Derek Loux Memorial

Derek Loux

We know Derek is in heaven now, holding those orphans who never were able to have the love of a father whilst here on earth, the ones we weren't able to rescue in time. 

I know heaven is rejoicing and worshipping with his songs right now.

Heaven’s gain is clearly our loss

 

 For those able to watch the memorial for Derek Loux, 

the details are as follows:

Memorial will be web streamed live.
Jan 2nd, Saturday
Viewing 10-12
Memorial 2-4

You can watch it at http://www.ihop.org
a link will be on the home page


If you would like to donate to the Josiah Fund, please CLICK HERE to help keep Derek's dream alive.
The following details are if you are able to make a donation specifically for Renee and the children:
These funds will be given directly to Renee.

 

FINANCIAL GIFTS:

Tax deductible financial gifts can be given as follows:

 

Checks made payable to: “SCCF”

 

In memo line of check, write: “IHOP Benevolence Fund”

 

Mail checks to: IHOP-KC, 3535 E. Red Bridge Rd, Kansas City, MO 64137

Checks can also be brought to the IHOP-KC Business Office.

For credit card donations, call:  816-763-00200 x2250

 Love is powerful. Mighty even. It can bring orphans out of a dark and dismal pit against all odds and give them a family filled with more of the same... love.

Love can carry you further than anything else. It can make you travel the earth or stay by someone's side.  It has no boundaries or bounds yet it can tie you together.

So when I say I love you, it doesn't mean that I think you'll never go, never feel pain or hurt, never cry or weep.  
It just means I wish you didn't have to.

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Derek Loux Memorial

Free 2010 Reece's Rainbow Calendar 'Redemption'

 We would like to offer our condolences to the Derek Loux family. Derek was an advocate of the highest esteem and will be missed. As you read his own words on Redemption and adoption you will know just how much this world has lost and how much heaven has gained. Our prayers go out to his family and children, 8 of whom were adopted, of those, 3 were adopted through Reece's Rainbow, along with 2 biological children. The Loux family had a passion for adoption and orphans and they lived that passion. 
Derek has shared his post titled Redemption for our calendar and his words inspired the title for it. For those who knew Derek, these words have an even stronger meaning now.
http://louxfamilyblog.com

 

 Love is powerful. Mighty even. It can bring orphans out of a dark and dismal pit against all odds and give them a family filled with more of the same... love.

Love can carry you further than anything else. It can make you travel the earth or stay by someone's side. It has no boundaries or bounds yet it can tie you together.

So when I say I love you, it doesn't mean that I think you'll never go, never feel pain or hurt, never cry or weep. It just means I wish you didn't have to.

Scroll down for Instructions and PDF file Downloads (and the link to ALL the downloadable files if that is more convenient) and for the Redemption Calendar Grab Button
 

Click the Images Below for Larger View and Individual Page JPG Downloads
            
             
     


Downloading:
To download each page individually simply click on the above image to be taken to the download page. To download the ready to print Adobe pdf files simply keep reading, Parts 1-4 are in pdf format, ready to print.


Part 1
This is the largest file due to the number of photographs on the Gallery page.

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

(If you would like any of these files zipped for quicker downloads the entire folder of all the Reece's Rainbow Calendar files can be found HERE)

Each pdf is two pages. If you are printing these to put together as a booklet you would print these two sided and assemble as a booklet.

If you are making it a hanging wall calendar just print them single sided and assemble to hang!


Download the accompanying letter to give to family, friends & colleagues when giving the calendar as a gift!


PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS:

I recommend the photo paper that resists smudging for these. For the booklet I would recommend a TWO SIDED photo paper, which may not be smudge resistant.

For Folding Booklet:
When printing from the pdf files, simply open the four files and if you are printing double or two sided for a folding calendar simply select your printers settings for double sided printing and follow your printers instructions. IMPORTANT: Be sure you have FIT TO PAGE selected.

Once you have printed all four, simply assemble in page order and fold in half to make the booklet. You can staple or even sew the seam or just tie with a ribbon. You could also print TWO PAGES per page to make a half size calendar which would be pocket sized.

For Wall Hanging:
If you are planning on using this as a wall hanging, simply follow all the instructions above, except do not select double or two sided printing.

