A Family for Dusty

I can still vividly remember the day when Jacob chose Dusty as "his boy." We sat in front of the computer and scrolled through the Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree page at least a dozen times and each time Jacob paused when he came to Dusty's picture. This process didn't surprise me in the least bit. Jacob is very particular and very thorough. Once we had reached the bottom of the page for the twelveth time he asked me to go back up the page. As soon as I reached Dusty's picture he told me to stop and then declared, "Yep! He's the one!"

It is amazing the love a child can have for another child he has never met. Jacob took his responsibility as a prayer warrior for Dusty very seriously. Not a single day went by that he did not remember Dusty in his prayers. And if, by chance, he did forget, he would immediately, without prompting, bow his head once more and plead with his Heavenly Father on Dusty's behalf.

It is no surprise that our Savior commands us to "be like unto little children." One evening as I was rushing through our bedtime routine, tired from the events of the day, so many things still left to do, I hurried Jacob into his bed, tucked him in, kissed him goodnight and turned to leave. "What about my prayer mom?" he called after me. I turned around, bowed my head, closed my eyes and began to listen and, more importantly, learn (again) from my sweet, compassionate, Christ-like little boy.

"Dear Heavenly Father, please bless Dusty that his family will find him soon so that he won't have to be alone anymore. Please send him a mommy that will give him lots of hugs and kisses and love him like my mommy loves me."

There were tears in my eyes as he concluded that prayer. I could feel the pure love of Christ eminating from my amazing 5 year-old son and, at that moment, I was completely overwhelmed by the gift that he is!

After a year of "storming heaven" on Dusty's behalf, I was able to give Jacob the best Christmas gift I think he has ever received a few days ago when I shared with him that. . . .




DUSTY HAS A FAMILY!!!



How I wish I had thought to pull out my camera when I made the announcement at morning scripture study! That video would have been priceless! The joy on all of my children's faces was evident (the happy dances and the screaming were fairly clear signs as well). And what an incredible opportunity it was to share with all of our kids the evidence that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers and that He is mindful of each and every one of us!

This morning I shared with Jacob a special note that he had received from Dusty's Mommy:

Jacob,
 Thank you, thank you, thank you... for praying for Dusty. I am filled with joy to know that you have been praying all year long for him. God answered your prayer! We have welcomed Dusty into our hearts and hope that soon we will have him in our arms! Thank you for raising money for his adoption! We are very grateful to you and your family. Merry Christmas!
Love, Dusty's Momma
Needless to say, Jacob was thrilled! As soon as I was done reading he looked up at me with a HUGE smile on his face and said, "I knew Heavenly Father would send Dusty a good mama!" Gosh I love this kid!

We continued our celebration this evening as we gathered around our kitchen table, drank sparkling grape juice and worked together on Dusty's quilt!

Designing hearts for the quilt squares

Jacob drawing a special picture for Dusty

Want a sneak peak of the quilt?!?



We will continue our "Stitched Together by Love" fundraiser until the end of the month so there is still time to donate to Dusty's Angel Tree Grant. His combined grant fund (Angel Tree and General) is just over $800. Won't you please help us bring his grant to $1000 by December 31st?

If you'd like to learn more about the amazing family, hand-picked by God, that will be making Dusty a part of their family you can visit their blog here. You can also make a tax-deductible donation to the Family Sponsorship page at Reece's Rainbow to help them on their journey to bringing Dusty home!

PS- If you have donated to Dusty's grant fund directly through Reece's Rainbow by paypal or by check and would like to be included on the quilt or in our "Perfect Love" art giveaway, PLEASE contact me! I am only made aware of the donations made through the chipin on the sidebar or by contacting me personally (Reece's Rainbow cannot disclose donor information to outside parties) and I don't want to leave anyone out!

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