Sofia was an orphan with Down syndrome in Eastern Europe and now has a forever family. Join us on our adoption journey and thank you for helping us bring her home!
I just wanted to tell you that we are a family here at Reece's Rainbow, and we all support you. I know that there are people out there that say nasty things, but they truly have no clue. What you are doing for your beautiful Sofia is wonderful. We have five children and three adopted sons. Our two youngest have DS. We also have a angel in Heaven-Carmen Isabella-that was born with DS and an Unbalanced AV Canal. Carmen died after open heart surgery. We are now in the process of adopting Yana from Russia. Surround yourself with those that love you and understand. We will always be there to cheer you on and support little Sofia :)
Jennifer....this was beautiful! I hope through this other families out there learn about Reece's Rainbow and the many, many children needing homes so they will not be destined to a very grim future. It makes me cry inside just thinking about it...I wish them all homes and so glad Sofia has such an amazing home and family waiting for her.
I have been following your blog. We are looking into adopting through RR, but are concerned about the costs. The boy we are burdened about is facing an institution soon- so not alot of time for fundraising. Any thoughts or wisdom would be great. Even coming up with the funds for homestudy is a stretch, not to mention everything else, yet a little life is at stake. I would love some advice. My email is: browning.onehappyfamily@gmail.com we are praying for Sofia and your flight situation.
I am so proud of your dedication and love for Sophia. Sometimes I think God makes things that are really the most important very difficult so we realize how special and how lucky we really are. When things come easy we can take them for granted sometimes later. When it takes extra work or extra love for something, we have a harder time forgetting and appreciating what we have been given. We get the opportunity to understand how lucky we are. We get to understand that we are stronger than we think we are and understand the great magnitude within ourselves and those we love. When we work hard for something we never second guess ourselves and we become more grateful for every little thing even if it comes with a challenge. I think all of these obstacles you are experiencing are part of God's plan to prepare your family for the very special angel he is entrusting in your care. Also, Sophia's story and life is touching many people through you and God has intended that. If it wasn't as difficult it might not have pulled on so many heartstrings of others. I believe this is all part of the plan. Sophia has a special mission here on this earth to touch many lives through you and you are God's tool for her. So don't be discouraged, each hurtle makes us stronger. You and your family have many people backing you with support and love and you are on a special journey to greatness. Your courage to follow your heart and listen to the promptings that you have been given will reap you many eternal Godly blessings. I admire your selflessness, your dedication to make this world a better place for people with down syndrome (who I believe are some of God's most treasured and perfect gifts bestowed on humankind). I have a 3 year old daughter with DS. Children with DS give love, joy, compassion, and give us an understanding of what's most important in this life. They teach us to work hard, that people matter most, and overall quietly change us and teach us Christlike characteristics like comfort those that stand in need of comfort, be non-judgmental, have faith, and so much more. People with DS are a great gift to families and society, they remind us to celebrate & enjoy life, be grateful for what we do have, and that material wealth is not what is most important. We'll be praying for you, that God will provide for your whole family including Sweet Sophia.
Wow. Those negative comments from random folk don't even deserve acknowledgement. Their opinions are born out of ignorance; let God enlighten them. What you are doing is DIVINE. Here's a thought... I wonder how many of those folks on their soap box advocating for domestic adoption... how many of them have adopted an orphan into their hearts and home? I would bet NONE. No way do they know what they are talking about. God Bless You all. Can't wait to see what happens next in your story... it is a WONDERFUL story.
WOW! I read your story on the News10 website and followed the link to your page. "All I can say is.....wow!" pretty much sums it up. You and your family are saving a child. It doesn't matter if she is from the USA or from Mars. She is a beautiful little baby who needs love and a family. That is the only thing that matters. You and your family and little Sofia are in my prayers. I wish you safe travels and will eagerly look for updates throughout this wonderful and amazing journey.
I saw the story this morning just before I saw your post that you are on your way. Good luck! I also read the posts at News 10 and think by far you have more supporters than those who have posted out of ignorance and prejudice. I wonder if the Star Belly Sneetches (Dr. Seuss?) didn't resonate with others the way the story always has with me. Whether your belly has stars or not (American/Ukrain or DS/or not)we are all people! You and your family obviously have much more love to give than some others! Bring that baby girl home!
