Heart 4 Orphans

I miss...

2012-01-18T17:56:00.002-05:00

AFRICA!!

Of course, who wouldn't!

Bradly and I during a church service in Uganda

2012 To Do List

2012-01-12T14:47:00.000-05:00

So, my friend, Hayley Catt, had a really great idea to create a To Do List for 2012. It's a list of things you hope to get done this year. I really liked the idea so I'm posting mine own here.

In 2012 I hope to:

1. Draw closer to my Creator than ever before.

2. Love others more.

3. Make more time for crafts.

4. Read more books.

5. Spend less. Give more.

6. Take a road trip.

7. Meet (and love on) a child in another country.

8. Play more board games with my family.

9. Take more pictures.

10. Get a new pair of TOMS.

11. More sister dates with my only sister.

12. Serve others more.

13. Spend more time with my friends.

14. At least one long walk on the beach.

15. Watch more sunrises.

So, now it's your turn? What is your 2012 To Do List?

My Provider

2012-01-01T20:45:00.000-05:00

So....

the total of purchases and donations made during the "Send Me" Christmas Fundraiser was

(drum roll, please)

.... $285!!!!

Thank you everyone!!

God is truly providing!!

8 more months to go. I know God is
going to blow me away (like He already has!)

God is my provider!

Last Chance!

2012-01-01T17:27:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day of the "Send Me" Christmas Fundraiser.

All proceeds go to funding the missionary training course I'm taking with YWAM. (I go in September!)

Need some things for next year?

Remember all items are 50% off!!

Check out these awesome handmade items:

Ornaments

Canvases

Cookie Mixes

(Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, and Brownie mix)

Thank you!

(Contact me for pricing and shipping info.)

*A big thank you to those who have already ordered/donated!!!! I am in total awe of how God provided through this fundraiser!!! I would have never imagined the total amount raised on my first fundraiser!! God is good!!*

(Totals coming soon!) :)

Merry Christmas to you! 50% off!

2011-12-19T09:56:00.000-05:00

OK friends! This week all the items in my Christmas Fundraiser are 50% off!!! What? Yes!!

Check it out!!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2699796531052.152480.1140827312&type=3

Luke's Christmas

2011-12-19T09:22:00.000-05:00

Even though Luke doesn't have his own family this Christmas he is living in China with an amazing group of people. Luke is very fortunate to be at Shepherd's Field Children's Village where the family style homes create a loving and caring environment for their 80+ children.

This week Shepherd's Field has been celebrating Christmas with the children. Fun!

Smiling for the camera while decorating the houses for Christmas.

Luke with the Samaritan's House residents.

Cute smile Luke!

Luke with his best buddies Adrian and Shane.

(Aren't they cute!?)

Luke with his new housemates at Zachary House.

(He was recently moved to another house on the compound

to make room for new babies with heart problems).

Luke with one of his Christmas presents.

So excited to get a toy car!

Adrian, Luke, Kennedy and a staff member Sara

(Showing off their presents, new stuffed puppies and cars!)

I absolutely love seeing the joy on Luke's face this Christmas! I am so happy that he is able to experience that joy and be with his precious friends in a warm loving home!

However he still needs a family of his own! What child doesn't deserve the priceless love of a mother and father and siblings?

I'm prying that next Christmas Luke will have a family!

Will you join me in prayer for Luke?

This wouldn't be possible without the support of the child sponsors! Please consider sponsoring a child (or more than one) this Christmas! What a blessing they will be in your life! Please go here to sponsor a beautiful child at Shepherd's Field in China. There are at least 50 children who still need sponsors!

*pictures by Jamie, Sara Z., and Timothy Baker (Thank you!)

New Items Added to My Fundraiser!

2011-12-12T10:54:00.004-05:00

Can't eat cookies? Don't need any more ornaments? Then, check these handmade canvases out!

Ornaments Canvas (10x10)

Price: $10

Shipping (*if not local): $5

*If local: I will gladly deliver it to you personally if you would prefer. :)

Snowman Canvas (8X8)

Price: $10

Shipping (*if not local): $5

*If local: I will gladly deliver it to you personally if you would prefer. :)

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2699796531052.152480.1140827312&type=3

Missing It...

2011-12-06T22:01:00.001-05:00

"Though you may leave Africa, Africa will never leave you. It's a very specific relationship that way, one endlessly rich in its specificity."

Jesus Friend of Sinners

2011-12-05T14:15:00.001-05:00

November Is Over!?

2011-12-01T11:51:00.001-05:00

November was National Adoption Awareness Month. If you read this post you know that I (along with so many other people) participated in the "Pray Down the Number @ 1:47 pm" Event. And it was even more amazing that I thought it would be!! Each day I chose an orphan or an adoptive family (or anything to do with orphans around the world) and lifted them up to the Father. It wasn't hard at all to think of someone or something each day. Each day it seemed that God would put a child a family or a subject in my head and I went with that. It was an honor to pray for them during the whole month of November. The fact that I wasn't alone in praying each day was also a great encouragement. There are 176 people in the facebook group and even if all of them weren't actually praying at the same time it was still amazing to know that each one of them was lifting up orphans all over the world at some point each day. This was an awesome event and I can't wait to participate next year! God really moved, prayers were answered, and God showed up in these lives.

Just for fun, here is the list I kept:
(You may or may not recognize some of these names) :)

1st: Liberty and William
2nd: JJ and family
3rd: Will Perry and Ankerich family
4th: Blossom (SFCV)
5th: Luke (SFCV)
6th: Older orphans who struggle with depression
7th: Sharon (SFCV)
8th: Grady (SFCV)
9th: Ruby and Saunders family
10th: Kennedy (SFCV)
11th: Josiah's family (SFCV)
12th: Smith Family (and Derrick)
13th: Stella (Uganda)
14th: Jordyn and Rist Family
15th: Henry (Uganda)
16th: Kira LaTorre
17th: Brookie Leahy
18th: Kayley's sisters
19th: Josh and family (SFCV)
20th: Stoiber family
21st: Joseph (SFCV)
22nd: Phiona's work with orphans
23rd: Orphans in Uganda
24th: Orphans in China
25th: Orphans in Russia
26h: Orphans in India
27th: Orphans in USA
28th: Kiraboo Seeds
29th: Esther and Stonebrook family
30th: Older orphans left behind

*(SFCV)= Children from Shephard's Field Children's Village

Pure Love Giveaway

2011-11-28T15:12:00.001-05:00

This Giveaway is absolutely amazing! There are 20 awesome prizes, nothing worth less than $10!! And the best part is every bit of the money raised goes to making 2 less orphans!! How great is that??

