• My crazy friend, Carolyn is selling tees and necklaces to support Project Hopeful. It is PH dream and vision that NO child affected by HIV is waiting for their forever home because of ignorance or lack of funding and to help to attend to the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs specific to these types of adoptions and children.
• Simply Love Taiwan – Patterson Family adoption fundraiser.
  
• These gorgeous Africa necklaces from one of my favorite bloggers to support The Mercy House.
• Doing It Afraid blog.
  
• I just bought this adorable silk sleep cap for Zoie’s curls & coils.

• Hello Fellow Adoptive Families!  I just wanted to let you know that our family is selling the most adorable necklaces and key chains to help support the new Love In Action orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  We had the privilege of visiting LIA while in Ethiopia and are so excited to see the work that is being done through Arise for Children (our agency) and the new programs that are going to be offered through the Love In Action facility.At one time or another, our paths have crossed, and I know that you share our love of orphans all around the world.  When we were blessed to travel to Ethiopia in July to bring our little beauty home, we promised we would not forget those left behind.  Our first fundraiser is selling cute bottle cap necklaces and key chains.The key chains and necklaces are only $5 and will make great gifts, stocking stuffers, or fun surprises for our little ones from Ethiopia and their families. Our Ethiopian beauty, Grace, LOVES to wear her necklaces and show them to everyone she meets.  They make great conversation starters when we are out and about.  She can point out Ethiopia on her Africa necklace, and makes sure to explain to everyone that “G is for Grace” when she wears the “initial design.”  We have six designs to choose from.  You can see photos of the necklaces, key chains, and of course our model Grace on our blog - www.teammarquis.blogspot.com
• Jennifer Nix  -www.dearlylovedchildren.blogspot.com
  “True Religion” Christmas Shopping!!! Religion and shopping in the same sentence, whoa, doesn’t sound right!!! Read on my friend…  This Christmas let the receiver of your gift know that somewhere around the world others are celebrating love & redemption right along with them. In support of Orphan Awareness Month and James 1:27 I would like to invite you to shop for fun Christmas gifts that get MULTIPLIED BY THREE: to your recipient, to the orphan, and to the widow!!! In the months of Nov. and Dec. I am donating 100% of my commission on designated Pampered Chef orders to help rescue orphans.
  There are an estimated 147 million orphans around the world. Adoption costs range anywhere from $5,000-40,000, and often keep loving families from reaching the orphan. The funds your gift help raise will go to either our Ethiopian Adoption Fund, little Dmitry- a baby with Downs Syndrome hoping to be rescued from an eastern Europe institution, or to any other adopting family of your choice.
  Your one order can make a lasting, literally life changing impact for others. But *PLEASE* consider being an ADOPTION ADVOCATE by collecting 4 or more orders from friends, family and co-workers to go with it, and by posting this invite to all your facebook friends. Catalogs and ordering instructions will be sent to anyone who messages me!
  OK, now do you want to know where helping the widows comes in??? Great question!!! Host rewards from Pampered Chef equals great free products. The more orders we collect the more free products we will earn…those products will be given directly to widows in need locally, and/or auctioned as a second fundraiser to help widows in distress through Amazima (Katie Davis http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/).
  This is just one more way to help out and I SO appreciate your partnering with me. Spend $60 or more and there is a free gift for you too! Grilling tools for Dad, Seasonings for Sis, Cookbooks for the teachers, Stoneware for you, Gift Certificates available too! Do all your holiday shopping in one place simply because those gifts will make a WORLD of difference!
  Thank you in advance!
  With love,
  Jen
  www.pamperedchef.biz/joyfullyhis
  -Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

Please share YOUR fundraisers or favorite links to my crazy readers!!

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My crazy friends, I need your help to collect donations for my mission trip to Uganda and Ethiopia (July 18-Aug. 1) I’m asking you to help me with donations that will go directly to the orphans I visit- hand delivery of love.  We received a long list from the many projects and orphanages … it honestly made me feel overwhelmed!!  We are visiting hundreds of orphans in Africa!  Their needs are soooo desperate!!  The orphans need so many things, but also fun things to play with!!  We will also spend the day serving and loving the women at Fistula Hospital (A Walk To Beautiful) I would love to have a beautiful, colorful purse to give to each women.  These can be new or hand made (thanks Tiffany)

When do I need the donations?

