tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3157006542495350462024-03-05T03:38:29.035-08:00Saving SheaJoannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03622492265953758512noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315700654249535046.post-76724098671053863992011-06-12T18:50:00.000-07:002011-06-12T18:58:35.005-07:00Officially Adopted!<div style="text-align: center;">Just in case you haven't seen the Kulp's Family blog or Shea's facebook page...Shea is officially <a href="http://thekulpchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/06/officially-shea-matthew-kulp-relief.html">Shea Matthew Kulp</a>! :) Read all about the family's <a href="http://thekulpchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/05/meet-shea.html">first trip to meet him</a>, <a href="http://thekulpchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/05/pack-light-and-leave-your-type-at-home.html">their time with Shea</a>, their <a href="http://thekulpchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/06/get-out-big-guns-of-prayercourt.html">first court appearance</a>, and the plans to bring him home on their family blog <a href="http://thekulpchronicles.blogspot.com">www.thekulpchronicles.blogspot.com</a>! Thanks be to God for bringing the family this far, keeping Shea safe and protected, and allowing us to witness this incredible journey of faith and love. Prayers that he is home with them very soon!</div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03622492265953758512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315700654249535046.post-45407217942568431032011-03-08T09:22:00.000-08:002011-03-08T11:14:20.397-08:00Lucky Numbers<div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've never had a lucky number. </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My husband's is #9 - his soccer number since he was 3 years old. Oddly enough it is also my Dad's favorite number - it was his jersey number in football (the american kind). ;)</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But I've never had a lucky number.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My sister-in-law loves the number 4 (and the color yellow) and if you know her and don't know this... she will be deeply disappointed in you. ;) My mom loves the number 3 - 3 of anything makes her think of her 3 kids. If you see a card with 3 kittens on it - you can't go wrong - get if for her - she thinks it's us. It could be 3 weasels for all she cares - it represents her 3 little weasel-kids. It's special. It means something.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But I've never had a lucky number.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Lots of people have lucky numbers. Numbers they will bet on, kiss the dice and hope for, take it as a sign if they see them. According to the Bible, 7 is the perfect number (so maybe <a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=the+von+trapp+family+the+sound+of+music&cp=24&qe=dGhlIHZvbiB0cmFwcCBmYW1pbHkgdGhl&qesig=hDSOdm39SXrjGWKqe56hyg&pkc=AFgZ2tnzMmXxnllne1l1wcyk1_cjqF7qDqpocyjSpIBmff4TPCwTXXUiuV1msjk_UgY4atFNF2W9shAahPTLCtIbrrTUkiFiTw&pq=the%20von%20trapp%20family&pf=p&sclient=psy&aq=0v&aqi=&aql=&oq=the+von+trapp+family+the&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.&fp=ef34c9a9ed856910"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">the Von Trapp family</span></a> had the right idea...nah...I'm absolutely certain I couldn't handle that.) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; ">But people like numbers. They have value - both absolute and sentimental. </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Numbers mean something. </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Numbers are worth something.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've never had a lucky number. </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But I respect numbers. I pay attention to numbers. I value numbers.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Allow me to share with you some numbers that are very important, very meaningful, and very significant...to me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>100</b> - the number of days since <a href="http://babyboypenny.blogspot.com/2010/12/saving-shea-rainbow.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">I first saw his sweet face</span></a>. I can't believe it's been 100 days.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>9 </b>- the reference number for Shea's orphanage in Eastern Europe.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>350,000</b> - the average number of babies born with</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.marchofdimes.com/baby/birthdefects_spinabifida.html"> </a><a href="http://www.marchofdimes.com/baby/birthdefects_spinabifida.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Spina Bifida</span></a> worldwide each year. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shea is one of them. My <a href="http://www.babyjetstory.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Jet</span></a> is another.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>4</b> - the age of most children (with special needs) in Eastern Europe when they are moved from the orphanage to an institution. That is the age Shea is now.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>25,000</b> - the average cost of an <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=kulp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">international adoption</span></a> from EE.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>91</b> - the number of contributors who've donated to Shea's adoption grant through the Chipin on this blog!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>76</b> - the number of days since <a href="http://thekulpchronicles.blogspot.com/2010/12/little-hairs-on-back-of-your-neck.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Shea's forever family</span></a> announced their plans to adopt him.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>7,000</b> - the last bits of money needed to complete their adoption.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>3</b> - the number of places you can go online to donate</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1) Right here through the Chipin on the right side of this blog --></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2) The Chipin on the<a href="http://thekulpchronicles.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"> family blog</span></a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3) <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=kulp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Shea's FSP</span></a> on Reece's Rainbow (an international adoption program for children with special needs)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><i>Invaluable</i></b> - the difference even $1 can make in the life of this child...and his waiting family.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">The numbers are right there in front of you.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">You may think</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> "This is only </span>1 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">child out of <i>so many</i> who need help."</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">And that's the point - here is </span>1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> child who you can help <i>now</i>.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> You may think "I am only</span> 1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> person, how can I possibly make a difference?"</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">But you can!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Because, my friends, that's the beautiful thing about numbers...when you keep adding them together...there's no limit the value you can attain.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">So if you have a minute (and let's be honest - we all have 1 minute.)</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">And if you have just $1 (honesty time again - if you're on a computer something tells me you have $1)</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Then take that minute, and that dollar, and put them together to make a difference.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Donate in the name of a friend or family member.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; "><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n53QliXisajm-A6HfmhyLZ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n4Uqa4RKg_564_8-ytZtPGu8vVOllSMzc-GoWItxSev1YChPejCcUDG6XMJYnOAjzL2yL-p1AQNrA5Rtj5lYsNiCpJe6SknkF4f5sfINPb1P-sEGFD6GF0XuJNOCIfaadsmyMmh-dDQT/s800/SheaSP1.gif" height="288" width="432" /></a></span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; "></span>Give in honor someone who needs a smile - who could help but smile knowing they'd helped this sweet little boy.