Cyber Monday Deal!

2011-11-28T14:27:00.001-05:00

Check out this post for an awesome deal on the "Send Me" Christmas Fundraiser!!

Fill Their Stockings

2011-11-28T09:24:00.001-05:00

A few details on how our “Fill Their Stockings” event will run…

- Suggested donation is $5. More entries will be assigned based on size of donation. But if you don’t have $5 to donate, that’s okay too… An Orphan’s Wish will be blessed by any amount you would like to give. To enter without donating, leave your name, email and mailing address in a comment on this post.

- To donate, simply use the button below and you’ll be directed to AOW’s PayPal page. All donations go directly to An Orphan’s Wish.

- You must have a shipping address in the US to win.

- The Brave Love Necklace giveaway will end at 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, November 29th. The winner will be chosen at random from all entries and announced shortly thereafter.

So be sure to check back soon – not only see if you’ve won, but to see what delicious donation is going to be featured next. New items will be posted here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through December 23rd.

Go to Stephanie's blog to see the first prize:

It's Cyber Monday!

2011-11-25T08:31:00.001-05:00

I'm extending the Black Friday sale through today for Cyber Monday!

As you know I've started a fundraiser to raise funds for my Training with YWAM next fall. And I have some awesome handmade items for sale.

Check out my last post or my fb photo album to look through all the items for sale.

*Cyber Monday Deal*

25% off any one item

*Offer is only valid through midnight tonight. Only for followers! (If you are not one yet, you can do so). Message me (or leave a comment) letting me know what items you want and which one you want the deal on. Once you get a confirmation message back from me, you can purchase it. Payment is through paypal (you will see my paypal button at the top of this page).

Thanks!!

"Send Me" Christmas Fundraiser

2011-11-20T20:43:00.001-05:00

This is my first fundraiser for the YWAM Missionary Training School I will be attending next fall. All proceeds go towards my tuition and outreach costs. This is a 6 month training course focusing on children at risk around the world. For 3 months I will be learning in a classroom setting (in Wisconsin) and for the remaining 3 months i'll be overseas (Asia or Africa) doing outreaches with my classmates.

Please consider purchasing any of these awesome handmade ornaments or the delicious cookie and brownie mixes. Under each picture you will find the prices. If you're interested in purchasing any of these items please leave a comment or shoot me an email letting me know what you want.

(Beach Ornament)

Price: $5

Shipping: $2

(Stars and Ribbons Ornament)

Price: $3

Shipping: $2

Mixes in a Jar

(Availible: Oatmeal Raisin Mix, Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, and Brownie Mix)

Price: $10

Shipping: $5

(Pictured: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Mix)

Payments are made through PayPal (you'll find the "donate" button on my sidebar).
[Although, I will take checks if need be.]

All items are made to order so please allow 1-2 days for processing (and 3-5 days for shipping).

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks so much for your support! I am so excited for this next phase of my life! I have no doubt that God will provide, because He always equips those He calls. If you are not able to participate in this fundraiser for whatever reason, it's totally OK. I'll be working on many more over the next 10 months.

Isaiah 6:8
"...'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

Giveaway!!

2011-11-14T22:55:00.001-05:00

These are awesome pendents! You can win one here:

http://k6comehome.blogspot.com/2011/11/beautiful-pendantsfor-purpose.html

Time For Fundraising

2011-11-11T16:19:00.001-05:00

As most of you now know I am moving to Wisconsin next September to take part in Discipleship Training School with YWAM!! I am so excited, but of course the anxiety is setting in now that it is official! I know I totally need to be trusting in God for provision, but at some points my flesh shows up and reminds me I have a lot of work to do.

It's true I have a lot of money to raise and a lot to think about and plan before next fall, but I know God will provide! He always has before!

So, as I prepare to begin my own fundraisers I wanted to ask for some insight from my readers. If you will let me know what fundraisers worked and what didn't work for you or someone you know. All comments appreciated!

I am working on a few ideas for Christmas.
So, be watching for them in the next few days.

Thanks.

Who doesn't love a giveaway?

2011-11-08T15:52:00.003-05:00

And one for an adoption is even better!

Check out this blog and participate in this FREE giveaway.

Here's the scoop:

"We need to broaden our blog readership in a big way. So we want to reward you for helping us. This package - 1 of our custom adoption t-shirts, 1 copy of Matt's book "When You Come Home" and one copy of "Lovesongs and Lullabyes" can be yours! Here's how.

1 chance for simply becoming a follower on our blog
1 chance for doing a facebook post referencing our blog
2 chances for putting our blog button on your blog
2 chances for sharing on your blog

Please email us at mmeadors23@yahoo.com or send us a facebook message to let us know you've done these things so we can give you credit.
We will be randomly selecting a name on November 14. Let's get this party started!"

*from M. Meadors blog

I Heart Faces

2011-11-07T16:16:00.003-05:00

Photo Challenge// Black

http://www.iheartfaces.com/

Changes Part 2

2011-11-07T13:57:00.000-05:00

If you read my post Changes back in September, you know there is some big news I was waiting to share! WELL, Saturday I received the email I've been waiting for!

I was out with my sister at the mall when I looked down at my phone and saw that I had a new email. After seeing the title I knew I didn't want to open it just yet. I wanted to wait until I got home and was by myself so that I could focus on it.

