this Matthew West cd (History) in my car for weeks.  I'm sure I've heard this song before, but as I was driving to church this morning, a line of lyrics caught my attention.  I started the song over from the beginning and sat in the parking lot actually listening to what the song said.  I probably shouldn't have done that.  I was already a little off this morning, it was going to be a busy morning.

 

We were short a few staff  (though still had a great group of volunteers!) and my littles were singing for the first time in the service this morning.  Our 2's and 3's choir has been practicing hard for this moment, but they are 2 and 3, the game changes when the sanctuary we've been practicing in is now full of people (specifically family!) and singing loud while completing hand motions is just too much to ask at 8:30 in the morning.  I was a little unsure of how the morning was going to play out and admittedly a bit nervous for us all! 

At the same time, this is October and most mornings I wake up remembering that the sweet baby that should have been home months ago, eagerly awaiting her 3rd birthday at home with her family, is stuck in Putin's version of hell. Literally.  Some mornings are a little hard. Especially mornings at the end of a week that I've been putting together a lesson all about how people celebrate communion all around the world.  How other little children learn about Jesus and our differences and similarities, while living in our different countries around the world. (And of course unknowingly, 1/2 of my 3's chose the Russian flag (out of 20 choices) to put on their World Communion Day projects....they are three...they really had no idea, but...)

All of this to say, this morning, we were observing a religious sacrament occurring worldwide, by my little 2's and 3's singing a song about God having the world in His hands, the whole world, even the little babies and the children, all in his hands.  And my little Russian who should be home singing with this little group, is not. And that's hard.  But...

After sitting in my car listening to the lyrics in of the Matthew West song.  I knew my sweet Lizzy bear was blessed.  Even though I pray daily for assurance that she knows she is loved, not simply by humans she's never met, but by her Heavenly Father, I know in my heart she is.  He's got her in His hands.

And so is her little sister.  Josie will get to experience life's blessings in an amazing way...with a family.  I can't wait to be able to wake up one morning next fall...on World Communion Day 2014, and spend the morning getting myself, AND my daughter ready for church.  Ready to go hear about how children in other countries learn about Jesus.  And on another random Sunday morning when my little 2's and 3's are singing their hearts out in front of the sanctuary and my little Colombian is standing right up there with them.  Proof that God does bless the last ones.


Check back to this post tomorrow for a little added cuteness...(that's taking way too long to upload tonight!!)  Edited - The added cuteness just got it's own post...

Two in One

Because I was a slacker yesterday and missed a post, I'm combining posts for October 4th & 5th in one. 

I'd like to share a few tips on person first terminology and a guide to proper language when talking about an individual with Down syndrome (or any special need for that matter).  I know that everyone is not perfect and people sometimes don't even realize that what they say or how they say it may be offensive. 

The correct name of this diagnosis is Down syndrome. There is no apostrophe (Down). The 's' in syndrome is not capitalized. This is because an "apostrophe s" connotes ownership or possession. Down syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Down, who characterized the condition, but did not have it.

An individual with Down syndrome is an individual first and foremost.  The emphasis should be on the person, not the disability.  A person with Down syndrome has many other qualities and attributes that can be used to describe them.

Encourage people to use people-first language. "The person with Down syndrome", not "the Down syndrome person." A person with down syndrome is not 'a Downs'.

Words can create barriers. Recognize that a child is 'a child with Down syndrome,' or that an adult is 'an adult with Down syndrome.' Children with Down syndrome grow into adults with Down syndrome; they do
not remain eternal children.  Adults enjoy activities and companionship with other adults.

It is important to use the correct terminology.  A person 'has' Down syndrome, rather than "suffers from", "is a victim of," "is diseased with" or "afflicted by."

Each person has her/her own unique strengths, capabilities and talents.  Try not to use the clichès that are so common when describing an individual with Down syndrome.  To assume all people have the same characteristics or abilities is demeaning.  Also, it reinforces the stereotype that "all people with Down syndrome are the same."

The ONLY 'R' word that should be used is the word 'Respect'.  NDSS strongly condemns the use of the word "retarded" in any derogatory context. Using this word is hurtful and suggests that people with disabilities are not competent.

 Every person with Down syndrome possesses strengths and talents that make him/her a valuable asset to every family and community. Please help to educate your family, friends, educators, and physicians about the preferred way to refer to our loved ones with Down syndrome.


(editor's note - these websites - www.ndss.org and www.theupsideofdowns.org were the main source for my list...with a few edits and additions!)
 

I AM - Day three and a couple of videos

These two videos were originally created for this past World Down Syndrome Day.  

World Down Syndrome Day is on March 21, every year. (3/21...Trisomy 21...clever huh?).  

 But I feel like the message they share works year round!!

