You could win a free shirt!! Help spread the word to sell 40 shirts in 5 days!!

***UPDATE: Linny's friends: I'm linking here for the Crazy Love post!! I have LOVED these CL parties and have made so many new friends! We are in the midst of fundraising for our dossier fee (links to our adoption story are over to the right). We have a BIG raffle planned on May 22nd, but YOU can help us out by purchasing one of my remaining tees! I linked to this post because if you scroll down, it tell you what sizes are left. To see full shirt descriptions and pictures, go here. A few sizes are sold out, but there are still plenty of tees, especially for ladies and kiddos!! Hurry and get yours before they're gone! And thanks for stopping by! ((hugs))~Rachel

It has been a grueling week and there is much hard work in fundraising ahead for us. We are almost prepared to submit our dossier to Ethiopia, but cannot do so until we have the needed funds. We are planning a big local fundraiser in May for our dossier fee (details coming soon), but we need to first apply for our I600. It can take up to 60 days to process, and we cannot submit our dossier until that has been completed. I admit, we don't want to wait any longer than we have to!

We are trying to raise our needed funds of $800 for our I600A in the next week. Our goal is to sell 40 shirts in the next 5 days. Can you help??!! If you do, I will enter your name into a drawing to win a FREE shirt!! (No purchase required to win.)

Here's how you can be entered:

1. Post on facebook, twitter, or on your blog about my shirts and this giveaway, and I will enter you one time for each way you help spread the word. Be sure and leave me a comment or email me to let me know how many times to enter you.
2. Buy a shirt!! There's some great ones--for men, women, and kids--and supplies are running low! See details here. Order using links to the right.

I will draw a winner on Monday morning, April 19th. Thank you so much for helping us get the word out. And please pray--we need the Lord to provide, and we also need to be patient on His timing. We are grateful!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our shirt stock is limited, so grab yours quick! Here's the sizes that remain:

Ladies cream:
Small- sold out!
Medium- 15
Large- 13
XL- 2

Adult brown:
Small- sold out!
Medium- sold out!
Large- 6
XL- sold out!

Kids brown:
XS (4/5)- 4
S (6)- 4
M (7/8)- 4
L (10/12)- 4

Girl's brown:
S (6)- 2 left!
M (8)- 4
L (10)- 3

Join the movement!!

****Note to Linny's friends: I posted this a couple of weeks ago, and thought it would be the perfect thing to ask for prayers for! There are funding requests here from my origional posting, but please know my heart in linking this is not for that purpose---it is for your prayers for our four families as we embark on this path of trust and faith! We need that most of all!! Thank you for praying!!


So the most amazing thing is happening in our church...our church plant, LifeBridge Church, is still training our core and preparing to officially launch in the fall...and in the midst of all the business of provisional elder boards and small group ministry launches and an AWESOME Easter service on Clearwater Beach and building our core and all the ministries that are taking shape...we are sensing a movement.

A movement that can only be God.

In the last week, two families announced that they too would be adopting from Ethiopia. That brings us to a total of four families adopting 5 kids! All from our young church! It is amazing! Erica wrote a bit about it here, and I invite you to go read her story.

So we are all at slightly different points in our process, but we are all basically working through the first round of paperwork.

I want to invite you to stop by their blogs, say hi, and pray for us all. The need is great. There's gonna be t-shirt sales, facebookathons, and all of us have PayPal buttons on our blog. Let me introduce everyone:


You already know the Waulks, who applied to adopt at the same time we did! They recently decided to adopt TWO children! Woohoo! Two for one---(reminds me of having twins)---I love it!! They are planning a pitching camp and raising their funds for their homestudy and dossier. Stop by and say hi here! Let's help them bring home their babies!!


Next, you met the Shubins here on one of my first posts. They were instrumental in God directing our desire to adopt towards the country of Ethiopia. They brought Silas home 2 years ago. And they are going back!! This time for a little girl!! Erica has devoted countless hours towards helping others prepare and fund-raise for their adoptions. And now we get a chance to return the favor! Visit their blog here! They are selling off extra mission trip shirts and holding a facebook-athon this week!