When I lost my job (and also graduated college) back in August I really started to think about what was next for me. Even though losing my job was really hard, God was teaching me a lot through it. One of those things being I needed to focus on my next step for Him. Ever since I came back from Africa last year I knew I wanted to do more mission work. And I knew I wanted to do something more long term, because that's what I felt God leading me towards. So, as I was thinking about my next steps God suddenly put YWAM on my heart. I looked it up and got as much info as I could. I soon found a link to a "Children at Risk Discipleship Training School" that I really liked. So, after thinking it over for a couple days I decided to apply.

As I said I got an email Saturday that confirmed that I was accepted! YAY!

Next September is when I go! It is located in Madison, WI (which just happens to be very close to William and his family!). This is a 6 month program (3 months in Madison, 2 months overseas, and holiday breaks).

Here's the breakdown:

"The Children at Risk Discipleship Training School will focus on the needs of children around the world and the issues that put them at risk — sex trafficking, poverty, AIDS, abuse, child soldiers, and broken families. We will also focus on the heart of God who promises to be a “Father to the fatherless, who sets the lonely in families.” (Psalm 68:5,6)

For three months, we will examine strategies to help these kids and pursue ways to assist poor communities around the world. And then we will go, spending two months overseas. Past Children at Risk DTSes have gone to India,Thailand, Myanmar, Uganda and Kenya. On outreach, we will work with street kids, AIDS orphans, slum communities, sex slaves and refugees, as well as reach out to people of all ages through evangelism."

For more info visit these websites:

http://www.ywammadison.org/dts/

http://www.ywammadison.org/dts/kids-at-risk/

Win an ipad 2!

2011-11-07T12:28:00.000-05:00

Consider donating to this awesome giveaway for a family who is adopting a 5 year old girl from Eastern Europe (she has CP and is running out of time at the baby home).

Donate and share this blog with others and you will be entered into the giveaway for and ipad 2 and many other amazing prizes (artwork, a mini camera, etc.).

http://textgeorge.blogspot.com/2011/08/seeing-stars-first-huge-giveaway.html

Cry of the Orphan 2011-Jim, Yolanda and Baby Jayne

2011-11-06T20:23:00.002-05:00

Cry of the Orphan 2011 - Jim, Yolanda and Baby Jayne from Hope for Orphans on Vimeo.

Orphan Sunday Live Event Tonight!!

2011-11-06T18:47:00.001-05:00

Looking for a good way to spend this Orphan Sunday night? You should totally watch this Live Webcast!! This is an annual event and I really look forward to it every year! Here are the details from the website:

http://orphansunday.org/live-event/

"Join David Platt, Jedd Medefind, the Desperation Band’s Jon Egan, members of the IHOP team and Christian leaders from around the globe via LIVE from Kansas City! This one-hour webcast event will unite believers worldwide in GUIDED PRAYER for the fatherless and WORSHIP led by IHOP’s Jon Thurlow and Jon Egan. LIVE from Kansas City will be webcast live on this webpage on Orphan Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 6 PM Central Time."

So excited for this!! Starts in 15 minutes!!

If you happen to miss it, I am sure it will be up online at some point after tonight. I'll post details for sure when I find out.

Happy Adoption Awareness Month!

2011-11-02T16:36:00.003-04:00

For those of you who don't know, November is

Adoption Awareness Month.

There are several things we can do to "celebrate" it.

I came across Gwen's blog a few days ago and was really impressed by her idea!

There are about 147 million orphans in the world today! That is a huge number and if you are like me you want to do something about it!

Anything.

Well, here's our chance:

For the whole month of November (sorry this is a few days late) we are going to "pray down the number".

At 1:47pm everyday this month people all across the world will be joining in prayer for orphans.

Here is how Gwen explains it:

"Where ever you are just stop and lift up orphans to the FATHER - pray for friend's adoptions, pray for the orphan who is hungry, pray the for the orphan that is sick, pray for the families sitting on the fence about adoption, pray for orphan/adoption ministries, pray for those serving orphans, ... WHATEVER GOD LAYS ON YOUR HEART ABOUT THE FATHERLESS - pray pray pray!!!"

"Put in on your calendar, make it an appt. on your phone, write it on your hand, put a sticky note on your mirror or do them all ... LET'S ALL STAND TOGETHER, WATCH OUR FAITH GROW AND THE NUMBER GO DOWN!!!"

You can also join the facebook group:

"1:47 pm- Pray Down the Number [147 Million Orphans]"

If you will please join with me in this challenge! And leave a comment so that I know! Thanks!

(I'm going to be keeping a list of who or what I pray for everyday this month and sharing it here at the end of November.

Feel free to do the same!)

"The orphan crisis is not a quick fix, but a long hard journey with the LORD trusting him and loving his people !!!"

Welcome To Shepherd's Field Children's Village

2011-10-24T10:56:00.000-04:00

What to learn more about Shepherd's Field Children's Village?

(The foster home my sponsor children Luke and William live/lived.)

Check out this awesome video!

Welcome to Shepherd's Field Children's Village from Christina Tsuei on Vimeo.

Stella Update

2011-10-20T12:58:00.002-04:00

Back in June Tonya LaTorre traveled to Uganda to do mission work with an orphanage and a school in Kampala. She took care packages to the children from their sponsors and get updated pictures and information. She also was able to meet with each child at school and go to each of their homes to meet with their family.

I got these pictures in the mail a few weeks ago and I was so excited to see all of them! Stella looks to be doing really well and she is smiling big in all the pictures. I am so glad she liked all the little things I sent her. I love shopping for other people, so it was so much fun to get to see her reaction in these pictures.

Here are the pictures that Tonya took:

Stella with her beautiful smile

This must be the teacher or head master of Stella's school

Opening the care package I sent for her

Her new shirt

Look at that smile! She sure is letting her love shine!

Her new dress

Opening her birthday present

Stella holding up the pictures I sent her

The sign for Stella's school

Stella's neighborhood

The house Stella lives in with her sister and nephew

Stella's sister

Stella's sister and nephew

Stella also wrote me a letter (with a cute little drawing). It is such a joy to hear from her and know that she is doing well and enjoying her time at school. I am so excited to get to know her better through future letters.