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; "><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WnMwoyjq8qUMn6KKfEU6yZ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETtS5FBtOnNPXgWVaqap3zdH2i5QIpKl_0nqth0c_NF-Yy31YKirIMrbdiyuyKzMcxIqU8TpGjv7FIMi4UljmFjeBn3SPVKtb_bNRWWGlLZGxa20luaWQiMdyFAhzHJpQhWyjVk7codei/s800/SheaSP.gif" height="288" width="432" /></a></span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; "></span>Together - we can reach that 100% goal!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">And 100% - just might become my new lucky number.</span></b></span></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03622492265953758512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315700654249535046.post-85069515479948000502011-02-04T12:59:00.000-08:002011-02-13T08:13:20.395-08:00Give Love<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Because it's February.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Because I just decorated my house in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">pink</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">red</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> hearts.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Because <i>Valentines</i> are not just for couples...but friends, mommies, daddies, siblings, classmates and neighbors.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Because everybody needs love. And not the romantic comedy, butterflies in your stomach, plucking petals off daisies kind of love. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">They need the "I'm yours forever" kind of love.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uomxbyHlEEQZhlavUS7D7J9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktP9Lxvl0z4DKJGMqeRsslb0-RzvyaM5XgnxrHtrH0s0wPj52DKbsSUPqxYj93w11xEK0uULRhAecdRIUYnpMwPS3Gj7zSVXeYIr36YPOz3iBbI0bUdyhra_xKjq7BNiCuf2Y9E3JA50d/s640/None.jpg" height="429" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"></span>The "we can do this together" kind of love.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MPNS0YdqPtR1rn5uG7l-_59SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreRHBvE8U4BZmMscK6jn3Ord4w5UG9HdJSxByWsPsjh5QNn4tgcHVnTpp55gcPuDzI9uUd-_99i8lopEimyLbyhhXnd6Qa66mD8eR276hyScjx7aJcN4B5T9OqNKVb7YCgXVb_XDfznMv/s640/None.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">The "can't stop starring at you" kind of love.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/seC7oilIBkvo4Mg5tcubz59SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAapVFE-5VvliOGhomdbAPH7As_uURwHqR8FUTFVHuXoiJKUdPV4vlfoNCY7t2KMBnYJaSf2-PxP0NgEfdC5vXCrmUjVIz_OXwIepvC-55oJILCMqgb8YDoMvyc89at437lFHX2qydrpWB/s640/None.jpg" height="640" width="427" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">The "I'm always there for you" kind of love.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vLmb9tgnyLiB-OHFhelVJ59SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4JCVTGdcwFG2HsRsRsA4iX5qM7SAcMFykFA4bqmiuHZNbkNZ07YR0oUhca5MLbrQmU9dTDMZT-HD4bhY5AtBx_5K7BKnsgwj0QtONLA1bY-iVDDNLaB43h_UzJHl4HYqdPSekoND7ZkF/s640/None.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">The "I can't keep myself from smiling around you" kind of love.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nfmytGlYvG4r81YJybPyHZ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6n_HIweSf9hS86r1VrUqUtsdOadfA8z1CUCH4XdqeEAXnb_m2rHp5J6odLLTfwCi7WXJS3rUJ4EP6bzvFIKNOCmEybM4s1SDGG1Ze3M02uq2kfkG31XL9GkaA9hagUzQVq2OhyphenhyphenNimsac9/s640/None.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">The "I promise to make time to laugh with you" kind of love.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fyVVegHaKbrNJ2cGtHeWZJ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLRIhGLd6bS2V1ZM_g4kwz4D8OnweBj9npbrqqCRLWln6_YfldeXiiH-8vQ3LTbCAlhbWGHmfRJKjK6HVwtwgH4wrZjJ8uj7qhgWEdXu5RDjEG31rw4i74tnEV5xxQMyc6MnNFZB24ewE/s640/None.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">The "everything you say is so important to me" kind of love.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E5y4imhTh16vIglInwRueJ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykaKRgqG31TbUurkYP_C9myYoqav9TuZCY3EQ8FMH2RPLv2cEyortt0sS8vPr7K6lo1mJsqiWvI2GvW8BRCCjqz-PjKWBeXyTusodCVDXvT6dF9ldJslfzDv4GJ_xZnYL6W5FXqqJW2WH/s800/None.jpg" height="382" width="478" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">The " I couldn't be prouder of you in this moment" kind of love.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Cb6d0gGDeYCTWVg30Hwuz59SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlxC9Sdn64VrDLH_3eUr6OuZ34eqa7grygSC-Yd3EM8iGl11h0Nh_KRMA-0gQfdetmbJC1d9RwTnQAstLafUv30VMaipuIXn2Rb72a-8BYduMd8wSa2bHX5Rz00j1-LgJj6YXYXbnUKzI/s640/None.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">The love that lifts you up....</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gX7RFo6ntqkVtrlljFAN_J9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HTfyUgBob11sgZZsU7Hmwc7meRt5Q04-cMCPQ9tBcME4lj-ZnVzJDT28IMK9zDtH4lF0D_DAP090zKLFy9-sprFpWD4xXQWsdwTX2560baRcfEiVbfKIfGLe-TOZjKLEmjPHeXn8WTl2/s640/None.jpg" height="640" width="429" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Squeezes you tight...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/59G3OPdmmXt6IEyGwzrEsZ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6CBXXzU4zuSLOpb112cDItCavNyCBSTus5dTPqe1OSNSgPXsZVLeROAqoQ7SiZ080ATAMMwhVMhIgTvwdqiggA73c4s0LsIDLKpTpe6qIGjCkEKfrp39j5waVqsykyYyOWKyVbkEX_xN/s640/None.jpg" height="640" width="427" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Makes even hard times feel alright..</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fG5lNGBugWzLtCBmCOj5wZ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnQvdsrjTr_gDP_ugsEm4OYYggMFORhyphenhyphenoNy80hoSwY-H9xidiLU9Gea5qZqmsbFNdmE4M5pkQBbwW44zAesdhtrExDgsadqOG4o1bIMUa2Er9vlpuQEfuqra1pD-O5QsFxsa897J4c-gO/s640/None.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">The love that teaches you all that you need to know...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VuG0BgnpRPpbOA50Owk6iZ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5Gih0TpcKGBvDXJBuYeGzMSYVNVtDWLtbFWnnpWDT_9v5SMH-lEOCxV2P0GTKZGRpJaemfSILTui084E6Ea8xPt1Wfan7cddI9HVWye62JEztcQJV2oFmuBfrUIbYlPEfJpampGTIKei/s640/None.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">And gives you support you need to grow...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WVx19qYHOEOQOXEgpcCOgJ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-slMUVZiFztIzTxqRF-XaxzdxHRquYWRCPVWwyMNCAh3fOHbcMk610NNoHTawvUO8iwPVBgVSd4kkEQ6fa4ngeYMhq13ACGCP6YuHsO7Gif-NYrmpUFkFRWWrW5wCISPZPQB4NLmmHZhw/s640/None.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"></span>The undeniable you were made for me...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d3Wo4WqPlyK0qwkDZs_wM59SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfd9OU0VSkXcxTW1MrdwEdH6EqPnVGsyUZHm-SUpwKYwVS1rr6lzcS6Dh0rL4IoQe5qssPHSngTEFLccBIAfuAFSFJUfdsd2Kwk2GUoApPAg9KwUHPqDV1R8uVrOgkoK4oHsbkW6ooQU5/s640/None.jpg" height="640" width="427" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">And together we make a family...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H9HypQ8TSCzu_9cuHbZ3RZ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlw7JHDkBHAz8q9y6huq3byC8dvrWYpD-mBef4ewilfLDFcCu5F4R4etmgfv_hT9bZQwbJCc5h8yYxt21LJ502l8b73oRL5o9rxxzg-rgRwCzWkinfFNfM3zMYC8inCmdhIqiPtvsBbu_A/s640/None.jpg" height="441" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">What's mine is yours...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vYCq7AJg7ZDa9VsuAA9Fy59SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNP0QUO8bz_jusrW67kb8VXEq3UGvNPKlw-SYUPqwyNWXjRODORJAenpgyHR549y7mYeoxYmcRarb6deIjjuED9xRnwdIaOqir93wsgAedvYY8pD4Th6R5l7945nJ0r4b_zmkmAAOTguc9/s640/None.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"></span>I treasure each kiss...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DB4vdsdymp0wepsa47XU5Z9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjtovF-wW2G1I9QVOjyVJF16mtzXr8yGfydnH4tbQHGxCnekt19FzaPZ365L1MMmpiLScOY6HzK4oKeXFeqD8Kqvh9oQxjskgGUgZJ5vNbmOK3AbHZGFRRK80UheIHHl0PINW3FL8edVi/s640/None.jpg" height="429" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"></span>And everyone deserves to feel like this...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pwTtDRtz6FdRVnwTB06Ekp9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMYQJS7X2xIjDuz8E95zjfZEZ0rMjHyhyphenhyphenVr552HIPb5OqYdxKDpeyobDt7b3FKvbo8Ke0sZF-yOSMIrNapr9thgMEDT4xLdFGm4PDvtYJgtfUxs9qA8TzJPI_f2-t85FIN0apgxr4oaTv/s800/None.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Kind of Love.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Because real love is something that cannot be bought - only shared. We need it from the time we are born - and those of us who having loving families know that NOTHING could have replaced that. The love of family - the love I was given as a child - made me who I am today. It teaches us how to love the rest of our lives. It can never be truly expressed in the form of greeting cards, chocolates, flowers, or jewelry. Those sweet tokens and gestures give momentary happiness - it's the feeling love behind them that really means anything at all. So with that in mind, and in the spirit of this holiday of love - I would like to propose the perfect gift for your loved ones.