A world in need of an awakening...

This blog has mainly been about what is going on with OUR family and how OUR process is going. As I looked at the many faces of innocent children that are waiting for their mommy and daddy to come get them I had my reality check. I have been too wrapped up in what is going on with OUR adoption. There are SO many more waiting. There are SO many children laying in a bed alone instead of in a mama or daddy’s arms.

 

 

I know not everyone is called to adopt but everyone is called to do something. You are either going or equipping those who are. If you have ever contemplated adoption- now is the time. These children are suffering and they could care less about your 10 year plan to become perfect parents- which by the way won’t happen. They need a mommy and daddy now. If it’s something you have held in your heart seek the information to show you which direction to go in. There is a direction. It may not be easy and there may be some things to work through but your child is at the end waiting for you and I don’t know of a better motivation. If there are bumps that take a while KEEP PRAYING and MOVING!! Those of us praying for these children are praying for their parents and that is YOU who are desperately trying! God will guide if you start walking. Peter didn’t stay in the boat… he got out and trusted Jesus! TRUST! 

       

    

If you can’t go, equip the parents who can go. If you can help financially- be it a $1 – then help! I promise you your dollar is making a huge impact and God will bless it and increase it because of the heart that you have to give it. Pick a child to bless with your financial help and keep adding to their account as often as you can- no matter how much it is great or small. This is helping lift the financial burden off the parents that come along. Prayers are needed. It’s not an easy road to walk and there is a lot that lies ahead. This doesn’t stop with gotcha day. They need your prayers. Pick a child and pray continuously for them. Be a  prayer warrior!

 

  

Advocate for these helpless INNOCENT children. In a day and age where everything is broadcast across facebook, twitter, emails, texts, newspaper, ect… there is NO excuse for not helping to get the word out. All they need is their parent to see them. All you have to do is share their story giving them the chance to be seen. Be their voice!!

      

 I have had soo many people say that they have lost friends, had nasty grams sent, and were told they were too depressing. WAKE UP! The world is in need of those who will stand up and be the voice while the cowards sleep!! I refuse to be quiet for fear that I might make someone sad by posting a child that is withering away in need of saving. Is it sad? YES! Can we do something about it? YES! There are 163 million orphans in the world and at least 2.3 BILLION Christians. It’s time to rise up and make an impact. There is NO excuse for our complacency. After reading James 1:27 I’m pretty sure it’s spelled out easily  what we are supposed to do. There is no room for gray. It’s clear and if you are a Christian – He’s talking to YOU! 

Real Quick...

I wanted to make a quick post to let everyone know that we we have an auction going on!
When: NOW through the 29th!

CLICK HERE---->  HELP BRING KEEGAN HOME  <------ CLICK HERE

There are a lot of awesome items that are listed and we will continue adding so keep checking back.

Please take a second and watch this video... then VOTE!

We have the easy part- just click to vote. Lets help him!

You can vote as many times as you like...refresh and vote again. My goal is 20 every time I vote! 

Racing for Orphans

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Blessings,
The Gardners

Between us and Keegan

I wanted to take a second and update you all on the progress that is being made. We had our last visit with the social worker today and our homestudy should be completed by the end of the week. PRAISE GOD!! :)
Next...USCIS approval. Please pray with us for a fast approval so that we can quickly get to Keegan.

Okay...on to the nitty gritty...

My personality would rather skip this part of the post than write it. I do not do well asking for help. I would rather find a way to make it happen on my own. I don't have that as an option though...

Better yet...Keegan doesn't have the time!

If there was anyone who could make me throw aside my pride and ask for help it's Keegan. He's an innocent sweet baby who has waited far to long in an orphanage just barely getting his survival needs met. He is the reason I am asking. I want to say again... he IS facing an ADULT MENTAL INSTITUTION in a few short weeks. What does that look like? Well to be frank, a death sentence for child who cannot sit up, roll over, nor hold a bottle. It would mean the fuzzy baby hair on his head would be shaved to prevent lice. His beautiful complexion would very likely become a rash or sores because of unsanitary condition. He would likely be changed once or twice a day. He would be unsupervised in a place full of Adults with mental issues. I think that should suffice to say the urgency is REAL... VERY REAL!! He needs us and that alone is the reason I am asking...begging for help!

We have had several fundraisers and they have been wonderful!!! We have other's planned but it will not be enough without further support. We need $18,000 plus within a few short weeks. This adoption is not moving at a typical pace where we can have fundraisers and take our time planning. We have only been working on this a couple months. Bottom line: It's not about us... it's about Keegan, and his future!!! Please help us get to him!!! Help us hold our son and save him from further pain and damage in his young life. 

If you click HERE you will be taken to Reece's Rainbow's  page that is set up for Keegan. ALL donations given to this will be TAX DEDUCTIBLE!!! Please prayerfully consider helping us bring our son home!!

