What are your kids doing this summer?

We started this adoption process early last year, putting our application in and waiting.  It seemed like it was such a long shot.  Her file wasn't ready...our agency couldn't get her file...the agency that had her file was in Colorado...there was a waiting list for her...her condition was so severe...and so on and so forth...but...here we are.  God planned for us to be Journey's family.  And now, we are on the final countdown to receive our travel approval to go get her!  Today, I put our visa applications in the mail.  We will be buying plane tickets before we know it!  We have come so far, only by the grace of God.  He has provided for us all along.  Each payment, each step, He has been there, encouraging us all along the way.  Like manna for each day, He has provided.  We are so amazed and so thankful.  To Him be all the glory!

...........

So, guess what?  We could travel in just 4 weeks!  Thanks to the amazing turnout at our Backyard BBQ, we were able to make our payment to Journey's orphanage. ($5500). And thanks to a very special young lady who had her own fundraiser yard sale for Journey, (picture below) we were able to pay Journey's visa application fee of $325 (and it inspired us to try something really cool this summer...wait until you hear it).

We have around $13000 have left to to pay to bring Journey home.  I would love to say that we have $13,000 just lying around, but we don't.  So we got to thinking.  This is so much bigger than Journey.  She is one child, and for her, we are making a difference, but can we do more?  

The special young lady, named Taylor, who held her very own yard sale (her mom helped a little ;)...inspired us to look beyond our local sphere of influence to raise money, not only to finish our adoption of Journey, but to inspire others to SHINE their light, and to make a difference for more orphans.  She took what she had, which she didn't think was very much, and she let her light shine!  She made a difference!  Just think what could happen if we all do something too!  SO...Taylor inspired THE SUMMER SHINE PROJECT...

WHAT:  THE SUMMER SHINE PROJECT

KIDS start a fundraiser project...sell lemonade, cookies, cupcakes, popsicles, dog treats, glow sticks, fill a change jar, have a yard sale...whatever!  The only limitation is your imagination!  We can't wait to see what you come up with!

WHO: Kids of all ages! ( or adults too!)

YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG (or too old) to SHINE.  

WHEN: June 2016

Pick a time that works for you! Think of the time of day and date and get to work!  Just make sure you complete your project and send your photos and donations to us no later than June 30th.  

WHERE: You pick!

Think of a place where people can easily spot you and stop to shop: perhaps the end of your driveway, your culdesac, or a local business that would like to offer their space, or even online...set up something on Facebook.  Remember, if you’d like to use a local business, make sure you get their permission first.

WHY:  To give an orphan hope 

Your project will help us raise money toward the last $13,000 we need to complete our adoption of Journey AND will also help the wonderful organization that has taken care of her so far to continue the work they are doing.  We will donate half of what is raised during the SUMMER SHINE PROJECT to Morningstar Foundation.  We hope to be able to raise enough to help fund a life saving heart surgery for a child like Journey.  (They have paid for her to have two surgeries already.) Find out more about them at http://morningstarproject.org. You will be amazed at what they are doing!

We don't know what the future holds but we pray that the Lord will allow THE SUMMER SHINE PROJECT to be a yearly thing.  We won't be adopting again next summer, most likely, but Morningstar will still be taking in very sick babies who need heart surgeries...and we hope we can help!   Oh, we really hope a lot of kids get involved.  It's summer...why not use this time off from school to SHINE!!!

***As a small way to say thank you, all those who participate in the SUMMER SHINE PROJECT will have their name written on the bag that we will use for Journey.  It will be the bag we take with us to China.  We have already started packing outfits, a blanket, books, pajamas and a stuffed animal Minnie Mouse in her bag.  I can't wait to see her face when she opens it!  Even more, I can't wait to tell her the stories of the people who helped to bring her home!

***And just to add a little fun and encouragement for the kids...anyone who raises over $250 with their SUMMER SHINE PROJECT will receive a surprise pack!  What a great way for kids to start off their summer...shining!

Email us now to sign up at SUMMERSHINEPROJECT@gmail.com , or visit our Facebook page.

When you sign up we will send you a confirmation email with details to get you started.  We would love to see photos of your project and hear all about the fun!  We are so thankful for you partnering with us to make a difference for ONE...and maybe...for more!

Are your kids ready to SHINE this summer?  Email us now!

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."  Matthew 5:16

(Now, we know that not everyone has time to do a project this summer.  So, you can always make a tax deductible donation at www.adopttogether.org/journey .  Just make sure you mark it SUMMER SHINE PROJECT so the donation will also go to Morningstar.)