Item 4 - Mary Kay Products from Lauren

UPDATE: I talked to Lauren today. She said that if we can get $100 on this prize, she will also donate a $50 gift card. That way, the winner could pick any items they wanted! We are currently at $90! Only $10 to reach $100 and someone will win a gift card!

There are two prizes given away. There will be two winners. These items will be available until Sunday, April 1st at 9:00 PM.

Lauren is a dear friend. She's a first year teacher and sells Mary Kay on the side to earn a little extra cash.

She is donating a mini miracle set- good for travel too! Retail value is $44. You can find a description on her site here.

The kit contains:
• TimeWise® 3-In-1 Cleanser (normal to dry),
2 oz. net wt.
• TimeWise® Age-Fighting Moisturizer (normal to dry),
.75 fl. oz.
• TimeWise® Day Solution Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35*,
.5 fl. oz.
• TimeWise® Night Solution,
.5 fl. oz.

She is also donating a great item for summer! It's the satin hands (non-scented for allergy prone people)! Retail value is $34.

Mary Kay® Satin Hands Pampering Set is available in a fragrance-free version! This delightful set gives you soft, touchable hands in three easy steps.

Step 1: Use the Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Hand Softener to help maintain skin’s natural moisture.
Step 2: Cleanse and exfoliate with one pump of Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Satin Smoothie® Hand Scrub and warm water.
Step 3: Apply a small amount of Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Hand Cream for instant moisturization for up to 24 hours.

It even lasts after several hand washings. Set includes Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Hand Softener, Satin Hands® Satin Smoothie® Hand Scrub and Satin Hands® Hand Cream – all in a gift-ready bag that’s great for girls and guys.


For more Mary Kay products, check out Lauren's site here.

Here's how it works:
1. You can donate for a chance to win.
$2 = One Chance
$5 = Three Chances
$10 = Seven Chances
$25 = Twenty Chances

2. You can also earn a chance to win without making a purchase.
Post the link to the current item on your facebook + Leave me a comment telling me you did = One chance
Post the link to the current item on your blog + Leave me the link to the post on your blog = One Chance

3. Donate using the Chip-In box on the right. These donations go directly to me to pay my program fee. If you prefer, you can donate directly on Reece's Rainbow's website using this link. If you do that, leave me a comment with your name and donation amount. (All donations made through Reece's Rainbow are tax deductible.) Make sure you give your first and last name so I can easily identify the winner.

If you have questions, check out the rules and regulations.

Winner of the Zumba Class!

And the winner is...

Karin Huenink (Entry #2). See--you can win just from reposting and blogging!


All you have to do is show up at Trinity Christian College (Palos Heights, IL) on Saturday, March 31 at 8:30am. Let Brittany know that you are the winner of the free Zumba class.

My girl loves to learn!

I got this email today from my adoption agency:


Natalie:

I contacted our lawyer and she told me that Sarita likes everything that has to do with school and learning. She is very interactive and is eager to learn.

She likes a lot of didactic games, but she also likes dolls quite a bit.

Our lawyer also communicated us that the Director of ------- would like to know if you would be willing to support Sarita by enrolling her in a school special for children with Down syndrome. The cost of the school is $125 per month. She is currently attending regular school, but if enrolled in the special school she would be receiving a more personalized attention with a curriculum special to her condition. If you like, I can ask ------ (our lawyer) more details about the school and their curriculum.

Thank you,


My little girl loves to learn! That makes me so happy. I will admit I had to look up didactic games. (I know, what kind of teacher am I?) It basically means games that teach something. I'm hoping she also loves books since she is getting quite the collection.

I'm not sure what to do with the school request. I'm assumming it's legitimate but it makes me a little nervous. I also just don't think I can afford it right now with the adoption costs. It's really encouraging to me that she's in the regular school, though. That gives me a little something to go to my school district with and means she is developing pretty well. It also means school won't be a completely foreign concept to her. How I wish I had a picture of her in her school uniform!

When you're in this position, you cling to the picture you have and the small packet of information you've received. Any new piece of info is encouraging and valuable. This was a great email to receive right now with the frustrations of paper work delays going on. I needed a pick-me-up and got a great one at the perfect time!

Item 3 - Free Zumba Classes from Kate and Brittany

Time-sensitive prize. This item will only be available until Thursday at 10:00PM.

