Red Bus Project

On Monday night, JT, Tedi and I headed over to the University of Louisville campus to support the Red Bus Project.  They are part of Show Hope, an organization started by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth, to help support orphans and adoptive families.  The Red Bus Project was created to raise orphan awareness on college campuses while also being a thrift store on wheels....the money raised goes to ShowHope to help adopting families...

When we adopted Tedi, ShowHope gave us one of their coveted grants.  For that we are so thankful!  Because of that, we felt it was important to support them!  If they come to your city, make sure you go out and support them.

 Tedi on the Red Bus

Thumb Wrestling with Daddy

Being silly with Mommy

From Jen Hatmaker

The entire blog below was written by Jen Hatmaker.  Her blog is http://jenhatmaker.com/blog.htm.  This is says so much.... really makes me think about my life and things I have thought since adopting Tedi and having another son on the way.  Read this.  Check out her website. 

 

Dear Trayvon's Mom

by Jen Hatmaker on March 26th, 2012

My name is Jen Hatmaker. I’m super white. I even have blue eyes. My hair was snow blonde then it was dirty brown and now it’s gray but I color it so who even knows anymore? (I’m sorry. I overshare when I’m nervous.) My husband and I cranked out three carbon copies of us.

Look at us. We were the poster family for white people.

I grew up in the lower middle class. In my early years, we lived in racially diverse cities. I was the only white girl in my second grade class in Little Rock, Arkansas, a fact I was oblivious to, because you get the luxury of being oblivious when you’re seven. I lived in south Louisiana, where there is every shade of skin color under God’s yellow sun. But I logged my formative middle and high school years in Wichita, Kansas…Haysville, Kansas to be exact. Pretty much total white bread.

I nonchalantly enjoyed my white privileges my entire adult life, one of those people who said “racism is dying” and “things are different now” and “we’re colorblind” and casual ignorance like that. I gushed and over-loved any black people in my life, of which there were very few; none in a real relationship with me that wasn’t exaggerated and a little contrived and over-zealous.

But then we decided to adopt two children from Ethiopia, and in November 2010, as I was shopping for their very first care package to send over, I was standing in the middle of the Target toy aisle, and I sent out this SOS text:

Where are all the black baby dolls?

I sat down in the middle of Target and cried my eyes out.

How did I never notice this? How was this my first sense of outrage over this discrepancy? How could I have yammered about the end of racism and “a fair system” when evidence to the contrary was staring me in the face every single day?

Sybrina, please envision me getting down on my knees in front of you, this white mama, and asking you to forgive me. I never understood the systemic racism that persists in this country, because I didn’t have to. The system is structured to grant me privileges and power through no merit of my own; simply by virtue of my skin color. This same system denies and protects this oppressive hierarchy, conditioning white people to not even see it.

We don’t get followed around in the store by suspicious security.

We don’t get singled out or searched by policemen.

The bandaids in Walmart all match our skin color.

The children’s section in the bookstore is full of covers with white kids.

If I ask to speak to a manager, he or she is usually white, like me.

And our sons don’t get murdered walking down our own street holding Skittles.

So because these things didn’t happen to me, I ignorantly assumed they were not happening to you. I casually consumed my white privileges – these unearned assets that granted me the benefit of the doubt and free passes and guaranteed security and permanent insider status – assuming that anyone else, anyone, could enjoy these same advantages by making good choices and working hard.

But it is simply not true, because the same system that keeps me on top keeps you on bottom. If anyone is automatically granted insider status, by definition that means someone has outsider status. We see this when a black student or man or woman accomplishes something extraordinary, and they are called “a credit to their race.” If a white person pulled off the same thing, he would just be called awesome. You have to work harder for acknowledgment, and then singling it out as an exception to the rule diminishes and demeans your merit.

I didn’t know about the Black Male Code, because I didn’t have to. I had the luxury of knowing my sons would breeze through applications and security lines and entrance exams and interviews, receiving unmerited approval at the first glance.

But then I got this son.

