Our Trip To Haiti: Part 1

 Our less than 24 hour trip to Haiti was quite eventful and humorous, to say the least. Let's break this down a little for ya.

• Paperwork Goof: We were making a trip to the Embassy to sign a paper for his Visa.  We also planned to deliver a set of signed papers that they would need later on (hopefully soon) and it would save mailing them to Haiti. This would save postage and waiting on the mail, etc. I noticed the night before that one of the papers had to be notarized. I cannot tell you how many papers I've looked over, notarized, and rechecked over the past year and a half. However, this ONE time, I noticed it when we couldn't get a notary (like the night before we left). BUT we found a solution! The Miami airport has a notary WAY down next to baggage claim. Mostly an extra exercise for me during our short layover in Miami but regardless, awesome. First hurdle jumped...To be continued...
• Pants: Since we were only going to be there overnight, because I usually over pack, & I didn't want to pack around more possessions for 24hrs than a lot of people even own...I decided to take a change of shirts & wear the same pants (jeans) for both days. How bad could jeans get just sitting on an airplane? Well, that would have been somewhat of a great plan until I looked down on our first flight and realized I had a hole in the crotch of my pants. Fantastic. Thus, began my prayer to"please please please not let my pants split anymore & allow me to make it back to the states before I flashed anyone." Hurdle #2...To be continued also...
• Urgent Landing: We were flying from Lville-Miami-Haiti. About halfway through the first leg of the trip, the pilot comes over the intercom on the plane and announces that we will be making a landing in Tallahassee.  One (of the two) hydraulics systems went out on our plane and though there was a backup, it wasn't suggested to fly with only one (b/c there would no longer be a backup) thus the need for an emergency landing (that we didn't know was an emergency at the time).  We had lots of time in between our connecting flights, no big deal, right?  Wrong. As we began to have view of the runway, we noticed it was surrounded by firetrucks and firemen in what looked like astronaut suits (the silver flame resistant suits) greeting us. Obviously, this was a little more serious than we thought.  We soon were informed that the alarm for the hydraulic system could mean something as minor as a fuse that needed repairing or that the wheels/landing gear wouldn't work properly. Awesome. I think that perhaps this could be a little more specific on planes, but that's just me. Detailed Ashley couldn't handle being a pilot, I need specifics people!! Obviously the landing gear and wheels worked or this story would have taken a different turn at this point. But hey, we're alive and no one had to put their fun aluminum foil spacesuit to use.                            

• Tallahassee Airport: Evidently our arrival was the most excitement the Tallahassee airport had the whole day, possibly the week (or more).  While some very irate passengers immediately got in line to schedule flights so they could make sure they arrived at their luxury vacation destination sight, we just sat back and relaxed for a few.  During this time, a few interesting things happened. You see, the one lady that looked like she worked there came over the intercom with a message similar to, "Welcome Flight #6758 flying from ____ to Miami. Unfortunately, you have landed in a little podunk (yes she really said this...on the job...over the intercom) airport here in Tallahassee (obviously she doesn't know who we are) and we weren't prepared for your stop. Please give us just a few minutes and we will start working on flights out of here to take you where you'd actually like to visit." I don't know about you, but I've used "podunk" a lot in my life & I've never used it to refer to a city with a population of over 500k in it's city limits (& the 128th biggest city in the U.S.) as a podunk town. I'm not sure if I was more surprised that she, while at work, on the job, actually used such professionalism insert sarcasm or at the fact that she thought she lived in a podunk town.
  
  During this time, I am noticing that the gentleman who had been one of the Ground Traffic Controllers (wearing the safety vest, ear covers, & directing the plane with wands) was now the guy at the desk booking our flights out of there. I felt like I was on an episode of Wings. One employee=quite a few job descriptions.
  