I am so happy your story go ton the news, wow! I thought when you said check out the comments they would be so nice so wonderful so loving. Ugh. Why was I even surprised? I am so sick of the whole take care of your own first.
Our adoption to Russia of a deaf blind child just failed. We are trying to adopt and we want a child with down syndrome, preferably a boy. I just pray that we can find a good agency this time, good program and not go thru the hell we went through.
We once again looked into foster to adopt and there are too many families and not really enough kids. Even special needs! Half of the children I looked at to "adopt" in US were not legally free to adopt.
Screw the naysayers! God asks us to take care of His children. It says in the Bible What ever you have done to the least of these you have done unto me. God is the only one we need to please. I wish you and your family the best. I will hold you up in our prayers.
I am so happy your story go ton the news, wow! I thought when you said check out the comments they would be so nice so wonderful so loving. Ugh. Why was I even surprised? I am so sick of the whole take care of your own first.
Our adoption to Russia of a deaf blind child just failed. We are trying to adopt and we want a child with down syndrome, preferably a boy. I just pray that we can find a good agency this time, good program and not go thru the hell we went through.
We once again looked into foster to adopt and there are too many families and not really enough kids. Even special needs! Half of the children I looked at to "adopt" in US were not legally free to adopt.
Screw the naysayers! God asks us to take care of His children. It says in the Bible What ever you have done to the least of these you have done unto me. God is the only one we need to please. I wish you and your family the best. I will hold you up in our prayers.
Hector and Jennifer have been married for over 8 years and have three beautiful biological sons: Diego (age 7), Mateo (age 5) and Joaquin (age 2 with Down syndrome). They thought their family was complete but always longed for a daughter. In December of 2009, Jennifer discovered Sofia at Reece's Rainbow during the Christmas Angel Tree Project. She sponsored her and instantly fell in love. She thought that Sofia would be the perfect addition to her family of boys. After much thought and prayer, Hector agreed to move forward on Jennifer's dream and together the family decided to pursue adopting Sofia. They finally brought her home in June 2010 and the boys have their baby sister now. Joaquin and Sofia are almost exactly one year apart so they will be BEST BUDDIES!
The picture that caught our eye on Reece's Rainbow. Born February 21st, 2009. Adopted on May 6th, 2010. Home on June 15th, 2010. She has blonde hair and beautiful almond shaped hazel eyes and rosebud lips!
Her Big Brothers
Diego, Mateo & Joaquin LOVE their new baby sister!
12-13-09- Grandma Esther passed away. Discovered Sofia at www.reecesrainbow.com and decided to donate to her grant fund in honor of Grandma and the Christmas Angel Tree Project. Couldn't get her off my mind.
1-1-10- Received Sofia's Christmas Angel Tree ornament and put it on our Christmas Tree. Still constantly thinking about her.
1-24-10- Hector and I decided to commit to adopting Sofia. Contacted Andrea at Reece's Rainbow.
1-25-10- Contacted Across the World Adoptions to begin the Home Study.
1-26-10- Sent our application to Reece's Rainbow and sent a check for the FSP Donation, Love Offering and Promise Trust.
1-28-10- Faxed Home Study Application and Agreement. Mailed hard copy.
1-29-10- Hector's fingerprints completed for FBI and DOJ/Child Abuse. Completed the required 10 hours of International Adoption education credits.
1-31-10- Mailed USCIS our I-600A application and fees.
2-1-10- Employment verifications completed for Home Study. School evaluations completed on Diego and Mateo. Received dossier paperwork from Reece's Rainbow.
2-4-10- Assigned a social worker for our Home Study at Across the World Adoptions. Had over 15 documents notarized.
2-5-10- Hector's physical completed. Vaccines administered. Child Specific Petition and Power of Attorney's notarized and ready for apostille.
2-8-10- CSP and POA's apostilled and shipped to Sofia's home country! First home study visit is scheduled for 2/15.
2-10-10- ALL paperwork completed for Home Study! YEAH! Working on gathering the rest of the dossier paperwork.
2-15-10- 1st Home Study Visit completed.
2-16-10- 2nd Home Study Visit completed.
