Squares

It's been a while. 

This month has definitely been the craziest of our adoption experience. The barn party on the 8th was a HUGE fundraiser. We are so grateful for all the support from everyone. I've been extremely busy selling all that I can get my hands on this month. I also had a birthday a week ago. I didn't really want to do anything for my birthday, because expenses are always at the forefront with International adoption. My sweet friends bought J and me lunch at Chick-fil-A. All our kids played while we laughed and laughed, over stories. Belly laughs just might be my favorite birthday gift!

We did have another garage sale scheduled this month, but the weather changed that. It was our last free weekend of 2015, so all the items are now in our attic, awaiting the first 2016 weekend we can grab.

I decided to "go forth in faith" and try a 100 square fundraiser. I have to admit... it has been very successful. I didn't think it would be, and I was nervous to try it. And, wouldn't you know... God CONTINUES to be bigger than any of my plans! Thank Him!!!

We started this fundraiser on the 8th, at the barn party. We've already raised $3,450 in 17 days!! People purchase squares and then they're in the running for some great prizes. We've already given out a few prizes. The grand prizes - gift cards - will be distributed on December 15th. The best part about it is that it hasn't required me to make or sell anything. I feel like that has been my full time job. If I'm not working on a big fundraising project, I'm driving to the Walmart parking lot to sell a donated purse for $20. Oh, how I appreciate those donated purses!!

We seem to be smack-dab in the middle of our process. We've already had around $20,000 in agency expenses, and have an estimated $32,000 more due once we get our invitation to travel. Writing that out seems unreal. Airline costs are the hugest part of those expenses, with 23 flights over there or back. I'm praying for a huge decrease in airline ticket prices, so that we can hopefully get those costs down.

I can't wait to see how God will continue to move in us and through us, as we come up with this huge amount of money!

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly {exceedingly, immeasurably} than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Custom Gifts of Truth

Another mom who is adopting two boys from Latvia said it best: "Constant fundraising is so mentally exhausting. I would like to crawl in a hole and not feel so exposed and vulnerable for just a little while! But I just can't stop until our boys are home for good."

It is exhausting. It is tough. But, I love my children more than I hate it... so I will endure.

If we don't push to see if we can sell SOMETHING that SOMEONE will buy, the holiday season will soon be over and people will most likely not be opening their wallets in January.

Therefore, I thought I'd post a fundraiser here. It's a good one. I wish I could keep every one of these!

These are beautiful one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items that are sure to bring a smile to the recipient. 

Compelled Designs creates these custom necklaces and bracelets for adoptive families. I wish you could see them in person. They are sooooooooo beautiful. Each has a specific scripture reference carved into it. I only have the items in the picture - 18 necklaces and 2 bracelets. First come, first served.

You can buy one for $24. If you're not local to San Antonio or Austin, I will mail to you for $3.

Please share this fundraiser with your friends and sisters in Christ. These scriptures speak truth and life!

If you'd like to order one or more, please text/email me and let me know which design. I posted which scripture goes with each one. 

If you are a first time visitor to this blog, you can text me at 210-651-2864.

Thank you so much for helping change eternity for three orphaned children!

I will leave you with the scripture that is on the back of my favorite design: Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

This Sunday

We have been praying about this weather, and... as of now, our prayers have been answered. We should have a lovely barn party this Sunday. I hope you can come!