Why Ethiopia? A Fundraiser!! & Getting The Kids Involved

This past year I heard a story of a woman who lost her husband. If that wasn't painful enough she soon had to face the reality that she couldn't feed her children. It led her to a life changing decision. She relinquished her parental rights so that her young child, who was physically struggling, could have the chance to be adopted, leave the country and live. That story broke my heart. It inspired me to take a trip to Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia I saw beautiful landscapes, lots of smiles, rich culture and wonderful people. I also saw lack of purified water, clothing, education, food and opportunities to provide for one's family. In a small village, called Shanto, wonderful work is being done. FOVC (Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children) was started in 2006 by Desalegn Daka. After graduating from college he felt God calling him to go back to his home village and literally help the orphans and widows. It was my privilege this past January, to go and see FOVC, meet it's staff and the precious children and widows that they are helping.

Desalegn Daka founder and director of FOVC. A man who has given up SO much to care for the poorest of the poor.

After returning home I decided that my life would never be the same. My perspective has drastically changed and I have a deep desire to make a difference in the world. Want to help me?

Shanto has a population of 8,000 people. There are 2 unfiltered wells. FOVC is raising money to dig an additional 2 wells (with filters) in Shanto. This water is desperately needed. On June 9-11 I am having a HUGE garage sale fundraiser. Many people have donated items, my friend is hosting the sale and I hope to raise enough to dig one well, approximately $15,000.

A local well outside of the village of Shanto.

Here is the best part. You don't have to come to my sale to donate. You can donate online starting today!! My 39th birthday is tomorrow. I have a matching donor. Donations starting now until midnight tomorrow will be matched (up to $200). Since this is a garage sale fundraiser you can donate a garage sale amount. How much would you spend at a garage sale? $5, $10 or more?

Please consider making a donation and doing something to help make the world a better place.

Today several of my neighbor kids helped me sort donations. It was hot out but they worked SO hard in my garage. I just love my neighbor kids. My husband and three boys stayed in the house and cleaned it for me (an early birthday present). It was a great day!

This little guy blew me away with his leadership and organizational abilities. He helped SO much!

My husband has 2 artificial legs. We noticed an old foot sitting on a shelf. We laughed and tried to guess how much money it would bring if we added it to the sale.

We all had fun modeling the donations.

A dear friend is hosting the sale. She lives in a fabulous surburan location. I think I will have 2 full van loads of donations to take to her house.

It was SO hot today. After we were done the kids cooled off with the hose.

My goal is to help my 3 boys and all my precious neighbor kids understand how blessed they are to live in a country with endless opportunities. Also, to teach them to think of others first. I am trying to involve as many people as I can in this fundraiser. I would love for you to be a part. Donate today!

"Many hands make light work."