Advocacy Thankfulness Post

Thankful #1

.One of the things I am most thankful for this year is the direction God led me in.   I am thankful that I answered the calling He has for me right now.   I am thankful he has given me the resources to help the children that spend every day of their lives alone in an orphanage.  No, I'm not fishing for credit or compliments, just truthfully saying "Thank you" to God for giving me this desire to do the little bit I can to help someone in need.  I am so grateful that he has opened a door for me to be the voice for some of the voiceless.   I just play a small role in helping innocent children that don't have anywhere, anything or anyone to call their own.   They don't know love, they've never celebrated their birthday's and they haven't ever had a safe place to call home.  Some of the things we take for granted almost everyday.  That is why this Thanksgiving I am simply saying that I am thankful God has opened my eyes to this situation and given me the resources to do what I can to help.   It may not be very much, but it's a start and when you live a life full of nothings, everything counts.  Big or small.    So number one thankful this year would be the passion God has placed in my heart and the resources to help, even if it's just a little bit. :) 


Thankful #2

I am extremely grateful for all the wonderful adopting parents!  Whether I know them or not, every one of them are incredibly special to me!  They've chosen to give second chances to lives that were abandon and given them a family.  A home, a place to sleep and people to call family!   There's almost nothing greater than this.  I am personally so thankful for every adopting parent(s).  <3  


Thankful #3

Zeke.  Yes, the precious orphan I have been shouting, tweeting and posting about for the last month!  He has brought me so much joy and happiness.  I am grateful for his photos and that sweet smile that reminds me every time I'm feeling low that what I am doing matters.  He keeps the fire in advocating going and can spark flames in me when I need it.   His Angel Tree ornament hangs right where I can see it on the tree while I blog.    He has added something special to my life that I need right now.   He's given me a hope and fuel to continue advocating for orphans, adoptions, etc.  


Thankful #4

My family and best friend!   Oh my goodness, I would be lost without them both.  My parents have been so supportive and encouraging in my advocating journey since day one!  Along with my sisters, best friend and mom's parents!  They all have donated their money, efforts and time to me when it comes to helping these children.  They've never failed me or discouraged me and that is something so rare and precious.   Because in the world we live in most people ignore what I do, think it's pointless and I'm sure that don't say it, but they think I'm crazy.  To have a support team around me is the biggest blessing!  I will forever be grateful for them.

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So there's a few of my top things that I am incredibly grateful for this Thanksgiving!  Comment and tell me some of yours!  I'd love to know! :)

If you are (or know someone that is) a Christmas Warrior this Angel Tree don't forget to check out my Angel Tree Tee fundraiser that ends in TWO DAYS!!  I need one more order before they can be printed!  Please share! :)   CLICK HERE TO GO TO TEESPRING AND SEE THE SHIRT!

Angel Tree Tee for Zeke!

I have been swamped with orders recently, which is fantastic for the Valenzuela family adoption!  Unfortunately I haven't had very much time for sweet Zeke.   God has blessed me in Angel Tree tremendously thus far!  He currently stands at $256.50 for Angel Tree!  I'm so grateful for every bit of it.   3 days before Angel Tree started, Zeke had no one committed to being his Christmas Warrior, less than a month into AT and he is close to $300 and has a warrior who will stop at nothing short of an army for him. ;)

 So I've really wanted an Angel Tree shirt since the beginning of time, lol!   And after discussing it with my best friend, she said she'd like one too.   I got permission for Miss Lucille and created the ultimate Christmas Warrior t-shirt.   In the perfect holiday color, forest green. :)  I did add the color red in the v-neck choice just in case anyone was interested in that one as well.

 

In the forest green you can chose the hoodie, t-shirt, or long sleeved shirt.  In the red one you can only pick the v-neck.   I personally like the forest green color more, it's something different that most people don't have a ton of that color in their closet.  Verses red, I have too many red shirts from various events.

All the shirts, but one are $22 and the hoodie is $35.  :)

CLICK HERE GO TO TEESPRING AND RESERVE A TEE <----


I hope that every Christmas Warrior will consider purchasing at least one of these items.   It's a wonderful keepsake to remind you of this Angel Tree 2014 and that precious child you fought so hard for! :)

All the money made from this fundraiser will benefit Zeke during Angel Tree. :) 

Sofia's Story: Meet the Valenzuela Family

Meet the Valenzuela family!  

 Robinson and Marcy and their young daughter, Ariana are Christian family living in Utah.

