Monday, February 25, 2013

TRAVEL & Lifesong for Orphans

MORE EXCITING NEWS!!
As many of your read on Facebook, last Thursday, we received a confirmed court date of March 12!!  AHHHHHH!  God went before us and allowed us to book plane tickets and mail off our visa applications all on the same day.  Plane tickets and hotel rooms cost a bit more than what we had originally estimated, but those are small concerns when we think about the fact that we will HOLD SOLOMON FOR THE FIRST TIME ON MARCH 9!!  *squeal*


Our flights actually leave on March 7, but we won't arrive in Ghana until late March 8.  If all goes smoothly, we'll have March 9, 10, and 11 to play and bond with Solomon at the orphanage.  Our prayer is that we can demonstrate some sort of attachment and bonding by the time we go to court on March 12.
The most difficult part of the trip, of course, will be when we leave on March 13...without Solomon.  Even if the judge rules in our favor and declares him a "CAIN FOREVER," Solomon will still be a Ghanaian citizen.  So, we will fly back home to finish all the immigration paperwork so he can come home with us for good (we are praying that can happen in June!).

All together, we'll be gone March 7-14.  Would you please mark that on your calendar and commit to pray for us?  Our two older boys will be staying in the USA with grandparents...what a BLESSING to have family support us in that way!  *whew*

We plan to keep the blog updated while in country so be sure to check back.
"O, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
He love endures forever!"
Psalm 107:1


Thank you again to everyone who bid on the online auction!  If you think you won an item and have not received an email from us regarding redemption, please email us ASAP.

Many of you have asked how you can donate to our matching grant with Lifesong for Orphans.  THANK YOU!  Yes, anyone and everyone is welcome to help us utilize the $4000 matching grant we received.  Here are the simple instructions:

1.  Please make checks payable to Lifesong.  You may preference how the donation might be used by writing "Cain, #3379" in the memo section of your check.
2.  Mail checks to :
         Lifesong for Orphans
         ATTN: Cain/#3379
        PO Box 40
        Gridley, IL 61744

If God has lead you to contribute towards our travel funds in this way, thank you for investing the Kingdom!!  It is an investment that not only will revolutionize Solomon's life, but will produce an eternal return as well!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

going once...going twice!

YAHOO!
We just closed out the auction.  Tallied up the winners and guess what?  You helped us raise $2011.00!!!

But remember?  All the winning bids go to our matching grant with Lifesong for Orphans...which means we will actually have $4022.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

******thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou*****

We will be emailing all the winners tomorrow (Thursday) with redemption instructions.  Check back to the blog tomorrow too for information on how you can donate to our matching grant even if you didn't win any bids.

Continuing to praise God for all His provision through YOUR generous giving and cheerleading and enthusiastic support.  Bringing home a child from half way around the world is not something we can do on our own.  It is not easy.  But most worthwhile things in life require sweat and tears and a community of support.  Thank you for coming alongside us.

We are so close to kissing Solomon's sweet face.  So close.

LAST DAY FOR ONLINE AUCTION!

TODAY TODAY TODAY!
Today, Wednesday, at 10:30pm (PST) the online auction will close.  There are a few close races so be sure to check back on your bids.  We'll contact the winners of all the lovely items over the next few days!

THANK YOU to everyone who participated.  THANK YOU THANK YOU!
We are so close to finally holding Solomon in our arms.  Soon he will be an orphan no more...and YOU have been a part of that miracle.






Links to auction items:

Thursday, February 7, 2013

ONLINE AUCTION!



FINALLY!!!
after much delay due to ridiculous technical difficulties. we are ready to kick this thing off!  
WOOT WOOT

below you will find links to all the fun goodies and services that are available for bids.
(you can also just scroll down and see them all...whatever makes you happy!)
make sure you take the time to look through them all!  
***please also note whether or not the items can be shipped if you live out of the northern california area.***

never been a part of an online auction before?  here's how it works:

1.  peruse the supermegafantastic items that are up for grabs during the auction (2.6.13 through 2.20.13 at 11:59, pacific central time).  all the links with the goodies are listed below.

2.  find the item(s) on which you would like to bid and LEAVE A COMMENT with your bid, name, and email address.  there will be a minimum starting bid posted on each item.  each new bid much be at least a $1 increment. (shipping is included with most of the starting bids.)

3. if you win, we will send you an email announcing your victory!!!  upon receiving your payment (via check), we'll ship the item to you or send you the redemption information (for services).

