Puzzle Fundraiser Kickoff

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west. Isaiah 43:5

Wow! Last Thursday morning, I sat nervously with my finger hovering over the "post" button on Facebook. I had written a status saying that we had a family announcement with a link to this blog - my private blog, my little home on the internet, my unknown blog. We were so excited to finally tell everyone and yet, a bit nervous that we might hear comments that weren't so positive.

No need to be nervous.

We were overwhelmed with the kind and sweet messages from family and friends who finally know our big "secret" and who are as excited as we are to meet our newest daughter. Thank you to our friends and family who have been so encouraging and happy for us.

Many of you have asked us how you can help - and some of you already are (writing recommendations, serving as our notary, providing clothes and gifts already, offering extra beds)! THANK YOU - THANK YOU!

Thank you for your offers of help - we appreciate them so very much. Adoption is costly. We have been through it before and every penny is worth it, but it is a huge expense. We worked hard to do it last time but this time will be an even harder task. We are relying on our faith that God who called us to this will not let us down and will help us to find a way to accomplish the many huge fees and travel. Which brings me to our first effort - 

OUR JIGSAW PUZZLE FUNDRAISER!

We have purchased a wonderful, 500 piece, children's map of the world puzzle (see it pictured above). Since we will be a very international family, we thought it was quite fitting!

Anyone can help us put our puzzle together by purchasing a piece or pieces. Each puzzle piece costs $10 - and you are welcome to purchase as many as you would like!

When you purchase a piece of our puzzle, we will write your name (or family's name ex: "The Snell family") on the back of the piece. As the weeks go on, I will post photos of the pieces as we label them. Be looking for your name!

Once the entire puzzle is funded, we'll put it together as a family and have it framed between two pieces of glass. One day T will be able to look on the back at the names of all the friends and family who helped to bring her home!

To make a donation, click on our Chip-In donation box in the upper right sidebar. ** This Chip-In box will NOT show up if you are viewing this on your phone.**

The Chip-In will take you to PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, you can still donate by clicking the "I do not have a PayPal account" button - this will allow you to pay by credit card. Or you can send a check to us. (3256 Turnberry Circle, Charlottesville, VA 22911).  Please be sure to note on your donation (or leave a comment here) the names you would like on your puzzle pieces.

**PayPal donations are NOT tax-deductible - we hope to have an account later in the process for tax-deductible donations. We are also planning a local fundraiser and another online (possibly t-shirt) fundraiser on line.

It is very difficult for me to ask for donations tho' I know that there are many who feel for the plight of the orphan and tho' they may not be able to "go," they might like to help "send" a family. It is gratifying to be able to give in a way that enables you to actually see the child you have helped.

I know some of our friends are also adopting, some are getting over the costs of adoption, some are saving for mission trips, and many of you (like us) are just trying to survive these financial times. Please know that we are not expecting all to be able to give. We do ask that you would pray for us!

Thank you for considering a donation to our adoption. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for your encouragement and kind words. We are forever humbled and grateful.