This round of adoption stories touched me in a way I never though possible. To be honest, I really wasn't thinking about how the stories would affect me when I started. I just knew I had a desire to serve families of adoption. I already know a lot of stories of adoption and even several close to home. But to get down and deep with people I don't even know and actually feel so intensely for what they were experiencing was way bigger than I anticipated.
This brings me to the second family's story. They are still awaiting their match; their baby! When they were choosing, they wanted something gender neutral because they don't know what they're having yet. So they chose The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I had been wanting to make this for so long, but with other orders and projects, I had not had a chance. I was thrilled to get to make this one!!
Check out the rest of the stories. If you are someone you know are adopting, please email your story to me at risenshinecrochet@gmail.com.
When I began this project, I had no idea how it would affect me. I really feel like I am on cloud 9! This has been an incredible experience so far and the idea that it is only going to get bigger and better thrills me to no end.
If you haven't been following this story, you can go back and see the stories and the reveal of the first family that participated.
I have already completed the project for the second family and I will be going live on my FaceBook to reveal the project that I will be sending to them. I was going to do a blog to show what they chose, but I kind of like the surprise factor. So we're going with that.
This family is still in their waiting period. I feel very partial to this story since my cousin is adopting and they also are in this stage. I know how hard it has been to wait for that perfect match; THEIR baby. I love their story and feel so privileged to be part of it.
Stay tuned for the big reveal! Know someone who is adopting and want to refer them to me? Email me at risenshinecrochet@gmail.com.
One of the families has emailed me back with the most amazing news!
Their baby was born June 6, 2 months early, and the birth mom has already signed the papers. They have a brand new baby boy!!!
She has chosen a baby fox and diaper cover set! I have chosen to combine patterns. I liked the Sly as a Fox hat better but I am using the Croby Patterns diaper cover. I am really excited to make this set.
I will post pictures as I make it. Congratulations!!!!
After my initial announcement of my adoption project. Several people emailed me and I received responses from adoption agencies that shared my story. I wanted to read a few of these stories as I am completely unable to choose. If you want to read about the adoption project, you can read the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT blog that tells you all about it! Without further ado, I present you the first round of adoption stories!!
Here are some of the items I am offering and each family can choose which one they want!
I just have a quick note for you if you're following the Mila project. The Mila hats are spreading!
Mila is big in Italy and an article was written to advertise them and help get the word out! Check this out!! (You have to translate the page if you don't speak Italian.) My daughter/Mila hat model is all excited that she's now internationally known! Fun times!
I have to say, I always though this movie was such a cool project. When I saw the first trailer for it, my daughters and I cried! But now, I am actually a tiny part of it and I feel even deeper about it. I feel blessed to get to be involved in some little way. When I think of war, the first people I think of are the soldiers followed shortly by their families. But the children! I never think of what a war looks like to a child. We have studied the Civil War this year in our homeschool and this was the last war fought on American soil. It is abstract to think of those children running their own farms while their fathers were away fighting; or sadly enough, fighting in the war itself!
Europe has seen an enormously large number of wars. Mila's little face really hits home. I imagine my little, innocent girls witnessing war and its destruction and it makes me so sad.
I say all this because I love this cause. I love what it means and I am truly in love with this movie!
Help support Mila and get a really cool hat in the process! Not gonna lie! I love this hat!! And when I get a chance, after I make the ones that are on order now, I will be making one for myself!
Last week I made the big announcement that I will be adding a service project to Rise N Shine Crochet to serve families that have or will be adopting. I have been in contact with several adoption agencies and been all over the social media world resulting in new contacts and lots of response! I have several stories I will be sharing this coming week from a few families! My heart is so happy. In the midst of all this, a long-time friend of mine reached out and asked if I would like to participate with some fundraising for her project as well that falls right in line with the path my service project is taking. Let me introduce you to Mila!!
Here is the director, Cinzia Angellini's description:
Mila is a CG animated short about a little girl whose life takes an unexpected turn during WWII. It’s rare that animation takes on serious, complex matters such as War. Still, I believe animation is the perfect medium to tell this story set in my hometown, Trento (Italy). Mila is the story of a girl and two women during Trento’s bombing in 1943. I wanted to tell a war story not centered on armies, soldiers, generals, battle plans. I wanted to talk about civilians, and especially the children. The girl who inspired me to create this movie was a child during WWII. That girl is my mother.
- Cinzia Angelini, Director
250 ARTISTS, 25 COUNTRIES, 1 GOAL!
All of the people working on this film are volunteering! The collaboration worldwide seems impossible but they all bring it together selflessness, dedication, and a common goal.
My long-time friend of <ahem> years, Andrea Emmes, is the producer for this film and as part of her job, she is fundraising. They have managed to get UNICEF to partner with them! How amazing is that!! Unicef works with children around the world adoption, fostering, emergency humanitarian services, and a multitude of other life changing acts. Imagine the war torn countries for current children. Pretty awful. Now imagine them, as Mila. I have always believed everything happens for a reason and God's plan will play out. By reaching out regarding service to adoption, I am now able to help here too!
I am making Mila's cute little newsboy hat you see in the video. I have completed one already and I will be posting pictures and video soon. You can also purchase these through me if you would like and I will give all the profit to Mila. You can also DONATE here. Visit the website for more information on Mila!
This story is worth telling. Children have such a small voice in this world. I am thrilled at the direction my plan is heading and grateful that God is taking control of this for me. It really is taking on a life of its own! Please share. SHARE!!! I mean just look how cue she is!
