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Another One?

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“Another one?  Not another annoying auction post, I’m so tired of those.”

“Another fundraiser?”

“Another blurb talking about yet another family that needs help?”

“Is she really trying to tell me again about “the children”?”

“Keep scrolling, don’t comment, don’t click “like”, pretend you didn’t see it.”

“Never ask her about what she does, and don’t try to engage her – she might bring it up!”

“The stuff she says or writes about can’t be true anyway so who cares.”

“It’s too sad, I don’t want to know.”

“Omg, if I have to read the words “orphans” or “foster care” or “child abuse” one more time!”  

“Seriously, another obnoxious post about orphans – I’m so tired of seeing these.” (clicks unfollow) 

Yes, these are all realities in my world friends. 

For me it’s, another uncomfortable conversation ending with a canned “oh that’s nice” and a quick subject change.

Another friend who choose to unfriend/unfollow me because of my “agenda”- and another, and another.

Yes, I very much understand how uncomfortable and heavy this subject is.  I understand that for many it’s almost too much to bear. So it seems easier to look the other way and try to forget. 

I understand that you might not be sure how you should react when you learn about what I do.

I get it, I do.  But at the very least, try to understand why I do this.  Why I care about helping families, who are stepping out in faith, and helping them fund their adoptions.  Why I advocate for the orphans, the abused, the forgotten, the at risk.

Look this precious child.  The eerie similarity to a holocaust victim is chilling.  This is a child, living and breathing.  Starved and bedridden, barely touched or moved so her body is stuck and atrophied.  Her caregivers would say it’s her condition that makes her look this way, unwilling to admit it’s cause is purely neglect.  

And what about 10 year old, S?

Left laying in a bed for his entire life, body growing into the twisted emmaciated frame you see here.  The size of a toddler. 

 Pure neglect and abuse.  Yet he smiles with the roughest most unfeeling touch because it’s all he can get.  
Click to see a video of little “S”.  The transformation that I’ve personally seen in children like this is astounding!  Love and nourishment can do so much.

Remember Hope?  I advocated for her family a while back.  Just wait for the update on her!  She’s amazing!

If you’re still with me here, thank you- for at least trying to understand. This isn’t about an “agenda”, it’s about lives.

What these kids endure is unimaginable.  For the most innocent treasures to be treated so terribly is a travesty.  It just simply should not be.  But it is reality.

Please check out the links below for more information.

The Gagnon family

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Orphanage and foster care realities:  http://www.ransomforisrael.com/adoption-the-today-and-the-tomorrows/

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A little translation to assist in your reading of this:  Teacher = caregiver & care homes = orphanage.

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Missing children 

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The truth about institutions

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Just a Dad with a Wish

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It’s fathers day! Brandon Willis is a dad to three beautiful daughters, but there’s a problem – only two of his daughters are with him each day.   He waits for the day to come when he gets to hug his oldest daughter again.  The day where she doesn’t have to worry she’ll have to leave her family again.  The day where he knows 100% that his daughter is going wake up each morning knowing there are four people waiting to greet her as a daughter and a sister, with lots of love!  

 She was here, then she was gone.  The waiting is hard.  

 Help a father out by bidding on some great items to help bring his daughter home!  This family needs some massive support-  Where are my auction junkies at? 

Store open – auction style!  A portion of the proceeds go to help a beautiful family adopting a sweet 12 year old girl.

 Every bid gains an entry to win a pair of LULAROE  -TC- AUTISM AWARENESS- puzzle pieces leggings!!  A MAJOR UNICORN!  Oh yeah!

Each bid counts as an entry!  Even on the same item if you’re outbid!   Head on over and check out the items and help this family bring their daughter home

(Winner will receive prize after any item winnings are paid for. )

A Link and A Blurb

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 Those looking for the store event to benefit the Willis family adoption click on this link.

If you are interested to learn more about this family and how their latest edition came into their lives, read below.

From Jennifer Willis:

”  In November & December 2016, our family had the privilege of hosting, C, through an orphan hosting program. She is an incredible 12 year old girl, who jumped right into life with our family. We were able to share so many “firsts” with C while she was here, from seeing the ocean for the first time, to cutting down her first Christmas tree. It was an incredible month for our entire family, not just for C. We quickly came to realize that she felt like a part of our family and we have decided to make her a part of our family forever!

