Thursday, April 15, 2010

Welcome to Our Adoption Fundraiser!


Welcome to our Adoption Fundraiser
and thank you for stopping by!

(* Please grab our button on the sidebar.)



I know this is very "last minute" so-to-speak, but we are really in need of YOUR support to help us bring our daughter home. We are excited to announce that we received our TA (travel approval) on Wednesday, April 14th, and will likely be leaving for China the second week in May. As many of you know, adoption is a very expensive journey, both domestically and internationally. We thought we would have these expenses covered on our own, but like so many others, job cutbacks and the current economy have affected our finances and we have come up short. Quite short in fact. Up until this point, we have covered every adoption related expense from our own pockets. But unfortunately the funds have run dry and we still have a good chunk to come up with before we can travel to bring our precious Khloe home.

Some of you have followed us from the beginning of our journey. Others are newer acquaintances or stopping in for your first visit. However you may have found us, I would like to think it is not by accident that you are here today. Thank you SO much for taking the time to learn about our family and the precious little girl who will soon be joining us!

Khloe Mei, as we have named her, will be coming home soon. She just turned two back in Feb. and we are beyond excited to meet her in person! Khloe resides at New Day Foster Home near Beijing where she is thriving and growing into a fun little toddler. She arrived there at barely 3mos. old, in dyer need of their top-notch love and care. Khloe was born with a condition called bladder exstrophy, where her bladder was literally exposed on the outside of her body. Because of her more serious need, not even the larger city hospitals were equipped to handle her case. At just over 8mos. old, Khloe traveled with her caregivers to Hong Kong to undergo various tests and meet with specialists to prepare for the extensive surgery. On Sept. 20th, 2008, she underwent her long and complicated surgery, and it was clear she was not alone...God was there with her! She experienced great 'miracles' that are now part of her testimony, and ours. You see, I was part of the emergency prayer team and had the privilege of praying for this sweet baby girl, long before I knew she would one day be our daughter! (I will share "our story" on our family blog sometime in the not-to-distant future; I promise!! ...It is a neat one, with God's fingerprints all over it!) Khloe is now a flourishing toddler and our family is beyond ready to have her home!

This is where you come in. After much prayer and with the support and encouragement of family and fellow bloggy friends, we have put together this fundraiser to help with our remaining adoption expenses. We have all of our in-country and travel costs yet to raise. If need be, we can use our credit cards to cover the airline and hotel expenses, but everything else has to be in cash. I could not bring myself to ask for the entire amount, so it is the most needed 'cash' amount that we are hoping to raise here. This will cover everything from our required orphanage donation (over $5k alone) to the notary fees, guide fees, Khloe's mandatory health exam and immunizations, VISA fees, cab and tourism costs, food and various other expenses not specifically noted. The truth is, I'm not sure I fully understand all of the expenses yet... I just know the ballpark minimum figure that we must pay forward. Unfortunately, we were not able to get any grants or adoption loans like some families; either due to the time constraint, income caps and/or an over-abundance of applicants. With Khloe's special need, we thought we would qualify for some help, but so far we have hit only dead-ends. And believe me, I have spent many days and countless hours scouring the Internet and exhausting every resource I could find. So with all pride aside, we are humbly asking for your help.

We know that financially not everyone is in a position to donate, and we completely understand. Your prayers and support are priceless to us, as well. We KNOW the power of prayer and wouldn't be this far in our journey without it! The Bible says in James 1:27 that "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless..." is to take care of the widows and the orphans. We know that not everyone is called to adopt. But everyone is called to do something. And sometimes that means the financial support of others, and/or sponsoring an oprhan (which you can do HERE) or missions. Whatever that may be for you, is between you and God. But for our family, that has been all of the above; and most recently, our call to adopt. We have always counted it a blessing to give to others, and now we are stepping out in faith and praying for those blessings in return. Whether through prayer, finances or both...thank you so much for your support and we pray that God richly blesses each of you in return!

"And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, In as much as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me."

(~ Matthew 25:40)


Now onto the prizes!!...

As you can see by the photos in the previous post (see below) we have had a handful of wonderful people offer to contribute prizes to our fundraiser... and we gratefully welcome anyone else who would still like to contribute. If you know of someone with a special talent for creating things, who has an online store or Etsy shop, or simply has a nice prize they'd like to donate, please direct them my way!! The more the merrier, as it will provide more chances for SEVERAL different people to win! EVERYONE is eligible to enter, whether you are able to donate to our funds or not. "How?" you may be wondering?! Well, I'm so glad you asked; there are MANY ways you can gain entries to win!!.....

  • Receive an entry simply for commenting on this post.

