Prayer Cards

With each step of this process of getting to Kenya it's becoming more and more real....we are really moving to Africa.

We are going to be international missionaries.

We have an amazingly talented friend who can just about whip up anything on the computer. I'm sure our new prayer cards only took him about 10 minutes, but man, they are impressive!

Here's the frontside:

And here's the back....

I didn't upload these to Flickr so that if you desire, you can enlarge them and print them. Or, if you'd like a "real" one, you can email me your address and I'll stick one in the mail to you. (Don't be alarmed when a pledge card shows up with the prayer card. For some reason, the two refuse to be mailed alone. Funny how that works. ;)

They make great decorations on your fridge, bathroom mirror, dashboard of your car, forehead, ceiling above your bed, in your Bible, on the microwave door, on the coffee pot, on the wall beside the toilet.....you know, anywhere that you will see it often and pray for us. We cherish your prayers as this process is becoming more challenging with each step.

We are at just under 10% of our monthly support goal which is A-MA-ZING! I can hardly believe the ways God is using His people to support His ministry. Thanks for caring about us and the ministry God is preparing us for in Kenya. I can't wait to see how He's going to unfold all of this!

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On a sidenote: Our treasured friends, Chris and Lindy over at Only Servants Ministries are expecting their little miracle, Ezra, any day now. Lindy's been having contractions about every 10 minutes for about 24 hours now. She'll be delivering the baby in Kenya with a great doctor at a great hospital. Please pray for Lindy, Chris and baby Ezra as they journey through the process of labor and delivery. Thanks friends!

A GIVEAWAY! Strike while the iron loom is hot!

**** Final Update (7/26/10)****

All the kikois are sold! Yay! But, if that makes you super sad b/c you're just now reading HAVE NO TEARS! Lindy is sending back TWENTY more kikois for you guys! They'll still be just a measly $15 a piece and certainly just as beautiful! Check back in a week or so and I'll hopefully have them photographed and ready to go!


****New Update****

Pinky Linky is SOLD. Sorry folks!

****UPDATED****

Clearly my brain is NOT functioning correctly! I forgot to post one of the kikois! See the 1st one on the list, "Pinky Linky!" Sorry if you've already bought one and wanted a pink one! If it's not already marked "SOLD" and you want to switch, let me know ASAP!

Again, MY BAD. I'm a nerd.

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Original Post:

It's no secret that I have a heart for orphans. Well, at least I hope it's not a secret. It's also no secret that I'm all about my new favorite baby wearing product, The Kikoi (pronounced key-koy). Okay, technically it's not a product. But, it is a fabulous way to wear your baby in numerous different ways. I know there are tons of nice brands of baby wearing paraphernalia out there but what I can promise you that the other brands cannot is that these kikois are cheap and 100% of the profits go to support international adoption. The adoption of the baby(ies) of my dear friends Chris and Lindy Thompson who are currently serving as international missionaries in Kenya.

Can I just tell you that missionaries don't really make a ton any money? So, funding an adoption with little-to-no income is pretty tough. Chris and Lindy are not using ANY of their ministry funds to pay for their adoption. And, I bet if they knew I was posting this huge 'ol long blog post about their adoption they'd probably ask me not too. But, DARN IT! those are my pseudo nieces and/or nephews waiting to come home and I intend to do anything and everything I can to see them home quickly!

So, what's the point? How do orphans and kikois relate?

Glad you asked.

You see, I love, love. LOVE my kikoi that Lindy brought me back from Kenya last year. Truthbetold, I didn't really think it was that awesome until I had Ella. I mean, I used it some with Aaron...

(11 month old Aaron)

And quite a bit more with Olivia when she was littler, but still not tons.

(7 month old Olivia)

But with Ella, well, I use it ALL THE TIME. Especially when we are out and about and she's screaming like her carseat is on fire she doesn't want to sit in her infant carrier or ride in the stroller. A couple nights ago, Luke got home later than normal and I wrapped her on me while cooking and serving up dinner to my other 5 hooligans children. It's been a sanity saver for sure.

(That's a 3ish week old Ella in there.)

And, I even have some friends (including Lindy) who wear them as skirts and they are so cute! I haven't figured out how to do that yet.

Anyway, Lindy sent home to me 10 brand-spankin' new kikois this past week. And, let me tell you, I'm questioning my friendship with Lindy. I mean, these kikois she sent are SO BEAUTIFUL and vibrant. When she gifted me a kikoi did I get a beautiful, vibrant kikoi?