And then there's the Masers. A beautiful family with a wonderful story and HUGE hearts. God has called them out of their comfort zone, and they are responding in faith and obedience! You can get a glimpse into their journey here. They are fundraising right now for their application fee and homestudy--and every little bit helps!!

These are my buddies and I am so excited to be walking this road with them!

As for the Walser clan.....

Our homestudy paperwork should be finalized in the next few weeks, and so we are ready to begin our next round of paperwork as well as our next round of fundraising. There are actually two things we will be fundraising for in the next couple of months, and two different approaches (details on the second round will be coming soon...). The first one begins TODAY! I am trying to liquidate our t-shirts to raise the money we need for our I600A. If you're wondering what that is, you're not alone. I'm not exactly sure either--but it has something to do with US immigration paperwork for our child--and what I DO know is that it costs $830.

SO the goal is to sell 40 shirts in the next 10 days!

We have awesome "Love with Abandon" shirts...for ladies, guys, and kiddos too! Here's the write up from my original post on the shirts...

Each of our shirts read:

"Love with abandon, Love an orphan."

We believe we have been given so much love, from the Lord and within our home, that it is overflowing. And we want to live lives that love without restraint, without inhibitions, without safety nets...we want to love with abandon. Because that's how we feel we have been loved by our heavenly Father, "who did not spare His own Son, but...with Him, freely gives us all things." (Rom. 8:32) We want to challenge those who are considering adoption but have held off because of fear, finances, the "right time", whatever....to "just do it"!! Take a leap of faith, and trust the Lord to work it out!

The scripture reference "(Matt. 25:40)" on the shirt is a reminder to all of us, that whether we are called to adopt personally or not, we are ALL called to love the least of these.

We have a limited stock left of these shirts, and so I'm letting you know how many I have and in which sizes, so you can be sure to snatch yours up right away if you see your size in jeopardy!

Ladies cream:
Small- 1 left!
Medium- 15
Large- 13
XL- 2

Adult brown:
Small- sold out!
Medium- 3
Large- 7
XL- sold out!

Kids brown:
XS (4/5)- 4
S (6)- 4
M (7/8)- 4
L (10/12)- 4

Girl's brown:
S (6)- 2 left!
M (8)- 4
L (10)- 3

ALL money from the sales goes directly to our adoption costs. So grab yours today, for you or someone you think would enjoy it! Mother's Day...Father's Day...No-special-reason-except-you're-an-awesome-kid's day!...it works for them all! For further details, photos, and sizing information, go here. Or purchase now to the right.

Are you willing to post a link on your blog or on FB? That would help a ton! I would appreciate it! Let's see what God can do in 10 days!

Pray for us, if you would, and join in where you can! We are grateful to have you be a part of rescuing these children and bringing them home to their forever families!!

Life is beautiful

I had to post...had to share...I sit here with tears streaming down my face as I reflect on all the good gifts we are given...

God does not promise us an easy road. Jesus' certainly wasn't...and it led to a cross. This week has been one full of reflection...on the cost. What is hard about following Jesus.

I had one day this week that was a NO GOOD VERY BAD DAY. Seriously, everything that could go wrong, did. I struggled to praise God as my circumstances seemed bent against me at every turn. I realized this is not unique to me or to being a follower of Christ. This is the world we live in, and no one is immune to bad days. That's life.

I also wrestled this week with the loss of a friendship. It ended abruptly a few months ago, but this week in particular has been hard. My heart wanted to reach out, my desire was for connection and restoration of a relationship I treasured. But obedience to Christ meant I could not. I realized as I prayed, this was part of the cost. Jesus never promised I'd want to do everything He asked me to do. In fact, sometimes I'd want to do exactly the opposite. But if I trust Him, I trust my loss is for His glory, for a work He is still completing. His process, in my friend..and in me. That's life...with Jesus.

