Busy making plans!

I'm really excited! I've been busy planning fundraisers for November to benefit Reign.

*As of November 1st, I will begin taking orders for my famous scones. (This is pending a few cross-country shipping trial runs!) I am not 100% sure what flavors I will be offering, but I plan to sell 8 scones for $15 which includes shipping.

*Early November, I will be doing an online auction on Facebook. I have some great items so far, like new baby clothes, gift cards, jewelry, etc. I'll post the link here, so keep an eye out! (And contact me if you'd like to donate anything!)

*November 24th I will be hosting an event at my home! I will have all of my Ava Anderson products out for sampling, (commission from orders placed will go to Reign!) a table of baked goods, and (hopefully) handmade ornaments for sale. I will also be selling raffle tickets for a 'pamper' themed basket full of Ava products and other goodies. There will be refreshments as well.

I pray I can raise the $1,000 for her. But even more than that, I pray for her family to find her. I know she is not forgotten! Sometimes I feel so helpless to do anything to help, but even this small act can make a difference.

A few days ago, we scheduled our first home visit with someone from CT foster/adopt. I am so glad we are moving forward, but I don't think it's really hit me. I am also very unfamiliar with the domestic adoption process, because I have done much more research into international. Although that would still be unfamiliar ground, too! I am just hoping things will go smoothly. And if this isn't the right choice for us, I pray God will close doors!

Will you rise to the challenge?

When God first burdened my heart for orphans, I will admit, it was (and still is) extremely overwhelming. The need is great, so great that it takes my breath away.

It is estimated that there are 153 million orphans worldwide. That is 153 million children that do not have a mom and dad to hold them when they are scared, kiss away their tears, or love and nurture them the way they deserve. That number does not include abandoned and trafficked children. It is staggering, and if it does not bother you, it should. 

These are not numbers...they are faces. 

I believe that once you know,  once you understand, you cannot turn away. If you are a Bible-believing Christian, God commands you to not turn away! 

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:27

"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed." - Psalm 82:3

Friends, use this as your call to action! You CAN help, you CAN make a difference! I used to be caught in the lie that unless I can do something big, it doesn't matter. This is simply untrue - every little bit does matter. God sees you and your acts of kindness! And it matters to them. 

It matters to Carol.

It matters to Timothy

It matters to Eva

It matters to Tanner

These children are all in need of Christmas Warriors. As a Christmas Warrior, you commit advocating for your child and raising $1,000 for your his/her adoption fund. The Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree program is their most important fundraiser. Money is the biggest obstacle for families wishing to adopt, so by raising money toward their adoption, you can help alleviate that stress. Advocating for your child also means getting their face out there, so that their mom and dad can see them! Many children have found their adoptive families through this program. It's something small you can do to make a big impact on an orphan's life. (To see a full list of girls in need of a Christmas warrior, click here. For boys, click here. Any child without a green icon next to their name is in need of a warrior.) 

Can you take some time and help the least of these? Then go sign up to be a Christmas warrior...what are you waiting for??? I promise I will do whatever I can to help you raise funds for your child, so please comment below if you decide to take the plunge!

I want to be part of a generation of believers that rises to meet the needs of the fatherless...how about you?

A few updates!

Tonight, Justin and I went to an informational meeting on fostering & adopting in Connecticut. We had been feeling for a few weeks that we should explore all our options, as we haven't been feeling led one way or another. We filled out some information and will be contacted about being certified for pre-adoption. (At this point in our lives, we do not feel it's a good idea to pursue foster care.) It was great because I was able to get all my questions answered (I had a lot!) and we both feel this is the right way to go right now.

I have been doing a lot of fundraiser planning for Reign! I will be hosting an event at my home on November 24th. It will be open-house style, so if you are local, let me know and I will send you an event link from Facebook! I will have my Ava Anderson products out for everyone to sample, a table full of baked goods to buy, hopefully more crafters, and a raffle for a basket full of Ava products and other goodies! This raffle is open to those local and anyone else in the US. 1 ticket is $3, or 5 tickets for $10. ALL commissions and sales will go to Reign's adoption fund!

I am also planning an online auction in early November, so keep an eye out! I am gathering some really great handmade items and gifts, so you can get your holiday shopping done early. If you are interested in donating something for the auction, please contact me!