Once you have printed the pages, trim any white you don't wish and you can use a hole punch to make two holes in the centre at the top of the page, approximately one inch apart, and put a string or ribbon through to hold together.


International Printing Instructions:
If you are printing on any other size paper (ie A4 in the UK), follow all the same instructions as above ensuring you have selected FIT TO PAGE, as well. There may be some trimming of the borders necessary.

Blogs:
If you are interested in using the monthly pages in your sidebar on your blog, the codes can be added as a Gadget or Widget in your sidebar. Just download this notepad document with all the codes for each month's calendar!


If you have a blog and would like to put the 2010 Reece's Rainbow Redemption Calendar button on it Please Grab the Button below! Thank you!



Grab This!

Be sure to right click on the box below and then select all.

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Credits

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Free 2010 Reece's Rainbow Calendar 'Redemption'

As One We Can~The Green's & The Brown Families..

Want to know what "As One We Can" is all about? Find out here: http://asonewecan.blogspot.com/

"Tis better to give then to receive.." I promise~it really is! Everyone who has adopted or is adopting knows that this is no drop in the bucket as far as finances are concerned...This step of faith we take to bring our children home is one that involves every aspect of our lives..and our wallets feel it too! I know times are tough, all of us are feeling the financial squeeze, but just $5 or $10 dollars...it really isn't much. Please be prayerful in your giving & remember..if you're adopting, you'll have your turn to be blessed in return too :)

This is Caden, waiting for his family in Armenia and Masha is in Russia. Her family is there NOW! You can follow their journey on their family blog listed below. They can really use our help for their second trip...Two adoptions in one year is no easy task! These families have been waiting a long time to bring their children home! Let's pull together & show our giving spirits for these families and their little blessings...
You can find both families pages here : http://reecesrainbow.org/familysponsorshipgettingcloser.html

CADEN for The Brown Family--Milan, MI

Jim and Jill Brown have been married for 12 years, and are already parents to 3 wonderful children. They are hoping to adopt our little "Caden" in Armenia! They can't wait to bring him home!
Thank you for your support in their journey!
10/5/09--DOSSIER SUBMITTED

I have $0 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
*THEY HAVE NOTHING IN THEIR FAMILY FUND AS OF TODAY..LET'S WATCH THIS NUMBER GROW TOGETHER & SEE GOD MOVE TO MAKE THE WAY!**

The Green Family--Minneapolis, MN


Randy and Sheila Green are finally back on track to be able to bring Masha home. In February 2008, they adopted Lera from Ukraine, and now they are headed back across the ocean to adopt another angel with DS, Masha. Please help the Green family complete their 2nd international adoption in a year!
12/4/09---FIRST TRIP DECEMBER 15!
I have $270 in my FAMILY grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
Follow the Green family's adoption journey on their blog at http://thesunflowerchronicles.blogspot.com/

*Remember, God isn't ever limited to what He can do with the gifts we give..May He stretch our givings in a mighty way for each of these families!
Have a very Merry, blessed Christmas everyone! Alysha~one blessed mama :)

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As One We Can~The Green's & The Brown Families..

A Reminder and a Thank You!

Can you help Ross, Derek, Laura, David, Anna (2), Adam, Drew, Arina, Ivanna, Trina, and so many more SO close to having $100 in sponsors?

The Angel Tree runs through the 31st of December and wouldn't it be wonderful if each child could reach the goal of $1,000 per child?

Have a look at these precious angels and see if you can help them get to the next level!

What a blessing it has been seeing all the Ornaments on blogs and seeing people all around the world tweeting for the Angel Tree! Thank you so very much!

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A Reminder and a Thank You!

Cerebral Palsy

From Wikipedia

Cerebral palsy describes a group of permanent disorders of the development of movement and posture, causing activity limitation, that are attributed to nonprogressive disturbances that occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain. The motor disorders of cerebral palsy are often accompanied by disturbances of sensation, perception, cognition, communication, and behaviour, by epilepsy, and by secondary musculoskeletal problems.[6]

There is no known cure for CP. Medical intervention is limited to the treatment and prevention of complications arising from CP's effects.

************************************

Read of one persons determination to no let CP slow her down!

