Fundraising....some thoughts

My hope is that this blog will be a spot for us to not only document all the milestones of our adoption but also to help answer questions that others may have about the process. Now in no way do I claim to be an expert, let alone know much at all.....we are just wee learners right now but I hope as we move along in the process we can share information and educate others on the miracle of adoption.  One of the first questions I'd love to address is money and fundraising.  I know there are lots of factors that could hold families back from adopting but I think probably number one on the list is adoption. I know it was the first issue we talked about when adoption was laid on our hearts. As we started doing our research we quickly found out that fundraising to pay for adoption is not only an option it's becoming more of a norm. Adoption comes with a huge price tag and one that can easily scare a family away but I read miracle after miracle of God providing just what was needed at each step of the way. So first and foremost we are having faith that God will see us through this in all ways including the finances. With that said, we still have to do some hard work. There are so many great fundraising opportunities out there. One of the first we've implemented is Just Love coffee. This is a great organization that helps families and ministries raise money through the sale of coffee. Part of the proceeds go to the fundraising family or ministry and another portion goes to help build a school in Ethiopia. It's organic and fair trade. If you'd like to help us out by buying coffee follow this link.

T-shirt sales are another big fundraising item. I wear a different t-shirt almost everyday of the week that I've purchased in order to help another family bring home their child. The coolest part is I've never met a single one of these families. It's just a small way that I can help a family get one step closer to their child. T-shirts are also great way for bringing awareness and starting up conversations about orphan care and adoption. My super talented sister-in-law Kristen is helping us design our own t-shirts and our incredibly gracious friends Chris and Darami are going to help us with the printing! We are so thankful for our friends and family coming alongside us!

Yard sales are up there on top of the fundraising list too. Not my favorite way to spend a weekend but I can't think of a better cause. We're planning our yard sale for Memorial Day weekend and we're praying for sun! We are so thankful for all those who have already offered to donate items~ we truly appreciate your donations! Maggie also plans on running a well-stocked lemonade and baked goods stand at the yard sale:)

Speaking of baked goods.....I will be kicking up the cupcake business a bit more to generate some extra funds. If you're needing some sweet treats be sure to contact me! I know there will be lots more to come and the road ahead is long but one we are so blessed to travel. Money is never easy and asking for help requires us to swallow a tremendous amount of pride. Of course we would love to be able to write a check for our adoption but that's not the reality for us and that's not what God wants for us. I know He requires us to lean on Him, to trust Him and in the end let Him have the glory. We have already been blown away by the generosity and willingness of our friends and family....even some people we hardly even know. We've also been surprised how many people have said "wow, that's something we've always dreamed about."  Oh, I pray for those people because I think God has big stuff in store for them!