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Give the gift of Love itself.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">Give Love.</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xBR0QXDJKBwvxqgDqsxGrZ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyULhNq5y3h4jVUIMZLxqdLRBdF-3yu1F7-gu5WWf-ReD6MdNAkhUHi8YOsj-4rI7TR9Drg0NIY4GO8L95AIJBhCBkCxq7AtC4AjnH3wpKdDq58zOT5wrVTOOcirxy_kdn5TDfRUFM_6mj/s800/Picnik%20collage.jpg" height="352" width="361" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"></span>You can bring joy and love not only to those who hold your heart -</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"> but to child who needs your help.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">Give Love.</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ggDTpXcZgOekkrD7BU4Ld59SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImFXqHRk0V7YAtEVNHuVhLI-i0TQvPBEaJOayioGgXOFNU5XZNM1FnYUIutAJdb32EsV9GFRsiwuCHHX_F9gQbUQr3hQDe2SSd10mT3ldImP-JJtGPl797ZLFVqf-32QbsTQ3B_yRk2z5/s400/Day%2023%20071.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:16px;"></span>By helping one little boy come home to the family who is waiting to give him this kind of love. The kind of love every single one of these children pictured above are given every day.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;"> The kind of love so many of us are blessed to have. </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;">The kind of love he deserves.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">Give Love.</span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><a href="http://www.savingshea.blogspot.com/2010/12/saving-shea-rainbow.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-size:16px;"></span></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RcNQaTJ_6sAOliWKpfUKvZ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfZEWAmi6WPLEiNCn7_HoIjRb0kyouhoSac8P9zjAq9q0weCcHM5gnU5jBx5x0-GDyI79UyeQiD3my2E4gSnjhwwlWtrdmLxOc4JnuWrWMGPNIpw0rM7n-0urdnDQXLcW7y3iRpMY5REE/s400/Day%2020%20032.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></i></span><i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><i><a href="http://www.savingshea.blogspot.com/2010/12/saving-shea-rainbow.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-size:16px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;">Shea's story</span></a></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"> is a remarkable one - and it is only just beginning. He now has a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><i><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorkulp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;">family</span></a> </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;">ready for him - and Shea is WAITING to come home. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-size:large;">His family is actively completing the adoption process - eager to give Shea the love, support and care only a family can give. The only thing we </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">can do to help them bring Shea home as soon as possible is to </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">GIVE</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Give what you have.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">$5, $25, $50</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">It's not the size of the gift, but the size of the heart behind it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">GIVE LOVE.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">It is so costly to adopt internationally - so much so that many people say "we can't afford that" or "it's just not possible for us". But <a href="http://thekulpchronicles.blogspot.com/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;">this family</span></i></a> has given everything they have not once, not twice, but 3 TIMES <i>(read their blog - they are an amazing family)</i>and is making that leap of faith to make Shea a part of their family - but they need help raising the last bits.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> (And in adoption language, "bits" = $9,000!) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">They need our HELP!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">As a friend so honestly reminded me<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> "</span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> Let's face it ... we all spend/waste $$$ on this every year. The chocolate is gone...the flowers die... and all you have is a distant memory of the token(s) you invested in."</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">How much more meaningful - how much more noble - how much more true to what love is all about - to give that money </span>instead<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "> to this family - to this little boy -</span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "> to bring him home - to give him Love.</span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;">So help share the love...with Shea. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uS20CfJh4v_mPJpVfuzHpJ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-mJ86PqVLnBxEFwKWx5v0vVVzZTfBQ3l16h2cnlhc-R4mu4-YB0JNQgvVX6MBbolYxvsaSQuNwpkADlpKMm-uYAmWOOk6TvrIvh1jBPvDa9Vv0OFpN3h7Sb-8UdYKDzmwTe0-jZNpTeN/s800/SheaV1.gif" height="288" width="576" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"></span>Isn't that the most adorable Valentine ever?!</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:large;">It's message is simple - it's purpose sincere.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:large;">Make a donation (even just $5!) in the name of a friend or loved one - to Shea's Adoption Grant (<i>through the chipin on the right hand margin of this page</i>) or visit his </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:large;"><a href="http://thekulpchronicles.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><i>family's blog</i></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><i> </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:large;">and donate through their chipin (it all goes to his account.) Then print out these adorable Shea Valentines <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">(click on <b><a href="http://savingshea.blogspot.com/p/donation-gift-cards.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Donation Gift Cards</span></a></b> for the printable link) </span></i>and give them to your sweetie, your sister, your mother, your friend - and see their faces light up at the sweet face on the card.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/300ZvIdDvOfskuD_VADGd59SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_hphQRfuAK-geWoHTtdLYzQy2cmKyLAIpWVUw5QS9Z_tehExCX2VsZQAYBMhAMvYXiDlTDdUT-RSGWncFOMUnxoc7TDhohIZ2-5cQiWubpU3lInEKbq29QQnUpJnRjSRFD73Y8wM_Lxq/s800/SheaV2.gif" height="288" width="576" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"></span>I can't think of a sweeter, kinder, more beautiful way to Give Love.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:large;">Can you?</span></span></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03622492265953758512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315700654249535046.post-47129184382764243472011-01-03T10:53:00.000-08:002011-01-04T16:48:25.416-08:00Let God<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The original title of this post was "Let Go". But as I was typing my fingers got carried away and added a "d" to the end...As I went to correct the typo, I decided perhaps it wasn't really a typo after all. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So here it is - appropriately titled - the long awaited update.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Big News:</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Okay...deep breath...I have big news.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">For those of you who did not hear yet (and I'm so sorry if you didn't!) Shea is no longer waiting to find his forever family - they have FOUND HIM! :) I don't even remember the exact day...but right before Christmas a little bird told me they had noticed that Shea had been moved on the Reece's Rainbow site from "Waiting Children" to "My Family Found Me." My heart skipped a beat as I quickly went to Shea's page on Reece's...and he wasn't there. Of course at first this scared me - but I knew something had to be up so I went to the "My Family Found Me" link and frantically searched for my little brown-eyes and after what seemed like eternity - </span></span><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/shea-9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I found him</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. In his new home on the amazing "My Family Found Me" page. I was so pleased for him. They'd upgraded him to a "suite" right before the holidays. :) And more than that - this meant there was a family committed to him and actively filling out paperwork. Amazing news. I immediately emailed the director (as I've done ALOT) and asked about this new development. She informed me that yes there was a family - but until their initial paperwork went through she couldn't tell me anymore. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So I waited. And not a week later my sister was on Reece's Rainbow and saw that Shea was now also on the link "New Commitments" and with his bio was brief bio of the family who was going to adopt him. So I went there. And I read it. And I cried. And I smiled. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So please - </span></span><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorkulp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Meet the Kulp family</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Making Contact:</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I left a message on the<a href="http://thekulpchronicles.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> family blog</span></a> for Liz (the mom) to contact me if she would - that I would love to hear how they found Shea and how the process is going. I told her briefly how I had been the one to find him and started a fundraiser that turned into a huge effort with the help of many generous hearts. After a few days she wrote me. She was amazed and so thankful for all we had done. She said when she found Shea she was immediately drawn to him and couldn't stop thinking about him - she said she wasn't sure they could have committed to him without the large grant we had raised for him! (Awesome.) She was so grateful to all of those who have advocated for Shea - and made it possible for them to bring him home. I was so shaken to hear back from her - I so desperately wanted to - but once I did I was at a loss at how to respond. I couldn't believe it was all happening. I wanted to know everything - and yet felt frozen. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I can't believe I didn't have the words right away. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Tears:</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So again...I waited. And while I waited...I cried. Oh how I cried. It would be easy to say the tears were of joy and relief. But they were so much deeper and more complicated than that.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This past month I've cried so much I was sure I'd eventually run out of tears.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">No one would know how this experience has broken my heart...unless you've been around me...then you probably got a clue. ;)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I haven't cried so much since we thought we were </span></span><a href="http://www.babyjetstory.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">losing our baby boy</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. The tears this past month have been the same and different. They are the same tears of worry, confusion, desperation, fear and helplessness. Yet they have now been mixed with tears of relief, gratitude, humility, exhaustion and </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">letting go</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. They aren't the tears of a mother desperately clinging to something like we clung to our unborn baby, they are the tears of of letting go of a baby who wasn't really ours to cling to...but I did. Oh boy...I did. I didn't realize how I'd been "clinging" since I saw his sweet face. Clinging to the idea of saving him. Clinging to God to help me do it. And deep down - stronger than anything - clinging to the hope that God was choosing <i>me</i> to be his mother. I'm not sure how it happened - I told myself and everyone that I only wanted to help him - and that I was looking to God for guidance. If another family came that would be WONDERFUL! But if no one came to rescue him - I couldn't let him go to an institution. So in my mind - we would wait for God to decide. Little did I know, I wasn't very good at waiting. ;) Okay - maybe I did know that.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">But I didn't realize how it would torture my heart. How I would build up images in my head of what I </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">thought</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> God's plan was going to be. How I </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">thought</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> He was going to use us. Like I said, I never fully admitted to myself that I wanted him as mine. Subconsciously, I knew it - and told a few people about my thoughts of "what if </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">we</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> adopted him" and was continually encouraged by the "signs" - the obvious signs that God was working - that God was going to save this little boy. All the money donated (I'm still amazed by it) and spreading the word about Shea - it was so apparent that BIG things were happening - and I kept thinking...maybe it's a sign for us...maybe things will sort themselves out and we'll make that commitment...just wait a little more...just pray a little harder...just wait...just pray.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I was scared to death of what it would mean to adopt him.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And I was scared to death of what it would mean if we didn't.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Plans:</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">When the </span></span><a href="http://savingshea.blogspot.com/2010/12/call-to-prayer.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">first family</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> came to me and wanted to adopt Shea - I dealt with all these emotions - and felt at peace with the answer. It seemed perfect. A different perfect than what I'd first hoped...but perfect. When that fell through - I was shaken again. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Was this our sign? What was God's plan?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">When this second family, the Kulps, appeared on RR I knew things were different - they had gotten the initial approval, they had adopted before -things were working out - it was really happening. It was happening fast. I once again was floundering with my feelings. I didn't know this family. I didn't get to meet this mom at Starbucks and talk about Shea and look in her eyes and feel comforted. It was just happening...without me. And I had to put it - and all the tears and fears welling up inside me - in a drawer and lock it away for a little while. It was the holidays. Family was in town. My little man was experiencing Christmas. :) I needed to be free for a while.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Finally:</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">When I finally decided to let go of my anxieties and write back to the wonderfully, sweet mother who was going to adopt our little angel, the words came easily.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I told her how I had found him.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> How much I was attached to him. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">How much I had prayed for him.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> How much I wanted this for him. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">How much I had cried for him. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">How much I loved him.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And this sweet, sweet woman wrote back more thanks and assurance that she hoped "Auntie Joanna" would be a part of their lives for years to come. (cue the tears again. :) oohhh dear.) Since those emails I have followed her blog diligently - they are new family to me and I want to know everything. I have followed her friend </span></span><a href="http://mygodislord.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Jill's blog</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> (her first connection to little Shea) and her journey to adopt their son Elijah (from the same orphanage as Shea! Crazy!). I have read about how Jill has</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> seen, held and interacted with our brown-eyed angel boy (without being able to say who she was speaking of...but we knew :) and ohhhhh it is amazing stuff). And the joy at seeing him smile...there is nothing like it. He looks happy. And knowing he has been watched over - and is now going to have a family to love him the way I love my own little miracle boy - God is SO Good.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And So:</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So I was going to title this post - "Let Go." Not because I'm letting go of Shea altogether - I am am still very much holding on to hope, love and prayers for him daily. I will never let go of that.