"I can't do it!" wails one boy. Dr. Jan Brunstrom, a green belt who started a special martial-arts program for children with CP, looks him in the eye. "Can't isn't in my vocabulary," she tells him, "and it shouldn't be in yours."

This is no mere pep talk. The petite, 40-year-old physician has cerebral palsy herself. "All my life, people told me what I couldn't do," she explains. "They said I'd never walk, but I did. They said I didn't belong in school, but I graduated high school as valedictorian at 16 and went on to become a pediatric neurologist. They thought I'd never marry or have a child, but I did. No one has the right to tell people with CP what they can or can't do."

Read the rest of the article HERE.

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Cerebral Palsy

Friday Focus on Down Syndrome - Artist Rhona MacLeod

There are two reasons I am thrilled to share this with you this week. Firstly, Rhona is an artist, an accomplished artist, as well! Secondly, she is from the UK and that is always a nice place to be from!

Without further ado, please meet Rhona MacLeod!

Festive display delight for Ullapool artist Rhona
By Lynne Bradshaw
Published: 04 December, 2009 in the Ross-shire Journal

AN Ullapool artist who has overcome her visual impairment to produce detailed lino-cut prints of building has had her artwork selected to be displayed in a new Christmas exhibition.

Rhona Joan MacLeod was at the Inchmore Gallery near Beauly last Friday to oversee the hanging of her pieces in preparation for the Inchmore Christmas Exhibition.

This is a great achievement for Rhona, who lives in Inverness but was brought up in Ullapool, where her family still live, as she has Down's Syndrome and a visual impairment.

The exhibition opened on Saturday and includes several pieces of art created by Rhona, who is a client of the Corbett Centre in Inverness and a member of the Highland Print Studio.

Through her involvement with Highland Print Studio the 41-year-old has developed a special interest in local architecture and buildings in Inverness.

Rhona is passionate about her art and very prolific, and some of her eyecatching lino cut prints and drawings will be on show at Inchmore.

She said, "I have always been interested in art and liked looking at pictures of paintings by Monet, Van Gogh and Jackson Pollock among others. I have been to quite a few art exhibitions in Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as the Musee d'Orsay in Paris and various art exhibitions when I was on holiday in Italy.

"I really started to draw and paint when I became a member of the Highland Print Studio in 2003.

"I found that I particularly liked to draw pictures of buildings. In the studio we had a book of line drawings in ink of Inverness, by the late John Pearson.

"I liked them very much and did some line drawings based on his work. My favourite materials are pencil, paint, wash and pen.

"I love colour and like to mix my own shades. I now draw from photographs or from sketches I have made. I make prints from some of my pictures in the Highland Print Studio.

"Coming from Ullapool I am planning to do some sketching there when the weather improves next year.

Rhona with some of her works at the 

Inchmore Gallery. Phil Downie 01463 831249

"My family have been very supportive and encouraging.

"They buy me good quality materials for Christmas and birthdays and I give them my pictures as presents."

A number of people from The Highland Council's Corbett Centre with an interest in art set up a group working at the Highland Print Studio in 2003.

It was here that Rhona had the opportunity to use different materials and media and develop her own style. Liz Graham and Billy Coghill from the centre worked with her to encourage her interest and broaden her understanding of art.

Rhona has exhibited at art evenings at the Corbett Centre, Arts in Merkinch, at the Highland Council headquarters in Inverness, the Floral Hall and the Glasgow Print Fair.

Her pictures, which are well observed and quirky, have always been popular and have sold well.

Rhona has completed a cluster of SQA Art and Design units, and is planning to have her work exhibited at a gallery for Outsider Art in Edinburgh.

Anne Ritchie a teacher at the Corbett Centre who works with Rhona said, "We are all very proud of Rhona."

To read this article in the Ross-shire Journal CLICK HERE
For information on her exhibition please visit the Inchmore Gallery

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Friday Focus on Down Syndrome - Artist Rhona MacLeod

A "bump" to get over the "hump"!

Even though the ornaments are done now, we're all preparing for the festivities of next week, we still have 3 weeks of giving left until our Christmas Angel Tree of 2009 comes to a close.

