Giving this Christmastime

OK So blogging has not been my strong suit the past few weeks...Okay, months... Things have been pretty quiet on here because my life right now is completely opposite....CRAAZAY..... I wish I could tell ya all exactly all the craziness right now but let's just say we can't complain about things being slow or boring..... Levi is doing amazing. He is growing like a weed, learning to communicate
and even how to fight like the rest of the kids lol.... I will update and back date post soon... I hope....

SO ANYWAYS.... I had to take a moment before Christmas and blog about something important to me.... The past few years we have been really trying to refocus and turn upward in our Christmas season as a family. We so want to focus on  Christ and the true meaning of Christmas and how we want our kids to experience it. When we first got married Christmas was all about presents and buying lots of them for each other as well as family and friends. We knew it was about Jesus but other than going to Christmas service we didn't really reflect that in our time or giving.... then little Evelyn came along and it made us start to think...we talked about what we wanted to teach her and how we could make it not about presents and Santa..... well I can just say 4 years later we are still a work in progress... we have tried different things and I am sure will continue to talk about and find new ways to focus our families attention towards Christ during this season.... the one thing I wanted to share about is that we are trying to focus on GIVING.... well that seems pretty easy since that's what so many do focus on... giving
gifts to each other, making Want lists, etc... but I am talking about giving to Christ... it is HIS birthday now isn't it? But how can we give to Christ?
Well when we look at His word He talks about giving to the least of these... to those who are poor, outcast and truly needy... SO at Chrsitmas time we look for ways that we can specifically do that... we try to give and give more in those ways than giving fun and
extravagant gifts to each other.... we have birthdays and other special times we can spoil our kids or each other and we don't want Christmas to be that time...

SO I wanted to share about 3 Ministries that are dear to our hearts. These are ministries in Uganda that we have visited while we were there,  shared meals with the board members/staff,and believe are most definitely doing the Lords work to minister to the least of these.

#1 Sixty Feet- God put sixty feet in our path about 2 years ago. He honestly shook our little world upside down when He opened our eyes and hearts to the Children that this
ministry is working with. They have been and are doing AMAZING things in Uganda and we were blessed to go and serve in 2011 with their fist missions team. We now call the board members
good friends and continue to see God moving mountains for these children through this ministry. Children and prisons should not be used in the same sentence... read about this kids HERE.

#2 Ekubo Ministries- I somehow met Christie online and we chatted back and forth for a few months. When I was in Uganda this past Oct for our adoption I knew I wanted to go out and see the work Christie and her husband George were involved with in their village. This was one of the best days I had in Uganda. It was wonderful spending  time out in the village and getting to talk with Christie. She is very real and straightforward and we got along very easily ;) She invited me into their home and also gave me a tour of their land where they have a couple small classrooms, a small church, and an unfinished clinic and babies home. They have opened their home to more than a dozen children at a time and many call them mom and dad now as they raise funds to legally adopt them. They always have open doors even when their 2 bedroom house is full beyond full. They are the real deal and Gods doing awesome work through their family. Right now through Christmas they have a matching grant up to 10k to help so they can finish their babies home where they will be able to take in more children while they seek to reunite them with family. Read about Ekubo HERE.

#3 Ekisa is amazing.... this was definitely the one of the highlights of our time in Uganda this past Sept. These girls and their staff are the straight up the hands and feet of Jesus. Started by Emily and Emily :) Ekisa is a ministry in Uganda whose main purpose is providing a home to children with various special needs. These children are amazing and truly are living a full life at Ekisa. They are happy and full of joy and SO well loved. On top of this Ekisa also puts efforts towards educating families and the community about special needs and on top of that their entire staff are Ugandans who either have some kind of special need or their child has a special need. They are doing some amazing things and God is doing some awesome work through this ministry. Go HERE and read about Ekisa and how you can help with their 25k in 25 days fundraiser!

I encourage you to pray and consider how you can give a gift this Christmas that can make a difference in the lives of others whom Jesus called us to love and care for, a gift worthy to be given to the King of Kings.

Don't Forget

We have our Tastefully Simple Fundraiser ending Wednesday night and our Origami Owl fundraiser ends Thursday Night! 

Tastefully Simple Fundraiser

Origami Owl Jewelry 

You can also still buy your favorite prints at my Etsy Store too!

Silent Auction Sneak Peek!

We have gotten some amazing items and services donated for our Big Silent Auction and I just couldn't wait to share until Wednesday so we are having a sneak peek of the items we have so far. Check them out and get ready to start bidding on Wednesday August 8th at 12:01AM Mountain Time bidding is open until 12:00PM Saturday August 11th. 

Click on button above to see items

Buy A Print- Help Bring Our Son Home

I know I have been bombarding everyone with new opportunities to help support our adoption but here's one more that I have been working on. I designed these prints and opened up my own Etsy shop. I am actually pretty happy with how they turned out. 