Free Zumba Class!
The prize is for a free Zumba class led by Brittany Thomas at Trinity Christian College (Palos Heights, IL) on Saturday, March 31 at 8:30am. This is the first of 5 sessions there every other Saturday morning.

BONUS! If Zumba raises $100 for Natalie, the winner will receive all 5 classes at Trinity for free! If Zumba raises $200, there will be TWO winners who will BOTH receive 5 classes at Trinity for free!

Brittany Thomas is a certified Zumba Instructor (ZIN# 288138). Check out her Facebook page!

Her current class schedule is as follows:
Mondays: Riviera Sports Club 6:15PM-7:15PM
Tuesdays: Palos Recreation Center 7PM-8PM
Wednesdays: Riviera Sports Club 11:15AM-12PM
Thursdays: Palos Recreation Center 7PM-8PM
Fridays: Palos Recreation Center 9:15AM-10:15AM

Every other Saturday beginning on March 31st at Trinity Christian College's Ozinga Chapel: 8:30AM-9:30AM. All 5 classes for $25 or drop-in for $6.

Brittany Thomas is a friend of Kate McLaurin. Kate is a fellow teacher at Elim with Natalie. She has known Natalie since she student taught there 4 years ago. Kate is a mother of two boys who also lives in Midlothian. She can't wait for play dates for Sara and the boys together! Kate and her husband Tim are so excited for Natalie, as adoption is something they see for their future as well. But perhaps most exciting is that Kate finally has a "pink one" soon to be in her life!


Here's how it works:
1. You can donate for a chance to win.
$2 = One Chance
$5 = Three Chances
$10 = Seven Chances
$25 = Twenty Chances

2. You can also earn a chance to win without making a purchase.
Post the link to the current item on your facebook + Leave me a comment telling me you did = One chance
Post the link to the current item on your blog + Leave me the link to the post on your blog = One Chance

3. Donate using the Chip-In box on the right. These donations go directly to me to pay my program fee. If you prefer, you can donate directly on Reece's Rainbow's website using this link. If you do that, leave me a comment with your name and donation amount. (All donations made through Reece's Rainbow are tax deductible.) Make sure you give your first and last name so I can easily identify the winner.

If you have questions, check out the rules and regulations.

Winner of the Cupcakes

Winner 1: Amy Allen
Winner 2: Jill Bos
Winner 3: Megan Sullivan
Winner 4: Brandi Sokolowski
Winner 5: Sally Ryan

Congratulations to all of you. Please email Carrie at Sweet.Madness@ymail.com to place your orders. Even if you didn't win, you can still email Carrie at Sweet.Madness@ymail.com and place an order!

Thank you to Carrie and Laura for your generous donation!

Where we are right now....

I've been so busy updating the posts for the fundraiser and writing Thank You cards, I haven't really gotten much of a chance to update on the progress of the adoption.

1. I did 10 hours of adoption training last weekend. I actually learned quite a bit and it gave me a lot to think about. I also met some great people that are in the same situation I am. It's so nice to know I'm not alone. I still have 4 hours to do online. I plan to do them this weekend.

2. I am STILL waiting for the form from my doctor for my physical. I'm going to call again tomorrow since it's been two weeks since I was there and a week since I got my blood work done. Seems like plenty of time to fill out a two-sided form to me. (Have I mentioned that I will be looking for a new doctor when this is all done.)

3. I talked to my home study social worker on Friday. She is still having a hard time getting some information from Mexico. I've contacted a few people and I'm hoping to get this situation resolved soon. Please pray that the right person will read an email or receive a call so that we can get this ball rolling. It's frustrating to me that this little thing could halt my adoption!

4. Once I get the form from the doctor and the one from Mexico, the home study will be done. It then has to go to Springfield for approval. Apparently, there is one person in the whole state that approves all home studies. Kind of crazy!

5. I owe $7,500 for program fees. The agency is going to let me pay half now and continue on with the dossier. I hope to have the rest after I apply for some grants--something I can't do until the home study is done. I'm glad that they are willing to work with me so that we can keep this process moving. I want my little girl home!

6. I got a really nice message from the school district. The director of special services says she's very excited to work with Sara and I. (She has no idea that I'm a special ed teacher.) I'm hoping to meet with her after my spring break since she is on break this week.

