tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post3603031043296659164..comments2023-06-02T08:01:26.422-07:00Comments on BUILDING THE BLOCKS...: Starting somewhere...Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13006198193450517574noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-30891459538609169582009-08-12T00:16:19.232-07:002009-08-12T00:16:19.232-07:00Beautiful post!
Our church actually has an "...Beautiful post!<br /><br />Our church actually has an "adoption support" ministry ... yet they haven't supported us at all in our adoption ... even in the CRISIS we are now walking through. Truly SAD! A close friend of mine (who also attends the church) went through an adoption disruption and the ministry directors never once returned her phone calls. Can't quite figure out what they do.<br /><br />LaurelLaurelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17253303288242135440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-88347754069471832032009-08-09T13:46:25.916-07:002009-08-09T13:46:25.916-07:00Amy,
Just came across your blog. We were in this...Amy,<br /><br />Just came across your blog. We were in this same situation almost 2 years ago. We were pretty sure that God was calling us to adopt again, but we didn't have the finances. One morning, I was working out the details of how to raise the money, and I realized that we just couldn't do it (and remain faithful to the other things that He had called us to do). God would HAVE to do it. He would just have to give us the money.<br /><br />Well, that day we called the adopotion agency that we had worked with in the past. They had a new list of referrals from China and we went to their office to look over the referrals. When we got there, they told us that each child had a $5000 grant!! We knew that God was in it and He ended up providing EVERY PENNY for us to adopt our sweet Grace. Not only that, our other 4 children were able to travel with us to China when we adopted our little girl. God's love is EXTRAVAGANT!!<br /><br />Blessings and prayers for your little on waiting in Ethiopia.<br /><br />SarahSarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04455698547207302964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-2486625197896588042009-08-07T19:06:41.128-07:002009-08-07T19:06:41.128-07:00I am so encouraged by your obediance. IT's a t...I am so encouraged by your obediance. IT's a testimony for so many, especially young women like me who know Gods calling them to a life so different from what she has been taught, and observed in her own family. I desire so much to adopt someday. I long for the day I can be a Mommy. Something I KNOW God called me to, is to be a stay at home Mom. I don't know when that will happen. I do know that as a young single woman, I can begin to take steps to that dream. I can get out of debt. I can learn ways to be frugal now. I can prepare myself. <br /><br />My good friends and mentors, a family of 6 and soon to be 7, started making their own laundry soap over a year ago. It's a small thing but, she says saves her remarkably by the end of the year. I live at home with my Dad and brother. It's a small measure but, I now make my own laundry soap. It's relatively easy, and so cost effective. <br /><br />I'm researching making even my own dish washer soap, and possibly toothpaste. <br /><br />If your interested, I'd be happy to share this with you! <br /><br />I will be praying for your familyand Gods faithfulness to your obedience. <br /><br />I'd love to send loose change to your adoption jar... how can I do that?Violethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11065232159157613910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-1764791879921032392009-08-07T13:31:09.961-07:002009-08-07T13:31:09.961-07:00We had a "pickle jar" that we just cashe...We had a "pickle jar" that we just cashed in yesterday so we could pay our home study fee because we are adopting 2 children from Ethiopia. We went through every room in our house and picked out things that we hadn't used in the past couple of months and sold it on craigslist and had a yard sale. The kids were more than willing to sell some of their toys, we sold the entertainment center (even though it was only worth $100, a rocking chair that we really didn't need, and sold donuts at the yard sale. I normally am a health nut but I was willing to do whatever it took to make some cash to bring the kids home. It didn't make much money but a local grocery store was willing to sell the donuts to us for $.25 each and we borrowed the huge coffee maker from church. We made about $200 off of that. For 6 months we just kept sticking every little amount of money we could into this container and then cashed it in yesterday at it added up to $1,077. I cried at the bank yesterday. I didn't realize that it was going to be that much. I was thrilled. Our bill was $1185. You might also want to look into Kingdom Kids Adoption Ministry. Our church does not allow us to do any sort of fundraising at our church either and I am very frustrated by it and I don't understand it at all. We can not even put anything in the bulletin about it. Ridiculous!!! Be careful once you do start the process, the Ethiopian government does not want people fundraising for their adoption so be sure not to put anything on your blog. They do actually monitor it. I am sure your agency will tell you about this. God's blessings to you and your family. God will provide. Our adoption is also and complete leap of faith. We do not have the money but know this is what God has called us to do. He said "Go" and so we are going. Do fear, doubt, and insecurities overwhelm us