No. I got puce green. Thanks Sista. Thanks a lot.

Not sure how to use a kikoi? Click here for a sorta informational video. Of course, I use the term informational loosely. Very loosely.

At any rate, you can purchase these fabulous kikois for a mere $15. They measure approximately (and I say approximate b/c I only measured 1 and they are hand made so they could vary by an inch or so) 39 inches wide by 65 inches long. For you seamstresses that would make them almost 1 yard wide by almost 2 yards long. (Obviously, I'm a math genius.)

Here's what I have for sale for $15 a piece (that's so cheap it should be a crime). Three guesses on who helped me "name" them.

******Pinky Linky is SOLD.******

******Ralphie is SOLD.******

*****Sherbert is SOLD.******

******Callie Pink is SOLD.******

******Earl Grey is SOLD.******

*****Seablanket is SOLD.******

******Greeny Beany is SOLD.******

****** Yellow John is SOLD.******

******Yellow John 2 is SOLD.******

******Elizabeth Ashlee is SOLD.******
(Not my Elizabeth or Ashlee. Just the kikoi.
You know, just to clarify, in case you were curious.)

(Please pay no attention to the circular blobs in the middle of each photo. Apparently, when you have dust in your nice, new camera, removing said dust by blowing into your camera with your mouth is not the best idea. Slobber can get on your sensor. Clearly, I'm a genius.)

Purdy, ain't they? But please, don't just take my word for how marvelous they are. Here are some friends of mine who have and use kikois. They are the real experts. Or not.

Here's what my BFF Amanda had to say about her kikoi:

I love, love, love my kikoi! I have to admit that when Jessica told me that she got one for me I completely underestimated it. "It's just a simple sling. How great could it be?" I had already gotten a Baby Bjorn and thought that was the be-all, end-all in baby carriers. I quickly learned otherwise!

I have used the kikoi since Annabelle was born. Even now, this 16-pound, 9-month-old loves to sit in her comfy red sling. I love it because it is versatile. She can ride sitting up or lay flat for some of the best naps she has ever taken. I also love it because it is portable. I just cram it into the diaper bag with everything else. Mostly, I love it because it is simple. It takes two people to get a newborn into one of those carriers with straps and buckles everywhere like the Baby Bjorn (which costs $70). I just leave the kikoi tied all the time, throw the baby on my hip, slide it over both of our heads, and she's ready to go. She literally starts shaking and grunting with excitement when she sees me grab it. Don't let the simplicity fool you. It's my favorite sling and I use nothing else!

(Amanda and her daughter Annabelle,
who was almost brand new at the time)

Also, my bloggy friend Tia bought one not too long ago and wrote me this,

I found out about the kikoi through my super sweet and awesome bloggy friend. It looked simple, easy and like it didn't take much effort. That is exactly what I needed for my chunky baby since she has a very very active two year old sister. Once I received my kikoi in the mail I was a little confused about how it was supposed to feel while carrying my large load of a baby. I watched Jess's informative videos on it and once I gave it another try I was hooked. I use my kikoi while grocery shopping, during family outings, while cooking dinner and pretty much anytime carrying my baby is needed. I've even found ways to use it while not carrying her. When I have her in the umbrella type stroller (without the umbrella) I just slide it over the handles (while still tied-knot on backside of stroller) and let it fall over the baby. It's loose enough to keep her from getting hot but it keeps the sun off of her sweet baby skin...and when the wind is blowing too hard I just pull it up over her head. And the other day I figured out that if I get tired of carrying her I can put her in the grocery basket, strap her in and then slide the wrap over her body and around the shopping cart seat (knot on back of seat) and it will keep her from falling over :-). We REALLY love our kikoi! I think you need one too.

(Tia and her daughter Isabelle)

After reading all of that don't you want to support adoption and buy one of these beautiful pieces of fabric?

Here's what you should do. Email me at beaverbunch (at) gmail (dot) com and tell me which one you like. (You can find the name of each one in the photo. Click to enlarge if you need to.) I will email you instructions on how to pay and once your payment is received I will ship it to you! Easy peasy!

Now, for the giveaway part.

I will randomly give away one $15.00 iTunes gift card to someone who either purchases or promotes the purchase of a kikoi. Don't want a kikoi, but want in on the giveaway action? No problemo! Here are some additional ways you can enter to win the iTunes gift card.

