Saturday, September 26, 2009

Little Miss Zoya

Shawn and I have some exciting news! We have committed to adopt a little girl with Down Syndrome! Crazy? You might think so, but we don't! Just a year ago, we would have never believed, ourselves, that we would be embarking on this journey.  This decision has been made with a lot of prayer, reflection, and listening to our hearts.  Those of you that know us know our love and passion for children with special needs. We initially began looking into domestic adoption of a child with Down Syndrome and learned some grim facts.  First off, on a positive note, there is a waiting list in the US of over 250 families wanting to adopt a child with Down Syndrome!  The sad statistic is, there aren't many children with DS in the US who are available to adopt since 92% of these "would be" children with DS are aborted after the prenatal diagnosis. 

We then found Reece's Rainbow website (http://www.reecesrainbow.com/) .....and.....our.....life.... changed! Our eyes were opened to a world we never knew existed! Hundreds and hundreds of children with Down Syndrome (and other special needs) are left in orphanages across the world because there is no chance for them to live a valued life in their own country.  No medical care, no therapies, no place in their society.  Many of these children, when they turn four, are transferred to institutions, where the majority of them die within the first year due to lack of care, nutrition, and attention.  Once God opened our eyes, we could not turn back.

We found Zoya's picture and felt an instant connection.  (We aren't sure if we will keep her name or change it yet).  We will be traveling to Eastern Europe to adopt Zoya.We are so excited and want her here NOW! We know the process is difficult and daunting, but its a small measure to take for the end result! We are hoping, if all goes well, that she will be home 6-7 months from now! Please keep us, and Zoya, in your prayers! We are so happy to have your support!

"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do.  God who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."
-Proverbs 24:12

6 comments:

  1. Hi Sarah,
    I just found your blog and I am so excited for you and Shawn but most of all for Zoya. I am in LOVE with Sofia and I think she is in the same orphanage as Zoya? Orphanage 2 right? I am absolutely ready to adopt Sofia but my husband has not decided yet so I am patiently waiting. Would you mind keeping in contact with me and if you do go and see Sofia, could you get some photos or at least some info on how she is doing? the conditions of the orphanage? My email is jvaranini@yahoo.com and I have a blog as well at www.trisacharm.blogspot.com. I'm so consumed by Sofia that it is hard to do anything else but think of her and pray for her.
    God bless you and your husband. You are amazing and you are in for the gift of a lifetime having Zoya as your child.
    Jen

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  2. Sarah and Shawn,

    Kim shared your news with me about your upcoming adoption. I think you are amazing for what you are doing. The life that you are about to give to Zoya is incredible! Congratulations to you both on becoming parents!

    Patty

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  3. Sarah and Shawn,
    I just found out today about your adoption and I am so happy for you! Zoya is one lucky girl to be sharing her life with the two of you. Remember I am right next door if you need anything! Liz

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  4. Karen (Dudziak) SaccoJanuary 28, 2010 at 1:34 PM

    Sarah and Shawn,
    I just found your page off the Mercyhurst Alumni e-newsletter and I wanted to say that you will continue to be in my prayers! Your stories and blogs just touch my heart, bring tears to my eyes and just joy really that you will (hopefully) soon get to bring your daughter home. My brother has Down Syndrome and not a moment went by that he was not just our brother. He has brought so much joy and happiness to each one of my brothers and sisters and parents. Continued good luck in the process. My prayers are with you guys and I am SO excited for you guys!!! Karen

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  5. Your story is absolutely inspiring! I stumbled upon this story too and immediately thought of you guys. It's amazing how much attention and love there is.
    http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/adopting-a-new-purposeafter-the-clarks-daughter-was-born-with-down-syndrome-they-felt-called-to-parent-more-special-needs-children/2011/10/18/gIQASjwFfO_story.html

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