I need all my donations by July 4th so I can pack the 2- 50 pound duffles!!

Donation ideas I’m going to take with me (with your help:)

• soccer balls (flat with attached pump)
• underwear- all sizes for girls & boys
• small toys – so every child can “own” something special
• fingernail polish, ribbons, bubbles
• 100 purses for women at Fistula Hospital (Walk to Beautiful) + flip flops, lotions, etc to stuff inside purses
• school supplies- all kinds for young and older students at Korah Dump Project

I want to ask you to donate to my special project.  The 1st week in July, I will purchase the items and show you exactly how your generosity was spent.  I can pack 2 duffle bags with 50 pounds of donations.  I will purchase the remaining donations in-country!!  Every penny you donate will be used for “orphan care” and I will take photos of the children receiving your gifts of love.

Please pray for me and my crazy team as we prepare for 2 weeks of loving and caring and ministering to orphans!

Click Here for Orphan Donations!!  Ends July 1st!!

100% of your donations will go directly in the hands of an orphan.

My Africa Mission trip Itinerary:

Hello, this is a special program designed for individuals, families, or groups that need a quality product to use for fundraisers to raise proceeds.  “Pick Your Country” is a fully loaded package that offers personalized shirts, fundraising ideas and a fantastic company to work with from A to Z.

Crazy Shout Out:

You can add your blog URL and project link every week on my weekly post {Crazy Links- A Few Things I Think Are Great} using LINKY THUMBNAIL tool to bring viewers to your site.

There are 14 countries designed for you to use for your fundraisers for adoption, mission trips, or projects.  We have some new updates just for you!  Leave me a comment or email me - if you are interested in using Simply Love T shirts to raise funds and I will send you the Introduction Packet to look over.  “Adoption in a Box” continues to help families raise thousands of dollars- 100% of proceeds goes directly into your project.

“Adoption in a Box” is a virtual package that includes: fundraising tips, exclusive rights to sell Simply Love™ shirts, and original artwork mock-ups to use on your blogs and projects.

We now have 4 shirt designs plus an adorable youth shirt that blends well with adult shirts.  Our T shirt company is wonderful and all set to go!!  My “T shirt Rock Star” Manager, will help you pick shirt colors and sizes and styles that are available.

BRAND NEW- Dry-Fit running shirts available for your race teams- marathons, triathlons and more.

Women’s Simply Love A:

Simply Love – 16 countries available. Leave me a comment.

• This design is spreading all over the world!  You can now pick your shirt colors … we love tan, black, chocolate brown/espresso or even white.  We also include slim and unisex styles for you to pick from.

• Women’s slim-  Please let your customers know order 1 to 2 sizes bigger or you will have size issues!!

• Women’s Unisex- fits normal like a mens cut, slightly fitted. [China example in unisex]

Simply Love Women’s A:  [Example of Africa in slim cut] with Tiffany blue swirls.

Simply Love A: Men’s Standard back MAN UP

Men’s Man Up shirts are unisex cut.  They will fit normal, slightly fitted.  You can pick your shirt colors.  We love our men’s shirt printed on tan, espresso/or dark brown, army green or white.  You pick!

Simply Love A: Men’s Man Up (Back)

Simply Love China- example of country with army inspired design.

Simply Love B- new design available:

• Simply Love B- Indigo Blue with blue ink.  You pick shirt color to match the design! Leave me a comment to request Introduction Packet.
  

• Simply Love B- Espresso brown with pink ink.  You pick shirt color to match the design!

You can pick unisex cut shirts or slim cut shirts.  (Brand Next Level Apparel)

Simply Love B – blue ink available. (front- Simply Love.  back- 16 country shapes per request)

Simply Love – pink ink available.

