Since many of you asked...

Many of you have asked if you can help by sending items over with us to Ethiopia when we travel. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity! The answer is “yes, you can!”

Here are some specific items we would love to take over with us on our first trip…

Need by Friday, March 11th:
- Children’s pants/slacks, especially in sizes to fit 8-12 year olds, slim and extra tall/long (must be new or like new)
- English books for toddlers/preschoolers (board books, storybooks, etc.)
- English books for 1st – 4th grade readers
- Soccer balls and volleyballs with pumps (preferably already deflated for travel)

NOTE: if you want to provide money instead of items, just let us know if you have a preference for what the money will go toward and we will take care of that.  You can use the "Donate" button on the right-hand side of the blog and put a note that lets us know what you want the money to be used for.

We will also take items over on our second trip, specifically for the transition home that Eden is in and some government orphanages supported by our agency. The date of our second trip is unknown, but if you get the items to us by mid-April, that should work out. We’ll update everyone on the exact date of that second trip as we find out.

Need by Mid-April:
- Diapers of all sizes (including preemie sizes) – disposable or cloth, but cloth is a great option!
- Baby wipes
- Diaper rash cream – Desitin is preferred
- Formula – vegetable-based Similac, soy-based Similac, as well as regular formula
- Avent bottles – both 8 and 12 ounce
- Infant and children’s vitamins
- Hand sanitizer
- Shampoos, Conditioners, Lotions for all age children (consider African hair)
- Men’s and Women’s deodorant
- Bibs
- Children’s DVDs and CDs
- Sidewalk chalk
- Blow up balls (preferably deflated for travel)
- Bubbles
- Development toys for infants and toddlers
- “Crocs” (shoes) for older boys and girls
- Clothing for Toddlers – 13 year olds (consider slim / tall clothing) – must be new or like new
- Underwear for all ages
- Light jackets or sweaters for all ages
- Good quality electric shaver
- Rechargeable camping lanterns (for when electricity is out)

NOTE: if you want to provide money instead of items, just let us know if you have a preference for what the money will go toward and we will take care of that.  You can use the "Donate" button on the right-hand side of the blog and put a note that lets us know what you want the money to be used for. 

Again, thank you for your kindness and generosity!

AMEN, Sister!

"Never explain yourself. Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it."  ~Belgicia Howell

I'm not sure who this Belgicia Howell is, but I like her (him?) for this quote.  Seriously.  LOVE.THIS.QUOTE.