A Sneak Peek.....

We've been hard at work this week setting up for our Hope for Haiti benefit called Pumpkin Soup Boutique! (See last post for more details.) We hope you'll come out and visit us tomorrow, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or on Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Latty Apostolic Christian Fellowship Hall (12867 Rd. 82 Paulding, OH). The boutique features quality handmade items from Centre Lumiere, a school in southern Haiti. Your participation allows these Haitian women to earn a living with dignity. So come shop with a purpose and give a gift that gives back!

Here is a sneak peak of our boutique (hey, that rhymes!) -

Hope to see you there!!!

Pumpkin Soup Boutique - Help For Haiti Benefit

A little slice of Haiti is coming to our area next weekend! We are hosting the Pumpkin Soup Boutique at the Latty Apostolic Christian Fellowship Hall next Friday and Saturday, November 1 & 2. The boutique will feature high-quality handmade items from Centre Lumiere, a school in southern Haiti, and all proceeds from the sale will benefit the school and the families of the women who work there.

Centre Lumiere was founded in 1977 by a German missionary, whose goal was to educate women in the skills necessary to earn a living with dignity. The women are trained in hygiene, nutrition, embroidery, crocheting, sewing, cooking, and Bible studies. Some graduates will hopefully return to their villages and open small satellite schools, while others participate in the self-help program, handcrafting items for the Pumpkin Soup Boutique. Over 150 women participate in this program.

Many of these handmade items will be on display at the open house. Women’s articles for sale include crocheted headbands and flowers, greeting cards, purses, tote bags, hats, scarves, sweaters, aprons and shawls. Children’s items include backpacks, loungewear sets, clothing, aprons, hair accessories, bibs, bucket bags, hats, scarves, taggie blocks and blankets, and clothing for 18 inch dolls. There will also be many home items for sale, including tablecloths, napkins, afghans, throw pillows, dishcloths, dish towels, potholders, casserole carriers, doilies, and table runners. Additionally, many reduced-price products will be available.

We hope that you will come show your support!  You can help someone while starting your Christmas shopping – a gift that gives back!

The Pumpkin Soup Boutique will be held at the Latty Apostolic Christian Fellowship Hall, located at 12867 Rd. 82, Paulding. It is one mile south of Latty, just west of U.S. 127. Hours for the open house are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Refreshments will be available, and a slide presentation of Centre Lumiere will be ongoing. Cash, checks, credit cards, and donations will be accepted.

Examples of a few of the items that will be sold include:

Tote bags and purses

Hats

 Head wraps/Ear warmers

Embroidered greeting cards

Girl and Doll matching outfits

Scarves (Winter and fashion)

Lots of hair accessories, including reversible headbands, flowers, and hair clips

Burp cloths

Women's wear

Clothing for 18 inch dolls



Tutu onesies

Hope to see you there!

Raw...

There is a little boy halfway around the world who used to call me mama. And I am the only "mama" he has ever known. He has been waiting for me. And it is complicated. Every second of every day, my heart hurts. My heart is burdened. My heart grieves. And sometimes, my heart goes numb. It is complicated. And because there are eyes all over the world who read or could potentially read this blog, I cannot post many details. It is complicated.

But Jesus knows, and Jesus cares. He is being quiet for now, and that's ok. He knows that a mama's heart doesn't like to be messed with. And He is my strength.When things are dark and unknown, I'll put my trust in Him. Because He already knows the outcome. He's already there.

I knew what I was getting into when I called you.
I knew what I was getting into when I said your name, but I said it just the same.
I knew what I was getting into and I still want you.
I knew what I was getting into.

I knew what I was getting into and I still chose you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still want you.
I knew what I was getting into when I said your name, but I said it just the same.
I knew what I was getting into.

And I am not shocked by your weakness.
And I am not shocked even by your sin.
And I am not shocked by your brokenness.

I knew what I was getting into and I still want you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still like you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still chose you.

'Cause only I can see the end from the beginning.
And only I can see where this is going.
And only I can see the end from the beginning.
And I see in you the seeds of love.
And I see in you strength when all you see is your failure and all you feel is ashamed.
I can see deeper than that.
I know you better than that.

I knew what I was getting into when I called you.
I knew what I was getting into when I said your name.
I said it just the same.
I knew what getting into and I still want you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still like you.

You're only at the beginning.
You've only just begun and I know where you are going
And all you can see in the moment is that you're hurting.
And all you can see in the moment is that you're aching. 
But listen:

I knew what I was getting into when I called you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still want you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still like you.
I knew what I was getting into when I called you.

Just don't give up.
And don't give in.
If you don't quit, you win, you win.

Just don't give up.
And don't give in.
If you don't quit, you win, you win.

Everything is in my hands.
It's going to be alright.
Everything is in my hands.
It's going to be alright.
It's going to be okay.
Everything is in my hands.
It's going to be alright.
It's going to be Okay.
And you don't have to pretend to be something or someone that you're not.
'Cause I know you better than that, even better, even better than that.
Listen my Beloved:

I knew what I was getting into when I called you.
I knew what I was getting into when I said your name.
I said it just the same.
I knew what I was getting into and I still like you.
I knew what I was getting into and I still chose you.

-Misty Edwards

My Babies Turned 5 Years Old Today!

And they decided they wanted to go to one of their very favorite places.....the zoo.

We were able to drive through the Great Rift Valley on our first trip to Ethiopia 2 years ago.....so beautiful.

Can't believe my little guys are growing up so fast! We love you, Jalen and Jordan, and hope you have lots of fun being 5!!! XOXOXO