World Malaria Day

Today is World Malaria Day.

I have seen malaria up close and personal many times.  I have held children burning with fever and losing consciousness from a disease that can be prevented and treated.

Our son Emmanuel had severe malaria when we first met him in Ghana.  We spent days treating him, praying he would live.  Thankfully we were educated and knew what to do to get him help.  Many parents aren't so lucky.  They don't have anyone to tell them the truths of malaria.

• A child dies from malaria every 60 seconds
•  Most of the children are under 5 years old
• In 2010, almost 600,000 children in Africa died from malaria
• Malaria is preventable, treatable, and curable
• The testing and treatment for a single person infected with malaria costs less than $3
• The average cost of a mosquito net is $4 – too expensive for most Ugandan families who live on less than $2 a day.

Hope Grafted In is blessed to partner with Healing Faith in Uganda.  Healing Faith is a ministry that provides medical care and malaria education, while sharing the love and grace of Jesus.  I was able to spend time with them a few months ago.  We spent the day providing malaria education in the village of Kagoma Gate.

I will never forget our time meeting with one mother.  She opened up and shared her story with us.  She had lived a hard, tragic life, filled with abuse, death of children, and exile from her home.  She didn't know what caused malaria in her children, but she did know that she had lost 4 of them to the disease.  I can still see the fear in her face grow into understanding as we walked her through the truths about malaria.  How it was prevented and treated.  And then we provided her humble home with a net.

I am ashamed to think of how I felt that day.  It was tedious, endless work walking from home to home, talking with people through an interpreter, checking in on others that had already received education.  I was hot and it smelled.  At times, it even seemed to not produce the results I was sure that it should be.  There were people that had received the education that didn't appear to be living any differently.  And I was there for 3 hours.  Good grief.  My friends give their lives to this work.  Even if that mama was the only person that day that heard truth and felt God's love, isn't that valuable and important work?  Isn't that more than enough?

If going after one sheep is good enough for Jesus, it is good enough for me.

My family in Christ across the globe needs our help.  The goal is to raise $25,000 in one week to allow Healing Faith to purchase a fully-equipped Mobile Malaria Vehicle that will allow the team to reach the villages year round. Malaria peaks during the rainy season – the time when it is the hardest for the Healing Faith team to reach the villages due to poor road conditions. This vehicle will enable them to reliably reach the villages regardless of the weather and will be a huge blessing to their ministry.

I pray you will join me in BITING BACK with Healing Faith TODAY!

Update 4/26/2014--Over halfway there.  GO GOD!  Get in on the fun today by giving below!

At times ministry can be exciting and inspiring.  At times it can be weary.  Hope Grafted In is a blessing, a God-thing, and I am more passionate about it now then when God began this work over a year ago.  But a ministry that has the ominous task of continuous fundraising and asking of others makes me grow weary at times.

Just like anything in life, it comes with ebbs and flows, ups and downs.  Today I want to share a story that lifts me up.  It is for the moments like this that I have renewed strength and refreshed energy to serve.

A couple weeks ago I received an email from the Director of Sangaalo Babies, my dear friend Damalie.  She shared of a new little boy the home had received.  His story so far in his 3 months of life at first glance appears tragic.  More horrific than one could imagine.  A story of incest, rape, and attempted murder.  But he is a child of the King and has been rescued into a new life.

Damalie gave me the honor of naming the little boy.  I gave him the name Gabriel, after my husband and our daughter.  A name I hope will bring him protection and strength.  A name that for our family means so much.

Three years ago today our daughter, Gaby, went to be with Jesus.  God has taught me so many things over the past 3 years through the gift of being Gaby's momma.  The layers of learning appears to be lifelong.

Two sweet babies with not much in common in many respects other than they are loved by a GREAT big God that created them for GREAT purposes.  They both are so many things for so many people.  For me, today they are a reminder of God's sovereignty, His goodness, and His faithfulness.

I pray that each day of baby Gabriel's life he feels the love of Jesus.  I am thankful to know that he is receiving loving care and has a home.  He has a family.  I am honored to be a small part of that.

I hope that God's plan includes Gabriel living a long healthy life and that I will be able to meet him in October on our trip.  But if I have learned nothing else in the past 3 years it is that God's ways are so much greater than my plans.  If His plan is to heal Gabriel and take him to heaven, what a blessing.

