I just received an updated photo of one of the precious dogs that I was blessed to transport last month... here is Roman in his forever home! This is what it is all about!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Just amazing!!
About 11 months ago, in a moment of boredom at work, I started researching single mother adoptions. My Google search brought me to a website called "Reece's Rainbow." There, I found hundreds of family blogs. Family blogs of people who were deep in the midst of special needs international adoption. I'm sorry to say that I didn't get much accomplished at work that day, but my life changed in ways never before imagined. I followed along with families as they started the extensive paperwork process to go overseas and bring home their children. It was amazing to be taken along on their journey. I also spent some time looking at the children still available for adoption and one sweet girl's photo caught my eye. Here's the photo:
She was listed by Reece's Rainbow as Oksana - not her real name, but one assigned to her in order to keep her safe. It's because of her, that I know that one day I will adopt a sweet little one just like her. But, I knew there was no way that I could be her mommy, since my life was pretty complicated at the time. So, I made it my mission to pray for her daily. And, I did.
I prayed that she would be safe in her orphanage, have enough food to eat, get to play with her friends, and that one of her caregivers would take extra special care of her. Most of all, I prayed that somewhere her mommy was looking for her. I prayed that she would get to know the love of a family. And, I prayed that it would happen sooner rather than later. Deep down, if I am honest, I wished it could be me. But, I knew that was selfish, and she needed a family so badly, that I prayed someone would step forward for her.
Why did she need a home so badly? It wasn't because of an idealized vision of every child having a home and a family. I do wish that for every child, but that wasn't it. The truth is, that Oksana had a very short window of time before she would be transferred to the mental institution. The statistics for children transferred to a mental institution are staggering. Most children with Down Syndrome, like Oksana, will spend their days in lay-down cribs being largely ignored by the staff. They receive very little food, very little stimulation, and many of them die within the first year of being transferred. So, to say I was desperate for sweet Oksana, is a complete understatement.
All through that Winter, the Spring, and this Summer, I prayed. I prayed that if it was God's will, He would provide a family for her. Those prayers were heartfelt and sincere, but they were sugar-coated. Then, last month (September), my prayers took a turn. I began pleading. I knew her birthday was in January, and at that point she could be transferred. I just couldn't let that happen, and short of me winning the lottery, I knew there wasn't a thing I could do - except pray. And I prayed, and I pleaded with God. I thought about her a lot, and wondered what would happen in January.
And, then the impossible happened.
Yesterday, October 20th, I scrolled on over to the Reece's Rainbow website and saw Oksana's picture listed in a different place. She was listed on the page titled, "My Family Found Me." Truly, truly a miracle from God.
I don't know who her family is yet, and they may decide not to go public. But, if they do, you bet I will be following along with her family on that journey.
Sweet Oksana has a home. God is good.
She was listed by Reece's Rainbow as Oksana - not her real name, but one assigned to her in order to keep her safe. It's because of her, that I know that one day I will adopt a sweet little one just like her. But, I knew there was no way that I could be her mommy, since my life was pretty complicated at the time. So, I made it my mission to pray for her daily. And, I did.
I prayed that she would be safe in her orphanage, have enough food to eat, get to play with her friends, and that one of her caregivers would take extra special care of her. Most of all, I prayed that somewhere her mommy was looking for her. I prayed that she would get to know the love of a family. And, I prayed that it would happen sooner rather than later. Deep down, if I am honest, I wished it could be me. But, I knew that was selfish, and she needed a family so badly, that I prayed someone would step forward for her.
Why did she need a home so badly? It wasn't because of an idealized vision of every child having a home and a family. I do wish that for every child, but that wasn't it. The truth is, that Oksana had a very short window of time before she would be transferred to the mental institution. The statistics for children transferred to a mental institution are staggering. Most children with Down Syndrome, like Oksana, will spend their days in lay-down cribs being largely ignored by the staff. They receive very little food, very little stimulation, and many of them die within the first year of being transferred. So, to say I was desperate for sweet Oksana, is a complete understatement.
All through that Winter, the Spring, and this Summer, I prayed. I prayed that if it was God's will, He would provide a family for her. Those prayers were heartfelt and sincere, but they were sugar-coated. Then, last month (September), my prayers took a turn. I began pleading. I knew her birthday was in January, and at that point she could be transferred. I just couldn't let that happen, and short of me winning the lottery, I knew there wasn't a thing I could do - except pray. And I prayed, and I pleaded with God. I thought about her a lot, and wondered what would happen in January.