7. Next week, I will be traveling to NY to see my family. It will be nice to take a bit of a break from all the craziness and just relax. I'm also REALLY hoping that my new neice or nephew will make his/her entry in to the world while I'm there.

8. I continue to be very overwhelmed by all the love and support Sara and I have received. I really thought that people would just think I was crazy and go on with their lives. I had no idea how supportive and excited everyone would be for both of us. I'm inspired by the amazing, generous, loving, people in my life. I am so blessed!

Item 2 - Cupcakes from Carrie and Laura

Update: So far, the cupcakes have raised $230 on the ChipIn.
This item will be available until Tuesday, March 27th at 10:00PM.

From Laura:
I met you about 10 years ago when while teaching at Elim. I still remember the moment when I met you with Kathleen. We have enjoyed watching chick flicks together, going out to eat, talking about work and scrapbooking together. You stored some of your stuff in my basement when you lived in Mexico. I have some great memories of our friendship and our time together-I could write a book :-)  I know that God made us friends for a reason. You are ALWAYS here for me-when I lost my dad, when I lost students, and in those good, happy times too! I know Sara is going to have a wonderful life with you as her mom. I can't wait to meet her and see how God blesses the both of you!

The item is: a dozen cupcakes from Sweet Madness!
(For every $25 donated on the ChipIn, Carrie will add another dozen cupcakes, up to 5 dozen. So, 5 names will be pulled if we get to $100!)
(The cupcakes can be shipped anywhere in the US.)

Even if you don't win, you can place your order with Sweet Madness by emailing:
Sweet.Madness@ymail.com

Choose from the following flavors:
Chocolate Peanut Butter
Lemon Cream Cheese
Red Velvet
Cookies and Cream

Here's how it works:
1. You can donate for a chance to win.
$2 = One Chance
$5 = Three Chances
$10 = Seven Chances
$25 = Twenty Chances

2. You can also earn a chance to win without making a purchase.
Post the link to the current item on your facebook + Leave me a comment telling me you did = One chance
Post the link to the current item on your blog + Leave me the link to the post on your blog = One Chance

3. Donate using the Chip-In box on the right. These donations go directly to me to pay my program fee. If you prefer, you can donate directly on Reece's Rainbow's website using this link. If you do that, leave me a comment with your name and donation amount. (All donations made through Reece's Rainbow are tax deductible.) Make sure you give your first and last name so I can easily identify the winner.

If you have questions, check out the rules and regulations.

Winner of the Pig!!!

The first winner is entry 348 - Kate McLaurin.

The second winner is entry 78 - Lauren Ankele.

So, the pig will be coming to Chicagoland! Congratulations to both of you and thank you to all of you for your donations!!

The new item will be posted shortly and will be available until Tuesday at 10:00pm.

Give Away Update

The Give Away is going amazingly well. The Chip In is up to $570 and I have had several other donations made through Reece's Rainbow or in cash. Thank you so much!

The pig will continue to be the prize until Saturday at 10pm. If the Chip In gets to $1,000 before then, the whole pig will be given away.

Here are some of the upcoming prizes that I have confirmed (in no particular order):
*Cupcakes
*Knit and fleece blankets
*Hand made cards
*Mary Kay products
*A mural for a children's room
*Target gift card
*Legos
*Party lite product
*Hand made children's aprons
*Spa Voucher (Chicago area)
*Bird House


I still have some other things in the works. Check back often!

Coincidences? I don't think so....

I've had so many "what a small world" moments since I started this process. I decided I needed to get some of the written down because they can't all be coincidences.

1. When I first started seriously considering adoption, I inquired about a little girl that was listed on Reece's Rainbow. I was informed that she had an interested family and they suggested I check out Charlotte LA. I instantly fell in love with her and began fully pursuing the adoption process. I honestly didn't give it a second thought. I wondered who Marguerite's family was but didn't ever doubt that Sara was the right one for me.

The day that RR revealed that I had committed to Sara, I got a few emails from people who had been interested in Sara. They all said they were very happy for me and Sara. One said she was just about to officially commit to a little girl from the same country and wanted to know if we could email. I was thrilled to learn that Angie and her husband are adopting Marguerite/Claudia. She wrote a beautiful post about Claudia (her real name) and how they know she is the one for them.