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">But I am finally trying to let go of "my plan"...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And truly working...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">striving...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">praying...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">to </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">let go</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> and "Let God".</span></span></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03622492265953758512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315700654249535046.post-12044947477292278812010-12-16T11:33:00.000-08:002010-12-16T13:25:39.626-08:00Wait<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">One of the hardest things I think for people to to do is wait. As a society we are bombarded with phrases like "quick fix", "fast food", "time-saver" and "immediate results" to entice us. Anything to get the job done faster is better. Anything that makes life easier is a necessity. Buy our tickets ahead of time - why would we ever want to wait in line?! Call ahead. Go online. Pre-order it. Have it delivered to you. Rush-order. Get it fast. Get it first. Get it now.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Why wait?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Who wants to wait?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">You deserve what you want, when you want it. If you have to wait too long - your meal should be free. Unhappy with the service? You deserve a store-credit. A complimentary gift card. Lots of apologies. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">"Thank you for waiting - you're call is important to us. Please hold."</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> How dare they put me on hold again! Nothing infuriates us and puts us on edge more than those words</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> "please continue to hold"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">. Except maybe waiting in traffic. Waiting at a red-light. Waiting for customer service. Waiting for the the slowest person ever to get out of the bathroom! Why does this store only have 1 stall?! Who only has 1 stall?! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Waiting makes us use words like "ridiculous" and "unheard of" as we pace, tap, stomp, sigh and roll our eyes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Blood pressure rising.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Tempers flaring.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Patience depleting.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Heart racing.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Waiting.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Waiting.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Waiting.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And if I am honest, I will say it too - I hate waiting.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Waiting in line to buy groceries or waiting to talk to the doctor on the phone is annoying sometimes. But that's not the hardest kind of waiting. It's not that big of a deal to wait 30 minutes at the pharmacy. Ideal? No. But those are the things I need keep perspective about. Those are the things that will get done in due time - and I won't be deeply affected because of it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">But waiting for God's plan.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Waiting for an answered prayer.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Waiting for some direction.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Waiting for this little boy to find a family.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">That is the waiting I can't wrap my mind around. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">That is the waiting that hurts my heart and messes with my head and lays like a heavy rock on my chest. That is the waiting that makes it hard to breath sometimes. Hard to think. Hard to sleep.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">That is the waiting that makes me feel so unworthy of the blessings I have - when so many are in need.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">That is the waiting that makes me feel helpless. And I don't like feeling helpless. Boy do we mother's hate that.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">But that is the waiting that makes me blink back tears and look up to God and say "I just don't know what You want me to do </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">now</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">. I just don't know if I'm doing it </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">right</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">...or doing </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">enough</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">. I just don't know why I still feel lost. </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I just...don't...know</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And isn't that worse than waiting sometimes?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">When you </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">know</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> what you are waiting for - it is hard to wait.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">But when you </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">don't</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">know</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> what you're waiting for - it's kind of overwhelming.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">It's like those time when you are so confused you don't even know how to ask for help. Or so hurt you don't know what could help. Or what to pray for.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Those times you just don't know what to say or if you should say anything at all.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Aren't those the most difficult?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">For someone who likes to talk - and usually has a pretty good handle on what she wants (or thinks she wants) - it's such a strange feeling to experience. And over the past 2 and half weeks I've gone from emotionally touched, to passionately active, to emotionally distraught, and now...almost numb. Numb is the best way I can describe it. And I don't know why. Writing this now I feel myself slowing coming out of it - regaining feeling - but when I think "okay, now what?!" the numbness starts to creep in again. I've asked myself -what is going on here? Why do I feel as if I'm shutting down? Am I just too weak - to drained by the recent swell of emotions I've experienced - and I'm giving up? Or is this God's way of calming the tempest of tears and desperate prayers that borderline impatience, and giving me a rest? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I tend to believe the latter. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I know how much God loves me. And I know He is there for all of His children - there to give them what they need when they themselves don't know what that is. And I know I have prayed for patience. And I have prayed for guidance. And I have cried and begged for help. Help me have faith. Help me be content with waiting on You, Lord. Help me stop crying and trust You.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And now I find myself not crying, not hysterical, not hurting, not frantically emailing and asking and talking and thinking. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And I find myself waiting.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And somewhat at peace just to wait.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> And here I am... </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">questioning</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> it!?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Ha!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Writing it down and seeing what is going on actually makes me LAUGH! Did I not ask for help? Did I not ask for Him to teach me to wait? And now that's all I can do - is wait - and I'm upset again?! Oh how God must look at me with a knowing smile and shake His head. Just like when Jet frantically reaches for me then turns around and goes right back to his Daddy. He got what he wanted then changed his mind. :) Are we not just like immature children who ask for one thing then promptly forget and complain about what we were given. But it's such a natural tendency. And it is so easy to be blinded by our earthy knowledge and confused by the spiritual. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I have felt such a roller coaster of emotions over little Shea.