Beautiful, Beautiful. Gabe's 1 year home

6 years

Totally abandon

Left to die

6 years

In a crib

No toys

Staring at white walls

6 years

Unwanted

Undesirable

Unloved

Until....

Our visit to the Institution

First of all I want to say a big THANK YOU to all of you that have already given to our blog fundraiser. We had a challenge from very generous donor that would donate $1,300 IF we could get our total to $1,800 in 5 days.

Funny story. When I went to bed at 11pm that last night we were only hundreds away from our goal. You all kept giving and giving and giving.
I woke up the next morning and saw that the total was $1830!

Then, I went and checked the Paypal which is where all the money is kept in an account for Maria and I.

THAT total read over $2,400!!!!!

The ChipIn wasn't keeping up with the actual amount.

Silly ChipIn

With other donations given outside of Paypal those 5 days, our total is now $4,000!!!

That is just $2,000 away from BOTH Maria and I being fully funded!

WOW

You all ROCK

Our Blog Fundraiser with all the amazing give-ways will be running until the end of this month. We will be drawing names for all the winners on July 1st.

So keep spreading the word and doing what you all are doing.

2 orphans are very close to coming HOME

With your help our sweet Kole will never have to know what it's like to be transferred to a mental institution. Typically if a special needs child is not adopted by the age of 5, they will be transferred.  Although the orphange is not ideal, the mental institutions are worse. Genesis and I had the blessing of visiting the institution that would be where Kole would be transferred to if we don't get to him in time. I talked to the director and said that I wanted to take photo's and get the children listed. He didn't understand why. He said no one has EVER adopted from his institution. After telling him about Gabe and Levi and their conditions, telling him that we were adopting them and I was sure more families would come for these kids too, his eyes filled with tears.

Over on Facebook I was posting pictures from each day last year that we took while adopting Gabe and Levi. When I got up to the day that was my visit to the institution I had a hard time posting. I haven't been able to post them for a year.

After going through them I decided to put them on video and let them speak for themselves.




I wanted to share a little about some of the photo's that were in the video. This boy is amazing! He is very mature and well mannered. He has no cognitive delays. He wants so badly to have a family. I can't even imagine having to live in a mental institution when the only thing wrong is that you can't walk. I would LOVE to see him with a family!

This guy cracked me up! There was a group of missionaries handing out food and treats. I sat there and watched as different ones would come and give him something. He would act like he had nothing, and then when the person would turn around he would stuff the food into his shirt! 

He had quite the stash when we left. I said he was the smartest one in the bunch!

 This is the room where the older men stayed. We were outside that day since the weather was warm, but in the cold winters they will spend all their days here

Their outside time would be spent here. It smelled terribly of human feces.

This little boy would chew all day on his flesh. It didn't matter if you were to wrap his arms in bandages, he would just chew past them.

This boy stole my heart! Isn't he the cutest?!?! So very sweet and gentle. 

I would love to see him get adopted.

This precious girl was 12 years old. She has a tumor that started out small growing on her head, it's why her parents abandon her. Yet her condition could have easily been treated here in the states. She loved getting attention and would hold your hand tight, all the while she would sing. SING. Here. 

In this place of abandonment she had something to sing about.

And here is little Sasha. Shortly after we got home he was listed for adoption. An amazing family ran to get him.

And THIS is Sasha after only FOUR months home!!!! LOVE is an amazing thing. Amazing.  

The world can no longer be left to mere diplomats, politicians, and business leaders. They have done the best they could, no doubt. But this is an age for spiritual heroes - a time for men and women to be heroic in their faith and in spiritual character and power. The greatest danger to the Christian church today is that of pitching its message too low. 

 -Dallas Willard

 Some of the children in the video are available for adoption. 

 Please go to Reece's Rainbow to find out more. 

 Many of the quotes were taken from "The Hole in our Gospel" by Richard Stearns

2 Families. 2 little boys. 2gether we can do this!

I couldn't make this story up if I tried.

Over 5 years ago Maria Falvo and I met at a homeschool get-together. We talked briefly and saw each other maybe a couple more times that year. 

We never kept in touch, Facebook wasn't the big thing yet;)

Two years ago while I was living in TN we found each other online. Maria was in the process of adopting Benji and Tayia. I then moved back to FL and we began the process
 to adopt Gabe and Levi. 

After committing to my boys we found out that her Taiya and my Gabe were actually
 in the same crib together. 

We also learned that Levi took Benji's place in his group after Benji went home with the Falvo's. 
How crazy is that!

While in Ukraine Maria and her husband saw a little boy that caught their eye. 

He was Benji's best buddy. 

He was sweet and kind, and wanted nothing more than to have a mommy and daddy.

Long story short, the Falvo's are returning to adopt Phillip! 

We also met an adorable, blue eyed little boy while we were adopting last year. 

He was in Levi's group.

 

 Kole.  We fell in love at first sight.   

By God's amazing grace and goodness, we are going back to rescue our sweet boy! 

Two families.

Adopted 2 children each, from the same orphanage.

 

Two families

Neighbors 

we live only minutes from each other

Returning for our sons buddies

Who will soon be BROTHERS

I couldn't make this stuff up! We did.not.plan.this. Only God

Our two families are now only awaiting our travel date to adopt Kole and Phillip, which we expect to have within 4 weeks!


God has been so amazing in writing every chapter of our stories. He has provided every single step of the way. Many of you have already been a part of that provision, and we are incredibly thankful.


With only $3,000 dollars each that we have to raise, we are confidant that God will once again provide.


