Furnace Hills Coffee

UPDATE: SARA'S BLEND HAS SOLD OUT!!!! THIS A HUGE BLESSING AND I'M SO GRATEFUL TO FURNACE HILLS COFFEE FOR THEIR AMAZING SUPPORT!!!


Look what Furnace Hills Coffee posted on facebook today!

We are creating a new blend at Furnace Hill's. We are calling it Sara's Blend. It is made up of the finest Bolivian & Brazilian Arabica beans we can purchase. Sara's Blend is in honor of little Sara that Natalie Keller of Midlothian, IL is in the process of adopting. Sara has Down Syndrome and is from South America. This blend will be roasted like our Telunas Beach, so just a bit past medium toward dark. This blend has a fruity full bodied swallow. We will be charging $16/pound for this and $4/pound will go toward bringing Sara home. This offer is for the 400 of you on Facebook and any friends or family you share it with. Email me at davidmbaldwin@gmail.com and let me know how many pounds you'd like and will work out shipping & billing. Below you'll see a picture of Sara. Let's work together to help bring little Sara home. You can read more about her at
http://reecesrainbow.org/32917/sponsorkeller (In the article she is referred to as Charlotte, but Natalie is going to be calling her Sara.). Let's see how we can help bring Sara home!

So, how's the adoption going?

In all honesty, this is starting to be my least favorite question ever. It's kind of like when you are a senior and everyone wants to know what you are going to do after graduation. I really don't know how the adoption is going. I've never done one before. I have nothing to compare this to.

I can tell you this: It's long. It's hard. I'm emotionally exhausted.

(I don't think that's what people really want to hear.)

On the other hand: It's amazing. I feel so supported and blessed. I can see God's hand in it.

I feel like I should have a daily update for everyone but really, most days, I just fill out, copy, and notarize more paperwork. I send it off to someone....somewhere....who doesn't seem to be in nearly as much of a hurry as I am.


Regardless, here's where I am in the process right now:

I have completed all the things I need to do for the home study. I've been waiting for a draft from my social worker. She emailed today to say that she will submit it to the state by Friday! FINALLY!!! It then has to be approved by the one person that reads home studies for the entire state. Please pray that she has a slow week next week and gets to it immediately.

I have completed my paperwork for Homeland Security and Immigration. As soon as the homestudy is approved, that paperwork will be sent to a lockbox. I have no idea why they call it that but it doesn't sound promising, does it? Again, please pray that the right person will get my paperwork and that it will be processed quickly!

While I am waiting for that paperwork to be processed, I will compile the rest of the documents for the dossier to go to Latin America. This is a lot of the same paperwork for the homestudy but now has to all be notarized. (This means another visit with my doctor to get a letter she didn't give me last time. Oh, boy!) Thankfully, we have a notary at work who has been very gracious to me and is great to work with! That saves me lots of time!

When that's all approved, I get a date to travel. I will then have to be in country in 3 weeks or less. Yikes! Can't wait and am scared to death to spend so much time in a country, with a child I've just met, but alone. Definitely going to be a life experience I will not soon forget!


The other question I dread: How much money do you still need?
Honestly, I really have no idea. I know that I am about $1,000 short of my program fee. I know that I will need another big chunk when I submit my dossier and some more to travel. I haven't sat down and figured out what I've spent so far or what I still need. I'm a little afraid the number would cause a numbing fear.

I know that God will provide. I've seen it happy so far for me and I've seen it with tons of other RR families in the last month. I appreciate every gift and everyone who has donated.

As soon as I have the official home study, I can start applying for grants. After that, we'll see what happens. I have seen God work so much in this situation that I have to believe he will provide!


The question I hate to answer in person but have lots of answers for: What can I do to help?

1. Pray. I have seen God working and answering prayers. I know it's because there are so many people praying for my little girl to get home quickly. It's the only answer! Please continue to pray for both of us through this process. Pray for those who are caring for her now and for those people who will process our paper work.

2. Repost my blog on your blog. Post it on your facebook. Tweet about it. Spread the word about Sara and about Reeces Rainbow. Long after Sara is home, there will be more little children around the world needing homes.

3. If you are a coffee drinker, both Just Love Coffee and Furnace Hills Coffee are giving a portion of their sales to Sara. FHC even made Sara's blend---specially created to support Sara's adoption.

4. If you feel led to donate, you can donate on the ChipIn on the right or on my FSP on Reece's Rainbow.

5. It's not too late to donate an item to my Give Away that will continue for the rest of the month of April.

6. A few of the women in my small group are planning to host a Yard Sale in early June and donate the profits to Sara. This is still in the beginning planning stages but I wanted to put the idea out there. If you have items that you would like to donate to be sold, please let me know. I will let you know more info as it is available but wanted to let you know that this is coming up. Start cleaning out those closets and the garage!

Above all, just continue to be the amazing, supportive, encouraing people that you have been to me for the last 2 months!