* Twitter about this post, linking this post's URL in your tweet. (You can obtain this post's URL by clicking on the post title and then looking at the web address in your address bar.)

* Facebook about this post, linking this post's URL in your status.

* Blog about this post, linking to this post's URL in your blog post.

Please leave one comment for each entry. You can create an entry for each option available. For example, if you buy a kikoi leave a comment saying, "I bought one" or something. Then, if you also twitter about this post, leave a separate comment saying "I tweeted! Here's the link to my tweet: http://...." If you additionally facebook about the giveaway, then leave yet a 3rd comment saying such and leaving a link to your facebook post.

You get the idea. I will use Random.org to randomly choose ONE winner for the iTunes gift card and send it to you via your email address. Entries for the giveaway must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on Thursday, July 22, 2010. The kikois will be available until all are sold.

So, buy a kikoi or spread the word and let's un-orphan a few more babies and decrease the 147 million orphans world-wide one family at a time. Whatta ya say?

Ella Joy at 2 months

Ella officially turned 2 months old on Sunday but it's been a tad bit busy around here. This past weekend was fully of activities including birthday parties and graduation ceremonies for our student ministry's senior class (which Luke and I help lead).

This weekend will prove to be even more chaotic as my wonderful mother-in-law arrives on Thursday afternoon. After I pick her up from the airport, we are heading straight to our state's Homeschool Convention. It's HUGE and I'm excited that my mom-in-law is going with me so that she can see for herself just how many resources are available to homeschooling families these days. I remember being blown away the first year I went. Convention lasts through Saturday but we will only be attending on Thursday and Friday since Lucas and Ashlee's 4th birthday party is on Saturday!

Then we will have a family Memorial day picnic at my parent's house on Monday. And, my mom-in-law departs on Tuesday. Busy, busy, busy around here!

But, I'll move onto what this post should really be about. My sweet, 2 month old, joy named Ella.

Ella Joy,

At 2 months old you prove to be, quite possibly, the easiest baby we've had to date. Your oldest sister Elizabeth was also pretty easy as a baby but she didn't have 5 other siblings to contend with. In your short 2 months outside the womb you've enjoyed spending time with some amazing people. Your Auntie Lindy was able to be here in the US for your birth, in the delivery room even. She is smitten with you, I think, as is your Uncle Chris. Today, we went to the airport and said "See you soon" to Auntie Lindy and Uncle Chris as they headed back to Kenya to continue with their ministry (click here to find out more about their ministry).

It was with a joyful sadness that we hugged and kissed and your Auntie Lindy rubbed your soft, peach fuzzy head and then smooched your chubby, squishy cheeks. I know you're going to miss sleeping on Auntie Lindy's chest as she and Mommy (and Mrs. Beth) giggle over nonsense.

In the hospital, Elizabeth first called you Ellabelle. And, the sweet little nickname has stuck. Sometimes you are Ellabelle, other times, Ellabella. It's so sweet that all of the children have their own special way of showing you affection. Some, more gently than others. ;)

Everyone stills comments on the resemblance you have with your oldest brother, Lucas. But, often, your expressions remind us so much of Ashlee's. You are certainly not reclining in any of your older siblings' shadows though. Unlike each of your older siblings, you've had some particulars with your choice of pacifier and bottle nipples. You have finally, finally found a fondness with a plain 'ol Gerber pacci. The cheapest in the store. You've also taken several bottles from a plain 'ol cheap Gerber bottle.

And, unlike your older siblings, you have had a love/hate (heavy emphasis on the HATE) relationship with your carseat. Unlike all your other siblings who usually zonked out the second they were secure in the infant carrier, you've been anything BUT content when strapped in and the car being in motion. In the last week, you've tolerated it a little bit better each trip.

You enjoy "talking" and cooing at the faces of your family and friends.

And, you are very free with your smiles, which delights friends, family and strangers alike. I can't tell you the number of ladies who have stopped dead in their tracks to gaze at your gorgeous aqua blue eyes, then stood in amazement and delight at the smiles you flash. How I am praying that your easy going spirit and happy nature are lifetime characteristics you possess!

