Thursday, March 22, 2012

Mulligan Stew Update

What a ride it has been!  The Mulligan Stew giveaway has reached the half-way point and over $16,000 has been raised by over 250 different contributors!  The Lord is certainly multiplying our mites and proving Himself mighty once again!

   Keith

Have you ever thought about the day to day life that one of these orphans experience in the worst of the orphanages?  From the different blogs I have read, the children get fed just a couple of times a day.  The "food" is a sludgy, soupy concoction that is forced down their throats as fast as possible, even if it is too hot to be comfortably eaten.  Those unable to eat from a spoon get a propped, heavy glass beer bottle with a nipple filled with the 'food'.  It has a large hole cut in it so the soup comes through very fast.  If they can't handle the flow, then they are drenched and left hungry.

                                                   Ian

Their diapers are changed but twice a day at the most, so their bottoms are covered in sores and rash.  Sometimes their clothes are changed, sometimes not.  Sometimes they are not dressed at all, but left to lie naked.

Other than these interactions, they are left alone.  They rock and moan, they bite their hands, they bang their heads against the crib bars.  They flutter their hands in front of their eyes for entertainment and comfort.  They do not cry.  They have learned long ago that crying does nothing.  Many, many have been found to suffer from broken bones.  Bones broken by 'caregivers' and then left unattended.

How terribly sad.


And yet, there is hope!  There are many families desperately trying to bring children out of these horrid places!  All that is standing between them and their children is money and paperwork.  We can't come alongside of them and help with the paperwork and bureaucracy, but we can, most importantly, blanket them in prayer and help with the money side of things!  Even five dollars helps.  It assists in the costs, but also bolsters the families, knowing that others are aware and supportive of their efforts.


        

The Mulligan Stew giveaway is an awesome chance to help out AND possibly win big!  Click here to see the prizes that are up for grabs.  Give and give as many times as you can before the end of the month. Come alongside and bless these families and help these lovely children!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Praises!

I just have to sing out praises today!  Sweet Bernadette has been chosen by a family!  Please lift them up in prayer as they begin this process to bring Bernadette home.













In other awesome news, the Mulligan Stew Giveaway has raised over $7200 so far!  Thank you for praying and sharing about it.  Click here for updates on the families' totals!
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Mulligan Stew Prizes





The Mulligan Stew giveaway is in full swing! So far, in just three days, $2305.00 has been raised for the ransom of these 30+ precious lives.  Isn't the Lord magnificent in His mercy and grace?  He multiplies our pennies as we trust them to Him.  I thought you may be interested to see all of the wonderful prizes available to those who join together to bring these children home.  This is a long, long, spectacular list! You can see pictures of the prizes here.  Click here to go to the main page and donate.  The more you give, the greater number of entries you have!  You can also accumulate entries as you give daily or weekly as you can.  This giveaway will last until the end of March.

 For now, HERE IS THE LIST OF ALL 83 ITEMS.  Total value is over $4,500.00.

