reece's rainbow angel tree narretto style

What a privilege it has been over the past year or so to be able to advocate for orphans in Eastern Europe. Those with no voice, no family and no hope unless they are adopted out.
Many folks have listened as I explain what goes on in those countries. Some look at me in shock others look as if they are trying to grasp the full reality (which I don't think many of us can even begin to do unless we have been there), others want to know immediately what they can do.

I am so thankful to God for giving me the chance to talk to my children's friends and parents about these orphans too. They love and accept William for who he is. They have learned about Ds and understand that is only a small part of our sweet guy. They know that William is capable of so much. When I tell them about children from R/R they ask questions, their wheels turn and you can see a light bulb go on. Each year since Ragan was three (she will be 12 next week) we have had a Christmas party for all of the girls' friends. It started off with a few little girl and cookie decorating which you can only imagine the mess. Over the years the number of kids have multiplied and the messes seem to diminish. Once upon a time I could sweep sprinkles and sugar off my floor for days now I don't find many. Just another little reminder my girls are growing up...be.still.my.heart.

Yes, this year we held our annual Christmas party and had cookies to decorate, but we added a little twist.

(the Narretto version of an Angel Tree)

I made ornaments with the boys' picture on it for each child to bring home and place on their tree.

As I said before my kids' friends have heard about the orphans for some time now. This Christmas it is time to focus on others rather than ourselves as we tend to do so often. Party goers were asked to collect change and bring it to the party in lieu of snacks or any other goodies. The change then would be used to add to Benji and Bogdan's Angel Tree fund at Reece's Rainbow. As children poured into my house they eagerly placed their money bags under the Angel Tree we made at home. At the end of the party everyone added the grand total which was......

$255!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These kids rock, don't they?
More so, God rocks for giving them the heart to help others. I pray they continue to see the good and have the desire to help others.
God is planting a seeing in these kids and I believe this will impact them as they grow into adults and have families of their own.
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I would like to take a moment to thank each and everyone of you who has donated in the boys' fund. I try not to check their amounts in fear of not seeing a change, some of you understand what I mean. Well, the past week I have checked it about four or five times and BOTH boys have had donations added each time I checked. It looks like the donors are adding the $35 amount and possibly receiving an ornament. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

If you would like to donate you can click on their pictures on my sidebar. If you go to the angel tree page at R/R you will have to scroll down to their pictures. The children are listed by the amount in their funds. Just so you know how far to scroll ....Benji has $401 and Bogdan has $1100 $1130 (someone has added another $30 since last night).

I'd love to know what angel(s) do you have hanging on your tree this year?