Yes, life is hard. Following Jesus can be hard. But then I remembered. Because I had forgotten. He is sooo good. And He loves to give good gifts. I know because they've been given to me, over and over and over and over.

And they've been given to those I care about. Tonight I sobbed as I read two blogs...

One: Dan and Julia. My nephew and his wife. Remember when I told you about them here? Well...go read here and see if you don't get choked up, too.

Two: Gwen. I've never laid eyes on her, but she's one of the first people I met in blog land. She's in Africa, holding her two babies for the first time. She's been waiting for them longer than I've known her. Seeing them in her arms...her whispering in their ears...go watch here...sobs...

And so I remembered. Just in time for resurrection Sunday. Life is hard. But life is beautiful.

Mulah and a little craziness

Now that you know I am addicted to blogs (see previous post), you will not be surprised to hear that I stopped by one of my favorite blogs this morning and read a post on a crazy love party. Linny has an amazing story--her banner alone will make you do a double take!! Yes, they're all hers! A beautiful family, amazing story, and she's a wonderful writer and encourager...

Which is why I'm sure none of her readers are surprised by her latest request. She is encouraging others to give (and receive) with "reckless abandon" (I personally love her choice of words...: )). And she's set up a link so those with needs can post, and those who are so led, can give. So I'm posting here for two reasons...

1. Go to the post. First, just so you can meet Linny, she's a cool lady. Second, there are so many with needs, and even the little bit can help. I was blown away by some of the stories...single moms adopting children...families who's dads are out of work and struggling but who's hearts want to adopt...young ladies and families stepping out in faith to go on mission trips...who knows, maybe God will use you to be a part of their stories.

2. And, yes, we have a need. No greater, really, than any of the others who have posted links, but we do have one. We are adopting and fundraising for it all, right now specifically for our dossier fee ($4100). So for those of you stumbled here via link, and who want to hear our story, I recommend reading here:

• Meet the fam
  
• Why we are adopting
• Why Ethiopia
• The cost
• I hate money
  

Because Linny asked~ yes, we do attend church, Lifebridge Church that we planted here in Florida a little over two years ago (www.lifebridgechurchpinellas.com). We are faithful tithers not only of our money but our blood, sweat, and tears as well. We have had rough patches, and have struggled to just pay our bills, but God has always provided. Joe is currently bivocational, a huge shift after 11 years in full time ministry. And then, God called us to adopt, right in the midst of it all. We figure He who calls will provide in His way, in His timing. We are committed to doing all that we can to raise the funds for our adoption. Our next fundraiser will be a dinner & raffle/silent auction on May 15th (stay tuned because there will be a raffle item that even you, our long distance friends, can participate in!!) (If you want to contact me, you can email me here.)

So there you have it! If you're new to these here parts...nice to meet you! Friends who have been patient with my posts on missions trips and other people's blogs, but have been wondering what's up with our adoption process...we're just STILL finalizing paperwork, raising funds, and hoping to have our dossier in before summer. That could mean a homecoming sometime around early next year. Keep praying and we'll keep you posted!

My crack/cocaine

SOOOOO, I'm really not trying to be lazy...I know I've been linking to alot of other blogs lately, and it's not because I don't have anything to say myself...(ask Joe...I talk all the time, lots of great stuff, tons of words, he can't get enough...)

But since joining the adoption world and blogland, I have been so blessed by the blogs I read and the people I have met through them. There is some great stuff out there! Wonderful, everyday, average women with spit-up on their shoulder, and petrified french fries in their minivans, and clutter on their dining room tables...and they write wonderful posts that encourage me, and cause me to think, and rethink, and cry sometimes,...and I think it's because I feel like even though I don't know most of them personally, I get them....and I feel like, if they ever met me, they would get me...we could have a cup of coffee and talk and laugh and probably feel like we've known each other for alot longer than 10 minutes...because we love Jesus and care about the things He cares about and you can find alot of common ground when that's where you begin.
(That was a really long run-on sentence and some of you might be wondering if the state of FL made a mistake in allowing me to homeschool but don't worry because my kids do school on the computer and some days I don't even talk to them let alone actually teach them so we're all good.)