International adoption is a costly process and we are working hard to bring C home. We appreciate your prayers and support as we step out in faith to adopt C.

http://www.lovecrossesoceansfoundation.org/willisfamily”

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Ch- Ch-Ch- Changes

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Ch- Ch-Ch- Changes

For some time now, I’ve been on a break of sorts, from fundraising.  For many reasons…  Time, some intense health issues, family, etc.   We’ve been in a crazy whirlwind riding on a seemingly unending rollercoaster.  Not a happy camper.

   I needed to make a tough choice… Do I keep going and run myself into the ground leaving my family in the lurch?  Or do I have to say the dreaded word “no” to these families who need help, just so I can step back, breathe and heal?  You can guess which I had to choose.

 Part of the reason for my absence is that I planned to move toward a way to help that was more manageable for my sanity and my family.   Auctions are LOADS of work and take so much out of me.  During one, my children get twenty percent of me and my husband -whose that?    I needed a better way.     

You still with me?  You’ll want to read to the bottom! Trust me. 

My heart really missed helping families, and I missed interacting with all of you, the amazing community of followers, supporters, cheerleaders, fellow bloggers, my Reece’s Rainbow peeps and the mama’s and papa’s!   Weather they are in the thick of the adoption process, or it’s in the rearview mirror.  I miss you, the updates on your kiddos, seeing photos of them thriving!  It was a difficult thing to go quiet for so long.  

There is still a long road ahead of me… Ahead of us.  But we will get there, wherever “there” is.  

 I decided the next chapter needed to be written.  Where was/am I headed with all of this?  How do I help and contribute to my own family?  

Opening an online store, where I could sell a variety of items to help make a living for my family,  and donate a portion of every sale to an adopting family or cause of the moment seemed a great option.  A boutique and flea market of sorts.   Unfortunately, I still can’t decide on a platform for my storefront.  There are a lot of options out there and it’s a hard choice.  I got antsy.  So, until I decide on the details, no more waiting.    

For now, I will use my usual Facebook page for the purpose I intend the store to eventually serve.  The items you see in my “Store Events” were originally intended for an online store I plan to open but haven’t officially.  It may function in an auction-like fashion, maybe it won’t.  A portion of the proceeds from sales will go to the family or cause I feature rather than the previous hundred percent.  The only way that will not be true is if I help a family run a traditional auction, and they have most of the items.  I may still do those very occasionally.

I have so many great items I’ve invested in, intended for the store.  I need to recoup some of that investment and help my family with some income as well.  So, for now it’s a “store”.  I’ll have store hours and use PayPal for payments.  In addition, I also started selling on EBay where most items list a donate amount to a family or cause.

Whew, it’s a lot!  

Most of you know from my many previous events that this is a legit way to help, and you end up with great items too!

I work hard to ensure everyone has a great experience, and will continue to do so.  Thank you all, for your support!

If you’re interested in learning more or keeping up to date on my store openings and events, go to Loving, Giving and Empowering.

Also check out my Current featured family and the event!  

The Willis family with their new daughter C!

Redefining Disabled

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This is mine and my husband’s friend KimLan.  

She’s a mother, a wife and she moonlights as a superhero… Or maybe rock star?  Whatever it is, I wanted to share her awesome message.  Click the link below and prepare to be blown away!  

Ted Talk – Redefining Disabled

Bringing “R” Home

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Introducing the cutest family ever, the Trenda’s.   

Annie is the mama part of this operation and she is amazing!  I know her personally, and not just through Facebook.  She has a heart of gold!  

She has spent so much of her time over the years helping other families who are on their own adoption journey- running auctions, making crafts to sell, she’s also a talented photographer  who has donated photo shoots to families that have recently grown.  

 Perhaps the most special gift Annie has given to each family she comes along side is her taking time out of her busy #momlife, to photograph a family’s homecoming at the airport.  These are very special moments because most times, it’s when grandparents, siblings and other close folks get to meet this/these very special new kiddo(s).  Not only that, the “gotcha” trips can be long and many times a parent will have been away for some time. It’s these moments- the sweet reunion with their other child(ren) who’ve missed mom/dad moments…  The tears and excitement, all the emotions- she captures them.  Beautiful.  Such a priceless gift the family gets to cherish forever.  