I will be sharing more here in the coming weeks about how you can be a part of Gabriel's story.  As God speaks, I pray you will listen.

heart, mind, or spirit?

Today is my last day in Cape Coast.  Tomorrow Emmanuel and I will travel back to Accra to pick up his visa and hopefully head home.  On the way tomorrow we are stopping to visit E’s family home and village.  I am anxious about that, but it is something that I want to do.  Have pictures and memories to share with him as he gets older and asks.

It has been a blessing to spend time here again at this hotel that Gabe and I were at in October.  While the lizards and the cold trickling shower and I don't get along, the staff here are like family.  One sweet woman, Mary, has been so enjoyable to talk to.  She has a son that is 1 and she is very good with Ema.  I asked the hotel owner if I could give some of E's clothes and toys to Mary as a gift for her son as I didn't want to get her in any trouble.

She came today to get the things as she isn't working in the morning when we will be leaving.  We talked more about her son and how she was off work now and would walk home to where her mother was caring for him.  She asked if I would ever come back to Ghana.  I told her that Gabe and I hoped one day to bring our whole family here when Emmanuel was older so he could see his country, but that I didn't know when that would be as it cost very much to fly 7 people to Africa.

Mary and I have had several past conversations about her faith and mine.  She went to church on New Year's Eve for 5 hours.  She surely is committed!  I teased her to go and say a prayer for me, because I gould be sleeping.  The next day she said she spent much time praying for Emmanuel and me and that we'd be able to go home on Friday.  Sweet lady.

She told me she would like to not work at the hotel and open a shop so she could be with her son.  If she had money, she could do that.  Oh dear.

My heart wanted to jump up and go and give her money.  She had never asked me for anything before and was visibly embarrassed to be asking this.   I mean good grief, how many women in America have the joy of staying at home with their children if they choose?  I am able to work and be with my children.  Why shouldn't this sweet momma have that same gift?  How many friends do I know that are able to have the career of their dreams at the snap of their fingers if they want it?  Why shouldn't she be able to follow her dream?

My head said, "You idiot, you read When Helping Hurts.  Don't go doing anything stupid that makes her lose her job waiting for promises from you.  She has a good job here.  She works hard at it and provides for her son.  You can't save everyone.  She needs Jesus to be her Savior, not you."

So, I decided to let my spirit lead...or rather His Spirit in me.  I asked Mary about her dream of owning a shop.  She told me she'd like to sell materials and shoes.  Things that mothers and children would need.  I encouraged her and told her this is a very good dream as we chatted more about it.  I told her that she should keep planning and thinking of the ways she would run her shop.  That she should keep working at this good job and try and take money from each paycheck and put it away towards her dream.  I asked her if I could pray for her before she left and it was such a sweet moment with her.

I also gave her my email address and told her I would love for her to write me and keep sharing her life and dreams.  I don't know where that will lead, but if God asked me to help her more, I would jump at the opportunity.

So interesting how one minute I can be looking out into the ocean at the beauty of God and longing for home and the next I am having a chat with a sweet friend that God has placed in my life today.  Such mixed blessings and emotions here in this place.

Trying to take each moment as it comes and find the joy in it.  Today, Mary was a joy.  

it is hard

I had a kind person tell me I shouldn't talk so much on here about how hard visiting Africa or adopting is.  That I may keep someone from doing those things.

I apologize if any of my complaining would EVER cause anyone to not take these steps of faith.  Frankly, if words on a blog keep you from that, you will miss out on the beauty God has waiting for you.

But truthfully, it is hard.  Africa is a hard place.  I have a love-hate relationship with it.  While spending time here can bring such peace, such closeness with Christ, such fun from visiting friends, it can also bring stress.  It can bring out ugliness when the conditions are different than I am accustomed to.  And then when I am feeling annoyed that there are lizards in my room, that I am sweating 24-7, and that I miss my family comes the guilt that good grief, who cares, life goes on.  It is not about me.

So that is my emotional journey of visiting this place I love.  Wonder, Disgust, Guilt, Love repeat.  And repeat I will.  But I hate the flight so much don't ask me right now when I will repeat :)  Give me time to forget how long it took to get here.