Marcy bought her first house at age 21, owned her own business at 25 and switched careers to full time mommy at age 30.  Robinson has served a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints.  He loves animation and bringing joy to children, he now works LDS Motion Picture Studios as a Visual Special Effects Animator, and loves it. 
 
Marcy has given birth to two children with Down syndrome, her first, a son, only lived a few short hours due to sever heart issues.  Her 7th pregnancy and only successful birth God blessed them with their daughter, Ariana whom also has Down syndrome.  



Robinson and Marcy have been through many trials from miscarriages, funerals and Robinson having Testicular cancer, that was successfully cured, thankfully.  And they're now pregnant and due in June of 2015.

They fell in love with Sofia from the moment they first saw her.  Miracle after miracle has led them to believe that their Heavenly Father has led to believe that He is leading and guiding them through bringing little Sofia home.

For privacy reasons Sofia's picture can't be shared on any social media, so Mr. Valenzuela created this logo created from a picture of Ariana. 

                       They have a wonderful tshirt fundraiser going on to help fund Sofia's adoption,
                          You can read more about it and get one for yourself by clicking here. 
                               I am going to order one soon! :)

         And everyone should go follow their website @ http://shoutingforsofia.apps-1and1.com/ ! 
          You can follow their adoption closely and help them by donating, sharing and praying. 
                                                   Do it for sweet little Ariana!  She wants her sissy home! <3

 

 

"Help bring sissy home!" -Aria ;)

I believe 100 percent that God has put this family in my life for a reason, along with sweet little Sofia.  I am going to try my hardest to help them bring her home.  Their adoption is estimated to cost a total of $45,000!
It's going to take miracles, but as the Valenzuela family said, God is already guiding them through their adoption process.  I'm confident that He'll continue. <3 

I am currently selling custom tutus and 50 percent of each item profit is donated to their adoption.  The other 50 goes to supplies.   Please like and follow my page and order a tutu or hair bow!   Shipping is free!
The Glitter Corner Facebook page (<---Click the link)
Also visit my brand new Etsy page The Glitter Corner Etsy shop! (<--Click the link to visit the page)

I'm brainstorming for other fundraiser ideas. :)

Thanks for reading!  I'll be posting on this lovely family a lot in the near future! So please follow or subscribe by email to get updates!  Thanks!  

A Forgotten Pretty Face

Over the the last couple of years or so I have watched one particular child wait and wait.
This is somewhat understandable for me, simply because she is an Asian beauty and almost all of them look similar in ways, but not her.. at least not for me.  There has always been something incredibly special about this one little girl, Fern.

She's unique.  Precious.  And well deserving of a wonderful family that will tend to her every need.  
Oh!  By the way..did I mention she's been an orphan her entire life?  Yeah, you read correctly.   This little girl has never known real love.  She has never been held and hugged, told she is a priceless little gem. 

Fern is a diamond in the rough.  Her hair has continuously been shaven, instead being grown out into gorgeous long locks of silky black hair. She's always been dressed in mismatched clothing.  She's never been properly cared for.  No one has ever been there to guide her, to walk with her through these precious first years of life. The things we all took for granted as young children, she has never felt or known.  

 Read this from an adopting mother that actually met Fern:

 "Let me start by saying my heart broke for this little one. She is unable to sit up or feed herself. She cannot walk. She was brought to me in the crib. She smiled when I spoke to her and she grabbed my hand when I placed mine in hers. She laughed when we tickled her and she seemed to enjoy my attention. The nannies say she can smile and laugh when tickled. She can chew and swallow food. She has a familiar caretaker and smiles when she is with her. She is described as a very content child. She is easy going."

...She is wasting away in an orphanage.  Her most wonderful toddler years have been spent rotting with no one that can give her a motherly love that she so desperately needs to help grow.
I want so much to lift her into my arms and tell her how adorable she looks, kiss those chubby cheeks and tickle her tummy just to watch her giggle.  She needs that.  She needs someone to care for her.


I get it!  Not all of us can hop on the adoption bus today and snatch her, but hear this: You  don't have to adopt to help!  Take it from someone who has spent four years advocating, praying and watching God perform miracles in each little one's life.
Prayer is powerful and you have the power to do that anywhere at anytime.  Take advantage of that and say a daily prayer for not just Fern, but all the many orphans in this world.  Whether you believe it or not, you are making a big difference. The Creator of the universe is listening to your prayers and will do what He knows is best. 
Unless someone has handed you a print-out copy of this post, then you have the power to share this and other orphan related things right now.  Copy the link and paste it onto your Twitter, Facebook, email and virtually anywhere.  Hashtag the heck out of it with things like #orphan #help #makeachange #pray #retweet #share...it helps!  You never know when someone that is following you on social media is the future mother or/and father of the orphan you're sharing. 
Almost every child listed on Reece's Rainbow has a donation button setup on their profile.  Through that you are able to make a donation towards that child's adoption grant.  Which makes a HUGE difference.  There are so many wonderful stories I could sit here and tell you about families who expressed how helpful the adoption grants are to their adoption process.  Since international adoption can cost anywhere from $14,000-$50,000.  Not so cheap, right?

