• Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Adoption
    • Adoption Stories
    • Children Needing a Family
    • Hannah-Claire
    • Haven
    • Hasya
    • Kael
    • Hailee
    • Harper
    • Hunter
  • Special Needs
    • Down syndrome
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Developmental Delay
    • Trauma
    • Autism
    • Other Special Needs
  • Special Needs Encouragement
  • Healthy Living
  • Mom Life
  • Contact

Adeye Salem

  • Home
  • About
  • Adoption
    • Adoption Stories
    • Children Needing a Family
    • Hannah-Claire
    • Haven
    • Hasya
    • Kael
    • Hailee
    • Harper
    • Hunter
  • Special Needs
    • Down syndrome
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Developmental Delay
    • Trauma
    • Autism
    • Other Special Needs
  • Special Needs Encouragement
  • Healthy Living
  • Mom Life
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

SHE NEEDS A MIRACLE FAST!

March 24, 2015 By Adéye

My heart breaks for all orphans. But every now and then a story ends up in my inbox that just brings me to my knees–begging the Father to intercede. They’re the cries for help for children who find themselves in heartbreaking situations–desperate for a miracle.

In my home is the sweetest fourteen-year-old girl you will ever meet.  Eight years ago she was sent back to her orphanage after her original adoptive family felt that they could not parent her.  A tough decision for the family, no doubt.  A devastating consequence for a little girl who had a family, and then didn’t. We understand firsthand what these children go through.  We see it.  We live it every day.

And so it was through tears that I recently heard about a girl who has found herself in a very similar situation to that of our sweet daughter.  Thirteen-year-old Summer waited for two years for her family to come for her.  I’m told that she devoured photo albums and waited for the day when she would finally have her dream fulfilled–to be adopted abroad and to know the love of a family. Sadly though, for whatever reason, the family arrived in her country, and after having her in their hotel room for two days, felt that they could not proceed with her adoption.

19685_10206549301514592_1762535687364266955_n

After two years of waiting, Summer was sent back to the orphanage.

The amazing folks at the Starfish Foster Home heard about Summer not doing well after the disruption and thankfully flew to her city to bring her back to their foster home.  They shared with me that the hardest part for them is seeing this sweet girl blame herself for the failed adoption.  Was she not good enough?  Was it her fault?  Their hearts are breaking for her as she adjusts to her life without a family once again.

Summer with her new friend from Starfish.

11081043_10206531127140244_1987945909528441499_n

Summer has cerebral palsy that only affects her limbs. She can walk! She can go up and down stairs holding the rail. She is independent in all of her self-care. Her speech is not affected. She loves music and arts & crafts, and she can play the piano with one finger. I read in a report, “She played several songs on the piano for all of us. She was at that time 11 years old and had taught herself to play the piano with a single finger. She played quite skillfully, especial given her CP condition. She is known as “The Piano Girl” and the city newspaper has even published an article of her story. In addition to piano playing, she has many other talents and interests. She enjoys arts & crafts and makes very beautiful silk flowers which involves very intricate hand-eye coordination. She also is a skilled artist and has even produced artwork for a fundraiser that was held at the local high school to support the center.”

There is a video of Summer HERE where she shares “I am learning English so that when my adoptive family comes to get me I can easily communicate with them.”  She also says she can do many creative things like make flowers, beads, and jewelry. At the end when she holds up flowers she says that if anyone wants to adopt her she will give these (flowers) to them because she is grateful.

Sweet, sweet girl.

Summer on the left.

11077910_10206553467098729_1348790380_n

Friends, we desperately need your help.  Summer needs the body of Christ to rise up on her behalf.  She has been left with just a few weeks to find a family.  According to Chinese adoption laws, she has to be legally adopted before she turns fourteen on May 15!

A tall order?  Yes!  Impossible?  Never!

Summer’s only hope is to find a family who is far into the Chinese adoption process and will add her to their adoption very quickly.

Summer with her friend from Starfish.

3832823_1427051836.4653

~~  The family would need to be close to travel approval and already be approved for two children.

~~  They would need to be willing to work hard to expedite the process.

It’s not impossible.  We have seen this done before.  Remember Noah (now Luke)?  What a crazy, miracle story that was!

Would you please help us to share this urgent need?  If you know of anyone who is adopting from China and is approved for two children, would you share this need please?  Share it wherever you can, and let’s believe for Summer’s miracle.  

We believe that ALL things are possible.  We believe that where two or more are gathered, He is there in the midst.  We believe that God sets the lonely in families…and that He can do this too.

Because she matters so very much to God…and to us too!

Anyone who would like more information can contact [email protected]  Many photos and videos are available for interested families. I believe that a fundraiser has already been set up to cover her adoption costs. Serious inquiries only, please.