"I AM"

"Who I am"

 

(I know I've posted the 'Who I am' video before but some videos are worth a second viewing!)

Down Syndrome Creed

Day 2 - (might be the end of the day, but still the second day!)   

I'd like to share a poem titled The Down Syndrome Creed. 

It says a lot in a just a few words.  Enjoy it!

I also found it in a video (which ironically was made by a young lady who's family adopted a sweet baby with Down syndrome from the same Eastern European country where Lizzy is currently stuck)  I've attached the video in this post as well.  It's full of adorable faces!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October - National Down Syndrome Month

Okay, I know I haven't written a new post in months, and for that I apologize.  It's been a crazy few months, with some excitements, some frustrations, some finallys and some hoorays.  The final draft of my home study was finally completed, USCIS application was sent in and I'll be walking in for fingerprinting soon.  

(Yeah, who needs an actual appointment date...been there, done that!)  And that's the last piece needed to complete my dossier. It's taken a little longer then originally thought to get to this point, but I've been catching up when possible. (when the paperwork needed is in my hands, it's next day turnaround!)

I was sent some new pics of the bunny girl.  

Those eyes are gonna be my weakness.  

I'm pretty sure they'll be EVERYONE'S weakness. 

And the squishy hands and fingers.  I can't wait to kiss those little hands! 

This month, October, is National Down Syndrome Awareness month.  

For anyone who was not aware, Josie (aka 'Seraphina') has Down syndrome.  

Having this diagnosis is probably why she ended up in an orphanage in her country.  It's a misfortune that so many countries do not have services for individuals with special needs and that individuals are just not accepted, because of their needs, in so many countries.  That being said, another adoptive mom (who brought her daughter home early this year from the same country as J) recently blogged about the fact that if our children had been 'born' here in the US, they probably wouldn't have actually been born.

(You can read her post here.) 

If it weren't for that diagnosis and being born in another country in Latin America and ending up in that orphanage, she wouldn't be coming home to her Mama. So I will forever be thankful that she was given life.

I am going to try to post everyday for the month of October.  

Each day sharing more about Down syndrome, with different links, other blogs that are written about Downs, facts, myths, fun stories, pictures and more.... 

I'd also like to raise "a-wear-ness" for down syndrome & adoption and raise funds by selling specially made t-shirts throughout the month.
You can read all about this special "a-wear-ness" raising fundraiser in this separate post!
Mark 9:37 - Adopt Colombia t-shirt fundraiser

Today, on October 1, I'd like to share a couple of facts about Down syndrome:

• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
• People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels
• Down syndrome is named after Dr. John Langdon Down, a British physician who described the syndrome in 1866.
  Do
• People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways (there will be a post or two dedicated to this fact!) 

And the last thing I'd like to share on this first day of Down Syndrome Awareness month is this....

yep, those squishy little hands.

Mark 9:37 - Adopt Colombia t-shirt fundraiser

Mark 9:37

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

There is an amazing organization called Fund the Nations that provides t-shirts to "help change the world." They started off as a place to help raise money for missions and now have helped people going to over 150 different countries, cities and states, adoptive families, churches and world-wide organizations!

For the month of October, you can purchase t-shirts to help raise funds for Josie.  Simply buy a t-shirt and over 50% of the cost will go toward Josie's adoption fees.  The t-shirts are $20 each (which includes shipping) and the design is pretty great!  The t-shirt comes in light blue or green, has the words 

Adopt Colombia and the verse Mark 9:37 printed inside a map of the country of Colombia on the front.  

Here's how it works:

    You choose the green or blue shirt and what size you'd like (S-XXL), pay $20 here (Give Forward is amazing!) and then your shirt will be delivered to you.  I will actually order the shirts from Fund the Nations, once I have received orders for at least 13 shirts (if it's close, I'll wait until there are 25 as the % is a little higher then!!).  Once the shirts arrive, yours will either be hand delivered (if your local) or
mailed right to you (if you're not!).  

PLEASE make sure you're address is correct when ordering!

(Got it?  Shirt color, green or blue, and size, s-xxl...it's that simple!  Go order!)

You can order your shirt by clicking the link above (pay $20 here) or by clicking on the

 Give Forward 'Adopt Colombia' button to your right.

Once your t-shirt arrives, be sure to wear it proudly and help raise 'A-WEAR-NESS' 

for adoption and Down syndrome.

Josie thanks you!

And now, here are the amazing designs:

                         

                         Green 'Adopt Colombia' shirt                          

 

Blue 'Adopt Colombia' shirt

Pretty great right!?!?    ...those Fund the Nations people are awesome!

Laundry Detergent

I can imagine what you're thinking.  I don't share a new post in forever and now I'm writing about laundry detergent?  

What? 

