The Generosity of Strangers

People have been so supportive of our adoption efforts. It's a slow process for us, and sometimes the financial burden and the emotional stress seem too much to handle. Encouragement comes in many forms, and today I received a very generous and encouraging message. UPS delivered two packages weighing over 30 pounds each. Margaret is excited and eager to find the treats inside!
Both boxes were stuffed full of fabric and other sewing supplies! Fellow etsy seller Janet found my shop on etsy and learned about our adoption efforts. She had these supplies she no longer needed and offered to donate them to me for our cause. She shipped them to my house from Santa Barbara, California!

Zippers and trim and tons and tons of usable fabric! All waiting to be used in creations designed to help fund our adoption!

Besides being a fellow etsy artist, Janet is a wife, mother, sister, and breast cancer survivor. Please consider visiting her shop, Santa Barbara Studio, and supporting her after she so generously supported my own family. She offers several beautiful handmade rosaries, as well as other unique creations.

Graph #2 of Contributions Received.

Here is an updated graph of where we stand with the financial aspect of the adoption. The green amount represents the over $3000 we have received in donations. The blue section is a rough estimate of how much left we need to come up with to finish the adoption. This amount is just an estimate. The new Ethiopian laws as well as unexpected expenses can increase that amount. The line that says "Other" and has a zero value is the amount we have gotten from grants. We are not yet eligible to apply for grants because we are waiting for the homestudy report to be completed. We have done everything on our end, and now must wait for the social worker to finish her part.

Despite the changes in Ethiopian law, Michael and I have decided to continue on this path for adoption. We are not sure how it is going to work out, but after reviewing our other options we have decided that at this time this is the most viable option for our family.

The Fundraiser

We are hoping to only have to conduct one fundraiser for our adoption. Your support and contributions can make this happen for us. We have decided to hold a "Numbered Envelope Campaign."

It's easy to contribute:

1. We have 150 envelopes numbered 1 to 150.

2. Choose an envelope based on the dollar amount you are able to contribute. For example, choose envelope number 50 if you are able to contribute $50. Your donation amount will tell me what envelope you have chosen and I will remove that number from the box.

3. Mail that amount to the address in the sidebar OR use the Paypal button in the sidebar to make a secure online contribution.

4. I will update the blog with envelopes that have been taken as donations are given.

Thank you in advance for helping us get our daughter home!