Some Q & A

Ok, I have been getting lots of questions about Zack and even a few about Maria.

Q: Why does Zack only have 6 weeks left?
A:  Each Bulgarian agency or NGO only can have a certain amount of Waiting Child files at one time and only for a specified amount of time.  Once the time is up, if a family hasn't asked for the child to be placed on hold for their family then the file needs to go back to the MOJ (Ministry of Justice) and another NGO can request the file.
Q:  What is Zack's self care like?
A:  I honestly do not know, but I have emailed his current director asking.
Q: What is Zack's mobility?
A:  I know Zack can sit and move about/play on the floor.  I have been told that he did walk some at one time.
Q: Can Zack talk?
A:  Yes, he can and he can be quite chatty when he is comfortable with someone.
Q:  He looks really small for his age
A:  It is not uncommon for kids from Bulgaria to be smaller in stature or thinner.  I do believe that his appearance may also have something to do with his CP.  I do know he eats very well and have seen him eat a little in person.
Q: What is the foundation?
A:  The foundation is actually founded by a well known Bulgarian family to help children with orthopedic needs within Bulgaria.  They are not actually located in Bulgaria and Doctor Bruno and the technicians visit the children every few months.  We Skype with one of the founders weekly and have spoken with Doctor Bruno.  By the way how many international adoptive parents can say that have spoken with their child's surgeon....I have, he is AMAZING!

I'm sure there are many other questions.  Feel free to ask them.  Right now I'm not sharing specific names or locations.  As many know the world of international adoption can be very difficult.....little things can cause issues in the children's birth country.  I will share that information specifically with whatever family commits to adopting Zack.

Update on Zack

I have gotten a lot of questions about Zack.  Here is what I know....right now Shelley is getting lots of interest in him.  So far there have been 3-4 families who have shown a strong interest in him, but no one has been able to completely commit.  Which is completely understandable.  Adoption does cost a lot of money and coming up with the initial fees can take some time.  I do know one family is located about 3 hours away from where we are and then there is another family about 5 hours away, but in an area where we visit frequently. 

We are still praying that God moves mountains and that the right family is able to commit to Zack very soon.  I do know that overall Zack is in good health.  I do know that he is currently in need of a new wheelchair, which the foundation from Switzerland is working on making for him.  Someone from the foundation should be traveling to see him in a few weeks.  Hopefully I will get another update when that happens.  From what Maria has told me his favorite school subject is Math, he does not like milk, but does like chocolate.  He likes music, legos and cars.  Zack was very interested in hearing stories and seeing pictures of my cats while Maria was still at the orphanage.  Zack very much wants a family, so please keep praying for him and telling his story to others....his adoption account keeps growing and I know this will help his family bring him home.  I cannot wait for that day!

Also, there are other children at the same orphanage who are waiting children.  I know the foundation works with about 60-90 children in this city alone.  Not all are able to be adopted, but I do know the foundation wants the best for the children as does the agencies involved.  If you are interested in finding out about some of Maria and Zack's other friends please feel free to email me at socialkat78@yahoo.com

Completely humbled

So, a little over a week ago I was contacted by Adeye about Zack.  She had the pleasure of getting to meet him while in country meeting the children her family is adopting.  She was very moved by meeting Zack and wanted to write a post about him (you can read it here).  I waited in anticipation for her to post....I knew that EVERY child she has advocated for has found a family.  I had great hope that her post would bring Zack to many people's attention and help find him a family.

This morning as Maria and I were getting ready to leave for school and work, I got a text from a good friend recently home from the Ukraine, Kristen.  She had seen Adeye's post and wanted to make sure I knew.  I also had an email from Shelley telling me that the post was up.  Shortly after dropping Maria off at school, I got my first chance to read Adeye's blog post....she has such a way with words, it brought tears to my eyes.  She met Zack...she saw his tears first hand with her new friend Susan.  Knowing that their hearts were touched by Zack is wonderful because he now has two more mom's in his corner fighting for him.  As the day went on, I kept checking in on Zack's RR account....Slowly it started to grow...from $1300 to $3408 (in case you were wondering it has jumped since the last time I checked it out).  On top of that people are making inquires about Zack!  I am so humbled by how much Zack and Maria's story has touched people.  We are hoping and praying that his family finds him soon.  We would love it if this family was close to where we live, but even if they aren't we will do whatever we can to make sure Zack and Maria are reconnected again. 

I finally took some pictures of the pictures Maria's orphanage gave me....please forgive me if the quality isn't the best....I think you will see for yourself these 2 kids and the love they had for each other and that their caretakers did have for them too.

The youngest picture I have of Maria around 3 years old

A party at the doma...Maria and Zack

Look how little Zack looks....I would guess they are about 4-5 years old here.

Ok, I know Zack is barely in this picture....but look at that face!

The kids were taken to the Black Sea as a special treat.

Zack and Maria, right after Maria's last surgeries.

Not sure who's dress Maria is wear....obviously it doesn't fit right, but she does love being a princess....I'm reminded almost daily that she doesn't have a crown.  Zach and J are in the picture with her.

