A Story of Love for "Little R"

Before viewing the video, please be sure to pause the music at the top of this page ;-)

Ugandan Bags and Beads for Sale

When I went to Uganda this past June, I had the privilege of visiting Arise and Shine babies home in Jinja, which is in southern Uganda. Arise and Shine is run by an AmAzInG woman named Sharon Nyanjura. Sharon is doing awesome things for her community - including running an orphanage for about 25 children; she began a school and is offering education to over 200 children; she has several income-generating projects going on which is helping employ many, many people who would otherwise be jobless; and she has Adult Outreach classes, as well, teaching adults about how to read and educating them about Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Two of her income-generating projects employs single women and widows and educates them on how to make beautiful Ugandan beaded jewelry and bags. I was able to bring many of the items they make home with me to sell here in the States. As I sell items, I send 100% of their sales back to Sharon which, in turn, goes back to these ladies and to the Arise and Shine babies home.

As you begin your holiday shopping, or if you just need a special and unique gift item, PLEASE consider purchasing some of these beads and bags. When you purchase one of these items, you are shopping with purpose and giving back to a community half a world away. These items are very well made, yet they offer a very affordable price. If you are interested in anything, please send me an e-mail to christyrowden@cox.net and describe what you'd like to purchase. (You can also purchase some of these items at Dolce Vita in Owasso and Creme de la Creme Boutique in Downtown Collinsville.)

Thank you for looking and please help spread the word!

Short chain - $10

Triple chain - $15

Long chain - $25

Chunky necklace - $25

Sling bag #1 - $15

Sling bag #2 - $15

Sling bag #3 - $15

Sling bag #4 - $15

Sling bag #5 - $15

Sling bag #6 - $15

Sling bag #7 - $15

Sling bag #8 - $15 

Ugandan Bag #1 with reinforced rings - $20 

Ugandan Bag #2 with reinforced rings - $20

Shopping bag made from recycled sugar bags - $25

Shopping bag made from recycled sugar bags - $25

Coin purses - $5

Legacy of an Adopted Child

Once there were two women who never knew each other. 

One you do not remember, the other you call "Mother". 

Two different lives, shaped to make you one... 

One became your guiding star, the other became your sun. 

The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it. 

The first gave you a need for love, the second was there to give it. 

One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name. 

One gave you a seed of talent, the other gave you aim. 

One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears. 

One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried your tears. 

One made an adoption plan, that was all that she could do. 

The other prayed for a child, and God led her straight to you. 

Now which of these two women are you the product of?

Both, my darling! Both! Just two different kinds of love. 

 ~ Author Unknown

"For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him." ~ 1 Samuel 1:27

Adoption Update - September 5, 2012

Just wanted to give a little update of sorts - although, because of privacy issues, I can't share a whole lot. We are so excited to announce that we have been "officially" matched up with a little 2 year old boy who we will refer to as "Little R". I actually got to meet him when I went to Uganda this past June but I didn't know at the time that we were going to be matched up. I wish we could post pictures of him, but again, because of privacy issues, we can't. Just know that he's so super sweet, ALL BOY (Lord, help me!), and he loves to give hugs!

Steve and I just got fingerprinted at the Homeland Security Office in OKC this morning so that's another big step checked off on our "To Do" list. Next, we will send our dossier documents to our attorney in Uganda (hopefully within the next few days) who will review our case and submit a request for a court date and hearing. Once we receive our hearing date, we could be given a very short notice (typically 1-3 weeks) and we'll be off on a plane to Uganda as a family to adopt our future son. We would love for this to all take place this year but we know it's all in God's hands and His timing.

My sweet friend, Kati, came up with a fun idea of how to help us raise money for our adoption - by saving coins for a month and keeping them in a baby bottle. (You can read more about all the details here in case you'd like to join in on the fun!) She's going to draw a name of all the families that have contributed on October 7th, and the winner will receive a Ugandan bead necklace from Katie Davis with Amazima Ministries. I can not even begin to tell you how amazed I am at Kati's unselfish, thoughtful, and always giving spirit. She is constantly thinking outside of the box and doing so much for others. Typical families (mine included) get so caught up in day-to-day activities and doing what it takes to barely get by, but she is always thinking about what she can do for others. I especially love her ELEOS and Adopt-a-Gram ministries her family has started. (You can read more about those on her blog, as well.) We need more Kati's in this world - it would be such a better place to live ;-)  I am also blown away at the number of people who said they'd like to save their coins for our adoption - most of whom we've never even met. Just goes to show you how God uses those who are available and He supplies all of our needs. Our family is so very humbled and thankful at the gracious and giving spirits of all who are stepping up to bring "Little R" home.

And on a different, yet similar note - did you hear that Scott Wells (with the St. Louis Rams) recently adopted three children from Uganda? I thought that was so cool. You can read more of his story here and here.

That's all for now but we'll share more details as we can and when we can. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers - they are much appreciated!