It gets better: Angie and her husband are from Newark, New York. That's right, they live about an hour from my brother. We have already talked about getting our girls together at Christmas time for a play date. It's so nice to have someone going through the same process in the same country. The only thing that would make it better would be if both girls were in the same orphanage. Maybe we'll still end up in the country at the same time.


2. My mother called the other day to tell me that she had friends from college that had a daughter with Down Syndrome. They started Furnace Hills Coffee to give their daughter a place to work. I checked it out on facebook because it sounded like such a great idea. While I was on there, I saw a picture of Anna's mom. (Anna is/was my roommate.) Anna's mom works for an organization called Mission to Ukraine. Furnace Hills Coffee
supports Mission to Ukraine. Small world!

I'm also thankful to say that Furnace Hills is working on a fundraiser for Sara. I'll let you know when I have more details. They are also donating a coffee basket to the give away.


3. I am currently taking grad school classes to get my ESL certification. Ironically, there is a woman in my class that has a daughter at my school. When I first told her about my adoption, she thought I was crazy. She told me she didn't know why anyone would choose that life. Yesterday I went to class and she told me that a friend of hers had just become a grandmother because her daughter had adopted through Reece's Rainbow. I haven't had a chance to contact that family yet but it was amazing to see how much her attitude had changed. I guess if 2 people you know do it, it can't be totally crazy. I can't wait to get a hold of them since they live in the same area I do! And, they brought their daughter home in January so they know there is a light at the end of this crazy tunnel!


Any of these things on their own might be a coincidence but when all happen in a week or two, you have to see it's more than that! God is at work--the explanation is just that easy in my mind.

Item 1 - Half a Pig from Grandpa

UPDATE: THE CHIP-IN IS AT $580! I HAVE RECEIVED ANOTHER $375 ON THE REECE'S RAINBOW SITE. THAT MEANS, THAT WE HAVE RAISED $945!!!! AMAZING! ONLY $55 TO GO TO REACH THE GOAL OF $1,000! IF WE REACH $1,000 BEFORE 10:00PM ON SATURDAY, THERE WILL BE TWO PRIZES GIVEN AWAY. KEEP SHARING. WE'RE ALMOST THERE. (CHECK BACK SUNDAY MORNING FOR A NEW PRIZE.)

This item will be available until Saturday, March 24th.

My father works in the dairy industry but also raises a few animals on the side. He has donated a half a pig.

This pig is all natural. No hormones or antibiotics. He only raises 3 pigs at a time so you can rest assured that they are well fed, bedded, and cared for.

It will be cut and processed. The pig will be grown this summer and delivered in October in time for the holidays and to get you through another long winter. Ham, sausage, bacon, and roasts will be done. The meat can be delivered to Western NY, the Chicago area, or Waldo County Maine. If you live somewhere else and are interested, leave me a comment and we'll see what what we can figure out.

He estimates the value of the meat to be around $200.

Help him bring his granddaughter home!

Rob and the first 3 pigs they raised.









Here's how it works:
1. You can donate for a chance to win.
$5 = One Chance
$10 = Three Chances
$25 = Eight Chances
$50 = Twenty Chances

2. You can also earn a chance to win without making a purchase.
Post the link to the current item on your facebook + Leave me a comment telling me you did = One chance
Post the link to the current item on your blog + Leave me the link to the post on your blog = One Chance

3. Donate using the Chip-In box on the right. These donations go directly to me to pay my program fee. If you prefer, you can donate directly on Reece's Rainbow's website using this link. If you do that, leave me a comment with your name and donation amount. (All donations made through Reece's Rainbow are tax deductible.) Make sure you give your first and last name so I can easily identify the winner.

4. The fine print regarding two possible pig winners:
a. Meat will only be delivered to EITHER the Chicago area or Maine, not both.
b. The first winner will be drawn. That person will receive half of the meat.
c. The second winner will be drawn. If the first winner was from NY, the second name drawn will receive half the meat.
d. If the first winner is from Maine or Chicago, the second winner must be from NY or the same area as the first winner. If this is the case, the second name drawn will receive the other half of the meat.
e. If the conditions of c and d are not met, a third name will be drawn with the same conditions.
f. If the conditions of c and d are not met with the third name, the first name drawn will receive all the meat.



If you have questions, check out the rules and regulations.

Give Away Starts Tomorrow!

I'm very excited about the Give Away that starts tomorrow. I have 20 prizes that include something for everyone. A few of the prizes are local but most can be shipped any where.