And as for my favorite topic...adoption...

Adoption is just plain messy.  Being a parent is hard work.  Don't let anyone tell you any different.   Each journey is different.  Our 2 family adoptions have been as different as night and day.  Just like life.  There is no amount of preparation or planning that can be done that discounts the hand of God at work.  In my perspective, earthly adoption isn't much different than our adoption as sons into God's family.  We are a mess, situations around our lives are hard, and yet God is faithful and pursues us until we are His sons.  And adoption is a life time journey, always changing and growing.

NOW I am not equating myself or Gabe to God, because for heaven's sake I have spent MORE THAN  my share of time in this process whining and complaining and thinking not so great things about Embassy officials and the whole darn process.  Just wait 'til you hear the story of my visa interview this morning!  But when I stop and pray for perspective I am reminded that His ways are higher.

The amazing thing is that in one sweet moment with your child..you know the ones I mean...the look they give you, the smile, the hug, the proud observing you do as they become all God called them to be...you forget all the hard work and pain of parenting.  That is how it works to give you strength for the next hurdle!

Happy New Year!

need your help for a trip

In 3 weeks, Gabe and I were going to be boarding a plane with 16 friends to serve with Visiting Orphans in Kenya and Uganda as trip leaders.  We have been planning this trip for 8 months.  BUT God likes to make His own plans and REALLY screw with ours.

Instead I will be getting on a plane alone in 3 weeks and going to Ghana to spend time with Emmanuel and serve there.

(We prayerfully desire and hope we can again serve God through Visiting Orphans ministry in the future.  We pray for our team, that they will be Jesus' hands and feet and that He will reveal to them what He wants next from them.)

I am SUPER excited, EXTREMELY nervous, and LIVING in planning mode.  Planning for the family here.  Planning for the trip there.  Planning for what Emmanuel needs.  Planning for the places that he and I can go and serve together for the 3 weeks I will be there. (Looking for ministries we can partner with in Ghana.)  Planning for the way that he will be able to come home with me when I fly back on January 17th.

So all the plans aren't in line, but we are stepping out in faith knowing that this is where God is leading.

We could use your help.  Please pray for this trip.  That all the details will fall into place.  That the funds needed for the trip will be here when they are needed.  That God will work and Emmanuel will be able to come home with me.  That regardless of ALL those things, God will receive glory.  That Emmanuel and I will have a sweet time of bonding as mama and son.

To give you an idea of what this trip will cost:
Airfare:  $3500
Lodging: $450 (good thing I am low maintenance!)
Meals:  $5 each twice a day for both of us
Transportation:  $100
Adoption Fees:  $1000
Communication with back home:  $200

Is there a piece of that you can help with?  A $5 piece, a $100 piece?

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to this part of our adoption, you can do that through Lifesong.  Every gift counts.  There is none too small.  We need about $2000 more at this stage.

Mail checks to: Lifesong for Orphans PO Box 40 202 N Ford St. Gridley, IL 61744

Or donate online here.

Designate your gift:  Brown #2595 Adoption

We will be purchasing airline tickets this weekend, before they jump up again in price.  Flying Delta.  If you know anyone who can donate airline miles, please contact us quickly.  It takes about 75,000 miles to get me over there and home.  And 50,000 to get E home.

Please join us in watching God unfold this next step in our family's life as we strive to continue making it all about HIM.

Gifts That Matter

Christmas time is so fun.  I love all the traditions.  I love spending more time in the overly decorated, a tad gaudy house with the treasures God has blessed me with.

But I can't shake the sick feeling I get in my stomach thinking of all the things that this season can do to a person...a otherwise REALLY good person that loves Jesus.  So many people rack up the debt.  They spend a ton of money to give a gift that most likely won't even be liked...much less used.  They get all greedy and open presents thinking, "Well this is junk.  What is next?"