VOILA!  its super easy.
and most importantly, every last penny you spend will go directly into our adoption fund to bring solomon home.

BUT HERE'S THE BEST PART!!!  we just received word that we have been approved for a matching grant with LifeSong for Orphans and our church up to $4000!!  so every winning bid will actually be DOUBLED!  example: if you bid on a necklace for $30 and win, you mail a check for $30 to LifeSong with our name (don't worry, we'll spell out all the details for you) and *POW* it instantly becomes $60 towards our final adoption expenses!!  WOW!

***if you are interested in donating towards our matching grant, please do NOT use our online portal at gofundme.com (we've actually shut it down!!).  donations need to be mailed to LifeSong.  we'll post more specific information on that later.***


*******************
Links to auction items:

Lipstick & Lipgloss: Neutrals & Pinks *auction*



Set of 8 Mary Kay Creme Lipsticks & Lip Glosses.  Also includes 2 Eyesicles Eye Color (Island Breeze & Pink Frost)!
Colors:
Cocoa Creme, Sheer Blush, Pink Coral, Cream & Sugar, Pink Melon, Gold Sequins, Gingerbread, & Gold Rush
Valued at $120!!

**Starting bid: $30**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

Lipstick & Lipgloss: Berries *auction*


Set of 8 Mary Kay Creme Lipsticks & Lip Glosses.  Also includes 2 Eyesicles Eye Color (Island Breeze & Pink Frost)!
Colors:
Pink Pearl, Pink Passion, Coral Rose, Berry Sparkle, Magenta, Sunset, Dusty Rose, & Watermelon.
Valued at $120!!

**Starting bid: $30**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.



Giants Tickets *auction*



Set of 2 tickets to the Giants game on Wednesday, April 10 at 12:45pm versus the Rockies.
Lower box 129, right above the Giants bullpen mound along the third base line.

**Starting bid: $30**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

Manicure Set *auction*

Mary Kay Satin Hands Manicure Set.
Includes:
Satin Smoothie Hand Scrub
Night Cream
Hand Cream
Nail Polish (Sunfire)

**Starting bid: $12**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

Mary Kay Sun Set *auction*


Mary Kay Sun Set.
Includes:
Subtle Tanning Lotion
After-Sun Replenishing Gel
Sugar Scrub (Embrace Happiness)
Valued at $40.

**Starting bid: $12**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

Pedicure set #2 *auction*





Mary Kay Pedicure set.
Includes:
Rosemary Mint Fizzies
Rosemary Mint Foot Mask
Rosemary Mint Foot Balm
Foot file/brush
Spa Socks
Sugar Scrub (Embrace Harmony)
2 Nail Polishes (Red Hot & Crystal Stars)
Valued at $60

**Starting bid: $20**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

Pedicure set #1 *auction*




Mary Kay Pedicure set.
Includes:
Rosemary Mint Fizzies
Rosemary Mint Foot Mask
Rosemary Mint Foot Balm
Foot file/brush
Spa Socks
Sugar Scrub (Embrace Harmony)
2 Nail Polishes (Red Hot & Crystal Stars)
Valued at $60

**Starting bid: $20**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Handmade Wooden Bowl #2 *auction*


Wooden bowl hand crafted on Guam by our dear friend, Mary Lou Carruthers.
Dimensions: 8"x2.25"

**Starting bid: $15**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

Handmade Wooden Bowl *auction*


Wooden bowl hand crafted on Guam by our dear friend, Mary Lou Carruthers.
Dimensions: 9"x8"x3"

**Starting bid: $15**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

Jamberry nail shields *auction*





 Gift set of Jamberry Nail Shields from the lovely consultant, Jenni Doherty.
Includes three full adult sets, three full children's sets, cuticle pusher (for application), and ADORABLE manicure set in its own darling case.


**Starting bid: $30**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.




ONLINE AUCTION!!


FINALLY!!!
after much delay due to ridiculous technical difficulties. we are ready to kick this thing off!  
WOOT WOOT

below you will find links to all the fun goodies and services that are available for bids.
(you can also just scroll down and see them all...whatever makes you happy!)
make sure you take the time to look through them all!  
***please also note whether or not the items can be shipped if you live out of the northern california area.***

never been a part of an online auction before?  here's how it works:

1.  peruse the supermegafantastic items that are up for grabs during the auction (2.6.13 through 2.20.13 at 11:59, pacific central time).  all the links with the goodies are listed below.

