Friday, June 24, 2011

Half a Year

Exactly
months and one day ago, we were placed on the waiting list to adopt a child {or two children} from Ethiopia.  Although the journey has been much longer than that {6 months waiting to be able to apply to adopt from Taiwan and 5 months of paperwork before being placed on the wait list} it is difficult to believe we have been an official waiting family for over half a year!

I was struggling with it a little the last couple of days and had an opportunity to talk to my friend, Emily {who God placed in my life at exactly the right time}.  We discussed how this little pattern we are in of two weeks with no referrals and then two referrals in one day has been sending us into mini-tailspins of highs and lows and that we were ready for another high.

Well, today was the high...2 referrals were given today, putting Team Chase at number...


Woohoo!!  We are getting so close!  As far as we can tell, we are at number 7 for siblings {not super likely as there have been very few siblings referred in a LONG time} and number 9 for one child.  We know that at least two of the eight above us are girls only, so we are at least number 7 for a boy.  So, technically, we are in the single digits!  This is beyond exciting!

It is so awesome to see how God is working this whole thing out.  This morning I was just crying out to Him saying "Lord, you know the desires of my heart.  I am longing to see my little one's face, but I know it's not time yet.  I sure would love to see some referrals today."  And, BAM, He just went and did it!

So thankful.


God's Resort VBS

On Sunday, June 12th, I received a phone call from our Middle School minister at our church requesting my help with Vacation Bible School at one of our community outreach buildings called God's Resort.  Now, let me first say that I have never directed a VBS nor did I even know much about God's Resort, but, you know me...I was excited about the opportunity and that they had even thought of me to help.  So, I quickly agreed, having NO IDEA how much this project would bless my heart.

The next day we met at the newly acquired Community Center and I got the full story.  God's Resort is a block of 33 apartments located in Northwest Joplin {exactly 5 blocks from the tornado damage for those of you whose best reference to Joplin is the tornado} that was purchased several years ago in an attempt to "clean up" the area of the crime for which it had become known.  {Before it was God's Resort, it was known as "The Last Resort" as it was ridden with crime, drugs, and 80+ police reports per month!}  Since the acquisition, police reports have been reduced to an average of 4 per month and GR is now self-sufficient.  The residents must abide by strict {research-based} requirements which help to maintain the high standards of the Resort.  Recently, the GR board desired to purchase a Performing Arts Center {which is an old church} just half a block from the apartments.   They prayed fervently for the Center and the day they decided to purchase it, the owners had dropped the price by $40,000!  A total God thing!!

Anyway, in an effort to reach out to the kids in the neighborhood, College Heights {our church} ran a three day VBS.  A team from Nebraska came to bless the neighborhood through their work at the Community Center and through helping to run VBS.  They worked tirelessly for three straight days and were such a blessing to this ministry!

The Nebraska Team

Each day, we had craft time, Bible story time, game time, and music time 

On the last day, Camden and Melia came to join the fun

After VBS on the third day, we had a carnival! 

This hot guy showed up to grill burgers. :)

It was super fun and such a blessing to the kids and the workers!



Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Adoption Fundraising

Hi, friends!  I've been a little absent from blogland {more on that later}.

Thank you all again for the amazing support of our adoption through our auction!!  I plan to blog {SOON}about how God worked through all of you to show us that He is still 100% behind this adoption!
Anyway, here's the deal: I still have a couple of people that were the high bidders on the auction that I haven't been able to get ahold of.  If you are one of these people {or know how I can contact them}, please send me an E-mail at jnchase311@yahoo.com.  I'd love to get everyone's items to them and get the auction wrapped up! :)

Tee Shirt Printing who won Girl's 3T Magenta Tee with Africa Applique
Julia Leinen who won Dog and Pony Sculpted Bows
Erin who won Cake and Ice Cream Sculpted Bows
............................................................................................................................................

So, maybe you wanted something in our auction and didn't win anything.  If that describes you and you would still like to support our adoption, here are are few things you could still do:

1) Make a purchase in the next 8 days from
the Hannah James Shop

Hannah James
*Simply click this blog button and select "shop".  Through June, our family receives approximately 50% of the profits of all sales from this shop.

2) Purchase a chosen child key FOB or Half Loop from
Worthy of the Prize Ministries

Image of Chosen Child {Adoption Band} 
*We receive $5 from each key FOB and $4 from each Half Loop

3) Purchase a Chosen Child necklace from Cap Creations

Chosen (Adoption Necklace)
*Our family receives $10 from the sale of each necklace.

4) Buy some Just Love {Fair Trade} Coffee

*Click on the link in our sidebar to go directly to our JLC store.  $5 from each bag sold goes to our adoption.

5) Purchase an Adoption Rocks t-shirt
$18.00 each
{Each shirt yields $12 towards our adoption}
Available in women's fitted sizes XS-XL
Colors: watermelon, deep purple, bright teal, yellow, gray, black, white
Choose any silhouette/heart placement or words only
Also available in men/child
E-mail me to order or for questions:



P.S.  I promise to do non-fundraiser related posts soon...there are some great things happening around here!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Two Exciting Numbers

Oh, friends...I cannot say anything without first shouting from the rooftops:

{THANK YOU!!!}

For those of you who know Camden, just envision him using his normal {crazy loud} voice to illustrate my enthusiasm!

