My Alternative to the #IceBucketChallenge

Well...it finally happened. I'd kind of hoped it wouldn't so I could just stay quiet about the whole thing. However, since I've been challenged to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge I knew I had 2 options - ignore it or accept it (with a twist) and explain my reasoning for the twist.

I know from reading similar articles and posts that what I'm about to say may make some people angry or upset and I've seen ugly comments people have left on similar posts and articles. I'm not here to argue with anyone. These are my beliefs and I hold firm to them. I'm going to try to state them as gracefully as possible.

I'll admit...I didn't like this Ice Bucket Challenge thing from day one. I'm not a jump on the bandwagon type of person. Please know, I'm not against advocating for a cause or donating to charity. Giving is one of my spiritual gift and I love doing it. One of the missions of my blog is to use it as a way to help others. In the past, I've shared about numerous causes that I support. One of the biggest things I've always advocated for on my blog has been adoption. We even started the adoption process about a year ago. I know I haven't written about many of these things in a while, but I've been lax on the whole blogging thing for most of this year due to a lot of personal factors and finding out we are expecting.

Just because I haven't been sharing about it, doesn't mean I haven't been doing things. We still support 2 children through Compassion International. We support a local missionary who is currently serving in eastern Europe. We also give to families that we hear about who are raising funds for adoption and I'm in the process of trying to figure out if there's any way I can make Ornaments for Adoption work this year considering Baby Hall is due in November. I don't say this to brag on us, but to brag on what the Lord has blessed us with that we are able to give. I'll also admit that this giving is not as abundant as we've done in the past and if nothing else, this challenge has challenged me to fix that (which I'll explain more of later).

Please don't get me wrong here, I don't think there's anything wrong with donating to ALS research. It's a terrible disease that I can't imagine watching a loved one go through. I know many people get passionate about it when people don't want to participate because they have experienced this firsthand. However, there are a lot of terrible diseases in this world that need money for research. Watching a loved one suffer through cancer, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Alzheimer's isn't easy either, but those are all sicknesses that loves ones of mine have suffered through and passed away from. I don't think it's fair to consider research for one disease more important than another. All diseases are difficult for the one dealing with it as well as the ones caring for them. In a perfect world, scientists and doctors would find cures for all of these things.

So, I said all that to say that there are a lot of worthy causes out there and you can't support them all. I'm all for donating money to help people in need; but I, personally believe you should donate to causes that you feel led to donate to, causes that mean something to you, and causes that you're passionate about. I don't believe you should donate to a cause just because someone "challenged" you to or you feel guilty about it if you don't or you want to do "what everyone else is doing." I'm more likely to listen to a person share about a cause if they have a story to share, a personal connection to it, or are truly passionate about it.

 *Another reason I won't donate to the ALSA is because I don't believe that the way they're conducting research fully lines up with my beliefs. I know there's a lot of gray areas that can be argued and I am wrestling through my thoughts on it all. So, I do encourage you to research a charity or organization before you donate to them to make sure you truly know what you're supporting. I won't go into further details because they can be found here or here.*

So, in light of everything I just shared, I won't be donating to ALS research. Instead, I'm going to share with you what I will donate to and why.

• GI Motility disorders research- My husband suffers from Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome (along with all the sensitivities mentioned in the linked article). Like the article states, this keeps him from working regularly, adds up in medical bills, and affects our quality of life. Not a lot is known about FAPS. I can't tell you how many doctors we visited before we finally found one who put a name to his condition. I also can't tell you how much time and money was wasted on doctors treating his symptoms in a way that actually did more damage than good. There's also not a very definitive treatment for it. Sometimes, I feel like the treatments he is on are helping things and other times I feel like things are just getting worse. I would love for researchers to find a cure or effective treatment for FAPS so that my husband's suffering can end and so that our daughter doesn't have to experience watching a loved one go through this. (You can read more of our experiences here, here, or here.) I'm specifically looking into donating to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders or UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders which works closely with Lee's doctor. 

• Mercy for America's Children- I'm pretty sure at some point, I've mentioned this organization before. When we started our adoption process, this is an organization we were working with. We have also done some volunteer work with them and plan to continue that in the future when our lives are a little more settled. They specifically work to advocate for children in foster care and assist with foster care adoption. We have been meaning to set up monthly donations to them for some time now, but haven't gotten around to it. So, this challenge is challenging me to set that up so that we can support their work.