You are sleeping much, much better at night, though still in your swing. Your first stretch of sleep is anywhere from 5 - 6 hours, beginning around 9:00 or 9:30 til sometimes 2:30 or 3:30. You had a few nights of wanting to eat every HOUR, which totally wore your Momma out. But, it appeared to just be a growth spurt which lasted 2 (or maybe 3, I can't really remember) nights.

You're spending more time awake during the day and enjoying naps on your tummy when Mommy remembers to lay you down that way. You are still nursing like a pro and your Mommy and Daddy just couldn't be more in love with you. You truly live up to your name. God has blessed us with you so very much and, through you, provided us with so much JOY.

I love you little princess!

Mommy

Ya Ya Y'all

If you've read my blog for any amount of time you know how much I love and adore our close friends Chris and Lindy. They are the brains and obedient hands behind Only Servants Ministries. Seriously people, I could go on and on for hours telling you how fabulous this couple is and what an impact they are making on the people of Kenya. But, you can see all that for yourself by clicking here and checking out their ministry blog for yourself.

The reason I'm bringing them to your attention once more is for non-ministry related stuff. These two twenty*coughsnortthirty*somethings are in the process of adopting two sweet children from Rwanda.

I could go on and on and on about what fabulous, God centered parents they will be. But I'm going to keep this post as light and airy as possible. And if I start telling y'all about Lindy's mothering instincts or Chris' whole-hearted desire to father and lead a family I'll just start bawling. And these days, once I open that can-o-worms very little slow that train down.

Let me just say that no sooner than 45 seconds after their children are placed in their arms will Luke and I be calling them for parenting advice. Oh who am I kidding? We already ask them for parenting advice.

Anyway, Chris and Lindy will be flying back to the United States in the very near future. With them they are bringing ALL KINDS OF KENYAN GOODIES. With Christmas just around the corner, wouldn't your holiday be brighter getting that special little girl in your life one of these:

Or how about that special woman in your life some of these (and you can be your own special woman if you wanna be. I mean, treat yourself ladies!)?

Maybe you aren't into jewelry or dolls? Well, who wouldn't want these in their house for some interesting conversation starters, or even a reminder that Kenyans think that Mzungus (white people) are chubby?

Don't need reminding that you are chubby? Yeah, me neither. Therefore, if it were me (and this is) I'd opt for the opposite of a reminder of chubbiness and go for something that says "Stuff your face and think of Africa." I'd choose these adorable little napkin rings...

Oh wait. We were talking about Christmas presents weren't we? Thaaaaat's right. So ex-nay on the getting this stuff for yourself. Get those skinny African things for your skinny friends. Get the napkin rings for yourself. At least that's what I would do.

But in keeping with Christmas, there are several nativity sets. They come in many variations, but I like this one:


Or these amazing angels, straight from the hands of Kenyans:

Whatever your fancy, this is just the tip of the Ya Ya iceberg. All items are custom made by authentic, actual Kenyans. That's right people, real people who were born and bred in Africa. Pretty gosh darn cool if you ask me.

Chris and Lindy will be having a Ya Ya Market right here in our hometown! If you know me IRL, this won't be a problem because you can stroll downtown and see what all Chris and Lindy brought back and purchase them for yourself.

If you don't know me IRL (in real life) and are interested in these items please contact me at beaverbunch (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll see what I can do. All proceeds from the Ya Ya Market benefit Chris and Lindy's adoption fund.

Here are the specs for you locals:

Ya Ya Market
When? November 20th, 5-8pm
November 21st 2-4pm
(during the Christmas parade)

Where? That funky little coffee shop on Main Street
(you know the M*cough*'s Brew)

Sorry to be vague, but lately I've been a little paranoid about publishing our living location to the world. If you DO live locally and want to attend but have no idea where I'm talking about, then email me at the above email address and I'll hook you up!

48 Hours of Hope

If you've been around my blog for any length of time you know that Luke and I (and Elizabeth too) are avid supporters of Only Servants Ministries. Not only do we believe whole heartedly in the things that Only Servants Ministries is doing in Nairobi, Kenya, Africa but we also love Chris & Lindy to pieces. They truly seek the Lord for His desires in their ministry.

Their demonstration of obedience with their calling to the mission field convicted Luke and I to follow God's prompting to pursue becoming a foster family, and you all know how that has turned out for us (abudant blessings that we could have never imagined)!

Over the last several months Only Servants has begun to struggle financially. Although I know that God has the power to sustain any and all things He calls you to do, I also know that it takes people and their financial resources acting in obedience to provide.

