Two Posts, One Day, WHAAA?!

Africa (specifically, the children of..) has really been on my heart today. Like, a lot. Here's why. MP and I both feel like we are being called to adopt. Admittedly, I was gung ho from the get go on the idea of it, but it took him a little longer to come around. Now it's a little more real. And a lot more scary. How do you know for sure? How do you determine what is God's will for your family versus what we want for our family? I think the answer is willingness. I don't think every family is necessarily called to adopt, but I do think that aiding orphans is a command not to be ignored. And I don't think willingness comes easily. But we ARE willing.

As our trip quickly approaches, we KNOW we'll be in a position to "put up or shut up", so to speak. It's easy to advocate for orphan rights. It's another thing to step up and do something about it. As parents, we both know that once we see firsthand the living conditions these kids are in it will completely break our hearts that have already begun to love a people we have never met. There will be no way we can stand there without contemplating a plan to adopt even just one child. I think we'll begin to see our own children in each of these kids and I feel like the Lord is nudging us to come prepared. Like, He wants us to "step up".

But I am scared. The whole idea and process of adoption is, quite honestly, a little bit crazy. It's a little uncomfortable to admit. There are intimidating amounts of paperwork to be completed. It is COMPLETELY opposite of what WE had planned for a little family of four. And it is so scary to commit. For several reasons, but for #1: adoption ain't cheap, yo. I have to continually remind myself that Mission trips aren't cheap either and yet the Lord has provided. I have to remember that it isn't coincidence that we have been brought together with a group who loves the fatherless like we do. And it is crazy that we are spending the remainder of our vacation time to fly 8,000 miles away to love on kids we've never met. Not because it's a luxury vacation, but because its something we feel like we were meant to do.

I'm telling you all of this now because MP and I are willing. We are going on this trip HOPING to meet our future child or children, but EXPECTING God to just use us. In any way possible, in as many ways as possible. We will be there as the hands and feet of Christ. We want to share our hearts and to be able to tell them about the love of a God who CAN RAISE THE DEAD. To Him, none can compare. I want them to know they are loved.

I just ask for prayer at this time. There is so much to pray for that I literally cannot even begin to make specific requests. Oh, and if you have $25k lying around, we'd be glad to take that too.

~cp

Dear Africa

Dear Africa,
    Hi! How are you? Good. Listen, I should probably give you a heads up. I am very high energy without caffeine. Even moreso WITH caffeine. And I drink a lot of caffeine. I can be a lot to take in. Are you ready for me? Because I am totally ready for you. LET'S DO THIS.

~cp

Pay It Forward

Ok guys, I want you to think back on a time in your life when someone gifted you in an amazing way. Could be financially, could be emotionally, could just be a kind word, or it could be that they were such an impact in your life that you vowed to A- never forget them, and B- pay it forward.

Now is that time.

See that button above? That button represents one less orphan in Uganda. That button holds the key to his forever family. Mothers & Fathers, think of your own children now. If they were lonely and crying out for you and ALL you had to do was click this button and donate a few dollars in an effort to free them, would you do it?

I know I would.

This is the story of my blog friend, the Farmer's Wife. I have never met her and I kinda stalk her a little bit, but in a friendly awe-inspiring way, like, I'm not creepy AT ALL. Since we have mutual friends, both have hearts for Ugandan orphans (actually, ALL orphans for that matter), and are both planning trips to Uganda in September, I can't help but feel a sisterhood with her. Plus, she also has great hair and an ADORABLE family, so it's like we're practically TWINS. *winking smiley face with a tongue sticking out* (Confession: I don't actually know how to use emoticons)

Anyway, Lara (TFW) announced this AM that they have a court date for Sept. 27. That means that airline tickets need to be purchased, like ASAP. That means that WE need to help HER do this. But wait! THERE'S MORE!

 ACT NOW AND FOR THE LOW, LOW PRICE OF JUST $15 YOU'LL BE ENTERED TO WIN THIS LITTLE BEAUTY:

Confession #2: I actually just copied and pasted the remainder of this from Shelly, who hijacked Lara's site. I don't think they'll mind at all.

Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital Camera (Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens included)

AND

 Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III Autofocus Lens

 

TWO (2) LUCKY RUNNERS UP WILL WIN:

A $25.00 Wild Olive gift certificate

"Here’s how to enter:

You can enter our baby shower giveaway by making a donation of any amount. Suggested donation is $15 per entry, and for each $15 donation you make, you'll receive one entry to the giveaway. OR donate $20 and share the giveaway on Facebook or your blog for three entries! If you don't have $15 to donate, that's okay too... they will be so blessed by any amount you would like to give. And if you cannot give, but would like to be entered anyway, just leave a comment on this post. Please be sure to put your email address in the email field (not the body section of the comment…we want to protect your privacy) when writing your comment, as that will be the way we will contact you.

You will be assigned a number for each entry, and this number will be emailed to you in 24 to 48 hours of entering. (Don’t forget to fill in your email address when donating through ChipIn!)

Entry for the giveaway will be closed on Monday night, August 15^th at midnight EST.  The winner will be announced Tuesday, August 16^th by number (via random drawing). So be sure to hang on to your number!

Don’t stop reading yet…we’ve got an incentive for you to spread the word about our baby shower giveaway.  We want as many people to party down with us as possible!

FOR ONE BONUS ENTRY spread the word about Lara’s baby shower by updating your Facebook status and linking back to this post. Let us know you’ve done so by commenting here, and you’ll automatically receive an ADDITIONAL ENTRY in the giveaway.

And that’s it! Easy-sauce. The “donation” button is right here in the sidebar (on the right, in case you’re wondering where to find it)."