Angels Among Us

Little over a year and a half ago , before Ed and I took a "leap of faith" to adopt Teresa we were really struggling with whether or not God was calling us to adopt again . We had only been home from china a few months with Gemma and we were still adjusting and working through her monthly blood transfusions to get her stable. we knew we did not have the finances or energy to go forward with Teresa's adoption but at the same time we felt God was strongly leading us to adopt her. Not knowing how to proceed we consulted with Father Whatley . Before meeting with him , Ed and I prayed, asking God to speak through Father Whatley, giving us a clear answer whether to move forward or not .

The answer Father Whatley gave us ; "The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God will not protect you ".

We had our answer and very reluctantly took a HUGE leap of faith .

We did not know how we would come up with the tremendous adoption expenses let alone care for a child so ill...but God did. Teresa's entire adoption was a miracle. Everything fell into place miraculously , from adoption fees being dropped and reduced , Immigration expediting EVERY document and procedure, China expediting all paperwork, Our Senator and congressman helping to pull strings and our social worker helping to complete our Home Study in record time . From start to finish , with Travel Approval it took only 5 months!

We came home from China to settle into our new "Normal". We tried to return to life as normal , but that life was long gone . Our "new" life consisted of tremendous stress trying to juggle all the girls Doctors appointments ,illnesses and surgeries . To top it off the economy was worsening making it VERY difficult for Ed to pay himself and all of our financial security was gone.

Very confused we questioned God why He would lead us on this journey and not provide a way . We were REALLY struggling to make ends meet. Unable to afford ANY extras in life we were forced to remove the girls from everything .

That's when the angels started appearing.

Our angels came in many different forms...friends, family ,Priests, teachers, instructors and complete strangers.
These are our Angels among us .
They are helping us to carry this tremendous weight .
All Ed and I wanted in life was to do Gods will , take care of our family , remain un noticed and help others . Now somehow we are the ones needing help and it is a VERY humbling experience.

Our friends have put together a fundraiser to help us with Teresa's expenses for her oxygen and heart medicines.
The fundraiser will be November 11, 2011 at The Knights of Columbus on Frederick Rd., in Catonsville.

Info
Please join Vicki Wrisk and I as we host a "Quarter Mania Auction" for our dear friends, the Bartlinski Family. All proceeds from ticket sales will assist with the medical expenses for their daughter, Teresa Bartlinski.

GENTLEMEN: Please pass this along to your wife, mother, aunt, sister, girlfriend, etc., that would love a fun night out with the ladies!

$20 for admission & receive 1 paddle + $10 in quarters (no minors please).
Sandwich foods, desserts, snacks & beer, wine & setups available for purchase.

This is not a St. Mark HASA sponsored event.

Email me at danndorschel@yahoo.com for ticket/additional information ( i have a detailed flyer ). Tickets are limited! We hope to sell in advance and not at the door. If you cannot attend the event but would like to make a donation, please email me.

For those of you that have not had the priviledge to meet this amazing family, please check out the following links:

The Bartlinski's Blog:

http://ourplacecalledhome.blogspot.com/

December 2010 Catonsville Times Article:

http://www.marylandfamilymagazine.com/2011/01/11/catonsville-family-opens-home-and-heart-to-children-from-china/

We are so very grateful to these angels for helping us !