Stella you are loved!

I am praying and thinking of you often!

Your sponsor sister,

Sharon

Sunday Snapshot: Mr. Tian Yi

2011-10-16T16:32:00.000-04:00

I've gotten a lot of new pictures of Luke (Tian Yi) lately so I wanted to post them.

Hope you guys can stand his cuteness. :)

Check out www.chinaorphans.org to sponsor a child.

Finished...

2011-10-03T22:25:00.001-04:00

The application process for IT was completed today! And it felt really good to get that finished.

Now it is out of my hands, and in the hands of my God.

He knows weather or not I will get accepted. And His will is all I want!

So if you could keep me in your prayers as I wait to hear back. I'm not sure how long it could take, maybe days, maybe weeks, maybe even months. (Since it doesn't start until next year).

Here's another little hint:

Y.*.*.M. - "To know God and make Him known"

I'd love to hear your guesses! Please leave a comment here if you want to guess!

(This is so much fun!) :)

Thank you friends!

Sunday Snapshot: I'm Wrecked!

2011-09-23T23:06:00.003-04:00

The injustices of this world totally wreck me.

If the videos below don't wreck you as well, I don't know what will. Please take the time to click on the link below, then find the links for "The Boy From Baby House 41".

http://askingwithfaith.blogspot.com/2011/09/boy-from-baby-house-41.html

I don't even have words... other than something NEEDS to be done!

And something can be done!

At least for one little boy living in these conditions.

Alex is in the same situation that the boy in the video was. He just got transfered to an institution, because He just turned 5! How horrible!

Just imagine this precious boy being bedridden (or tied to a bed) for the rest of his life! All the joy that he is showing in these pictures will be whipped away after a few months or so. His mind will stop all together, and eventually he will just rot away.

The baby houses are bad enough then they go to "hell" (as the video described the it).

There is still hope for Alex!!
He can still be adopted!

Please check out this birthday giveaway for Alex.

And this grant fund for Alex. This will be given to the family that decides to adopt him! Every little bit helps!

Changes...

2011-09-22T15:13:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, changes can be good.

A lot of things have changed in my life over the past few months. I recently graduated from college, I'm currently looking for a job, and I'm thinking/planning for my future.

After losing my job (and graduating) back in August, I really began to think about my future life goals. I have known for a while now that God is leading me into missions, and it seemed like a good time to look into my options. I looked into one organization in particular that God had brought to my mind. After giving it a lot of thought and going back and forth trying to make a decision, I could not get it out of my head that I was supposed to follow through with IT. So, even though IT didn't work out for this year, it looks like next year (September 2012) is when IT will happen, or should I say, begin!

I am so very excited!!
And of course, a little nervous!

Sorry guys, I'm not giving any more details until I know for sure that IT is going to happen, (I'm in the application process now).

Stay tuned to find out more.

(Those who do know please don't give anything away, thanks!)

In the meantime though, please pray that God will work out all the details (big and small)!
I know He will if it's the right step for me at this time.
Thanks friends!

And...
just for fun,
here's a little hint:

Haha! Yup, that's all! :)

Sunday Snapshot: China's Treasures

2011-09-17T23:06:00.002-04:00

Meet Josiah:

A precious 5 year old boy

That can be described as: "Active, loving, smart, and joyful"

He lives at Shepherd's Field Children's Village in China, and his paperwork was finally completed this week

He has been waiting all his life for a family to call his own

Josiah is a special needs orphan with a complex heart condition, but has received surgery.

This precious boy needs a mommy and daddy (and possibly siblings) to love him the rest of his life.

Could he be your son?...Or sibling?...Or cousin?...Or neighbor?

If you are (or someone you know is) interested in adopting Josiah please contact me so that I can give you further information on how to get started.

Also, meet Josiah's friend

Jacob-Jai:

An absolutely adorable 5 year old boy

Who also lives at Shepherd's Field Children's Village in China

Jacob-Jai (or JJ) can be described as: "Handsome, smart, artistic, and fun"

He was born with club feet, but has received corrective surgery

This precious boy has been waiting 5 years for a family. There has been a lot of interest but it wasn't until just recently that his adoption paperwork was completed.

So now he just needs a family to step up and start the process.

Are you (or someone you know) interested in adopting JJ?

If so, contact me and I will get you in touch with his orphanage.

These two precious 5 year olds were created by God and are in His hands. But, they need a family!

JJ (left) and Josiah (right)

Will you consider providing them with a family? Or join me in prayer for these amazing boys? God has a plan for their lives and He knows what their future holds.

Please spread the word to your friends and family members!

Let's get these boys a home!

I'll leave you with this quote:

"“My friends, adoption is redemption. It’s costly, exhausting, expensive, and outrageous. Buying back lives costs so much. When God set out to redeem us, it killed Him.”

- Derek Loux

*Pictures by Sara

Giveaway for Hopeful Adoption

2011-09-15T22:45:00.001-04:00

Check out this amazing giveaway!

(Link at the bottom of post)

SO many awesome prizes!

This boy, named Alex, lives in Eastern Europe and will soon turn 5 years old. In his case turning one year older is actually devastating, instead of being a happy occasion. You see, Alex is a special needs orphan (He has CP).

When these children turn 5 they are placed in an institution and bedridden

for the. rest. of. their. lives!! :(

Imagine yourself in that situation. Wow!

I am so heartbroken!

The only hope for Alex (and the many other children like him) is a family.

So what this giveaway is doing is advocating and raising funds for Alex's adoption fund.

This way a family who is interested in him will be given these funds to go towards their adoption of Alex!

How great! Adoption can be expensive, but this will hopefully help the family to make that leap of faith anyway. Because Alex is worth it.

So go here, and follow the instructions to enter the giveaway:

http://i-really-should-be-cleaning.blogspot.com/2011/09/birthday-giveaway-for-alex.html

Sunday Snapshot: Little Blessings

2011-09-11T07:41:00.000-04:00

For those of you who don't know, this is William.