April Give Away Items

OK. I am changing this up a little bit. For the month of April, I will post all the items I have at once. All entries in April will go to one of these items. At the end of the month, I will use all the entries to choose winners for each item. I appreciate all of those who have donated items, reposted the Give Away, and purchased chances. This adoption wouldn't be possible without ALL of you! (Check back during the month as I may be adding more items.)

Item 1: Hand Made Cards from Karin

Karin has donated 10 single birthday cards. Each sells for $3.50.

Birthday card reads, "Wishing you a fan{tache}tic birthday" with a cut out mustache on the front. This single sided flat note card is 5.47" x 4.21", blank on the opposite side, and comes with a teal envelope.

Check our Karin's Etsy link!


Item 2: Hand Made Cards from Kristina

A set of 10 home made birthday cards with envelopes. These were donated by Kristina--a regular supporter of Reece's Rainbow. They were hand made by her sister Jeannie. They retail at $25.


Item 3: A Hand Knit Blanket from Mom

A hand knit blanket in green, yellow, blue and purple. About 6 feet by 3 feet. Very warm.








Item 4: A Hand Knit Blanket from Nana
I am Natalie's Mom, Rebecca Keller & Sara Rebecca's Nana.

This afghan is 36"x48" & is thick, since it is made with 4 strands of yarn.












The Goudzwaards have been great friends for years. They are very excited about Sara coming home. I plan to use their daughters are babysitters and Sara will learn to swim in their pool. They are donating three blankets.

Item 5: A Fleece Blanket from the Goudzwaard Girls

This is a a double fleece blanket. This one is pink and white checked with a pink back. It is the perfect size for a baby.

Item 6: A Knit Blanket from the Goudzwaard Girls

This is a hand knit blanket. It is a very soft yarn and is light blue and pink.

Item 7: A Fleece Blanket from the Goudzwaard Girls

This a double fleece blanket. This orange one has animals and multi-colored polka dots on it with an orange back. It is the perfect size for a baby.


Item 8: A Child's Apron from Christina

Child's Apron. Size Medium/Large.

Item 9: A Child's Apron from Christina

Child's Apron. Size Medium/Large.


Christina has been an advocate and fundraiser for Reece's Rainbow since 2010. Her facebook page sells items to benefit Reece's Rainbow.

From Christina:
My youngest son, Kellan, was born in October 2009 with DS, and somewhere along the line I came across RR. The children stole my heart, and it's true, once your eyes are opened, you cannot pretend not to know. I love these kids and I'll do anything to help them home!!




Item 10: Hand Made Jewelry from Molly
The winner can choose one of the necklaces below.

From Molly:
NoBeadLeftBehind was started about a year ago by my friend Amy and I. Amy is a special needs teacher and I am a Spanish teacher. We started this side business as a place to channel our creativity and as a means to donate to some organizations that we believe in (Love 146, and Water for Africa) We are able to raise awareness and give people another reason to feel good in our jewelry. We think what Natalie is doing is amazing and we are happy to help support her and Sarah. If you wouldn't mind please like us on our facebook page to help spread the word!

Be sure to check out the rest of their jewelry on their blog.




Item 11: Target Gift Card from Amanda

$25 Target Gift Card donated by Amanda - a supporter of Reece's Rainbow.



Item 12: A Mural from Becca

Sara... This is How I Met Your Mother
I had the distinct pleasure of being introduced to Natalie Keller through a mutual friend and co-worker two years ago, in the infancy of my special education experience at Elim Christian School. I then student taught in the room across the hall from Natalie's room. I got to know Natalie better through this experience, as well as attending the same church as Natalie. I have witnessed Natalie going through the process of an international adoption of a daughter with special needs over the past few months. I feel passionate about supporting Natalie and her new family in any way that I can, and as I have very little money to give, I thought that I could donate my time and gifts.

If you would like your child's room or nursery painted, we would love to be a part of your design experience!

We are open to any style or aesthetic, and would love to work to make your home an even more beautiful place to live in.







Item 13: Legos from Nana

This is a 214 piece Fire Truck "City" Lego set for 5-12 yr. olds.

I am Rebecca Keller - Sara Rebecca's Nana & Natalie's Mom. I am so proud of Natalie & can't wait to hug Sara!


Item 14: Spa Coupon from Kim

Kim, a member of my small group, has donated Spa Coupon for Hidden Spa, in Burr Ridge, IL. The Nail Package includes a Spa Manicure, Spa Pedicure, Moisturizing Paraffin Treatment, and No-Chip Polish Sealer. The coupon expires in 3 months.


Item 15: Massage Certificate from Bonnie

Bonnie is the mother of one of my former students. She runs the massage clinic at Moraine Valley. She has donated a gift certificate for a 50 minute massage. The certificate is good for a year.



Item 16: A Bird Feeder from Jaime and Dionne

Dionne has been a co-worker of mine for longer than either of us care to remember. Somewhere along the line, she became a good friend. Her husband Jaime made this bird house.