My Etsy Store is For This Child I Prayed 

8x10 Prints are $12.00 plus shipping if needed 

11x14 Prints are $15.00 plus shipping if needed

Origami Owl Custom Jewelry Fundraiser

I have another awesome opportunity for you to support our adoption while purchasing some seriously cute stuff. 

Shannon, whom I have never met but has a heart for adoption {seeing a pattern here?} is holding an Origami Owl Custom Jewelry Fundraiser for our family and is giving 25% of all orders made in our name to help bring our little guy home. These necklaces are such a cute idea and so fun and original. They would make a wonderful gift if you are already thinking about holiday shopping ;) 

 

Customize your own 

LOVE this mommy necklace 

Make sure you are under Shannon's page HERE and when you order, use the company line of the check out and write "Fortner Adoption" and then she will know to apply those sales to our fund! 

Tastefully Simple Fundraiser

Can I just tell you how much the love and support from so many I have never even met has been totally overwhelming me. A friend of my {Amazing} friend Taryn is hosting a Tastefully Simple Fundraiser event for our family.  20% of all purchases are being donated to our adoption and that's just awesome. So check out the site and do a little shopping and help bring our little Levi home at the same time! 


Now here's the specifics on what to do: 
All orders are placed online and get shipped directly to your home. So, it doesn't matter where you live. Tastefully Simple offers a wide variety of delicious and easy to prepare foods. The products also make great gifts! Here's how to order:

1. Visit Karen's Tastefully Simple website at www.tastefullysimple.com/web/kkeene2 to shop. 

2. Click on Shop Our Products and add the items you wish to purchase to your cart. 

3. Check out. Click on Find Host/Event and search for Fortner Family. Make sure you specify Fortner Family as the host, so your order will go onto the fundraiser.

4. Pay with any major credit card. Items will be shipped directly to your home within 10 business days.

If you prefer not to place orders online, you can email your order and contact information to Karen Keene at klkeene@tampabay.rr.com, and she can arrange with you to make your payment by check or over the phone. Make sure your orders are placed by Wed, Aug 22. 

Here's a few suggestions from me to wet your appetite. 

 CRAZY FOR COCONUT™ MACAROON BAR MIX look really good! 

PERFECTLY POTATO CHEDDAR SOUP MIX  looks yummy.  

Or maybe a refreshing   CARAMEL MOCHA FRAPPÉ MIX

or for you grilling folk, some POMEGRANATE CHIPOTLE SAUCE

Update Part 2 {the money}

Like I said we have become very friendly with the employees at our local bank branch. Evelyn actually got a birthday card and lollipop in the mail from them after they heard it was her birthday last weekend and we got to share our new pictures with everyone. 

As far as the money is concerned God has totally been providing. I have been going over the numbers A LOT trying to figure out what we have paid so far, what we still need to pay, and how much we have. Without the right focus the need can become overwhelming. We thank God for what He has provided thus far and know that He will work it all out!


Less than a month ago, when we first announced here that we had received a referral and needed help we had $1,675.54 in our adoption account and as of today God has provided: 

$3,334.83- DONATIONS (many from people who we have never met)

$300.00- BAKE SALE (held by a dear out of town friend and her students) 

$328.50- NECKLACES (sold out of remaining necklaces)

$2,860.00- CAR WASH (multiple large donations from friends & family here)

Total Raised in less than a month : $6,823.33 + the previous balance

It's been amazing so far to see how God has provided every step and how He is moving in others to step up and support us. It has been so encouraging and we are so thankful. Below I have listed out all our expenses thus far as well as our upcoming estimated expenses. I hope this will give a good idea to those supporting us and also help give an idea to those in the process of adopting or thinking about adopting.                                                                            

PAID
------------------------------------------- Before referral---------------------------

$1,200.00- Home Study (April 2011)

$62.00- Official copies of birth certificates (April 2011)

$30.00 Finger prints done(April 2011)

$62.00-Finger Prints processed (April 2011)

$280.00- Passports (May 2011)

$244.00- Trip supplies (Aug 2011)

$480.00- Immunizations and Anti Malaria Meds (Aug 2011)

$100.00- Visa in Uganda ($50 each) (Sept 2011)

$4,750.00- September Trip (Plane, lodging, Food) (Sept 2011)

$100.00- Bought Necklaces and Purses to re-sell (Sept 2011) 

$890.00- USCIS (immigration approval) (Nov 2011)

$10.00- Printed background check from police (Feb 2012)

$100.00 Update Home Study {Ages, Special needs} (May 2012)
------------------------------------------- After referral---------------------------

$250.00- Agency application fee (June 2012)

$400.00- Humanitarian aid donation (July 2012)

