Drum roll please...

So, did watching the year end video totally make you tear up? Isn't God awesome? You all are a part of that.

"That they may see and recognize,
And consider and gain insight as well,
That the hand of the Lord has done this,
And the Holy One of Israel has created it."

Isaiah 41:20

So, 

in 2012

Give1Save1 raised...

      $163,114!!!

Your guesses were so fun to read through, and lots of you were pretty close, but the winner for guessing closest without going over is..

Ashley and Kevin! 
with their guess of 158,000! 

Email Steph (stephLnunes@hotmail.com)

so we can get your winnings sent your way! 

The Influence Network

source

Ok, I have something so cool to share with you and it just launched! It's called The Influence Network. It's for people like us, the online community. I think it's pretty safe to say that cyber space is no where near what it used to be.  Blogs and websites, they're totally impacting peoples lives!

Here's a quote from their website:

"We see women like us sitting behind laptops connecting with communities all over the world. We see God leading this generation of women to impact others online.  We are not stumbling into online influence, but seeking it."

The Influence Network basically wants to create a community where you can go and get inspired, share ideas, ect to make your community influential. These women are motivated by the Gospel to form meaningful relationships with the online community, it's so awesome-I can't wait to sign up!

Here's how it works, you can sign up to be a member, there are 3 different options, so there is something for everyone's budget, you get resources, downloads and access to the online community.  Annnnnd they offer classes, LIVE online, one hour classes for just $10, and you don't have to be a member to take a class.  One that might interest some of you is coming up, and it's called Creatively Funding Adoption, and it's taught by one of our own fellow Give1Save1 families, Lauren Casper!

And, they even have a conference coming up in September, you could go meet your "blog" friends!

Go check them out, sign up for their newsletter,  you'll love them :)

Krochet Kids

 Hey guys,
So, I know you're all a bunch of world changers.  And I know you love shopping with a purchase and gifts that give back.  So I give you, The Krochet Kids.

Check it out, these guys crochet. 

I don't even know how to do that, I'm slightly jealous. They're sports guys and wanted to be able to design their own head wear for stuff like that for snowboarding, skiing ect. So, they started crocheting their own. People loved what they did, and so they started selling them to their classmates.

During their summers they did work in developing nations, they wanted to understand their global community.  At that time, a desire was planted within us to help.  To reach out in love.  To make a difference.

So, they started teaching people in developing nations how to crochet. So they went to Uganda, and taught them how to crochet. 

"Krochet Kids intl. has continued to grow and evolve in ways we never imagined since we earned our non-profit status in January 2008.  Today, over 150 people in Uganda and Peru are working, receiving education, and being mentored toward a brighter future.  The products created abroad have been well received here at home and the collaboration of our staff and beneficiaries around the globe has created a sustainable cycle of employment and empowerment."

Check them out! 

Hats for women and men

Um yes please! Who else wants this?!

And accessories

I don't know about you, but I'm gonna do some shopping, buy once-give twice! 

What's your word?

I have spent lots of time over the last few days reading blogs and facebook posts about what peoples 'Words' or 'Themes' are for 2013.  You can check out a few peoples posts here, here and here oh and here too!

The new year is the perfect time for fresh starts and for some of you, it's a brand new year with your little ones at home forever! 

Whether you're adjusting to life at home with your children, or waiting until you see their face for the first time, if you could pick one year to describe your 2013, what would it be?  I'll start, I'm choosing to pursue peace. 

Your turn, let us know what you're choosing.

2012 Give1 Recap AND Giveaway Basket, Baby!!!

2012 was a big year for us here at Give1Save1, God did huge things though all of you!

So, wanna see the precious faces you helped bring home?!

Can you believe it? I love it, totally makes me tear up.

So...wanna see what else we have??

Wow, oh, wow do we have something good for you. A basket of goodies!

espresson fringe clutch by sseko {$69}

art girl of your choice by artistic adoption {$32}

give1save1 t-shirt {$18}

map pendant by DogWoodandRobins {$11}

signed copy of 'Mommy's Heart Went Pop!' {$20}

artwork by Poppyseed Prints {$15}

adjustable boys' bowtie by Haddon Co {$20}

3 custom map luggage tags by Marmalime {$33}

$50.00 Noonday Collection Gift Voucher

Sooooo...... Not bad, huh? You want all that good stuff?! I do. Can I win?! ;)

To enter, simply leave a comment and answer this question... 

How much did Give1 Save1 raise for adopting families in 2012? 

The closest guess that does not go over wins. 

Make sure you make your guess by Friday January 4th,

We'll announce the winner Saturday January 5th!

Ready set guess!!!

New Week, New Family

Hey everyone,
Did you all have a wonderful Christmas? I hope so, we had a great one-super busy but lots of fun. Excited to ring in the new year tonight, in all honesty it's my first time in about 5 years that I'm attempting to stay up past midnight, we'll see how it goes.  Anyway, I know what you're really here for, to meet our new family! Well, here they are. The McKnights!




Aren't they the sweetest? Here's the deal with them, God totally challenged them to be willing to trust whatever He wanted for them, and He had their daughter on their agencies waiting children's list.  They accepted her referral right before Christmas and God's been moving mountains for them! Want to know something else? Their son and new daughter totally share a birthday, and that's an amazing God story in itself, check it out on their blog right after you donate ;) They're awesome, and they're adding an awesome girl to their family, let's be a part of it! Ready? GO!

PS: We have a surprise for you all later this week, so don't forget to check back! 

Praying for Russia

I know I told you all we're taking a little blogging break this week, but I wanted to pop in and encourage all of you to pray for the situation that is happening with international adoptions in Russia right now. As of right now, Russia has banned the United States from adopting from Russia; this bill is to take effect beginning January 1st.

Here is a link that explains the new law in more detail.

As far as I've seen, there will be an attempt to appeal the new law, but there is no guarantee it will change.

Here is a statement released by our agency on the topic:

"Update on Russia

With the news that Russia has banned inter-country adoption to the United States, our agency is deeply saddened by the thought that many thousands of orphans in Russia may be deprived the ability to join loving families. There are still some conflicting reports for how this affects families currently in process. We are continuing to monitor this situation and are working with advocacy organizations such as the National Council For Adoption to join them in expressing our disappointment that politics can be put above children’s interests. We are continuing to pray for the children living in Russian orphanages as well as the families in process to adopt." source

So you might be thinking, "what can we do?!" In all honesty, I'd say pray and pray hard, share the story, ask your friends to pray with you.  Do you know any families who are in the process of adopting from Russia? Pray for them, surround them with support, imagine having a child and then not knowing if you'll ever bring them home.  Bring them meals, be there for them in this time.  Although this is truly difficult for us all to comprehend, we must remain hopeful.  

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12