And I watched in horror as this son was cut down in the prime of his life.

And my heart was seized in terror. Because everyone loves my Ben right now. Who wouldn’t? He’s eight and the size of a first grader. He’s adorable and silly. His Ethiopian accent is the cutest thing that has ever entered your ears. He’s writing stories about “A Dog as the President” and he wears and a helmet and kneepads when he skates. He watches Power Rangers.

But I’m learning what is going to happen six years from now, Sybrina. People will start to suspect him for no reason, or train a watchful eye on him at the mall, or fear him. He may ask a white girl to prom, one he has gone to school with since these innocent years, and get his heart crushed when her daddy forbids it. He will have to be careful in public with his friends, as the most innocent activity will likely be interpreted as threatening…like walking down the street with candy and tea in his own neighborhood.

I have grieved endlessly for your son. I just keep trying to make sense of it, and sense won’t come. There is simply no sense in this injustice. You don’t get to murder a teenage boy because you’re paranoid and suspicious of him. You don’t get to do that. Would this have happened if Trayvon was a white kid named Troy? Would he have been viewed with the same fear? Will our black sons ever escape this treacherous plight and just be free to be children?

I’m ashamed that I haven’t seen or cared about this inequity until I had black kids under my roof, Sybrina. I’m so sorry. I would completely understand if you dismissed my solidarity here, because just two years ago I claimed America was a post-racial country, and that is a sorry state of willful ignorance. Neglecting the hard, important conversations about race, justice, ignorance, and inequity until I literally had skin in the game is appalling, and if you reject my concern now, I wouldn’t blame you.

But if you’ll have me, I’d like to stand with you.

I’d like to link arms and stand up for our black sons and daughters, calling the system so wrought with disparities to reform. I want to engage these challenging discussions with respect and commitment to one another, because I can no longer be complicit in the battle against equity.

We’re going to have to work hard here, because it’s tempting to make sweeping statements and unfair generalities. It's easy to say things are all bad or all good or never this or always that, and that's not true and won't get us far. Both of our races are wrought with fools and charlatans and bigots; none of us are perfect and this is complicated. It’s going to take respect and humility to navigate this well, to begin pulling the threads to unravel such an entrenched system. But I want to start here, with you:

I see Trayvon.

I know he wasn’t a perfect kid. He probably opened up a sassy mouth to you and whined about chores. His room might have been a pigsty no matter how much you fussed at him (but with a face like that, I’m sure he got away with it). Like all seventeen-year-old sons, he probably drove you crazy sometimes, pushing against the boundaries barely holding him back from young adulthood, anxious to spread his wings. But he was the son of your heart and he mattered and he deserved life.

I am devastated it was stolen.

Please know that as for me, I promise to do the hard work and ask the hard questions and enter the difficult places to turn the tides for my son and all the black sons, and I grieve that it is too late for yours. I hope the national outcry for Trayvon has comforted you; so many of us see him. We are hungry for a better world where our boys can walk down the street unafraid and unfeared.

Please accept my hand; I stand with you, two moms demanding more for our sons. I am sorry you’ve lost Trayvon, my sister. I’m so very sorry. May his legacy help us move into a wider space together, tearing down walls and stereotypes and fear and building communities where we truly love our neighbor once again.

All my love to you.

Forget the Frock: An Easter Challenge

Do you have your Easter dress picked out?  Does your church expect you to spend $$$ on hats and sandals and sweatervests, even if unspoken, for the sake of a Sunday?  Well consider investing your money in a more effective way.

My friend Emily, a self professed Southern gilr who loves dresses, was convicted last year.... the concept of wearing tshirts to support orphan care on Easter was born.  This year it has BLOWN out of proportion.  Check out her original blog post below.... or her blog here: http://notesfromthefoxfamily.blogspot.com/

From Emily:

If you grew up as a little girl in the South you know what I am talking about when I say… “Easter Dress” or “Christmas Dress.” Maybe your family were devoted church-goers or maybe these two holidays were the only time your family attended church, either way chances are you (and your siblings) endured just a little extra spit and shine for these Sundays.