  
  After this lovely gentleman booked us on a flight that would get us to our connecting flight from Miami-Haiti in time, I went in search of none other than...superglue. Yes, I thought I could keep the split in my pants (hurdle #2) from getting any worse if I super glued the edges of the rip. The podunk airport wasn't helpful except they had one place with food for lunch. :) Fast forward through all of this craziness to the next hiccup in our trip. Hurdle #3 complete.
• Welcome to Miami: A greeting right outta the gate with a Bicardi Mojito bar meant we weren't in Kansas, errrrr Tallahassee anymore folks. (No, I didn't stop to visit but maybe I should have.)And we definitely had arrived beyond Podunk-ville. Thankfully, we arrived in plenty of time to catch our connecting flight with a little time to spare (it was slightly delayed, thank you Lord...making it a whole 45 minutes layover). However, we didn't have enough time (or were afraid we wouldn't make it) to go to baggage claim for the notary we needed for the papers. (Hurdle #1) Thankfully, the agency was just glad we made it in time to connect and assured us we could drop them in the mail the next week, no problem. Shew. Back to the tasks at hand... Superglue. Low & behold Miami airport had some at one of their 1000+ shops at the airport.  After thinking about this, I couldn't figure out why we could buy and transport Superglue on the airplane, but I guess it's safe??? Anyways, mission accomplished. If you haven't already noticed how the Lord has had His hand in making sure to get us where we needed to go, then hold onto your britches darlin', He is about to blow your mind!We are now at the gate about to board our flight to Haiti when our tickets won't scan. Seriously y'all, I can't make this stuff up. You remember that fun little "Lloyd" from our pretend show "Wings" we just lived out earlier in the day? Yeah, though he totally meant well, he cancelled (accidentally) our connecting flights to Haiti and they had already filled our seats. Just FYI: There are zero flights remaining to Haiti this day & we have to be there at 7:30am the following day. Monday's flight wouldn't leave out until after 9am. Insert Ashley starting to panic & trying to withhold her country redneck side on somebody. (After the day we already had, I should have known it would work out but I admit, I had my doubts) According to the little desk lady, there was one seat available. Quickly in my head, I thought "Hubby can't go, I'm the one that's dealt with all of the paperwork,etc. and I don't have time to give him an Adoption Paperwork/Haiti Trip Details 101 at the terminal." My second thought was "I could go...alone...yikes!"
  
  During this time, the airline lady made an announcement over the intercom (when she realized it was their fault our tickets were cancelled) that they were offering an $800 travel voucher & overnight hotel stay to anyone willing to give up their ticket? Whoa, what?!?! I'll give up my seat! Wait...I don't have one, I need one. Oh yeah. By now, know that we are only about the last half dozen folks in line and this beautiful Haitian girl comes up for her to translate what she had announced. Upon hearing the offer, she quickly said "Oh, I wait. I wait." Trying to hold back the tears, I tried to thank her though she didn't understand me.  Whew...on the flight to Haiti we go...Praise the Lord!! Seriously, I'm worn out from just reliving this as I type.  But how awesome is God? A lady that didn't even speak the language just happened to ask them to translate & she accepted the voucher & gave up her seat. We.can.now.both.go.to.Haiti. Hallelujah! Hurdle #4:Jumped.
• In-Flight: Scott & I were originally supposed to sit together in the Emergency Seats (lucky us) however since we barely got on the flight, we sat apart on the way to Haiti. This landed me in between two gentleman from Global Compassion Ministries out of Missouri. After talking with one of the gentleman in particular (shout out to Alan H.), I found out that a guy from their mission team just got sick at the Miami Airport and decided not to go on the trip. Seriously. (His suddenly available seat=the other one seat for the flight that had been open for us. )He had been sick for a few weeks, felt better, and decided to try the trip to Haiti. He got sick again right.before.the.flight and had to bail. Had he not decided to play it safe and return home, I wouldn't have made it to Haiti. Hello, can I get a Hallelujah!? I told them our story and we were all just blown away at the timing of the Lord. I asked him to tell his friend that he obviously wasn't meant to be in Haiti and either didn't listen the first time or the Lord just needed to make room.=) Either way the Lord worked it out through people serving Him and hearing His prompts to get me on that flight. I could have burst out into worship right there. Bless you Global Compassion and Thank You Lord. Just speechless about the whole situation and the entire day in itself.  Hopefully we will keep in touch. Whew. Taking a deep breath. Y'all, the Lord can blow your mind if you realize His hand is in everything. They made sure we made it through Customs okay and waved us on our way. So thankful for encounters from God.  




(pics from airplane window...2nd pic shows one of the many tent cities still there)

