Fall Fundraiser!!

So, the next part of our fundraising endeavors is to begin to raise money for our referral (the referral is the part where we get matched with a child!).  It is the monumental point in this process when we first get to see a picture of our sweet baby.  Although we still have a ways to go before we get to that place (approximately a year - 18 months), we are excited to get to this next step. 

In the meantime, as we wait, we are continuing to pray that God would provide the funds needed to continue.  As I was reading in the book of Amos this morning, God reminded me of the importance of looking back at history to provide assurance in the present. 

"I brought you up out of Egypt and led you forty years in the wilderness to give you the land of the Amorites.  I also raised up prophets from among your children and Nazirites from among your youths."

~Amos 2: 10-11

Over and over we see these reminders throughout scripture.  God calls attention to all the things He has done for the Israelites, not because they are incapable of remembering on their own, but to give them assurance in the present.  To remind them of His faithfulness.   And although I like to think I am different, I am not.  My memory is short-term.  As quickly as God answers one prayer, without the continual reminder of His history of goodness to our family, I forget and begin to worry about the next obstacle.  Praying that "He who began a good work...will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)"

So, looking forward, I am excited to unveil our newest fundraiser.  Drumroll please........My wonderfully talented father-in-law made these Christmas ornaments:

Fall Fundraiser - "One Less" Christmas ornaments

We literally called him with the idea and about three hours later he texted us a sample picture.  He is truly gifted.  A week later, he had made 30 Africa-shaped ornaments for us to sell, and my mother-in-law painted them!  Amazing! 

Our "One Less" ornaments will be selling for $20 apiece.  Message me if you're interested!  ALL proceeds go towards bringing our baby HOME!!

Just as a reminder, there are still a few other continuing fundraisers going on.  Here is a re-cap:

-Photography:  Many of you may know, that Charles has been asked to photograph several weddings over the past couple years.  It is a hobby that he thoroughly enjoys (and one that he is quite good at too, I might add!!).  We’d love to photograph your next event!  Family portraits in the park, pregnancy pictures, weddings, family reunions……all proceeds will go towards bringing our child home!  View sample photos by visiting http://thegregoires.blogspot.com/p/photography.html 




                                -Looking to BUY or SELL your home?   Now I KNOW I've gotten your attention!  I'm sure you're wondering what in the world this could possibly have to do with our adoption, but here it is:  Our good friend, Mary Pappas, is also a realtor with Prudential Rittenhouse Realty Group in Harleysville.  She is highly motivated to sell homes and just so happens to have a heart for adoption!  Mary has offered to donate HALF of her commission towards our adoption costs for anyone who buys or sells a home with her!  Now THAT'S a good friend! :)  I know you will LOVE her!  Mary is incredibly personable, honest, hard-working and absolutely loves people!  If you are looking to buy or sell your home, and are in need of an agent who will work for YOU, you may contact Mary at mpappas@prudentialrittenhouse.com or by phone at (215) 262-4458 (cell) or (215) 256-6543 (office).

We actually just had our first home sold through Mary Pappas!  Thank you Jamie Courts for thinking of us when purchasing your NEW HOME!  And special thanks to our good friends, Mark and Mary for their extreme generosity and heart for the orphan!

                                -Just Love Coffee sale:  Purchase coffee and support our adoption, ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!!  Just Love Coffee knows coffee, and they just so happen to have a heart for orphan-care around the world!  Visit www.justlovecoffee.com/TheGregoires.  $5 from every bag sold will go to bringing our child home.

                                -Book Sale:  Have any little girls in your life?  Looking for a way to combat the message that our society gives them about beauty?  Stephanie Farley, author of the book, "God Made You Beautiful", has offered $2 from every book sale to go towards our adoption.  Perfect for Easter baskets!!  Visit her website at http://www.godmadeyoubeautiful.com/ to place an order today!  Just make sure to include a note that it is for our adoption.  Thanks so much Stephanie!

                               -WOODEN STACKER TOYS:  We really do have some great friends!!!  Our friends, Josh and Tember Heft make homemade, wooden children's stacker toys out of completely organic materials.  They are absolutely beautiful!!  They have offered $5 from every toy sold to go towards our adoption.  You can check out their site at  www.tickitackitoys.etsy.com  Thank you Tember and Josh!!!  <3

We are working on a few more fundraisers for this fall/winter.  We will update you as we add any!  Thanks so much for your support!  It is truly because of the generosity of others that we are even able to BE on this journey!!!  So, so, so, so thankful for His provision (and His continual reminders of it!)!

Kirsten