Then again maybe it’s just this little former Southern Baptist, GA (Girls in Action) card carrying Kid, who had her frilly dress, white gloves, pearls and Easter hat laid out for her every Easter Sunday, that has the “Easter Dress” mentality. Now before you walk away huffed because you think I’m attacking anyone for buying a new outfit, rest assured I adore a cute new ensemble as much as the next person. But listen for just a moment to a recent moment of conviction that I felt…

Recently one of the Grandmas purchased my girls some adorable little dresses and instantly I thought “Sweet, here is their… (You guessed it) Easter Dresses.” Later that week during a “Quiet Time” session in the house I sat down at the computer (a bit obsessed if I am honest) to begin completing the “Easter Ensemble.” Thoughts began to race through my mind… I needed the perfect Hair bows, cute shoes, and of course a cardigan as to be prepared for the ever-changing Kentucky weather. As the electronic “Shopping Cart” began to fill up my phone made that little high pitched “Tri-Tone” notifying me I had a text message.
I looked down to see the sweetest picture of a young girl who truly is changing the world. (http://www.feedingtheorphans.org/) This was the 3rd time God had thrown her in my face…

1st time – I hear of her story from a family member, my lame reaction, “Oh wow, that’s awesome."

2nd time – I hear her story from Nat and JT, my reaction, “Oh yes, I’ve heard about her… isn’t her story awesome.” I read her blog and although brought to tears I produce no reaction. (Ouch)

This time as I look down and see her face my heart is moved to click away from my shopping experience and checkout the latest on her blog. It is now that I read of her latest quest to help an orphanage secure their rent fees for the upcoming year and her challenge to readers to donate just $4 to de-worm children for an entire year or purchase a t-shirt to feed an orphan for an entire month!

SERIOUSLY?!?!? Forget the hair bows forget the shoes, forget the dainty little cardigans… FORGET THE ENTIRE EASTER FROCK… I delete the shopping cart...The Fox Family is going to Feed the Orphans with our Easter attire this year!
I can’t tell you how much Joy I received from clicking around on the "Feeding the Orphans" website and placing our “Feeding the Orphans” t-shirt order knowing that 100% of the profits go to feeding an orphan! SQUEAL... it was by far the most rewarding shopping experience EVER.

I’ll be completely honest and say that unlike many of you who read this blog I have not always had a heart for orphans, whether it was ignorance or even worse a hardened selfish soul, it just simply didn’t pierce my heart. Of course I let out the occasional “ohh… isn’t that sad” when I heard of their stories but it didn’t move me to action. So even as I write this I am so incredibly intimidated by the fact I am writing a post that will be read by many who are TRULY taking care of the “least of these” and may find frustration in the fact that all I did was buy a few t-shirts and think I saved the world.

Rest assured in the fact I know that my little purchase was tiny compared to the daily challenges many of you conquer to advance the Kingdom. But also know that people like you (for me Nat and JT) have provided a REAL example of life-changing love. You see, maybe the reason I had such nonchalant responses to stories of orphans and the impoverished for so many years is because it just wasn’t a REAL part of my life. That was of course until January 2010 when my phone once before made that “Tri-Tone” alarm and produced a picture of an espresso skinned little boy with huge sad eyes and a runny little nose named “Tedros”… that day the idea of an orphan became REAL and now after sharing in the life of “Tedi Henderson” for over a year, it has changed our way of thinking right down to our “Easter Dress.”

$2500 Update

As of Tuesday, March 20, (that is when we get a report of our Lifesong account), and I have good news to report!  We have $1730 contributed towards are match!  This is everything that came in over the weekend and before Tuesday.  If you have given since Tuesday, it is not reflected in that amount.  How amazing is this?!?!?!  We have really been blessed with such supportive people around us. 

Thank you everyone!  We appreciate all of the support, both financial and in the emails, comments and words of encouragement!  Please pray that we find out our court date as soon as possible.  It is quite difficult with my work schedule as a resident to get coverage and get off work, especially in June. 