We do it here too.  Don't get me wrong, I am not perfect (surprise!)  And I love to give gifts.  I love the surprise on the face of my kids when they open something and it is just what they wanted.  I love hearing my two year old look through the Toys R Us ad and say "I want this for Christmas as one of my three gifts."  We do that 3 gifts thing...each kid gets 3 gifts and then a few little pieces of junk in their stocking :)

BUT I love even more hearing my children read their Bible verses each day that I made this year and slipped into our candy Advent Calendar.  LOVE even more having them ask me if we have wrapped our gift for Alice, the little girl we sponsor, yet.  LOVE even more hearing one of them explain to another why we celebrate Christmas the way we do in our home.

If you are over the Christmas gifting tragedy in our country.  If you want to give a gift that matters.  If you want to HONOR the person you are giving to.

Try this.

Hop over to my friend Christie's blog and make a donation to help them reach their $10000 (yeah that is the right amount of zeros!) matching gift and read about all the great things God is going to do with that gift!

Purchase a brick at my friend Amy's home and ministry, Village of Hope in Guatemala.  There are A LOT of places I could send you to do this, but this post says it best for me!




Visit our website and see your gifting options.




God will continue to do HIS work in each of these precious ministries.  He leaves you with the choice to be a part of HIS work or not.

What better gift to give this Christmas than Jesus.

A COURT DATE

So it has been A LONG time since I chatted on here about our family's adoption from Ghana.

The biggest and best news is that we just received a court date...OCTOBER 18th.  Please be in prayer for these things:

• Pray that the remaining costs for travelling are raised.  
• God is faithful and so far we have been able to pay all of the adoption ransom for our son.  We are still in need of our travel funds for the 2 trips to Ghana we will make in the next 4 months.  If you'd like to help, you can donate here.  Thank you.

• Pray that court will go smoothly and the judge will grant us a full and complete adoption.
• Pray that we will be able to submit our I600 form at the US Embassy in Ghana (This makes the rest of the "bringing him home process" go more smoothly.)
• Pray for the 10 days that we are in Ghana and our other children are here at home.
• Pray that we will bond with our son as he will be with us the entire time we are in Ghana.
• Pray that the time will go quickly until we can return to bring him home.  (typically 3-4 months)

Now for explaining about our son Emmanuel.

The last we shared here we were referred to a little boy named Noah.  A few months ago we learned that the area of Ghana that Noah lives in has been closed for adoptions.  After investigating this thoroughly and praying over it endlessly, our family decided to accept another referral. We are sad that Noah and the other children in his region will have to wait to be adopted, quite possibly for years.  But we know that God loves those children so much more than we do and He knows what is best for their lives.

So we accepted the referral of a little boy named Daniel.  In Ghana as they were setting our court date, one of Daniel's family members came and chose to adopt Daniel into their family.  We were surprised by this news, but rejoice that Daniel will have a loving family in his country.  

Within minutes we received a photo of our third referral, Emmanuel.  AND NO, we aren't making these names up.  These really our these little boys given names.  We laugh that they are all Biblical and that now we are adopting the Son of God.  We are sure this is NOT a coincidence, but further proof of the story that God is weaving in their lives and ours.

We didn't anticipate court this soon, but here we are.  Gabe and I will travel October 14-24 and have court, file our I600 at the Embassy, spend 10 days with Emmanuel, and then travel home.  Then we wait for the US government to determine that he can come home and we go back to Ghana and bring him home.  That wait is typically 3-4 months.

Throughout this process, amazingly, we have been filled with peace.  We have seen God work through our lives in adoption in the past.  We know that the winding path He is guiding us on leads to our son and for that fact we remain hopeful and steadfast.  God will not allow anyone but the son that He predetermined as a Brown from the beginning of time to enter our home.  Doesn't get much more peaceful than that.  He knows what He is doing and we rest in that.

As we have more information and are able to share it we will.  For now, please pray for our family and these times of transition.

We pray that you are able to rest in God's peace daily.

Kenya VO trip pics

Very proud of Gabe and Keaton as they returned from Kenya VO trip yesterday!

Pity Parties are not Pleasant

I have been throwing myself my own personal pity party the past couple days.

First let me start by saying that my dear friend, Amber, arrived in Kenya and began serving at Haven of Hope.  In chatting with her and various things going on in her and there, I really wanted to be there with her.  Thinking, oh how great it would be for us to go into town together.  We could find an internet cafe, a place she could get a semi-American meal when she needs to.  We could work out a schedule for her of what she can fill her days with.  We could worship God together at Fiwagoh (had to make some of my thoughts good ones!)