Now unto Him who is exceedingly, abundantly ABLE…


Filed Under: Hannah-Claire's adoption, Haven, Quotes I love

3/21 »
« beauty always rises

Primary Sidebar

Categories

Archives

Footer

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Twelve years ago, I Skyped Anthony from my cold, d Twelve years ago, I Skyped Anthony from my cold, dreary apartment in Ukraine. I had just met our newest daughters and could not hold back the tears."I just don't know if I can be Hailee's mother," I told him that day. "I don't know if I have what it takes to parent her. What if I fail her?" I asked him through so many tears. I had just discovered that Hailee had been drugged with an adult tranquillizing drug for her entire five years of life. She could not handle being held, and she screamed for most of my visit. Being taken out of the only environment she knew--the confines of a crib--was absolutely terrifying. She pulled her ears until they were raw and infected. She banged her head on anything near to self-soothe. She could not eat solid food. At five years old, she weighed just eleven pounds. Back then, I questioned a million times whether I could be the mother Hailee so desperately needed me to be. I felt so inadequate for the calling. Goodness! It's been a journey! We have both grown and learned how to live our best life together. We've succeeded and we've failed. Looking back, Hailee has been one of my greatest teachers in this life. I have learned so much being her mom. But more than anything, I have seen the hand of a faithful, loving, merciful Father as I have shared my life with this little girl. And I have seen that when we give God our yes--so often afraid and unsure and positively terrified over all of the unknowns--He turns it into our greatest blessing. I just cannot imagine my world without this little darling in it. She keeps me on my toes, ensures that we are always laughing over something that she does, will dance with us day and night, and gives the very best hugs that make any hard day better. Today, on her seventeenth birthday, we count the enormous blessing that is Hailee. We thank God for the gift of this child who just makes life so much sweeter. Happy, happy birthday, sweetest Hailee! I am so, so grateful that twelve years ago, your precious Dad reminded me that I had what it took to be your mom. Because being your voice, your caregiver, your dance partner, your hugger, and your mom is, by far, one of my greatest delights in this life!
Growing up, I never really wanted to be a mother. Growing up, I never really wanted to be a mother. In many ways, the thought of raising another human terrified me. What if I failed? What if I couldn't be the mother a child needed me to be? I was so afraid of all the things that could possibly go wrong. Goodness, was I wrong! Now that I have young adults, I look back on my mothering journey and honestly, it makes me tearful. I'm 100% sure that I have failed these sweet humans more times than I care to remember. I know for sure that there have been times when I handled situations all wrong and wished that I could have had a redo. But children don't need perfect parents! There is no such thing. God chose me--in all of my brokenness and with my countless flaws. This Mother's Day, I am so thankful for the enormous amount of grace that these five extend me every single day. They see past the things that I see as my weaknesses and love me so sweetly. Motherhood is such a precious gift from God. My highest calling. And though I never knew it and could not see it all those years ago, I am so thankful that God knew that I needed these five blessings so much more than they would ever need me. Because He's just so very kind like that. I hope you all had a beautiful Mother's Day. ❤️
Thank you, @shadwickstrom and @julie.wickstrom, fo Thank you, @shadwickstrom and @julie.wickstrom, for the blessing and the absolute honor of being able to share my heart, my journey, and His redeeming love in my life this morning. He is worthy of it ALL--every broken piece made whole, every victory we see, and every praise whispered through tears. Happy Mother's Day, friends. It's been a most beautiful day with my beloved family. ❤️
Grateful for...warmer days (finally!). Messy hair Grateful for...warmer days (finally!). Messy hair days. The sweetest smiles. Sister love. Grace for a very, very busy season. Manna for today. And tomorrow. Amazing adult children who fill my heart with so much love. The ability to workout and get stronger. Friends who love us unconditionally. A church who embraces us wholeheartedly. Physicals done for six children. Healthy bodies. Exciting adventures. Longer days. Summer. The undeserved favor of God. It is well. ❤️
Today we celebrate the man who deserves more than Today we celebrate the man who deserves more than I could ever give him. I remember the days of praying for a man who would love me with his whole heart. A man who looked past my many flaws, my brokenness, the shattered pieces of my life, and my many imperfections and saw all who I could become. A man who chased after the things of God with everything that he has. A man who would adore his children and be an amazing dad. A man who loved people and cared deeply about the things that matter most. A man who walked in integrity and chose to do what's right, no matter what. A man who would hold my heart so tenderly and always point me to Jesus. God gave me all of this and so much more. He gave me a man who always, always puts our needs way above his own and loves this family of ours with every ounce of his being. Today, we honor and we celebrate you, Anthony! No words can ever express how grateful I am that God heard every prayer on my heart and sent me you. Doing this crazy, amazing, beautiful life with you is my greatest joy and delight. Happy, happy birthday! How we love and treasure you! ❤️🎉