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Wanting to help him. Wondering if we could be the family for him. Excited at the possibility. Deciding to wait and pray about it. Heartsick at not being in the position to commit to adopting Shea right now. Anxious about his future. Grateful for the success of his fundraisers. Impatient at still waiting. Praying God would show us the way. Meeting another family who was willing and ready to ADOPT Shea! Fighting the feelings of "hey - I saw him first" and realizing God's hand in this beautiful family coming for Shea. At peace and rejoicing when they started the adoption process. Ecstatic that they lived nearby! In awe that I would be so close to Shea and his new family. Praising God for His wisdom. Confused and panic-stricken when they were denied. Heartbroken for them. Renewed sadness for Shea. Wondering again what our role in this should be. Scared that we weren't seeing God's plan clearly. Contemplating how (again) we might be Shea's family. Hearing that several other inquiries have been made about Shea from interested families. Not sure how to feel - excited? Pressured? Thankful?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And everyone knows - I hate roller coasters.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">They make me sick.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">They really do scare me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">They are not fun in the least.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I never want to ride one again - ever.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">But I'm sure this is not the end of this particular roller coaster. And as much as I might beg to get off of it - once you are on it, there's no getting off of it until it's finished.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So in the mean time, I'll do what I've always done when riding on roller coasters.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I'll close my eyes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Hold on tight.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Say a prayer.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And wait.</span></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03622492265953758512noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315700654249535046.post-49686025297180782562010-12-13T04:56:00.001-08:002010-12-13T05:10:04.935-08:00A Call to Prayer<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">There is a LONG story to come called "A family for Shea". It's just the beautiful beginning of an even longer story I'm sure, but it's about an amazing family and the unexpected way God has brought us together over a little boy named Shea. :) There is a family interested in adopting Shea (who have to remain anonymous at this point because of legal reasons) but I met with the mother this past Saturday and it was wonderful. (Yes - can you believe they live close by!?) They still have a long way to go - and will need all the financial help we can give them to bring Shea home - so YES we are continuing our fundraising efforts! I can't wait to tell you all about it - but at this point in time I strangely just don't have the words. I am in need of some recovery time - physically, emotionally and mentally - so that story will just have to wait a little longer. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">But in the mean time - please continue to pray with me. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And in your prayers - praise God for His love and wisdom in bringing all of this about in only 2 weeks! Thank Him for allowing us to work in His plan for Shea. Pray for strength and courage for this family and the new journey they are embarking on. Pray for comfort and love to rest upon Shea every day - protecting him until he can be united with his family. And please pray for peace and renewal on our family - that we may continue to serve and trust God's plan. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">As I said - it is only the beginning.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">But with God as the Beginning and the End -</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> I am already looking ahead at a happy ending. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Thank you all.</span></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03622492265953758512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315700654249535046.post-69252169244205399542010-12-08T06:55:00.000-08:002010-12-08T17:50:51.428-08:00Donation Gift Cards<div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Do you have someone on your Chistmas list that has everything?</span></span></span></p></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">You know, that person that you always end up buying a random gift card for?</span></span></span></p></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Or maybe you want to slip in an extra $5 bit of love to a gift you've already purchased?</span></span></span></p></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Why not make a donation to a little boy who needs it? Donate to Shea's Adoption Grant in the name of a friend or family member and give the gift of love. Two gifts for the price of one - a gift for Shea and his future family, and the gift of them knowing this little boy has a better chance at finding his family because of them.</span></span></span></p></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">And check out our new donation card!</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"></span></span></span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aAyGzdy-st-9oeFjEBGV7J9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkEJGDoDdJPDmfm8j406PuJ_J9cytZtz4r0ft_SXnMqAytoKObS8TaE9Pr0P3_LYsxYKxu39TsiD6shJkhOTk4lP4CVo6A1wWBKwPJaVO_BM-rXi0HaOR7ejHpQrXei4afwF_DyAdqZix/s800/ss6.gif" height="288" width="432" /></a></p></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Big Caslon';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div><div style="text-align: center; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Century Gothic', Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Isn't it adorable?! </span></span></span></strong></span></p></div></div></span></span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: 'Big Caslon'; "></p><div style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; "></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Thanks Laura! You're amazing!)</span></span></i></span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">*Click </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.triomakeupandhairdesign.com/Docs/SheaCards.pdf"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">HERE</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">to view and print the pdf. file.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">(you will need acrobat to view the card. Just right click on the image and select "print" or "save" to your computer.)</span></span></i></span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">They pring 4x6 and 2 to a page. :)</span></span></span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Tuck them into stockings!</span></span></span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Slip one into a tiny pouch or wallet!</span></span></span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Roll one up into a mug!</span></span></span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Instead of a $25 gift card, buy a $20 one and add a $5 Saving Shea tag!</span></span></span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Share the joy of this journey with your family and friends this holiday season and all year long!</span></span></span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">*Want the card but can't print it? Send me an email and we will work something out.</span></span></i></span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; font-family:'Big Caslon';font-size:medium;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I got the idea for Shea's cards from another blog and little boy like Shea named </span></span><a href="http://www.liferearranged.com/2010/11/make-christmas-count-for-cliff/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Cliff</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Please take a minute to read his story and maybe give a little love to him as well. :)</span></span></i></span></p></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03622492265953758512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315700654249535046.post-48962078310497335292010-12-06T09:52:00.000-08:002010-12-07T18:23:41.229-08:00Sessions for Shea<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Do you need an updated family photo? Maybe the last pictures your family had taken would leave people guessing "who is this family?" or saying "wow is her hair big!" Or maybe you want pictures for Holiday/New Years Cards? It's not too late! If you live in (or will be visiting) the Atlanta area this holiday season - I am promoting a special fundraiser for Shea's Adoption Grant. You have the opportunity to "give a little - get a little" for a really amazing cause.