Anyway...today, I enjoyed two blog posts in particular:

I don't want my children to be happy ...a letter to her kids in light of some who said her children would resent her for using their college funds to pay for an adoption. Read it to the end...GREAT.

Stuff white people like ...insightful and funny and strangely true in a context where--when you're planning to adopt a black child, like we are--I'm wrestling with what it looks like to celebrate a new heritage and culture and yet not over compensate and become weird and be afraid to celebrate my heritage as well. Or that admitting the good means we have to ignore the bad, like our prejudice and resentment. Maybe now I'm talking too much (and not making any sense which is a bad combo). Let her do the talking...check it out.

Just take a few minutes and read these links, cause these posts are awesome. Or heck, get a cup of coffee, settle in, and read through more of their blogs...these chicas can write, and how they find time to do so I may never know, but I hope they continue to do so. Because while some stay-at-home moms might be addicted to daytime soap operas or farm town, I confess...I am addicted to blogs. I get lost in them. And a girl needs her fix.

Change

Sorry...not much time to post...I'm working on our taxes (ie that's my tiny voice you hear coming from underneath the pile of receipts and papers on my couch---heeeelllloooo...)

But wanted to mention a couple of things:

You may or may not know, but last week it was announced that the Ethiopian government was going to begin requiring parents to travel TWICE to Ethiopia in order to adopt. This was a blow to many already struggling with the costs of adoption. While the cost would certainly be higher and the logistics a bit more involved, with that change would come the added benefit of not having to readopt the child once they enter the US. Under this new requirement, once the child stepped foot on US soil, they would be considered a US citizen. Some of you might be like--hun?, whadud she say?--and I would completely understand because I don't even know what I just said. : ) Simply put: 2 trips=change, and change is always hard. In some ways better, in some ways worse, but none the less, hard. This requirement is still not certain, but we are wrestling with what this might mean for our own adoption process.

But today I read a GREAT post here, regarding ethical adoptions and mentioning the changes we are dealing with in Ethiopian adoption laws. I think everyone who has an interest in adoption should read it, but particularly if you are wrestling with international adoption because of the difficulty of the process. It served as a call to arms for me-- a reminder that we are engaged in a battle--we should expect it to be hard, but know it is a glorious thing we are fighting for. Namely, redemption. My friend Erica posted this quote on my Facebook yesterday:

"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

OK, so after reading that, maybe a little time and cash aren't that much to sacrifice, in light of the cost of my redemption. I believe the littlest Walser waiting in Ethiopia is worth it. And maybe while we are fighting for our own child(ren), we can also fight for a process that is fair and ethical and beneficial long-term-- the greatest good for the most children.


P.S. Want to help a great family deal with the uncertainty these changes are bringing to their adoption costs/process?! Go stop by the Dixons' blog and buy a raffle ticket to win an ipod touch--let's help bring this little girl home!!

P.S.S. Did you click the link to read the article?! If not, do it now! It's good, people!

Stop by these two blogs today!

Ran across a couple posts and thought you should check out these blogs today:


One is my friend Wendi's blog here. She and her husband run the non-profit HopeMongers, and they want to bring awareness to the human trafficking situation in Moldova and provide giving opportunities through their organization. (By the way--you'll also find giving opportunities for the leper colony, Korah (where we were last month) on this site here.) Stop by, and bookmark the HopeMongers site. They are facilitating ways for us, here in the US, to help those around the world in tangible ways that link us personally to specific needs and projects. I love it.


The other site is Junk Posse. Tracy creates the most beautiful jewelry to help raise awareness and funds for adoption. (LOVE her Africa necklace and Ethiopian Angel Wing necklace!! Joe...hint hint.) She created these necklaces specifically to raise money for Haiti. And she's giving the first two away! Post a comment on her blog and be entered to win!