Baby Fern..(SO CUTE)

Fern is just a drop in the bucket when it comes to overlooked orphans.  There are 147 MILLION orphans in our world today.  147 children that need a voice.  You can be their voice.  Speak up for those who can't speak.  Close your eyes and just put yourself in an orphans shoes, you would want someone to speak for you, wouldn't you?  And what words would you want someone to say, to save your life?  Think about those questions today. 

Fern needs a family.  She's 4 years old.  She doesn't need to wait any longer!  Share this post! Retweet, screen shot it for Instagram and hashtag is like wild!  She needs out!  And you can help! :)

If you would like to make a donation and read more information about Fern please click this link.


Thank you for reading and please don't hesitate to comment or email me with any questions you have!  And even comment and tell me about how you helped an orphan (It can be Fern too.. ;) ), I would LOVE to hear your stories.

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#WheresMyMom?

Tomorrow is the day you hug your mama, tell her how much you love her and appreciate all the many things she's done for you.  It's another day where you take some time to really think about how big you're blessed.  And you do know, you are *really* blessed if you have a mom.  No matter how many times she gets on your nerves, makes you angry, tells you things you don't want to hear or think you already know, she is a huge blessing that I personally take for granted too often. 

Today I had to opportunity to give my mom some special treatment for her special day (which isn't until tomorrow, but one of my brother's turn 9 that day as well and she'd much rather celebrate him)
It wasn't the grandest thing you'd ever seen, but she was so grateful and excited.   It made me so happy to see her so happy about something so small.

I forget how much God has blessed me with.   I have the world's best mom.  She would do or give anything for one of her kids.  She's always looking for ways to make us happy and to give us all she can,  I am so much more blessed than I deserve.  She is so wonderful and I can't imagine my life without her.  She's my best friend, there isn't a thing that she doesn't know about me.  I tell her everything.

On this day when I count my blessings a little more than usual my heart breaks for the 147 million children in this world today without a mom to call their own.

No mom to kiss your booboos when you've fallen, no mom to tell you how much you are loved, to hug and comfort you.  No getting rocked to sleep while she sings a sweet song in your little toddler ears.  No laughter together, no shoulder to cry on when life hits you hard.   None of anything.   Nothing.

365 days alone inside the orphanage walls just waiting and wondering, "Where is she..where's the sweet lady they call "mom"?...you know, that one that comes in and takes you outside of this everyday of striving to survive and clinging to what little life I have.  The one that rescues me."

These precious children don't know what love is.   Some of them as old as 16 and have never felt one ounce of it.  Not a mother's love.  Which is something entirely unique and overwhelming.  Someone that is always there for you no matter what.   

This Mother's Day I want to encourage you to consider making a donation of amount to any of the waiting children listed on Reece's Rainbow.  Or ANY adoption connection you have.  Chose at least one to pray for today and share on your social media and hey, why not church?  It is on Mother's Day! ;) 
Spread that child's name and photo EVERYWHERE.  Help them find a mom this Mother's Day.  Tell your mom what you're doing, I bet she'll think it's fabulous!  

 Here are the three I will be shouting for all day! :)



                      My gorgeous sweet Talia: Click here to donate, share and read more about her.:)

 

My little soft Fern: Click here to donate, share and read more about her.

 

My oh so loveable Joe: Click here to donate, share and read more about him.

You might have noticed the hashtag theme going on here, I'm hoping that everyone that reads this will go share a photo on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #WheresMyMom in the description box.    Let's see how many people we can get to spread this hashtag everywhere!

This is an easy free way to help someone today!  You could be response able for one orphan (or more, you never know..) finding their mama!  YES.  I'm talking to you!  

Please don't ignore this, do it!  Help someone, like I said before, get your mom involved!  She'll love this!  

And maybe, just maybe, you might be one of these beautiful babies mama? Aye? ;) 

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, sorry it's a little bit of a rambling mess. Please comment and tell me which child you chose to share on our #WheresMyMom day!  I'd love to know! 

Visit ReecesRainbow.org to chose a child to share on #WheresMyMom day May 11 2014!

