Until they're all home//New merch and a giveaway!!

When we started this journey a year and a half ago, somehow I thought it would be over once we got home with our child. Truth is, in many ways, I feel it has just begun. Or maybe it's the same journey, just a new terrain to cross. Like I've made it through the dense forest, and now it's time to cross the open mountain range. (Ok now I feel like Dora the Explorer.)

The truth remains that bringing Abby home is a huge milestone. It is the closing of one chapter for our family: the chapter of waiting, of fundraising, of trusting, of waiting some more...this part is over for us.

But not for our friends. We have three dear friends still in that phase, still waiting, still fundraising, still trusting in the Lord to provide the means to bring their babies home. If you've been around this blog for a while, then you've met my friends. We all worship together each Sunday, we share the same heart for orphans and adoption, and we've become family. They have been with us through each step of bringing Abby home, and we have been along for each part of their process as well. We are in this together.

And so then, for us--it's not over. It's not over until they're all home.

So I have some new merch for sale on this blog! I am excited about all of it, and I hope you will be, too! ALL the profits will go towards the adoption expenses of the Shubins, the Masers, and the Waulks. Let me reintroduce my buddies:

The Families

the Shubins

The Shubins have recieved their referral for a precious little girl, Zahra, and are waiting to hear when they will travel to Ethiopia for their court date. They are still fundraising for their travel expenses. Zahra and Abby were friends at the House of Hope, and we were able to spend some time with Zahra when we travelled a few weeks ago. We can't show her face yet, but here is a glimpse of their sweet friendship:

Needless to say, we are all anxious to have Zahra home!

the Masers

The Masers are on the waiting list for a baby boy, and we are all hoping that the call will come soon...we can't wait to see his little face! Once that call comes in, they will need $8000 for their referral fee, and they will still have two trips to fundraise for. It seems insurmountable, but God has provided thus far for their adoption and I know He will continue to do so.

the Waulks

The Waulks are adopting domestically, and their birth mom is due in March. We are so excited, because they just announced this weekend that "IT'S A GIRL!!" We are overjoyed for them. They still have over $10,000 in fees, and are trusting the Lord to provide.

The New Merch and a Giveaway!!

So, I will give a peek into the merchandise we have added to our site to help these families bring their babies home. For a full listing, click on my "Merch" page at the top of my blog.


These nickel crosses are from Ethiopia, and each one is different and beautiful. I like to wear them on a long chain. The stock of these is limited, so when they're gone, they're gone! I have individual pictures posted under the merch page, so you can pick the one you like best. They are $22, shipping included. They come on a black hemp cord, but you can add a chain or braided necklace for an additional $5. (Scroll down to see how you can get one for FREE!)


We first made these Africa banners for our raffle fundraiser back in March as decoration. They ended up hanging in our church for months, because everyone loved them! They are made on burlap, and come in either black or tan. They are $20 total shipped with no dowels (hanging cord included), or $30 for the banner with the dowels included (the increased price covers the increased shipping costs). Details, size, etc are on the merch page.

These black aprons are our favorite!! They are black and long, with two pockets in the front. They come with an applique of Africa (different fabrics available) or with a stitched Africa outline (as modeled by my friend Rick). They are $22 shipped. Soon we will add a little something extra as a gift pack with these aprons...making a perfect Valentine's gift! So stay tuned...

So that's it! A fun variety! And we still have a few shirts left, still listed under the Merch page as well, and any profits from those sales will be lumped in as well.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I am giving away one of the nickel crosses! Help spread the word by posting about this giveaway and linking back to this post.

1. Post about this giveaway on your blog~ 2 entries
2. Post about this giveaway on facebook or twitter~ 1 entry for each (up to two entries per day for the duration of the giveaway)

Be sure and leave me a comment to let me know how you've entered! I will draw a winner on Wed, Feb 2nd!