Thanks to the generous donations of our supporters, Sea of Faces has been able to award thirty-two grants. Meet our families and get a small glimpse of how God is moving. We are blessed to be a part of their amazing journeys. After each name you'll see the country of adoption, how many biological children the family has and how many children they've adopted prior to this adoption.

Matthew and Brooke Lukowitz (Ethiopia/0/0) - Matthew is pastor of a small church he and Brooke planted in 2005.  Brooke founded and runs a non-profit that provides food, clothing and hygiene items to families at no cost. They have been married for almost nine years and have always looked forward to raising children. However, after years of struggling with infertility, God turned their hearts to focus solely on adoption as the way to build their family. They were drawn to Ethiopia and it’s more than four million orphans. The dire poverty results in a staggering infant mortality rate, with one in ten children dying before their first birthday. Their daughter, Anne Belen, will be just seven months old when she comes home.  The Lukowitz' hope to travel in February to welcome their daughter into her new family.

Landon and Laura Jones (Russia/0/0) - The desire to adopt has been a seed watered through missionary service in Russia and as a nanny to two adopted children.  After three years of trying to conceive, Landon and Laura both felt God's leading to proceed with growing their family through adoption.  What a joy to contact the Jones' the day before they left Russia to bring Liam home.  God's timing is perfect.  Liam has been in an orphanage 14 of his 17 months and is severely developmentally delayed.  He cannot crawl, stand, or walk. However, he is expected to make great strides once home in a wonderful, loving environment.  

Eric and Diane Frantz (Ethiopia/3/0) - The desire for more children weighed on Eric and Diane, but many risk factors discouraged another biological child.  Their youngest, at eleven, was born premature with cerebral palsy-spastic quad and has been wheelchair bound his entire life. But with the encouragement of all their sons, the Frantz' began their journey and kept their eyes open for God's leading.  In July 2009, they accepted the referral for three sibling sisters from Ethiopia, two of which have been diagnosed with Hepatitis B.  Eric and Diane hope to pass court in November and welcome their daughters home by Christmas.

Troy and Jennifer Friesen (China/3/0) - Both joy and sorrow shaped Troy and Jennifer Friesen’s trust and faith in God’s plan for their family. Amidst the birth of three healthy children, one child was stillborn, another miscarried and a 3-month-old succumbed to heart disease. It was through the grief of these losses, combined with their love of parenting, they began to consider adoption. Their long journey began in January 2006. Just when they thought they could no longer afford the continual, expensive renewal of all their paperwork, God moved. “Over the lengthened time, God softened our hearts to consider an older child with special needs,” said Jennifer. Their daughter, Olivia, who came home in August 2009, suffers from congenital scoliosis and will require several surgeries to provide room for her growing organs. The Friesens’ perseverance though unbelievable heartache brings glory to God.

Bryan and Paula Foster (China/0/1) - The Fosters are not strangers to adoption. After struggling with infertility, they felt called to adopt one of the many children needing a family. They brought home their daughter, now 3 years old, from China in 2006. Still feeling
incomplete, they pursued an adoption from Vietnam, which unfortunately fell through. But they have persevered and are now matched with another little girl from China. This special child is missing her left hand and left leg below the knee.  She too will need therapy as well as prosthetics. Pray for wisdom as they search for doctors to assist her.  They travel 30 April to bring adorable Shu Bei home. 

Daniel and Elizabeth Kulp (China/0/1) - The Kulps are once again expanding their family through adoption. They received a grant from Sea of Faces in 2007 with the adoption of their son, Simon. He was the first Down’s Syndrome child to be adopted from China. The Kulps are now in process to adopt a 6-yr-old little girl with Down’s, also from China. She was abandoned three years ago and is currently very small and underweight for her age. She will need extensive therapy once she is home. The Kulps plan to travel mid-summer to meet their precious daughter for the first time. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for her
arrival.

Keith and Tana Karr (Haiti/2/0) - Keith and Tana took a leap of faith and the Lord led them to two beautiful little girls.  Aliyah (left)just turned two. She's been in an orphanage since shortly after birth, placed there by her parents who felt they could not afford to care for her.  After trying to abandon her in a hospital, the birthfather resorted to leaving Christela, just nine months old, in a junk yard.  She is stronger now but has a long way to go.  What an amazing new life awaits these precious ones. No longer will they be without the love and tender care a family can give. 

Mark and Marie Tabar (Ethiopia/5/0) - The Tabars have always desired a large family.  Although they began their adoption for one child, God showed them another young man, 8-yr-old Yakobe, who also needed their love. They are so excited to have the opportunity to raise two more children and lead them in a personal relationship with Jesus. They will travel 13 May to bring 8-month-old Abenezar and Yakobe home. You can follow the family's journey at www.thetabarfamily.com.

Roger and Holly Nauss (China/1/1) - Roger and Holly are not strangers to adoption. Holly was adopted as an infant, creating a compassion in her for orphaned children. Their first adoption journey took them to China to adopt a special needs little boy missing his left arm. Feeling God's pull again, they pursed the adoption of a 7.5 year-old boy with congenital deformities of the knees and wrists. Although medical needs will be great, they believe God will enable and equip them. The Nauss' brought Steven home on 31 Dec 08. Holly recently shared, "He is a delight and is thriving in our home. Thank you again for your part in bringing him home."  Sea of Faces is blessed to help.

