It takes a Village . . .

I think it's safe to say that we've all heard the common saying "It takes a village to raise a child."  Well, as we move forward into the HOME STUDY phase of our adoption journey, I definitely keep rolling that phrase over in my mind.  We live in the wonderful community of Fort Mill, South Carolina. Our neighborhood of Baxter, was actually planned out to be a "front porch" neighborhood, modeled after 1950's ideals and "the good ole days" of sitting on your front porches, chatting with your neighbors . . . opposing our tech savvy generation of "screen time" and isolation.  I'm starting to see and experience the two lifestyles merging together as we have been blessed with online cheerleaders and community friends and neighbors joining our journey. Over the past weeks, we have witnessed the generosity of loved ones coming alongside us financially and through prayer to bring in the FULL FEE required to start our home study.  We have also praised the Lord over friends and neighbors joining the cause HelpOrphans737.org to sponsor children in the orphanage we are helping in Titanyen, Haiti (we are still praying for the remaining orphans to be sponsored).

I have been asking the Lord to give me BRIGHT IDEAS about how to fundraise for our adoption from Haiti. The tough reality is that I'm NOT that creative, or crafty, or ingenious when it comes to fundraising. The best thing Phil and I have going for us is the wonderful four children God gave us (who BEG to have lemonade stands, car washes, and bake sales, etc.) and the fact that we live in such an amazing community.

We brainstormed as a family, and the kids came up with some AWESOME ideas . . . from American Idol shows, to cotton candy sales, to sewing pillows, freethrow contests  . . .the list goes on. After some prayer and some investigation, we made a plan to take baby steps by trying one idea at a time.

Our first baby step is DOUGHNUTS, yes, you heard it right, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.  You may soon see our family out in front of our house, or walking with our wagon, or going door to door to sell doughnuts.  Believe me, this is the first of many humbling factors we must endure on this adoption journey. I'm sure we will be humbled many more times, but, IT'S TOTALLY WORTH IT!!  We have committed as a family to do whatever it takes to make a difference in the life of a child.  Our hearts and our home are open   . . .  we desperately long to make an impact in the lives of Orphans in Haiti . . . . YES! IT MAY TAKE A VILLAGE . . .  But with the Lord's help and working together we can do it! 

Please keep us in your prayers  . . .  and feel free to share more ideas :)