I learned something about Down Syndrome today

I'm sitting at Starbucks (that's a worldwide chain of coffee shops), checking email, making phone calls, "sipping my triple tall non-fat latte," and thinking about the fact that people with Down Syndrome make me uncomfortable.
My fear is that if I make eye-contact with a Down Syndrome person they will talk to me, I won't understand them, and then I'll feel embarrassed. (Yes Virginia, this phobia is "all about me").
So this particular Starbucks employs a young woman who has Down Syndrome. (I was going say "is afflicted" or "is a victim" of Down Syndrome, but my lack of knowledge of this syndrome leaves me wondering if "afflicted" or "victim" are appropriate descriptions).
The young woman's job is to dust, sweep the floor, clean the display case, bus the tables, and water the plants.  She goes about her business with extreme diligence and a broad smile.
So I was sitting there working on a quote for a customer, when my fear became a reality.  The relative quiet of the establishment was broken with the words, "So how are you doing today?"  I glanced up to see the beaming young woman looking right at me.  With a small amount of anxiety I replied, "I'm doing great.  How are you?" 
It seems impossible but her smile got even bigger.  "I'm great too but thank God it's Friday."  With that she waved and walked off to continue dusting the Tazo Tea display.
"Thank God it's Friday?"  Did she really just say "Thank God it's Friday?"  Does that mean that there's a discernible  difference between this day and any other day in her life?  That perhaps a Saturday spent with family or friends, or by herself, is an appealing alternative to working her shift at Starbucks?
Does this mean that she doesn't just meander her way through the day oblivious to what's going on around her?  She has good days and bad days... not just "days?"
I am beyond guilty of not understanding the nuances of life that a person with Down Syndrome experiences.  It never occurred to me that she would have a thought like "Thank God it's Friday."  I assumed that every day was the same for her and others with Down Syndrome.  In my ignorant mind they seem blissfully disconnected from the challenges of day-to-day life. 
I realized at that moment that I know nothing about Down Syndrome and I let my fear and assumptions dictate how I would interact with people like her.
She walked back to me, carrying a tray of Dixie Cups.  This time I noticed her name tag:  Stephanie.
"Would you like to try a Caramel Apple Spice?"
"Sure."  She stood, waiting for me to taste the drink.  I did.  I didn't like it.
"How is it," she asked?
Up until about five minutes ago I would have avoided telling her the truth, fearful that I might hurt her feelings or confuse her.
"Actually Stephanie,  it's too sweet for me."
"Yeah, too sweet.  I don't like them either."  She strolled over to the next customer.  "Would you like to try a Caramel Apple Spice?"  She points at me.  "He thinks they're too sweet."
Stephanie walked back to me with a look of slight embarrassment.  "My name isn't Stephanie.  It's Amber.  I left my apron home and had to borrow Stephanie's."
I'm glad that I met Amber.  Maybe now I will ignore preconceived ideas that are based on nothing other than vague, uninformed impressions, and realize that the Ambers of the world, just like me, can't wait until the weekend arrives.
Or maybe I'll just continue to meander through the day, oblivious to what's going on around me.  I have a lot more practice doing that. 

By:  Roger Fallihee

Save those Quarters

Quartermania is coming!!  The date is April 9th in Norco, CA.  I hope you (if in the drivable area) will come on out.  I guarentee you  will have a blast!  It will only cost you $10 for admission and you get lunch.  There will be great vendors "auctioning" thier goodies.  No item over a 4 quarter bid.  Come check it out.  If you rum out of quarters you can purchase them at the event.  There will also be a raffle and a 50/50 drawing.  This has the potential to be a great fundraiser for Sophia's fund.  I know you all want her to come home just like I do!  It's nice to have so many supporting us.  Any questions just ask me.  :D

PECANS IN THE CEMETERY

On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old Pecan tree just
inside the cemetery fence.

One day, two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the
tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts.

"One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me," said one boy.

Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence.

Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he
thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to
investigate. Sure enough, he heard,"One for you, one for me. One for
you, one for me."

He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off.

Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along.

"Come here quick," said the boy, "you won't believe what I heard!
Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls."

The man said, "Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk."

When the boy insisted though, the man hobbled slowly to the cemetery.

Standing by the fence they heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you,
one for me..."

The old man whispered, "Boy, you've been tellin' me the truth. Let's see
if we can see the Lord."

Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable
to see anything. The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars
of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the
Lord.

At last they heard, "One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's go
get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done."

They say the old man made it back to town a full 5 minutes ahead of the
kid on the bike!

Smile, God Loves You!!!

In GOD WE TRUST! FOREVER AND FOREVER ...AMEN!!!

Valentine's Day! С Днем Святого Валентина

I happy to announce that the bake sale was a success due to the amazing ladies I had helping me (Dani and Kasey) The fundraiser brought in over $300 for Sophia's fund.  The money will go to pay for some if not all of the DOJ and FBI fees!!  Thank you so much for you support. 

Also I want to thank Tamara for making a beautiful valentine of Sophia.  For some reason it won't let me add it. :(  I'll try again later.  Trust me though it is darling!  UPDATE:  I couldn't add in the post but I did add on the top of the blog!

Party Challenged!

 Ok so I took the first step and admitted it, My name is Megan and I am party challenged.  I am throwing a Pampered Chef FUNDRAISER for Sophia this Friday (2-11-11) at 6:30 in Laguna Niguel.  I haven't had a lot of feedback on attendees.  I would love to see my local girls or guys who work wonders in the kitchen I know you are out there come.  Bring a friend  and check out these amazing products.  There will be friends, fun, and food who could ask for anything more.  Sophia and I need your support!  If you can't make the show and would like to take a look and order you can go to the following website:


http://www.pamperedchef.biz/nancycollins?page=host-search-results&showId=2959435   Thank you for support!  xoxox

Public Thank you

I was at church yesterday and we were having our monthly testimony meeting at church.  I thought about getting up but due to some personal stuff I didn't.  So I want to take this opportunity to thank my Heavenly Father for all he has blessed me with and continues to bless me with in the journey to adopt my little girl.  I also see the hand of the adversary but I know that my Father in Heaven is stronger and in charge of this journey.  I also want to thank all those who have contributed to this journey. 

I will continue to pray for Sophia, me and our journey; also for the friends I have made along the way!

God Bless

"...to love the unloved.": A new month!

Thank you to everyone one who submitted Sophia and me for the "...to love the unloved." family of the month of February. You did it! We are in the funds raised on thier site will go to Sophia's fund. I'm so excited I am just beside myself. God is great and so are you!

Let's help another family, I am here to bear testimony that every penny counts and you will be blessed for helping these families and children. 

 I'm going to end before I cry since I'm sitting at my desk at work. (luckily I'm the only one in my office right now)  :)

"...to love the unloved.": A new month!: "Hey Friends! Ashley here......I am so excited to be the one to be able to announce to you the child and family for the month of February! We..."