• Arriving in Haiti: I'm not sure I can fully put into words what I was thinking from the moment I left the doors of the airport until now. I'm still processing it all. I'm still trying to take what tiny bit of Haiti that I witnessed and pour over it and learn from it.  Exiting the airport was a wild mess. There were a few hints of smiles ahead while we were there, but to be quite honest, most of the jokes of the trip thus far, stopped at the doors of the airport. This is about to get real, y'all. My view of the world, the Lord's people, my selfishness & arrogance, etc is all about to brought into the light.  People were everywhere, shouting, and honestly I have no idea what they were doing or who they were waiting to see.  We stood outside of the chaos and looked around for anyone looking for us.  A clean cut, gentleman finally came to us with a sign that had our name on it and I recognized him from pictures so we decided to follow him! Ha! We weaved in and out of people staring and started on our journey to our overnight lodging. The laws of the road are much different in Haiti. It's every person for themselves. Driving or riding in a manual vehicle is quite the experience when you don't get over 10mph!  It had also recently rained thus making small ponds in their roads. As we were riding down the side streets, one large "puddle" of water we took on the right side, the next one on the left. It was a maze and quite a journey (very bumpy) to arrive where we needed to stay. At one traffic stop during the trip, a kid came to clean our windshield & windows for money. (a common thing in Haiti) When our driver and "guide" told him "No" (& whatever else they were saying) it didn't bother the boy. Seeing that they had Americans in the vehicle, he knocked on my window and peered into me with the saddest face he could make. Part of it was an act, but his eyes were not. The hubby grabbed my hand as I looked away, fought back tears, and we drove off. He knew that ripped my compassionate, broken hearted soul apart. After finally arriving at our location, an "armed guard" opened the gate to the hotel for us after a LOT of horn honking on "our" end.  We were thankful for staying in a clean and secure place until morning.  However, the highlight of the night may or may not have been a Coca-Cola! Ah, thank ya Jesus!! I've never tasted a better one! Overnight was quite uneventful as we got a good night's sleep...with air-conditioning (a treat in Haiti).  January=still "summer" in Haiti.
  
  There were a few funny, but minor things from our stay overnight. You know it couldn't go too smooth with the day we already had! But seriously, after I left that airport, all funny pretty much went out the window. But here are a few...First, we had a window in the shower. Yes, a window in the shower folks!! We were on the ground floor, that looked out onto the patio/common gathering area. Annnnnnd we have a window in our shower. I'm sure this serves a practical purpose in Haiti, I just wasn't anticipating it nor did I need it for my shower! Sooooooo, the Hubs got to stand in the window while I showered so our trip to Haiti didn't turn into a peep show. (And yes he had to face outside to make sure someone wasn't peeping...b/c I'm paranoid I know) True story. Prob TMI (too much info) but I'm being real with y'all here, so cut me some slack! =) And I'm well aware I sound like a "yuppie" & that day, I'll admit I probably was.
  
  If I could have taken the picture the other direction, you could have seen all of the outside, including the gentlemen on their laptops by the pool. Crazy. (Only a First World Problem, right?) Second, we did finally get to order supper. It took F.O.R.E.V.E.R. (like 2hrs ha) which I hear is a common time frame in Haiti.  =) Third, it was finally time to try and rest with this little guy above my head. Fortunately he didn't move and neither did I. I prayed & convinced myself not to be creeped out. He's more freaked out by me than I am of him, right? Right. Breathe. Anyways, I finally fell asleep after this crazy long day and didn't wake up with him on or near me!! Hurdles #Ilostcount
  
  
  Ohhhhhh, and you better believe I super glued the tear in my pants & let it dry overnight...(And you can bet my Mama didn't know about ALL
  of this until we were safely back in the states. =))

Day 1 summed up in one word: Ridiculousness

Part 2 will tell about our trip to the Embassy and getting back to the states...

*Feel free to comment on any and all posts. =)

Announcements/Updates On Our Boy

I know, I know you're tired of updates I'm sure!! However, there are several announcements...

#1) How about an update on our boy for ya?! We received an update yesterday (I will share a tidbit of info)

• He now weighs over 22lbs and is just shy of 3ft tall (yes he is 4.5years old. he is very tiny.)
• He has started attending the preschool classes a couple of days a week. He is behind developmentally so this creates an extra issue with getting him to participate with the kids. But he does enjoy going though & it's good for him! He also LOVES to play in water (we have an awesome pic to show you of this WHEN the puzzle fundraiser is complete hint hint)
• They had their Christmas celebration late due to a Cholera outbreak back in December. However, in typical kid fashion, he enjoyed the tree & the removal of several ornaments instead of opening presents. (lovely...and i know some of y'all are laughing with delight at this)
• He is starting to make more noises though he still doesn't talk yet. He is adventurous & his excitement is contagious!
• They're in the coolest season right now (about 65 degrees at night) so all of the kids are enjoying wearing footie pajamas! How cute, right? =) Creole word for footie pajamas is Chat (pronounced shat)
• No, we don't have an update on the timeframe yet to bring him home!

