International Down Syndrome Coalition For Life

I'm borrowing this from my friend Shelley's blog, hope she doesn't mind. Those of you that know me really well, know that I'm 100% pro-life for ALL reasons. It breaks my heart to know that over 90% of women whose unborn baby has a pre-diagnosis of Down syndrome will abort them. There are over 200 families on waiting lists in the U.S. hoping to adopt a baby with Down syndrome. It's really sad when most health care providers actually recommend this. I'd give most anything for the chance to parent a newborn with Ds even though my plate is overflowing as it is. I just pray that women can be given accurate information before making such a final decision.

I can’t let Down syndrome awareness month come and go and not mention this organization. The International Down Syndrome Coalition For Life is an organization that promotes awareness, support and advocacy for ALL people with Ds….even those who are not yet born. None of the well recognized national Ds groups do this. These organizations start at birth…..refusing to take a stand for the most vulnerable members of the Ds community, the unborn.
In a country where 90% of children who are diagnosed with Ds pre-birth are aborted, it is important to have an organization that honors these members of the Ds community too….and advocates for their right to be born.
In a world where people are still told….today, in 2009….that the baby they just gave birth to is evil because he has an extra chromosome, that the child will destroy their lives and should be sent away and forgotten about…..we need more people to stand up and speak out like the IDSCFL is doing.
In a time when people would rather do nothing, because that’s more politically correct…..people with Down syndrome desperately need a voice that will not compromise, that will not be silent, that will take a stand even when the truth is hard to hear and say that ALL people with Ds have a right to life.

The Creed of Babies with Down syndrome

My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace

31 for 21

Ok, so I'm doing so good with blogging everyday am I? I did meet a sweet sweet little boy named Seth today as we were leaving Ian's therapy center. He is a cute cute cute blondie who happens to sport an extra 21st chromosome. I just couldn't help myself and had to say "hi" and introduce myself. Oh, he has the sweetest smile and most adorable little wave ever. I'm hoping his mom contacts me as I'd love to arrange a marriage of her son and Grace...heehee! Nothing new on the adoption front though and I'm going to have a very busy month and a half with my jewelry business. I just love my job :) Every time I go to work, I end up at a party! I also need to be careful what I say these days. Yesterday after the kids were done at the dentist, we were walking to our car. It was pretty chilly and Sam said "It's freaky cold!" Oops! Here's a sweet picture of Grace taken a few months ago. I can't wait to spring her from that crib and put a smile on her face!

correction

Some people were having problems with the button not working. Give it a try now. Thanks to everyone who is putting it on their blog and to anyone felt led to help us bring her home.
Blessings!

Button for Grace

Here is our sweet Grace. Please consider putting her button on your blog. Any donation is tax deductible but Prayers are Free. Please pray for our family! Grab the code below her button and post on your own blog or facebook. Please spread the word of adoption. The button will take you to our family sponsorship page on Reece's Rainbow. This is the adoption ministry where we found our Grace.
Blessings,
Sarah
p.s. Thanks Ali for making our button!


Grab This Button

Button

Stay tuned for Grace's button coming soon!!

Wedding

This is such an amazing love story. Most people would never even thing a person with Down syndrome could get married. These two prove the world wrong. They are so beautiful and so in love. I wish I knew them!

Josh & Bernadette's Ceremony Highlight from AndyCam Productions on Vimeo.

First Giveaway

Here is the information for our first giveaway to help raise money for our airfare to bring Grace home. For every $5 donation, you'll be entered into a drawing for this sweet framed picture 1 time. For a $10 donation, your name will be entered 3 times. $25 will get you 7 entries. The picture measures approx. 21X17 inches. It's such a heartwarming picutre that shows how more alike kids with Down syndrome are than different. I know there are a lot of you out there with little boys with Ds.
This would look so cute on their wall. Since we're travelling soon, this giveaway will only run for 2 weeks and we'll draw a winner on Sunday, Oct 18th at 5pm. We have something planned for another giveaway so stay tuned. To make an entry, click on the chip-in widget and you'll be given directions. Thank you!

under construction

Our blog is under construction. Please excuse the mess while we update layout and photos. Please enjoy my daily updates for the 31 for 21 movement.

Motivational Speaker

What an inspirational young man!!!

Ruslana!!

Please visit this blog:
http://www.nogreatergift.blogspot.com/
Even if you've never prayed before, please please please pray for this family and little Ruslana. She weighs heavy on my heart as I secretly wanted to adopt her. What a tragedy it would be if this family was not allowed to adopt her out of the mental institution!

Day 1

Ok so it's after midnight but I'm still counting it as Oct 1st, lol. I met a lady today while I was out shopping. She was talking with our Iris who is 2 1/2. Iris is a tiny girl and this lady mentioned that she has a 4 yr old boy the same size. She went on to say he has Down syndrome. You should have seen the smile on my face. I was so excited to meet her and told her we were adopting a little girl with Ds in december. She said "oh, I just have to give you a hug". She then told me a friend of hers just adopted a little girl from Ukraine. I said "do you know if she happened to use Reece's Rainbow". Her eyes lit up and she confirmed that this family is a RR family. She told me the names and I totally knew who she was talking about. I just can't believe how small of a world we really live in. We exchanged info and chatted until I had to leave for my dentist appt. Unfortunatley, she is here for personal medical reasons and lives in MI. What's really cool is that she rarely tells people that her son has Ds but for some reason, she felt compelled to tell me today....a total stranger. I had also almost talked myself out of going to this particular store today but went anyway at the last minute. God totally wanted us to meet today and I can't wait to get to know her better. Please pray for my new friend tonight as she is going through some very scary times with her own health.