Stephen and Elizabeth Spalluto (Brazil/0/0) - Knowing God has adopted us into His family, the Spallutos thought it only made sense to provide a family for children. Although they initially began their journey in El Salvador, their agency had a need for a sibling group of four girls in Brazil. Now that they're home, Stephen says, "Our girls are happy and healthy - laughing, smiling, making new friends, and giving every indication they are enjoying their new found "forever family." We have a game I like to play anywhere, at anytime, without warning. In my poor Portuguese I say, "Sabe que?" which roughly translated means, "Know what?" They respond, "Que?" or "What?" Then I say, "Eu te amo! Sempre!" which means "I love you! Always!" The girls grin from ear to ear and respond with the same.

David and Carol Greathouse (China/2/3) - In late 2005, the Greathouses brought home their third adopted child, Jonathan, from China. He was almost eight and deaf. Last summer he shared the story of his two childhood friends from the orphanage. When David and Carol asked if he would like to visit them in China, his response was, "No. You be mom. You be dad." Despite daunting expenses, China's one child per adoption policy and the threat of the children "aging out" of the system, the Greathouses are thrilled to be able to bring Han Ya and Hong Yi , both also deaf, home this summer. 

Jonathan and Erin Wright (Vietnam/0/1) - The Wrights live abroad working for Wycliff Bible Translators.  They rely on the generosity of others for their living expenses and cannot incur any debt. This precious little six-month-old had been passed over several times because of her port wine stain and the threat of birth defects. That was no deterrent for the Wrights and they're confident she is meant for their family. The Wrights will travel to Vietnam in late summer to meet baby Jade.  Her smile will melt their hearts.
    -- "Thank you so much for your help in bringing home our little girl."  Erin Wright  

Leon and Donna McClymont (China/3/1) - In 2005, the McClymonts adopted their son, Noah, from China.  A few months after they returned, Noah began talking about his best friend, Du Tan. The McClymonts sponsored Du Tan for two years, sending packages and exchanging letters. The whole family grew to love him and began to pursue his adoption. After much bureaucracy, they were matched with him in Dec 07. Noah and Du Tan both have Spina Bifida and scoliosis and are confined to wheelchairs. There is an urgency to get Du Tan home so he can receive proper medical care. In a translated letter from Du Tan, he said, "I have a dream. I still dream that I fly to America and you are there to collect me." The McClymonts plan to travel this summer to bring him home. His dream will soon come true.

Ron and Melanie Ecklebarger (Uganda/3/0) - Ron is the pastor of a church in Ohio. As the result of testimony from Daryl and Wanda Fulp (recipients in Sep 07), the Ecklebargers felt called to provide for three children from Uganda. "God is calling us to live out the Gospel by doing for these children what God has done for us -- adoptions as sons and daughters." The Ecklebargers returned in May with two sons, ages five and three, and a daughter, also three years old. Pray for their transition as these three little ones adjust and learn to trust and love their new home. 

William and Sarah Wainscott (Russia/3/1) - William and Sarah are on staff for Campus Crusade for Christ working at Gallaudet University. Their passion for deaf children led them to their first adopted child. Feeling their family was not complete, they began the process again in hopes of finding a little girl. This Spring, their agency contacted them letting them know they had found a young deaf girl in Russia. Despite a disheartening delay when the region closed, they remained steadfast. Their prayers were answered when the region re-opened and they traveled to meet their daughter in November. They hope to bring her home in February.

 
Todd and Kimberly Phillips (China/3/0) - Through an amazing set of details only God could orchestrate, the Phillips are adopting a little girl with congenital blindness. "We believe that God knew we would struggle with the decision because of the degree of her special need, so He made special provision for us. Now whenever we are tempted to worry or doubt about being able to care for our blind daughter, we are encouraged by remembering that God showed us clearly He matched us with little Qian Li Hao (Hope), so He must think we can do it," said Kimberly. While Todd and Kimberly wait for travel approval, Hope waits at Bethel Foster Home, a wonderful place for special needs orphans.

Daryl and Wanda Fulp (Guatemala and China/5/3) - The Fulps have always felt called to help children in need of a home. Over a thirteen year period they fostered 23 children. Then God called them to international adoption where they brought home a daughter with cerebral palsy from China. Through this experience, their eyes were opened to the tremendous need of waiting children around the world. Before Christmas, they will bring home two special needs sons. We are blessed to be a part of God's amazing plan in their lives.

Brian and Sarah McKay (Moldova/3/0) - Brian made several missions trips to Moldova. During his first trip, he met three sisters, Marina, Diana and Viorica. On each trip, he felt God calling him to bring these amazing young ladies into the fold of his family. The McKays needed to act quickly because within eighteen months, the girls would be discharged from the orphanage, which statistically results is very unfortunate situations. We're overjoyed to report that instead they are on their way home to a loving, dedicated family with three other siblings. Read more of their story at http://mckayadoption.blogspot.com/.