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://savingshea.blogspot.com/p/sessions-for-shea.html">click here for details</a></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This Saturday Dec. 11th </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I will be hosting the first </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Sessions for Shea</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> event </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qv995F4tFSYtpJVx1oz3I59SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZA8yxZeVu_2IPjkZUKoZCP5ysTdi-BG9KHZVRlWtpaXZ6YSkMzCx1YO9FFrBkj4VxrY09ayL4XE6067santt3ORVR0Z7M7rBIOzl6LieM_0RmKIASDWbjysYbx5uS_5M5F5Lzl4FCeg8/s640/None.jpg" height="215" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"></span>Grab your sister, spouse, best friends or entire family! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OX8dBdelNqBB9JtEeLVbrJ9SjLN3B1UVyvZ704lKvFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMrBeWIhH4ptyjEc1k-DMfP6PahMTsFaXowmzEq-33Y77eZo5Jn_dSSh52jQ11djzNoRtPt143BN6o2ocB-N-T_6btH6RQ2T1oUZ-0TPFlbtXjo0xFeDMmDbTQV6dracxi0syYOJE-IVx/s640/None.jpg" height="216" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"></span>These pics could be a great gift for someone you love or just a fun way to support a little boy who needs you.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;">This Saturday December 11th</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">In Downtown Acworth</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> from 11:00am-12:30pm (weather permitting)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Because it is FREEZING <b>dress warmly!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b></b> Sign up for one of four available 20min mini sessions!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">11-11:20 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">11:20-11:40</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">11:40-12</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">12- 12:20</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">If you want to sign up for a session- email me the time slot of your choice at pennymom09@gmail.com and I will let you know if it's still available and tell you where to meet me. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Before booking your session, please check out the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://savingshea.blogspot.com/p/sessions-for-shea.html">Sessions for Shea: A Local Effort</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> page at the top of the blog for more details. :)</span></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03622492265953758512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315700654249535046.post-41955870406405209002010-12-04T19:24:00.000-08:002010-12-24T19:48:38.237-08:00Shop and Support<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">First of all, we are overwhelmed by the selfless love, amazing generosity and heartfelt support we have received since beginning our journey - Saving Shea. It has only been 2 days and we have already reached 1% of our exponential goal of 25,000 for Shea's adoption grant. The outpouring of messages and offers to help have lifted our spirits and strengthened our efforts even more.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Thank you all. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">For every note, every shared link, every donation - they all mean so, so much. Don't stop - keep sharing Shea's story - keep raising awareness! I had no idea the kinds of feelings this would stir in the hearts of our friends, families, and total strangers! People who I have never spoken to or knew by name or shared circumstance only are right up there with my best and closest friends - donating money to a little boy they didn't know a week ago...a day ago. People are talking about Shea! Families are talking about adoption! Adoption of children just like Shea with </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">special needs</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">! Amazing! What beautiful hearts. God has let me know we are not alone. And that is a wonderful, humbling, awe-inspiring feeling. That there are others who are eager to help, hurting for Shea, and passionate about making a difference. It is magnificent. We need you so much. Please stay with us! You are making a difference. And we are so, so thankful for you.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">One of these amazing people I am speaking of is the wonderfully talented Kari - unique designer, inspiring mother, and true friend. Kari is a fellow SB mommy who, when she learned of our effort to help Shea, immediatly contacted me with an idea - a way to help. And here it is.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjyEZSUosvlAZB-gDZrdeKmueDIR-3cb0NLLcRiId_kDck6xBVUeqRFDSw4s07HZml6l90YWih1r0EnOIErerrdauI_w156kUrdMXmcNv7vzWBEntoVjSE17aZUaUOhJ9W8XJtqmWYQgQ/s400/155628_160822513960411_158059247570071_320323_2105863_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547627930010983170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 186px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">These bracelets were designed by Kari especially for Shea and are for sale on her website </span></span><a href="http://urbanupcycling.blogspot.com/2010/12/saving-shea.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">www.urbanupcycling.blogspot.com</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">They are one-of-a-kind and in my opinion - a perfect gift for this holiday season.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Each bracelet is $10. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">$5 from each bracelet she sells will go to Shea's Adoption Grant.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">They cost $5 to make.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">You do the math. ;)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Okay - I hate math too. I'll give you a hint.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">That's 100% of the proceeds!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">She is not making any money doing this - she is donating her time and effort to help Shea.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">It warms my heart and soul to know her.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So check it out! Visit </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://urbanupcycling.blogspot.com/p/bracelets.html">UrbanUpcycling</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> and buy your bracelets today!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have added this information as well to our</span></span><a href="http://savingshea.blogspot.com/p/shop-and-support.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Shop and Support</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> tab at the top of the page. Another fundraiser my family is working on is coming together soon and will be added shortly - so check back! If you have an idea or a product that you would like to donate a portion of the proceeds to Shea's Adoption Grant - please contact me and I will add you!</span></span></i></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03622492265953758512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315700654249535046.post-56283580166460410732010-12-03T08:59:00.000-08:002011-02-13T08:18:15.734-08:00Saving Shea: The Rainbow<div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">You know those moments in your life when you feel time stop.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Whether it be that split-second when you thought that car was going to hit you.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Or the minutes you hold your breath before the doctor says "everything looks fine."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">The moment that follows when you first see the ring in his hand.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">And that first glimpse that you get of your newborn baby's face.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">We all have them.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">They can be terrifying or exciting.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">The scariest or most beautiful thing you've ever experienced.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">But whatever the emotion - you're shaken.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Whatever the outcome - you're changed.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">And you know it was important.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">And however long the moment actually lasted - you can remember how you felt at that exact moment...forever.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">This is one of those moments for me.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">The past 3 days all combined together in one, big, all-encompassing moment that just keeps going on and on.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">And it all started when I saw his face.