And, then the impossible happened.
Yesterday, October 20th, I scrolled on over to the Reece's Rainbow website and saw Oksana's picture listed in a different place. She was listed on the page titled, "My Family Found Me." Truly, truly a miracle from God.
I don't know who her family is yet, and they may decide not to go public. But, if they do, you bet I will be following along with her family on that journey.
Sweet Oksana has a home. God is good.
Fur-Baby Friday!!!
Meet Socks Arthur Hill. He was my very first cat and the reason I love cats SO very much! I had been begging for a cat for a while, but my dad absolutely wanted nothing to do with cats. Anyway, on June 5th, 1990 (my 10th birthday), my wish was finally granted and my mom brought Socks Arthur home to live with us for 17 amazing years.
That first night my dad was so furious, he insisted that Socks sleep in a box with holes, since he "didn't want a cat wandering around while we all sleep." Socks was too smart, though, and quickly he started doing just what my dad didn't want!
I have lots of great photos of Socks, and I really do need to scan some of them in to my computer... photos of him in pink bonnets and baby dresses, photos of him strapped into a stroller, photos of him swimming in the wading pool, and photos of a little girl who loved her cat dearly. It's because of him that my passion for animal rights is alive.
The photo above was taken shortly before he passed away. He was a great cat, and I loved him dearly. Thank goodness my mom didn't listen to my dad when he said, "no cats." After all, it was my dad who cried the loudest when Socks passed, so it's safe to say that they became the best of buddies over the years.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Praises!
So, I was tooling around the internet looking at a couple of my favorite sites when it happened... the answer to my prayers... listed on the Reece's Rainbow website, under the heading "My Family Found Me," was my little sweet pea, Oksana!!!
This is Jesus at work! Thank you, Lord! Thank you for providing a family for her, thank you for answering my prayers, and the prayers of many who rallied behind her, thank you for giving this sweet girl a family where she will be loved, cared for, and valued, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
This is Jesus at work! Thank you, Lord! Thank you for providing a family for her, thank you for answering my prayers, and the prayers of many who rallied behind her, thank you for giving this sweet girl a family where she will be loved, cared for, and valued, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
In memory...
Frieda Ermalee Greenshields
May 6, 1932 ~ October 11, 2009
May 6, 1932 ~ October 11, 2009
Graduation Photo
4 Generations PhotoI am the baby, with my mom, my grandma, and my great-grandmother
Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever ~ Author Unknown
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
It's October!
I haven't carved a pumpkin since I was a child, but I was pulled in as I passed the cart of pumpkins at the Farmer's Market on Saturday. I really didn't know what I was doing. And, I really didn't realize how much work scraping the inside of a pumpkin is. But, here's the finished product - I think I did pretty good!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Fur-Baby Friday!!! (one day late)
Tonight it got pretty darn cold, so I decided it was time to use the fireplace for the first time this Fall. It felt great... and Sam found a very familiar place in front of the fire!!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Zeke's new sleeping spot...
Every evening I let my cats out on the porch so they can look around, eat the tomato plant leaves, and chase bugs. So, the last thing I usually do before going to bed is close the porch door and count my cats to make sure all 4 are inside. Last night it took me a while to find Zeke... eventually I found him snuggled in and sleeping under my freshly laundered comforter. :-)
Doesn't he look sleepy??
Not happy with the camera flash!
Doesn't he look sleepy??
Not happy with the camera flash!Friday, September 23, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Animal Transporting
So, a couple of weeks ago, I signed up for animal transporting. Basically, I get to help "at-risk" animals move from high-kill shelters to rescues in other states. Since I really can't do fostering (I am already over my max for cats), I thought this would be a neat way to get involved in helping animals who need a second chance. This past Saturday I took part in my first transport. It was awesome!
The next two photos are of Courage (#1) and Ronan (#2) when they were pulled from their shelters in North Carolina. Ronan was set to be euthanized the following day.
My leg of the journey was from Corbin, KY to Dry Ridge, KY. First, I met up with Ronan and Courage (transported by Connie and her friend) in Corbin.
Connie giving the dogs one last drink. Courage is the dog that looks like she is smiling at the camera.
Me, getting a few snuggles in with Courage and Ronan before we took off. Courage is in the red collar and Ronan is in the blue collar.
Both dogs were super excited to get into the car. They loved exploring their new setting and looking out the window.
I love both of their tongues in this picture, especially Ronan's super long tongue!
Ronan looks like he is smiling as he looks out the window!