(front- Simply Love.  back- 16 country shapes per request)

Simply Love C: Just for moms!

This is the exclusive design used for my Valentine’s Day HopeChest Project that raised $24,000 for “shirts for shoes” and now available for you to use for your fundraiser!  You can pick slim cut or unisex shirts.  The color of the shirt is up to you.  I recommend brown, espresso, black, tan, indigo blue, or white shirts.

Pick Your Country:

1. Simply Love USA- named
2. Simply Love Haiti- named Jack
3. Simply Love Russia- named Lanie
4. Simply Love India- named Abby
5. Simply Love China- named Annie
6. Simply Love Africa- named Zoie
7. Simply Love Guatemala
8. Simply Love South Korea
9. Simply Love Nepal
10. Simply Love Kazakhstan
11. Simply Love Philippians
12. Simply Love Moldova- named
13. Simply Love Armenia- named
14. Simply Love Thailand- named

15. Simply Love Morocco-

Leave me a comment- you can start today!

Here’s a peek at Simply Love “Pick Your Country” collection – we now celebrate 14 countries!   All T shirts have the verse that encouraged us during our adoption journey to Zoie… Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) wrapped around the country.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”

(Simply Love China- Men & Women front)

(Simply Love Russia)

(Simply Love USA)

(Simply Love Haiti)

(Simply Love Kazakhstan)

(Simply Love India)

(Simply Love South Korea)

(Simply Love Nepal)

Our original Simply Love™ art was created by Heidi Rohr for our adoption to bring Zoie home!

All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2009-2010

Any unauthorized copying of these photos or posts or original art will constitute an infringement of copyright. No part of this blog or the related files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.

I wanted to let you know when to expect your HopeChest T shirts in the mail. Special note: customers who received an email confirmation from Paypal that your shirts had been shipped out-  not yet, sorry for confusing you.  I was organizing things & didn’t realize it send that notice out.  We had a huge snow storm in my neck of the woods, so UPS did not deliver my first HUGE T shipment.  We will start with a bang and T shirts will start mailing out next week- 2/1 and on.  It’s just me & a few crazy friends, rolling and packing and mailing out your shirts- pray:)

We want to help save HopeChest every penny we can and order T shirts in bulk, therefore we do not have inventory.  I just called in a HUGE order today of T shirts- every order from Day 1 through today. I was told I should expect to receive the first shipment of shirts at the end of the week.  I have a crazy team of friends helping me roll, package & mail out your T’s!! Our goal is for everyone to receive their shirts BEFORE Valentine’s Day!! I will continue to call in orders in bulk through Feb. 1st. Thank you for understanding and your incredible support!

HopeChest Project New Goal:  600 for 600
The bottom line- We need to sell 600+ T shirts for the 600 orphans to receive their new pair of shoes & a new shirt. Please continue to pray that we reach our goal of 600 by Feb. 1st!!  It helps so much when you share our project with your friends via FB, Twitter, Blogs and email.  Your enthusiasm and passion for this project has been overwhelming to me, Tom Davis and HopeChest!!  You are making a special difference in the lives of orphans in Ethiopia. 

(all photos used with permission from Tom Davis and HopeChest)

Are you ready?  HopeChest Project Is Ready for you… let’s go shopping together for orphans!  Click on “Shirts For Shoes” button on right side column for my crazy store.

Please join us and help celebrate Valentines Day, Ethiopia and a CRAZY amazing HopeChest/Simply Love Project Fundraiser.  You can make a difference simply loving an orphan.  These exclusive Limited Edition T shirts will only be available here January 15th through Feb. 1st.  Get ready- the first 25 people who purchase a HopeChest Project T shirt will receive a free autographed copy of Tom Davis’ book- Scared. Every shirt comes with a special HopeChest bracelet band.  We have created 2 T shirt styles for you to choose from, but will come in Women’s, Men’s and Youth sizes.

Will you do me a big favor- please add the “Be My Valentine” button on your blogs to help spread the word. (thanks Lenka!)