sometimes? Absolutely! It's our sinful nature. But then we see those pictures and the tears of joy start flowing and our hearts start pumping and we keep on pushing and remember what this fight is for. Keep on fighting the good fight! I love your blog!Your are such a motivation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-68815332375134834342009-08-07T05:57:54.981-07:002009-08-07T05:57:54.981-07:00I am so excited for you Amy! It is definitly possi...I am so excited for you Amy! It is definitly possible and God will provide! This is how we did it for the last adoption. We refinanced our house and in that process were able to skip two payments. That allowed us to pay for our homestudy update, apply for the I600 and our placement agency application fee. We then had a huge garage sale. Asked for donations from everyone we knew. We raised $3500 from that. We applied for grants and received two. One from LifeSong which was a matching grant for $3000. We had to send out letters for that unless your church allows you to announce it there (ours did not) and we received one from Shaohannah's Hope for $2000. During that time God moved mountains and got my husband's work which is union to add adoption benefits of $5000 per child. That is huge because we never would have expected it, but my husband told the big boss of the company what we were doing so asking never hurts. All in all we raised $15,000 for our adoption. Email me if you want to hear about our agency who are far less expensive especially for some special needs and older kids. I would love to help you with fundraising, it can be done!Melindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08912330863352793142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-70723406031755085702009-08-07T05:27:51.173-07:002009-08-07T05:27:51.173-07:00Also... I thought I was frugal until I read this s...Also... I thought I was frugal until I read this site:<br /><br />moneysavingmom.com<br /><br />I don't know how much you are using coupons, but she does ultimate couponing!<br /><br />In the year and a half since I found this site, we have been able to shave more money off our already frugal grocery budget and have plenty for hospitality and giving.Whitneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17770653588260022707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-9895593914880917042009-08-07T05:03:28.988-07:002009-08-07T05:03:28.988-07:00Amy;
Bless your heart!
I love this post, you...Amy;<br /><br /> Bless your heart! <br /><br /> I love this post, your jar, your frugality, all the comments...where there is Love...there will be a way.<br /><br /> Our last adoption God blessed us with $3K through a blog button that a blog friend made for us, <br />$4k from Shaohannah's hope, $10K from our church family (an anonymous gift). We saved and *gave* and are so thankful.<br /><br /> We too don't have anything for another adoption, but in October we will jump back in. <br /><br /> <b>You can never out give God Amy.</b><br /><br /> Praying for you and expecting in faith for God to give you all that you need!<br /><br />big hug and a huge kiss;<br />Kimmie<br />mama to 7<br />one homemade and 6 adoptedKimmiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04462108880167593207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-72339968860835424892009-08-06T22:51:44.290-07:002009-08-06T22:51:44.290-07:00You are such an inspiration sister! I love the $1...You are such an inspiration sister! I love the $1 idea and can see Jesus multiplying dollars quicker than we could imagine.... just like the bread and fish. With facebook and blogland, and hand written letters, the idea would explode. Explode for God! "Take a photo of your loved ones with the $1 that you donate and we will post it to our blog." I've got $10 for you right here! Get an address up or a paypal link where we can begin to sow into this wonderful orphan ministry the Lord is creating through you.<br /><br />On my knees for your family,<br />Tonya in PhoenixTonya Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07632168174118830525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-52273905292846777042009-08-06T22:35:36.888-07:002009-08-06T22:35:36.888-07:00Hi. I've been reading here for a little while...Hi. I've been reading here for a little while, though I'm not much of a commenter. And, sadly, I'm also not very successful at fundraising. I just wanted to write to say thanks because your post was encouraging. We have just decided to adopt 3 siblings from Ethiopia and now I'm kind of freaking out. Reading your post was good for me today.Ginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17234738401491941907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-34752514865056723402009-08-06T20:22:22.702-07:002009-08-06T20:22:22.702-07:00Amy,
Can not wait to see the blessing God has plan...Amy,<br />Can not wait to see the blessing God has planned for your family! <br /><br />LOVE the pickle jar! May God send boundless coins to fill up that pickle jar and may it overflow with more than enough. <br /><br />"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap".<br /><br />Claiming this verse for your family!!Sean and Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04939848196754308601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-59310126368007633412009-08-06T15:22:27.689-07:002009-08-06T15:22:27.689-07:00Congratulations and blessings for you taking that ...Congratulations and blessings for you taking that FIRST STEP!!!