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!

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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TALIA HAS A FAMILY!!!

The title of this post is TRUE!!!  "My" dear sweet Talia has found her forever family!!  As a matter of fact it was published a little over a week ago, but I haven't had the chance to to post it until now.

This is surely a big blessing from the Lord!  I knew that He would provide for this sweet sweet little darling. <3

 

Someone saw what an angel she truly is.  Someone is finally going to give her everything she needs to bloom into an even more beautiful little girl that she is.  Someone is going to give her all the things she's never known she deserves!  <3 

For the very first time in her life she will truly feel  love from the arms of a family!

 

No more waiting or wondering sweet little girl!  They are coming for you!  They love you!  

They're coming to your rescue!  It won't be much longer now! :) 

Hold on tight, I'm praying for you all the way.  I won't stop praying for you!  You're going to make it home!  <3

 As of right now, I don't know who is adopting her or anything like that.  Hopefully it will be soon though and I will try my hardest to keep everyone up to date on all things Talia! :) <3

Thank you for every single prayer, donation and share!  Continue to pray for her and please pray for the family.  International adoption is certainly a long, challenging process, they just want their daughter already!  So be sure to keep them in prayer! :)

Hold on baby girl, you're getting out of there soon!  I'm praying you home!

 

 

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!  

I Make Custom Designs!

When you sign up to be a child's Guardian Angel you are committing to not only pray and shout for them, but to also hold as many fundraisers for them as possible to help raise their adoption grant.

As most of you know I very recently have committed to being a Guardian Angel for three little angels.  

I don't currently have a job at this point in my life, therefore I don't have an income to donate into "my" kids adoption grants.  And I really am not making excuses here, but I have zero craftiness,  It's nonexistent.  I can't say I haven't tried...or rather that I'm not trying, because I am actually still in the process of trying more small projects that can benefit the kids.  But I'm no Martha Stewart to say the least.  

In the last couple of years I have uncovered a wonderful thing that I do quite well in!  Making custom designs for people!   Whether it be, Facebook timeline covers, blogger headers, flyers, buttons, or collages, I can do it pretty well!  

I decided to put my knowledge to good use and begin selling them to raise money for orphans during special events of the year. Now that I am a GA for three kids it's time to step up my game!   I need to start selling these all year long so that I can help "my" three precious Asian babies!  

I made the blog title header myself, and the little buttons of the kiddos and I ---> 

I've also made similar things for several other people, but I typically make Facebook timeline covers. :)

Here are some examples: 

and I can make pretty much ANYTHING you desire. :)

Here are a few signature samples (used in blogs mainly)

I haven't made any signatures recently, but I have new fonts and they would be incredible for signatures! :)

Here are some blog header backgrounds

I have many more and the possibilities are endless! 

I am ready and willing to make you a custom design! I am so excited to help anyone who's in need of help!  

I am so grateful for everyone who allows me to make their design! I need this for Joe, Talia and Fern!

Contact me @ KaitlynCTB@hotmail.com

PRICES:

Facebook Timeline Cover: $5 

Blogger Header: $5

Signature: $5

Blog Button: $5

ONE HUNDRED PERCENT profit goes to one of my three lovies adoption grant! 

Share, follow and pray that this will bring in a decent amount!  

Thank you so much for reading!  If you've ever had my designs before, please leave a review below in the comments! :)

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!  

 

Join Team Joe!

I want to do something special for little Joe.  I don't want to do the same old same old, write a post, share it and have a few people read it when I know that I can do so much more!  I've decided to create a team of warriors just for Joe!  Whether we have 2,000 or 10 warriors it will be a huge help in finding his forever family!   He is overlooked right now, but with the help of his warriors he will have a bright spotlight shined on his name!  

I'm not going to take all the credit of being his official Prayer Warrior, so I bought an adorable little card that is just for the warriors/members of Team Joe.  

Q: How can I become a member of Team Joe? 

A: You can become a member by following this blog.  The follow link is located over on the right side of the blog                                                   -------------------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

There's more to it than just following, to meet and share stories of how you are shouting for Joe you can request to join this group on Facebook for Team Joe members only! :) 

CLICK HERE  to visit the Facebook group!   Remember that it's a closed group and the way you can become a member is to 1. Follow this blog  2. Request to join the Facebook group

There won't be anything required for you to do, but just simply shout for Joe by sharing him on your social media, and praying for him.  And if you want to make a donation to his adoption grant, go right ahead, but understand I'm not trying to "force" anyone to do so. :)  

On top of shouting for sweet Joe, you will automatically get your name wrote in this special card for him that will be put inside his keepsake box.   One day his forever family will see all the people that loved and cared for him.  

I will have MUCH better photos of the card soon, but for now...

I consider this to be a miracle card, ha ha!  I looked all over the cards searching for "the one" but realizing that there probably wouldn't be a perfect card out there for the occasion I was looking for, then I found this and LOVED what it said, on top of it having a ducky on it.  SO CUTE. :)  

I appreciate you taking the time to reach this and I really do hope that you will become a member of Team Joe and join me in shouting for him! 

If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them!  Just comment below or email me @ 

KaitlynCTB@hotmail.com 

 

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