"Being 18 years old is an exciting time for most girls. But for a girl growing up in an Ethiopian Orphanage it is a hopeless time. They can no longer be considered for adoption and age out of their existing home. When they turn 18 they are turned out on the streets-no home and little money. Many of these girls have no skills to support themselves and must live on the streets.
By the grace of God things are changing! People are joining together to raise money for these girls to complete their schooling while still being supported in their current living situation. Staff will also help each girl find a job and housing after their schooling is complete. This will give the girls an opportunity to learn honorable skills so they can support themselves and change their lives and the lives of their future families."
(from the Left Behind But Not Forgotten registration form)


I've never been great at fundraising. I don't like asking people for money. In fact, when my children have to sell things for their school fundraisers, I just purchase the quota myself. But, this is not for me and it is not something that I or any one person can do on their own. I hope in some small way by stepping out of my comfort zone I, with your help will be able to give hope and a future and an education to these young ladies in Ethiopia who have no means of obtaining the funds themselves.
If you would like to purchase a tshirt, just click on the 'Add to Cart' button on the side of this blog. The tshirts are grey, featuring the most awesome logo shown above!! :) There are various adult and youth sizes for $15 each. I will be ordering shirts this week so that they will be available for the race on May 1st!!! So hurry and place your order!!!! For more information about the race, the tshirts and how the money will be used, visit the Left Behind But Not Forgotten website.
Thanks to all who have already purchased tshirts!!! And, also for those who have linked to my blog!! It's so awesome to have friends who share the same passion for helping others!!!!

Ok....started a post a little bit ago. Was well into talking about the roller coaster ride of the past couple years-- process of adopting/waiting and transition into a family of 8 and all of the emotions that go along with these things.
THEN....I lost the post!!!!!!
Being the patient person that I am, I decided NOT to re-write it all! And, so, I will just leave you with a few pictures as my family update....






Prom!!

Kechene Fundraiser TSHIRTS!!!!

Remember the awesome logo I posted below.....the one that will be on the tshirts for the 5k race we're having to raise money to help the older girls at Kechene further their education?! Well....I will be selling those shirts on my blog!!! The beautiful thing is...you don't even have to run!!! Just order them by pushing the "Add To Cart" button on the side of my blog. All of the proceeds from the sale of these shirts will go to further educate the girls at Kechene! What a wonderful opportunity to help!!!

So, in the words of my new favorite aerobics instructor, Shaun T., 'S GOOOOO!!!!

Kechene Fundraiser

We are having a 5K run/1mile walk here in Great Bend, Kansas in order to raise money for the children in Kechene Orphanage in Ethiopia. The money raised will specifically go to help the girls who have aged out of adoption to obtain an education in Ethiopia. If you would like to participate, visit our website and sign up at www.leftbehindbutnotforgotten.com. What a wonderful opportunity to let these beautiful, precious girls know that we care and that they have NOT been forgotten! They deserve hope and a future!!

Read on

See my Helping Ethiopia post below. I couldn't figure out how to move it to the top of my blog....but it is important to me to get the word out!

Birthdays

My baby girls turn 5 years old within 1 1/2 weeks of each other. It's easy to think back on the day 5 years ago when Emma was born. Wow! What a joyous, special day (um, night, since she was born around 1 in the morning!) that was!!! I saw her come into the world, got to hold her, feed her, change her! I didn't want to go to sleep because I was so excited for this precious baby!!

Because of this, I can't help but think of Diborah's birthmom at this time. Does she remember that it's her baby's birthday? Is she sad? Does she look back on that day and remember that special time that she was able to spend with her baby?

Just a thought: I'm sad that I missed the first 2 years of my daughters life, but wouldn't take that experience from her mom in Ethiopia for anything!!!

So, I celebrate Emma's life, Diborah's life, and my Ethiopian friend who gave me a beautiful gift!!!