*I realize that y'all don't know a lot about him and we will selectively choose to share details with you along the way. I know your wheels are turning & you have tons of questions in your brain. Nope...they/we do not know why he is that small but he has always been little. He was severely malnourished at an early age. It is possible that because of this his growth and development have been "stunted." He has slowly started to grow though! He wasn't expected to live much less walk, etc. He started walking towards the end of the year in 2011. He now runs everywhere & you have to keep up with him. (Praise God!) He smiles all the time and is a joy to be around (or so I hear). He is delayed in every area of development (considered globally delayed). We are okay with that. We will try to help him/enhance his developmental needs the best we can (like the awesome people in Haiti are doing now too). We aren't blind to the fact that he could/will also be delayed developmentally. If he were in my womb and we found out the "unknowns" we have now, or if he at the age of whatever was diagnosed with this or that...it wouldn't cause me to not want him, not care for him, or not love him. He is our kiddo. It's part of being a parent. We hope to celebrate milestones with you as we see them in the future!! But for now, enjoy our occasional updates! :)

 

=)

#2)I am taking another ThirtyOne fundraiser order until April 1st. Email me for the April Special as well as your order/payment method.

#3)I also have the bracelets/key chains for sale!

Aqua Blue Bracelet - Request one

Grey Key chain $3.00

*Email me if you would like one or comment on here.

Or you can wait &  get them with your shirt. ;)



-These will also be included in a bundle deal with tshirts when I have a design for them

(working on it) and can take up orders! The blue is the same on both items, my camera just didn't take good pics! It's more of a dark aqua.

 UPDATE: The bracelets you can have if you request one or they will come with a shirt order until they are gone. The keychains are $3 which is just at cost. We have new Haitian bracelets that support Haitian families as well as us that we will be selling now. It made more sense to support to ministries at the same time!

#4) DRUMROLL PLEEEEEEEEASE...the PUZZLE FUNDRAISER (click here for original post)

is TRYING hard to wrap up!! We are slowly inching our way to the end. We have a little over a 100 pieces LEFT to complete the puzzle. There are plenty left, but you better act quickly! (there are several close friends/family who I know need at least 1 piece with their name on it ;) )

 

Finish the race y'all!! =) We appreciate you cheering us on as we finish our adoption journey!

EMAIL ME at hebrews11.8@aol.com for a mailing address (there is a donate button on the right sidebar of the blog too).

-sorry for the random collection of info on this post folks-
keep your eye out for prize opportunity soon!

"Forget the Frock"

Below is a challenge I read on a blog recently. They are friends of friends (Click here to read 5millionminus1) and this blogpost is by The Fox Family blog. I challenge you to do something similar!

Forget The Frock. 2013 style.
by The Fox Family

I am feeling it again... That little knot in my gut... The one that says, Let's Do THIS, WE CAN DO THIS.

Then, as customary with me... I huff and puff and say But God you don't understand... When I issued the Easter Challenge last year I had no idea how you were about to challenge me!

Friends, if you are new here, WELCOME! Around this place at Easter we have started this little tradition called "Forget The FROCK!"

You can read how it all started here and how it gained momentum here.

It's simple really.

We commit to give up our Frocks (you know those fancy little dresses we love to slap on for Easter). Yep, we kiss 'em goodbye and spend our money on something to wear on Easter Sunday that actually serves a PURPOSE... T-shirts, shirts that feed hungry babies, precious orphans actually.

But see the kink came last year just after people all over the U.S. joined us and helped raise $10,000 by Forgetting The Frock in 2012.

God moved me. Literally.

He sent my little tail right out to the Desert... The Desert Y'all! Where they haven't the faintest idea what a Frock even is!

So here I sit... In the Desert... Head buried in the sand and whining about how my new church won't be interested, it's too big, I have no influence... Forget The Frock won't work here.

But then, as if Jesus himself snatched me by the hair of my head...

God said, this isn't about YOU or YOUR church, sweet girl (because to me Jesus is very Southern).

YOU have no influence.
I DO.
I pierce their hearts.
I move them to action.

See friends... God is right (shocking I know). This isn't about what I can do with a blog and some t-shirts.

It's about what GOD is doing.

GOD is influencing people from the rolling hills of Kentucky to the sandy Valley of the Sun... From the snow lined streets of NYC to the bright lights of the Big D (and I do mean Dallas).

HE is stirring in the hearts of His people.

People, who for Easter do something as simple as wearing a t-shirt that helps care for the orphan. Because GOD says "pure and faultless religion is to look after the orphan and the widow and not allow the world to corrupt you." James 1:27

So again if you are new, WELCOME, we aren't crazy... Here we just love Jesus, Orphans and dressing for a purpose greater than ourselves at Easter.

If you are back to give it another whirl... Thank You. Thank You for being brave enough to Forget the Frock and feed an Orphan once again.