2-22-10- Received our I-797C Notice of Action for our Orphan Petition.
2-25-10- State Police clearance fingerprinting done. Apostilled 20 documents at Secretary of State office.
3-1-10- Final revisions completed on Home Study.
3-2-10- Jennifer fingerprinted a third time for USCIS. Hector's police clearance letter received.
3-3-10- Hector fingerprinted a third time for USCIS.
3-4-10- Home Study, Agency License and Social Worker Licence notarized and mailed to us today.
3-11-10- USCIS Approval!
3-12-10- Dossier shipped out to Sofia's home country!
3-15-10- Dossier arrived in Sofia's home country!
3-25-10- Dossier officially submitted. Approximately 10 day wait to get travel date!
4-6-10- Received our SDA appointment for 4/22 at 9am! Booked our plane tickets for 4/19 arriving on 4/20.
4-14-10- Volcano erupts in Iceland causing flights to be grounded throughout Europe!
4-19-10- Flight is cancelled. No alternative routes are available. Requested new SDA appointment.
4-20-10- Got a last minute flight to Kiev through Vienna, Austria.
4-21-10- Arrived in Kiev, Ukraine!
4-22-10- Completed SDA appointment at 9am. Received referral at 6pm. Hopped on a midnight train to Dnep.
4-23-10-Arrived in Dnep at 7am and ran around Dnep for 11 hours today with our facilitator Marina gathering papers and getting notaries. Met Sofia!
4-26-10-Took Sofia out of the orphanage to get her picture taken for Visa immigration, US Embassy and the SDA. 7 day wait begins for court date.
4-27-10-Prosecutor says our documents are complete and ready for the judge and court proceedings.
4-29-10-Still waiting for interpol clearance so court date is set for 5/13.
4-30-10-Interpol clearance arrives. Court date moved to 5/6!
5-6-10- Court completed and Sofia Andrea Sanchez is officially adopted! 10 day wait begins.
5-16-10- Return trip is set for 6/6 and we'll arrive in Dnep on 6/8 to begin the process of bringing Sofia home, hopefully on or before 6/17.
6-8-10- Arrived in Sofia's region and completed all necessary paperwork for her new birth certificate and for her Ukraine passport.
6-10-10-GOTCHA day! Took Sofia out of the orphanage and home to our apartment.
6-11-10- Got Sofia's Ukrainian Passport and took overnight train back to Kiev. Changed return flight home to 6/15.
6-14-10- Got Sofia's Visa at the U.S. Embassy.
6-15-10- Going HOME!
6-16-10-Applied for Sofia's Social Security Card.
7-15-10- Received Sofia's official certificate of U.S. Citizenship in the mail.
Great story! Nicely done. Praying you can go soon!
ReplyDeleteGretchen
I just wanted to tell you that we are a family here at Reece's Rainbow, and we all support you. I know that there are people out there that say nasty things, but they truly have no clue. What you are doing for your beautiful Sofia is wonderful. We have five children and three adopted sons. Our two youngest have DS. We also have a angel in Heaven-Carmen Isabella-that was born with DS and an Unbalanced AV Canal. Carmen died after open heart surgery. We are now in the process of adopting Yana from Russia. Surround yourself with those that love you and understand. We will always be there to cheer you on and support little Sofia :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer....this was beautiful! I hope through this other families out there learn about Reece's Rainbow and the many, many children needing homes so they will not be destined to a very grim future. It makes me cry inside just thinking about it...I wish them all homes and so glad Sofia has such an amazing home and family waiting for her.
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog. We are looking into adopting through RR, but are concerned about the costs. The boy we are burdened about is facing an institution soon- so not alot of time for fundraising. Any thoughts or wisdom would be great. Even coming up with the funds for homestudy is a stretch, not to mention everything else, yet a little life is at stake. I would love some advice. My email is: browning.onehappyfamily@gmail.com
ReplyDeletewe are praying for Sofia and your flight situation.