(DESIGN A- JUST FOR WOMEN- Espresso slim fit)

(DESIGN B- Men’s/Unisex Style- Indigo Blue- regular fit)

(DESIGN B: Women’s Espresso- slim fit)

YOUTH SIZES available in Design B only- black T

Youth XS – 2-4

Youth S – 6-8

Youth M – 10-12

Youth L – 14-16

How do I order?

1. Just click on the “Shirts For Shoes” button on the top right column and purchase your T shirts today.  There are 2 Designs for you to choose from- Design A & Design B.
2. The first 25 orders will receive a free copy of Tom Davis’ book- Scared!
3. Please add my crazy buttons, share on your FB, blogs, and emails to help spread the news about our 1st HopeChest/Simply Love Project Fundraiser.  The T shirts will be available only 2 weeks, so don’t delay- celebrate Valentines Day in a special way this year.  A family can make a difference together- providing a brand new pair of shoes and new shirt for an orphan in Ethiopia.  1 shirt = 2 gifts for an orphan.  Please email me if you have any questions.

A special thanks to graphic designers- Heidi Rohr and Amber Maack!  Your talent is craZy amaZing!

When will I receive my T shirt?

Approximately 7-10 days after your order is made.  We do not have inventory, so we appreciate your understanding as we order the T shirts after purchased- in bulk.  We will mail your T shirts out to you promptly, so you can wear them in time for Valentines Day.  (Ladies Only- please check the size chart linked to select the best size for a slim cut Women’s T shirt) The verses surrounding Africa is Psalms 82:3-4.

Why buy a T shirt?

Every shirt purchased will provide a brand new pair of shoes and new shirt for an orphan living in Ethiopia.  Let’s make a difference together for Valentines Day.

(Photo by Tom Davis)

It’s a Sneak Peek.  Store is open!!

I wanted to say a special welcome to all of Tom Davis’ bloggy friends!  I’m so excited for you to drop by and visit my crazy blog.  You can find posts and videos from top to bottom that celebrates the craziness of love, family, mommyhood, life, and adoption.  Please join us and help celebrate Valentines Day, Ethiopia and a CRAZY amazing HopeChest/Simply Love Project Fundraiser.  You can make a difference simply loving an orphan.  These exclusive Limited Edition T shirts will only be available here January 15th through Feb. 1st.  Get ready- the first 25 people who purchase a HopeChest Valentine Project T shirt will receive a free autographed copy of Tom Davis’ book- Scared. Every shirt comes with a special HopeChest bracelet band.  We have created 2 T shirt styles for you to choose from, but will come in Women’s, Men’s and Youth sizes.

We need to sell 400 T shirts to give 400 new pairs of shoes to orphans!

Here’s what one blog friend shared- “My hubby and I decided that we would skip our annual meal out and purchase two matching HopeChest T Shirts instead. How romantic is that!” Thanks Teri Boosalis!

HopeChest Project Ethiopia – Shirts For Shoes:

• Providing shoes & shirts for 400 orphans enrolled in HopeChest programs.
• For every T shirt you buy- HopeChest will provide a new pair of shoes & a new shirt for an orphan.
• 100% of proceeds will benefit orphans in Ethiopia.
• To Ethiopia with Love- projects throughout the country that HopeChest sponsors.

HopeChest Design A: Exclusive Women’s Only.

1. Women’s Shirt- Espresso color, Alternative Vintage Soft Crew shirts- link for size chart. Shirts will fit slim, form fitting, long and have stretch.  (special note- Ladies, I typically order a size larger in the women’s cut due to slim fit)  These shirts are NOT UNISEX.

HopeChest Design B: Men & Women & Youth sizes.

1. Men’s Shirts- Design B: Indigo color, Men’s Crew Extra Soft- fits regular/Unisex.
2. Women’s Shirts- Design B: Espresso color, Alternative Vintage Soft shirts- link for size chart. Women’s shirts will fit slim, form fitting, long and have stretch.  (special note- Ladies, I typically order a size larger in the women’s cut due to slim fit) These shirts are NOT UNISEX.
3. YOUTH SIZES available- same Design B as adults.