  
 

Keep Calm and Love an Orphan | For All Three

So I know there are a million and one tshirt fundraisers going on right now, so this one might already seem boring and same old same old, right?   And yeah, you might have ten shirts for adoptions, orphan advocating and such, but you can never have too many clothes right? ;)

Point is, I don't have a lot of money to spend on fundraisers and prizes right now, but I want to raise at least a little bit for one (or possibly all three) of "my" chickadees.

This shirt on the left is $17.  In order to get the company to print them out I have to sell at least 10 of them. I haven't decided which one of the kids will get the money raised yet.  If I sell ten I will have $45 to donate to one of them, which isn't a whole lot but it's better than nothing. 
 Every single penny of the money raised will go into a child's adoption grant. :) 

I wanted to keep it as affordable as possible for everyone so that it would be appealing, because I know how tight money is for so many families.

I understand if you can't purchase one, but if you can.  Please do!  It's perfect for every orphan advocate!  I made the colors neutrals so it can be for both genders. :)

Click here to read more and purchase to shirt if you'd like! 


Thank you for reading and please let me know if you have any questions!  I'm happy to answer them!  

Two New Beautiful Changes

My heart has fallen in love with two more beautiful babies.  One that I've loved since she was listed and the other a "stranger", but had me speechless at the first look at her photo.

I can't hide my excitement any longer so I will, with great pleasure, announce the two beauties that I will advocating for!

Meet Talia

       

               & 



                    Fern

These two girls have literally captured my heart in every way that a heart can be captured.  My heart breaks for them, but is also so thankful that God led me to them.  I am so blessed that I have been given a chance to better the lives of two more children in need of finding their forever families.  

Recently, when I visited my blog I felt it was empty, and that confused me because I thought that I had told myself that Joe would be the only focus for me.  Days past and I still felt that emptiness in my heart and on my blog, I felt that maybe this was God preparing my heart for a change in my advocating life. I know, I sound crazy, but whenever I get those "feelings" I just usually trust that it's something God has in store for me. 

Curious if God was directing me to add another child to my orphan advocacy I went to the child that I've loved and nearly advocated for several times to see if I got what  me and my advocating sisters call the "mommy feeling" that usually leads us to believe that we have a special connection to the child.  Still I was hesitant.   I just wasn't sure if I should add another child at this point in my life. I posted in a group that morning asking if anyone had updated photos of this beautiful girl, Fern.  

Friday night came, and like the party animal I am (Ha. Ha.), I sat on my sofa scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed when suddenly I stumble onto a post that someone has made about a gorgeous little girl that is medically fragile and just like that I was mesmerized.   This little girl tugged at my heart so hard that within the next five minutes I was emailing RR to request becoming her official Guardian Angel.   Never have I ever reacted to a child that quickly.  But never did I ever regret doing it.  

Just minutes (or less) after requesting to become that medically fragile sweet child's Guardian Angel I got a notification on my Facebook telling me that someone had replied to my question about Fern having an update any recently. 

Naturally, I went to the post, only to discover that an adopting mama recently met Fern and had new photos and information about her!  This was extremely exciting and completely unexpected for me because I had been watching Fern since she was listed on RR a looong time ago and never did she have an update!  EVER!  

I take a look at the new photos and I melt into a puddle, I am in love with yet another child all within the same five minutes.  

Yes.  I was feeling crazy and a little bit confused.  What was I to do?   I already had one precious child I was advocating for, requested to be another's and then fell in love with a third baby.  

I have to be completely honest here, it didn't take me long at all before decided that in some way, shape, or form I would indeed help Fern too,   There was no escaping the feelings I had for her. 

And the following Monday, I got the email from RR that I was officially Talia's Guardian Angel! :) <3

She's literally the size of a doll! (ILOVEHERSOMUCH)

After asking if I could possibly become a Guardian Angel for a third child, and getting an approval I then requested to become Fern's Guardian Angel!

She's SO kissable!  ILOVEHERSOMUCH!!!

I don't feel afraid or overwhelmed with being a Guardian Angel for three children.  I know that with lots of prayer and a lot of hard work and effort, I can do this!    And I know that if you love this kids even just half as much as I do, then you will follow this blog and help shout for Joe, Talia and Fern!

The follow/subscribe buttons are all located over there on the right side ---->>>>

Please join me in praying daily for these sweet kids!  I know that our Heavenly Father will hear our every prayer and loves them soooo much!   He will rescue them and protect them. <3 

Thank you for reading and please feel free to share!  

Don't forget to follow before you leave!  I will be holding fundraisers and doing some fun little things for them in this exciting new journey!  :) 

Consider making a donation to their adoption grant?

