God planted the seeds, our eyes and hearts were open and we're taking that leap of faith into unknown territory where only God Himself can be revealed. Proverbs 24:12 tell us: "Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know and holds us responsible." So with much joy, we welcome you on our journey to bring home a baby girl from Ethiopia!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Noonday Collection...a brilliant idea!

I am so in love with the concept of this company! Incorporating fashion & style, giving back to those that are oppressed by providing entrepreneurship instead of just aid, fundraising to bring an orphan child into a forever family, empowering women, & sharing the gospel.....all in ONE transaction.

So much in love, that I forwarded the link to my husband to get me an "early" birthday present(: And because paypal is under my name, I got an email confirming this was purchased:

Each piece is handcrafted. This one was made by women in Ethiopia. Here is their story:

Their Ethiopia collection is made in partnership with Beza International which is dedicated to empowering Entoto Mountain artisans. Many of these women are forced into prostitution and early marriages. Many become pregnant or contract HIV, and are ostracized by their families and society with no where to go. Their families send them to the Entoto Mountains to seek recovery by bathing in the “magical waters”. When they are unhealed, their families abandon them and they are left to fend for themselves. Beza International has trained these women and given them a skill to support themselves and their children. Not only are these women learning a skill, they are learning that their lives matter (regardless of their health status). Learning these skills helps them feel valued, which restores their dignity and self-worth. Knowing that other women around the world are wearing their creations is the most empowering gift we can offer them.
Most of this collection is made from recycled nickel, copper, and bronze, including previous war conflict weapons – that’s what we call upcycling! Genuine silver embellishments are made by a local silversmith. Each of these spectacular beads is a unique piece of art.
Needless to say, I think this girl needs to host a "trunk show"! Unique handmade pieces from different countries, helping the poor & oppressed out of the vicious cycle of poverty, sharing God's love, the ability to bring home an orphan, and look stylish all at once? That's what I'm talking about! You just might be getting an invite to a "trunk show" here in the near future! Check them out at : www.noondaycollection.com 

Thursday, January 13, 2011

ONE year ago....

It's hard to believe it has been ONE year since God stirred our hearts in such a way that we no longer could be complacent about adopting. I'll never forget hearing the news that the awful earthquake had hit Haiti and there were THOUSANDS dead, leaving even more orphans behind. I was sitting on the airplane when I glanced at the man next to me that had his face buried in a newspaper article for what seemed like hours.  My heart hurt for days, for months and it still does for those left behind. I found myself doing something that is completely out of character for me....I glued myself to the TV watching the news hour after hour. Pretty sure I was an Anderson Cooper stalker. My heart was literally broke.  Little did I know that 2011 would bring about so many changes in our hearts and home by this horrible devastation. Certainly not happy for the devastation the Haitian's experienced OR are STILL experiencing, but forever grateful that the Lord used this to grab our attention and lead us to action. 


Proverbs 19:2 tells us: "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is only the Lord's purpose that prevails" 


This verse could not ring more true for us. Graciously, day after day,  He is humbling our hearts and gently inviting us to be a part of His redemptive work. We continue to pray for the people of Haiti. Our souls look to heaven for hope and healing for this beautiful country. And while OUR plans are to bring our precious daughter home this year, we want nothing more than to glorify our GREAT GOD through this experience. 

Tuesday, January 4, 2011