I am so proud of your dedication and love for Sophia. Sometimes I think God makes things that are really the most important very difficult so we realize how special and how lucky we really are. When things come easy we can take them for granted sometimes later. When it takes extra work or extra love for something, we have a harder time forgetting and appreciating what we have been given. We get the opportunity to understand how lucky we are. We get to understand that we are stronger than we think we are and understand the great magnitude within ourselves and those we love. When we work hard for something we never second guess ourselves and we become more grateful for every little thing even if it comes with a challenge. I think all of these obstacles you are experiencing are part of God's plan to prepare your family for the very special angel he is entrusting in your care. Also, Sophia's story and life is touching many people through you and God has intended that. If it wasn't as difficult it might not have pulled on so many heartstrings of others. I believe this is all part of the plan. Sophia has a special mission here on this earth to touch many lives through you and you are God's tool for her. So don't be discouraged, each hurtle makes us stronger. You and your family have many people backing you with support and love and you are on a special journey to greatness. Your courage to follow your heart and listen to the promptings that you have been given will reap you many eternal Godly blessings. I admire your selflessness, your dedication to make this world a better place for people with down syndrome (who I believe are some of God's most treasured and perfect gifts bestowed on humankind). I have a 3 year old daughter with DS. Children with DS give love, joy, compassion, and give us an understanding of what's most important in this life. They teach us to work hard, that people matter most, and overall quietly change us and teach us Christlike characteristics like comfort those that stand in need of comfort, be non-judgmental, have faith, and so much more. People with DS are a great gift to families and society, they remind us to celebrate & enjoy life, be grateful for what we do have, and that material wealth is not what is most important. We'll be praying for you, that God will provide for your whole family including Sweet Sophia.
ReplyDeleteWow. Those negative comments from random folk don't even deserve acknowledgement. Their opinions are born out of ignorance; let God enlighten them. What you are doing is DIVINE. Here's a thought... I wonder how many of those folks on their soap box advocating for domestic adoption... how many of them have adopted an orphan into their hearts and home? I would bet NONE. No way do they know what they are talking about. God Bless You all. Can't wait to see what happens next in your story... it is a WONDERFUL story.
ReplyDeleteWOW! I read your story on the News10 website and followed the link to your page.
ReplyDelete"All I can say is.....wow!" pretty much sums it up.
You and your family are saving a child. It doesn't matter if she is from the USA or from Mars. She is a beautiful little baby who needs love and a family. That is the only thing that matters.
You and your family and little Sofia are in my prayers. I wish you safe travels and will eagerly look for updates throughout this wonderful and amazing journey.
I saw the story this morning just before I saw your post that you are on your way. Good luck! I also read the posts at News 10 and think by far you have more supporters than those who have posted out of ignorance and prejudice. I wonder if the Star Belly Sneetches (Dr. Seuss?) didn't resonate with others the way the story always has with me. Whether your belly has stars or not (American/Ukrain or DS/or not)we are all people! You and your family obviously have much more love to give than some others! Bring that baby girl home!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy your story go ton the news, wow! I thought when you said check out the comments they would be so nice so wonderful so loving. Ugh. Why was I even surprised? I am so sick of the whole take care of your own first.
ReplyDeleteOur adoption to Russia of a deaf blind child just failed. We are trying to adopt and we want a child with down syndrome, preferably a boy. I just pray that we can find a good agency this time, good program and not go thru the hell we went through.
We once again looked into foster to adopt and there are too many families and not really enough kids. Even special needs! Half of the children I looked at to "adopt" in US were not legally free to adopt.
Screw the naysayers! God asks us to take care of His children. It says in the Bible What ever you have done to the least of these you have done unto me. God is the only one we need to please. I wish you and your family the best. I will hold you up in our prayers.
Be blessed
I am so happy your story go ton the news, wow! I thought when you said check out the comments they would be so nice so wonderful so loving. Ugh. Why was I even surprised? I am so sick of the whole take care of your own first.
ReplyDeleteOur adoption to Russia of a deaf blind child just failed. We are trying to adopt and we want a child with down syndrome, preferably a boy. I just pray that we can find a good agency this time, good program and not go thru the hell we went through.
We once again looked into foster to adopt and there are too many families and not really enough kids. Even special needs! Half of the children I looked at to "adopt" in US were not legally free to adopt.
Screw the naysayers! God asks us to take care of His children. It says in the Bible What ever you have done to the least of these you have done unto me. God is the only one we need to please. I wish you and your family the best. I will hold you up in our prayers.
Be blessed