A Tale of Two Birthdays

Thank you for all the kind comments about Zhen and Theo. Since I see them everyday it is difficult to notice the incremental changes in them. Only by looking back can I see the enormity of the changes.

In a little over a week Zhen will have his 4th birthday. His first birthday as a part of our family. What a happy day it will be for him!! If he had not been made a part of our family he would be facing a move - transfer to a home with even less to offer than a poorly funded orphanage. In that region, transfers typically occur on or soon after a special needs childs' 4th birthday.

The institution. Mental hospital. Internat. Different names for the same place, which is no place for any child.

There is another child who shares a birthday with Zhen. Born on the very same day, in the same region of an Eastern European country, they ended up in the very same grouppa in the very same orphanage. It won't be a happy birthday for her.

My Masha. In my heart, she is mine. I love her. LOVE. HER.

Have I told you how she would buzz over to meet me each day in her little walker? Have I told you about her bright smile and cheerful nature? In my head I can imagine her with pigtails! She is a little ray of sunshine. A little ray of sunshine who will soon lose everything and everyone she has every known. She'll find herself in a place much like you will read about HERE. Unless...

I feel so helpless. I'd go back for her in a heartbeat but I can't just yet. She needs another family to step forward for her, and quickly. I can raise awareness and I can raise money, right? But I have no iPad, iPhone, Kindle or any other fancy gadget to give away. How can I create enough excitement to prompt people to give without a huge giveaway item? Can it be done?

All I have is a crazy love. My love for God. My love for Zhen and Theo. My love for Masha. Crazy. So I'm going to give away a copy of this book by Francis Chan. The message of Crazy Love had a huge impact on me and my desire to adopt special needs children.

On January 31, I'll randomly draw a winner from the list of contributors to Masha's grant fund chip-in. One chance for each $5. I'll throw your name in the hat again if you also share about Masha on your blog. Please help me get the word out about this little gem of a girl. Do I have to beg? I will! Just leave the link in the comment section.

I know. It's crazy to think that I could raise $20k for Masha. I'm so busy with the new boys and their needs and the rest of my large family right now. The truth is I can't do it. Alone, I can't. With God's help, anything is possible. :) Will you be a part of this?

PS - I hope to add more items to give away on January 31. If you have an item you would like to donate or a fantastic idea email me at nancefamily8@cox.net. Thanks!