Thursday, December 27, 2012

Made my day + trip update

Today was another great day.  In my little adoption circle of friends, I heard fun news.  Some connecting back to Ethiopia, some starting to adopt again, some getting ready to travel, and one couple donating to our trip.  So glad for all those things!

Made my Day.

That's it.

Okay, you know me, I can't keep it that short so I'll share quick that Ryan and I have turned in our applications for the March trip and paid our deposit.  I'm looking forward to the small team that will be travelling together.  We're waiting to hear back from Hope Chest about Ryan doing work there.  Hope Chest doesn't start projects until all their funds are raised.  We have ~$30k to raise before the animal husbandry project is initiated by Hope Chest.  I've been praying that Ryan's skills will be put to use - that Hope Chest will support Ryan doing some livestock care, that we can raise funds personally to pull off some small community-wide livestock related medical clinics, or that we can raise the ~$30k to fund the project.  Big prayers, I know.  But I also know that I serve a BIG God.  Did I say I'm looking forward to our team travelling???

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Made My Day

My friends emailed me today to let me know that they chose to sponsor Konjit and another child.  I am so thankful!  It made my day.  There are 70-ish children left that need sponsors.  It's a great Christmas gift to give a loved one.  It would also be something fun to do as a group at work or in your small group.

That's my challenge for the next week.  There are more than 20 people working in my building.  Even if just half of them would participate, together we could sponsor one child for a year costing us $40.  That would totally make my day.  Maybe two kids are possible.  That would be $80 in a year.  Definitely a good option if you can't commit to a $34 per month sponsorship.  Hmm, how can I deliver this to my co-workers in that busy little building???

In other fun news, FOVC transferred the agriculture money to Hope Chest this week.  It's a big step forward in raising the funds to begin (begin with Hope Chest, but continue with FOVC-Ethio) the livestock program.  Hope Chest, from what I've gathered, doesn't start the project until it's fully funded... which means we have some fundraising to do to get going!

Speaking of getting going, Ryan and I are planning to travel together in March on a small team to see the Shanto children.  Of course, I'm also looking forward to seeing my widows!  The trip will be for 12 days some time in the March 16-30 window.  I have joined Ingrid in praying for the perfect team members to join us.  If you're interested in going on the trip or supporting Ryan and I on the trip, let me know.

Check out Hope Chest Shanto care point to see the many kids who need sponsors http://www.hopechest.org/community/shanto/sponsor/.  I see their sad little faces and know that many of those children are new to the program.  They don't know what it's like to have their picture taken, they don't know what it's like to eat every day.  They haven't been to school.  And like most of us, they need a little love.  You can make a difference! It would make my day!