Thanks to everyone who has donated!

Make sure you look over the rules and regulations to know how this will all work. Check back tomorrow for the first prize that I am giving away.

Give Away--Rules and Regulations

Here's how it works:

1. The first item will be available for a week. After that, a new item will be posted every 3 days.

2. You can donate for a chance to win.
$5 = One Chance
$10 = Three Chances
$25 = Eight Chances
$50 = Twenty Chances

3. You can also earn a chance to win without making a purchase.
Post the link to the current item on your facebook + Leave me a comment telling me you did = One chance
Post the link to the current item on your blog + Leave me the link to the post on your blog = One Chance

4. Donate using the Chip-In box on the right. These donations go directly to me to pay my program fee. If you prefer, you can donate directly on Reece's Rainbow's website using this link. If you do that, leave me a comment with your name and donation amount. (All donations made through Reece's Rainbow are tax deductible.) Make sure you give your first and last name so I can easily identify the winner.

5. I will give each chance a number. I will then use a Random Generator to pick a number. Each winner will be announced when the next item is offered. I will then put the winner in touch with the donor.

I'm posting this now so that you can ask questions and get clarifications before the Give Away starts on Sunday. Ask away! I want to do this as fairly and ethically as possible!

Lots of rules and regulations. Some really great donations. The most important thing, is that we are raising money to get Sara home where she belongs!

My sincerest thanks to all who have donated items; all who will donate money; and all who will publicize this Give Away. I appreciate all you have done for me and my daughter.

Please pray....because I'm panicking (and changing the date of the Give Away).

I've run into my first real hurdle in the adoption process.

I got a call today from my adoption agency. The director of the adoption agency has given his official ok. I have my physical tomorrow and training on the 23rd and 24th. After those two steps, my home study will be done. It will then go to the state to get approved. After that, it will be official and I can send my paperwork (called the Dossier) to Immigration and the country for approval. Sounds great and it's moving quickly, right? Here's the catch.....

Before I can submit the dossier to the adoption agency, I need to pay the $7,500 country fee. I have some money in my Reece's Rainbow account and some left in my savings but I'm still about $4,000 short. Unfortunately, I can't apply for any no-interest loans or grants until the home study is finished. So, if I wait until the home study is official and then apply for loans or grants, it could be several months before I can send the Dossier. This will keep Sara in an orphanage longer and delay my travel plans into the new school year.

I know that it will all work out in God's timing but I'm a planner and I don't like all this not-knowing stuff.

In light of all this, I'm moving the Give-Away up a few weeks. I'm going to start it on Sunday. Please let me know if you'd like to donate something. I will post all the rules and regulations later.

Thanks for all your support!

Letters to My Daughter--March 2012

Mija,

I addressed you as Mija in your last letter because I wasn't allowed to tell everyone your name. I can now tell everyone that your name is Sara Rebecca Keller but I still like calling you Mija--after all, you are my daughter. I love that your name is Sara. It's a beautiful, simple name and I think it fits you perfectly. I couldn't have picked better myself. Your middle name is Rebecca--after your Nana. My middle name is my grandma's name and I love that tradition.

I fall asleep every night dreaming about the day that I will actually get to meet you. I think a lot of people are surprised that I haven't met you yet but it really doesn't matter to me. Most people don't meet their children before they come into their lives for good. It's no different with you. I love you, either way.

I've spent lots of time getting ready for you to come now that a lot of the paperwork is done. It's so nice to focus on you and not papers and details. I did lots of shopping for you this weekend and you have tons of cute summer clothes. Every time I fold something or hang it up in your closet, I marvel at how small you are and how cute you will be in pink!

You may be one of the most loved children on the planet. Your Tia Anna is coming this week to help me get your room ready. Your Nana, your Aunt Amy, and I are planning to scope out the stores and pick out all the things you will need when you come home. You have little friends that want to play at the park with you and big friends that want you to come swimming every day. Your play room is starting to fill up with toys. Your Grandpa wants you to come see his animals and ride the horse that he doesn't even have yet. So many people are excited about you coming home and are working hard to help me make that happen.

I really hope that the next few months fly by and you will soon be safely home and tucked into your adorable bed.

Te amo, mija!

