What I've Learned About Fundraising....

I've learned that fundraising is hard work. Sometimes I think that people just assume we are begging for a free handout. That's so far from the truth. We are brainstorming every possible way that we can save more money, we are up to our elbows in cookie dough, we are packaging and shipping t-shirts, etc. We pray everyday that each person who donates to our adoption would see God's hand in our journey. Fundraising has given us a chance to share our story, which means people are hearing about God. Fundraising has a bigger purpose than just paying for our adoption.
I've also learned that it's the people you least expect who donate to your adoption fund. I've learned that a lot of people don't agree that we are fundraising to bring our baby home. I've learned that I always want to have an open hand; willing to help anyone who needs it even if all I can afford is $10. I have learned that as Christians we are CALLED to help the poor, the orphan and the widow. It's not a choice. It's what we are supposed to do.
The adoption community that we're a part of ROCKS! What's so great about this group is that we are all in this together - the massive stack of paperwork, the waiting and even the fundraising. Even though we are each trying to raise a large amount of money to bring home our babies, it is not uncommon for us to buy each other's shirts and participate in each other's fundraising events.
This morning I was reading a blog and came across this verse from Luke 6. Verse 38 tells us

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

When we give, God blesses us. I think most people hold tightly to their time, money and other resources because they don't want to loose what they have. They think if they give it away they will have less. That's not what the Bible says. Give and watch what God will do....

Today I want to highlight several of our friends who are raising money to bring their Ethiopian babes home. Please consider helping one or all of them. Not everyone is called to adopt, but as Christians we are called to do something. Supporting one of these couples is a way you can help bring an orphan into their forever family.

Matt and Sarah Habuda blog here. You can purchase a t-shirt from the Recycle Love Campaign and a portion of the proceeds will go towards their adoption. They also sell Ethiopian coffee and bracelets on their blog.

The Shubin's are trying to raise the last bit of money that they need to take their first trip to Ethiopia to meet their little girl. They are having a t-shirt fundraiser and only need to sale a few more shirts. Check out their blog here and order a t-shirt. I have one and I LOVE it!

Kathleen and Clint are another couple that we just love. Kathleen is super creative and crafty and has all kinds of fun things that she is selling to raise money for their adoption. You can read about their journey here and check out some of her crafts. I just ordered this clutch for myself and one for my sister for her birthday (Sshh...don't tell her).

Jason and Joely are currently selling puzzle pieces and doing a give-a-way to raise money for their adoption. With each $5 puzzle piece you buy, you will be entered to win a ton of cool prizes. Check out their story here. Joely also makes awesome canvas art prints. Proceeds from her art sales also benefit the adoption.

John and I just met Lindsey and her husband about a week ago. They are in the early stages of their adoption and are selling t-shirts. Lindsey is also creative and crafty and is selling some handmade items. Check out their blog here and order something to support their adoption. Here is a picture of what their shirts look like.