Catching up with the Maydens

By: Julie A. Eastin

In last months issue ReVo had the opportunity to interview Kelly Mayden and share their journey to adopt two little girls from Bulgaria. We were also able to help promote The Murder Mystery Dinner to help raise money to aid in the adoption cost. It turned out to be an exciting evening filled with laughter, fun and love for two little girls waiting to be with their family, the Maydens. It was amazing to see God work and for so many to come together and support the Mayden’s during this time.

We are proud to announce that a night of mystery, murder and mayhem brought in over $1,600.00! We also learned that the entire $5,000.00 was raised though various donations and together with the matching grant from Lifesong that is a total of $10,000.00 that will go toward bringing Yana and Tavi home!

Kelly’s first trip to Bulgaria will be January 16th and she will return on January 23^rd. She will be accompanied by Michele McGee from Revolution Church to offer support and assistance. The follow up trip to bring Yana and Tavi home will be from 4 to 6 months after the initial trip. You can follow the Mayden’s journey online at their blog, Trusted With Much… Our Journey to Yana and Tavi at http://trustedwithmuch.blogspot.com/

Please consider continuing to support the Mayden’s through donation. That can still be by way of Lifesong or directly to the Mayden family online at http://www.reecesrainbow.org/familysponsorshipgettingcloser.html

Every dollar helps to cover such costs as government agencies, authentication fees for documents going abroad, travel to and from the Bulgaria, accommodations in-country, long distance communications and much more and don’t forget prayers are always welcomed!

Please note that donations made directly to the family are not tax deductible but are simply blessing’s of love and support.

ReVo would like to give thanks to all those who have given so generously for this wonderful and truly inspirational family. We would also like to give special thanks to the Maydens for sharing their journey to Yana and Tavi. You have our continued prayers and support from the entire ReVo team!

Follow the story of the Maydens in The Mayden Bunch

The Mayden Bunch

Here’s the story of a lovely famliy.
Who adopted two very lovely girls.
Their names are Yana and Tavi.
The youngest one in curls.

The Mayden Bunch
by Shea Clark

Yana and Tavi are finally here! Earlier in the month of July, Kelly Mayden who was accompanied by Meadow Piepho, traveled to Bulgaria where they were to pick up the girls to bring home.

ReVo: Could you tell us a little about Yana & Tavi?

7 year old Yana

Kelly: Yana is 7 years old and has Down syndrome. She weighs 25 lbs. She is extremely content and happy most all the time. She LOVES attention and loves to cuddle. She hates baths, but has found swimming is fun! Currently she will go to anyone and be happy, but she does recognize mom! (which makes mom, me, VERY happy!) If any of the kids lay on the floor she crawls over to lay on top of them.

Tavi is 4 years old and blind. She weighs 26 lbs. She continues to surprise us with her courage and independence. She loves people and loves to play games that involve twirling, tossing her in the air, going fast or going upside down. Tavi loves swimming and will even go under water. She gets around very well and her great memory helps her navigate rooms quickly.

ReVo: How are they adapting to the new family?
Kelly: Yana continues to adapt to family life very well. Truthfully I would say after the second day of being freed from the orphanage she NEVER looked back. She has found family life agrees with her! She is doing so many new things! She is crawling and exploring without encouragement from us. She is climbing onto the couch,clapping and finding ways to communicate with us. She is even starting to understand English words like “kiss”, “eat” and “patty cake.”

4 year old Tavi

Tavi has had a harder time adjusting, but continues to improve everyday. The first 2 weeks were rocky, but lately things have been really going well. She is starting to slowly use English words and phrases as well as recognize many words said to her. I have introduced the braille alphabet to her and she loves to sing along as we feel the letters.

ReVo: I know the girls didn’t really have the attention they needed at the orphanage in Bulgaria, are they blossoming since being in their new home?
Kelly: I would say that yes, they are both blossoming and reclaiming their childhood! They amaze me with their bravery and their willingness to love! They compliment each other so well as new sisters in a large family. I can clearly see the handiwork of God in their becoming part of our family.