If you happen to be one of my new West Coast friends and you are still Googling the term "Frock," well, as you say here in Arizona, "no worries" you get to keep it casual as usual this Easter, just with a PURPOSE!

So here it is... for the 3rd year in a row... The Easter Challenge... let's toss aside our Fancy Frocks, lay down our desire to impress man and let's join forces to care for the orphan... let's...

Forget the Frock, Feed an Orphan!!!

"God is for people who are for his people and orphans are HIS people. So if you are for the Orphan... God is for you. " -Jen Hatmaker

Are you on board? Or maybe still on the fence... Just aren't sure where to snag your new Easter Shirt... Check out FeedingTheOrphans.org... every last drop of the money you spend on your "Easter" shirt goes to feed hungry babies in Ghana! I promise the shirts are cool and these folks are legit. Seriously... click on over there and Let's Do this... $13,000 in 2013!

Her follow up post is Click Here for Follow Up to Forget the Frock
Thank you Fox Family for the Challenge!
*Our shirts won't be available by Easter but feel free to chose another from the website above or http://www.147millionorphans.com/ * :)
I'm in, are you?

FUNDRAISER #2 FINAL UPDATE!

MESI!! (Thanks!!)

Y'all are some Pampered Chef lovin', & ThirtyOne Gifts shoppin' folks!!  Both were successful fundraisers for the month of February. I NEVER expected such success with these fundraisers, especially since we had the Pieces For The Pic Fundraiser (Puzzle Pieces) going at the same time. Speechless. Proud. Excited. Shocked. Thankful. Humbled. I wish I could hug each one of you. Most of you I know but several of you, I don't...but you supported anyways. And for that, I have no words.

 

Both of the fundraisers combined raised approximately a $1000 for our adoption!! Buying gadgets to cook for your family (or to display so it appears you cook for your family), stocking up on stylish accessories for all of your friend's birthdays (I know you bought yourself a new purse instead),  & the giving of your hard earned finances (that we truly are grateful for your willingness to part with)...HELPED FUND OUR ADOPTION...Hellllllllllllo!!!! Can I get a Praise The Lord around here?!?! =)

 

High Five each other (or just do a big air/pretend high five towards me), pull in for a Bro-Hug, Chest Bump, whatever you feel led to do...but know that there is a big loud cheer coming from the Bailey house to you! (CLICK VIDEO BELOW!)



Thank you to Angela McCray (ThirtyOneGifts Consultant), Tricia Smith (Pampered Chef Consultant), Colleen Bagley (Pampered Chef host). These ladies sacrificed their commissions &/or hostess gifts in order to fund our fundraiser from your purchases. Thank you for your role in these 2 fundraisers, regardless if you purchased something or if you spread the word. Heck, I'm thankful if you're still following the blog & reading my rambling!! =) Love.Love.Love. Your Support.

Happy Day!

 

Puzzle Part 2 & 3

Well, well, well...y'all are getting closer!!!!
We are almost at 300 pieces sold!!!!  Sooooooo, that means you get 2 pics!!

(and i FINALLY did find that one puzzle piece that's missing there...drove.me.crazy.)

 

Ahhhh Snap...Y'all can finally see an outline!!!!

(this pic shows a little over 300-ish pics so

I'm feelin' generous to show you an early pic-ha)

When we get to 400 we will see the sides filled!

 

More updates on other things coming this week!

 (update on progress of adoption, post about our overnight trip to Haiti, thirty one fundraiser update, pampered chef fundraiser update, another chance for prizes- bigger one this time, & the bracelets/key chains are in!)

 

 

Colossians 2:6,7 "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Thankful doesn't even begin to describe it. We appreciate you. We appreciate your sacrifice. May you be blessed for it. =)

Click Here for the Puzzle Fundraiser

Fundraiser #2 UPDATE

Pampered Chef Fundraiser is February 23rd! Email me at hebrews11.8@aol.com to order or for more info (like the location)! Go to http://www.pamperedchef.com/ to shop or just come to our party!! =) There is also a Facebook Event page I can add you to in order for you to get party info, etc. All of the commission plus 20% of sales will go towards our adoption.

 

Also, don't forget about the PUZZLE FUNDRAISER! We have lots of pieces left! Please pass this info along to those that we know but aren't on Facebook to get the updates, etc.
And the THIRTY ONE GIFTS FUNDRAISER is until February 25th!  Thanks so much y'all!

puzzle border

The border is complete!!!

 Almost at 100 pieces sold!!

Y'all are awesome.

We are humbled.

Seriously, so excited and speechless.

Next pic is after the next 100 more!

CLICK HERE to read more about this fundraiser & how you can partner with us!

