Adoption T-Shirts are in!!!!!!!!

They are finally in!!!! We just received our shipment of our adoption t-shirts. We designed them ourselves and had Mike Hopper Promotions print them! I have to give props to Mike for his patience and diligence with us (me) to perfect our shirts. We love them! Our design is uniquely ours and has meaning behind many of the features on the shirts. We, of course, chose the continent of Africa as a symbol of the birthplace of our children, the culture in which they are a part of and where they currently reside. The heart placed in the specific region of Ethiopia, because a piece of our heart is there, and will forever remain even after our children are home with us. The puzzle feature is unique to this specific adoption. God is really placing the pieces together for us, step by step. He has not sent us a lump sum that would provide for the total need of the adoption. Instead He has stayed true to His character, walking with us through each step, hurdle, celebration and praise. He is keeping us dependent on Him daily. With each step we take toward reaching our financial goal, He has placed beautiful stories, encouragement and the opportunity to share our faith with others. The puzzle is also unique in that each and everyone of YOU can be a piece of the puzzle of deliverance for these children. It will all fit together into one fantastic story that brings glory to God. The distressing effect on the continent symbolizes the plight of orphans everywhere. Distress can come from lack of love and nurturing, lack of adequate food, water and sanitation, lack of medical needs being met, lack of support and encouragement, lack of family and any combination of these. There are too many needs that go unmet to be named. This is felt here, there and everywhere the orphan can be found. It is the distress of the orphan crisis in our world. We have added one of our favorite scripture verses found in the chapter of John to the front of our shirt, that sums up exactly why we are in the midst of such a seemingly crazy venture. "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." Jesus said that. The same Jesus that whispered to us...."Go."

I felt very adamant that we tie everything together for anyone who made a purchase on the back of the t-shirt. It reads "I am one piece of the puzzle that is solving the orphan crisis!" Anyone who takes a part in bringing relief to the orphan is a piece of this grand puzzle. This does not merely represent our adoption. There is a much bigger puzzle to figure out, but if we all do our part it can be solved. Do I think that means we are all supposed to run out there and adopt? No, not necessarily. There are so many ways to be involved. We can sponsor children through various programs to help assure that these children do not become victims of the orphan crisis. Support your local families with fundraising. Go on a mission trip to help serve in an orphanage. Send supplies! There are so many other ways. And we ended the shirt with another verse "Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8; words to live by daily!

Our shirts are for sale for $20 each. We have sizes ranging from 12 months all the way to 3XL. We would love to see nothing more than familiar faces amidst a sea of blue! Not only because it means money for our adoption, but because it means we are maybe bringing some awareness to the orphan crisis. If you are local, you can pay directly to us and we can hand deliver your shirt, or they can be purchased through paypal on our blog site and mailed out. Just click the DONATE button on the left column of our main page and it will take you directly to paypal. Consider supporting our adoption! YOU GET A REALLY COOL SHIRT!! If you do, send us photos of you in your shirt! We could use the encouragement!