I'm not going to call out anyone specific and "challenge" them. Instead, I challenge everyone reading this to find a cause or a few causes that really mean something to you and donate to them, advocate for them, and support them. If that cause is ALS, great! If not, find an alternative. 
 
Oh...and also...in case you didn't figure it out already...I won't be pouring ice water on myself. Sorry not sorry...I'll eat ice cream instead. #icecreamchallenge

Ornaments for Adoption: 5 Ways to Help Orphans THIS Holiday Season

Ornaments for Adoption is winding down for the second year and I can't wait to share the numbers with you.

This week's ornament orders will get you in the drawing to win an organizing utility tote from Megan with Thirty-One. I love these things and have one for myself. It's very useful!

*  *  *

With Christmas approaching, many people like to give back at this time of year. Today, I want to share with you 5 ways that you can give this holiday season by helping orphans.

1. Order an ornament

I say this not to promote myself (I'm not making money from these ornament sales), but to help the orphan in Ethiopia that will one day join the Thigpen family. International adoptions are expensive and often aren't possible without the help of others.

2. Donate Gifts to Children in Foster Care

Christmas is considered the most wonderful time of the year, but that's probably not so if you don't have a family to share it with and a family to shower you with love and gifts. Help make a child's Christmas a little brighter by showing them that there are people who love and care for them. If you don't know of a way to do this locally, Mercy for America's Children in North Carolina is hosting a toy drive to benefit foster children in Wake County (Raleigh). You don't have to be local to donate.

3. Host a Christmas Party for Giving Back

If you love to host Christmas parties or maybe you already host one every year, would you consider giving instead of gifting? Instead of having everyone bring a gift to exchange, have everyone bring something to give. Find a local family that is adopting or fostering and make them a gift basket. Make a gift basket for a child in foster care or an at risk child in your community (although children considered "at risk" are not technically orphans, they often are just as in need of love and care). I can't take credit for this idea. I was invited to a party like this by the wonderful Erin and Allison. I can't wait! We're helping this family whose adopting from Eastern Europe.

4. Shop for a Cause

 

When buying Christmas gifts, purchase them from organizations that give back. A simple Google search can help you find many companies that give portions of their profits to benefit others. There are also shops set up with items made by women overseas in order to give them sustainable income and keep them out of poverty. Poverty creates orphans.

5. Host a Toy/Clothing/Bag Drive

Christmas time is the perfect time to clean out your home. As many people are about to bring more toys and clothes into their home, why not clean out the old ones that are no longer played with or worn? Spread the word to your friends, family, coworkers, etc that you will be collecting toys, clothing, and bags (many children in foster care have to carry their few belongings in trash bags and would love a nice bag to carry instead) to donate to orphans in your area.

Ornaments for Adoption: Resource List

Ornament orders have been keeping me busy this year. Thank you to everyone who has ordered!

This week, ornament orders will get you entered for a chance to win an Minion hat. Who doesn't love those adorable yellow guys?!? Be sure to head over and like my friend, Lynne's new page Crocheting for a Cure. She's selling her creations to help raise money for breast cancer research in memory of her aunt.

If you win, you get to pick the size you want. She can make one for anyone from a newborn to an adult. 

*  *  *

This week, I wanted to keep it simple by sharing with you a list of resources I've come across in my quest to learn more about adoption and orphan care. I'd encourage you to check some of them out to educate yourself on the orphan crisis and learn more about what you can do to help.

I know there are so many other resources out there that could be added to this list. These are just organizations that I am familiar with, blogs that I actually follow and read, books that I have read, and a documentary that I have watched. If you know of other resources, please share and I'd be happy to add them to the list.

Organizations

Give 1 Save 1

Amazima

Gospel for Asia

Mercy House Kenya

Adoption Bug

Owls for Orphans

Love One More

Once was Lost

All Girls Allowed

One Simple Wish

Help One Now

Project 143

Mercy for America's Children

Children's Home Society

Bethany Christian Services

Created for Care

Together for Adoption

Lifesong for Orphans

127 Worldwide

Blogs

Light Breaks Forth

Rage Against the Minivan

Say Yes to Adoption

Living Out His Love

Our Adoption Journey

The Anderson Way of Life

Waltzing in Galoshes

Adoption Love

Chairein {Joy to You}

Satisfaction Through Christ

The Little O'Brien Family

Tiny Green Elephants

Tiny Little Footprints

Waiting on a Word

White Sugar, Brown Sugar

Books

Orphanology


Adopted for Life

Orphan Justice

Documentaries

Stuck

A Call to Action

Happy Friday friends!