  1. 3RD GENERATION iPAD 16GB WiFi with engraving - $500.00 value - donated by S.
  2. Kindle Fire Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi  - $200.00 value - donated by Molly
  3. Kindle Fire Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi  - $200.00 value - donated by Kelly
  4. Extra $250.00 donation to a waiting child of the winner’s choice
  5. Extra $100.00 donation to a waiting child of the winner's choice
  6. Extra $50.00 donation to a waiting child of the winner’s choice
  7. 250.00 gift card to Bed Bath and Beyond
  8. 250.00 gift card to Best Buy
  9. $100.00 gift card to Vintage Pearl
  10. $100.00 iTunes gift card
  11. $50.00 gift card of your choice
  12. $50 gift card to Bath and Body Works
  13. $25.00 gift card to Old Navy
  14. $25.00 gift card to Fandango
  15. $25.00 Amazon.com Kindle gift card
  16. $25.00 iTunes gift card
  17. $25.00 gift certificate to http://www.handiworkforelijah.blogspot.com/ - This gift certificate will also benefit Lilly 3G on RR
  18. $15.00 gift certificate to Vadas Creation http://www.etsy.com/shop/vadascreations 
  19. $5.00 gift card to Walmart
  20. $5.00 gift card to Walmart
  21. Beautifully and lovingly made Afghan by the M. family - $100.00 value
  22. PUPPY EYES stained glass by Martha Walker - $50.00 value
  23. Handmade Dr. Seuss quilt for a Double bed with ornate and detailed quilting by Heather Vitella-  $400.00 value
  24. Owl purse handmade with love by Brenda - $20.00 value
  25. Owl purse handmade with love by Brenda - $20.00 value
  26. Happy Hartman Handmade soap - $15.00 value
  27. Happy Hartman Handmade soap - $10.00 value
  28. 4 Handmade potholders - Made with hands of love - PRICELESS
  29. Beautiful Dresser Scarf  - $10.00 value
  30. Chain crocheted by seven year old Maggie, who has a very big heart for orphans - Value: PRICELESS!!
  31. Set of cards from Africa - lovingly purchased from an African man in a handcart wheelchair - Priceless
  32. Set of cards from Africa - lovingly purchased from an African man in a handcart wheelchair - Priceless
  33. Set of cards from Africa - lovingly purchased from an African man in a handcart wheelchair - Priceless
  34. E-reader/ipad cover by Missy Breen - $8.00 value
  35. Tag blanket by Shelly Berman - $10.00 value
  36. Two very cute hand puppets by Missy Breen - $12.00 value
  37. Monkey receiving blanket by Kaitlyn - $15.00 value
  38. Pooh receiving blanket by Kaitlyn - $15.00 value
  39. Flower receiving blanket by Kaitlyn - $15.00 value
  40. Beautiful handmade child's quilt donated by Amanda Burlingham - $45.00 value
  41. Homemade hair clips and bow by Jamie Lentz - $20.00 value
  42. Melissa and Doug Vehicle Puzzles in a Box Set - $12.00 value
  43. 100% Highland newborn Booties and Aviatrix baby hat - $20.00 value
  44. ART GIFT SET (Crayola and Elmer's products) - $50.00 value
  45. Handmade doll by Becky Wangerin - $29.00 value
  46. 2 handmade grosgrain ribbon bows. One of the bows is a ladybug and the other is a butterfly. Plus a  bow organizer/holder for the bows. It is a wooden cloud with a long ribbon attached. By Alissa - $15.00 value
  47. Scrabble tile pendant with ball chain necklace. The picture is of a little juice box. By Alissa - $8.00 value
  48. Scrabble tile necklace with ball chain necklace.  The picture is of a flower. By Alissa - $8.00 value
  49. Handmade bird's nest silver wire wrapped pendant necklace with 3 blue eggs and simple silver chain. By Alissa - $15.00 value
  50. Can You Say Sew - t-shirt - You get to Pick!! - $12.00 value
  51. Calling Orphans Home t-shirt -You get to Pick!! - $25.00 value
  52. Kate Spade Black Leather Handbag - $295.00 value
  53. Utility tote - $30.00 value
  54. Metro bag - $52.00 value
  55. Lia Sophia necklace and bracelet - $188.00 value 
  56. BEAUTIFUL pendant handmade by Sarah - You get to design!! - $15.00 value