Every day we are getting new donations, but I'd like for each of you daily to look for those children on the tree who are "so close" to the next level..."so close" to $250 or "so close" to $500 or $1000....do what you can to focus your prayers and additional giving for those kids, so we can get as many as possible "over the hump"!

Don't let the climax of this project be the deadline for ornaments...our end date is December 31st!

www.reecesrainbow.org/angeltree2009sponsorpage.html

If you have questions or ideas for fundraising, please write me at bamaroberts@comcast.net It is NEVER too late to get your Christmas Warrioring into gear. You can be a NEW YEAR Warrior for the next 3 weeks! We are hoping for an even more life-saving 2010! Let's go into the new year with as much grant funding as we can for each of these angels.

Andrea

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A "bump" to get over the "hump"!

Special Challenge for Reece's Rainbow! For 24 Hours Only!

iGive.com is going to attempt to donate $5,000 in just 24 hours to Reece's Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry and other causes. So, from now until NOON tomorrow!
 
For each person who joins iGive using the special link below and does just one web search on our site between now and noon Thursday, iGive will give Reece's Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry a dollar.

5,000 new members, $5,000. No purchase necessary.

Of course, if you search more (or buy something) you'll earn even more money for Reece's Rainbow!

Right now, they're donating $.02 per search and a bonus $5 for that first purchase plus the usual percentage.

CLICK HERE to help raise $5,000 for Reece's Rainbow!

Be sure you share this post on facebook, twitter, anything else you can think of to help Reece's Rainbow's Challenge!

We've only got 24 hours so...

Ready, Steady, Go!

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Special Challenge for Reece's Rainbow! For 24 Hours Only!

Angel of the Week

Meet Alyona!

When I saw this little one's face I just felt her family MUST be looking for her! What a cute little girl! Are you her family? She needs a family soon as she is nearing the age of transfer. Please help us find a family for this cheeky little angel!

Alyona (13) Girl, Born September 5, 2006 Alyona is a gorgeous little girl with brown hair and brown eyes. She is described as quite high functioning, very sweet, and very happy! She does have an ASD (atrial septal defect), but it is not considered serious and may well have closed on it's own already. She is walking and eating independently, follows directions well, and is an orphanage favorite! Her caregivers tell us she is speaking now, walking and eating on her own, and is truly a doll baby.   She is described as a gentle girl, a good imitator, and she loves tor ead books :)    She is very loving and intelligent, and they really hope a family will come for her!   Both Ivanna and Alyona are in the same orphanage and can be adopted together. Contact Andrea directly for more information I have $530in my grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!

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Angel of the Week

New Buttons!

Look at all these beautiful faces! There are so many new families joining the Reece's Rainbow family and you can help them on their journey by putting their buttons on your blogs!

Please pray for them as you follow along and if you can help them in any other way, I know they'd be very thankful!

Grab This!





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New Buttons!

Attachment disorder: are we trying to fit square pegs into the round holes?

Basically, attachment is the core of the adoption: without some degree of attachment no adoption is destined to survive. It’s a real issue that many adoptive families are facing and struggling with. Saying that, I have to admit that AD is likely to be over-diagnosed in international adoption community. AD is often confused with the normal process of initial adjustment and re-adjustment in the family; AD symptoms are often confused with neurologically-based disorders or different psychiatric conditions; and, finally, AD symptoms are often mixed up with learned post-institutionalized behavior.

You can read the rest of the article HERE

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Attachment disorder: are we trying to fit square pegs into the round holes?

Friday Focus on Down Syndrome - Urgent Plea

All, I am sending out a plea for MINDY in Russia.  She will be turning 4 in January, so her transfer is imminent.  She is in the same region as Lera is, so is also facing "life behind bars", as she can not be adopted once she is transferred. 

Her Christmas Warrior has done a GREAT JOB fundraising for her, and she now has a combined $1595 grant towards the cost of her adoption.  

MARTIN and WALLACE are also in her region and facing the same fate!  Martin does not have a grant, but Wallace has raised $640 this Christmas!

A committed family and an application/fees paid with the agency  is all that is required to hold these children at their baby houses and prevent transfer.