My life has been SO busy lately. I have barely read any blogs. I've checked my email, but not had the state of mind to properly reply to much of anything. I haven't even been posting on my own blog. Between work and personal life, I've been quite busy.

So, I'm doing something I rarely do. I'm writing a post the night before I post it. I normally like to have my posts scheduled out in advance, but I'm not having time to write the things I'm scheduling. So, I'm being a little more spontaneous.

I've seen this story of 15 year old Davion circulating around the internet lately. I don't know why, but I often avoid these viral stories. However, I decided to read this one Thursday morning and I was quickly sobbing. This story BREAKS MY HEART. Not just for this young man, but for all children who are without families. I hope if you know nothing else about me from reading my blog, you at least know of my heart for children, particularly children who are orphans or in foster care.

Image via Melissa Lyttle, Tampa Bay Times

Later on Thursday night, I was reading a post from Light Breaks Forth on this subject and a thought came to me. So, I decided to write up my own little post.

This applies not only to this article, but to so many heartbreaking articles that are shared by thousands of people on social media. For example, I've also been seeing this video posted a lot lately. Before I say this, please understand that I think social media and the internet are powerful tools. It allows you to have a voice to advocate for things near and dear to your heart. It's an easy and quick way to share something with many people. I hope you are using your social media influence to spread good rather than to spew negative. Getting the word out and raising awareness about things is important.

However, action is also needed to truly make a difference. Posting an article on the internet is easy. It doesn't cost you anything. There's no sacrifice. If all we ever do is post articles, videos, etc. nothing would ever become better. We need to be out there MAKING a difference.

So, if you're spreading the word about these and other wonderful, touching stories, are you also doing something to help these situations? Adoption isn't the only way to help children like Davion. Not everyone can adopt. I get that. If you can't or don't feel called to adopt, you can donate to someone who is.

I'm currently selling ornaments to help the Thigpen family.
The Ornaments for Adoption family from last year, the Brocks, are in the final stages of raising funds for their adoption through a puzzle fundraiser and selling jewelry.
This family is raising money for their second adoption.
This family is also doing a puzzle piece fundraiser for their African adoption.

These are just 4 families I happen to know of right now. There are so many more out there. Adoption is expensive and it can't be done without help from people like those of you reading this right now.

Giving of your money requires sacrifice, but isn't it worth it so that children like Davion can have a family?

If you don't want to give to a family, there are many organizations out there that help advocate for children in foster care. A WONDERFUL organization I support in my state is Mercy for America's Children.

You can help support children who are orphans or in poverty in other countries through organizations like Compassion International.

Many foster care organizations take donations of bags for these children to have something other than a trash bag to carry their belongings in.

On the other hand, maybe you do feel that tug on your heart that you could provide a family for children like Davion. Maybe if you're not ready for a total commitment, you could open up your home as a foster parent. If you're not ready for the responsibility of children, you could always become certified to babysit for children who are in foster care or you could become a mentor for a child in foster care. You could volunteer for an organization in your area that supports foster children or maybe a pregnancy center that gives support to women who find themselves pregnant unexpectedly.

The point is....opportunities are out there to DO something. Posting and sharing on the internet is a great thing. I find out a lot of stuff from people's posts. I share a lot of stuff that I'm passionate about on my blog and social media sites. However, it's not enough.

Please don't fool yourself into thinking that by sharing stories you're doing enough. None of us can do "enough" until there are no more children left without families.

Princess with a Purpose

My favorite thing to share about is ways to help others. Before I get too far into this post, I want to make sure you've seen my new Ornaments for Adoption page. OFA 2013 will start in 3 week! So, help me by starting to spread the word and by grabbing a button below. Also, if you have a shop, small business, or are just crafty I'd love to have you help out by donating something to be given away as an Ornaments for Adoption buying incentive. Message me if you're interested.

While I'm on the subject of OFA, did you see my post over the weekend about the exciting news from the Brocks (the family from last year's OFA)?

<div align="center">
<a href="http://ornamentsforadoption.weebly.com/" title="Just a Small Town Girl "><img src="http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/mdhall88/ofabutton1_zpsc0a53448.jpg" alt="Just a Small Town Girl " style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Now on to introducing you to a princess. Brooke is a girl I know from my hometown. She is a true beauty on the inside and out. She is part of a unique organization called Princess with a Purpose.

