This one too IS our problem!

this one too IS our problem!

(by No Greater Joy Mom)

She's the face of desperation.

"I was hungry and you fed me."

Of injustice.

"I was thirsty and you gave me a drink."

Of horrendous, unfathomable neglect.

"I was homeless and you gave me a room."

And incomprehensible suffering.

"I was shivering and you gave me clothes."

She's another precious child of God so urgently needing to be rescued from her life of hell on earth.

This is Zoey.

A daughter of the Most High King! A darling little angel created in the image of a Father in heaven who never makes mistakes.

A priceless and most valuable TREASURE just waiting to be found.

Zoey is almost SIX years old!

And weighs a mere 10 POUNDS!

She is merely existing in the confines of her crib. She is fed by tube--which clearly is just not enough. Zoey NEEDS a family to rescue her. She needs medical attention and someone to love her passionately and help her to become all that she can be in this life. She needs parents who will become her biggest cheerleaders and advocates.

Zoey needs to be loved. Unconditionally. For who she is--fearfully and wonderfully made!

There are just a few weeks to find a family for this beautiful little girl. The thought of her not being chosen--and being left there to die--is honestly more than my heart can bear. Just like my sweet Hasya (and every other child on the planet!), this one too deserves to be given a chance at LIFE.

Proverbs 24:12 tells us that "Once our eyes are opened we cannot pretend we do not know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls knows we know and holds us responsible to act."

God holds us all responsible to act!

In his incredible book (that totally turned my life upside down), The Hole in Our Gospel, Richard Sterns so accurately said of many of us in the church when faced with dire situations, "Sorry, not my problem!" Of course this little girl IS our problem! "Our," as in all Christians. We're the ones who the Father has commanded to "care for the widow and the orphan" (as it says in the book of James).

The world is not called to care for the fatherless...we are!

We cannot turn a blind eye, walk away, and forget about the atrocious catastrophe that happens to the most innocent of human beings. We simply cannot.

There are times when we are called to rally for the sake of another human being--one who will never be able to pay us back or give us a single thing in return. As John Wooden once said, "You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."

Zoey IS our problem, Church! As the body of Christ, we are required to care for, to reach out to, to go to, to feed, to clothe, to give to...and to open our hearts to the 'least of these,' as the Bible calls them.

"Then the King will say to those on his right,
‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father!
Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom.
It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation.
And here’s why:

I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,

I was shivering and you gave me clothes."

~~ Matt 25:35-38 (The Message)

Please, I'm begging you all, if nothing else, would you please be a voice for Zoey today? Would you help us to spread the word on her desperate need for someone to CHOOSE her as their daughter? Time is short! Not even one single day can be wasted.

Zoey's health is critical and she needs OUT of there as soon as is humanly possible.

We are waiting for updated medical information and photos of Zoey. She lives in the same country as our Hasya and Kael. I will share any updates as soon as I get them. For additional information, please contact shele337@gmail.com.

Pray, Church! Pray that this one too WILL BE SAVED!

Help Corrie Find Her Forever Family

From Lynsay (who has cared for and cherished Corrie since she was just a baby):

Writing to describe Corrie in an email, for a blog post, seems almost impossible. I may be able to write eloquently on occasion, but finding words to describe this precious girl escape me, I think perhaps because there just are no words.

In one word she is amazing, but that doesn’t cover it.

If it was only me describing her as such I would expect you would think my words probably come from the heart of a mother who loves their children unconditionally, and you would be right, BUT it isn’t just me, there is a huge long list of people who would describe her as such, and I have that list.

Corrie’s history is complex and in places unknown. She came to us when she was approximately 10 months old. She had septicemia originating from a complicated kidney infection, she was near death and gasping when she arrived at the hospital. She was starving and weighed a mere 3kgs.

After 2 months in the hospital, and several month of rehabilitation at home she began gaining weight and growing. Still she had multiple complicated medical problems ongoing.

Corrie’s struggles and medical problems throughout the years have continued to cause problems. Many times it has been three steps forward, five backwards. She has struggled with illness and faced multiple surgeries to repair her imperforate anus.

