My sweet friend Amanda is heading up a puzzle fundraiser to help us bring the girls home! I just have to brag on her for a sec--she has been the biggest encourager, cheerleader, supporter, pray-er, helper for my craft shows. . . she has a huge heart for adoption and orphans and has walked this journey with me for YEARS. She's the best. She even came to the airport in the middle of the day to see us OFF to Uganda. Just one small example of the huge blessing she is. And now she wants to bless us again by heading up a fundraising effort. Read her letter below!
Dear Friends,
Something incredible is underway—and I can’t wait to tell you about it! Have you ever watched a movie with a storyline that is so amazing, that you can’t possibly anticipate the conclusion? You know, one of those plots with twists so unexpected that they aren’t even in your mental queue of foreseeable outcomes? When those films are over, you just kind of sit there and think about how brilliant it was, and how you will never forget it. Can you imagine what it would be like to be part of the production of an Oscar-winning film—one that goes down as one of the classics?
Right now, there is a great story underway. It spans 4 years, 3 countries, 2 willing parents, and the lives of three precious souls on the ride of a lifetime. Even Charlton Heston would want in on this one! : ) It’s occurring half-way across the world, and yet just across town—and it’s happening in the lives of our dear friends, the Neills. And let me tell you, it has been a thrill to watch this story in progress! Stepping out in faith over four years ago, Rick and Kendra sought to grow their family through the miracle of adoption, and after the kinds of twists and turns I mentioned above, their Ugandan-born son, Duncan, became part of their family this past May. Duncan is a blessing to everyone who meets him—such a miracle! What no one knew was that the director of the story was not yet finished with this masterpiece. I can see joy on the face of the director as He wrote this script. Oh yes, the director of this story is also the author—and He was busy orchestrating every detail. Read on: you just won’t believe it!!!
While in Uganda to bring Duncan home to their family, Rick and Kendra had the joy of meeting Duncan’s two best friends: four year-old girls, J and M. To say that these three are best friends is like saying that mountains are “big.” Their closeness is something that surpasses the word “friend” and is almost more sacred than “family.” They were everything to each other. Imagine the joy that Duncan had in gaining the permanent love and security of a family, and yet the deep sadness he must have known in saying goodbye to his precious friends—friends who are not tucked into bed each night by a mommy and daddy. I learned something this week that made me shed tears. Every day, in a language he has known for only 7 months, this sweet boy bows his head, buries his face in his hands, and prays for his two friends by name. What made me shed tears is not just the fact that he misses and even longs for his friends, but the fact that I know something incredible that Duncan doesn’t know yet. Wait for it, friends. . . .his mommy and daddy are headed back to Uganda to make sweet J and sweet M his SISTERS!!! Truly, legally, in time and space, forever and ever his sisters! The Director, the Author, the King of this universe has heard Duncan’s prayers. And even better, He knew all along how this story would happen! I know, it is so exciting! And there’s more. . . .
This story is currently having an open casting call! And here’s what I love—everyone who wants a part can have one! Maybe you have already played your part, or maybe it’s yet to come, but all the parts are equally important. Right now, there is a need to raise additional funds to cover the significant cost of physically bringing the girls home—this includes airfare to and from Uganda for Rick, Kendra, J and M. It includes time in country for food, lodging, travel, tips, and numerous miscellaneous expenses. There is not much time left to raise this money, as the Neills anticipate traveling to Uganda in January. We are working on something to symbolize the importance of each person’s role—and to hopefully raise some funds at the same time. We are going to be having a PUZZLE FUNDRAISER.!!! It is our hope to find people to “sponsor” pieces of this puzzle. I’m sure you can see the symbolism here—many adults working together to escort two precious little ones home.
Each piece of the puzzle represents a $10 donation. For every piece that is sponsored, we will stamp a heart on the back of that piece. When you sponsor a puzzle piece, your name will be included on a list that will become a permanent part of the back of the puzzle when it is fully assembled. * In the future, we think this will be a sweet thing for the girls to look at and see how many people worked together to bring them home. Any amount that you are able to contribute is significant. Just like a puzzle, it takes many small pieces. . . . . although we’re not opposed to anyone who wants to donate a “big piece” either! : )
Maybe you could sponsor a piece in honor of a loved one as a Christmas gift, or perhaps even your children might like to be involved! I believe that if you are reading this, there is a part in this script written just for you! Maybe your role is to pray, or to watch this story and be encouraged by seeing God’s love in action, or maybe it is to provide financial support by sponsoring a piece, or pieces, of this puzzle. But when the credits roll, we won’t care who had the leading roles or who was assistant #5 to camera man 3. . . we will just be thrilled to have been a part of the story. I promise you won’t regret accepting a part—and I have a feeling this one is going to be a classic!
To sponsor a puzzle piece:
- Paypal: Send your donation to paypal account rick.neill@gmail.com. (If you indicate it is a "gift", the standard paypal fee will not be deducted). Or just click the ChipIn button on the right sidebar.
- Check: Send a personal check to the Neills. 151 N Bleckley Dr/Wichita KS/67208.
- Tax-deductible option: Make a check out to Reclaim Orphans, with "Adoption Fund" in the memo line. Do not put the Neills name anywhere on the check or this will make it non-tax-deductible. Simply include a separate note that it is for the Neill family fund. Email Kendra (kendraneill@gmail.com) for the mailing address to send the check to (it is the founders' private residence address so it is not being listed here). Reclaim Orphans is a registered non-profit that is helping the Neills by serving as a vehicle for tax-deductible donations, and you can rest assured that your donation will be used for their adoption expenses.
So let’s get this started! I can’t wait to be part of blessing the socks off the Neill family this holiday season, and I’m already looking forward to seeing Duncan, J, and M reunited for the first time on American soil—hopefully in the next few months! Thank you for caring about God's heart for the orphan, and for being His hands and feet to these two precious girls.
In Him,
Amanda Karber
*Those who have already made a monetary donation towards the adoptions of J and M will automatically be included in the list on the back of the puzzle, as will those who purchased a fund-raising item such as beads, hair bows, or t-shirts and gave a dollar amount exceeding the value of the merchandise purchased. (for instance, someone who purchased a $25 shirt but wrote a check for $50).
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