  57. Shamrock earrings (handmade) by Christina Reed - they are raising money for their adoption with these earrings - http://smilesandtrials.blogspot.com/2012/03/just-in-time-for-st-patricks-day.html - $8.00 value
  58. Tiffany & Co. Revere 1 3/4 Qt. Crystal Bowl 7 3/4 Dia. - $70.00 value
  59. Antique Salad Servers (circa 1914) - $60.00 value
  60. Lladro: The Bridesmaid - $355.00 value
  61. Walt Disney Classics Collection Timon "Luau" - $64.00 value
  62. Walt Disney Classics Collection Snow White "Won't you smile for me?" - $75.00 value
  63. BIBLE STUDY GUIDE - http://www.biblestudyguide.com/ (includes Teacher's Guide Unit 1, Student Pages Beginner Level 4 sets, Beginner Time Line and Bible Book Summary Cards (b/w) - $100.00 value
  64. Christian Books on CD Lot One - Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis -New (opened), How Good is good enough? by Andy Stanley, I Am Not But I Know I AM by Louie Giglio -New (opened), What Good is God? by Philip Yancey -New (opened), Just As I Am by Billy Graham - $50.00 value
  65. Christian Books on CD Lot Two - HOLY Discontent by Bill Hybels -New (opened), Radical by David Platt -New (opened), Rumors of Another World by Philip Yancey -Like new, Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado -New (opened) - $35.00 value
  66. Christian DVD Lot - The Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls, The Forbidden Book (The History of the English Bible) - $50.00 value
  67. The Daily Message-through the Bible in One Year (entire Bible on audio CDs, organized by daily reading) -New (opened) - $10.00 value
  68. Digital Personalized Scrapbook - 25-50 page scrapbook - by Amanda Holmes - $100.00 value http://www.theresoneless.blogspot.com/2010/07
  69. A Daybook of Grace: A Year of Devotions to Draw You Near to the Heart of God - $20.00 value
  70. “7 – A Mutiny Against Excess” by Jen Hatmaker - $15.00 value
  71. “7 – A Mutiny Against Excess” by Jen Hatmaker - $15.00 value
  72. “7 – A Mutiny Against Excess” by Jen Hatmaker - $15.00 value
  73. E-book - ANCIENT BIBLIOPLAN COMPANION - $39.00 value
  74. E-book - MODERN BIBLIOPLAN COMPANION - $39.00 value
  75. Charlotte's Chocolate Factory - winner's choice of brownies, blondies or cookies - $15.00 value
  76. Charlotte's Chocolate Factory - winner's choice of brownies, blondies or cookies - $15.00 value
  77. 1 dozen "cake balls" or "cake pops" by Kerri - $25.00 value
  78. 1 dozen "cake balls" or "cake pops" by Kerri- $25.00 value
  79. 2 loaves of homemade bread and honey by Diana Tyree - $11.50 value
  80. 2 loaves of homemade bread and honey by Diana Tyree - $11.50 value
  81. 2 loaves of homemade bread and honey by Diana Tyree - $11.50 value
  82. 2 loaves of homemade bread and honey by Diana Tyree - $11.50 value
  83. Chocolate gift basket - Comes with hand-carved wooden platter made from a Chinese Fir Tree.  Basket includes Chocolaty Cherry Amaretto Cheesecake Fondue, White Chocolate Sauce, Hazelnut Zebra Hand-Crafted Biscotti, Chocolate Toffee Hand-Crafted Biscotti, Godiva Milk Chocolate Cashews, Godiva Dark Chocolate Almonds, Godiva Milk Chocolate Strawberries, A Large Assortment of Lindt Cream Filled Lindor Truffles, A Chocolate, Berries, Cookies, Grahams, Crispy Rice & Pecans Bar, A Chocolate, Peanuts, Peanut Butter and Chocolaty Puffs Gourmet Bar, 2 Godiva 3.5oz Dark Chocolate Bars, Godiva Milk Chocolate Bar (3.5oz), Godiva Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bar (3.5oz), Godiva White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch (3.5oz), Rich and Creamy Chocolate Walnut Fudge, Rich and Creamy Vanilla Walnut Fudge, European Delicacies Premium Cookie Assortment (incredible!), Godiva Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar with a Creamy Peppermint Filling, Godiva Milk Chocolate Filled With Caramel, Godiva Dark Chocolate Filled With Raspberries, Ribbon, Wrap and Ivy Enhancements - $200.00 value