I seriously cannot believe how successful our auction was!  I was very hesitant to start it because there are so many people with their minds on other things (rightfully so!), but it just felt like this was the time.  AND, God just totally showed up {is there ever a doubt?!}! 

Thank you so, so much to those of you who donated, prayed, and/or bid!  There is no way to know how many people were involved in our auction, but one thing I do know is that we are going to be SO close to paying off phase one of this adoption, which means we are SO close to freeing up that money for our referral fee!  Woohoo!!

So, here are the two significant {and exciting} numbers:

First, our new waitlist number:
{image source}
We moved up two spaces this week!  And, the referrals this week were given to people who have been on the waiting list since November 2010.  Remember, we were placed on the wait list in December!  We are getting so close!!

Second, the amount we made on our auction:
$2,394.50

Can you even believe it?!  I am seriously in awe!  Thank you so much for being a part of our adoption and supporting us in this way.  I simply cannot adequately express my gratitude...there are no words.  So, please, take this as deeply as you possibly can.

Thank you.


P.S. If you won an item, you will be receiving instructions from me later today {Saturday}. :)



Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Calling all Cell Phones!

**Looking for the Welcome Summer Adoption Auction?  Click here.
..............................................................................................................................
 

As you know {unless you've had your television and computers turned off for two and a half weeks}, our neighboring town was hit by a massive EF5 tornado on Sunday, May 22nd, 2011.

The last statistic I heard was that 8,000 structures were damaged from this horrific storm.  We've seen footage of many homes and major businesses that were affected by this storm, but one of the silent {or at least less publicized} victims is our Small Business Industry.

One such small business is run by a teacher at one of our schools in Carl Junction.  Their business is called Cell Phone Medics.  The company repairs cell phones utilizing their inventory of older model phones that are no longer being used.  However, their old cell phone inventory was obliterated in the storm.  

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?!  Many of us have old cell phones laying around and wouldn't think twice about giving them up.  Also, many of you may have been wondering what you can do for Joplin {especially if you live far away}.  Well, here is the perfect opportunity to help a small business get back on its feet.  According to Janet, they will be rebuilt and ready to open in four weeks.  So, here's my suggestion:  please contact anyone you can: friends, coworkers, family, etc.  Let's set a collection deadline of two weeks from Friday, June 24th, and then get those old cell phones to me {E-mail me at mailto:jnchase311@%20yahoo.com for directions on getting them to me}.  I'll then be able to get them to Janet before their grand re-opening.

Thank you for your spirit.  Thank you for helping to rebuild Joplin, one step at a time! :)

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Welcome Summer Adoption Auction

** Highlighted items have reduced starting bids as of 6/7/11 **

Welcome to our “Welcome Summer” Adoption Auction!

First of all, I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all the amazing people who made donations to this auction! Because of their donations, 100% of what you purchase from this auction will go directly into our adoption fund to bring our sweet babe(s) home from Ethiopia.

The auction will run from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 3rd to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 10th (Central Standard Time).

Here’s what to do:

1. Click on the item to view it.
2. To bid on the item, leave a comment with your name, bid, and E-mail address.
3. Click on “Return to Auction Home Page” to come back to this page.
4. If you are the winner of an item/items, I will notify you with your total and how to pay.

*If you have technical difficulties, please contact me via E-mail at jnchase311@yahoo.com.

Without further ado…the list:

Bows for Your Girl
Triple rolled flowers headband
Set of Three fabric flower clips: Pink, khaki, multi
Set of Three fabric flower clips: White, black, pink
Three Sets of Double-Layer Pigtail Bows
Blue/Red Double-Layer Pigtail Bows
Two Sets Korker Pigtail Bows
“Black and White and Red All Over” Fancy Boutique Bow
Pink Zebra Fancy Boutique Bow
Orange Crazy Daisy with Headband
Green Crazy Daisy with Headband
Cake and Ice Cream Sculpted Bows
Dog and Pony Sculpted Bows
Crab and Valentine Sculpted Bows
2 Bulldog Sculpted Bows
Cat and Dog Sculpted Bows
Ballerina and Ballet Slippers Sculpted Bows
Lobster and Mulan Sculpted Bows
Burger and Cupcake Sculpted Bows
Tiana and Sleeping Beauty Sculpted Bows
Ariel and Snow White Sculpted Bows
Cinderella and Belle Sculpted Bows
Tinkerbell and Rapunzel Sculpted Bows
Crazy Daisy Statement Bow
Big Sister Bow
Little Sister Bow

Jewelry
Dainty Tea Party Necklace
Sterling Silver, Pearl, and Rose Quartz Necklace
Faith Hand-Stamped Necklace
Washer Necklace #1
Washer Necklace #2
Washer Necklace #3
Washer Necklace #4
Bronzed Nature Charm and Pearl Necklace
Handmade "Destiny" Necklace
Handmade "Love" Necklace
BRIGHT ORANGE PUMPKIN Jumbo Uganda Bead Necklace
Love is Not a Color Bracelets
Whimsical Flower Button Rings
"Don't Bug Me!" Whimsical Button Rings
Lucie Button Earrings