Tu mami

Full Financial Disclosure

I have gotten some well-meaning and good-intentioned questions about the financial ins and outs of international adoption. In the interest of full disclosure, I want to list out some of the costs and explain how this all works. I want people to understand what they are donating to and what I am contributing personally.


Costs and Fees:
1. On Reece's Rainbow, the entire cost of adoptions in this area of Latin America is listed as $21,000-$24,5000.

2. I did a lot of research before committing to a home study agency. The one that I found was by far the cheapest--$2,500. This has been paid out of my previous savings.

3. Immigration Fees - $795

4. Adoption Agency Fees - $16,350 - This includes Program Fee, Paper Work Fees, Foreign Service Fees, lots of legal work.

5. Country Fees - $4,800 - This includes Attorney Fees, Translation Fees, Document Fees.

6. Travel Fees are separate from this. This includes my round-trip ticket, Sara's one-way ticket, lodging and meals for both of us for 4-6 weeks. Estimates are around $7,000.


My Plan:
1. I have some savings that I am using for the upfront costs and will apply as much as I can towards the travel costs.

2. I am applying for every grant I can find. I can't complete these applications until my home study is complete and approved. This should happen around April 1.

3. I am planning a few fundraisers. I will promote these on my facebook, blog, and within the Reeces Rainbow community.

4. When I get a travel date, I will take out a loan for whatever funds I still need.


What you can do to help:
1. Pray! This is, by far, the most important contribution.

2. I am available for babysitting, tutoring, odd jobs, whatever I can do to earn a little extra money.

3. The coffee fundraiser will continue until August 1. These funds come directly to me to help cover the travel costs. You can purchase coffee here.

4. I am hosting a Give Away in the month of April. If you have any items you would like to donate, send me an email or leave a comment here. Check back April 1st for the first Give Away item.

5. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to Sara's Reeces Rainbow Fund. This money goes directly to pay the Immigration Fees, Adoption Agency Fees and Country Fees. You can do that here.

6. Please feel free to repost this blog, these links, Sara's RR page, anything that will get her story out there.


I have been truly amazed and blessed by all the support I've received from my friends and family, as well as strangers in the Reece's Rainbow community. I appreciate all the well wishes, contributions, advice, gifts, and love that Sara and I have received. I am brought to tears almost daily by this process and the response of the amazing people in my life.

And, just in case you are wondering, I am going on vacation to Mexico in June. Anna and I purchased this trip as a groupon back in October--long before I started this process. I wish now that I had that money back but the entire trip has already been paid for. So, I will go and thoroughly enjoy my last trip as a single, childless woman.

Give-Away

I am planning to hold a "Give Away" to benefit Sara during the month of April. The general idea is that I will gather items to be given away. I will feature a new item every 3-4 days, depending on how many items I have. For ever $2 donated, a person will get a chance to win the featured item. (I will nail down all the details later, including how to get a chance to win without donating.)

Right now, I just want to float the idea so that people have a chance to donate an item. These items could be something that you make, a gift card that you may have, a service you or your business can provide, an actual new item, anything you can think of that people would be interested in winning. This is a great chance to promote your business, etsy site, etc. Along with your item, I will post a paragraph about you, your connection to Sara, your interest in Reece's Rainbow, your busienss...whatever you choose to write.

The give away will start April 1st. Please leave me a comment, facebook message, text, etc and let me know what you would like to donate. I will get in touch with you before April 1st to get a picture of the item and your paragraph.

I plan to donate this blanket...just as soon as I finish it and get a better picture of it!

August 13, 2008

As I was cleaning the house this weekend to get ready for the home visit tomorrow, I started to think about the day that Sara was born--August 13, 2008.

Now, if you asked me where I was on August 13, 2009 or 2010, I wouldn't have any idea. Ironically, I do know where I was on August 13, 2008. I was in the middle of my road trip to Mexico. I had quit my job, put most of my stuff in Laura's basement and was moving to Mexico. I left "for a year" but had absolutely no intention of returning to the US or to Chicago. I was on a journey to "the rest of my life." Little did I know, "the rest of my life" was being born in a country far, far away.

My hope and prayer is that on August 13, 2012, I will be celebrating Sara's fourth birthday with her. I know it will be the best August 13th of my life so far.

Please consider helping make this prayer a reality. You can donate here to help cover the $8,000 agency fee that is due soon or purchase coffee here to help cover the upfront costs I encounter regularly.
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