Sunday, October 12, 2008

The Beginning

Back in January of 2008, while surfing the net, we came across Reece's Rainbow. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to finding homes for orphans with Downs syndrome and children with other developmental disabilities.

We had been considering adoption for some time, and were open to adopting a child with special needs. After viewing photos and reading the stories of children who were at risk for institutionalization, we were drawn to Nazar from Ukraine. His name means "Nazareth".

After months of paperwork, prayer, and preparation we are now in the Ukraine to bring Nazar home.
While in the Ukraine, we will be able to make updates to this blog, so that you can follow our journey.

24 comments:

Alice said...

So he is a boy.:) I thought he looked like a boy, even in the girl's clothes. He is handsome. I'm excited to follow your journey.

Judy Hunt said...

Dear Jamie & Steve
So glad you are their safely.
So glad your flight was good.
WE are really getting excited and
know you are for you are about
to meet Nazar. Hope all goes well.
You are in our prayers. Love Mom & Dad Dad Has been looking at Ukraine map to see where ou are!

Julie said...

I hope you have a wonderful trip!!! Thank you so much for taking our paperwork with you!!! We owe you many many many thanks!

The Novy Twin Team said...

Hello from Hollie, Jacob and Lucas! Your son is beautiful and we are so excited that he will be coming home soon. I was explaining to the boys where you are and why. By the way Jamie...they both had very good days today!

Take care and we will follow you on this incredible journey.

Unknown said...

We are so happy that you are Safe and that you will be able to see Nazar soon. Will keep up with your goings on, daily. We are very excited about your journey.
Love
Mom and Stephanie

Judy Hunt said...

Hi Yoders,
Glad things are going well.
Hope you get some rest today. I know the adrenaline is flowing as
I could not sleep last night thinking of you two. You two have so much courage. Have a great day and may God be with you.
Love Mom & Dad

Victor Kendall said...

Dear Jamie and Steve, So glad you trip went well. Anxious for you to see Nazar. We are keeping you in our prayers. Really enjoyed the blog sight. Aunt Rowena and Uncle Vic

Anonymous said...

I loved reading your blog. Keep us posted as the excitement continues. I am thankful that God calls people like you to love special needs children. May He direct your steps and the process of bringing your son home. I got a kick out of imagining the faces of the officials seeing the picture of Judy skiing. We know she is amazing, but now it is an international fact!! Bless you,
Janet DiSilvestro

Terry & Pam said...

Jamie & Steve
We are so excited for you both and for Nazar. It has been a long process. God is standing by you both to help guide you. Keep the pictures coming. Hope the jet lag doesn't affect you much. Were all cheering you on including Arthur!
Love,
Terry & Pam
P.S. Hi Judy & Jim!

Forshey Family said...

Steve & Jamie,
We are so very excited for you all!
We wish you the best on your new adventure! Children are such a blessing! I hope that you embrace each day with him, I know you will.
Look forward to meeting the new addition to the family!!!
Have a safe trip!
Love to you all,
Aunt Pam, Uncle Lee, Kristin & Ashley
XOXOXO

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing your blog! My thoughts are with you and Nazar! What an exciting time...it's great that you are documenting it so well.

Anonymous said...

Jamie and Steve! Great news! It was just a few weeks ago when we met Garrett and brought him home, so we are so excited for you! Take lots of pictures of the "birth" of this addition to your family. You will never forget the moment you lay eyes on him for the first time.
Ryan, Anita,
Gavin Johnathan,
Gabriel Josiah,
Garrett Joshua Liang Glaze

Barb-San Jose said...

Wow, what a life changing journey and exciting time! Your blog is fantastic, thank you for allowing us to share in your love and excitement for Nazar. I can not wait to meet my new nephew!

Carson's Mom said...

I can't wait to see more pictures! Nazar was cute even in the pink outfit, but it is time for him to get home to a family and boy clothes.:)

Kayla

Auntie Ei said...

Dear Jamie & Steve - Pam sent us your blog and we are so happy that you are closer to getting your darling son. Your Mom Steven had the picture at Texas A&M. Know that you are in our prayers and how happy we are for you. Love, Auntie Eileen & Uncle Heber

Jody said...

Steven & Jamie,
Hope all goes well on your journey. Enjoying your blog!
Love,
Jody

Anonymous said...

Oh Jamie and Steve...I have tears rolling down my face seeing you hold your son for the first time. He is just adorable...and seemed so content in your arms. Keep posting the pictures.

Hollie

Anonymous said...

Jamie and Steve,
We are all so excited for you! Thank you for including me, it is so fun seeing all the picutres and reading about your jouney! Here is a quote I think you might need: 1.Я должен использовать ванную действительно плохо
(I need to use the bathroom really bad)

Miss you!
Aisling

Anonymous said...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! OMG I can't belive it. We are so excited for you and your family. We can't wait to follow your exciting journey all the way back to flagstaff, Arizona!

Anonymous said...

What an incredible journal you are both keeping for all of us to enjoy. To see the new pictures of Nazar staring into the eyes of his parents for the first time, brought tears to my eyes. He is so beautiful and I am so anxious to meet him when you all arrive back home. Keep sharing your story and pictures!

Anonymous said...

Jamie and Steve, Nazar appears to be such a happy little boy in the pictures you are sharing. What a blessing he is. It seems like the bonds are forming quite nicely. I will pray that the process is expedited so you can arrive home soon.

Take care,
We Miss You...Hollie, Jacob and Lucas

Anonymous said...

Following you adoption adventure is exciting. I can't wait to log on each day and see what's new. You are going to the best parents ever. Nazar will have some story to tell his future friends. Any chance of bringing home that cute little donkey? You are missed at The Arb and we are eagerly waiting to meet Nazar and to hear the rest of the story.
Judi

Anonymous said...

Steven and Jamie.....I really
enjoyed your journey with Nazareth
He is so lucky to have 2 wonderful people like you
Love you,
Auntie Rita

Anonymous said...

Dear Steve and Jamie,
Stephanie just finished showing me how to use the computer so I could send you a note on your "BLOG". Can you believe your mom is doing this since I no nothing about computers, and I have said I don't want to either. I guess it took a little guy named NAZAR to change my mind. I can not wait to hold him and love him, he looks so sweet.
All of us at church have been praying for you all ever since you started the adoption process.
Love and kisses,
Mom & "NANA"