I sponsored him through The Phillip Hayden Foundation for 2 years. He was adopted in March of this year and I was able to go meet him at his new home soon after. It was such an amazing blessing to get to finally hold him in my arms and take in his precious personality.

Now that you have the background info, I can continue. :)

The other day I got a special package in the mail, and of course I knew right away what it was.

A letter from William!!! I was so excited to open it!

What a blessing it was to read what this special little boy had to say.

Yeah, I know he's not old enough to actually write the letter, but still.

I sent him the little umbrella (that he's holding in the picture) with a note I sent a while back.

So, it sounds like he liked it. Hehe!

I am overjoyed that God has allowed me to receive these little blessings from one of his precious children!

William thanks so much for the letter!

When I was visiting William and his family back in May I was able to spend some precious time with William's big sister, Liberty. She is such a sweet and funny girl, and of course a great big sister! She was also adopted from China, so I feel like she and William have a special bond.

Liberty also wrote me a letter in response to the one I sent to her.

I just loved it!

And to top it all off they sent me two little homemade ladybugs!

Aren't they cute?

I can't wait to see what God has in store for these two precious little ones! They were brought together as siblings for a reason! I love you guys!

True Religion

2011-09-05T22:36:00.000-04:00

‎"James 1:27 tells us to keep ourselves unstained by the world. How do we do that? By going near the needs of orphans and widows, caring for them and meeting their needs. In doing so, we are transformed by the heart of God and we begin to understand how God cares for us." -Dennis Rainey

True Religion from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Sunday Snapshot: Giving and Serving

2011-09-04T18:36:00.003-04:00

A while back I began reading Radical by David Platt. Wow! What an amazing book. No, not one that makes you feel good about yourself, but one that is full of convicting thoughts and powerful stories of ordinary people radically living out the gospel.

One thing that really stood out to me while reading this book was a question that David tells about the time he was preparing to go on a mission trip overseas. Someone responded with this question:

"Why don't you just send the three thousand dollars? Wouldn't that be a better use of the money? Think of how far that money could go."

I was asked this very question before my trip to Uganda last year. I wrestled with that question, and didn't really have an answer to respond with. And like David, I also asked myself this question: "Was I wasting these funds in order to go?"

David didn't have an answer to this question either, until he was already there:

I continued wrestling with that question until I got to Sudan. There I had a conversation with Andrew that shed some light on the situation...
"Do you want to know how you can tell who a true brother is? A true brother comes to be with you in your time of need."

When I read this part of the book it was all finally beginning to come together. But it got even better! He goes on to say:

When God chose to bring salvation to you and me he did not send gold or silver, cash or check, he sent HIMSELF, His son.

How will I ever show the Gospel to the world if all I ever send is my money?

Was I really show shallow to think that my money is the answer to the needs in the world? If we are going to accomplish the global purpose of God it will not be primarily through giving our money, as important as that is, it will happen primarily through giving ourselves. This is what the gospel represents and it's what the gospel requires.

Think about that for a minute! How true is that?

Maybe instead of giving, God is calling you (and me) to GO and SERVE!?!

I think YES!

*Pictures from Uganda 2010 trip

Orphan Sunday

2011-08-17T20:46:00.000-04:00

Hope is Fading – Orphan Sunday from Allan Rosenow on Vimeo.

http://orphansunday.org/

What are you doing for Orphan Sunday?

Share your ideas, events, and plans by leaving a comment!

The I Heart Revolution

2011-08-10T13:32:00.002-04:00

‎"You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say that you did not know" -William Willberforce

I know I'm behind the times here, but for some reason or another I didn't see this when it came out a while ago. After watching this trailer I have absolutely no doubt that it is an incredibly moving, heart-grabbing film! Not the type that makes you feel good or one that has a fairy tale ending. Instead it's one that shows us what we, as Christians, are supposed to be doing. God command us to take care of orphans and widows and preach the gospel to the nations, that wasn't a suggestion! So why are we not doing it?

THE I HEART REVOLUTION: WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER TEASER from Hillsong United on Vimeo.

I don't know about you, but I really want to see this! You can order it online here:

http://www.hillsongmusic.com/categories/united/iheartrevolutionwereallinthistogether

147 Million Orphans

2011-08-05T11:32:00.001-04:00

Look what I just got in the mail!!

You know you want one (or both)!

Order yours today:

http://www.147millionorphans.com/147-Apparel_c_7.html

Kisses From Katie

2011-08-03T14:41:00.001-04:00

"Be careful when you ask Him for compassion. When you ask Him to help you love as He loves, to hurt as He hurts. He just might blow your heart wide open." -Katie Davis

Check out this book trailer about Katie's new book:

And of course go get it when it comes out this fall! There's no doubt it will change your life forever!

Sunday Snapshot: Presents!

2011-07-24T15:59:00.000-04:00

It's always so much fun to send presents to my sponsor children. I LOVE going shopping and picking out cute little things that will make them happy! And for a minute I can pretend they are actually my kids. :) The most amazing part of sending things to them, is when I get to see the pictures. It's so great to see them smiling and possibly even wearing or playing with something I sent them. They are such a blessing in my life! Enjoy the pictures!

Luke in China:

Wow, that smile! Love it!

Aww! I <3 u Luke!!

Stella in Uganda:

So much joy in her face!

What I sent her

My first letter from Stella! Looks like she is very good a drawing!

God bless you too Stella!

Send Me!

2011-07-24T15:38:00.001-04:00

Dedicated to Change

2011-07-24T15:30:00.000-04:00

Looking Ahead to Orphan Sunday

2011-07-21T20:01:00.001-04:00

Sunday Snapshot: In His Shoes

2011-07-18T00:02:00.001-04:00

Can you say cutest smile ever?

Luke and Shane

Luke and Sharon

Luke and Tess

Trying out a water gun at a pool party.

Praying for a family maybe?

