If you’re familiar with the adoption world, then you know t-shirts are a pretty popular fundraiser. I just so happen to be a t-shirt junkie. Seriously, I’m that girl. The girl that needs a t-shirt from every concert or function she goes to. Also the girl that thinks the t-shirt is the best part of running a 5k. You get the picture. So I was overly excited about Jonathan designing one for our adoption. Little did we know it wouldn’t be that easy of a task. It’s hard to be original when everything has already been done, but we put a lot of heart into the design and we really hope it shows!
We’ve all heard it said in different variations how important it is to do for one even when you can’t do for all. 147 million is a HUGE number. I can in no way fully grasp what that looks like. It seems much easier to turn a cheek and go about our daily lives than to actually DO something about it. How many times have we told ourselves that since we don’t have the capacity to do for all, we shouldn’t do anything at all? What difference is 147 million minus one? I know I’ve been guilty of thinking that way in the past, but now I know it’s simply not true. 147 million minus one is a big deal! If everyone chose to do for one, what a difference it would make! I could list statistic after statistic to help you visualize the severity of the global orphan crises, but the truth is these forgotten children aren’t statistics. There are stories behind those faces, and it’s important for us to move beyond the pictures posted on the internet or the videos on YouTube, as useful as they are in advocating and educating us.
“Doing for One” looks different for everyone whether it be sponsoring a child, missions, adoption, etc. Obviously for us it has evolved into adopting a beautiful brown-skinned baby from Ethiopia. So this is where we pulled the inspiration for the t-shirt design in hopes that it would inspire you to “Do for One” by supporting our adoption through the purchase of one of our t-shirts. A little over $13 per shirt goes towards the adoption and helps to bring our little one home!
We are doing a pre-sale to avoid any upfront costs and will place the order once we reach the minimum requirement. The shirts will be very similar to the quality of American Apparel shirts. They will be Heather Grey, soft and form fitted. The girl shirts are V-neck and the guys are crew neck. The cost is $25 each. We realize that’s a lot to ask for a shirt, but please remember that you are actually buying much more than just a shirt and we are incredibly thankful! If you see us frequently, you can write a check or give us cash. Otherwise you can pay via PayPal. Don’t forget to let us know what shirt you want and the size.
Not really a t-shirt junkie? There are still ways you can help!
-Share with others through word of mouth or by sharing on Facebook and Twitter.
-PRAY! Specifically we could use prayers that our home study report would be wrapped up very soon so we can get our I-600A form filed and have our fingerprint appointments scheduled in order to submit our dossier. Please pray that we would have enough money saved up to mail along with our dossier. It’s a large amount! Adoption is tough. There are a lot of ups and down and unknowns during the entire process. Just this morning we received an email from our agency that placement time is currently about 20 months. It was previously 16 or 17 months, so the slight increase is somewhat discouraging. Please pray that during these times we would keep our eyes fixed on the One who is all-knowing and His perfect plan and timing for the completion of our adoption.
-You can also make a donation via the PayPal button on our blog if you feel led to do so.
-We are still collecting donations of items for our garage sale coming up in the next few weeks. If you have anything, please let us know!
Thank you so so much for taking interest in our adoption process and for supporting us on our journey to Ethiopia. We are so thankful for you!
And the King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Matthew 25:40
You two are so inspirational. If I “got it” the way you do when I was your age, I’m sure life would be even better. Praying for you and hoping for an easier path, and shorter time– but certain God will get you through any obstacles in an amazing way. I need 2 shirts. One Male, large. One female medium.
– rob!
This post has really opeend my eyes to how sad and petty it is for my husband and I to limit our search because of fear. We’re afraid we aren’t qualified to raise a child of another race, we won’t handle criticism gracefully, we might get tired of always talking about the child’s adoption rather than just the child. That’s so incredibly small. Who are we to choose, or limit God’s leading? We have a lot MORE thinking/talking/researching to do.Thanks for posting this, how perfect on the fourth of July! You are a blessing, thanks for writing.
It was so great to meet you both last night. We will continue to pray for you both during this process. We would like 3 tshirts please. 1 male large, 1 male xlarge, 1 youth xlarge. Thank you! I will just pay through paypal. Take care.
Jeannie Overman
This post is hard for me as well. You see, we have been in the process of adtoipng since 2005..thats 6 LONG yrs. My husband & I were in agreement, etc etc all points led to adoption. We started the process, sent our paperwork to China (2/07) and then the wait began to increase. When we started the wait for referral was 8-10 months..almost 4 years later and STILL NO END in sight. We began thinking that we mis-heard’ God, or misunderstood. Then out of the blue, we received a call from a family friend & adoption came up and she asked us if we’d be willing to adopt a relative of theirs who needed a home. This was completely different from an international adoption in so, so, so many ways (that i won’t take time to list). However, we felt like maybe this was God’s plan (since we didn’t pursue this little guy, but rather he came to us). Long story short, after he had stayed with us a couple of different times the (drug addicted) bio mom decided not to relinquish parental rights. So, we were unable to adopt him. That loss was, in many ways, worse than my 2 miscarriages. I still hurt when I see a picture of that little guy.And, these are only 2 examples, we also researched changing countries/programs, and also considered domestic adoption as well, and even Foster-to-adopt .all roads were dead ends.The difficult part for me is: If it is God’s will to care for orphans, and we both felt led and on the same page, and God has a more than willing couple with enough resouces to care for another child .why is our longing UNFULFILLED??? I wrestle with this question ALL.THE.TIME I’ve even documented my wrestling (www.malaganssong.blogspot.com). Ive prayed and searced etc. I love stories like yours, they are an encouragement to me, and I’m very happy and excited for you and other ..just don’t understand our familiy’s roadblocks.
Coolest shirt ever!
What a beautiful story. I have a friend that adopted a baby boy over a year ago, so I know the struggles. Always know it will be worth it when you see the smiling face. Also thank you for speaking about all the children that need love and security in their lives. From my family to yours I wish for you happiness and joy. I have “pinned” the shirt and hope to get the word out!
I want to help you!
XL Girl x 1
Thanks so much Kristen! We are currently out of your size, but will be placing another order soon. I’ll mark you down on the list.
Are your t-shirts still available? I’d love to order a small!
I do have a small left over from our first order. When you pay via paypal, it will provide me with your address and I’ll get it in the mail to you. Thanks so much for your support!!! You are awesome!
I don’t know you guys, but we are adopting our second baby right now and I love your shirt and obviously the cause. I’d like a large v-neck shirt. Blessings and prayers as you continue on your journey! My address is 2 darla drive sayre, ok 73662. I will pay through your paypal button.
McKenzie – thanks so much for the t-shirt order. We will be placing another order within the next few weeks, and I will mail yours as soon as we get them back. Where are you adopting from? Do you have a blog? If so, please email it to me. I’d love to follow your journey. Thanks again!
I was so inspired by your story! Our family is getting ready to foster and I have been so burdened by orphans and children in foster care. It can be overwhelming to the the point of inaction. As I am preparing to speak to our church on Orphan Sunday I kept thinking of the difference that one caring adult can make in the life of one child. So I was on a crazed search for a t-shirt that could express that. I screamed (yes..out loud) when I found your shirt! Oh please tell me you have ONE v-neck shirt in a medium in stock. I am grateful for your story and your heart for orphans. I pray that God continues to bless your process. Thanks so much!