$2,000.00- Agency Fee (reduced from 4k for our little guy) (June 2012)0

$113.15- Shipping, Ink, stamps for necklaces and letters (Oct 2011-present)

$33.50- Certified Marriage Certificate for Dossier (July 2012)

$30.00- Updated Fingerprints Done (July 2012)
$58.00- Updated Fingerprints Processed (July 2012)

$200.00- Update Home Study (ended up not needing, applied to post placement) (July 2012) 

$70.00- Required learning classes (July 2012)

_______________________

Total Paid so far: $11,462.65

NOT PAID (Estimated)

$4,500.00- UG Attorney Fees

$550.00- Child birth certificate and passport

$2,000- Foster Care Fees

$110.00- Child Medical Exam

$200.00- Fed Ex Charges for Dossier papers

$100.00- Wire funds charges to Uganda

$230.00-Child Visa

$100.00- Our Visa in Uganda

$4,000- Plane Tickets

$250.00- Child lap Ticket

$1,200.00- Lodging in Country

$1,500.00- Transportation in Country

$1,300.00- Food and supplies in Country

$500.00- Adoption Finalization in US

_________________________

Total Not Paid yet: $16,540.00


-------------------------------------------------------------
Total Estimated Adoption Costs: $28,002.65


In the bank now: $5,363.41

Estimated NEED : $11,476.59

{Just some background...we started our Adoption process going Independent and then switched to an agency when we heard of our little guy. We decided to go to Uganda last September to help build relationships and serve which not everyone does but for us it was instrumental in opening our eyes to special needs and fall more in love with our sons country. We went with a mission group which helped lower some of the costs.  Just recently (last week) we paid and submitted to have our fingerprints and home study updated and found out the next day that we ended up not needing it. It was an answer to prayer that we wouldn't have to wait 6-8 weeks for this BUT we also were out the money. The in country expenses are estimated for both parents staying for two weeks and one staying the remainder of the time which we hope to be about 5 weeks total but if the stay increased so would the expenses. }

We are planning some sort of Silent Auction for sometime next month and also are hoping to hear back on some grants that we applied for. We are confident that God will provide and thankful for everyone who has helped us so far. 

Car Wash Results {God is bigger}

Last Saturday night I texted my friend Heather and asked "Wanna have a car wash with me next weekend? Or is that Crazy?" Well with her encouragement that's exactly what we did. My week was full of phone calls, Facebook posts, emails, and list making but it was all coming together. 

{Side note} It's obvious how much time I have had to spend making phone calls and answering messages when my house looks like it was hit by a tornado, my children and my couch are covered in markers, and when I answer the phone my daughter asks if she can have another lollipop (my distraction of choice)

So fast forward to Saturday morning - the big day! I had bombarded every person I knew or ever knew with emails, Facebook posts, and text messages and had filled the van with every possible car wash supply we could need. Josh and I loaded up and headed to our destination AKA our local Applebee's restaurant. We got close and saw people, well actually kids standing on the corner with colorful signs that read "Car Wash"...wait a second is there another car wash in the shopping center? Oh no they aren't.... yup they are set up in the Applebee's parking lot- our spot- the spot I called yesterday to confirm that yes they had our car wash written down.... I pull in and immediately told the first person I saw, "Wait we were suppose to be having a car wash here, I called, they scheduled it... and the mom of one of the cute little boys baseball players said oh we scheduled this weeks ago... ahem. So while I start crying...like really crying.... in the Applebee's parking lot surrounded by young boys and there parents.. Josh is trying to find the manager and figure out what mistake had been made. Then I make my way over to them and bawling I ask the manager {whom was the one I talked to on the phone Tues about setting up our car wash} what we were suppose to do now? He said, well I have another water spic-it in the back of the restaurant and we could set up back there. So, still crying we go to the back and start unloading. Our friends show up and help me stop crying and I finally get over myself a little and realize...Gods still sovereign and this is not a surprise to him. I have friends help spread the word that we are in the back and to look for us and we get ready to wash some cars. Well if you know anything about the awesomeness of God it wont surprise you that He totally showed up and knocked our socks off. 

I can't even express how touched we are by our friends and family that stepped up and helped. At times we were washing 4 cars at a time and had friends stand for hours out on the corner with signs {this is Arizona people, it's like 110!} to help get people to OUR car wash {despite being cute some of those little base ball players were sneaky, making a human chain to try and get cars to go to their sale} We had so many friends and family come out to support us and so many strangers stop by to show their support too. We had some friends who gave very sacrificially and we were humbled by their gifts. 

Mommy and daddy <3

Lot's of help!

We even had some old friends stop by and ended up picking up sponges to help!

Our sweet adoptive mom friend Leah came out with her kiddos and Ben was very fond of the hose!

We even sold some more beads!