One Less

The song that brought the entire blog title all together and the story behind the song is posted below. This wasn't the inspiration for adopting but perhaps it will be for someone. I'd spent a lot of time trying to figure out if we were to blog, and once I knew we were, I then struggled exactly what its purpose would be and title, etc. One day on a lunch break I was listening to Matthew West's "Story of Your Life" cd (which is fabulous by the way) and I knew that this was it.  So many of us have extra rooms in our homes (we have junk rooms for our junk rooms) that are empty or filled with stuff we don't need. (I "cleaned out" our closet and I have about 100 t-shirts that are just mine...b/c I love t-shirts...but why in the world so many...& I purge shirts every year. #afirstworld problem)  I realized that we didn't have to "make room" for kids in our home, but we had to make room in our lives, in our schedules, in our hearts, and in our case...we had to make room for His story to become part of our story. Years have gone by with us trying to write our own version of our life, it was time to hand over the pen to the author of all of our lives & stop fighting with him on how it goes.  We don't have to have a bedroom for every child, or even their own bed.  We don't have to be able to fund each child with a new everything constantly, nobody ever died from hand-me-downs, right? I think my generation and younger need to get back to being okay with doing so quite frankly.  Anyways, off my soap box. All we need is the willingness to realize that FEAR IS A LIAR & do what we may be called to do, regardless of what "that" is.
A quote from this video, "Look, I don't know how it's all going to work out, I don't even know how I'm going to pay for it. But when I get to Heaven, I have a really hard time believing that God's gonna ask me 'Why did you give so many orphans a home?' I don't think God's gonna ask me that question."  Not everyone is called to physically adopt, but we're all called to do something. By reading this blog and reading our story, & praying for us, you're doing something. You're allowing your eyes to be opened to the topic & not pretending it doesn't exist.  And for that, we are thankful. Thank you for walking with us in this journey.  There's always room for one more, so that there's one less...

You can here the full song below...I encourage you to listen. It's not long, you've already wasted tons of time on Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest today, what's a few minutes to listen to a meaningful song? =)

Fundraiser #2

If you haven't read the recent Fundraiser #1 yet, scroll down or PLEASE click here to READ THIS FUNDRAISER POST FIRST!!

Where were we? Oh yes...

Another way to partner with us is by Shop-2-Support!! Shop for yourself, Mother's Day gifts, Graduation gifts, etc. and 25% goes to our adoption/travel fund.

Click here for the THIRTY ONE GIFTS FUNDRAISER, go to the Parties section & click on our fundraiser. Again, no obligation, but if you like to shop, have been looking at their new spring styles, or would love to take advantage of their awesome monthly special, then you might as well support a great cause at the same time.  Below is the February Special! The Keep_it Caddy for $5 with every $31 purchase. This comes in several colors and can be monogrammed.

Email me at hebrews11.8@aol.com or Angela.31purses@hotmail.com if you have any questions.  Thanks so much! Happy Shopping even if it's just "window shopping"! ;)

Fundraiser #1



Many people are intimidated by adoption, specifically international adoptions. One main reason is financially, they are unsure how they'll be able to afford it.  However, there are numerous resources available, ideas, organizations, etc. that have made adoption a reality for many families.  (I plan to post in one of the links or devote a blog post on this topic later.)  Adopting internationally isn't cheap, & definitely not the type of money one has handy.  However, it is more affordable than many other countries.  But folks, there are children longing to be in a family member's arms in your county, state, country, and in other countries.  You do not have to have thousands of dollars in your checking account or be wealthy to adopt.  If everyone waited until they were financially stable to have children, how many of you would have ever given birth to a child or opened up your home for foster children, or to adopt one? Yeah, that's what I thought.  But when you have the love for a child, you will do whatever it takes to provide for them.  And that may include making payments for hospital/delivery bills, other medical bills, etc. for months and years until you see a "paid in full" on your account. Or it may be sacrificing & finding ways in your budget to save the money as well. My point is, being worried about how to pay for an adoption or a child in general isn't a good enough reason to not make room for them in your heart and your home! There are ways to make it happen!