Item 17: A Hand Knit Baby Hat from Aunt Rachelle

I will be Sara's Great Aunt Rachelle. I can't wait to see Natalie become a mommy. Sara Rebecca is one lucky little girl to come into the Keller family!


Items 18 and 19: Home Made Bread from Kate

2 loaves of banana and/or pumpkin bread. The winner can choose the combination. There will be two prizes given - so 4 loaves total for 2 winners.

Delicious homemade banana or pumpkin bread made from scratch! Sweet, moist and delicious! Loaves can be shipped anywhere in the country. They will be sufficiently wrapped in saran wrap and tin foil to ensure freshness. Bread will be shipped within a week of the drawing.

Kate is a fellow teacher at Elim with Natalie. She has known Natalie since she student taught there 4 years ago. Kate is a mother of two boys who also lives in Midlothian. She can't wait for play dates for Sara and the boys together! Kate and her husband Tim are so excited for Natalie, as adoption is something they see for their future as well. But perhaps most exciting is that Kate finally has a "pink one" soon to be in her life!



Item 20: $25 itunes Gift Card from Olga

Olga is a co-worker. (Don't I work with amazing people?)


Item 21: A Coffee Basket from Furnace Hills Coffee Company

This basket was donated by Furnace Hills Coffee Company. Please go check out their website. They created the coffee company specifically to hire adults with disabilities. They are also selling a special "Sara's blend" of coffee right now to help bring Sara home.

The coffee is a $42 value and the basket is a $25 value. So the entire item is a $67 value. There is everything from milder roasted coffees to darker roasts in the basket.





Here's how it works:
1. You can donate for a chance to win.
$2 = One Chance
$5 = Three Chances
$10 = Seven Chances
$25 = Twenty Chances
$50 = Forty Five Chances

2. You can also earn a chance to win without making a purchase.
Post the link to the current item on your facebook + Leave me a comment telling me you did = One chance
Post the link to the current item on your blog + Leave me the link to the post on your blog = One Chance

3. Donate using the Chip-In box on the right. These donations go directly to me to pay my program fee. If you prefer, you can donate directly on Reece's Rainbow's website using this link. If you do that, leave me a comment with your name and donation amount. (All donations made through Reece's Rainbow are tax deductible.) Make sure you give your first and last name so I can easily identify the winner.

If you have questions, check out the rules and regulations.

Coincidences? I don't think so....

I've had so many "what a small world" moments since I started this process. I decided I needed to get some of the written down because they can't all be coincidences.

1. When I first started seriously considering adoption, I inquired about a little girl that was listed on Reece's Rainbow. I was informed that she had an interested family and they suggested I check out Charlotte LA. I instantly fell in love with her and began fully pursuing the adoption process. I honestly didn't give it a second thought. I wondered who Marguerite's family was but didn't ever doubt that Sara was the right one for me.

The day that RR revealed that I had committed to Sara, I got a few emails from people who had been interested in Sara. They all said they were very happy for me and Sara. One said she was just about to officially commit to a little girl from the same country and wanted to know if we could email. I was thrilled to learn that Angie and her husband are adopting Marguerite/Claudia. She wrote a beautiful post about Claudia (her real name) and how they know she is the one for them.

It gets better: Angie and her husband are from Newark, New York. That's right, they live about an hour from my brother. We have already talked about getting our girls together at Christmas time for a play date. It's so nice to have someone going through the same process in the same country. The only thing that would make it better would be if both girls were in the same orphanage. Maybe we'll still end up in the country at the same time.


2. My mother called the other day to tell me that she had friends from college that had a daughter with Down Syndrome. They started Furnace Hills Coffee to give their daughter a place to work. I checked it out on facebook because it sounded like such a great idea. While I was on there, I saw a picture of Anna's mom. (Anna is/was my roommate.) Anna's mom works for an organization called Mission to Ukraine. Furnace Hills Coffee
supports Mission to Ukraine. Small world!

I'm also thankful to say that Furnace Hills is working on a fundraiser for Sara. I'll let you know when I have more details. They are also donating a coffee basket to the give away.


3. I am currently taking grad school classes to get my ESL certification. Ironically, there is a woman in my class that has a daughter at my school. When I first told her about my adoption, she thought I was crazy. She told me she didn't know why anyone would choose that life. Yesterday I went to class and she told me that a friend of hers had just become a grandmother because her daughter had adopted through Reece's Rainbow. I haven't had a chance to contact that family yet but it was amazing to see how much her attitude had changed. I guess if 2 people you know do it, it can't be totally crazy. I can't wait to get a hold of them since they live in the same area I do! And, they brought their daughter home in January so they know there is a light at the end of this crazy tunnel!


Any of these things on their own might be a coincidence but when all happen in a week or two, you have to see it's more than that! God is at work--the explanation is just that easy in my mind.