Through it all she has kept her bright smile and infectious laughter. Everyone who meets her loves her as she never has anything but smiles for anyone she meets.

Her current medical situation is complicated. She is 3.5 years old and has severe delays. She is small, about the size of some of our 2 year olds. Her chromosome panel came back normal BUT every medical professional suspects a chromosomal problem. She appears at first glance to have either Down Syndrome OR Turner’s syndrome however her chromosomes are normal.

Her needs include physical therapy, rehab, ongoing support for her multiple medical needs including imperforate anus, and developmental and speech therapy. We do suspect she is deaf and have been trying to have this evaluated but it has been very difficult to get here.

Corrie needs a family, she deserves a family, and any family would be blessed to have her as their daughter. If we didn't live here, we would adopt her in a heartbeat, but she needs more than we can give. We can't give her the health care and therapy she needs here, it just isn't available. Our lives have been dramatically changed by this little girl.

Corrie's file is being prepared by her orphanage. Corrie needs a serious family, and she needs them ASAP. She doesn't have time to wait much longer here, preferably she needs a family who are close to being able to submit a dossier.

This is an urgent situation. Every day she is here and not getting the help she needs precious time is being wasted. Her doctors have all agreed wholeheartedly and have said she needs to get to America ASAP.

Please help Corrie to find her forever family!

~~~~~~~

UPDATE: The latest on how Corrie is doing...

"She is amazing and changing so much I tell you! Amazing to see. She is feeding herself (HUGE feat!) she is starting to sign. She signs that she loves me when she sees me then giggles because she thinks it is so cool. She says hello by giving someone a hug, but then she wants to come back to me, it isn't like she has no fear of people, that is just how she says hello! She is AWARE of everything going on around her!"

What a beautiful little girl who is so deserving of family (as is every child!). If anyone would like more information on Corrie and her adoption, please contact Lynsay at mspnews@gmail.com. Please can we ask that only those who are serious about adopting Corrie inquire at this time. Thanks.

Blessings,
Team One Less Broken Heart

The Beads - Whitten Family Adoption

The Beads

The beads woven into this bracelet have a very special meaning.  This bracelet is helping to bring two treasures home from Ethiopia.  Two sisters that have been waiting for their forever family for over three years now.  For more than three years they have seen other treasures go home to their forever families.  Soon, these two sisters will be making their own journey home with their forever family.  No longer orphans, no longer alone.

Yesterday I participated in our womens ministry Cookies and Creation.  It was an event where homemade cookies and homemade items were sold.  One of the tables was selling these bracelets.  The money raised will help one of our pastors and his wife bring home their two treasures. 

May 2011 they traveled to Ethiopia to help their sister/brother ~in ~love bring home their two boys.  While they were there God spoke to their hearts.  And now, they are in the process of bringing home their two little girls.

The two orange beads surrounding the four smaller green beads represent Pastor and Mrs. Whitten, the mama and papa.  The two green beads next to the orange ones represent their two kiddos, and the two green beads in the center represent their two new treasures waiting to come home.

And the round orange bed at the end...Is God, tying the all together as one family!

You can follow their amazing journey here  http://2lessorphans.wordpress.com/

Rejoicing that two more treasures are coming home,

Team One Less Broken Heart

Watson Family Adoption

The Watson Family Adoption -http://www.engendo.org/family/watson/



Brett and Arlene Watson have long had adoption on their hearts. In addition to their two biological children, Ryan and Lauren, they have adopted Ben (from South Korea) and Christine (locally) after the loss of her mother. Brett and Arlene have a heart for children and have been in youth ministry for over 15 years. Brett is currently a pastor at a church in the Sarasota area. Arlene is in attending USF to complete her Elementary Education degree.






When Arlene traveled with friends to an adoption retreat in early 2011 she came home with a heart touched by the plight of orphans in Uganda. After prayer and planning the entire Watson family decided to move forward.






In September of 2011 they were called to adopt a very special little boy and knew very quickly that this was the son that they had been praying about.