Personally, up until now we haven't asked for donations or "handouts" as some of you may call it. (You may find this blog post interesting http://morekids4me.blogspot.com/2011/05/fundraising-under-fire.html.) The Lord has provided for us in numerous ways that we weren't expecting.  Thus, funding the majority of our adoption.  However, we have had many people ask how they can support us in ways beyond praying for us.  I have had to humble myself and follow what I feel we are to do.  The last part that we will have to pay for is our travel to pick him up & bring him home.  We just returned from a very costly overnight trip to Haiti to complete some immigration paperwork.  The following fundraiser, as well as another one starting in a matter of days will all go towards our final travel expenses.  We aren't looking to profit off of anyone feeling as though they would like to support us. Not all of you are called to bring a child into your home, but we are all called to support adoption in some way. James 1:27 calls us to "look after the widows and the orphans." Again, if your way of looking after them is by continually praying for us during this process, encouraging us, spreading the word to others, or even considering finding room in your home for a child, financially giving, etc. then do what you feel your calling is in the fight of finding homes for these orphans. So many of us have empty rooms in our homes that we use for recreation, storage, guests that we never invite, & empty chairs or spaces around our dinner tables (or couches for those of us you who don't eat at a table) where we could squeeze em' in!  There's someone reading this that needs to answer the call to make room for one of the 147 MILLION orphans in the world. The rest of you, do as you feel led. We love you & appreciate the role the Lord has called you to in our lives.


 PUZZLE FUNDRAISER:
I know most of y'all are just chomping at the bit to see a pic of our cute little man! Sooooo, I'll make a game out of it! I have turned one of his pictures into puzzle pieces.  Anyone who feels led to donate towards our travel expenses will have their name put on the back of the puzzle piece(s).  When completed, the puzzle will be put in a double sided, clear, glass frame.  This will be hung in his room and will be a reminder of the folks who financially helped bring our kiddo home! (I will also add something later for folks to write something or sign that we can keep so that we know a list of many people who also prayed and encouraged us in the process, regardless if they financially helped or not.)

• Cost of 1 puzzle piece = $5 or 2 for $10 ;)
• there are 500 (very tiny) pieces in the puzzle
• Pics will be posted as puzzle is being put together & after the last piece completes it, a picture will be for you to Oooooh & Ahhhhh over! =)
• You may choose to purchase a single piece, or if you want to donate a larger amount, you may purchase as many pieces as you desire.

How To Donate:

• Click on the Donate button on the right sidebar and pay securely through PayPal (just know that they do take a small % of the donated funds...many of you are out of town so if that works best for you, we are okay with that if you are) =)
• Mail a check to us (email me at hebrews11.8@aol.com for our address)

A complete list of donors will be posted here unless you ask to be mentioned anonymously at the end of this fundraiser.

Habbakkuk 1:5 "Look at the nations and watch--and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” ~Isaac Newton

I thank you with everything I have for the encouragement, prayers, kind words, etc. that you have given us so far in our journey. We covet them as we continue to finish the rest of this race over the next few months. And I thank you for even considering giving any part of yourself to help bring out little man home (your time, prayers, words, finances, love, support, friendship, etc).  They do not go unnoticed.  Thank you for being giants in our lives!

UPDATE:  COMPLETED (UPDATED May 1st, 2013

Cannonball!!

     As I sit here staring at the big blank white screen, I am filled with anxiety and overcome with numerous emotions.  This blog has been up and ready for me to write on and share our story with you...for months.  BUT, this Mama Bear has withheld posting and sharing for more excuses reasons than I can began to count. First, I'm protective over those I love and the thought of what I post on here being judged, talked about, and disagreed with brings the redneck out in me hurts. However, it's reality and the Lord wants His story, our testimony, to be shared. Second, it's hard to be vulnerable in front of those you know and even those you don't.  Though amazing blessings will be documented for us to be able to reflect on in the coming years, it's also going to be a place where others and myself will relive the hard times of life.  That being said...I'm stepping my big toe into the pool to test the water...then regardless of the temperature will just jump in  (I'm not one to gradually get in the cold pool).  Make room folks... CANNONBALL time!!!

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*The music playing behind me is an old hymn, one of my MawMaw's favorites, "Because He Lives."  As I'm scared to wear my heart on my sleeve and share our story with you, it's a gentle reminder that:

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

     My hubby and I have always wanted a house full of kids. I've worked with kids my entire life, and was probably the girl my friends and family thought would have a housefull by now.  However, the Lord always has better plans than our own.  We were blessed to become pregnant with twins in early summer of 2010. Upon having early complications, it was diagnosed as a blighted ovum which is where the baby doesn't actually develop though the sacs still exist. Since there wasn't any harm to my body as there is with a typical miscarriage, I chose to wait it out and let it happen naturally. This took all the way until 13 weeks of pregnancy (though doctors expected it to happen much sooner & didn't expect me to wait it out that long).  This was a very hard process but I learned a lot about myself and we learned a lot about each other.  Though we have yet to be told that we can't have children and there hasn't been any factors that make doctors believe that it's impossible, we still haven't. 
     Adoption has always been something I felt led to do and my hubs and I both openly considered this for our entire relationship.  Through many paths that only the Lord can lead us down, we pursued a little boy I had found on http://reecesrainbow.org in July of 2011.  As I shared his info to Scott and we prayed, neither of us felt led for certain one way or the other. Scott felt as though we should do as Peter did in the Bible and "get out of the boat" and keep our focus on the Lord. We both agreed that if he wasn't supposed to be our son that the Lord would close doors and send him to the family meant for him.  Unsure if this was a wild idea I had or not, we soon found out that it indeed was where we were supposed to be. Doors didn't just open, they flew open and confirmed that we were doing what we were supposed to be doing.  We started the process in the fall of last year (2011) and are still waiting to bring him home.