I do like this photo, it is just missing S....the four kids who were super close at the orphanage and all the same age.

Zack and Maria cuddling with a staff member

I'm pretty sure this was taken right after my first visit.

I know this would have been on the last day I visited b/c of what Maria is wearing.

They really were the little prince and princess of the orphanage

Love Zack's smile...he is sitting here with the amazing PT and Santa of course.

Yes, they did have some Christmas decorations out for the kids.

I'm not sure what Maria was doing in this picture....I'm sure she was on cloud 9 since I had just been visiting and she got her ultimate Christmas wish....a family.

Maria showing off the gift she got.

This was taken sometime between trips....the kids planted the little tree with Maria's English teacher.  We have stayed in contact with this English teacher....she is great and very kind.

I do have more pictures, but the camera died....I will obviously make copies of any pictures I have for Zack's forever family.  I know how precious those pictures are while in the process.  Thanks to everyone who has been touched by these two friends and is wanting to help Zack find his family. 

And the WINNERS are......

First I want to thank everyone who helped spread Zack's story and who donated to his account.  By the time the fundraiser ended his account was at $1300!  How I got the winners....everyone was assigned numbers and then I went to random.com and used their random generator to draw the numbers....I had already placed the prizes in the order they will be listed below.
Ok, so what you really want to know....the winners:

1. $100 Amazon gift card from Valerie- Raina
2. $25 gift card from Viviane- Raina
3.Custom Photo- Dora Beth
4. Hand knitted sock- Raina
5. 4 Letter Christmas Ornaments*- Susan
6. 4 Letter Christmas Ornaments*- Denise
7. Headband- Susan
8. Headband- Denise
9. Love canvases with buttons- Viviane
10. Wooden Love- Madeleine
11. Coasters- Dora Beth (2 sets)
12. Coasters- Raina (2 sets)
13. Coasters- Susan
14. Bracelet- Susan (2)
15. Bracelet- Dora Beth
16. Fall wall hanging- Dora Beth
17. Snow wall hanging- Susan
18. Bandana dress*- Denise
19. Bandana dress*- Susan (2)
20. Bandana dress*-Vivian
21. Bandana dress*- Lori
22. Winter soup (Made by Viviane)- Susan
23. Winter soup (Made by Viviane)- Julie
24. Winter soup (Made by Viviane)- Amie
25. Winter soup (Made by Viviane)- Dora Beth
26. Halloween S'mores- Susan
27. Halloween S'mores- Raina
28. $25 Toys R Us card- Denise
29. $25 Starbucks card- Raina

Okay, please email me your address at socialkat78@yahoo.com so that I can get things out to you.  If your prize has a * by it, that means we need to discuss your custom made prize (ornaments, what letters and colors; bandana dresses what color). 
Again a big THANK YOU to everyone who helped!

Ugh

Sorry for the delay of winners.  We were at the University hospital seeing specialist all day long!  I had hoped we would be home by 5 to get it done, but we didn't.  Will get it done soon!  Thanks to all who helped spread the word and contributed.

Last Day of the Fundraiser

Tomorrow is the last day of the fundraiser for Zack!  We will draw names Monday afternoon.  I'm so grateful for everyone who has shared Zack and Maria's story on their blogs, Facebook and with friends.  I have been floored by the generosity that others have shown this little boy who is waiting for his forever family to find him.  I cannot express the emotions and joy I had when I read Susan's comment and the donation she gave.  Now Zack's fund is $1287.40!  I would love to see it be $1300 by the time the fundraiser ends.  Again thank you for showing such an interest in Zack!

Maria's crutches

From pictures you have seen, you may have noticed that Maria uses crutches.  Her crutches although were very good, were not appropriate for her.  The main reason is that the axillary crutches are not meant for long term use.  I found out that the main artery that supplies blood to the are goes where you armpit is....so, you can just imagine what walking on these would be like all the time.

Maria's axillary crutches

 When we went to Shriner's I was told what kind of forearm crutches to get for her.  It was one of the few positives from the experiences...it wasn't the right fit for us.  Anyway....I ended up ordering the forearm crutches in the color of Maria's choice and they came a little over a week ago.

Here is Maria the first day (actually the first hour) on the forearm crutches.

The 3 above videos are from this morning as we were going into church.  As you can see the girl got the hang of things rather quickly.  She hasn't even had any official PT training on them.  She is getting faster and she is a lot quieter....now she can start sneaking up on people!  She is doing great!

Oh, and in case you are wondering she hasn't used her old crutches since the new ones came!

Fundraiser 1 week left!

One more week for the fundraiser and thus far Zack's account has over $500 in it!  Great news for a very special little boy.  Now if only a family will step forward to claim his as their own.

Also had a friend agree to donate a $100 Amazon card as a prize. 

Zack's fund

Zack's fund is now over $500! 

What can happen in 2 months

It has been over 2 months since I that day in June when I picked up a weeping Maria up from the orphanage.  Over 2 months since I saw a weeping tear streaked face of Zack as he saw his best friend leave without him, as he was forced to leave the only home and family he ever knew.  A lot can happen in 2 months.