Then Nellie, my dear friend and Director at Haven, went into pre-term labor and delivered her beautiful baby boy, Sean, 6 weeks early.  Last night when she text me to tell me that he was born I was freaking out.  He is so small.  What type of care will he receive there?  Can we raise funds to cover the costs of all that neonatal intensive care?  I again longed to be there.  Thinking, I have experience with this.  Maybe my time with my preemie girls was to prepare me to help Nellie.  Should I fly there?  Why does Gabe get to go on this Visiting Orphans trip?  He doesn't even appreciate it.  He's never been there to miss those people.  I ache to be with them so much I can hardly stand it.

OK, I won't share any more of my private insane thoughts lest you think I am more crazy than you already do.

WHO DO I THINK I AM?

Oh my word.  You'd think I would know by now that this isn't about me.  I am not the answer to anyone's problem.  Why in the world do I NOT know enough to not freak out that God has it all under His control, that He is faithful, that He loves them all infinitely more than me.

Amber had a productive day today taking children to get their HIV meds.  More about that at her blog.  She is already messaging me about plans for helping Beatrice and Lucy (aren't they cute?) get better nutrition and working on the Haven budget.  GOD WORKING IN HER.

Baby Sean is 6 weeks early, weighs 1.8 kgs, and was born 22 hours ago in Kenya.  He is already out of his incubator, breastfeeding, and is going home with his mama tomorrow.  I mean, really, look at him, could he be any more perfect?  GOD WORKING IN HIM.

I think I will spend more time on my knees praising my Savior.  Less time worrying about why I can't be in the center of every solution.  No more pity parties (for this week at least until I forget again!)

 More time remembering that He has got this.

HOT MC

A chance to change a life and get 31 products at the same time!

Check out our Hostess Of The Month Club and email me if you want to be in the club!  Can ship to anywhere in the US!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/99221739

Check out 31 products here to see what you can get.

And here is a sample of a monthly special so you get the idea!

Sangaalo

God has been building a partnership between Hope Grafted In and Sangaalo Babies, a baby cottage in Jinga, Uganda.  Amber was blessed to serve there in March and we will be visiting in December.  We were blessed to provide her ministry with a HGI grant in May, and hope to help again in the future.  We sent a camera over to the director, Damalie, and are working at setting up a child sponsorship program for her.

Damalie sent me an update email yesterday that she was praising God for a new home and her and the children had tears of Sangaalo (joy) over all God had done.

I love how God sends exactly the right people at exactly the right time to take care of His children.  I read this blog post this morning with tears running down my face at the realization that this home, these babies, this sweet lady was our Damalie.  Read it and stand amazed.  God is so good and serving Him is good.

http://joiningthejourney.blogspot.com/2012/07/who-knew-he-did-uganda-day-2.html

Hope Grafted In

Donate through Paypal to Hope Grafted In. Your gift will go to support orphans, widows, and adopting families and is tax deductible.

Guest blog post from my friend Amber.

I get a lot of questions about how everything works between Haven of Hope and this non-profit stuff, and what my role in all of it is, so hopefully this will help explain it.


Who We Are:

Shelley at Haven

When I began this journey to Kenya, I did not do it alone.  My teammate and new friend, Shelley Brown, was right there with me.  When we had first visited Haven of Hope, my heart was immediately drawn to this place and the woman who ran it.  Upon returning, I came to realize that they had touched Shelley even more.  So when I started talking to her about what God was stirring in my heart, she said "go! and let's stand up for this place together".  God had already been showing her a glimpse of all the things He wanted to do there.  The more we talked about how she saw that and the more we talked about where God was leading me, the more we began to see this great partnership the LORD was creating.  I love how He planned long before we ever knew.  I love how He joined our lives for such a time as this.  So through our new relationship, and a friend Shelley had in her home church, the three of us began the process of setting up a non-profit organization in order to be equipped to move forward. (and by us, I mean mostly Shelley!)   Thus the birth of Hope Grafted In.  Currently a 501c3 in the state of Indiana (federal status in progress), we want to speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves.  For as God grafts hope into our hearts and lives, Hope Grafted In desires to pour out His love and hope to orphans, widows, and adopting families through financial support and encouragement.


