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.

Adoption Party

We had the 2nd adoption celebration party for Maria this weekend.  The first party was at the beginning of August in the Chicago area.  This party was at my parents' home.  It was a beautiful day and many people were able to come and meet Maria.  Maria was a little overwhelmed with all the attention, but she did enjoy all the gifts...people were extremely generous.  My aunt and uncle from St. Louis came up for the party, which was wonderful to see them.  My mom's cousin (Jim) and his wife from northern Iowa also came down....they hadn't been down for several years so it was great to see them.   Jim is such an amazing guy....who understands adoption, because he is adopted.  Jim's mom couldn't have children because of a genetic disorder than she had....she loved Jim completely and never saw him as anything but her son.  Jim and I talked quite a bit at the party.  I was telling him about Maria and the orphanage.  I looked over at him and had to tell him how much I wish his mom could have been there with us to meet Maria.  He nodded and we both teared up.  Aunt Evelyn was such an amazing woman.  She passed away just over 6 years ago.  I know she is looking down and smiling at us all. 

It was just wonderful to see everyone embrace Maria.  Friends and family who have waited so long to meet this girl and see the spark in her eyes and joy in her smile.

Getting ready for guests to arrive

A little Ipad time....my dad talking with our old neighbor and family friend

More people!  She wasn't quite sure what to think at times.

My co-worker (and fellow adoptive mom) Pat with Maria.  Pat has been one of my big cheerleaders over the process...she couldn't wait to meet Maria.

We ended up having a family dinner after everyone left.  My dad, cousin Gary and  Shilo (dog) after dinner....right after I shot this, Shilo thought she should get up on the table!

Maria with my grandmother....I have been so amazed at how much my grandparents have embraced Maria and have such love for her already.  She is one happy kid!