Youth XS – 2-4

Youth S – 6-8

Youth M – 10-12

Youth L – 14-16

A special thanks to graphic designers- Heidi Rohr and Amber Maack!  Your talent is craZy amaZing!

A word from Tom Davis:

“This Christmas I saw a friend wearing one of the Simply Love shirts that said, “If you are a Christian, then orphans is your thing.” I couldn’t agree more. This Valentines Day, HopeChest and Simply Love are teaming up on a special project to help orphans in Ethiopia. We’re offering a limited edition Simply Love/HopeChest T-Shirt. Every one you purchase as a gift for your loved ones will provide new shoes for one orphan in Ethiopia. There are 400 kids who need new shoes this year.  Make Valentines Day about real love, true love, “simply love.”  Stay tuned to MyCrazyAdoption.com for more details about pre-orders!”

(thanks Lenka for the adorable tags!)

Fundraiser starts Friday – right here at My Crazy Adoption!!  Please pray that God blesses our project to make a real difference in the lives of 400 orphans living in poverty in Ethiopia.  I’m praying specifically for 334 T shirts by Feb. 1st.

We need your help to Simply Love.

(photographs by Tom Davis)

Happy Valentine’s Day + HopeChest/Simply Love = Shirts For Shoes!!

Starting this week, when you purchase a HopeChest Project T Shirt, you are providing an orphan in Ethiopia with a new pair of shoes and a new shirt.  1 shirt = 2 gifts for a child.   I am so excited to present you with a video of  photographs provided by Tom Davis and HopeChest.  Tom is an award-winning photojournalist, and the beautiful children featured from Ethiopia are the REAL orphans you will directly help.   Your contribution will provide basic needs & the greatest gift of all -  Love.  Make this a Valentine’s Day you will never forget.  Wrap your hearts around each face and pray for them every time you wear your shirts.  Your gift of $25.00 is a special way you can show crazy love.  We will open our store on Friday, January 15th through February 1st…. stay tuned for our exclusive shirts, amazing products, giveaways and surprises!!  Sneak peek of T shirts tomorrow- the best is yet to come! Will you do one big thing for me, please pray that God will stir the hearts of readers to help make this project a crazy success.

How can you help?

• You can start a FaceBook Event- invite your church family, Life Groups, Bible Studies, schools, and friends to purchase a shirt and wear it together on a special day- Sunday, Feb. 14th- Valentine’s Day!!
• Here’s what one friend shared- “My hubby and I decided that we would skip our annual meal out and purchase two matching HopeChest T Shirts instead. How romantic is that!” Thanks Teri Boosalis!

• Please feel free to post or ping my Vimeo video (I give you permission:) on your blogs and FB sites.  We need your help to spread the word-   http://vimeo.com/8693378

(photos by Tom Davis and HopeChest – special thanks to Hannah Leman and Simon Scionka)

Why Simply Love?

“What makes Tom Davis and his vision and passion so contagious is the simplicity of the Gospel. He translates the voice of the orphan into our world through the age-old method of story telling. Stories that would otherwise remain untold connect to our intrinsic desire to make a difference for eternity partnered with practical steps every believer can and should take deeply to heart. Once you hear and see what breaks the heart of God, you are moved to become the hands, feet, voice and heart of Jesus in the earth. When we join heart, mind and hands together, we are stronger and in that we fulfill our calling – that the world would know we are His by our love.” Caleb David, One Child Campaign

I am honored to introduce you to my friend, Tom Davis.  I have never actually met Tom in person, but I’m a huge fan of his books, videos, HopeChest ministry and websites.  His passion is contagious and his mission crystal clear- take care of orphans!  I received a phone call a few weeks ago, asking if I would consider partnering with Tom and HopeChest to raise money for a special Valentine’s Day Project for Ethiopia – Shirts For Shoes!

Would I consider?

I’m SO beyond excited I could burst, bringing HopeChest and Simply Love together for ONE incredible fundraising project.  I thought it would be inspiring to have several of Tom’s friends (in real person) share who have served with him on HopeChest vision trips around the world.  These testimonies will help you understand how it is possible for one person to make a difference in a world that has a staggering, 174 million orphans.