What We Do:

We feel the LORD is directing us to put all our resources and efforts toward Haven of Hope here in the beginning.  Shelley has worked tirelessly on developing the child sponsorship program where monthly sponsors help fund school fees, uniforms, and meals.  Discussion is under way on equipping HOH to become self sustainable through multiple avenues. We also hope to work closely to help them learn how to manage their new finances.  All while focusing on cultivating our relationships with them in order to reflect the Light of Him to this dark world.

The Future:
Obviously we will move how and when God calls us to, but the prayer is to take these models into other orphanages/ministries and begin implementing them there.  In addition, we desire to move into a position of offering adoption grants to individual families.  Ultimately our hearts long to follow Him and we are anxious to see where He leads.


Partner with Us:
If you are interested in partnering with us, you may either sponsor one of Haven's children at $35 a month, or you may make a general donation to help us with start up costs and future projects.  You may do both here, be sure to select Haven of Hope in the 'budget'.  Or you may write a check payable to Hope Grafted In and mail it to 11124 Pine Orchard Cove, Fort Wayne, IN 46845.  More info on HGI child sponsorship here.


Hopefully that has cleared a few things up.  Thank you for supporting us in this new adventure as we seek to live out Proverbs 31:9 "Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice."  We cannot do it alone.


Posted by Amber at 12:18 PM

SPEAK UP Benefit

Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute! Proverbs 31

April is a special month in our family, more about that here...Once again as a family this year we are pausing in April to do something for others that honors Gaby and Macy and most of all OUR SAVIOR.  So here we go...

HOPE BAGS

The SPEAK UP benefit is a chance to make a difference in the lives of children at two special places, Joe DaMaggio Children's Hospital in Florida and Haven of Hope in Kenya.

Your donation provides a child in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Joe DaMaggio with a thermal tote (to hold their snacks or meds later) filled with bible verses and things to encourage them and bring them hope.  A HOPE BAG.  25% of sales of totes and any over and above donations will go to trip expenses for our friend Amber who is moving to Haven of Hope in July to serve GOD and the children there.

So this project is a little bit full circle for us...helping the children where Gaby and Macy began life and where we began our journey with them...and helping children in the new place God has called us to minister in Kenya.

Steps to your $17.33 donation that will change lives...

• Find the tote here.
• Search for item 3000 (thermal tote).
• Pick the pattern you want to donate.
• Check "no" for personalization. (Unless you want to put a word or phrase on there in which case your donation will be $25.42.)
• Select "ship to host" checkbox so the totes come here for filling with encouragement!
• Checkout and you are done.  

After your $17.33 donation, other things you can do...

• If you feel led to donate over and above, just chip-in here...

• Interested in Thirty-One products for yourself or others as gifts?  Email me about having a party or placing an order.
• Want to include a special message or bible verse inside your tote to the PICU child that will receive it? E-mail me!

ALL DONATIONS NEED TO BE PLACED BY APRIL 23RD.

Limited Edition Rag Dolls

So excited about some things coming to the blog in April.  God is working and can't wait to share so you can all be encouraged and look for the ways He is moving in your lives as well.

Check out these Limited Edition Rag Dolls we are highlighting in our Etsy shop.  My friend Amber and her family and friends MADE these.  100% of proceeds are for Amber's adoption. She is going to Kenya in July to live at Haven of Hope Orphanage and serve the children there! The kids at Haven will also each receive a rag doll because of your purchase. Your doll will come with a picture of a child at Haven to pray for!  Give 1, Get 1!


Go get yourself one or two...

Impact Zambia 100

Join us to IMPACT lives in Zambia...   

"Hi.  My name is Richard.  I am in grade 7.  I stay with my sister, Josephine.  I have three brothers and two sisters.  My other sister attends Lifesong and is in grade 5.  Her name is Emelia.  My mother stays in a village far away.  My father died in 2006.  Thank you for supporting me and may God bless you and add more days to your life.  My favorite subject is art."

Richard is just ONE of the 253 students that we are blessed to serve at Lifesong Zambia.  He is also one of the students that will be moving on to grade 8 this fall.  