Again, thank you!

HIV+

Here is the rest of the story.... the rest of our "Leap of Faith" and journey to our second son. 

We were moving along quite content with our second adoption.  We have Tedi, our first adopted son from Ethiopia, and were both very busy in our jobs.  Our agency, Lifeline Adoptions who places children from Ethiopia through West Sands Adoptions, was telling us 7-9 months wait for a healthy boy aged 0-5...well really about six month for our more specific 3-5 year old boy.  This was fine with us.  Our dossier landed in Ethiopia on February 6, 2011 and we started our official wait.

But then, on Sunday, February 26, our minister, Ben, at church spoke on who we follow.... he said "Does the way you are living life require God to show up?"   "We dream little and only dream what we can do alone."  He said, "We must say, 'God this won't happen without you showing up.' "  We sang Hosanna which says "break my heart for what breaks yours."   We have heard those lyrics before.  We were challenged by Ben's words but nothing changed that Sunday or that Monday...we both went back to work and back to life.

Then on Tuesday, February 28th, we had picked Tedi up from his best buddy Sam's house and had just eaten at a local Mediterranean restaurant (Tedi loves all ethnic food).  On our drive home, I was reading JT facebook statuses out loud.... it is a habit of ours, both for laughs, interesting stuff, and on this night life changing stuff.... West Sands Adoption posted on their facebook:

"Any families who are interested in adopting an HIV+ child between 4-6 years old (both genders) please contact West Sands Adoptions. We have several children in this age range waiting for their forever family. If you are interested in learning more about adopting an HIV+ child, check out this link or contact our office for more information."

JT just looked at me.  I remember we were pulling into the second space in our lot.  He knew I had always been okay with HIV+ adoption but he always said once I was out of training and was more available for appointments.  He told me to let him pray about it overnight.... I did not.  I was on facebook that night messaging with Sheila.  She informed me there was a waiting list full of HIV+ kids and all it required was an amendment to our US approval (which is free).  She asked if she should let our local rep, Lesley, know we were considering this.  I told her no.....that we are good friends with Lesley and JT would call her.  He called her five minutes later.  She said she would pray for us and slipped in that there were also 2 sisters that needed a home if interested.  She knew I want a girl eventually.  JT immediately said no....  He then remembered Ben's words.  After 24 hours of gut wrenching, knee-dropping prayer, we said "okay, Lesley (and God), if the girls are paperwork ready.  We will be their parents.  If not, we will be the parents of the first paperwork ready HIV+ boy."  We did not know what God would do.  We waited.... 60 excruciating hours.  Then, Friday morning March 3, Lesley called.  The girls were not ready but there was a boy waiting for a family.  Of course, we were excited.  We felt so convicted waiting for a "healthy" child when "our" child was waiting for us.

This boy, (we will call C.W. for online purposes...though he won't go by this), is 4 1/2 years old.  Yes, as the title implies, he is HIV+.  You read correctly.  Our second son is infected with a Human Immunodeficiency Virus.  Now that we had accepted his referral less than one month from being added to the wait list, we knew there would be explaining to do.  We shared the details with our close friends and our family.  All were so supportive.  Tedi has changed so many hearts in our world that it did not surprise me that C.W. and the knowledge of his HIV were welcomed without question. 

However, despite our lack of reserve in sharing with our friends and family, we have carefully discussed and prayed about disclosing C.W.'s HIV status on our blog, on facebook, with his future school, and speaking on this topic in general.  We spoke to families who both share their child's status and those that do not.  After all this, and after seeing reactions of some ancillary people around us (even educated people), we realized that nothing was going to change if we did not speak up.  If we speak up and educate those around us, and then they do the same, maybe just maybe, the stigma and knowledge associated with HIV may be changed for our son and those with whom our influence reaches.  No, we won't go to the park and say "Hey my name is Natalie and my son is HIV+." But we will speak up, have a voice, defend the hearts of the those who have no one to do so.  We realize we may lose friends....were they really friends? Probably not?  There will be some people who may not let our kids play with their kids despite education.  That is fine.  Did we want them there anyways?  Hmmmm...  probably not.   There will be days when we must digest hurtful things said to and about our son and family... There will be tough talks in the teen years about sex and relationships.  That will not be easy regardless of the health concerns.  However, despite the difficult days and difficult circumstances, blessings are always weaved throughout the circumstance.... Change will happen...



As always, we are always transparent and share our hearts.  Feel free to email us with questions.  However, please remember that these are our children and they have their own personal stories that led them to be in our family.  We will always protect their hearts above anyone else's questions. 

Thank you for reading our story and joining with us.  See below for the biggest way you can help us right now.... with our $2500 challenge!

$2500 Challenge

An anonymous donor came to us....they said....

"For the next month, we will match anything donated to your adoption up to $2500."  So here we go!  We have 1 month to raise $5000.  You know that what will pay for..... our first trip to Ethiopia and a little more. 

Spread the word.  If 250 people give just $10, we are there!  Of course, more is welcome but that is how simple it is!  Click the link below to give your $10.  Please spread the word!

In Pictures: Both Hands Project

Here are pictures from our Both Hands Project.  There are several Before/After as well as a few of the still pics from the day.  At the bottom, I again included our video in case you missed it.  Enjoy!

Back Door: After (brand new door)

Front Porch: Halfway Done

Front Porch: After

Bathroom: Before

Bathroom: After

Random Pictures from the Project

The Video

The Henderson Family- Both Hands Project from William H. Wallace II on Vimeo.

Do Something

I had a friend recently say to me "I feel like such a bad person because we haven't adopted and don't want to." We continued to talk but I walked away from our conversation realizing many people may feel this way.  But there is no need to.... I truly believe that not everyone is called to adopt.  Just like everyone is not called into foreign missions, the medical field, to being pastors, stay at home moms, or otherwise.  However, unlike all of these things, we are ALL called to help those less fortunate... not just called, but told to do so if you believe the Bible to be your guide in life. 

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. Rescue the weak and needy;deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Psalms 82:3-4

If you don't believe that, caring for orphans and those less fortunate is the "right" thing to do...for the greater good, to make this world better....for you or your kids.  Whatever your motivating factor...you can make a difference. 

So then what CAN you do? 

1) Adopt:  Obviously, this is my number one answer.  If you are toying with it in your mind, email me.  If money is standing in your way, email me.  If race is standing in your way, email me.  There are so many resources and conversations that can make these things seem eerily small. 

2) Support Adopting Families:  There are so many ways to do this.  Both financially and other ways. 

A) Financially:  If you can not give one lump sum of money, you can commit to sending a certain amount of money to them or their agency on their behalf.  You can attend fundraisers, buy tshirts, promote their fundraisers on your social media. You can offer to host a fundraiser, enlist your church to do so...

B) Non-Financial: If you can not afford to financially support families, that is fine.  Send them a card once a month to let them know you are thinking of them.  Pray for them and encourage others to do the same.  Re post their efforts on social media.  Just showing your support means so much and at the same time advocates for the least of these.

3) Shop:  Yep, you read correctly.  SHOP.  We all do it but being more purposeful in our purchases can literally pay huge dividends for the seller. 
Examples:  Choose a coffee shop that sells fair trade coffee.

Noon Day Collection: Buy jewelry, scarves, journals and more made by men and women all over the world.

Junk Posse Wonderful and beautiful jewelry

TOMS  Stylish shoes .... when you buy one pair, another pair is donated to a child

Just click on the blogs to the right and you will find many more options...  there are so many ways to do this, especially at the holidays.  I could name site after site of wonderful shirts options as well....Feeding the Orphans, 147 Million Orphans, Ordinary Hero....

4) Sponsor a child: If you can not adopt, sponsor a child.  Organizations like Compassion International, WorldVision, Amazima, and Children's HopeChest all over child sponsorships.  More often than not, the children are unable to be adopted or live in countries where adoption is not availabe.  Usually the fee is $35/month and you help feed, educate, and clothe this child.  You send them letters and they do the same.  You make a difference in the life of one child. 

                                                         ***********************

I read this quote the other day and it has caused me to re-evaluate.  Nope it is not a Bible verse... read it.  It is more than applicable to this topic.

"To have laughed often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition, to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Both Hands: THE VIDEO

Below is the video of our Both Hands project from last Saturday. I get emotional and overwhelmed each time I watch it.....overwhelmed by the changes made, by Mildred's contagious positivity and love, by the outpouring of support from our friends and family who were there to support us. I am sure you will enjoy the three minute video. If you have not already supported our adoption in prayer or giving, thank you! If you have not, please consider doing so... even $10 goes a long way in an adoption. If you can't afford to do so yourself, please consider reposting the video and encouraging others to do so. Our son is a special boy and so is adoption! Thank you for your love and support!


The Henderson Family- Both Hands Project from William H. Wallace II on Vimeo.

Dumpster Help....

The widow we served on Saturday needed quite a bit of stuff thrown out...stuff she had collected over the years.  We had a dumpster donated by Waste Management, but this could not be delivered before the project.  We were in a predicament because we had all this trash and yet could not load the dumpster until today.  I had to work until now (4am) so JT was concerned about doing this alone with Tedi.  Well, as you can see from the picture below, he did not have to do this alone.  Another testament to our great friends.  They are such blessings to us.... Three of the guys in the picture were there Saturday and yet came back again to help. 

Again, thank you!  We heard today from the widow's daughter that she invited all her friends over to show them her "new house."  What a compliment to those that served with us!

Both Hands.... It Happened Today!

Today was the day!  We loaded up all of our donations, met our friends, and worked at a widow's home.  In case you missed the details....here is how it worked:

We decided to adopt: For us, an Ethiopian boy

We found a widow: Miss Mildred

We put together two teams: We put together a work team (our laborers for today).  We put together a letter sending team (this team asked for people to sponsor them, and us, as we worked on the project....much like being sponsored for a run-a-thon or golf-a-thon)

We sought donations for the project: Lowes, three Home Depot locations, Chick fil A, Jason's Deli, Costco, Brownsboro Hardware, Waste Management, and Sherman Williams all gave supplies for today.

We worked:  Today more than fifty people showed up to help us declutter, paint, fix plumbing, do yard work and much more at Mildred's home.  We partnered with another adoptive family, The Wallaces, because the volume of work was so great at the home.  They are also fundraising separately from us.  We worked our tails off!  Our friends loved on Mildred and had a great time together. 

Now, we pray for donations:  That letter sending team....well we sent about 350 paper letters and 500 email/facebook messages regarding sponsorship.  All the money sponsored for us goes directly to our adoption costs.  We have a substantial referral fee to pay as well as the travel costs.  Since our referral for our son came so quickly (story coming soon), the fees are upon us much more quickly.  If you are interested in supporting our project and adoption, please check out our Both Hands page. 

We will be posting a video of the project in the next few days.  For now, check out these pictures!  They are just a couple of shots of all the people having lunch, courtesy of Chick fil A and CostCo!  Again, we are so blessed with such amazing friends.  I just can't get over the outpouring of love from our friends....from church, from each of our workplaces, old friends from 90 miles away, our parents, and more... That is the biggest lesson..... the blessing of people God puts in your way.... our friends, the widow (Mildred), her family, our son, each other.  How could we really do life without one another?

Me and Emily, one my oldest and dearest friends. She is a Rock in my world.

A Face Changes Everything

“We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes…” – David Platt, “Radical”

GIVEAWAY

Our friend Deena is doing a giveaway to help bring Tedi's brother home! Her little girl, Grace Hiwot, came home from Ethiopia the same week as Tedi.  She has put together an awesome giveway over on her blog, http://teammarquis.blogspot.com/.  All you have to do is go there and make a donation of any size to our Both Hands Project to be entered.  You won't be disappointed.  Below is a picture of the items included.  Head on over to her blog if you interested!