Sunday Snapshot: Friends

2011-07-10T17:17:00.000-04:00

Kyla and William grew up together in China. They are both from Shepherd's Field Children's Village and they have been very close through the years. Soon after I started sponsoring William I realized he and Kyla were always together. :)

Kyla and Will

Easter 2008

Will, Kyla, and Luke

Easter 2009

Will, Luke, Seth, Kyla, and Adrian

Kyla trying to give Will a hug. :)

Will, Adrian, and Kyla

July 2010, the day before she went home.

Kyla went home to Canada last year, and William went home to Wisconsin about 5 months ago. Well, last month Kyla and her family went to Wisconsin and got to visit with William and his family!

Will and Kyla

June 2011

Having fun on the trampoline

Putting a puzzle together

Eating popsicles with Kyla's big brother

I was so excited to hear they were finally able to see each other again after being apart for a year! I heard their meeting went well and they had a lot of fun together. It is so amazing that these two precious children from China will grow up not too far from each other and hopefully keep in touch over the years.

I pray that Kyla and Will grow into incredible young people with a love for the Lord. And I can't wait to see what God has in store for both of them!

There Is Always A Song

2011-07-10T16:20:00.000-04:00

I don't know how to breathe
I don't know how to leave You
I don't know what to say
And who am I to say it anyway?

But there is always a song
And I'll try to sing along over You
I can hear it being sung
All of Heaven sings along over You

I hardly know Your name
I didn't come to save You
Your smile just broke my heart
Now You're in my heart
I know You'll never leave me
But there is always a song
And I'll try to sing along over You
I can hear it being sung
All of Heaven sings along over You

But there is always a song
And I'll try to sing along over You

Sing, sing like you've never sung
Sing for your joy to come
Sing, sing like you've never sung
Sing of my joy to come

There is always a song
And I'll try to sing along over You
I can hear it being sung
All of Heaven sings along over You

There is always a song
And I'll try to sing along over You
There is always a song
And I'll try to sing along over You
Always for You

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/michael_w_smith/there_is_always_a_song.html ]

Adoption Quote

2011-07-01T08:02:00.000-04:00

“My friends, adoption is redemption. It’s costly, exhausting, expensive, and outrageous. Buying back lives costs so much. When God set out to redeem us, it killed Him.” -- Derek Loux

Sunday Snapshot: More Luke

2011-06-26T15:33:00.000-04:00

Luke is precious! I hope to meet him one day soon!

Luke and Maggie

Luke and Brent

And one of my all time favorites...

Luke lives at Shepherd's Field Children's Village in China. Check out their awesome website here: http://www.chinaorphans.org/

(Thanks Annie and Sara for the pictures!!)

What if He meant YOU?

2011-06-25T11:18:00.004-04:00

"And yet all too often we sit and we wait...

For someone else to take care of the problem...

For someone else to give...

For someone else to serve...

For someone else to do something about it...

And we excuse ourselves of our individual responsibility.

When perhaps He was talking to us all along..."

Please take a couple minutes to read this post!

"Make It Me, Lord"

2011-06-22T22:48:00.000-04:00

Here's the link for the blog post I got this from: http://blog.showhope.org/2011/06/22/make-it-me-lord/

Brittany Baker wrote this song, “Make It Me, Lord” for a little girl named Dreena and another little boy she met at Maria’s Big House of Hope.

Pulling into a ‘Great Big House’ on Father’s Day night
Hoping to SEE the needs of the orphans plight
But when she called me ‘Mama,’ then my heart did break
All they need is a family; who will fight for their sake?

Make it me Lord; take my hands.
I may be broken Jesus, but I’ll fulfill your commands.
Help me live out your example of love,
That they may know it comes from above.

Walking into a small room with mats on the floor
Seeing so many children that are broken and poor
But when I put the boy down, he reached up to me
All they need is a family to love unconditionally.

Make it me Lord; take my hands.
I may be broken Jesus, but I’ll fulfill your commands.
Help me live out your example of love,
That they may know it comes from above.

The needs are so great; our hands are so small.
Give us ears to hear Your specific call.

Make it me Lord; take my hands.
I may be broken Jesus, but I’ll fulfill your commands.
Help me live out your example of love,
That they may know it comes from above.
That they may know it comes from above.

Wow! This is good!!

2011-06-21T15:31:00.002-04:00

"Most often people's reasons for being unable to adopt relates to the standard of comfort that they think they deserve... Are they really hearing God's voice or is that he American Dream yelling in their ear?"

Forgive Me - Foolish Things Lyrics

2011-06-18T19:56:00.002-04:00

Forgive me when my prayers have come to you.
Grosser than the things confessed.
And reaking with emptiness.
Forgive me when religions been my God.
And all that I did denies you are there.
But your there...

Did I forget you were listening?
Could I deceive the one who's given me my heart?

Forgive me when I've come to pray to You, Just to get it done before I run away from You.
Forgive me When I've merely said the words and severed devotion from all of my motion.

Did I forget you were listening?
Could I deceive the One who's given me my heart?
Did I forget you were listening?
Could I deceive the One who's given me my heart?

It took Your blood to take me to the place
where I can meet you face to face.
So let me claim the promise true
and bring myself to talk to you as real...
To talk to you as Real

Did I forget you were listening?
Yeah, Could I deceive the one who's given me my heart?
Did I forget what You've given me?
Did I forget You were livin' in my heart?
Livin' in my heart...

Forgive me when my prayers have come to you.
Grosser than the things confessed.
And reaking with emptiness.

( http://interlyrics.com/song-lyrics/1480844-194252/Forgive-Me )

Sunday Snapshot: Luke

2011-06-12T15:37:00.004-04:00

This is my first Sunday Snapshot.

I figured I'd join the fun! :)

I've never met Luke, but I can tell he's a silly boy!

I love to see him smiling or making silly faces for a picture!

I've heard he's quite a shy little boy.

But, if you get to know him he will come out of his shell.

(Sounds a lot like me!)

Luke is 4 years old and he's been through a lot in that amount of time. He is doing well now (medically), which is amazing!