Jim and Tiffany Fredrickson (Mongolia/0/0) - When God moves, He has a marvelous plan to show His magnificent grace and compassion. The Fredricksons were called to adopt Sarah from Mongolia. But based on Mongolian law, they needed to establish residency for six months before finalizing the adoption. So on 11 July 07, Jim and Tiffany left for the capital city. God provided a job for Jim and they are living and helping in Sarah's orphanage, giving them a wonderful time to bond.

Jefery and Amada Spangler (Vietnam/1/0) - The Spanglers have one child and were considering having a second. Because of some undiagnosed pain, Amanda's doctor recommended they wait. After a year, their thoughts turned to adoption. They began their long journey of adopting from Vietnam, and as the process became more and more final, Amanda's pain began to subside. They consider the health challenge God's way of changing their hearts toward adoption. Please pray for little Meadow Eve who has some medical issues and will need significant attention when she gets home.

Daniel and Elizabeth Kulp (China/0/0) - Adoption is a normal part of life for the Kulps. Each have siblings that are adopted, some with medical concerns, so growing their family this way seemed natural. Elizabeth's physical therapy occupation took her on medical missions trips to China where her heart broke for the "unadoptable" children. They know this is God's plan for their lives and pray He will bless them with many adopted children. Keep the Kulps in prayer as they bring Simon home and give him the developmental therapy he needs.   

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Bradley and Debra Mauger (China/1/2) - The Maugers were adopting two special needs children from China. Unfortunately, they were caught up in the new standards China imposed in May, making them ineligible to adopt. Although selected for a grant prior to the changes, they did not feel it would be appropriate to accept. Sea of Faces wanted to stand by our commitment and still awarded them part of the grant to help offset the expenses already incurred. They are now pursing an adoption of a sibling group from Ethiopia. Please keep the Maugers and the children they were and are to adopt in your prayers.
 

Brad and Carolyn Atkinson (Brazil/7/0) - The Atkinsons are the picture of the Biblical mandate to care for orphans and widows. Aside from having seven children of their own, they care for a parent and grandparent in their home. They have been called to adopt a group of four siblings, two boys and two girls, ranging in age from 4 to 11. All the children are adjusting well as Carolyn home schools and gives them all the love, attention and education they need.
 

Susan and Jason Carroll (Russia/3/0) - have endured a great deal of emotional turmoil.  Two of their three children have battled and won the fight against cancer. The strain tested their marriage, but their faith and the Lord's unending mercy provided all they needed to endure. Little Victoria will also need medical attention for a cleft lip and palate, but the Carroll's know from where their strength will come. 

Robin and Israel Munguia (Guatemala/0/0) - are pastors of Iglesia Luz de Vida in Statesville, North Carolina. Through an amazing journey, they are adopting two older sibling boys from Guatemala. Although the boys are in good health, they have no formal education and have known only the orphanage family their entire lives. Having no children of their own, Robin and Israel are resting in the secure knowledge that these boys are without a doubt theirs for life.  

Justin and Chau Huffman (Russia/0/0) - When they first began the process, they were hopeful to adopt two children from Russia. As time passed, Russian adoption fees increased and they were uncertain they would be able to meet the $37,000 expenses. They have prayerfully proceeded and were recently blessed with the referral of one child. They traveled 10 May 06 to meet him for the first time. 

Paul and Holly West (Russia/0/0) - have met their little boy, Ilya, from Saratov, Russia.  Although they spent a short three hours with him, they know in their hearts that he is the child God provided. They have been waiting since January 06 for a second court date when they can return and make Ilya their own. Only through the patience and perseverance God provides can they endure this unsettling time.

Keith and Dorothy Callahan (China/0/0) - Keith and Dorothy have  traveled an  emotional road in building their family.  When infertility impeded their chance for a child, they chose foster parenting.  When a young girl chose to put her baby up for adoption, the Callahans eagerly said "yes."  That ended in extreme disappointment when,  on her due date, the birth mother changed her mind.  Now the Callahans can rejoice for the daughter,  Ande, they brought home in April 2007 from China.  Read about their journey at  www.babyjellybeans.com. 

Barry and Jennifer Lauffenburger (China/4/0) - Barry and Jennifer have faithfully leaned on God for the size of their family.  With four biological children, they felt led to open their hearts to an orphaned child from China.  Sam had a cleft lip and palate and faces multiple surgeries and therapy.  Upon arriving home in  March 06.  During routine exams, it was discovered he had a large kidney stone which required surgery to remove.  If left untreated, it would have resulted in infection and permanent damage or loss of the kidney. Praise God's sovereignty.

John and Rebecca Uccello (Russia/0/0), Our "First  Family," were the recipients of our first grant to help offset the cost of their adoption. After an almost 2-year process and more than $30,000 in expenses, the Uccellos are overjoyed to have John Robert "Jack" home from Pskov, Russia.  At eighteen months old, this little guy not only changed their lives, but has also impacted the lives of those around him. 

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