Why is Tom Davis’ passion for orphans so contagious?

In 1997, a transformation of the heart took place in Tom’s life. It was a time of realizing what things mattered most to God.

Tom is the President of CHILDREN’S HOPECHEST, a mission organization bringing God’s hope and love to orphans around the world. Their work is focused in the countries of Ethiopia, Uganda, Russia, Romania, and Ukraine. HopeChest helps churches and corporations around the U.S. Adopt an orphanage and make a real difference in the lives of orphans.

“At HopeChest, we meet practical and pressing needs. That’s the bottom line of caring for orphans. But we do more through a unique model that helps kids to overcome their circumstances and impact their world.”

“Tom’s passion for the children in Ethiopia was infectious. It is clear that he cares for all of these children. His tireless work to provide for their basic needs was a source of inspiration for us as we visited with hundreds of orphans over seven days.” Thomas C. Laughner- Ethiopia vision trip

“Tom is high energy and high enthusiasm. He is a passionate public speaker and actually quite funny. Those qualities, along with his big heart for God and God’s children, draw people to him and to his mission.” Shiloh Field- vision trip

“Tom leads his organization (Children’s Hopechest) in a way that really builds relationships with these kids who need strong relationships in their lives.  During our trip to Ethiopia, he would engage the kids in one-on-one conversation, genuiniely loving them and wanting to know their story and to provide comfort.  He is driven by the knowledge of what these kids have lived with and dealt with and to be able to come alongside them and provide hope for the future.” Karen Winstrom- Ethiopia vision trip

When do we start?

Starting this week, we will come together and make a difference for over 400 orphans that are sponsored by HopeChest.  You will have many opportunities to really make an orphan’s very first Valentine’s Day unforgettable.   Stay tuned right here on My Crazy Adoption for more information on HopeChest Ethiopia Project Fundraiser!  We are all called to Simply Love – what a better way to spread love for Valentine’s Day.

How can you help?

You can start a FaceBook Event- invite your church family, Life Groups, Bible Studies, schools, and friends to purchase a shirt and wear it together on a special day- Sunday, Feb. 14th- Valentine’s Day!! Here’s what one friend shared- “My hubby and I decided that we would skip our annual meal out and purchase two matching HopeChest T Shirts instead. How romantic is that!” Thanks Teri Boosalis!

(All photos are used with permission from Tom Davis and HopeChest)

We tracked Santa down last night and loaded his sleigh with T shirts. The weather is clear and crisp in my neck of the woods for a speedy Holiday delivery! We will start our next T shirt Adoption Fundraiser on February 1st- Simply Love Month!

Please take a fun pic of you wearing your NEW Simply Love T shirts- add them at Your Photo Gallery (top of blog)

Youth Sizes COMING SOON!

(A little adoption humor- doesn’t this look like a referral pic:)

We are SO EXCITED about the new T designs!  I think the Men’s T rocks like crazy… I’m going to wear it too.  You can purchase your Limited Edition Simply Love T shirts till December 15th! Please use the Paypal button or you can email me and send a check. Thank you for supporting our next adoption!  100% of your donation will help us bring home our new daughter!  Unfortunately, we do not have an inventory of T shirts in stock due to fundraiser.  We pre-order them for you.  Thank you for your understanding!

We end our Simply Love Fundraiser on the 15th… Santa’s helpers will work very hard to get them all out by Christmas!!

Limited Edition Woman’s Funky T shirts: Black with Tiffany blue swirls, white and grey design.  The T shirt is a UNISEX cut that will fit normal & long. (NOT like the photo!)

Back- Women’s Simply Love T shirt.

Front- Women’s Simply Love T shirt.

Limited Edition Men’s/Unisex T shirt: Extra-soft Dark Olive T with red, black and grey design.  On the back: Man Up. Protect and Love the Fatherless.  The T will fit normal.

Men’s/Unisex -Front.

Men’s/Unisex -Back.