 Without the construction of new classrooms, Richard may join the 95% of Zambian children that are not able to attend High School. 

 Will you join us in impacting the lives of children like Richard?

To add to the excitement--thanks to a generous donor, all donations will be matched up to $225,000!!  

To join the Impact Zambia 100 team, email Lifesong! Be sure to mention that you heard about this opportunity on our blog (Shelley Brown) as we partner with Lifesong!

for Lifesong

Hope Grafted In Sponsorship

God is working many things together for good with our involvement with Haven of Hope in Kenya, Sangaalo Babies and Ebenezer Children's Home in Uganda.  A non-profit, Hope Grafted In, is currently being set up here in the US that will benefit these and many other orphanage projects.  A website for Hope Grafted In is being developed.  All these things take time, so while we work and wait...no reason we can't begin our sponsorship program!

If you'd like to sponsor one of the children or staff members at the orphanages Hope Grafted In partners...

• First, Email me and request the list of those waiting to be sponsored for you to choose from.  If you prefer Haven of Hope, Sangaalo Babies, or Ebenezer Children's Home indicate that in your email please.
• Choose a child or staff member and commit to being their sponsor.
•  Commit to pray for the person you choose.
•  Commit to write, send gifts to your person.  The relationship that you build will instill in them the gifts of love, trust, and hope.  Your words and interactions mean more than you know.
• Commit to support your person by donating the sponsorship fees if applicable.

• Make your tax-deductible sponsorship payments for your person here. 
• Select Recurring Monthly Support Fee:  And enter your sponsorship fee for the person or persons you sponsor
• Select your person's orphanage  from the budget dropdown menu
• Enter your person's name in the "Notes" section
• Email me back and let me know you did this and I will send out your packet!

The Benefits of being a Sponsor...

• Receive a picture of your child or staff member so you can begin praying for them by name.
• Receive periodic updates from the Director of the orphanage on the ministry.
• Receive an e-newsletter on the ministry.
• Opportunity to schedule a video chat with your child or staff member.*
• Opportunity to visit the ministry through a Visiting Orphans team trip to Kenya or Uganda.
• Receive a mailing address where you can ship gifts, cards, letters to your person.
• Any monetary donation is tax deductible and you will receive a year-end giving statement.
  
  

*We hope to set up a schedule that you can sign up to Skype with your person.  This will always be determined by what is best for the ministry and the inconsistent internet connections in Africa!

HGI Child Sponsorship Brochure
Sponsorship Agreement

Blessings!

Fantasy Basketball with a purpose?

If I know the reader of this blog, many of you won't even know what this is.  But your husbands will!

Around this house we do.  The coming weeks are definitely MADNESS in our state.  We have a CRAZY dad that loves basketball and the tournament that brings to a close the NCAA Men's Basketball season is a BIG DEAL.

This year we are partnering with our dear friend, Amber Lewis, to help make the basketball tournament fun for families at the same time we raise money for a missions trip to Africa.

Amber was on my Visiting Orphans trip to Africa in October.  She is going back in a couple weeks and then in July to live at Haven of Hope, the orphanage in Kenya we partner with.  You can join this group and help send her to Africa TWICE! Our family just purchased 6 brackets!  If we win, AMBER gets our prize money!  And our family is doubling her prize money to $200 because we love her and believe that God is using her to accomplish His purposes.  Read her heart in this letter!

$10 per bracket (you may set up a maximum of 3) and the winner receives $100 (now $200)!! Brackets may be filled out on March 11th and changes can be made until play begins on March 15th. Follow this link to register yourself and then once she receives your money you will get the group password. Use paypal and send the fee as a personal gift option to amber.lewis@yahoo.com.  If you don't have paypal, e-mail me to pay by check or cash.


Email me with any questions.  Selection Sunday is the 11th and brackets will become available through the online group after that!  Tournament play begins March 15th.  SO get moving and sign up here!  Please share!

A sweet friend at Caanan took pictures of some of the children with the Christmas cards our family sent.  These pictures and smiles are a priceless gift.

And while we are still working on the logistics of the sponsorship program at Haven of Hope, the website is done and it is awesome!  Way to go Brett Kozimor!

Merry Christmas!