the how

My brain feels like it's been in the spin cycle ever since we began scheming to “sell everything we own and raise money to purchase our treasure” (Matt 13:44), Elizabeth.

The past month I’ve plowed through what feels like an endless amount of ideas to cover the cost of our adoption. I split them into three categories: the ones I know we CAN do, the ones I am WILLING to try, and the ones I - um... wait a minute, we still have three kids to care for and unless i want the TV  raising them for the next year, I just WON’T. I would rather put Elizabeth on a credit card and be in debt the rest of our lives than neglect our own little clan. 

Which brings me to publicly assert, ‘I solemnly swear: I will not get so bogged down in the pursuit of Elizabeth that I fail to love and cherish and be present with the three sweet faces right in front of me.’ The hubs reminded me to "chill" today. You’ve noticed I’ve been pretty non-stop lately, and although I feel the nudge to take it easy, it's just so hard to stand still. Zero attempts at making progress feels like regression, like she’s slipping through my fingers. Nevertheless, I must let God do His work, in His time. Tomorrow is my electronic fast – without the constant input, I should be able to breathe again. My expectations are from Him alone. To prove that, I gotta go silent for a bit.

Anyhow, fundraising = FUN, right? You should all be cheering and clapping at the moment because not only do you get the chance to save a life, you actually get a little something in return right now. (not just in heaven ;)... I’m excited. Are you?! We are gonna blow this place up! 

Fundraising for adoption seems to be one of the most significant aspects of the entire process. With it, we not only raise funds, we raise awareness, thereby lending the opportunity to change hearts. To top that off, we connect. It’s been a-mazing, awe-inspiring really, to see who has stepped up to advocate our endeavor thus far. My jaw is still dropped since the day we announced her arrival. People are rising to the occasion- and it is such a beautiful thing to be a part of. He's advancing His kingdom right before our very eyes!

I’ve been warned, “you will see who your true friends are, you may lose a few, but you'll gain a whole new set.” It’s mind-blowing, the amount of people that have come out of the woodworks of my life. Texting me to ask what I need prayer for, probing their friends for fundraising tips, giving me their adoption contacts right and left, calling me to say they support us wholeheartedly, emailing to ask where they can send a check, requesting to donate their craft/skill to auction, transferring their airline miles to our name… I mean the list goes on. I had a complete stranger donate 100 bucks today. THANK YOU whoever you are!! A blog pal gave $15, that totally adds up! Gives me “godbumps” to experience the love poured out by the buckets full.

For the people who have really come along side us, I am forming a, sort of, committee to brainstorm, rally, and oversee specific operations– for those natural event coordinators, the loud mouths, the prayer warriors, the babysitters, the crafters, the notary public, the person with 932424294 facebook and twitter and blog followers, Elizabeth needs YOU. We need every last one of you to come out of your self, and help with whatever resource you've been given. Come out of the woodworks, i don't bite. You see, it is not about me, or our family even, it’s about making a difference in a valuable precious little life. It's about saving just one life, a life that might lead to one thousand more....

Please let me know if your willing to be a part of the bring Ellie home committee. I don’t need your financial assistance, only your time, energy, and willingness to take up your cross (in reference to Luke 9:23 deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.)

So.... for my first FUNdraiser… I would like to introduce:

I am back to making flower hair clips. This time for a good cause. Purchase one flower for 5 dollars. All proceeds go to our adoption. Place your order for a particular color and we'll ship it out to you.

Please note they are made to order, so it may take a couple weeks to get to you.

 For more info email me directly at Cherie1682@gmail.com.  

Here are some samples:

How can WE save 160 million orphans?
one.  at.  a.  time. 

Let's get Elizabeth home.

More fundraising in the works:

:: become part of a puzzle for our "missing piece"
:: ipad giveaway
:: adoption awareness tee-shirts sale
:: benefit dinner and picnic
:: silent auction (donate your craft/skill)
:: jewelry party
:: bike-a-thon
:: yard sale (start gathering your junk)
:: car wash
: doctors versus nurses softball tournament
:: chick-fil-a fundraising night


So much is in store.
Please let me know regarding your commitment to the committee and/or the clips.

THANK YOU, again!