Let me try to explain.  Though this post does have a lot to do with a specific bottle of soap, it also will hopefully explain the lack of posting.  
(I will try to make up for that.) 

I need to back up a bit, really, quite a few months....well, actually, almost a year.  At the end of last summer, sometime in August 2012, I needed to buy more laundry detergent.  While running errands, I went to grab my usual little bottle of detergent and thought for a minute.....

I had a coupon and it was on sale. I should buy the big bottle.  

96 loads.  Average 2 loads per week and that should last me about 48 weeks. (remember it's just me right now and I live in a climate that I wear shorts and t-shirts for 90% of the year) This bottle of detergent should last until the next summer! Great, I'm set for awhile.  But as I thought more about it, (I know this is an awful lot of thinking over a bottle of detergent....but what can I say, I'm a planner.)  I realized that this bottle of detergent would last until Lizzy came home.  And that feeling of happy, giddy, butterflies occurred as I put back the normal bottle and purchased the free and gentle baby version.  
This detergent would need to wash baby girl clothes.  
48 weeks from purchasing that detergent and my girl would be home.  It may seem silly to have been excited about a bottle of detergent but in the adoption world it's little things that can cause excitement, and in that moment, 
it was detergent.  
Free and gentle baby laundry detergent.

Fast forward many, many loads of laundry.... I used the last of that detergent this week.  And I didn't wash any baby girl clothes.  My girl didn't come home.  I can't tell you how hard it was to use that last bit, to drop that bottle into the recycle bin.  It's just a silly bottle of laundry detergent, but it's the idea that over this past year I have spent so many occasions thinking...next time this happens Lizzy will be here, the next time we go here, Lizzy will go too.  The next Mother's day, next summer at the pool, next first day of school, next birthday, next Christmas, next time...  

But those next times have come and gone.  

And Lizzy is not here.  Lizzy is stuck indefinitely.

I smiled at everyone on my birthday in April, on Mother's day, on the first day of summer, as they congratulated me on my switch to a new country and how exciting it was to be adding Josie to my life and how different those events were going to be....next time.  But inside I was thinking, "no, don't get too excited, you've been down this road before and next time never happened."

This week, as I used up the last of the detergent. I realized that I have been afraid to truly be excited about all those tiny details leading up to Josie's homecoming.  Believe me, I am truly.in.love with this little button and my heart aches to be able to just pick her up and hold her.  To squeeze her squishy thighs and kiss her chunky cheeks.  But I realized I've been holding back on letting myself feel those emotions.  

I've been so worried about loosing out on the idea of next time, 

about next time never happening, 

that I'm missing those giddy feelings of right now.

Right now, I have most of my paperwork complete for the step after the next step. (Yep, that's a lot of paperwork.)  Right now, there is a crib set up in the next room, complete with bedding and lovies, just waiting for it's resident.  Right now, there are pink shoes, hair bows and little dresses all waiting to be tried on and shown off.  Right now, there are baby dolls in a shopping cart, books on a bookshelf and a tiny pink trike, all waiting for little hands to play and explore.  Right now, my daughter is waking up in an orphanage in a different part of the world, but the next time we experience the morning of June 15, she will be waking up in her very own bed, with her Mama there to pick her up and love her.  
Right now, I have so much to share about the process of getting  
this girl home.  

Right now, you get to see the smile that I've absolutely fallen head over heels in love with....

I bought new laundry detergent...just the regular little bottle (because it wasn't on sale!) but I will be buying the special kind,
 the free and gentle baby version....next time. 

It takes a village...

Everyone has heard the saying...

"It takes a village to raise a child".   

Well, I think in the world of adoption, that phrase could 

be edited to say...

"It takes a village to 'bring home' a child".    

It takes a host of villagers to pray that the process will continue to move forward, to pray for the means to take the next step, to help provide those means to take the next step, to rally their neighbors and help the village grow so that there are more supporters, more prayer warriors, more people who for one reason or another feel called to be a part of giving a future to a tiny little thing with squishy baby feet and a giant smile!

(sigh...if you could just see that smile...)

I don't have the words to thank the village of people who have recently given their all to help bring J home.  The number of people who have shown how much they love a child that they've never met, that some (who I don't even know) may not ever meet. Yet, they gave freely and willingly of their time, their finances and their hearts.  

Over $10,000 raised in UNDER 48 hours. 

mountains.were.moved.

I am continually reminded to trust God in this process.   

 

"Mountain-moving faith is unselfish, undoubting, and unqualified confidence in God.  It is believing in God's truth and God's power, while seeking to do God's will." It's like He was saying,

  "I want you to know that you have unimaginable power available to you through your faith in Me. If you sincerely believe, without doubting, it shall happen, and you will see great powers of God at work." 

I don't think I will ever be able to explain to this little girl how much she is loved by so many people. 

Her own amazing village....