With all that said, please, please, please go over to Michael's blog (he's our friend and pastor) and read about how you can support these dear friends of ours. Anyone can give an extra $5.00. With so many things pulling on your heart and wallet I know that this may sound like another request for you to dig out a few bucks that you really don't have any desire to fork over. (I know I certainly become jaded when folks begin asking for money.)

If you feel that way, please check out this post that Lindy wrote over on the Only Servants blog. It is powerful and thought provoking and it will make you re-evaluate that $5.00 you may or may not have spent on an Iced Latte this morning.

Real, Live Missionaries

Missionaries.

Some people wonder what they do? Others wonder how one could ever forgo their own life just for "missions." Yet other people ponder the day to day life of those who willingly live in foreign lands, brave unfamiliar cultures and learn new languages, all for Jesus' sake.

Personally, the questions I have range from petty to monumental. For example, if I were to be able to speak to Real Live Missionaries, I'd probably ask the following:

* How did you know you were being called into missions?
* Have you ever ridden a camel?
* Why on earth (or why in heaven) did you pick that area of the world?
* Is the toilet paper there, uh...friendly?
* What is the one thing you miss most about the good 'ol US of A?
* Seen any black mamabas...EVER?
* Where could I get a Dr. Pepper?
* What about a Reese Cup?
* I'd even settle for a Caramello. Got those?
* What do you mean bad chocolate? Wow. HOW. DO. YOU. LIVE?

If you've ever wanted to ask Real Live Missionaries these or other questions, I've got GREAT news! Now is your chance to hear them answered, in person (at least if you live near me).

Yours truly, (that would be me) will be Emceeing a full on, totally uncensored night of food, fun and a Q & A session with Chris and Lindy Thompson with Only Servants Ministries.

That's right folks, not ONLY do you get a full 2ish hours of me, uncensored, with a microphone, but you may even get your questions answered and some serious belly laughs in the process.

What's that? You live 15 states away but you'd still like to ask a question to Real Live Missionaries? Well, my friend, it won't be quite the same apart from my night of totally uncensored Emceeing, but your questions still have a chance to be answered if you head over to this post and submit them in the comment section. Also, if you're too far away to make it in for the gala evening, I highly suggest you check out this post and watch the video of Only Servants Ministries in action. It's seriously humbling. (And it may even make you wanna click on their little icon where it says "Donate" and join them in delivering the Good News to the people of Kenya. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.)

Again, if you leave a comment on their Q & A post, not only would it have a chance of being answered, for real, on the blog of Real Live Missionaries, but I may even select it as a question to ask during the Q & A session of "A Living Room Conversation."

So head over to Only Servants' blog, and light up their comment box. I know you won't be sorry. The fun begins on Sunday, May 17th at 6:30pm at Rich Fork Baptist Church, in the Multi-Purpose Building. Be there or be square.

Cool Treat...Comin' Right Up!

Thanks to those of you who offered up some prayer about the vacation I mentioned. May I elaborate? (Of course I can, it's my blog.)

You see, several months ago, Luke and I went in with some friends and "bid" on a week long vacation in the mountains. It was a silent auction and benefit dinner for our friends, Chris and Lindy, who were about to leave for the mission field.

We won the auction, ecstatic at the awesome price we paid. However, God sure is a funny fellow (can I call God a fellow?..I'm guessing He'd be okay with that, we're tight like that).

LOTS has changed since that evening in April. For starters, we've added Baby D and Baby Girl to our home and our friends are past the point of being ready to meet their first bundle of joy are eager to meet their first baby boy, who is due a week from Monday.

Needless to say, coordinating a time for the four of us to get away isn't going to happen in the next 5 years. So, it with great pains that Luke and I will endure a week long vacation, ALONE, in the wonderful North Carolina mountains skiing, hiking and just hanging out!

We've been saying for a while now that we need to get away, for longer than just a few hours, and spend some quality time investing in our marriage. Well, the time has come...or it will in about 2 weeks!

I called today and confirmed the reservation and I've all but got all 5 kids' care covered. Luke and I NEED time away. Plus, it's already paid for...woohoo!

So, thanks for the prayers earlier this week (all you faithful prayin' people), and thanks Chris and Lindy for becoming missionaries and giving us a great excuse to bid on a vacation we would have otherwise never bought. I know you did it all for us, didn't you?