The kids all really liked the hose, the adults were all very wet ;)

The kids helping Josh cool off a bit

So despite things not going as we had planned God was still bigger than our measly circumstances. I mean how easily we forget He has healed the blind, raised the dead, and created everything we know out of nothing.... What's a little car wash competition to Him any how? and without further delay the results........

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

$2,860.00 

I think this song best describes what I am feeling. 

Adoption Update and Fundraiser! {Necklaces and sling bags}

On our trip we knew we wanted to serve, learn about the culture, and we hoped to build relationships that would lead us to our child(ren) in the future. We were able to do this and I know the Lord has a plan for us and I know that it will all work out in His perfect timing.  

So what now? We are now in the process of getting internationally certified to adopt {so far we have gotten domestically certified}. This involves a lot of paper work and approximately $900.00. 

My little girl loves necklaces
{camera flash not so much}

So that's where you can help! We are selling beautiful handmade Magazine Bead Necklaces. These are beautiful, unique, and very versatile. I love to wear them long, double loop them, or wrap them as a bracelet. These particular necklaces were made with love by the young girls at M2, one of the Remand Homes we were blessed to serve at while on our trip with Sixty Feet. Each one is uniquely different and I have tons of styles to choose from. *These would make wonderful gifts too! hint, hint

Necklaces HERE {this links to my Facebook album}

{$20.00 unless otherwise stated plus $3.00 shipping, you can pay by making a donation above left thru Paypal and leave a comment of what number necklace you want.}

I also have 2 sling bags left for sale for $25.00 plus $5.00 shipping

The Results!!!

Today was our BIG garage sale fundraiser and we also had a Cupcake Kid's stand! 

Our Family (so far)

Yes it was like this all morning, crazy!

There was a ton more in the garage and on the side!

We received so many donations from family, friends, and even people we never met. It was amazing to watch it continue to come in. We opened the doors and started pulling stuff out at 5:30am, had the signs out at 6:00am and then we had a steady stream of customers until we packed it up at 1:00pm. We have a lot leftover still and plan to have more sales in the future and sell bigger items on Craig's List. 

Our little Cupcake Kids set up a stand and made some of the cutest treats to raise money for SixtyFeet. {Sixty Feet is an action-based organization created to bring hope and restoration to the imprisoned children of Africa in Jesus' name} This ministry has become dear to our hearts and God is doing big things through it. Praying about God using us along side them this fall {more on this to come soon}

THE GRAND TOTALS!

Garage Sale for our Adoption: $2,595.66

 The Cupcake Kids Stand $590.63

We are very thankful for all that God did to make this happen and for what He has provided! Praise God, this is only the beginning of what He will do. 

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -- Phil 1:6.

Fortner Family Garage Sale!!!!

Come out and support our family and our adoption from Uganda! We are raising funds to help pay for our adoption expenses and we hope you will join in! My garage and now dining room is overflowing! I 

think there just might be something in there for everyone!

When: Saturday April 23rd 

          7:00am-12:00pm

Where: 1823 W. Encinas St.

           Gilbert, AZ 85233

The Cupcake Kids will be there selling treats to raise money for the imprisoned children of Uganda! Come and buy a cupcake and glass of lemonade from some cute kids and make a huge difference. All money raised will go to SixtyFeet to help the orphans of Uganda.

Let it Pour

Today God did more than I expected. 


I have such little faith but I know that God's working in me.

Most of you know we have our BIG Garage Sale 

planned for April 23rd, but since our neighborhood was having a community sale we decided to have a smaller sale this weekend with what we've collected so far. We wanted to try and raise the money we needed for next week's expenses. Monday our plan is to get fingerprints done/sent, passport photos taken, and physicals done. Therefore, we need about $105.00 without the cost of Dr. visits. Well, we realized halfway into the week that rain was on Saturday's forecast and by Friday it seemed pretty certain it would be a pretty wet morning. 

I decided to go ahead and stick with it. I mean, this is Arizona; "they" say rain and half the time it's a light sprinkle. I set up as much as I could the night before inside the garage in hopes that people would still come in if it was dry. 

Both Josh and I got up at the crack of dawn and finished getting the garage all set up and then we waited... It didn't take long for me to feel silly and want to just close my garage and wash my hands of the whole thing!  (especially when I realized nobody else in our community had a sale and they didn't have the gates open like they said they would.) 

Minutes after I asked Josh if we should just close the door and forget about it our first customers pulled up! We ended around 11:30am with $98.00 dollars! 

We got almost all we need for Mondays expenses as well as a reminder that God will provide what we need. Even if we didn't make a dime today He would have provided it in another way! 

 " But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, 

and all these things shall be added to you." 

Matthew 6:33

**Update- This evening we checked the mail and a sweet family member had sent us a check for $30.00 to go towards our Garage Sale  since they live so far. Now we are over what we needed! **