Adoption 10:10:1

Hi Friends.  Today I want to introduce you to one of my sweet blogging friends, Christie from Satisfaction Through Christ.  She's definitely one of those bloggers that sticks with you and makes you feel like you have been friends in real life forever.  

When Christie approached me about sharing her story with my readers I was quick to respond!  If you read anything on my blog this week, this should be it!  

I have a heart for adoption and hope one day to adopt myself. I see the value in the process and redemptive hope adoption brings to not only the child but the family.  Christie and her adorable family are in the process of adopting their second child. Read about that here.  In order to make that happen, they have to raise $35,000.  I'd love to ask you to consider helping this adorable family reach this goal.  $10 can go a long way!

So grab a cup of coffee (or tea or whatever makes your day), sit down and get ready to be moved by her most recent adoption journey!

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Friends, I have been so overwhelmed by the generosity shown towards our family over the last few days.  The response has been amazing and I'm at a loss for words on how to say thank you.  I'm praying that the Lord will give me the proper words at some point.  Words will never be enough, though.

For the full story and to read our adoption announcement post, visit here!

Today has been an emotional day, but I now know {without a doubt} that the Lord has called us specifically to bring this baby girl home.

Last night we had a $10 donation come in from a friend.  I emailed her thanking her for her donation and she quickly expressed sadness at not being able to give more.  I told her that every little bit helps...and it does.

If you're anything like me, all you've seen is $35,000 and thought, "There's no way I can help with that."  

I get it and I know -- it's so much bigger than any one of us but it's not too big for God!

This morning the Lord laid an idea on my heart and I've fought Him all day about presenting it to you, but I know that He hasn't called us to walk this road alone.  So, I'm excited to present our biggest fundraising effort yet....

Operation {Adoption} 10:10:1

10 Days: $10: 1 Baby Girl

Goal = $10,000

Our adoption agency has given us 15 days to raise the initial $10,000 we need.  The remainder will be due in increments until she is born.  But for now, we are praying for 1,000 friends to come alongside of us and donate just $10 each.  

I know $35,000 is overwhelming.  

I know $10,000 is overwhelming.

But $10 is a little less overwhelming.

So, would you commit to partnering with us and would you commit to praying for us?

If so, simply use the PayPal donation widget below (if you don't see the PayPal widget you can donate here, too).

Please leave a comment with your first name.  I'd love to use each of your names in a special project for our little girl; something she can always have to remember how many people helped bring her home.

And, if you're so moved, would you share this post?  On your blog, on social media, through email?  May the LORD be glorified in it all...

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You might be like me and think even $10 is tough on your budget... and to give it a stranger?  But I want to strongly urge you to consider helping the Hill Family through this amazing and trusting venture.  That $10 will go a long way and I am convinced God will bless you in some way or another for your gift.  I gave $10, won't you consider giving!

Thank you for your time and for stopping by! I hope you were encouraged by their story!

Hurricane Sandy Update & Relief Efforts

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

James 2:14-17

What a mentally chaotic week its been.  I still find it hard to believe a week ago we woke up to the truth of what Sandy brought to our region.  Its still hard to wrap my mind around what happened. I live in an area that was virtually untouched but the crazy part is only 8 miles away there were entire communities punched and knocked out by Hurricane Sandy.  It still doesn't seem real.  

The worst hit part of Manhattan was downtown, East Village, Lower East Side and Tribecca.  The East Village has a lot of housing projects and low income families.  The church I attend and work for has a parish down in that area lead by Guy Wasko.  Guy was one of a handful of pastors who initiated one of the largest drop zones in Manhattan.  Over 3 days they served 1000s of people with hot food, groceries, blankets, and more.  Hundreds of people from the community and outside of downtown poured in to help serve those who lost their homes or at best were living without power and heat.

I served at this location for two days, sorting through food and helping people get what they needed.  

Although Manhattan was hit pretty hard, it wasn't the worst hit, by far.  Staten Island and the Jersey Shore had the worst of it.  Entire communities lost their homes, their businesses and even their lives.  The death toll for Sandy is as high as 110 people and is expected to keep climbing.  

I've been proud of my city and the surrounding cities as people have helped those without power and homes get the things they need.  I've loved watching those who were in the middle of it all who came out to volunteer.   

One my favorite acts of love is from the marathoners who came out to Staten Island to help serve this community.  Although many people were disappointed in the cancelation of the marathon, it was necessary and important to this city that resources not be spent on runners but on those who were devastated.  For those marathoners who took the cancelation in stride and helped serve instead, I am proud of you!

The restoration and clean up efforts are still not over.   It will take months and even years to get some communities back to something that resembles order.  If you'd like to help there are many ways.  I am listing just a couple below.

Kristina @ Big Apple Mami is selling Ad space.  100% of the procedes go to hurricane relief

My church has also started a relief fund to help serve those in the communities around us.  These funds will provide food & shelter to thousands.  I vouch 100% for this organization. 

Please keep New York and New Jersey in your prayers as they begin to rebuild their communities!

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
James 2:14-17

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