For the last two years, I've been so much more del For the last two years, I've been so much more deliberate about what I allow myself to watch and listen to. We don't have a television, and we never watch the news. We spend more time with our children, drop everything we're doing when one of our adult children walks through our door, love hanging out with our animals, and always have a home renovation project we're working on. These days, I'm trying to be so much more intentional about only focusing on what  matters most to me. The days and the years sure do fly by...and I don't ever want to feel like I wasted this one life He gave me by worrying, stressing and focusing on all the things that I cannot change. I'm a work in progress, but I'm loving this season of children growing up, adult kids who are such a blessing to my heart, and intentionally living a life of gratitude. Thankfulness is a choice--no matter the circumstances we walk through. I fail at getting it right more than I succeed at living gratefully every day. Because life can be hard, and the world is messed up, and it's so easy to take my eyes off of all things eternal. But so gently and patiently, He reminds me daily to pause. To reflect on all that is good. And lovely. And amazing. Because I don't ever want to be too busy to miss moments like this. She's my biggest cuddler and my random kisser (like, all day long)...and I pray that I'm never too distracted to savor the sweetness of it all. ❤️
Twenty three years ago, I became a mother. I was n Twenty three years ago, I became a mother. I was never one of those woman who dreamed of motherhood since they were very young. Truth is, I had no clue who I was nor who I wanted to become for most of my young adult life. In so many ways, the thought of being a mother and raising children scared the heck out of me. That was, until I had my first son. Connor changed me! Never had I experienced the kind of love and absolute joy that I had in spending my days with him. This boy showed me that if I was nothing else in my life, being his mom would be enough for me. And for twenty three years we've been figuring out this crazy, amazing life together. I have loved and treasured every single day that we have grown together. Being Connor's mother has been one of my greatest delights in my life. And now that he's a young man, I look back and am so insanely grateful for the gift this boy has been to us. From the sweetest baby, to the most amazing young man that he has chosen to become, I am thankful. It has been such a privilege watching him grow and mature into a man who walks in integrity, cares deeply, and is so kind. Happy, happy 23rd birthday to the son who is one of my great riches on this earth. No words can ever express the blessing he is to my heart! Keep looking up, Connor. Keep your eyes on heaven. Keep being exactly who you are. And always, always put Jesus first. I am ridiculously proud of you. ❤️
Happy 18th birthday, sweetest Kael. You were a sur Happy 18th birthday, sweetest Kael. You were a surprise addition to our adoption of Hasya. A sweet boy who God added to us so far into the adoption process. We had to rush through the paperwork to make sure that we could adopt you. I'll always remember the day I met you. Driving through the gates of the mental asylum you had called home for nearly nine years changed me forever. Never in my life had I been in such a dark, lifeless place. A place where precious humans had no worth, no value. A place so hard to fathom. But God! By His amazing grace, He chose you to have a family. I don't understand it all. Why so many are left behind with no hope. Some days I just ache for heaven. But forever will I be thankful that you are here, loved and living your very best life. With hope and a future. You're our chillest kid! Nothing ever moves quickly for you, except, perhaps, when you see me preparing a meal and you know it's time to eat. You love your food and have never turned a meal away. You have the best laugh in the world, and when you smile, I am reminded that redemption is such a beautiful thing. You love our family outings and could spend your entire summer in a swimming pool. And even though you're completely dependent on us for all things, you have become so intentional about showing us your needs. You have amazed us with all that you have learned, especially recently. How you have grown in nine years! As you head into your adult years, we're so excited to watch you become all who God has made you to be. And we'll be there, making sure that you have every opportunity to learn, grow and live a life filled with wonder. We are so grateful that God rescued you, sweet Kael. So very grateful for the gift of you. ❤️🎉
It's World Autism Awareness Day. Today we celebrat It's World Autism Awareness Day. Today we celebrate everything that makes Hailee, Hailee. She is fearfully and wonderfully made...JUST the way she is. Thank you, God, for the big victories that are simply amazing and the seemingly tiny victories that we count as blessings...they are ALL from your hand. Grateful for the gift of this tiny little firecracker who ensures that my days are never dull nor boring. ❤️
She's fiercely independent. Picks out her own clot She's fiercely independent. Picks out her own clothes. Can figure out anything on her own. Got the stubborn gene. Loves to help. Can rearrange an entire house in five minutes flat (and keeps us guessing where everything went). Has to have everything in its rightful place. Adores her siblings. And her puppy. Is the boss of everyone. Thrives on routine. Keeps everyone (animals included) on their toes and doing what they need to do. Loves pretty dresses and accessories. Forgives easily and teaches me to do the same. Yells at Hailee a gazillion times a day for messing up the playroom...again..."Oh, Hailee! No!" She is absolute perfection and I am so thankful that she's mine. ❤️
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Adéye Salem · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy