Bracelet Brigade

      My little brother, who falls on the autism spectrum, has declared that he is 'on the front lines of fundraising' for the Little Bear.  He makes knotted bracelets (and key-chains & necklaces) and has decided to make a TRUCKLOAD of bracelets for L. This is our first 'official' fundraiser.  Lots of Love for Little Bear.  My little brother's friend is helping in the endeavor (and my mom has been brought in for reinforcements).   We are asking for a goodwill donation for the bracelet, $5 or more will ensure free shipping!  

All proceeds go directly into Little Bear's fund. 

      You can use the Chip-In to the right to order your bracelets.   

Please remember that donations through the chip in are not tax deductible, but all gifts go to help in the cost of bringing L home!

     Colors vary.  You can either request the color of your choice or simply be surprised.  All bracelets also have a small charm as a reminder of the love that is shared for all orphans, especially Little Bear.  
     Please remember to leave your name and address so we can get your bracelet to you and a proper thank-you, for showing "Lots of Love for Little Bear".

You are Loved...

     At the bottom of this blog is Josh Groban's song, You Are Loved.  It is a song that I have always enjoyed and find meaning in.  (Of course, Josh himself is pretty enjoyable!)  I can't wait for this little girl to meet all of the people that have shown such love for her already.
     I work weekly with the youth at my church.  This is such an amazing group of kids.  Over time they have 'adopted' two children from foreign countries through a children's mission organization.  They frequently pray for these little girls, (both from different countries and in different social situations) and they raise money to send for their care.  They give their tithe, spare change, extra dollars here and there.  They are given updates, and an occasional photo.  They have asked over time if they'll ever get to meet either of these kids and it was even attempted to look into setting up a Skype meeting, but so far, no luck. =(
  
     Our youth fellowship is on Sunday evenings.  We met this past Sunday and Little Bear's story was shared with these wonderful kids.  It was decided (not by my doing!) that the finances they raise from now until the end of June will go toward bringing Little Bear home.  Needless to say, I was in tears.  As the Youth Director shared about Little Bear and what needed to happen, the smiles and cheers and clapping was overwhelming.  One of the youth actually pulled out the one dollar bill she had her in pocket and passed it forward right then and there!  They had lots of questions.  "What does she look like?" "When will she be here?"  "You mean she's actually going to live with Miss Sarah?"  "She's really going to be your daughter?"  Honest quotes from those kids that I love. The SUPER exciting part is that they WILL get to meet this child.  They will get to hold her and hug her and play with her.  And even though they don't realize it yet, they will be very important role models in her life.
    
     After the excitement settled, the lesson was wrapped up, announcements were finished and it was time for prayer requests.  Hands shot up and the first request was for Lizzy.  The next comment "Uh, that's what I was going to say!".  Have I told you how great these kids are?  There were other requests as well, and of course I will be adding those to my list.  As we stood in our circle, arms crossed, hands held, over and over I heard "Please keep L safe", "Please take care of L", "Please keep L healthy".  I, on the other hand stood there silent with tears in my eyes, praying so deeply with my heart, the same prayers that these what these kids were sharing with their voices.  And adding, "Please provide what is needed to bring this little girl home...and help me be patient".  The promises of prayer and support from these kids, and they are, just kids...just continues to show...

You are loved...more than you could even imagine!

Those Eyes

   I know I posted early this morning, but there is just so much to share!  As I'm headed off to bed, Little Bear is probably just waking up (or will be very soon)!  It's about an 8 hour time difference.  I frequently find myself doing the math and wondering if she's eating or playing or sleeping soundly, at any given time.  (Especially while laying awake at 3 o'clock in the morning!)

 
I got some more pictures.  Earlier, younger pictures.  And of course, the scrapbook as been started.  I'm mesmerized by those eyes.  I can not wait until I can actually look into them and see the little girl that is in there.   

       And the hair.  =)  I have little bows in her basket that are just waiting to be stuck in that hair.  Most orphanages cut the girls hair.  A majority of them have very short hair (nearly shaved).  I can't wait for her to come home to see what happens as she grows and hopefully her hair grows with her!

     And the one thing that I would still love to see and cant wait to kiss, are those little feet.  Is it odd to want a picture of your child's feet?  But that is what I want to see, 10 little piggy toes!  I promise to post piggy pictures after I get to visit her for the first time. =)

     One of the many great things about this process is the amazing people that I am 'meeting' along the way.  Sharing stories, worries, joys, prayers, pictures...I love having this new 'family' of people and I am overwhelmed by how much they are in love with Little Bear (though it's hard not to fall in love with ALL of these sweet little ones!)  We are all so greatly blessed!      
    
  

Rainy Days

  
    The Little Bear got moved to the next 'step' today.  Every time I think I have it under control, I read a post or get an email or see a comment and I end up in tears (of joy) or skipping around the office like a 10 year old! Or wanting to throw up from the anxious feeling of waiting and waiting some more.  Ugh, these next months are going to last FOREVER! On the other hand, the social worker will be here in a week.  In 10 days, we will be moving forward yet another step.  

     10 days, I wonder what you'll be doing in those 10 days.  What toys you'll play with, what people you'll interact with.  It's supposed to rain in your city over the next couple of days.  I hope your not afraid of the storms, and if it does scare you, and you cry, I hope they'll hold and comfort you.   I actually hope you love the rain (like your mom). I hope it calms and relaxes you.  
     The first rainy day that we have when you get home, I will probably have to be 'sick' and we will spend the day in our pj's, snuggling and playing (and sleeping) and simply enjoying the warm, dry world inside our house, while the world outside is getting soaked.  And then, when you're a little older and it rains, we will most definitely go outside and jump in the puddles.  That's a promise.

The First Promise

"By adopting a child and helping them reach their potential, they help us reach ours. An adopted child is not an unwanted child; to the contrary. They are a child who was searched for, prayed for, cried for, begged for; received by arms that ached, making empty hearts full. Love is meant to be shared."    

Author unknown

    

Those eyes, asking for someone to love her.

Lizzy, derived from 'Elizabeth' meaning:

"God's Promise".  

   How can such a little face carry such a powerful name?  God promises unconditional love.  And He does, love her unconditionally.  Extra chromosome, positive antibodies, wandering eyes, fuzzy hair, chunky cheeks, button nose and ALL!!   And He loves her so much, He's given her a home.  A family.  Someone to love her here on earth.  He loves her mother, too, so much, He's given her a daughter, chosen just for each other.  My heart is so full!
   God promises eternal, unconditional love.  I promise, Lizzy, to follow in His footsteps and also love you unconditionally.  To love the gift that I have been given.  I promise to provide for you, to care for you, to hug you and kiss you, to hold you and snuggle you.  I promise to read to you before bed, to play in the park, to swing on the swings, to give you everything you could ever need.  I promise to help you grow and learn.  To teach you.  To be a positive example for you.  I promise to love you more then I have loved another soul.  And you, Lizzy, are a promise of hope.  

Cheeks just waiting to be kissed!

   
    For 18 months she has been confined to a 'Baby House'.  A place where she sits all day, in a room, with little stimulation, little contact.  That's not how a baby should start life, BUT in less than 6 months, she will come home.  To HER house.  A place where she'll learn that there is so much more.  I am so blessed to be able to be a part of her life as she experiences everything new, as she grows and learns.  I will be the one that she learns to love, the one that she'll trust, the one that she'll depend on. I will be her promise for a life.


     God's Promise.  How can such a little face carry such a big name?  Because when He created her, He knew she would have a big impact on many lives.  He knew she would be loved and would also share love.  He promised unconditional love and He always keeps His promises.