The one thing he still needs, though, is a family. Yes, he does live in a great facility and they may even be his "family" for now, but that's not enough. He needs the love of a father and mother and siblings.

God has amazing plans for Luke, I do not doubt that at all. But, my prayer is that a family will feel God's calling toward this precious little boy, and that they would make him their son.

Will you join me in praying for Luke?

Annie's Blog

2011-06-11T09:35:00.000-04:00

Annie is in China right now at Shephard's Feild Children's Village and she is blogging! Lots of pictures and stories about the little ones we love so much!

I wish I was there with her!

Here's the blog address:

http://2handsandaheart.blogspot.com/

Thanks Annie for the amazing pictures of Luke!!

Children's Day 2011

2011-06-03T11:03:00.004-04:00

Slideshow design made with Smilebox

Psalms 68:5-6

2011-05-29T20:43:00.002-04:00

The fact that 8 (no, 9 just found out!) of these babies are no longer orphans totally amazes me! A year ago we were loving on them in Uganda, now they know the love of a family!

"A Father to the fatherless... God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home."

Psalms 68:5-6

1 year ago...

2011-05-26T20:23:00.000-04:00

At this time last year my team and I were on our way to Uganda! This trip was the most amazing experience of my life, and I'll never be the same because of it!

“We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes…” – David Platt, “Radical”

3 years ago today...

2011-05-21T11:38:00.002-04:00

Even though I never had the privilege to meet Maria Sue Chapman, she changed my life. After Maria went to be with Jesus, He used her family to speak to my heart and change it forever. Over the past 3 years God has done many things in my life that I never could have never come up with myself!

Uganda

Sponsorship:

William

Luke

And Stella

And many other countless things! Thank you Chapman family for sharing your heart with the world. May God comfort you today and in the years to come.

Check out this blog post from Show Hope:

http://blog.showhope.org/2011/05/21/our-thoughts-are-heavenward/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+showhopeblog+%28Show+Hope%29&utm_content=FaceBook

William Singing

2011-05-14T14:58:00.003-04:00

William is quite the singer! He knows a lot of songs and sings them all throughout the day. It's so sweet to see him singing! Here are a few videos I took of him singing in the car. :)

"Jesus Loves Me"

"Itsy Bitsy Spider"

A Chinese song, we think.

Video of William Looking at His Scrapbook

2011-05-14T14:30:00.000-04:00

William's Scrapbook

2011-05-12T09:12:00.000-04:00

Sample pages from the scrapbook

Looking together

He's so interested.

Artwork he made in China. He realized his hand fit just right. :)

Meeting William

2011-05-09T22:30:00.000-04:00

Meeting William for the first time was amazing! He is so active and spunky. He came right up to me smiling and showing off. :) He loved looking at the pictures I brought of his friends at Shepherd's Field. He looked at every single picture in the scrapbook, and that is a lot! For some he pointed out all his friends and all the pictures of himself. It was so sweet watching him looking at them with such interest. I know he must remember a lot from China, and I can tell he enjoys the little reminders as he looks at pictures.

It's so different seeing him in real life, since for the most part all I saw was pictures of him, (then recently some videos). Pretty much all the things other's have told me about him proved to be true. "He has so much energy". Yup! "He's so outgoing and happy". Yup! "He loves getting his picture taken". Yup! "He's amazing". Yup!

God has done incredible things in his life from the time he was born to now. I can't wait to see what God has in store for his future!

Wow! I'm really holding him!!!! A dream come true!

3 days!!

2011-05-06T11:35:00.002-04:00

3 more days until I meet William and his family!! As you can imagine I am so excited!!

I have dreamed (several times) of this day. In my dreams, though, William was Tristan and I went all the way to China to meet him. I can't even express how excited I am that he has such a wonderful family now!

God knew all along!

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him."

1 Samuel 1:27

Skyping with Will at his home! Precious moments!

Will telling me how old he is (3 the "Chinese way"). So sweet!

Thank you Stoiber family for inviting me to come stay!

I can't wait to meet you all!

Easter In China

2011-04-22T09:49:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures of Luke over the past couple days as Easter was celebrated at Shepherd's Field.

Coloring Eggs

Setting up the starting line for the egg hunt

And GO!!

So much fun!

Proverbs 19:17

2011-04-19T20:41:00.000-04:00

"He who is kind to the poor

lends to the LORD,

and he will reward him

for what he has done."

Prov. 19:17

Go check out this post from A Place Called Simplicity.

What a great reminder of how many things we have and don't really need! We may say we are poor at times, but it's absolutely not true! Compared to the rest of the world we are BEYOND rich!!

There is nothing wrong with having nice things and making a lot of money, it's what we do with those things and that money that matters! And most of us are guilty of hoarding our wealth.

Give us a love like yours, God!

Update on Stella

2011-04-18T21:41:00.000-04:00

Jan. 2011

Remember Stella? I know it's been a while!

She started attending school in February and today I got an unexpected update on her! Yay!

I just went shopping for her today right before I got the update, how crazy! I am putting together a care package for her because some friends are going to Uganda in June and are willing to take along some packages for the sponsored children.

I love shopping for other people and giving gifts! It may take me a while to find just the right thing(s), (OK a really long while, haha!), but I love it! So I had no problem filling up my cart with fun things for Stella. It was a little different buying for a pre-teen, compared to what I am used to buying for my little toddler sponsor children, but it worked out.

Here is what the update said:

"Stella is doing well in school. Thank you so much for making it possible for her to come to school!

Last Saturday we had our sports day. All children are given an opportunity to participate and parents are invited. There are items for parents as well. Sella is a very good athlete, she won all her races. I have attached a picture of her recieving a certificate from our chief guest who is a member of the Ugandan parliament. Her elder sister who is her caretaker also won the parents' 100 m race in which she participated.

