Amazing Evening

Last night was a first for me.  Laura drove, Sarah and I to the airport, so we could welcome home the Cannon Family.  They have been in the Ukraine adopting a beautiful, little girl named Dariya.  They rescued her from a orphanage where she has been since she was born, simply because she has Down syndrome and her parents didn't have the resources they needed to care for her. 

See, children in other countries, with down syndrome or other birth defects, don't receive the same kind of care or acceptance as they do here in the US.  Many are abandoned, taken from parents or killed.  Those that make it to orphanages often spend hours in cribs, are malnourished, they don't get held or spoken too.  When they turn six they are sent to live out the remainder of there lives in adult mental institutions.  The majority don't survive the first year.  They die alone, not ever having had the chance to know what it feels like to be loved, to be held, to feel safe and secure, having had enough to eat, to laugh, love, and what it is like to belong to a family.  To always know someone is there for them and will love them and help them attain their goals.  You can help make a difference in a child's life.  You don't have to adopt, you can just support a family or child.  Take a few moments to visit Reece's Rainbow,  http://reecesrainbow.org/, and learn how you can help.  Trust me, it will make you feel good.

Dariya no longer has to worry about these things.  She has a wonderful family to call her own and a great big support system here in Kansas City to help her become whatever she wants.  Even though she was very tired from the 24 hours of travel you could see in her actions she was starting to feel secure with her new mommy, Rochelle.  She would hold on to her, look around and lay her head back on her shoulder.  She has the most beautiful, big blue eyes, they are filled with curiosity and wonder.  I can't wait to see her in a month or two and see the change in her.  I bet we can see it in a few weeks.  I  was so nervous yesterday, waiting for the time to come and we could head to the airport.  I believe the 30 or so of us there last night witnessed a miracle.  A miracle that is really just beginning and I am so thankful to be a part of it.

I will admit that I was a little jealous, because I really want my baby girl, Clare, home.  But I know that everything is in God's time and my time will come.  It won't be when I want it, but it will come.  If I had my way, I would already have Clare here.  I reminded myself of this as we waited for Jason, Rochelle and Dariya to arrive and just enjoyed their moment.  Many tears of joy were shed last night.  It truly was a beautiful evening.  I really look forward to doing it again.  I hope others will follow the Cannon's lead and help an orphan in need.

GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!

May God continue to bless the Cannon Family!!

Welcome to your forever family, Dariya!!

Suzanne