<br />I am not the garage sale kind of girl, and they never seem to go well for me anyhow, but with our kiddos and their friends, we do CAR WASHES! People love to help fund an adoption, love to see people willing to work for their fund raising and are usually so super generous, often giving nice gifts and refusing the car wash. It is a super opportunity to share the wonder and the ministry of adoption with lots of folks, its a great family game, maybe add a bake sale or lemondde stand, sell some home grown eggs or veggies at your donation table.........we make more than $650 every time we do a car wash. I was also told I should talk to a couple sororities or fraternities at OSU to see if one or more would sponsor us and help raise funds for us, kind of "adopting" our adoption. Its on my list of options to explore!!<br />Keep plunking coins in that jar though. Jars are amazing savings devices!!!<br />I'm exctied to see what Go will lead you to, and to WHOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />Linda<br />www.smithsoup.blogspot.comwhenpigsflyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01657750078547459279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-63942857327557143262009-08-06T09:49:26.869-07:002009-08-06T09:49:26.869-07:00Oh what a blessing to read this! Yes, we have to ...Oh what a blessing to read this! Yes, we have to step out in faith and the Lord provides. We sent out an email to friends and family and church family and said that they could forward it to anyone. We explained our heart and asked for donations for a garage sale, with specific drop off dates etc. The reponse was great and the neat thing was that all year, people kept asking if we still wanted donations for another sale. We continued to have sales every 2-3 months and we raised thousands of dollars. Also, the nicer things that I knew I could get more $ for, I sold on Craigslist. <br /><br />PS - I just love your last post of the tp - too funnyJoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16315606530051815615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-9842108401288529302009-08-06T09:46:46.880-07:002009-08-06T09:46:46.880-07:00Amy- Just when I think, "I've got to stop...Amy- Just when I think, "I've got to stop blogging and reading blogs. I've just got too many things to do - homeschooling, laundry, dishes, bathing, eating, etc." Then someone writes a blog entry that touches me and I see that God has set us in these cyber-friendships for a purpose... To lift each other up and encourage each other!<br /><br />I feel exactly like your blog post. We've skimmed everything we can think of... we just canceled our cable TV. (That one stung a bit!) I'd love to fill our home with more children but the doors just keep closing with foster-to-adopt and we don't have extra money at all, let alone $20,000, like you said.<br /><br />Your blog inspires me and I will keep my eyes on what the Lord values. I will continue to trust Him and know the He already knows exactly who will live in our families for exactly the number of days. Our bank accounts (or lack thereof) are not an obstacle for Him. <br /><br />Who knows.... maybe we'll see you in Ethiopia picking up our new precious children one day!<br /><br />May your pickle jar run over...<br /><br />Love in Jesus,<br />Amy in AtlantaJames 1:27 Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09790032381626423763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-24152230363102270892009-08-06T08:52:37.603-07:002009-08-06T08:52:37.603-07:00Oh, honey. If you're having a garage sale, jus...Oh, honey. If you're having a garage sale, just let me know. I'm cleaning out two very disobedient childrens' room and I'll have a nice stash for ya. *wink*<br /><br />Honestly, I think you should take pictures. You are the BEST photographer. Come on, who else in the world has managed to take pictures of my Noah smiling?? You should totally have a fundraising day taking family pictures and pictures of kids. You have a true talent for that.<br /><br />Love you, Amy! Love your heart. Love your family. Ya'll are the best. :-)<br /><br />Leslie :-)Recovering Noahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05959669295237521029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-68414527087925198872009-08-06T08:40:58.978-07:002009-08-06T08:40:58.978-07:00I would encourage you to look at grants and suppor...I would encourage you to look at grants and support letters (Whitney described above - we are a part of the same ministry). It was a very humbling experience for us to send out letters but it was amazing to watch the Lord meet the need at just the right time, just the right amount. It definitely was a step of faith but the Lord walked us through it. The interesting thing was that the people that we thought would give didn't and those we had no idea about gave so generously from their heart. <br /><br />It is truly a blessing for others to be a part of the life of an orphan in this way, though they might not ever be led to adopt.<br /><br />Praying for your family, you have been such an encouragement to me.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08062702742498632787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-43511243308458476242009-08-06T07:10:39.490-07:002009-08-06T07:10:39.490-07:00Amy, let the Internet help you! How many people d...Amy, let the Internet help you! How many people do you suppose visit your blog each day? Each week? Each month?<br /><br />What if 20,000 people each sent you a dollar?<br /><br />No one has a lot of extra money these days, but hey, it's just a DOLLAR, right? I think we can all manage a buck!<br /><br />ASK! Take that step out on faith.<br /><br />Ask, and ye shall receive!<br /><br />He will supply your every need.