April 2011

Yesterday, we moved to our own premise as a church. We had been renting since we begun and this was a very big day for us. There was great joy and celebration as well as feasting. During the service, we had testimonies of what God has done in individual lives. One of the people to testify was Stella. She gave a moving account of her life and how her life has turned around since coming to school. When she was finished, there was hardly a dry eye in the congregation. I have attached a picture of her giving her testimony."

April 17th, 2011

Praise God Stella is doing well and benefiting from being in school! More to come on Stella soon!

Lyric Friday

2011-04-08T10:17:00.003-04:00

Found
Aaron Ivey

God is Good!

2011-04-06T15:29:00.000-04:00

See you soon William!!!!!!!!

Lyric Friday

2011-03-25T11:44:00.002-04:00

Take It ALL!!!

Help Bring a Sweet Boy Home From China!

2011-03-15T14:39:00.000-04:00

"Perry" is an adorable little guy at Shepherd's Field Children's Village, and his family is doing a great fundraiser to help raise the funds to bring him home. They have many great items in their store, and all your purchases are to give a child a home! You can't go wrong there! :)

Check out their store here: http://isntshelovelyshay.blogspot.com/p/sew-shay.html

Happy Birthday Luke!

2011-03-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

Today you are 4 years old!

September 2010

November 2010

December 2010

(Photos by Sara Z.)

It's been fun watching you grow over the years, since you were close friends with William. It has been such a joy to see new pictures of you, and see you changing from a baby into a little boy.

I hope you had a great birthday and I hope you got a big piece of cake to celebrate!

Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè, Tian Yi!!

William is HOME!!

2011-03-05T15:40:00.000-05:00

"Well worlds collide and colors fade,

and man and wife brought their

little {boy} home today,

and there's ONE LESS..."

-One Less, by Matthew West

Pictures I can't Help But Post

2011-03-05T09:11:00.001-05:00

Look at that sweet smile!

Sock monkey's are awesome (my personal opinion)! Luke apparently likes them too! Hehe. Here he is with his buddy Adrian.

"My" boys with Dr. Ann

Making Valentines with his friends. (Luke is in the orange and brown stripes).

Luke and Adrian hard at work.

Now for the cutest picture ever!!!!

.................................................

Drumroll please!!

................................................................................

Yeah there it is!!

(Stare in his eyes for a minute..... let all his cuteness sink in.... yeah there you go!)

Wow, all I can say is I'm in LOVE!! :)

4 more days until Luke's 4th birthday!!

Chinese New Year Pictures

2011-03-04T23:27:00.000-05:00

Handsome boy in his traditional Chinese outfit!

Some of the Samaritan's House children (William, Heather, Luke, Adrian, Sharon, and Walter).

"My" two boys silly boys, with Heather and Shane.

(bottom row: Macy, Shanna, Olivia, and Isabella).

The Ayi's with the last two children in the house (Tess and ?).

Luke Slideshow

2011-02-27T17:10:00.005-05:00

Sweet Luke

2011-02-26T21:10:00.001-05:00

(Can he be any cuter?)

Luke is 3 years old, born March 9, 2007.

His special need is: Single Ventricle and Pulmonary Stenosis.

He has had one successful heart surgery in the past, and may be a candidate for a second surgery in the future. He is growing and doing very well. He enjoys going to preschool and playing with his friends (Tristan, Adrian, and Lexi). He is a smart kid and a fast learner. He is a little quiet, but very active.

(*From last sponsorship update)

(Luke with a shirt I sent him back in August. Isn't it so true?)

Slideshow with many more pictures of this sweet boy coming soon!!

Lyric Friday

2011-02-25T21:55:00.000-05:00

Give us a love for peace
Move us to brokenness
Our generosity
release from poverty
Your Kingdom here and now
To the least of these
Distribute what we have
That all may taste and see

Let Your Kingdom come
Let Your will be done
And all the Eart will say
And echo angels’ praise
That You are God

So, let the sick run free
The orphan find her home
The captured man will know
Release from slavery
Your Kingdom here and now
To the least of these
Distribute what we have
That all may taste and see

Let Your Kingdom come
Let Your will be done
And all the Eart will say
And echo angels’ praise
That You are God

We pray and ask for hope
We pray and ask for peace
We pray and ask for justice
We pray and ask for You

I Met Him!

2011-02-23T21:54:00.003-05:00

Last night I got to meet William!!!!! I still can't believe it! I was distracted and my mind went blank when I was talking with them, but still it was amazing! He waved at me, talked a little, sat and looked in the camera for longer than I expected him to, smiled (his oh so sweet smile!), and even said goodbye to me (or at least waved on his own). I will remember this forever! I never would have dreamed it could happen! For next time I know he likes to sing "The Wheels on the Bus", so I can't wait to sing it with him and watch him do the motions! I was told he can sing that song in English and Bridget said he was singing it the other day to himself! He is doing great with his family and I will be posting on their blog for them soon, since they are not able to get on blogger. Here's a link to the post: http://afamilysjourney-bridget.blogspot.com/2011/02/update-from-bridget.html

Here he is waving goodbye to me all by himself! I said "tai chin" and he started waving!! SO cute!

Yay!!!

2011-02-22T17:40:00.000-05:00

I was so very excited to see this picture this morning:

This is William, his mama, and the orphanage director

This is the first picture I have seen of William with his mom! I love it! I even noticed that he was wearing the shirt I sent for him before his family left for China. It says: "Awesome (and has an arrow pointing to his face) and then underneath that is says: "(see details above)". It's so cute! :)

Tonight, hopefully in about 30 minutes, I get to meet him (on Skype, that counts right?)! I am so excited, and so nervous at the same time, about how it will all work out and what he will understand, etc. But most of all I'm just so very thankful that I get this opportunity! I have been so blessed by his mom's (Bridget) kindness in allowing me to be a part of William's life! It means so much to me! It has been an amazing two years of sponsoring him, and this is the most perfect ending I could have ever dreamed of! He has a family now, I get to continue to watch him grow, and he will even begin to know me as he gets older! God is so unbelievably good, and He gets all the honor for this!!

I'll update later on to let everyone know how it goes, and how William and his family are doing.