Lil miss, aka Courage, settles into her spot very easily!
Even though Ronan probably had 20 pounds on Courage, he still allowed her to sit on the backseat while he settled in on the floor... I think he just wanted to be closer to the action (me).
Eventually the excitement was too much for Ronan and he fell asleep just like Courage did. He slept with his head on my armrest so I could occasionally scratch his head and snout.
Here I am saying goodbye to Courage and Ronan in Dry Ridge, KY. They continued on their way with Amy.
Ultimately, Courage and Ronan traveled two days from North Carolina to Illinois. It was an amazing experience watching them move from certain death to life with a family. It was great to be part of this experience and I can't wait to do it again!
The next two photos are of Courage (#1) and Ronan (#2) when they were pulled from their shelters in North Carolina. Ronan was set to be euthanized the following day.
My leg of the journey was from Corbin, KY to Dry Ridge, KY. First, I met up with Ronan and Courage (transported by Connie and her friend) in Corbin.
Connie giving the dogs one last drink. Courage is the dog that looks like she is smiling at the camera.
Me, getting a few snuggles in with Courage and Ronan before we took off. Courage is in the red collar and Ronan is in the blue collar.
Both dogs were super excited to get into the car. They loved exploring their new setting and looking out the window.
I love both of their tongues in this picture, especially Ronan's super long tongue!
Ronan looks like he is smiling as he looks out the window!
Lil miss, aka Courage, settles into her spot very easily!
Even though Ronan probably had 20 pounds on Courage, he still allowed her to sit on the backseat while he settled in on the floor... I think he just wanted to be closer to the action (me).
Eventually the excitement was too much for Ronan and he fell asleep just like Courage did. He slept with his head on my armrest so I could occasionally scratch his head and snout.
Here I am saying goodbye to Courage and Ronan in Dry Ridge, KY. They continued on their way with Amy.
Ultimately, Courage and Ronan traveled two days from North Carolina to Illinois. It was an amazing experience watching them move from certain death to life with a family. It was great to be part of this experience and I can't wait to do it again!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Day 29-3 Wishes
I've been a little lax in finishing up the 30 day blogging challenge... since I only have two days left, I may as well get them done today!
3 Wishes:
1. Harsher punishments for anyone who hurts an animal. It is unconscionable that animal cruelty is not taken more seriously in the eyes of the law. Only when those who hurt animals are sentenced to jail time, will people take these crimes more seriously.
2. That my family would come to know Jesus. I will not call out specific people, but there are people that I regularly pray would come to know Jesus.
3. That sweet Oksana would find a family. I hope and wish that there are hearts stirring out there, and that someone would step forward and declare that she is their child!
3 Wishes:
1. Harsher punishments for anyone who hurts an animal. It is unconscionable that animal cruelty is not taken more seriously in the eyes of the law. Only when those who hurt animals are sentenced to jail time, will people take these crimes more seriously.
2. That my family would come to know Jesus. I will not call out specific people, but there are people that I regularly pray would come to know Jesus.
3. That sweet Oksana would find a family. I hope and wish that there are hearts stirring out there, and that someone would step forward and declare that she is their child!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Day That Changed America
It seems surreal that it was 10 years ago that terrorists hijacked 4 planes all aimed at damaging America in ways still unknown. It was and is a moment that changed me. In that moment, my safe little world changed. Fresh off a year abroad, the world had never seemed smaller. Before 9/11, the world was a place ripe for exploration. It was a place I longed to travel extensively, and I flourished in the idea that I was a citizen of the world. In the year I spent abroad, I felt just as at home in Berlin, Freiburg, and Amsterdam, as I did in Ann Arbor, South Bend, and Lexington. I was a citizen of the world.
But, the events of September 11th changed that idea for me. I was never more aware of my status as an American, as I was that day. Watching the world's capitals react, I became inherently aware that I would always be an American to the rest of the world, and I was grateful. Grateful that I was born in a country that valued freedom and democracy. Born in a country where I had opportunities for fulfilling work, for an education, and for the rights to pursue my own happiness. I am eternally grateful for this shift in my own truth.
So, on this, the 10th anniversary, I sit and remember the moment my world changed. I will never forgot the call I received from my roommate exclaiming that classes at UM were canceled because we were being attacked, I will never forget the fighter jets circling Ann Arbor for days, I will never forget the fear that this could happen again, and maybe this time closer to home.
Today, I lift up those who lost their lives on September 11th, and the loved ones they left behind. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
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