Today is World AIDS OrphansDay. AHOPE for Children is a wonderful organization who strives to help those affected by AIDS and the orphans left through this epidemic. Today I'd like you to consider helping their endeavors...

From AHOPE's website:

World AIDS Orphan Day

On May 7th, AHOPE for Children and the rest of the world will acknowledge the world's AIDS orphans. This year we are expected to surpass 20,000,000 AIDS orphans worldwide of which well over 2,000,000 are HIV positive themselves. Fewer than one in ten AIDS orphans are receiving any external support. For many children, the loss of parents brings destitution, an end to schooling and stigmatization by family and neighbors. Even when a child loses only one parent to HIV/AIDS the high incidence of HIV infection within marriage means that many children soon lose both parents, and often become the responsibility of the extended family. Child-headed households, once a rarity, are now increasingly common in sub-Sahara Africa.

We are asking everyone of our 5000 current friends and supporters to donate at $10 or more to AHOPE for Children on May 7th. In addition, we would also ask that you request the same of 2 of your friends. It can be done. Your passion and actions to date have already proven it and we see it every day in the eyes of our kids in Ethiopia. As a supporter of AHOPE, you have helped save the lives of hundreds of children.

On May 7th we will begin our work on 2,000,000 more.

Please Click HERE

I received some wonderful news from a co-worker today. Our school psychologist stopped me in the hall to tell me that her daughter, who works at a local opthomologist's office, talked to the board there and they approved (all without my knowledge!) giving Davids a FREE eye exam AND glasses, if he needs them!!! Wow! What an incredible blessing!!! The other awesome thing is that the place she works is one of the best in our area! I am moved to tears! How wonderful!!!

So, since talking to a few family members and friends about my thinking of adopting, I've been getting some interesting responses. I get it. I hear it from large families, and I by no means think my family is "large." But others do. Many don't "get it." They think, focus on the ones you have. They even say it sometimes. Why spread yourself thin. How can you do it? You must be a saint (yeah, right! Ask my kids that LOL). And then there's the person who thinks basically that I shouldn't adopt more, because "what if" I meet someone. Really? I mean, yes, would I like to meet someone and get married. Of course. BUT, should I put my life, all that God has given me, and all that I'd like to share, on HOLD for the "what ifs?" What if I had done that ten years ago? I wouldn't have any of my kids! I would have taught and gone home to an empty house. That doesn't sound much like a life to me. I can't just not adopt because "What if". And, I know that if God does have someone in mind for me, then He also has someone in mind for my kids, and that person will accept us all.

I have more but will get off my soapbox. :)

Our puzzle arrived in the mail today. This is the puzzle we've ordered to give Davids while he's here. It looks very cool. :) It's 3D!!! :)


We've raised $370 so far to help pay for his trip to the United States. That will fill up 74 puzzle pieces so far!!! (For each five dollars donated, we will write the name of the donor on the back of one puzzle piece. That way Davids will be able to see the awesome coming together of people who helped to bring him to the US for a portion of the summer in a hosting program through New Horizons for Children.)

There are still 426 pieces left! There is still time to donate if you feel led! :) Thanks to all of you who have graciously donated so far!!!