This is Margarita:
And this is Katerina:


Aren't they beautiful? These two little girls were available for adoption on the Reece's Rainbow website in the country where Simon lives. They waited for a family until they were of the age (4) when they were transferred to a mental institution to live until they died or are sent to an adult asylum. At that institution, they received very, very little care, and were forced to lie in bed 100% of their lives, even if they were able to walk or crawl around. My son Nikolai lived in one of these places, and my son Reese was due to be transferred to one immediately if I hadn't've adopted him when he just had turned 4. These places are REAL, and are where all children with any disability at all go. They are filled with hopelessness and death.

Very recently, both Katerina and Margarita died from the flu. They died alone and in a horrid place. Did anyone love them? Did anyone ever show any kindness to them? I don't know. I kind of doubt it.

Simon is in that situation right now. At almost 4 1/2, he is over-due to be transferred to one of these institutions where he'll probably live about a year, if he's lucky. It is by God's good grace that he hasn't been transferred yet. Because Mark and I have committed to him, there is an excellent chance that the orphanage director will hold on to him until we come for him.

I've adopted 3 times. Each time, there was doubt raised by family that maybe I couldn't handle a child with issues, after all, kids adopted from Eastern Europe have behavioral issues. Yes, they do. But it is not all about that - it is about providing love and hope and a life with Christ and it is about enjoying a family! Everyone wins!

I had considered adopting these two little girls at one time, but I just didn't feel led to do it. Would they have lived had I pursued them? No, probably not. They would have been waiting for me when they got the flu and it wouldn't have mattered. But Simon is still there in his baby house, waiting, not knowing how much Mark and I love him. We do feel called to be his parents and we trust that the Lord will help us to get him and to raise him, and if we feel led to adopt a second, then so be it.

While Katerina and Margarita are basking in the warmth and love of Jesus right now, we know that they died alone and in misery and their lives were filled with sorrow. That makes me sad until I think of Jesus telling them of all of the ladies who are a part of Reece's Rainbow who loved them and talked about them and wished for them. They were loved!

I can't wait until we can bring Simon home. I am more anxious than ever to get him home. Please pray for his health and safety until we can get there, and for all of the other kids waiting, waiting...