A Meetup of Influential Women

Hey y'all!

SO!

Now that I am back to having free internet [[girl ain't paying no $12 a day!]] I decided I should probably jump in on the link up through the Influence Network [[linked up at The Kubly Girl.]] If you're not a member yet, what are you waiting for?? Go join. Now. I'll wait.

3 Things About Me:

• I don't drink coffee because I'm addicted to caffeine, I drink it because I enjoy a well prepared cup of coffee. Now, tea...that's a different story. I can say that I am addicted to tea. Hot tea, cold tea, green, herbal, you name it, I'll drink it. [[Though I do try to steer clear of super caffeinated teas.]]
• Growing up, I refused to do anything musical, especially sing, in front of people, namely my father. I was super intimidated because dear ol' Dad is basically a professional singer and my younger sisters showed promise straight out of the womb. For some reason, come junior year of high school, I came out of my shell and joined the youth group worship team and haven't stopped singing/playing instruments since. 
• Food is my love language. I know it's not an "official" love language, but I cook for people I want to love on. I love an intimate gathering over a steamy bowl of soup and I love boisterous get-togethers surrounding the grill.To put it simply, I love good food and I just love the way it brings people together.

What I've Gained Through the Influence Network:

I have really been enjoying the classes offered through the Network. I actually joined the network so that I could attend the How to Creatively Fund Your Adoption course taught by the lovely Lauren Casper. [[You can check out her blog here.]] + there are many other benefits [[for example, the forums.]] Seriously though. If you are not a part of this network of beautiful ladies yet, JUMP ON IT!!! [[here's the link again. Just to make it easy on  ya...]]

My Heart

Last night I attended an online class through the Influence Network about creative ways to fund an adoption. My husband and I sat attentively listening to Lauren share her family's story of adoption. Their story was so inspiring and encouraging, I urge you to hop on over to her site and read it for yourselves.

We learned a lot about what we need to do to get started on this journey and our eyes were opened to the enormity of the task God has placed before us. We have yet to figure out what the cost will be for us, mostly because we are unsure of the type of adoption we will be pursuing at this time [[domestic or international.]] We do know that we will be doing some fundraising.

Fundraising is such a scary word. Lauren shared with us her definition of fundraising, which I found to be wise and inspired.
        

                      "Fundraising is not simply asking others to give you money for something you want to do. Fundraising is an invitation to be a part of a greater work that God is doing in your life and the lives of others. It's allowing others the blessing of being a part of a redemption story."



This is such an accurate depiction of what I want from our community. I want people who have a heart for orphans but who may not feel called to adopt, to be able to participate in our story.

Proverbs 31:8 is the verse that inspired the name of my handmade shop, Fāyán Knits. Fāyán means "speak" in Mandarin. I began my shop in April of 2012 to begin the process of raising the necessary funds for an adoption. I decided that I wanted to do all that I could to bring home our child who is yet unknown to us. If you would like to help us in our journey to become adoptive parents, I ask that you check out my shop. 100% of the profits go straight into our savings fund and each dollar brings us a step closer to our goal. [[p.s. Everything is 15% off with code FAYAN15 at checkout!! But only through the end of the month!]]

In the future, we will be looking into more ways to raise money, but for now, we would really appreciate it if you could partner with us in prayer.

Things you can be praying with us for:

{1} Our decision on international vs. domestic adoption.

{2} That we find an agency that will work well with our family and specific needs.

{3} That we be patient and open to how God will be working in our lives.

If you are currently in the throes of adoption fundraising, have been through it all before, or if you are interested in adopting in the future, I would love to connect with you! Please leave a comment below or  email me at fayanknits {at} gmail {dot} com.

Much love,