  • Receive (5) entries for your suggested donation of $10 or more through our Chip In box on our sidebar. (There is no minumum required)
  • Receive (5) additional bonus entries for any donation over $25.

  • Receive (2) entries for posting about our fundraiser on YOUR blog and linking it back to this blog.

  • Receive (2) entries for grabbing our fundraiser button (sidebar!) and posting it on your blog where I can see it! (*leave a comment to let me know where I can find it.)

  • Receive an entry for posting about our fundraiser on FB and linking it back to this blog.

  • Receive an entry for becoming a 'follower' of this blog.

  • Receive an entry for becoming a 'follower' of our family blog.

*You do not have to leave separate comments for each entry. Just tell me which ones and how many total you qualify for in your comment, and that will be fine! :) Thanks!!

Please note that the Chip-In box is completely safe to use and the donations will come through your PayPal account (which can be set up to come direct from your bank account or your credit/debit card.) I personally have used PayPal for nearly a decade now, and had no security issues whatsoever. If you do not already have a PayPal account and are uncomfortable using one, you are welcome to send your donations direct via the postal mail and you will still be entered in the drawings for the prizes. Feel free to email me directly if you wish to mail your donation and I will send you the address. You can also send me an email me if you do not wish to publicly comment on this blog, or do not have a profile set up for commenting. I want to respect everyone's right to privacy.... and I love hearing from all of you!


Thank You SO MUCH for your support and prayers...they mean the world to us!


"Everytime I think of you, I give thanks to my God!"

(~Phillipians 1:3)



*NOTE: See the post below for the current listing of prizes. Remember...EVERYONE is eligible to win, so join in on the fun!! :)


34 comments:

  1. I have posted about your fundraiser on my blog and "stolen" your button. And in just a few seconds I'm going to sign up to be your first follower...if someone doesn't beat me to it. :) You've got some great stuff on here and I'm praying for a BIG success!!! Love ya!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is an absolute JOY to chip in!!!!!! I did $25! I am putting your button up now! I follow everything of yours (ok, that sounds stalkerish...but it's not). I cannot wait to see you with Khloe!!!!!!!!! I will blog about it in a day or so but am trying to raise funds for Kiah from ND surgery right now :)
    Hugs and congratulations!!!!
    Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yay!! I just did it all!! :) I chipped in $25 too. I'm going to go to my facebook now and post it there as well. :)

    Simply cannot wait to see you with you your girl!!! Praising Jesus the time is close!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just found your blog through Jenn (thanks, Jenn!) and chipped in $10. I certainly understand the expenses (been to China twice myself!), and I know every little bit helps. Congrats on your sweet little girl! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Okay friend. I am following BOTH blogs, have your button on my Purpose Driven Family site....blogged about your fundraiser...but have to go back and add this link...shared with facebook and invited everyone to come check it out and spread the word! Let's sit back and see what the Lord will do!
    Love you!
    Holly

    ReplyDelete
  6. I found you through Jenn And I am so happy to chip in $35.00 to help bring your baby home.

    ReplyDelete
  7. FB - check
    donation - check
    comment -check
    My blog is not visited much :( so won't post there.
    Let's just get Khloe home!
    ~verna

    ReplyDelete
  8. I don't have money to give because we are raising funds ourselves but I do sew and could make you a Rainbow roll to add to your list of prizes if you want.
    http://ajoyfulheartshay.blogspot.com/2010/04/boy-rainbow-roll.html
    Blessings,
    Sharon
    ps you all are in our prayers!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey,
    I found you because Holly posted on FB.

    I did everything (you need to get that baby home!!!) and I chipped in over $25. Thanks for giving me a chance to bring one more of God's children home.

    You can see the button on my blog and my post at www.arewethereyetla5.blogspot.com

    Have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I will stand beside you in prayer for sweet Khloe!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I added your button to my blog!

    tonyandrett[dot]blogspot[dot]com

    tonyandrett[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm a follower!

    tonyandrett[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I follow your family blog too!

    tonyandrett[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Last time...sorry, I should have put all of these together. I added to the Chip-in, your suggested amount.

    tonyandrett[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ok, friend.... just did a post on my blog, will do Face Book in the morning too.
    Hope it helps....
    God's Speed,
    Love,
    Daleea

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hey Tanya!! So excited to follow your journey to China!! I have your link on my blog, donated, commenting here and I plan to add you in a post and hopefully send others over!!

    Bless you!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Tanya,

    So happy that you are one step closer to your sweet Khloe. I have followed your family blog for a little bit and know how wonderful a place New Day is - and your Khloe couldn't be sweeter!

