A Worthy Giveaway

The other night at work (I work part-time at Barnes & Noble in case you didn't know), I was checking out a cute little girl who seemed extremely excited to be getting a stack of books. It was the normal assortment. A Barbie-themed I Can Read Aloud book, a Disney princess coloring book, and a Rainbow Fairies chapter book. When I made the comment that she had a whole weekend's worth of reading ahead of her, she told me it was a very special weekend. I then asked if it was her birthday. And her mom chimed in that it was even more special than a birthday. The mom beamed with joy and said "Six years ago today she was adopted by us. So we are celebrating!" Then I looked at the girl who way equally as joyful and told her, "Happy Adoption Day!" After talking to them a bit more I found out this precious princess had been adopted from China. I was struck and immediately told them about my friends Jessica and Travis who are going through the adoption process as well!

After they left I started to imagine what it will be like for Jessica and Travis to have their very own 'Adoption Day'. When biological parents are pregnant they know almost from day 1 about when they will get to see their baby. If you've ever been pregnant yourself you know it's usually the first question people ask, "So, when are you due?" (And let's just hope that you are full-on belly-busting-out-kind-of-pregnant before someone has the courage to ask you this question.) And without a doubt you can tell them an exact date. April 3rd, September 7th, December 1st. Whatever day it might be, you know that around that time you will be greeting and meeting and snuggling and loving on the newest addition to your family.

But when you're going through adoption, you don't have that luxury of being able to circle the date on your calendar, or answer that question with any degree of certainty, or tell your friends how many weeks left until you welcome a new life into your family. There is paperwork to file and grants to apply for and fingerprints to give (yes, fingerprints!), and backgrounds checks, and money to raise and fees to pay. But it's all being done in faith that somewhere in the world there is a child who needs a mommy and a daddy to love on her and care for her and snuggle her and kiss on her like only Jessica and Travis can. And they will have that day! Their own Adoption Day! And I'm sure it will be a celebratory occasion each and every year. And I can't wait to meet their little girl and watch her light up with joy and tell me that day was even more special than a birthday.

But before that joyous day arrives, Jessica and Travis need our support. First, they needs prayer throughout this whole process. So if you are a prayer warrior please lift them up and pray for each step of this process. To follow along with their story please subscribe to her blog so you know what to pray for.

Click here to go to the blog

Secondly, they need to raise funds. They have a goal of raising $2500 by May 12th (the day before Mother's day!) and they need our help. Jessica is so crafty in coming up with awesome fundraising ideas. This month they are doing a giveaway and there are lots of ways to enter. Please check out her latest post (and yes, an American Girl doll is involved!!)

Please prayerfully consider how you can best help The Carpenters. There is a child out there who needs to come home to a joy-filled, loving, nurturing, expectant mom and dad. And YOU can help make that happen.

'Learn to do good.Seek justice.Help the oppressed.

 Defend the cause of orphans.' Isaiah 1:17

I could barely 'sell' naptime to a three-year-old

So I guess opening an Etsy shop, starting a blog, attending a church conference and starting potty training in one weekend is a bit much, huh? Oh, and I did all that while I was sick which has in turn made me even more sick. Oh well. Now I have time to blog more! In my pajamas!

Sabbath in a Jar, now available on Etsy!

Well, today I'll explain the Etsy shop. I just kind of threw it up there on Saturday night, but for a good reason! Let me explain.  Last spring during a MOPS meeting we made a sugar scrub as a take home craft. I promptly lost the recipe, but enjoyed using the scrub and noticed how much it help my skin. So I played with some recipes and made a big batch for myself and for friends for Mother's Day gifts. Everyone seemed to enjoy them and the seed was planted that one day I might sell them, but I really didn't have a whole lot of confidence in my ability to sell things. I could barely 'sell' naptime to a three-year-old. But my friends, family and husband were always encouraging to me. One friend in particular, Jessica, was my biggest cheerleader. She pretty much told me I was going to sell it in one way, shape or form. And believe me, she could sell ice to an Eskimo. About this same time, Jessica and her husband, Travis, started feeling God's call for them to expand their family through adoption. They have been so obedient in this calling and it been an amazing journey to watch from the sidelines, pompoms in hand. They have jumped in feet first knowing that God will provide their parachute. They have championed Isaiah 1:17 and I know they will be continue to be a blessing to the adoption community for years to come. They have also been steadfast in their fundraising efforts along the way. How many of you know that adoption isn't just opening your life, family and soul to an orphan, but your bank account as well. They knew going into this that God would provide and he has in amazing ways. Read more about their blessings and journey on her adoption blog. 

The sweet Carpenter family

Yesterday was Jessica's birthday and her friends and I all wanted to be able to bless her by relieving some of the fundraising pressure for the week, so we have been coming up with various ways to do that. Thus my rushed attempt at an Etsy shop! All proceeds of my sales this week will go to the Carpenter Family Adoption Fund so help to spread the word! Or, if you want to donate directly to the fund, please do so! (And my favorite way to support them is kind of a indulgent one. You can buy some pretty great coffee and a portion of the proceeds go to them. I just got my monthly shipment on Saturday! It's amazing coffee!)

I've always loved the saying "It takes a village to raise a child" and having been a mother for a few years now I can whole-heartedly attest to that fact! But now, we need to turn our attention to the fact that it takes a village to bring home a child! I love you, Jess and am proud of all that you and Travis are doing. And Happy Birthday Week!