Needless to say, Annie and her family are kind of “Big Deal”.  They have played a big role in so many lives.  You just can’t put a price tag on that. 

So, why the heck am I talking about Annie?  

From Annie Trenda – Telling their story: 

 “We met R in December 2013 through a hosting program called Guglielmo’s Hope. Kids come from Ukraine to spend the holiday with a family, to receive dental and vision care, and to learn about America. Our family instantly fell in love with his big smile, his funny personality, and his tender heart. He is an amazing boy who lights up the room when he walks in. We decided then that we would love for him to be a permanent part of our family only to find out that was not an option. We were heartbroken but determined to make sure this sweet boy knew he was loved, even if from half a world away. We have continued to host him over the last several years and we have watched him go from a tiny 9 year old to a preteen with so much confidence! We received the news several months ago that we may begin the process to adopt him and we couldn’t be more thrilled. We are working hard to raise the funds to finally bring our boy home to where he has always belonged ❤️”

So there you have it- they are adopting!  

Please,  Let’s support this family who has so graciously supported so many others.   Visit my page and browse the auction I’ve got going for her at: Heart of the Young 

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Daisy is with her mama!!
I Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone of you who shared, shopped, and bought from the amazing Kelly and Staci and their fabulous Lularoe fundraiser event they hosted for me!

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I also have to sneak in a thank you to Tori of Noonday for her tandem fundraiser which, btw has drop dead gorgeous stuff! Seriously, if you haven’t checked out Noonday, they have a heart for helping and really gorgeous merch, so do it!  Here’s some photos from our event!

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Because of all your support, and both companies graciously matching the money from items sold, a total of $625 was raised from both events!   And BECAUSE OF YOU, My friend Starr is now holding her precious new daughter Daisy!

 

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I have to let you know, that this mama and daughter are a match made in heaven! Starr says little Daisy is absolutely amazing and she couldn’t be happier!  Here is a direct quote from Starr: “Something about Daisy…
What can I say? This child is magic. She is calm, sweet and peaceful. She is gorging herself with hugs and kisses, she can’t get enough! She is loving and nurturing as she loves on her stuffed ladybug. She LOVES music and dancing. She loves reading books and loves to read them to me as she turns the book so I can see the pictures pointing to them like a teacher would. I showed her 3 signs…please, eat and drink. She immediately repeated them. She is so incredibly smart. She LOVES to be tickled silly!
She also chucks food when she’s done and bites her sister. Haha!
She is an escape artist and can scale the crib with bars on it. I still don’t know how she does it! She loves to run away while she laughs.
Some things to work on :).”

I just love that Starr is being real here!  Daisy sounds like an incredible cute little stinker and I can’t wait to meet her!

P.s. These fabulous ladies from Lularoe and Noonday can run fundraisers so if you’re interested contact either myself or see below for links to their pages.   OR just had head over to their pages to shop!

#ToriRaskNooday
Tori:   torirask.noondaycollection.com

I mean LOOK!  Such good stuff AND they are socially minded!

Also don’t forget…

#LularoeKellyandStaciVIPs
Lularoe Kelly and Staci’s VIP’s- Their shop is open 24/7 online! New inventory regularly, no tax and low shipping!: https://fb.com/groups/lularoekellyandstacivips/?fth=1

One more thank you to Mike and Cathy Novak for helping orchestrate this with Kelly and Staci!  It would not have happened without you!  Who are Mike and a Cathy?  They have an amazing little Lularoe shop as well… No tax, free shipping, new inventory all the time, and they are a dream to work with!  Their shop is also open 24/7!   Go check them out at : https://fb.com/groups/CathyandMikeNovakLularoe/?fth=1

I love my Lularoe!  You will too! No, really you will… I realize that sounded like an advertisement, haha!

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Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!  Oh, and Monday too! 

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If you read my post Wish Upon A Starr, you know about the amazing opportunity to support the Pelc family in their adoption journey AND score some super cute duds and a bit of bling too!    There are three ways to join in the fun.

Help bring this cutie home!

#1.Check out Tori Rask and her Noonday shop to see our fundraiser going on now,  featuring unique and beautiful jewelery and accessories! At: bit.ly/bringhomedaisy
Are these not gorgeous?

