And now, yet another WONDERFUL Christmas gift idea!!! A cause that's near and dear to my heart, well, which one isn't, really? :)
AHOPE for children serves children in Ethiopia, including two children's homes exclusively for children who are HIV+ and have no extended family to care for them. The kids and I sponsor one of these darlings and I HOPE HOPE HOPE to someday travel to these children's homes, maybe to adopt!!! :)
Unlike some sponsorships, you are not able to personally write or communicate with children you sponsor through AHOPE. The reason behind this is that they don't want the children thinking they have a "family" and getting their hopes up. You do receive pictures and updated information on the child and how they're doing. Unfortunately our little guy hasn't been adopted yet, but if that happens I've been told that they will let you know and then allow you to transfer your sponsorship to another child if you wish.
There is also a wonderful
store with great items like this awesome awesome awesome
water bottle (man, I could build MY Christmas list from these sites!) :)

Why not give the gift of sponsorship to your family? Or an item from the store? Such a great way to help overseas even if you can't make it there yourself!