Click here to donate to Fern

Click here to donate to Talia

Click here to donate to Joe

Update On the Easter Basket Giveaway | Vera

If you've been keeping a close eye on the Easter Basket Giveaway then you might be curious as to where the donations will be going to since Vera has found a family and Peggy is sadly no longer adoptable.  

As of right now all of the money will be donated to Vera's family's adoption grant.  

It's hard for me to tell you more because I honestly don't know who is adopting her yet and there currently isn't anywhere for the money to go, but since we still have 14 days left in this fundraiser I am hoping that I will know the family adopting her by that time.  

We are currently at an impressive $139 in the Easter Basket Giveaway and I'm praying that it will continue to grow!  I haven't done a very good job at promoting this fundraiser recently, but I'm going step up my game and share it as much as I cam!   

I am so grateful for every single donation (entry) made in the Easter Basket Giveaway!  It's overwhelming how many people love this precious little girl and want to see her home and happy in the arms of her family!  

Now that she's officially on the "My Family Found Me" page on Reece's Rainbow, I feel that it's even more important that we raise as much money as possible to put towards her adoption!   An international adoption costs anywhere from $12,000-$40,000!  That's not exactly what I would call "cheap".if you know what I mean.  We're the hope for little bitty Vera!  This is our chance to help save her life!   

I would appreciate any donations of any amount at this point!  You will still get entered into winning the basket!   

There are lots of goodies in store for you if you win!  Click here to see all the many prizes that are in the basket for the winner. And to also learn more information about this fundraiser and the entry costs. :) 

Thank you for reading and please be sure to share this fundraiser!  It will be a huge help! :)  

Follow and/or subscribe to keep up to date on all the things going on!  

 

Peggy | A Letter to Peggy

Dear Peggy,

Hello "my" little chickadee.  I hope that you are doing well and feeling as comfortable as possible.  

I don't really know how to write out this letter..I mean, you and Vera and both on my mind all the time.  But you have a piece of me that puts me in constant worry.  Alyssa (my best friend and advocating partner) and I looked up all your diagnosis and I discovered that you are in a lot of physical pain.   I just want to go rescue you and give you everything you need and deserve.  It isn't fair that someone as small and precious as you has to go through so much suffering.   I just want you safe and sound.  I pray for you and Vera constantly, knowing that God can comfort and hold you both in His never failing arms.  But there is always a part of me that want to do so much more.  I feel SO helpless.  

You need so much and have so little.  I know that you have a forever family out there in the world somewhere..the hardest part is finding them and reaching them for you.  

I won't ever give up on you, EVER.  Whether it takes my whole life, I will find someone who will love you, care for you, kiss you, hug you, rock you to sleep and treat you like the little princess you are.   

And goodness girl, I can never write a post or letter to you without tears filling my eyes..you have a special way of always doing that to me. ;) 

If someone offered me a ticket to your country and permission to your orphanage, honey I would have been GONE a LONG time ago!   I'd do anything to help you and Vera.  

Though you are young, frail, tiny and weak, I know that you can get through this...I'm here for you until the day you are with your forever family, safe and sound.    

Sorry this letter is a little bit of a rambling mess.....okay maybe a big rambling mess, but my mind is all over the place when I try to write anything about you I end up shouting for help.   If only you could know how much I love you baby girl....keep your head up.  God's got this and he will carry you and Vera both!  <3 

Peggy | Vote for Peggy!

This is kind of like an urgent post!  In the middle of designing Unlocking Lyubov I forgot about requesting votes for "my" precious girl Peggy on the Reece's Rainbow project, 21 Days of Hope .

With that being said, TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO VOTE!   I can't see how many votes Peggy currently has, but I'm guessing it isn't many since I am her warrior and have sadly spoke zero about this until now.   

I need everyone who hasn't voted yet to please give Peggy a chance!  She's newly listed on Reece's Rainbow and isn't known that well yet.   

Peggy needs to be voted in the top 21 by MIDNIGHT.

"DOUBLE THE FUNDS! For each $1000 raised for our Voice of Hope Fundbetween 1 and 21 March, another designated child will earn a $2100 grant from an anonymous donor!"

Peggy has many medical needs that are causing her to be in so much pain.  There's no healing inside those orphanage walls.  She needs a forever family to rescue her FAST.   Having money in her adoption grant would help her out a lot!  

                   *Please SHARE THIS post* 

                             That will be a huge help in this!  I can't thank you enough for voting for Peggy!

            

                     CLICK HERE TO GO VOTE!