#2.  Join us for a fun and unique Lularoe shopping experince at the in-home fundraiser event this Sunday!  See the clothes, try on and take home!  So fun!   You MUST MUST MUST request to join their group first in order to see the even invites!

Link to join group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lularoekellyandstacivips/
*Link to the In-Home event (local Portland area) We’d love to see you on Sunday, July 17th at 2pm. Tori Rask will be here with Noonday (amazing jewelry and accessories), there will be a raffle or two… come join us! Don’t miss out on the fun!

Portland area Fundraiser Event! 

*Can’t make it to the In-Home event?  Join us for a fun online shopping experience.  Again, all for the Pelc family!

Online Shopping Event!

Still not sure?  Check out my Lularoe below!  Then decide. Don’t hesitate to ask me questions about fit, fabrics, and I’ll do my best to help!  No, I dont sell it, I just love it.

The Nicole dress

Above:  Buttery soft leggings dressed up!

Below:  Crazy print, super soft leggings, dressed down!

Below:  The Julia dress- so comfy.

Wish upon a Starr

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Like these?  (Don’t you dare click away just yet… Give it a chance.)PhotoGrid_1467768092651

Why am I asking?  Well…

She is three and a half years old.  She sits everyday with all the other children.   She has nothing of her own. Her clothes aren’t hers, her toys aren’t hers, her shoes aren’t hers.   Abandoned at just 6 months old, little Daisy spends each day in an orphanage.   No mom to comfort her when she’s scared.  No hugs for her tears.  She’s a beautiful little girl.

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Across the globe, a mama sits, waiting.  She waits and longs to hold this precious little daughter she’s never met.  She aches to kiss her bruised knees, dry her tiny tears, and tell her she is loved.  This mama works hard everyday trying to raise the randsom.  But it’s seemingly insurmountable.   She only has a couple weeks left to raise an incredible amount.  So she continues to work her fingers to the bone, fundraising, selling anything she can, praying for a miracle.

This mama’s name is Starr.  She was born to be a mom!  For 16 years she’s been loving on her children, providing for them, nurturing them, all on her own.   She’s been a mom a whole lot longer than 16 years, but you see 16 years ago she lost her husband and since then devotes her life to giving love to children who otherwise have had none.   received_1214842788539891

Now, back to the cute jewelry and such.  There’s a wonderful lady, Tori who has an online shop.  Soooo many cute things.  From now until July 19th, 15% of anything you purchase will be donated to help Starr bring home Daisy!   If you’d like to check out this shop go here:   bit.ly/bringhomedaisy

There’s more!

Ever heard of Lularoe?   The fun prints, the incredibly buttery soft leggings, the clothes that make sizing simple, easily working with all body types making it a snap to shop online without stressing.  They are THE MOST ADDICTIVE clothing line ever!   How do I feel in my Lularoe?  Uh… 2016-06-25 19.12.29

Sooo, I also have a Lularoe event hosted by two lovely gals both in home for my local gals, where you can come try on and take home, AND an online event as well!  THAT event will be July 17th for the in home, and 18th for online.  They will also donate part of the proceeds to help this family!  Eeeek!

Please join THIS PAGE, no it isn’t a cult, but it might get ADDICTIVE!   On this page our hostesses will post about the upcoming event, and you can learn a bit about Lularoe too.  Trust me, this is not just another “party”,you don’t want to miss this!

I would like to thank Cathy and Mike, Kelly, Staci and Tori!  You guys all worked and are still working so hard to make this happen for this family.  I seriously am floored at how you all pulled this together for me at such short notice. Much love!  I know Starr feels the same.

To read more about Starr and her journey or to donate directly go here: http://reecesrainbow.org/102812/sponsorpelc

 

 

 

 

5/5/5

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Super short, super important! 
Usually, they raise around $4,000 to split between five families.  This month, only $1,000 has come in which will be split FIVE ways!  That’s not a lot, and it’s certainly not enough.  $5 is all it takes to make a huge difference for these adopting families.  Only two weeks left before the cutoff!  

Who would you be helping with this $5 dollars (or more)Meet the families! 

Oh, and I should tell you it’s tax deductible! 

Go here to learn more:  http://reecesrainbow.org/555families

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