    I have added your button to my blog and became followers on both your blogs. Right now I have a lot going on in my life (my mom is in the end stages of cancer), but I would love to try to help out in some way. I have a brand new American Girl doll outfit that I would be happy to donate to your raffle. I can e-mail you a picture and description if you would like - just let me know!

    Blessings, Ashley
    ashley.ashlynnrose@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi! I'm following both blogs! Praying for your fundraising and your precious little one. Feel free to apply to our fund www.abrotherslove.org
    Many blessings!
    Joy

    ReplyDelete
  19. I follow Kami's story and saw your story and it touched my heart. I made a small donation and will keep you in my prayers. What a wonderful thing you are doing.

    Blessings'
    Janet Cowan

    ReplyDelete
  20. I've seen a video of your sweet Khloe via Carrie @ Signs of Hope. I discovered her blog after ordering aprons from Scarlet Threads! We've always wanted to adopt a little girl from China so my heart and prayers are with you on this journey.

    We are happy to chip in $10! I'm now a follower of both of your blogs, posted an entry on my blog & linked back, grabbed your button (it's on my right sidebar above followers) and posted your link on my facebook page.

    ReplyDelete
  21. What great prizes you are giving away...I would love any of them! I have 12 entries: commented on post, donation chip-in, posted on my blog and linked it back here, grabbed your button, follow this blog, and follow your family blog!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh Tanya! The time is here - I am so thankful that God has brought you this far & that the finances have been covered to this point - it's amazing, isn't it? I have been absent for a while, but I am praying for you tonight & for Khloe Mei's heart as the time for her to leave her "China Family" draws near. I absolutely cannot wait to see you meet this baby girl and bring her home (so *I* can meet her!) lol!!

    I think I am earning 8 entries :) Maybe more if the fundraiser is open long enough! I know every little bit helps :)

    Hugs from your "southern" neighbor,
    Sara

    ReplyDelete
  23. Tanya, We are so thrilled for all of you and can't wait to see Khloe in your arms!! You know how much we love you all and have prayed for this time to come! We wish we could help more but we did leave a $25+ donation...talk to you soon.
    Rhonda

    ReplyDelete
  24. Praying for EVERYONE involved and that have Khloe in your arms VERY soon!!

    I donated (at least I hope it worked) last night. It kept freezing up on me. I'm still waiting to see if it processed, but if it didn't...I'll do it again. :)

    Fundraiser button on my blog over on the right side!

    Follower of this blog

    Follower of your family blog

    And will continue doing more sharing about Khloe on my own!!!!! :)

    So thankful Kami shared about ways to help you!

    God Bless

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hello! I am visiting from Kami's blog and sending lots of thoughts and prayers to you and your family! I ChippedIn $25- if I could have given more I surely would have! Good luck and many blessings on your travels, your new daughter, and your whole family as you complete this journey.

    Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
  26. Good Grief! Where have I been? You have your TA!!!!! Fabulous news!
    Heading over to chip in!!

    Blessings,
    Diana

    P.S: How fun to have such a talented sister.. I LOVE her bags!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Just found your blog - congratulations to you! You are so close to holding that sweet little daughter of yours in your arms now! I am in the process of donating on your chip in and becoming a follower!

    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  28. Just found your blog. We just brought home our sweet daughter from Beijing. It was an amazing, total God experience. Praying you hold your daughter soon.

    I just became a follower on your blog. Stop by and see my sweet girl!
    Amy
    www.1001tears.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Tanya-
    Just posted on my blog, on facebook, and became a follower. I hope my efforts help!!
    Hugs,
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
  30. Ok Tanya, Hope I tallied this up right...commenting(1), Donation(10), posting(2), adding button(2), follower(1), family blog follower(1)...total 17.

    Love you!

    Tam

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello friend!
    So... I'm a little late with my comment. Let's see...here's what I've done:
    donation
    following your blog
    comment
    and I'm going to add your button to my blog!

    This is getting really exciting! Can't imagine how excited you must be! Well, actually.. I think I can imagine!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Best Wishes for y'all!
    I posted your blog to my facebook!

    -Ashley Onanian
    crashbeauz@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. So sweet, I decided to help you get your sweet baby girl home because I was expecting a baby, with a due date of May 2, and lost this baby back in October. I figured if I couldn't have my sweet little one, I could hopefully help you bring home yours! Good luck and my prayers are with you!

    I follow this blog.
    I made a $10 contribution.

    ReplyDelete
  34. You are so close, I am in for $10, I will grab a button for the side bar on my blog and will follow here. I can also put your story on my facebook page (are we friends there yet?) Okay so I don't know how many that is, but here I go! Good luck and praying you will reach your goal!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your comments... I love hearing from YOU!