"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." - James 1:27 "And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me." - Matthew 18:5

Thank You For Visiting Our Blog

Our Story...From a Dad's Perspective! We are Donnie and Karrie Cannell and we have been married for nearly six years. We have eight children between us (yours, mine and ours), six of which still live at home. Our children range in age from 20 years old down to three years old. Our oldest daughter, Jaime, was born with a rare skin disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). EB causes blistering of the skin from even the slightest amount of friction. It can also cause blistering in the esophagus from the friction created by swallowing food. Please watch the video on our page to learn more about EB. We first came across Carson's story on EB Friends, an online community devoted to people who suffer from EB or just care about EB. From the moment we read about him and saw his handsome little smile and big hazel eyes we were instantly drawn to him. Knowing the difficulties involved with caring for a child with EB and the fact that Carson is an older child, we new that the odds were against him being adopted. We had never considered adoption ourselves and the thought did cross our minds briefly, but it was just a thought. A few weeks had past and Karrie brought up Carson again. We hadn't talked about him to each other over this time but we were both thinking about him. Before she finished her sentence I said " Let's adopt him!". God had placed it in our hearts that with our experience raising an EB child and the love that we already felt for Carson, we were prepared to make him our son. Needless to say, the next day we were in head first making phone calls and sending emails to learn more about him and how to adopt. Thanks to Andrea and her team at Reece's Rainbow, we are well on our way to completing our dossier. There have been many new friends along the way and we can't thank you all enough. It was one of these friends that eventually lead us to the fact that Carson had a brother. John, it turns out is Carson's older brother and he was transfered from Carson's orphanage to an orphanage for older children about two years ago. There was absolutely no hesitation in deciding that these two would be re-united as our boys! Another thing we found out about John is that he also has EB. We are so excited to be able to not only bring them back together as brothers but to also give them a forever family. What a sight it will be to see them embrace again! Our children are also excited to have two new brothers to love and be able to share in their new life discoveries. We know that with God all things are possible and He will move mountains to make this happen. We are anxious to get the boys home and show them the love and caring that all little boys need and deserve. We want to teach them proper care for their skin and to have access to the very best medical facilities. EB can be crippling and even deadly if not properly cared for but with the care we will give them they will have every opportunity to grow strong and healthy. We most of all we want to share God's love with them and teach them that with Him they can do or be anything they set out to. Please help us bring them home soon, either by donating or sharing our story. God Bless! ~Donnie Cannell~

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

NEED TO MOVE FAST!

God, we need you. We give this to you Lord. We know that you brought us to this and you can get us through this.

We could very well be submitted the day after tomorrow. I know that sounds crazy, but it is very true. We could have a travel date in the next couple weeks, and leave by mid June. I can't believe this is really happening. I am nervous. I am worried about my kids that are staying here. I know everyone feels this way. I know that we all share in the stress.
I need to ask everyone again, to step out, to share our story, to donate if you can, to pray us to receive these funds to save the lives of these two brothers.
We still have so much to raise. So far to being fully funded. I trust in God. I trust He will touch someones heart to be able to do this for us. I trust that He will provide enough for the time Donnie will have to take off work. We live month to month. We make plenty of money to pay our bills, and to provide for these boys. But we don't have enough to bring them home, and for Donnie to be off work with no pay for 8 weeks. We don't have that kind of money. Then why, you ask, did we do this? Because God called us to it. And, because Carson and John need us. And, because we love them. And, because God says that we are all to take care of the orphans. I really can't explain why He chose us. I really don't know why our hearts have been touched in such a way. I really don't. I just know, that this is what God has told us to do no matter what. NO MATTER WHAT!!!! And we are obedient.......we love you Lord God! Please help us find a way to raise this money. Show us, show us what to do. I will do whatever you tell me to do. I love you Lord Jesus.....
If any of you could hold fundriasers where you are. If you could share our story with everyone. If you could email our blog to everyone you can think of. In order to save these boys, and bring them home, we need you.
It is very likely we will be submitted by Thursday........PLEASE HELP US!! PLEASE HELP US GET OUR BOYS HOME.
Posted by at 1:43 PM

2 comments:

  1. You are so amazing. I just love you and your family. Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart with all of us. I have shared your story on facebook and my blog. The money WILL come!! xoxox

    ReplyDelete

  2. Keeping you all in prayer.

    ReplyDelete

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