As the old year turns new...

A few days ago I began to write a post--but I did not have words to finish it.

I learned on Wednesday that Valentin will not be coming home yet.

The dad of his new family-to-be went to Valentin's country to meet him, intending to complete the adoption. He met Valentin and visited with him more than once. During those visits he found that Valentin's needs are more severe than had been realized. The family realized that, though they loved Valentin, they would not be able to give him the care he needs. And so they made the hard, hard decision not to proceed with the adoption.

I've linked to some of their blog posts so you can read their story in their words.

I have thought so much about Valentin these last few days. I thought of him this afternoon, asleep in his crib as the new year arrived in his country. I thought of him as we enjoyed New Year's eve with my parents and sisters, nieces and nephews.

I am remembering Valentin.



Edited to add: I began to write on Wednesday the 28th, but finished on Saturday the 31st. Just now I saw it was posted with a date of the 28th, so I have changed the date to reflect the time I actually finished and posted. - Desert Lily, 2 January 2012

The most amazing gift...

Sweet Valentin doesn't know it, he has no idea, but he is about to receive the most incredible Christmas present. He will meet his new dad-to-be on Monday.

To us it's a day late, but in Eastern Europe it's nearly two weeks early! They celebrate Christmas on January 6.

In any case, in just a few days this little boy will discover that he has a family waiting to welcome him.

I am sure that angels are crowding round eager to see that first meeting. How many angels can fit into one room where a little boy will meet his new dad?

My hope is that Sawyer, too, one day soon, will see his new parents for the first time.

At the Buddy Walk!

I had a good day at the Buddy Walk, with my stalwart helper--my youngest daughter! Here she is setting up our booth:


The wonderful three-sided display with photos of children was made by Carlene's mom, who kindly passed it on to me after the San Diego Buddy Walk. I was so happy to get to use it--and I saw how the pictures caught people's attention! They would notice it from a distance and come over for a closer look.

We had our own Angel Tree too--


complete with a few ornaments featuring the children!


We had a great time talking with lots of people. At the end of the day, some of the girls sacked out under the Angel Tree...


Here's little Sean, whose picture was on our small Angel Tree.


Isn't he something? Where's his mama? He's ready to learn and discover and grow!

Heading for the Buddy Walk...

Well, in a few minutes I'm heading to the Buddy Walk at the Santa Anita Park.

Before I go I wanted to share two little ones from the Angel Tree:

This is Ivan. Love those red cheeks! Ivan will be three in January. He is said to be an affectionate boy. He needs a mama!


This is Sophia. She is turning four this month, and is "a happy and content child." Where is Sophia's mama?

Click on their names to find their profiles on Reece's Rainbow.

See you later...

I'm still here...

What with one thing and another, my blog has been on a bit of a hiatus... I am still holding Sawyer in my heart, and I have more thoughts I'll be sharing with you!

The first piece of news is that I will be representing Reeces Rainbow at the Los Angeles area Buddy Walk on Sunday! That should be fun. It's going to be held at the Santa Anita Park and Race Track in Arcadia, just east of Pasadena. Will I see you there?

Also, Valentin's family's dossier (the folder of paperwork that is part of their application to adopt him) has been submitted to the government department in charge of adoptions! So now they are waiting for a travel date.

That's all for now...

Little Mr. Blue Eyes...

Now that Valentin's waiting days are coming to an end--and his family's adventure with him is beginning--

I'd like to introduce you to Sawyer.


Doesn't he have the most beautiful eyes?

(The description calls them gray, but they look blue to me...)

Sawyer just turned four this summer. He is waiting for his family to come...

Those big wistful eyes caught at my heart when I first saw him on Reece's Rainbow. Will you pray that his mama and papa will come for him soon?

Valentin's Family!

I have been waiting eagerly to know who was going to be Valentin's family. A couple of days ago, I checked the New Commitments page (again) and there he was! With a little description of his new family. You might have to scroll down to find him--so here's a direct link to his family's page.

These lovely folks will be welcoming Valentin home to a large family. They are not strangers to international adoption, having brought home three other children not long ago! You can learn more about them on the family page and on their blog.

Valentin will have brothers--and sisters! He'll have a mom and dad to listen as he tells about the new things he's learning. He'll know that he is valued and important. He'll get to go on family trips and visit the zoo and go swimming. He'll get the therapy and medical care he needs.

I feel so joyful and awed to have been able to see all this unfold. And it will be great to follow along with this new adventure, as Valentin's parents bring him home...


Congratulations, little man! So happy for you!