Fundraising? Again?! WHY??

When we adopted Peter, we did a lot of fundraising. A lot. We tried very hard to make our fundraisers family fun and to make sure that everyone got something out of it. This time around we had planned it to be a bit different. We did fundraising in the beginning, we would use our adoption tax credit for travel, and maybe do some fun little fundraisers for spending money. Well..that was our plan.

As previously mentioned, we did not qualify for the tax adoption credit. It's still crazy but it is what it is. We did fundraising in the beginning of this adoption and we have used all that money. That money did apply to this adoption. It paid for all the paperwork that we needed to get done to get to the point where we are today. So please know if you have supported us so far, your money has been used to bring Elise home. Our timeline was different with Peter. We could not do any paperwork until we had locked him in. This time around we have all the paperwork done and then we locked Elise in. When we locked Peter in, we had 11 months until travel. This time we have four months. All we have left money wise is travel. Travel just happens to be the biggest expense in adoption. It's best to figure $20,000 with flights and everything.

We are working very hard at having fun fundraisers. It would be great to have a big one so we do not have to have several small ones. People have mentioned golf tournaments, tennis tournaments, and 5k's. While these are great ideas, I do not know anything about golf and tennis, you have to spend money to make these successful and it's the hottest time of the year right now. So, unless someone knows how to do these and wants to guide me in it, I do not think these are our best options.

So....where do we go from here?? We plan on selling planning t-shirts, Eric is still selling coffee, (check it out!!) we will put together the cookbook, a give back night at a restaurant, garage sale, (start saving your stuff for us!) and try to come up with some family fun things! Abi is planning a drop off day camp and bike-a-thon. (She must pay for her travel this time around) Our awesome friend Allison will be selling compelled jewelry for us. You know you want to check it out before it arrives! If you know of any fun fundraisers, please let us know. We really do not want to overwhelm our friends and family by asking for money over and over. Please do not feel compelled to come just because you are our friends. God is going to provide!!! We know this!! We appreciate your prayers as we see how He answers our prayers but especially answers Elise's prayers!

Introducing.....

Our new daughter Elise Day An Xin Hong!

Elise is 9.5 years old and her special need is ametropoia, a disorder of the eyes. We are hoping to travel in October! (Let the fundraising begin!) Here is a bit of the back story along with how we (I) chose her name.

Back Story: Since we had found out about Tinsley, we had been praying about our next step. We had looked at some files, requested some other files, and prayed. Last week it came down to two. It was so hard to know which girl. They are both so sweet and need a home. We prayed and we cast lots. Yes, we cast lots. But right before we casts lots, Eric had said let's just go with her. So really, casting lots was just the confirmation we needed!

Elise- I have always loved the name Alyse but I didn't care for the "a" sound. I received our first email from our case worker and her name is Elyse. I tucked that away. Months went by and we thought we would be getting Tinsley. I wasn't overly fond of her name because there was no meaning. I am big on meanings. Once we decided to keep pursing adoption, I told Eric one evening that her name was to be Elise Day. Elise means "oath to God." As the months also progressed, I got to know our caseworker better. I fell in love with her heart for children. She was always so quick to pray for us and with us, even other things that were not adoption related to our family and for our friends that were adopting. She is a woman who truly lives out her faith and is trying to change the world for orphans. Our prayer is that our Elise will have a strong passion for Christ and that she will passionately pursue whatever path God chooses for her. Just like Elyse, our caseworker. We are thrilled they will share the same name! *Cool fact-my mom said she actually wanted my middle name to be Elise. God's cool like that!*

Day-All of our children carry the middle name of someone important in our life. If you have known me for a long time, you have had the privilege of meeting my Aunt Carolyne. (She's actually my great aunt.) My aunt Carolyne has always been a huge part of my life and is now a huge part of my kids lives. She never misses one single event they are in or even one birthday party. She always asks about my friends kids and truly cares for them also. She would do anything for you. She is one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. We pray that our Elise DAY will have the same compassion and heart for others as my Aunt KK does. It's an honor and privilege to name our daughter after her.

Here is a video of Elise that you can watch. http://vimeo.com/97606271 (password: Helen) Her sad face just makes me want to cry. She looks as if she has no hope. We cannot wait to hug our sweet girl and tell her that is so very loved, not just by us but by her Creator and Father.

We appreciate your prayers as begin this sprint!! We love you all!