Please read more about Mindy and Martin, Wallace and Ian and let's try to see a family come forward to rescue them like Lera and Lilya and Tonya!  

www.reecesrainbow.org/waitingchild2.html  

Please put these buttons on your blogs and use facebook, blogs, twitter, any forums you are on to get the word out for these kids! They NEED families URGENTLY!


URGENT PLEA!
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URGENT PLEA!
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URGENT PLEA!
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Thank you for helping these little ones!


(for assistance in posting these grab buttons on your blog, CLICK HERE)

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Friday Focus on Down Syndrome - Urgent Plea

MEET OTHER ANGEL EDIE (9)

Little Edie will be 4 year old in July of 2010.
Edie has Goldenhar Syndrome. Edie needs surgery to relieve her hydrocephaly ASAP.
Edie will be transferred to a mental institution VERY VERY soon. The SAD thing is she CANNOT be adopted from the place she will be sent :(
We all know what Edie's future will be if she does not find a FAMILY now.
SOMEONE save her!
PLEASE pray for her!
Let's all try and make Edie's CHRISTMAS special by giving her a gift of a family.

Edies GRANT fund is ZERO.
Please go to reecerainbow.org to read more about Edie. Go to Other Angels, girls, and to the name EDIE (9).
Also contact ANDREA at bamaroberts@comcast.net for more information.

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MEET OTHER ANGEL EDIE (9)

Our Families..As One We Can!

"Tis better to give then to receive.." I promise~it really is! We had the Stolz family featured only a couple of weeks ago, BUT..sadly, Milos still has not a dime in his family fund (which means I forgot to give too!). Everyone whose adopted or adopting knows this is no drop in the bucket as far as fiances are concerned...This step of faith we take to bring our children home is one that involves every aspect of our lives..and our wallets feel it too! Milo's family is in country, but funds can still be gathered for them & can still be of help. I know times are tough, all our feeling the financial squeeze, but just $5 or $10. dollars...it really isn't much. Please be prayerful in your giving & remember..if your adopting, you'll have your turn to be blessed in return too :)

MILOS FOR THE STOLZ FAMILY:

I love these pictures of little Ruthie :)
Her family left yesterday for Taiwan...How exciting! What an awesome Christmas gift! :) They too can really use our help NOW. You'd be amazed at how much this little bit of extra help really does help. Please be prayerful in your giving to each family.

RUTHIE FOR THE WARRALL FAMILY:

You can give your gifts here: http://reecesrainbow.com/familysponsorshipalmostthere.htm
*MAY GOD STRETCH OUR GIFTS IN A MIGHTY WAY THAT ONLY HE CAN!*

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Our Families..As One We Can!

Oh So Close!

What a wonderful response we've had to the Christmas Angel Tree 2009!

Just a reminder that the ornaments for gifts of at least $35 deadline is the 15th of December, just ONE WEEK LEFT to get one of these! The Angel Tree runs through to the 31st of December so even if you've missed the deadline for the ornaments, you can still help the waiting Angels meet their goal of $1000 per child and for at least 30 of them to find their forever families!

We thought now was a brilliant time to show you some of the lovely little ones that are very close to reaching the next level and to also point out that the ones listed at the very top of the tree have yet to have their first sponsor. If you haven't decided which angel to donate to, will you consider one of those first ones?

As well, the ones (shown below) just need a little push to get to the next level, so if you or someone you know are able, will you help them to reach $500?

Claire R2

$400

Vilis
 

 $315

 Yegor-R5

 
$300

Catherine  R8

$215

Robyn  R2

$240

Miriam-3

$265

Older Boys (6+)

 $340

Yana R7

 
$260

Miles-23

$245

Twenty-nine (29) have already found their forever families so these children will be blessed to be home for Christmas 2010!

So, very good news for the Christmas Angel Tree but let's not slow down now. We still have a ways to go to reach our goals and we need YOUR help to meet them!

If you have a blog/facebook/myspace/twitter or even just email, please post about the Christmas Angel Tree. If you are interested in becoming a Christmas Prayer Warrior please don't feel it is too late! Even a little prayer is better than none! And God wants to give the last the same as the first so let's P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens) for these children!

So, thank you for all your help and for blogging and promoting the Christmas Angel Tree. No effort has been in vain and it has been such a blessing!

Let's keep the momentum going!

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Oh So Close!