2.  find the item(s) on which you would like to bid and LEAVE A COMMENT with your bid, name, and email address.  there will be a minimum starting bid posted on each item.  each new bid much be at least a $1 increment. (shipping is included with most of the starting bids.)

3. if you win, we will send you an email announcing your victory!!!  upon receiving your payment (via check), we'll ship the item to you or send you the redemption information (for services).

VOILA!  its super easy.
and most importantly, every last penny you spend will go directly into our adoption fund to bring solomon home.

BUT HERE'S THE BEST PART!!!  we just received word that we have been approved for a matching grant with LifeSong for Orphans and our church up to $4000!!  so every winning bid will actually be DOUBLED!  example: if you bid on a necklace for $30 and win, you mail a check for $30 to LifeSong with our name (don't worry, we'll spell out all the details for you) and *POW* it instantly becomes $60 towards our final adoption expenses!!  WOW!

***if you are interested in donating towards our matching grant, please do NOT use our online portal at gofundme.com (we've actually shut it down!!).  donations need to be mailed to LifeSong.  we'll post more specific information on that later.***


*******************
Links to auction items:

Winnie the Pooh blanket *auction*




Crib-sized fleece blanket with Winnie the Pooh design.
Handmade by Marina Village Middle School Band students!

**Starting bid: $10**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

Heart hair clips *auction*




Set of four super cute hair clips.  
Handmade by Marina Village Middle School Band students!

**Starting bid: $5**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

St. Patrick's Day hair clips *auction*




Set of four super cute hair clips.  
Handmade by Marina Village Middle School Band students!

**Starting bid: $5**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.


Hello Kitty hair clips #2 *auction*



Set of SIX super cute hair clips.  
Handmade by Marina Village Middle School Band students!

**Starting bid: $5**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.


Hello Kitty hair clips *auction*






Set of four super cute hair clips.  
Handmade by Marina Village Middle School Band students!

**Starting bid: $5**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.


Polka dot hair clips *auction*


Set of four super cute hair clips.  
Handmade by Marina Village Middle School Band students!

**Starting bid: $5**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.


Candy stripe hair clips *auction*


Set of four super cute hair clips.  
Handmade by Marina Village Middle School Band students!

**Starting bid: $5**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

Betseyville purse *auction*



Adorable Betseyville purse donated by Jenni Lynn Boutique!
Purple with cheetah spots and shoulder strap (not pictured).
Able to be shipped.

**Starting bid: $5**
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

Family Portrait Session *auction*


A one hour photography session with fully edited images and digital negatives with the very talented Sarah Cain of Heracain Productions in Placerville.

*Starting bid: $50*
Don't know how to bid?  Read this.

ONLINE AUCTION!



FINALLY!!!
after much delay due to ridiculous technical difficulties. we are ready to kick this thing off!  
WOOT WOOT

below you will find links to all the fun goodies and services that are available for bids.
(you can also just scroll down and see them all...whatever makes you happy!)
make sure you take the time to look through them all!  
***please also note whether or not the items can be shipped if you live out of the northern california area.***

never been a part of an online auction before?  here's how it works:

1.  peruse the supermegafantastic items that are up for grabs during the auction (2.6.13 through 2.20.13 at 11:59, pacific central time).  all the links with the goodies are listed below.

2.  find the item(s) on which you would like to bid and LEAVE A COMMENT with your bid, name, and email address.  there will be a minimum starting bid posted on each item.  each new bid much be at least a $1 increment. (shipping is included with most of the starting bids.)

3. if you win, we will send you an email announcing your victory!!!  upon receiving your payment (via check), we'll ship the item to you or send you the redemption information (for services).

VOILA!  its super easy.
and most importantly, every last penny you spend will go directly into our adoption fund to bring solomon home.

BUT HERE'S THE BEST PART!!!  we just received word that we have been approved for a matching grant with LifeSong for Orphans and our church up to $4000!!  so every winning bid will actually be DOUBLED!  example: if you bid on a necklace for $30 and win, you mail a check for $30 to LifeSong with our name (don't worry, we'll spell out all the details for you) and *POW* it instantly becomes $60 towards our final adoption expenses!!  WOW!

***if you are interested in donating towards our matching grant, please do NOT use our online portal at gofundme.com (we've actually shut it down!!).  donations need to be mailed to LifeSong.  we'll post more specific information on that later.***


*******************
Links to auction items: