One More....

Victoria is HOME!  Amazingly, she was released from the hospital last night and spent her first night sleeping in her very own bed.  

One more precious orphan, Christopher, will be sprung from the same orphanage in just 18 days.  

We still have spots in the gift card giveaway.  Let's wrap this up and get them awarded!  Someone will win $100, Folks! 

Prizes:
$100 at Shop Source
$25 at iTunes
$25 at Target
$10 at Starbucks
$10 at Target
$10 at Target

THIS GIVEAWAY IS COMPLETE! 

Entries are $10 to mamato5girls@yahoo.com.  Forward the receipt to bornagainandproud@yahoo.com.

This little boy is so valuable.  Let's push through to see him HOME, too.

Sliding Into Home

So thankful for the incredible support shown to us as we slide into home plate with this adoption fundraising.

Seven months ago we saw (Victoria) Hope's photo.....

We inquired about her and found she was in the same orphanage that our Sophia had been in.  Here is Sophia's orphanage photo:

They are eleven months a part in age.  I often wonder if they were roommates....When I think that Hope was there...in her crib...and we probably walked past her ....that she stayed there for 2 1/2 YEARS before we even knew about her....when I think how many children, how many hurting people, we walk past every day....it overwhelms me.....

Seven months ago we KNEW we were to adopt (Victoria) Hope but it was our fourth adoption in less than three years and we were overwhelmed by the financial aspect. 

We look back over the past seven months and the support we have received is unreal. Your participation in the MULTITUDE of fundraisers has been so very humbling. It truly does take a village and it is abundantly clear that (Victoria) Hope is loved and supported by the BEST and most GENEROUS village ever!

Ongoing fundraisers are at Hooked on Hope, Hope's Boutique, Keep Collective, and Doll Faced Diva's Buy It Now Page.

Frankie Miller .....our family warrior has been with us every step of the way. Supporting, advocating, donating, sharing, praying, talking sense into me, crocheting....and crocheting some more.

We can never repay the generosity of so many .....but we can promise to not only embrace Victoria as our precious daughter but to pay forward the generosity you have shown us to other adopting families.

So where do we stand financially?

We are $2,583 from fully funded.

What?!  Seriously......That in itself is a true miracle!

Update.....Our Reece's Rainbow FSP needs to read $22,900 ......

We had a very successful auction and the proceeds were distributed to our personal adoption account....therefore our original goal 25,000 has been modified. Hallelujah!

In two weeks I will walk out those orphanage doors with Victoria in my arms.....we will have a long road ahead of us...but no matter what she will know she is loved and wanted and worthy.

I don’t know how much we will be able to post when we are in country, but updates and pictures will be available on our Facebook page A Family For Gary and Marnie and Hope.  I will also keep this blog updated occasionally, of course, but more will be posted there. Please follow along our continuing journey! 

But First Let Me Take An Elfie

Have you been hearing Christmas carols at stores yet? I sure have. Thanksgiving is drawing near, and it is really starting to seem like the holiday season!  

Molly over at Tall Enough For This Rollercoaster had an excellent idea for ringing in the Christmas spirit AND helping bring Hope home

Let me introduce "But First Let me Take An Elfie"! 

The idea is simple. Challenge your friends to a simple and silly act and donate!  

1.  Post an elfie (selfie with an elf hat).  Elf hats are sold at grocery stores, dollar stores, and drugstores so no worries about not being able to find one.  If you don’t want to pay for it, take an elfie at the store =)

2.  Post a video of you singing part of your favorite Christmas Carol.   We know this option would make Buddy the Elf smile because the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

After you post you picture or video you must call out THREE people to take on the challenge!  If your friends take on the challenge you must donate money which I will explain next (most important part so don’t stop reading)!!!

 Donation breakdown:

Friend posts an elfie: 5$

Friend posts a video singing their favorite Christmas carol: 10$

Friend posts a video singing a Christmas Carol in a public place: 15$ 

What could be funner or easier!  Get started today and let me know if you are playing.

Donate to Hope


But First Let Me Take An Elfie

Prayer Request

Please keep Hope in your prayers, as I am concerned about her fragile health. We have court coming up on Friday, so we need you to lift us up as this crucial date nears. Thank you.

Also, the Changing Lives Auction is up and running.  Such incredible donations!  I am overwhelmed with how many people and companies donated!  Hope, Christopher, Sam and Ella, you are cherished!  

Want to Change Lives?

We are so excited for our upcoming auction with the Sutton and Collicot Families!  I can't begin to describe the incredible number and variety of items that have been donated. I have NEVER seen items like this offered in one auction!  Well over 100 BRAND-NEW items, all donated to benefit four orphans being brought home by three families.  

Here's a glimpse at some of the goodies: 

A brand new, in-the-box, no longer available in stores, American Girl doll!

A Natibaby Wrap!

A RadianRXT car seat!  

CHRISTIAN HEROES: THEN & NOW donated a complete set (books 1-42)!!

There's a Scout Zip Hammock from Hennessy Hammock!

THREE winners receive Universal sets of Math-U-See!

 THREE winners receive a complete set of Spelling You See!

Really, truly, there's something for EVERYONE in this auction!  Come take a peek at more of the items available at this link: Changing Lives Auction.  

Bidding will start on Nov. 1 and continue to November 15th.  I hope to see you there!

REJOICE WITH US!

REJOICE!

We have a COURT DATE!

November 6!!!

That means (barring any unforeseen circumstances) our Hope will officially be our daughter! Praise God!

We are praying for a pickup date in early December....(OK...truthfully I am praying for the end of November......will you come alongside us in this prayer?) 

Details of pickup week in a future blog...but the typical time in country is ten days. 

We continue to fundraise for airfare and travel expenses. 

Stay tuned for an absolutely incredible AUCTION……It's one you WILL NOT want to miss!

ANTICIPATION

The closer we get to redeeming our Hope the more time seems to slow to a crawl.

Maybe it's because we have felt her breath on our cheeks. ...Held her little body. 

Maybe it's because on the final visit she offered me her trust and laid her head on my shoulder .

Maybe it's because she so obviously needed a daddy.....and trusted him early on.

Maybe it's because we are painfully aware that one cold, a few missed feedings, a ng tube placed incorrectly, an impatiently rough caretaker....could literally be fatal for our fragile girl.

Faith

It is all we have.

I've been told it is all we need.  Still working on that.

Thanksgiving

To each and every one of you who has prayed, shared, donated...

Please know......we are humbly and eternally grateful.

FUNDRAISERS (yes....sorry but that's the reality of this adoption)

https://www.facebook.com/HatsforHopeHorton

Our beautiful personalized Family Tree Giveaway....only SIX entries left!

Details on previous blogpost...just scroll down!

Also!

Various buy it now items on:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hopes-Boutique/1676291999261205

And.....incredibly beautiful crochet items at Hooked on Hope

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hooked-On-Hope/266554676797036

God Bless you......thanks for caring.

Add to the Horton Family Tree!

Isn't this a lovely image? 

Imagine having one of your own, with your family's names!

Remmy & Co. is offering one personalized Family Tree to help the Horton's bring Hope home. 

It will be in the winner's choice of color schemes, and is 16"x20"! 

This will come ready to frame (frame not included) and hang in a place of honor in your home

OR gift to a loving grandparent!  

To enter this giveaway, just donate $10 to the Horton's FSP: http://reecesrainbow.org/94973/sponsorhorton-3 

Send the receipt to this e-mail.

There will only be 10 paid entries allowed. 

Share this giveaway and send an e-mail notifying me you did to get a free entry.

One entrant will win a treasure and EVERYONE will be helping to add 

Hope to the Horton's Family Tree! 

WIN, WIN! 

Spinafit Benefit

As you may know, I am a spin teacher. One of my Spin friends, Trina Marshall, is hosting a Spinafit benefit for Hope!  She has 13 bikes available at her gym, most of which have been claimed (at $20 apiece), but is looking for Ghost Riders from around the nation to "ride" for Hope.  Anyone and everyone can Ghost Ride at this event, just by donating.  The in-person riders will be spinning away at 5AM on October 17th, but Ghost Riders can be snoozing away and still be supporting us! 

You can make a $20 donation by sending a check to Reese's Rainbow at P.O. Box 277, Morovia, MD 21770

Make note in the memo section: "Hope for the Hortons"

or

use our FSP: 

http://reecesrainbow.org/94973/sponsorhorton-3

You can sign up for the benefit on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/699031260227484/

Let's see how many people we can get Ghost Riding on October 17th!   

We are hoping to hear news about a court date as early as next week, so watch for an update as soon as we can! 

Newt's Goals for Orphans Chose HOPE!

Goals for Newt is an effort by 12 year old Newt to raise funds for children who need families!  It’s a fun and simple way to help. You pledge any dollar amount for each goal scored by his team. For example, if you donate $2 per goal - and the team scored a total of 7 goals - then YOUR total is $14. You then head to the child’s FSP page (Hope's page, in this case) and donate $14. Simple!!  

Pledges may be made online at the Goals for Newt’s Facebook page, or by email to britgirlus@aol.com.

This next weekend (Oct 3rd/4th) Newt and team Galaxy Black will be heading to the NSC Cup in Blaine, MN. This is the first tournament of the fall, so we’re hoping it will be a wonderful, high scoring tournament !! They will probably play 3 games, with the possibility of a 4th if they get to the final. 

All pledges for goals scored by Galaxy Black through this tournament will be credited to Hope’s adoption!  What a fun way to encourage this young man in his advocating and help bring home Hope at the same time!

Katie's Cookies

I have MORE delicious news, and this time it's TRULY delicious!

Katie's Cookies from Visalia, CA is stepping up to help bring Hope home. From today until October 31st, they will donate $5 for each dozen cookies ordered!  They have all the traditional and familiar favorites, like Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin,  and premium choices, like Cookies and Cream, Salted Milk Chocolate Caramel Pretzel, and Toffee Cookie Crunch. They even offer gluten free cookies!

Go like their Facebook page and see what you may want to order!  Thank you, Katie, for your support and for loving Hope!

Katie's Cookies on Facebook

Halloween Costume Auction

Fall is nearly here, and it's beginning to feel cooler in my neck of the woods.  This is the perfect time to get a jump on Halloween by visiting "The Lost Get Found"'s costume auction!  The proceeds will go to help us bring home Hope, or to grow Heavenleigh's fund.  Go over and see the great items!

The Lost Get Found Costume Auction 

We also have a JamBerry Party going on!  Jamberry's are the best nail covers and come in such fun designs!  Have you tried them yet? If not, this is the perfect time to treat yourself! If you are a seasoned user, stock up on all the beautiful autumn designs and get a jump on the season!  

If you are local, we have a Car Wash and Bake Sale going on this weekend.  It's at KeyBank Mohawk & Olympic Branch, 1625 Mohawk Blvd in Springfield.  Come stop by and get some goodies and get your car sparkled!  

Last Call for Capes!

Sept. 1st is the LAST DAY to order capes!  Don't miss out on these fantastic costumes/dress up/and gifts!  

Just $20 each plus $5 shipping flat rate per order.....so order more than one!

Please e-mail the numbers that correspond with the picture of the capes you want to order to dadhorton@comcast.net.  Once I receive your e-mail order I will reply with the address to send check, or you can use PayPal and the same email address.

Thank you for your support!

Superhero Cape Fundraiser!

I’m so excited to have the opportunity to offer these capes and masks as a fundraiser for our adoption of Hope.

PERFECT for dress up, Halloween, Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and for just plain fun!

Capes are 25" long

High quality satin/ double sided!

Velcro closure at neck.

INCLUDES deluxe felt mask

Cost?

Just $20 each plus $5 shipping flat rate per order.....so order more than one!

Please e-mail the numbers that correspond with the picture of the capes you want to order to dadhorton@comcast.net.  Once I receive your e-mail order I will reply with the address to send check.

Sale closes September 1. Capes will be mailed within two weeks that date.

Thank you for your support!

Claim A State!