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jfbcs6D0lys8JZNdA6fx1Q?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAyj8XgEoNDyfR0LPR3SRAemtR1upKhV3besQxs7ORzPHEaAQYEHLzA9ihKcFJwWUyqPwuxkd-VJbGDrve7u0fzrAYk0-olqPLIKGF9jSAFhZiM2QaO2l9ZpHtgVT7034PikG6byT1mBu/s640/None.jpg" height="640" width="538" /></span></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">This is Shea.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Shea - isn't that a beautiful name?</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">A beautiful name to match his soulful eyes and cropped, blonde hair.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">I'm not sure how I found him. Just one of those series of events where you're reading a </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">f</span></span></span></i><a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">amiliar </span></span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">blog</span></span></span></i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">,</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> that leads you to another new and exciting</span></span></span><a href="http://liferearranged.com/2010/11/kelle-hampton-this-is-it/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">blog</span></span></span></i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">, that tells you a </span></span></span><a href="http://liferearranged.com/2010/11/make-christmas-count-for-cliff/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">story</span></span></span></i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">, that leads you to a </span></span></span><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">rainbow</span></span></span></i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">, and at the end of that rainbow ...is something very special.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">And 3 days ago, at the end of a beautiful rainbow - I found Shea.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">And once I found him - I realized it wasn't just some series of events.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">I was brought there.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">My family was brought there.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">And though I'm am still asking and praying and waiting to know exactly why we were brought there -</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">But there is one thing I am sure of.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Shea needs us.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">And we are going to </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">save</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> him.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">You may ask..</span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">why does Shea need saving?</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Well, when I found Shea, I didn't just find a picture - I found a few sentences underneath the picture.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Boy, Born October 17, 2006</span></span></span></i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Shea only became cleared for adoption very recently, so we are so hopeful he will find a family quickly. He is facing the institution very soon because of his age.</span></span></span></i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">From his medical records: primary hydrocephaly, shunt dependent (has one in now), disorder of function of pelvic organs, paralytic clubfoot of both feet, spina bifida. </span></span></span></i><strong><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Very good and smart boy. </span></span></span></i></strong><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">He can speak very well, he can only sit - he is in plaster cast so he cannot stand and walk.</span></span></span></i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><strong><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Shea will remain bedridden the rest of his life once he is transferred.</span></span></span></i></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><strong><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">That's right.</span></span></span></span></i></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Shea is an orphan.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">An orphan who is 4 years old.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">An orphan facing an institution in Eastern Europe.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">An orphan born with Spina Bifida.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Do you see now why Shea needs saving? I'm sure it's not hard to guess why this little angel has grabbed a hold of my heart and won't let go -so closely connected to the story of my own sweet little angel. It's probably not a mystery as to why David and I have stayed up late for 3 days talking about what to do...what this means to our family...how we can save him. And like I said, I don't have all the answers right now - but I did contact the people at </span></span></span><a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Reece's Rainbow</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> and we signed up to be </span></span></span><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorship/prayerwarriors"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">Prayer Warrior</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;">s</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">for Shea as well as volunteered to help raise money for his adoption grant. There is no obligation from Reece's Rainbow - they don't call you up or keep tabs on your efforts. It is all up to the individual. It was up to me to contact them - and it is up to us how much we help. On the right margin of the blog you will see a "chipin" link allowing anyone and everyone to donate toward Shea in his journey finding his family. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; color: rgb(51, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">As you can see on the "chipin" link - Shea's funds are nothing. He has nothing. And adoption in Shea's country is 25,000 dollars on average. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; color: rgb(51, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">This is where we need your help.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Please.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">You can help us save him.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">The woman who inadvertently led me to Shea, is hosting a fundraiser for another little baby named Cliff. In her plead for help she expressed perfectly what I would say to you about Shea.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Please read it</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> </span></span></b></span><i><a href="http://liferearranged.com/2010/11/make-christmas-count-for-cliff/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333399;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">here</span></span></b></span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">It is exactly what I want to say.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Hopefully soon I will have a blog button to display our mission for Shea and link back to this post. When I do, I would be so grateful if my fellow bloggers would add it to their as well.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">If you don't blog, please copy and paste the link to this post (in the web address bar above) on facebook or copy the post itself to an email. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">We need as many helpers as we can get to raise enough funds to make it possible for Shea to be adopted as soon as possible. He needs money. Any amount you can give <i>is</i> enough. It <i>will</i> make a difference. We can't be sure how long he has before he will be forced to leave the orphanage and be committed to an institution and far from any help.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">And please, pray for us.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Pray that God will continue to guide us and use our family for His glory.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Pray that His will for will be done for Shea and that He will keep Shea safe until he is able to be adopted.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Pray that Shea will be given healing and strength and peace every day, and feel God's love upon him.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Thank you so much, and m</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; color: rgb(51, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">ay God bless you.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Verdana, 'Helvetica san-serif';color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">- David, Joanna and Jet</span></span></span></span></p></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03622492265953758512noreply@blogger.com1