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Mulligan Stew Giveaway





I'm so excited for the upcoming "Mulligan Stew" giveaway at Covenent Builders.  There are over 80 items donated!  So many precious children and families will benefit, including some families that are beginning the end processes of their adoptions.  Watch for more about the giveaway, including specifics of who will benefit, how to participate and pictures of donated prizes!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

More Rescued Children!

The My Family Found Me page has been busy!





Tyler has finally been chosen! I'm so happy for him.









Also newly moved over is Samuel.  His future suddenly looks a whole lot brighter!




And little Arnold is rescued!  What a relief!  He's such a darling.













However, Abbott is still waiting.  Won't someone please claim him?!  I dreamt of him last night being taken for the last time from his orphanage.  I pray it will truly happen soon! Psalm 68:6 is my prayer for you, dear Abbott! 
 

Friday, February 24, 2012

Blessed Be the Lord!


There have been many older children moved to the "My Family Found Me" page in the last few weeks.  Praise the Lord for His redemption!  



Alexander is the most recent. He's been waiting ever-so-long. Please pray that his adoption goes quickly and with little complication.


Alexis has been claimed!  She is such a darling from all accounts I have read. I'm so glad that she doesn't have to face an institution in a few years!













Spencer is going home!  He is already transferred, so please pray for him to be kept from harm and that the Lord would slow the regression that inevitably happens when they are institutionalized.  Pray for his physical and mental health and restoration.














Adorable Eli has a family, too!  I have been praying for him for a while.  He looks like such a character!  I can't imagine the joy his family will have when he gets home!













Sadly, so many others are still waiting.













Sweet Bernadette's fund is growing and I SO hope to see her join the others on the Found Page soon!  She has so little time left!




Koyla is already 11 and would do so well with a family!  Look at the life in his eyes!





Though he isn't yet as old as the others, my dear Abbott is desperately in need of a family.  It's recently been confirmed that he has indeed been transferred.  I am heartbroken.

Please someone go save him!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Sweet Snuggles

I found Troubles snuggling Ohren in such a cute way that I had to the a picture!  They fell asleep cuddling together.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Nice Surprise

The other day a package was in the mailbox.  Inside was this Playmobil keychain, a glossy catalog and a letter.  It seems that I was a winner in a Playmobil Facebook contest!  What a nice little surprise!  The Naval Soldier now hangs on my keys, adventuring across Central California with me!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Saving Silas!

Silas - 7 years old and waiting for a FAMILY of his own

There's a giveaway going on over at Looking For The "One".  This time it is for sweet little Silas, who has Cerebral Palsy.  Sadly, Silas has already been transferred to a mental institution.  What a tragedy for him!  We are praying and hoping that his parents will see him and go soon to rescue him from that terrible place.  Please share about this giveaway so that the most eyes can see Silas as possible!  Click over to see the Kindle Fire, the iPod Nano and Shuffle, the gift certificate, handicrafts and more that will be awarded to those who donate to Silas' grant fund.  Remember, donations to Reece's Rainbow grant funds are tax-deductible, too!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Problem Solving: Bathroom Towels

We've always had a problem in the bathroom: towels on the floor.  Nobody ever puts them there, of course.  Silly little Nobody.  He does more around here than all of the children combined!

So we are attempting to fix this.  First and foremost, we let each child choose a colorful new towel.  They have been taught to keep their towel on a hanger in their own closet and bring it with them to the bathroom when they shower.  Then they take it back in their room and hang it up again after they shower. Now, if a towel is left on the floor, we will know exactly whose towel it is.

All the white(ish) towels that formerly lived in the bathroom are going to be used for swimming towels during the summer swimming season. There is a set of nice towels hanging on the shower door that are FOR SHOW OR GUESTS ONLY.  So far, believe it or not, no one has dried their hands on them or used them after a shower!  Could we have solved the 'Towel On The Floor' problem?  I sure hope so!

If you have a problem that you would like addressed, please leave it in a comment.