We're holding a patriotic little "fun"draiser by coloring in this map of the USA!  States are claimed by a donation of $5 or more to Hope's FSP, PureCharity or Paypal. Comment below with your state of choice and e-mail the recipe to bornagain andproud at yahoo.com (without the spaces, of course). Your state will get marked and we'll be one step closer to bringing Hope HOME TO OREGON! So go Claim A State, Friends! 

Hope by Heart of the Young

Today we have a guest post from Andrea at Heart of the Young.

Hope is beautiful.

Hope has so much potential.

She is 7 years old.

7 years old and just 10 pounds!  

She has the chance become part of a loving family, the Horton’s.

She will be a daughter for the first time. 

She will be a sister for the first time.

I’d like to introduce one of Hopes new sisters, Sophia.  

Sophia is from the same orphanage that Hope is in.  

You see, when Sophia was adopted by the Horton’s at age 4, she weighed just 10 pounds.  

I met this angel shortly after she came home. She fit in an infant car seat and looked like a baby.  This, from years of neglect. 

But living with this amazing family, little fragile Sophia became a happy 26 pound 6 year old!  

Tell me that’s not astounding. 

Tell me that’s not remarkable.

Tell me Hope hasn’t got the same chance to be a chubby, smiley, happy kid.  

The proof is right in front of your eyes with Sophia’s transformation.   

I know this family, the Horton’s.  They are truly amazing people.  Right now they are trying to expedite Hope’s adoption due to her fragile condition.  It is so much more dire than imagined.  But with that, comes more need, more fees and a totally different timeline.  But despite these unforeseen hardships, they don’t want to let Hope down, they want to go get their daughter. 

Please go here to help  any one of three different amazing causes, the Horton’s included, or donate a little to each of them!  Oh, and when you donate, you’ll be entered to win some money and some bling!   

Let’s  band together and do something great today!

Hope and the Horton family thanks you!

Thank you!!

Auction for Hope is over and was a great success!  

Thank you from the whole Horton family to all who bid and donated!  

You can still get 31 bags and Pampered Chef and help bring Hope home!

Keep watching...we have some wonderful things coming up! 

Auction for Hope

There's an auction going on for Hope right now.  Have you been over and seen all the great items?  There's nearly 100 items up for grabs!

Do you have an artist in the house? There are some really nice art sets!

Do you have little girls? A whole new wardrobe is available!

Do you have toddlers? Board books are ALWAYS needful!

Do you have a baby shower coming up, or are you going to be blessed soon with a newborn? There are lovely crocheted afghans, bibs and nursing covers!

Have a man in your life? There's even men's clothes!  These are rare offerings in adoption auctions.

There is something for everyone and we are adding new items every day!

The auction is active now and will run until July 20th at 9 PM EST.  Make sure to get over and get your bids placed!

Wishes

"To wish was to hope, and to hope is to expect." ~ Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility  

So...we are WISHING.

Wishing our girl Hope was sharing secrets with her friends and doing homework and arguing with her siblings and splashing in the pool and staying up late watching Frozen and singing with us in church and falling asleep on Mama's lap and helping Daddy make pancake on Sunday morning and...and....WISHING.

Wishing...the real "heart-pounding; can't sleep" sense of urgency we feel to bring our girl home was felt by others.  Wishing.

Wishing...MONEY wasn't such an overwhelming obstacle to adoption. Wishing.

We are HOPING.

Hoping our girl has a guardian angel with her in her crib, singing her a lullaby, keeping her strong, telling her mama is coming.  Hoping.

Hoping you will come along beside us and pray, share and donate to our Hope.  Hoping.

We are EXPECTING!
Expecting a MIRACLE!
Needing a miracle.
Praying for a miracle.


Along with all that WISHING and HOPING and EXPECTING and PRAYING comes a lot of HARD WORK!

"You don't need to wish harder, you need to work harder!" ~ Amit

We still have so many amazing opportunities for you to come alongside us. For locals:

For EVERYONE!

Amazing Auction!  So much cool stuff!

Thirty-One Party! Beautiful, functional bags! Take a look!  Make sure to click on Lauren Horton's party!!