Accessories
Distressed cadet/military cap with Africa motif
This N That Purse
Summer Yellow Wilson's Leather Purse
$25 Faces Gift Certificate
Mary Kay Eye Beautify Set
Mary Kay Lip Beautify Set
Mary Kay Color Compact and Mascara
Mary Kay Body Wash/Satin Hands/Perfume

Apparel
Girls
Girl's First Birthday Tee
Cute as a Cupcake Ruffle Onesie and Headband
Little Ladybug Onesie and Headband
Little Girl's Tuxedo Ruffle Onesie
Magenta Tee with Africa Applique
Girl's Custom Birthday Shirt

Boys
Patriotic Tie for Your Little Guy
Truck Applique Onesie
Little Man Tie Onesie
Africa Onesie
Boy's Custom Birthday Shirt

Adults
Adoption Rocks shirt
Small African-Inspired Flip Flops
Medium African-Inspired Flip Flops
Large African-Inspired Flip Flops

Photography
Picture Package by Fran’s Photography
Images of Art by Kelley Lawson Gift Certificate #1
Images of Art by Kelley Lawson Gift Certificate #2
Scraplace Studio Gift Certificate for Sitting Fee and Full Session CD

Art/Decor
Limited Edition Reduction Woodblock Print
Happy Camper Printable Art
Better Together Printable Art
I Love to Sew Printable Art
Imperfect Pot #319
Imperfect Pot #320
Imperfect Pot #321
Imperfect Pot #322
Imperfect Pot #323
Good vs. Evil Print
You're All My Heart Needs Original Matted Art
Out of the Pit Original Matted Art
Wake Up Matted Print
Custom Letter Art
Africa Ornaments-Set 1
Africa Ornaments-Set 2
Africa Ornaments-Set 3

Cheesecake
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake/Springform Pan/"Secret" Recipe
Blueberry Cheesecake

Cards and Stationery
Set of 3 Mini Journals
Set of 4 Handmade Thank You Cards
Set of 4 Handmade Happy Birthday Cards
Set of 4 Handmade "You're on My Mind" Cards
Set of 4 Handmade Miscellaneous Cards #1
Set of 4 Handmade Miscellaneous Cards #2
Duct Tape Flower Pens Set 1
Duct Tape Flower Pens Set 2
Duct Tape Flower Pens Set 3

For Your Baby
Personalized Flannel Baby Blanket
Baby Minky Blanket (30x36")
Minky Lovie Sensory Blanket (15x15" plus tags)
Baby Girl Burp Cloths

Other Cool Stuff
House of Bounce Birthday Party
ItWorks! Body Wrap
Set of 2 Handmade Clay Magnets
Floral and Stripes Coaster Set in Spring Green
Beachcomber Set

Did you like what you see?  If so, will you please share it?!
Team Chase 4 and Counting



Thank you and may God bless you for supporting our adoption!

Lucie Button Earrings

lucie button earrings
Gorgeous little fabric covered button earrings. Button is 5/8" and is perfect for any occasion!
Winner can choose this pair or another pair from the shop.

Donated By:

Starting Bid:
$5.00

Distressed cadet/military cap with Africa motif

  

Ladies' Distressed military hat in your choice of khaki or black with your choice of fabric for Africa silhouette

Donated By:

Starting Bid:
$10.00

Return to Auction Home Page

Happy Camper Printable Art


This whimsical 8 x 10 print comes directly to your E-mail inbox for you to order from your favorite photo printing website or print right at home!  Winner specifies PDF or jpeg format.

Donated By:
Photobucket

Starting Bid:
$5.00

Better Together Printable Art



This whimsical 8 x 10 print comes directly to your E-mail inbox for you to order from your favorite photo printing website or print right at home!  Winner specifies PDF or jpeg format and color of lips, moustache, background, and letters.

Donated By:
Photobucket

Starting Bid:
$3.00

I Love to Sew Printable Art



This whimsical 8 x 10 print comes directly to your E-mail inbox for you to order from your favorite photo printing website or print right at home!  Winner specifies PDF or jpeg format and colors of each row of sewing machines.

Donated By:
Photobucket

Starting Bid:
$3.00

Cake and Ice Cream Sculpted Bows


Intricately detailed sculpted bows add the perfect final touch to any little girl's outfit

Donated By:

Starting Bid:
$8.00

Dog and Pony Sculpted Bows



Intricately detailed sculpted bows add the perfect final touch to any little girl's outfit

Donated By:

Starting Bid:
$10.00

Crab and Valentine Sculpted Bows



Intricately detailed sculpted bows add the perfect final touch to any little girl's outfit

Donated By:

Starting Bid:
$8.00

Pair of Bulldog Sculpted Bows

Intricately detailed sculpted bows add the perfect final touch to any little girl's outfit

Donated By:

Starting Bid:
$8.00

Cat and Dog Sculpted Bows



Intricately detailed sculpted bows add the perfect final touch to any little girl's outfit

Donated By:

Starting Bid:
$8.00

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