<br /><br />Now tell me where to send my dollar.Karen in Missourinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-43603429515707780102009-08-06T07:09:12.604-07:002009-08-06T07:09:12.604-07:00You don't know me, but I found your blog and I...You don't know me, but I found your blog and I just love reading about your family. Is there anything you could make and sell on etsy.com? If you know anyone else who sells on there, you could ask them to donate a portion of their proceeds on certain days.<br /><br />I also believe that if we sow into ministries that we one day hope to have, God will reward that by having others sow into us. I hope to adopt one day too, and I would love to throw some pennies into your jar as I'm able. Would you consider setting up a paypal account with a link on your blog to make that possible?Charlow Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13696583753885299806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-5234163083554080842009-08-06T06:32:09.781-07:002009-08-06T06:32:09.781-07:00I am inspired by your post, and your family ... an...I am inspired by your post, and your family ... and most of all, your faith. congratulations on taking the first step. that jar will fill up faster than you think, and God will provie, as He always does in His perfect timing and way.Gardeniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01425036479074701700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-13174585447775454812009-08-06T06:16:54.039-07:002009-08-06T06:16:54.039-07:00Here is the link. They are not up and running yet...Here is the link. They are not up and running yet, but maybe the timing will be perfect for you guys.<br /><br />http://www.147millionorphans.com/<br /><br />Again, best of luck, I will be praying for you guys.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-17423671333096354492009-08-06T06:03:38.076-07:002009-08-06T06:03:38.076-07:00There are several PAP's out there doing gold p...There are several PAP's out there doing gold parties. People can donate old jewelry they don't use any more. Some of them have raised pretty good amounts. <br /><br />I came across a blog yesterday of a parent that was going to start a site for other PAP's to direct people to buy t-shirts. The t-shirts all relate to adoption & orphans. I'll try to locate and send the link.<br /><br />Best of luck, I have the same feeling that somewhere out there is another child for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-41325434068133289032009-08-06T05:20:12.924-07:002009-08-06T05:20:12.924-07:00Your post was a wonderful reminder for me! Thank ...Your post was a wonderful reminder for me! Thank you for sharing. I too will be in prayer for you and your family.<br />We had a garage sale at our house with donated items from friends. We made 3k in one day. It's a non-threatening easy way for people to give and feel good about doing it. ;o)<br />God will indeed provide!!!<br />Blessings<br />AndreaAndreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136731845815385051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-23094714056926796472009-08-06T02:49:11.210-07:002009-08-06T02:49:11.210-07:00Amy - you just took the first step.
Just as David...Amy - you just took the first step.<br /><br />Just as David had to trust in God to provide the stone to take down Goliath..we must take steps in faith that He will supply what we know He is calling us to.<br /><br />I am totally trusting God to provide for all of your needs to adopt the child He has already planned to be in your home!<br /><br />I'll pray on fund raising ideas - have you contacted Gwen - Oatsville Team yet? She is starting an adoption fund type program and my friend Maria already has one I Support Adoptions.<br /><br />Lots of love,<br />JillAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17247824698674815568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-28099945534677181672009-08-05T22:16:13.301-07:002009-08-05T22:16:13.301-07:00Oh Amy, HE will provide, sooner or later but you a...Oh Amy, HE will provide, sooner or later but you already know that. After reading how frugal you are already, all my respect goes to you. So proud of you. People reading your blog LOVE your family and in the mean time while you havn't started an international adoption just yet (cuz The ET's don't like when you fundraise on your blog) but I would just put in a link where people can donate. Don't be shy girl, you are doing God's will and it feels soooo good giving money away that is for a good cause, ya know. I am sure I am not the only one feeling that way.Andrea Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03117341562775693001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-34505412347796718782009-08-05T21:14:03.372-07:002009-08-05T21:14:03.372-07:00A friend of mine sent letters out to everyone she ...A friend of mine sent letters out to everyone she knew telling them about their adoption plan and that they were collecting items for a garage sale. She had over 30 families donate small to large things and raised $5000! It was an easy way for others to give and was a great success to raise the funds needed for their adoption. Knowing God will carry you through!Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07471526929043559476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317477880142153579.post-35277494910726956512009-08-05T20:56:56.293-07:002009-08-05T20:56:56.293-07:00What a great idea and the "adoption jar"...What a great idea and the "adoption jar" is truly teaching your little ones all about faith and family team work. You're a good mom Amy.angiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12822563715893364831noreply@blogger.com