WE GOT A REFERRAL: Our Second Son

You read correctly!  Yesterday, March 2, 2012 around 9:00 a.m., we received a referral for a 4 1/2 year old boy from Ethiopia.  We can not post his full picture till after passing court but he is beautiful.
I know there are many of you out there who have waited for months to years for a referral and this happened very quickly for us.   We understand this.  We were open to many different kinds of children (altering our time frame) and God opened our home to this little man.  I will post more of our story later (likely tomorrow) but I wanted to put this out there!  We are SOOO EXCITED!  Oh, and so is his big brother!



Raising Support

SO there are 2 friends that have stepped up and wanted to help us with the remaining costs of our adoption fees and travel.  In addition to our Both Hands Project, these below fundraisers are wonderful ideas and projects.  Check them out and see how you can help.  Thank you friends for the help!


1) Marquis Family Giveaway:  When we adopted Tedi, there was this cute cute little girl that came home at the same time... they were from the same village in Woolaiyta and lived in the same orphanage.  Her mother and I are still friends and they want to help us get the funds to bring our second son home (see above post).  Deena and I have continued to chate over the last 18 months and now she wants to help get #2 home!  Check out her giveaway below!  Head over to her blog to donate!

http://teammarquis.blogspot.com/2012/03/big-giveaway.html

For the next week, I will be giving you a chance to win this awesome assortment of Africa related loot. I have three shirts, a paper bead necklace from Uganda, a key chain, and a great book to give away.

All you have to do is make a donation to The Henderson's Both Hands project.

I don't care how much you donate...every single dollar helps. We have all seen the amazing things that happen when people in "blog world" donate to help fellow adoptive families. I have seen amazing amounts of money collected for families in such a short time! EVERY SINGLE DONATION will help.

If you make a donation, please leave me a comment. That is all you have to do!

If you feel led to share this giveaway on your blog or facebook, that would be extra awesome!

 

Here are all of the items you could win...

I love Suubi necklaces. They are beautiful necklaces and are packaged beautifully for gift giving.

This book is such a good read! It is a historical fiction novel which is set in Ethiopia during the 1970's. I have learned so much about Ethiopia and it's history through books. I promise you will love this book and will learn so much about the heartache and difficult political struggles that Ethiopia has endured. I am giving away a new, hardcover edition of the book.

This hand-embellished t-shirt is super cute. It is black and has an applique Africa cut out on the left hip. It is a size L, but it seems like a junior fit, so it runs a bit smaller than a regular women's shirt.

This kids shirt is a size 6-8. I would say that it also runs small and is more of a 4/5. It is a pink tee with a brown polka dot Africa appliqued on the front.
I also have a very small tee from a wonderful adoptive family. The brown t-shirt pictured is a shirt says "147,000,000 minus one" and is about a size 24 mo (the tag says 4, but there is no way).
I ordered one of these shirts for Grace, and was unsure of size, and Cindy was so sweet that she sent me two shirts to be sure that one fit Grace! How sweet is that? So, here is the smaller shirt that did NOT fit my little Grace (or her not so little tummy).

Super cool Africa key chain

So there you have it! PLEASE donate a few dollars (or much more) to our friends Both Hands site

After you donate, just leave me a comment. Your odds of winning are really good, so get to it!

Thanks so much for your support!!!!

I will be picking (Grace will pick out of a hat) a winner next Friday (March 9th).

2) Scentsy:  Another adoptive mom started selling Scentsy to help raise money for their adoptions.  She has kindly opened up a party in our name.  Anyone who is interested in or already buys Scentsy products can click on the link below.  They have everything from wickless candles to stuffed animals that smell amazing and many other projects.  Check out the below link and join the "Henderson Adoption" party once you get to the link.

https://kaseyellis.scentsy.us/Buy/SetupPrompt