Happy New Year little one

Somewhere clear across the world is a little girl. She is loved, but doesn't know it. Wanted but doesn't feel it. She is important but lives as though she is insignificant.

She unaware that this is to be a year of change for her like she has never had nor will she ever have again.

As this new year begins, I am blessed by the knowledge that this year she will finally learn that she is loved, feel wanted and realize (at least a little bit) about how important she is to me and to many.
All of that to be reinforced for a lifetime. All of that to start in this new year.

2010 A year of beginnings. God willing, we have a long way to go Gracie, and I'm excited!

Homestudy update

Well yesterday I had my second of three homestudy visits. It was a great day as I reflect back on it. Started at my parent's house then off to the North Platte public library for two hours. We talked about a lot of things. Things like expectations and what if mine aren't reality, my family, my background and my kids. I found out that I have some hours of education to put in and our next visit is set to be sometime in the second week of January. Upon completion of that visit, my completed homestudy report should be in my hands and on the way to my agency for review in about ten days or maybe less. YES, there is progress. Too soon to say that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but at least now I think there is a dim glow somewhere up there. I'm so thankful for so many people who are so encouraging to me. I will be so glad to present a certain little princess to the western world. That day is coming!

A great quote

"I'd like to ask God why He lets poverty and injustice exist, why there are so many orphans and why He does nothing about it......But I am afraid that He will ask me the same question."

Baby steps and Big steps

My first homestudy visit was today, and it was enough to make me physically ill. Well at least my imagination was enough. When all was said and done, my social worker was there to help me, not find a reason not to let me adopt.
I receivced word last Thursday that the Dept of Education and the director of her baby house are very excited to get her HOME! God's blessings are abound in this process, and I am so happy! Next up... compiling things for my dossier and another visit with the social worker on the 19th (in North Platte which makes it so much easier).
So, the lines between the big steps and the baby steps are getting blurry, but every step is a step towards Eastern Europe which is where I want to go, so I guess they're all big!

One little girls impact

Just sitting here contemplating the impact one little girl has had on my life in such a short amount of time.
She has...
Given me the hope of a future filled with giggles, smiles and wonderment
Softened the hearts of so many with just a glance at her precious blue eyes
Raised awareness in hundreds of people even when she is clear across the world
Opened my eyes to a whole world of special abilities of a group of people gifted with one extra chromosome
Brought tears to my eyes with just the thought at the first time I get to see that beautiful smile
Brought me closer to my family in ways that I never knew possible
Brought me closer to God who I know now more than ever is a loving and gracious giver of all that is good (understood or not)
Caused me to contemplate the new life that will move into my house
Helped me learn more about who I am and what fulfills me
Made a crusader out of me

All of that and she's not even here yet. I can't wait for our life together!

Thank you little one and Thank you God! My heart is full!

Just Love Coffee Fundraiser

We have a long way to go to get my girl home!

I have started a great fundraiser where hopefully you get to buy some great coffee, and help my family bring this little one home. Just love coffee donates directly to my adoption proceeds with every package of coffee that is sold. I haven't had a chance to sample it yet, but I hear it is some of the best coffee you can buy. Could make a great Christmas gift too!

www.justlovecoffee.com/thecliftons

THIS LITTLE GIRL!

Makes me smile, cry, laugh with joy and Praise God!

A new day A new post A new direction

Well, as you might notice, I have a new clock!
A new clock for a new destination that God is leading me to. In a few days I'll post more regarding the beautiful child that I feel He is leading me to!

More to come!

My daughter

This is my beautiful daughter and one of my best friends. Can't believe she's a senior already. I wish I could go back to 8 or 7 or 6...

I love the one with the music since this just speaks of who she is and what she's about.

This is a wonderful video that speaks it would seem from my own heart.

Beautifully made as are those it portrays.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_0K-gPlyb0&feature=player_embedded

Shoes and support

Sydney bought the cutest pair of little baby girl shoes today. They'll never fit "my little girl" but she didn't care. She bought them for me!

My kids (well at least the ones I know so far)

This is Tyler, He's my buddy and such a great young man! He was born to a very young mom, and still turned out great. Just shows how God works in our lives and how prayer helps.

And this is Sydney. She is my very artsy, talented and creative daughter. She's such a good girl, and is one of my biggest supporters. She's excited to have another sibling.

The beginning

Well, in many ways this has been a lifelong dream to adopt a child who needs a loving mom, but I am brand new to this. I am so fortunate to have found a great resource in Reece's Rainbow an International Down Syndrome Orphan Ministry and a new family in the families who are also on this wonderful journey of adopting. I can't pinpoint a time when I wasn't aware of the blessings that seemed to come with those who experience Down Syndrome. I had the pleasure of being nurse to two men who had DS. One was 57 at the time, and the other was 63. I think they both gave to me far more than I gave to them.

Still working on funding for my homestudy. This may take a couple of months since we here at the Clifton house are getting ready for senior pictures for Sydney. I'll post some when I can.

Deana