I am not an adoption advocate...

A friend and I were having coffee last year, and the conversation turned to adoption. She told me she had several friends who had adopted, and then added, "Sometimes I feel guilty. I've never even thought of adopting. Maybe I should."

I know some adoptive parents become very passionate adoption advocates. They feel very strongly about it. 

But that's not me. 

I believe you have to want to do it. When caring for a child who has gone through trauma, grief, loss, and possible abuse, you have to know you were called to do it.

So I'm not an adoption advocate ... but I am an advocate for doing what God has called you to do. And there are some general things that all Christians are called to do, such as loving your neighbor as yourself, showing kindness, forgiving, and taking care of the less fortunate.

One Bible verse says pure and genuine religion in the sight of God means caring for orphans and widows in their distress (James 1:27). How that is accomplished will look different for different folks.


For people like Ken and me, it means to literally take a child (or three) into our home and be their parents. This is what God has called us to do, and while it might get more attention than the person who donates money, it really is no more glamorous nor sacrificial in the eyes of God.

Having said that, some people have asked how they can help us in this adoption process. Right now we have two primary needs.

1. First is prayer. If you are a praying person, we would be honored if you would add us to your list. Pray that our children would feel loved and secure while they wait for their forever family. Pray that they would have enough food to eat, medicine to care for their needs, and loving caretakers to give them hugs and kisses and cuddles. Pray they would be ready to accept the love of a family and be able to attach emotionally to us. Pray for us that we would be wise and loving and ready to add three new lives to our family. Pray that God would provide the resources we need to bring these children home.

2. The second things is a bit more concrete. Our adoptions are pretty much paid for, but we still need funds for air travel. Ken and I have to go to Ethiopia twice--once for court and once to pick up the children, and then we'll need three one-way tickets to bring the siblings home. While we were prepared for the cost of one adoption, or possibly two, we never dreamed we'd be adopting three siblings. 

In order to raise the money we need for the air travel, we've teamed up with a local artisan  to create four artistic designs to sell as a fundraiser.  Each piece is hand crafted and completely original.  

Our prayer is that friends and family will come alongside us and say, "God put it on my heart to purchase some of these items. I'm not doing this out of guilt. I'm not doing it because you're my friend. I'm doing it because I feel called to do it." 

So, if you're interested in purchasing something for yourself or as a gift...and help us raise money to bring D, M and L home, keep reading.


Splendor 
I like to think of the first design as our signature piece. Measuring about 1.5" x 1", this rectangular pendant is engraved with the Bible verse we have prayed for our children. It is perfect for moms, grandmas, aunts, teachers, or anyone who loves kids. I wore it last night when I had dinner with some of my high school friends, and one of them noticed it right away and asked, "Luann, what does your necklace say?" That's the exact goal: it's a conversation starter. The print is small enough that it may be difficult to read, but pretty enough to create an artistic design.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of His splendor. (Isaiah 61:3)

Our adopted children will be uprooted from everything they know and be replanted into our family here in the U.S. Whenever something is replanted, there is a transition time while the plant adjusts to the new soil. Sometimes it looks like the plant won't make it. But once it takes root and is nourished and cared for, it flourishes and grows. That will be our kids...their stories will display His splendor. I am holding onto that promise.

But this promise is not just for adopted children, it's for all of us. Whatever rough patches we've been through, God can redeem those struggles for good and create something lasting and strong...like the mighty oak tree.


Glazed in a concrete-earthy toned color, this organic piece comes with a black cord that can be adjusted to various lengths. We are selling this item for $15, or you can get two for $25.










African Sun

The second piece we're offering is a round, two-sided pendant. On one side is a blazing African sun, and the other side simply says "Shine." I love the simplicity of the message as well as the graphic appeal. Like the previous piece, this pendant comes with an adjustable cord, and it measures about 1.5" in diameter. This necklace looks great with a V-neck shirt as well as a plain shirt that need a bit of pizzazz.

Because each African Sun pendant is individually hand stamped and cut, each piece will be slightly different. The glaze has hints of burnt yellow and dusty blue that reflect whatever color of clothing you're wearing.

We are selling this two-sided pendant for $15 each, or two for $25.




Roots and Wings
When I was discussing our ideas with Linda, the artist who created these pendants, two of her stamps caught my eye. One was an intricate cherry blossom and the other a gentle dragonfly.

I like the contrast between these two symbols: the beauty of the cherry blossom is only produced when it is connected to the tree, which must have roots that go down deep into the soil...and the dragonfly is made to fly, free and unfettered. These two ideas--having roots (knowing where you came from) and having wings (discovering your uniqueness and purpose)--are essential to life.

This two-sided pendant, measuring 1.5" x 1", comes with an adjustable cord and is available for $15 each, or 2 for $25.


Reality Check
I call our final piece Reality Check because that's exactly what it is. There are more than 4 million orphans in Ethiopia. Four Million. I can't even get my head around that number. But Lord-willing, that number will be lessened by three in a few short months.

By purchasing this piece or any of the pendants, you are making the "minus three" a reality. We can't accomplish this without you, and even if we could, we wouldn't want to. We want our children to be raised and loved by a whole community.

Measuring 1.5" long and less than 0.5" wide, this two-sided piece is the perfect size for a key chain. It is also really cute "doubled-up" with one of the other pendants, in a charm necklace or dog-tag style.

This smaller-sized pendant is selling for $10, or $2 for $15. It comes with a silver link key chain holder.

To purchase one of these items, simply leave me a comment or send me an email indicating the pendant you want and the quantity. This is the perfect time to think ahead for teacher gifts as well as Christmas presents.

After placing your order, I will send you an electronic invoice and you can pay directly to our PayPal account using your debit or credit card. Or, if you prefer, cash is always good.

If you live locally, I will personally deliver your purchases. If you don't live nearby, shipping starts at $1.50 per item.

Thanks for reading, praying, and purchasing!

On behalf of our growing family~
Luann