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

The Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser was a HUGE success!!! 

I want to take a second and say 

THANK YOU 

to each of you who helped make this possible. 

Our sponsors:

Southern Elegance Catering

Crossroads Cafe

Restaurant Kitchen Supply

Paradise Paper

Publix

Some of you helped prepare food. Some of you helped put meals together and hand them out. Some of you hubby's watched your little ones so your wife could help. Some of you have used your time and energy passing out flyers, sharing the fundraiser with those around you and even sharing Keegan's story. Some of you have prayed and believe me ...God blessed this fundraiser. Some of you bought dinners or donated. I want to again say THANK YOU for ALL you have done. EACH of you have helped make this fundraiser successful and we are SO blessed to have such amazing people in our lives!!!

If you missed it on Facebook yesterday...

*drum roll*

We raised: $2,800.00 

Thank you for helping us take a giant leap toward

bringing Keegan HOME!!

I am thankful!

This past week was a bit hectic to say the least. We have been trying to finish up everything for the homestudy and stressing over how quickly it could be completed. We also had to promote the spaghetti dinner, find donations for some of the supplies, sign up hands willing to help, and then feed over 200 people. No problem right? During this we have been trying to work on dossier documents and also had to be at the International Adoption Clinic this weekend. It was a busy week to say the least. 

Good news...

The homestudy should be completed by next Wednesday!!! :) I am THANKFUL for those who get the urgency Keegan needs! Next..on to USCIS! Please be praying we find favor and this is miraculously returned in record timing. July is approaching quickly!! 

Soo...

We drove up Friday night for the International Adoption Clinic. This was the first time my little guy had spent the night away from me and that was a hard goodbye- not for him- but for me. They were both perfectly content and had a great time hanging with the grandparents! I am THANKFUL for grandparents to love my children in a way only a grandparent can!! 

We made it about an hour into our trip when our brakes started causing the car to shake after a stop. We had just had them worked on and this was not the way you want to start a 5 hour trip. We did some serious praying and felt peace to continue. God really protected us and this problem really wasn't an issue.

Upon arriving we started searching for hotels... searching...and searching! I have no idea what was going on but I can say we had a hard time just finding a room. The nice relaxing night hanging out turned into frantically searching for a place to get a few hours worth of sleep. We had to pay more than anticipated but we found a place shortly after 11pm. So much for gaining a few hours of sleep.

The classes started at 9 am. We got to hear a pediatrician, a psychologist, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, and a social worker who had been adopted herself. What a wonderful group to soak up knowledge from. I really gained a new prospective for the children coming to their forever homes. They have been dealt such a rough start and LOVE is what they need most. What an amazing opportunity to hear from those who understand first hand what it's like to either be adopted or adopt a child. The rules are so much different. It's not so cut and dry. There is a LOT of work ahead and that's not even considering a special need. This group will also be available to help us when Keegan gets home. They will check him medically and work with us on the next steps that will be best for him. I knew I was right where I was supposed to be when one of the therapists said, "Just love him and bond with him. You aren't trying to fix Down syndrome." That's it... I am NOT trying to fix Down syndrome. I have no expectation for him and we will just work with him where he is and let God direct his steps. He will reach his fullest potential, maybe not the one society created as acceptable (not many of us could reach that even without a special need) but exactly what God has placed him on this earth for. God is smiling down on his amazing son and I am awed to be a part of the process. We were able to meet another family that is adopting a PRECIOUS little girl with Down syndrome. It was so nice to meet them! I can't wait to see their journey to their little one unfold. I am so THANKFUL for those who care about these children and want to LOVE them right where they are.

We left the conference shortly after 5 and headed to drop off some paperwork in the drop box at the agency. Simple enough right? Well, on the way back to the car TJ notices our tire is going flat? This is after just replacing one last week. *sigh* It is now after 5 on a Saturday. Who wants to fix our tire?? We drove to the nearest Walmart to find out they didn't have time to look at it. *sigh...grr* So, on to the gas station to buy a can of fix a flat, and put some air in the tire. After a few deep breaths and some much needed prayer we started out. God protected us and we made it home with no issues. 

We pulled in our driveway shortly after midnight. My son had just woken up right before we got there with a fever. I felt soo bad for him. He continued this fever off  and on during the night and until yesterday afternoon. So, instead of making it to the spaghetti dinner to help I was at home with a little guy who was fussy, and felt awful. My happy little guy was definitely not feeling so happy! We had a lot of cuddles and cartoons(which he would never usually sit for). I felt so bad for not being much help for the dinner but it turns out they had it all under control without me. *shocking* ;) I am THANKFUL for those who care about Keegan and want to help us bring him home.

I am THANKFUL for all the prayers being prayed! I hope this post shows you the power of your prayers for our family. God has been protecting, guiding, blessing, and showering us with peace! 

Next... the spaghetti dinner totals!!! :) Stay tuned...