They are selling some really cool purses to raise the needed funds to bring their boy home.  Go to their blog at http://www.engendo.org/family/watson/ and check out their purses.





Will you support them in their journey to bring home their boy? Prayerfully consider donating via the button on thier blog or by mailing a check to Watson Adoption, In Care of Engendo.org, PO Box 7444, Wesley Chapel FL 33545.

Blessings,
Team One Less Broken Heart

LET'S HELP THE FENSKE TREASURES COME HOME

www.chaoticandcomfortable.blogspot.com


The Fenske family of four is made up of Dad Fenske, Mama Fenske, and two beautiful little peeps that they brought home thru the miracle of adoption.  Shannon and hubby are in the process of bringing home three more of God's treasures.  But, they need help in raising the needed funds to make this happen.  Shannon has started selling AVON in hopes of earning extra income to apply towards their adoption expenses.  As those of you who have fundraised for your own adoptions know, FUNDRAISING IS HARD!  But, each and every dollar is such a blessing to the family working so hard to bring their kids home.
 
Stop by the Fenske's blog and say hello, become a follower, leave a comment encouraging them on their journey.  Do you need to do some Christmas shopping?  Why not stop by Shannon's AVON on line webstore and order some products?  This would be a tremondous help to them.
 
AVON: http://youravon.com/sfenske
 
 
Below is a little information from Shannon - Mama Fenske.



It's not easy, especially in today's society where we are expected to be strong and self-sufficient, to admit that we need help. It's not easy or even acceptable to ask for help. I certainly never thought there'd be a time when I would be pushed to do it. But, here we are, in a position where we need help. I have found something that is worth setting aside pride for - actually, not something, rather five little someones. There is nothing I wouldn't do for my children. So, I come to you, my heart open, my soul bared, asking for support whether it be in the form of a financial contribution, prayer, or forwarding this message or links to our fundraisers.








I get that the economy is terrible. I get that everyone is struggling in their own way. I get that no one really has "spare change" lying around. But, I also know that none of us is suffering as much as any child who is stuck in an orphanage. We have several ways that people can help if they feel compelled. All I ask is that you consider passing our info along to friends, family, church members, coworkers, anyone who you think might listen. Please encourage people to visit our blog, friend me on Facebook, email me, snail mail me, whatever. I would love the opportunity to educate and advocate if anyone wanted to learn more about adoption or specifically adoption of children with special needs. The Holidays are rapidly approaching and we want nothing more than the gift of our family to be whole!






Ways to Help:






Visit our blog: www.chaoticandcomfortable.blogspot.com






Tax-deductible, secure donations to: www.fromhivtohome.com click on the Network for Good icon and designate the donation for The Fenske Family OR mail to: From HIV to Home, PO Box 19212, Denver CO, 80219. A tax receipt will be sent to you by mail.






Handmade Tutus: Any size, any color shipped direct to you - only $20 each! Perfect GIFTS!






AVON: http://www.youravon.com/sfenske GREAT GIFTS!






Let's help this family bring their three little ones home to their forever families.  Each and every one of us can make a difference in the lives of these three orphans.

Blessings and Happy Friday!
Team One Less Broken Heart

Helping Bring Them Home - with Avon!

Yes, I've held one Avon adoption fundraiser and am just kicking off my second one with another family who is preparing to travel soon for their precious little one.  I'm excited to see how God blesses this family thru the Avon fundraisers.

If you need help raising adoption funds, give me a holler and I'll be glad to help you.

My hope is to use my Avon business as a way of helping to make it, One Less Broken Heart.


Blessings,
Team One Less Broken Heart
Bringing them home, one orphan at a time

QUICK EASY FUNRAISING

Are you looking for an easy fundraiser to help bring in needed funds for your adoption?  Are you getting close to traveling and need some extra cash for travel?  Do you need to pay some last minute expenses?

Send me an email and I can tell you how I can help you do that by helping you with an Avon fundraiser. 

I started selling Avon for that specific purpose.  To help families raise their adoption expenses.  If you would like more information, please send me an email onelessorphan@yahoo.com.

Blessings,
Team One Less Broken Heart