**** Many of you reading this will want to know who, what, when, why, or how regarding our adoption. And in due time, I hope you find the answer to those questions with posts on here or just in hearing our story in person.  We are adopting because we feel it is the gospel. Bottom line. If you are a Christian, you believe that Jesus Christ was sent to this earth a man, to die for our sins, so that you and I can have everlasting life. Even if you aren't, that still holds true. 
Ephesians 1:4-5, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us to be ADOPTED as his sons through Jesus Christ..."  I'm adopted into the family of God. God sent his son so that I may have life.  Why should I be above offering life to another human being as well?
James 1:27, "Religion that GOd our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..."  You may not agree with it but it's biblical y'all. It's a call to all of us that call ourselves believers in Jesus Christ. No, everyone isn't called to physically adopt a child. But everyone is called to do something about the orphans and widows. Period. 

We aren't adopting out of charity, to get more jewels in our crowns, to give praises to ourselves or be seen as "holier than thou", etc. If I was going to do something for those reasons, it sure wouldn't involve another child's life.  We follow and obey as the Lord leads. He has led us to a beautiful, smiley boy via International Adoption. He doesn't look like us, our skin colors aren't anywhere close to being similar, but he is our son. Not our adopted son, but our son. Just as the Lord considers us His children, he is ours. Whether our children are biological or adopted, with or without special needs, & regardless of race, we view them as our children who may or may not share DNA but will share a family. This is not Plan "B" for our family, but the Lord's Plan "A."

A piece I wrote as part of my testimony/talk for a retreat I worked several months ago sums up my feelings best.

     The greatest example of God's love was the ultimate sacrifice of sending his son so that you may live.  Though those nannies and missionaries are great to that little guy and their love blows me away, nothing touches me more than the little boy's father.  Picture him carrying this almost lifeless child of his, too weak to even hold his head up when some friends his age are already walking.  A little boy who has recently lost his mother...a mother who chose life for her child in the first place and took a risk raising him in a country whose poverty we can't even grasp.  This father, who can probably barely feed himself, chooses an ultimate sacrifice.  He chooses what most of us can't bare to think about and that's giving up a child.  He intentionally carried his son to this orphanage in northern Haiti as his last chance to save his son's life.  He sacrificed his son for life too. 

      That little boy is only four years old and already an ambassador for Christ. He's changing my life without even knowing it. Those caring for him have taught me more about love and sacrifice in the past few months and I've never even met them.  Soon, someone I've never met will stand in lines for days on our behalf to show God's love for us and for that little guy at the orphanage just to finish paperwork to send him with a family.  And in just a few months, the lesser the better, my husband and I will travel to Haiti to pick up that adorable little boy I told you about who is literally a miracle.  I challenge you to love as these examples in my life have.  Every person we tell doesn't understand, every friend & family member doesn't agree with us mixing races, and a lot of people don't see how his father showed his son God's love by doing the same as God has done for us.  As Christians, we're called to be priests to others, we're called to love them as He has loved us.  We should want them to be a part of our Christian family!  But what He's speaking to you to do, where He's calling you to go, no matter who won't understand, we're sometimes asked to sacrifice huge things.  How UNASHAMED are you willing to be? Romans 1.16 "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..."

     Isaiah 6:8-9 says," Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will be our messenger? I answered, 'I will go! Send me."

My brain is everywhere and this post is probably all over the place. I have so much to share with you that it's hard to filter it all right now.  We basically want to share the news that we are adopting (if you haven't figured that out already). As of right now, after a very long wait, we will bring him home by summer of this year! We will use this blog to update you on the process, let you know how to pray &/or support us, and just share with you what is going on in our lives & what the Lord is doing.  Feel free to ask me anything via email at hebrews11.8@aol.com

The water isn't as cold & shocking as it was when I started this post. But I'm ready to get out of the pool for right now...somebody hand me a towel!

PLEASE WATCH VIDEO :)