Brooke is a 20 year old student at the University of Mobile where she's studying sociology and social welfare. She is from Headland, Alabama. Some of her favorite things include Disney movies, pageants, chocolate, reading, and enjoying sunshine.









I asked Brooke a few questions to help us learn a little more about Princess with a Purpose and what we could do to help out this cause. 

What is Princess with a Purpose?
Princesses with a Purpose is a non-profit organization started by Miranda Bryant and Kaci Pedersen to share hope, love, and magic to both children and adults. Those who are a part of the organization become fairytale characters and visit numerous places such as children's hospitals, carnivals, nursing homes, etc. 

How did you get involved with Princess with a Purpose?
I heard about PWAP through a friend of a friend at the University of Mobile. I fell in love with the idea and found the organization's Facebook page. I asked if there was any way I could be a part of the organization even though I didn't live in Georgia (the organization's headquarters). They asked for an audition video and fortunately I made the team! I have only been able to do one event in Georgia, but I have done events on my own in my area in Alabama. 

What are some of the specific things you have done with this organization?
I have visited the USA Women's and Children's Hospital in Mobile, Alabama twice; and I attended the Chocolate Festival in Mobile, which promotes awareness and raises funds for victims of domestic abuse. I have also visited an assisted living home in my hometown of Headland, Alabama. 

Describe a typical day of "princessing."
Princessing begins with a mental preparation. Before I go, I make sure that I know my princess information such as my kingdom, my prince, and animal friends. I also ask God to give me the ability to bless a child that day and the attitude of a true princess, which includes kindness, a genuine heart, and love. I actually want to begin every day that way. Next comes the dress, the wig, and the makeup. I want to look like the "real deal" as much as I can. I drive to my event and get ready for the thousands of stares I will receive. Many times we have room visits, where I chat with a patient, take pictures, and give hugs. In cases of a carnival, I mainly take pictures with the children. 

What has been your favorite moment of being a princess?
During my most recent visit, I had one girl give me a tiara she had colored ahead of time and she sang me a beautiful song. Before I left her room, she said "I will pray for you." How I need prayer! This young girl was sick and she still had a heart caring for others. That is what being a princess is all about. It blessed me so much and reaffirmed my calling to be apart of PWAP. 

Is there anything we can do to help out this cause?
Like the Facebook page and get the word out! Donations are accepted, including money and items that could be given to someone in need. You can find out more information by visiting their website. 

I don't know about you, but I LOVE this idea. Maybe you have a talent for acting and singing and would like to find out how to be a princess (or prince) in your home state. Maybe you live in Georgia and want to join their Georgia team. Maybe you live in a state with princesses and princes and would like to have them at your next event.  

All Girls Allowed

I follow an adoption blog called Give 1 Save 1 Asia and the other day they shared a post about an organization called All Girls Allowed.

I began to do some research on this organization and the facts I read broke my heart. Of course, I knew about China's one child policy, but I didn't know it was to this extreme. Women are not seen as valuable. So not only are they only allowed to have one child, but they also want that child to be a boy.

Here are some of the shocking facts:
-The One-Child Policy went into effect in 1980. Since then, 37 million girls have disappeared and 336 million forced abortions have been performed. This is more than all the people killed in all the major past genocides of the past century combined.
-Chinese women must apply for a birth permit in order to start a pregnancy. 
-Suicide is the #1 cause of death of young women in China.
-It is estimated that by 2020 (that's ONLY 7 and a half years away), there will be 40 million more men than women in China. That's the same amount of men under 20 currently in the United States.
-If a family does choose to keep an illegal child, that child will not have the correct documentation papers. Without these paper, they can't go to school, get married, or even ride public transportation.

These facts and more can be found on the All Girls Allowed website.

Reading these facts reminded me of a book series I recently read called The Shadow Children. This series is about a place where it's illegal to have more than 2 children. Yet, there's a large number of people who are hiding their additional children illegally. These children's lives are not valued and the series is about them fighting for their freedom. In this society, every person has an ID card. If you don't have an ID card, you don't have any rights. There were a lot of similarities to this book and China's policies.

This organization is fighting against this.  They hope to expose the injustice of this policy, rescue girls and mothers in crisis, and celebrate the value of all people-including females.

I want to help by spreading the word. I encourage you to check out their website, like their Facebook page, and follow them on Twitter.

If you can do nothing else, would you at least be willing to share this post to help spread the word about this injustice that is taking place in our world today?