Maria and I together decided to do one last big fundraiser and we are so excited! 
Many of you have donated some amazing items!!!


If you would like to be a part of reuniting 2 little boys and bringing them HOME to be sons and brothers, here is your opportunity:)

This whole month of June we will have an online auction. Both of our blogs will have the exact same items and the chip-in will go directly to the same account to be split between both families. 
Our hope and prayer is to raise the remaining $6,000 we both need to travel and rescue our boys. 

Here is how it will work:


*For every $10 donation you will get your name entered once.


*Entries can be made the whole month of June.


*The last day to enter will be June 30, 2012.


*We will draw names on July 1st and contact you so that you may pick your prize. 
1st name gets first choice, 2nd name drawn gets to choose from the remaining, and so on.


We have so many great items for many of you to enjoy!


Of course the more entries you make, the higher chance you get to have the gift of your choice.


We will keep drawing names until the last gift is claimed. 

*This just in! Someone has generously offered to give $1,300 

IF we can get 30 people to each get FIVE of their friends in the next 5 days to enter. 

For each of you that gets 5 friends to enter, we will give YOU FIVE entries for yourself!

The deal gets even sweeter.....

All local (Hernando County, FL) people who take the challenge and sign 10 of their friends up will get half a dozen cake pops made by "Little Big Cakes" 

 

hand delivered to you! 

How sweet is that! 

 

So spread the word on FB, at your office, church, etc. Get 5 or 10 friends each to commit and let us know by leaving a comment with the list of names.

Once we hit 30 taking the challenge, we will automatically receive $1,300!!!!!!

Challenge starts NOW! 

(Deadline is Monday, June 11th) 

Are you ready for this?!?! Here is the list of all the great prizes you can win!

iPad 2

  

Donated by Jana Knox $400 Value 

Kindle Fire

Donated by Gretchen Thibault $200 Value

Adult large navy 147 Million T-Shirt

Donated by www.147millionorphans.com $20 Value

 Ladies small pink 147 Million T- Shirt

Donated by www.147millionorphans.com $20 Value

Child's green 147 Million T-Shirt

 Donated by www.147millionorphans.com $20 Value

147 Million Burlap Bag Zippered 11" across pretty pink interior.

 Donated by www.147millionorphans.com $30 Value

~ Raggedy Quilt
~ Measures 34" x 39"
~ three patterns - lavender w/ small white polka dots; green w/ white paisley; green background w/ blue, lavender & yellow flowers.
~ Back and front layers are made from 100% cotton. Middle layer is soft and cuddly 100% cotton flannel.
~ I've pre-washed it in Dreft detergent to begin the ragging & softening process. Each time it's washed it will get more cuddly soft.
~ This particular quilt would sell for $57.00. 

Hand Made and Donated by Debbie Gableman 

This necklace is made out of recycled magazines! It was made in Uganda where the average yearly income is $300 and parents have to pay for their children to attend school. A single mom made this necklace so that her children can attend school.

Donated by Tisha Alexander value $30

Seinna Richie  Lacey Shopper large handbag $89 Value
Donated by Maria Falvo

 

 Handmade Bracelets

Donated by Sarah at 

 www.forhisgloryhandiwork.blogspot.com

 

 Custom owl hat Donated by Sarah

The winner of the owl hat can choose the size and color they would like, and I will make it and get it out to them. More info on the owl hats here  http://handiworkforelijah.blogspot.com/2011/11/owl-hats-custom-orders.html

 

 Choice of designer look wallets

Donated by Gaby Broderick

Coach Change Purse. 

Comes with bag and box $78 Value

Donated by Emily Nolan

 

Knot Dress $35 Value

Donated by  http://www.etsy.com/shop/kandykissesboutique?view_type=gallery

 

 Lori Harris has donated either a custom boys outfit or a custom girls dress. Winner will chose. $35 Value

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/99028889/boys-custom-outfit-t-shirt-and-shorts?ref=cat_gallery_6

 

Hand Made and Donated by Becky Hilfer. Proceeds help the poor in Guatemala.

Created using Rosaline Swarovski Pearls, Rose Swarovski Cubes, Silver Plated Swarovski Rondelles, Silver Plated tube, Beads, Spacers and clasp.
$24.95 Value

https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Connection-of-Hope/285019914857014








 

 

 $50 Amazon Gift Card 

Donated by Gaby Broderick

 

Custom cloth doll you choose features $29 Value

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72451857/custom-cloth-doll-you-choose-features?ref=cat_gallery_12

Donated by Becky Wangerin 

Who is going back for a little girl!

 

Coach Wrislet 

Comes with bag and coach box $48 Value

Donated by Emily Nolan 

Pampered Chef Leak proof glass container 1.5cup

Donated by Maria Falvo 

 

$25 Gift Certificate to use online at

 http://www.toobusymoms.com/

Donated by Jennifer Griffith & Tiffany Grumbley

(2 available)






 
 
Handmade Dress and Matching Bow $30 Value
Donated by Jessica Chinni  







iTunes Gift Card $15 Value
Donated by Jessica Chinni






 
 
 
 
Set of 10 handmade Cards Assorted
Donated by Mel DeLlanos



 
Thirty-One Retro Metro Bag $55 Value
Donated by Rachel Golden 


 
Scentsy Warmer & 3 Scents $50 Value
Donated by Bianca Olivier 

 
Hand made Pie Plate

To donate simply click on the ChipIn! button below. 

For every $10 we will enter your name once.

After you enter in your amount and log in to Paypal, please leave your email address in the "note to seller" section so we can contact you for your prize

Your transaction will show up as "Lindy House Photography"