Gotcha Day...slowly opening up after leaving the only home she knew and her best friend

Not really smiling...

First full day together

Day 3....that personality is coming out!

On the last flight home....look at that beaming smile!!

2nd full day home

Making cookies for the first time

At the zoo....I think I have about 20 of these up-close cheesy smile photos

Figuring out that the world is full of opportunities and possibilities

New accomplishments all the time!

Playing in the rain!

Trying new things

But all the while Zack has been on our minds and hearts.  Wondering how he is doing.  We know he is in basically a good place, but that it took a while for him to open up when he was visited by the foundation.  In 2 months this is  what has happened to Zack....

Zack a few years ago...smiling while going into a pool

Look at that smile!

Posing with Manuela

Just from this past March

Look at how happy he was

Zack from a few weeks ago...notice the stuffed animal.  That was a gift from Manuela to Zack from Maria.  Now he is keeping it with him.

So very hard to see this bright little boy this sad.

I wish you could see the spark in his eyes that I saw in December when I met him.

2 Months....not that long for Maria to accomplish and try so much.  For her to thrive in a family that loves her.  For her to realize the world is open to so many opportunities, that she will NOT be held back by her disability. 
2 Months....for Zack it has been very hard.  Missing his best friend, who was like a sister to him.  No longer having his caretakers there by his side to help him through his grief.  Being the new kid without a loving family to help him through each step.  My heart broke when I saw these pictures and heard that the NGO didn't send the first few videos because in them Zack was crying out for Maria....it was heartbreaking for all the adults involved and who are invested in this little boy.  Please help him find his forever family! 

I am waiting for that day when I can finally tell Maria the good news that Zack is wanted....a family is preparing for him and she will see him again!

Photos from the past

 So, about 4 years ago Maria had to have surgery so that she could continue to walk.  I'm going to share some photos I have of this time.  I think you will see what I did...a loving orphanage staff who truly cares about the kids in their care.  You will also get to see some of the very sweet relationship that Maria and Zack have with each other.

Maria right after surgery.  She looks so small and young to me here.

Maria returning to the orphanage...look at those balloons!  The man beside her is the director of the orphanage.

Yes, Zack has been taught well, you give girls flowers!

Welcoming group to meet Maria back at the orphanage.

Maria in the room she and Zack shared.  Yes, I know seems a little strange for kids that age to share a room, but this is not like being in a family.

She has the best smile!  Wait till you get to see Zack's smile in person, it is just as bright!

Forgot

Ugh!  I totally forgot that I also have a pair of hand knitted socks that I knitted that are being included in the give away for Zack.

Fundraiser/Give away for Z!

Ok, so I have talked a lot about Maria's best friend at the orphanage "Z".  He is officially up on Reece's Rainbow and under the name "Zack", not his real name.  You can see his page here.

Maria and "Zach" about 4 years ago.

Yes, these two friends were very close and their story has touched many people.  My friend Vivian has been kind enough to make some fun entries for "Zack's" give away.  Shelley and Toni have done a lot of work to get "Zack's" file and give him the chance to find a forever family.  We all are very invested in having these two friends see each other again.

Ok, so here are the details....Below are pictures or descriptions of the items that you could win.  I'm going to have the fundraiser/give away going for 2 weeks (ending on 9/23/12).  Names will be randomly drawn the evening of the 23rd.  So, I'm sure you want to know how to enter to win...
1. Donate money to Zack's account (you can do this through the RR site or the chip in button on this blog).
2.  Help spread the word about Zack and the fundraiser (on your blog, twitter, FB, etc).

For every $5 donated you will get 1 entry.
For mentioning the fundraiser for Zack on your blog/twitter or FB you will get 1 entry.

If you are donating or spreading the word make sure you leave a comment on my blog so I can make sure I know who I need to include in the drawing.

Ok, you have waited long enough...

These are fun Christmas ornaments.  There will be 2 winners and they can each choose 4 letters to be made into ornaments and also choose the color(s) they want.

T-shirt headbands!  2 winners (each will get 1 headband).

Fabric covered canvases with buttons sewn on spelling out LOVE.  (1 winner)

Wood letters spelling out LOVE (1 winner)

Ceramic tile coasters (5 winners 4 coasters per winner)

Bead and cord bracelets (3 winners, 1 bracelet per winner)

FALL wall hanging- picture doesn't do it justice (1 winner)

SNOW wall hanging (1 winner)

Bandana shirt/dress for girls (5 winners, 1 dress per winner, winner can choose color)

Yummy soup for cold fall and winter days (4 winners, 1 bag per winner)

Jar of S'mores (2 winners, 1 jar per winner)

I also have 1 $25 gift card for Toys R Us (1 winner)  and 1 $25 gift card for Starbucks (1 winner).

A friend has also donated one of her customized nature photographs...will post it soon for you to see.

Please help Zack!  He is an amazing little boy who really needs a family.