Saturday, July 30, 2011

Great is Thy faithfulness!

When we were contacted about possibly replacing all the windows at the baby orphanage in Ust-Kamenogorsk we knew the fundraising process would be long and difficult. Raising $81,000 is no small feat so we decided to raise the money a floor at a time, praying it would only take a year to reach our goal.

We have had many wonderful people donate in many different ways to help us in reaching our goal. Some have held parties, some have donated directly, and kids have even given their offering to us. The generosity that continues to flow our way is overwhelming to say the least.

This week only we have received $7490 towards the project making our current total $21,340.53. We have $5659.47 to go and it's only August (almost)! Surely we can reach our goal in under a year.

Think about the babies going to bed each night without the buzz of mosquitoes hovering over their beautiful little faces. Think about how nice it will be for them to sleep in a room that is warm, no drafts to chill their bones.

Currently you can help by making a direct donation on our website or by purchasing tickets for our fundraiser. All the information is in the post below.

We believe with God's love and faithfulness, nothing is impossible! Please continue to pray with us.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Window Project Fundraiser

Window Restoration Fundraiser!

It's time for another MEGA fundraiser! All proceeds go towards the Ust-Kamenogorsk window project. Thank you to the wonderful supporters who donated this years items!

Here's how it works:

View all the items below.
Click the paypal link on the right hand side of the blog under the fundraiser heading.
Tickets are $5 each, 12 for $50 or 25 for $100.
Each item is numbered 1-38.
Email us at info@twoheartsforhope.org with the item number and amount of tickets you would like on each one.
We will send you a confirmation email with your entry numbers.
Winners will be chosen using random.org, an unbiased third party.
Tickets can be purchased until midnight on August 11th.
Winners will be announced August 12th.


Electronics:

#1 - Apple iPod touch 8GB (4th Generation) Newest Model

  • 8 GB capacity for about 2,000 songs, 10,000 photos, or 10 hours of video
  • Up to 40 hours of audio playback or 7 hours of video playback on a single charge
  • 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch display with 960-by-640-pixel resolution (326 pixels per inch)
  • Retail Value $210.00, donated by Two Hearts for Hope.



#2 - Nikon Coolpix S3000 12.0MP Digital Camera


  • 12.0 megapixels for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches
  • 4x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; bright 2.7-inch LCD
  • 4-way VR Image Stabilization System
  • Capture 640 x 480 movies with sound at 30fps
  • Retail value $125.00, donated by the Prud'homme Family.



#3 - GE DV1-LG Waterproof/Shockproof 1080P Pocket Video Camera
  • 1080P Digital Video Camera
  • 2.5 Inch auto brightness LCD screen
  • SD slot for SD/SDHC cards up to 32GB
  • Waterproof up to five meters
  • Built-in USB for easy transfer
  • Retail value $100.00, Donated by Courtney, Dustin and Ryland Stone.


#4 - Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device


Kindle is Amazon's #1 bestselling item for two years running. Over 950,000 books including 107 of 111 New York Time's bestsellers, plus audiobooks, blogs and periodicals. All new, high contrast E Ink screen, built in Wi-Fi, battery life of up to 2 months. Holds 3,500 books! With text-to-speak, Kindle can read English language books out loud to you. Get your books in 60 seconds!

Retail value $139.00. Donated by the Segebarth Family.




#5 - Autographed electric guitar


Guitar is autographed by the Newsboys. Newsboys are a Christian pop rock band founded in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Australia. They have released 14 studio albums, six of which have been certified gold. Currently, the band consists of lead vocalist Michael Tait, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, guitarist Jody Davis, and drummer Duncan Phillips.

Donated by the Truman Family.




Kazakhstan inspired items:

#6 - One of a kind painting


Hand-painted scene inspired by our beloved Kazakhstan.

Painted and donated by Branden Hochstetler.






#7 - Kazakh Alphabet quilt



This quilt was handmade in Kazakhstan and features the Kazakh alphabet. The Kazakh alphabet has 42 letters; 33 Russian letters and 9 distinctly Kazakh letters.








#8 - Set of hand-crafted felt pins in Kazakhstan colors and felt slippers from Kazakhstan.

A cute way to show your Kazakhstan pride! Set of hand-crafted felt pins in the colors of the Kazakhstan flag, centered with a sparkling rhinestone. The smaller pin is sized for your daughter, or when you want a touch of color for your outfit. Donated by Jodi Mechem.

The slippers were handmade in Kazakhstan and are a women's size 8/9. Donated by Jen Kiran



#9 - 2 handmade dresses in Kazakhstan colors

Both dresses feature the blue and yellow from the Kazakhstan flag. First dress is a three color peasant dress. Second dress is a two-color pillowcase dress with bow ties. Each dress is about a size 4/5. Dresses are being made now. Donated by Karen Kitzman


#10 - Hand-crocheted baby blanket



Adorable baby blanket inspired by the colors of the Kazakhstan flag. This hand-crocheted blanket is a beautiful addition to any nursery or makes a fantastic gift! Donated by Pam Canatia.







#11 - Set of 5 Matryoshka dolls with Kaz skippers


Each matryoshka doll has 5 pieces inside and were hand-painted in Kazakhstan. The slippers were also hand-made in Kazakhstan are a toddler size 10/11.





Boutique items:

#12 - A year of bows!


Each bow in this basket was inspired by the months of the year. Bow edges are heat sealed and attached to a lined alligator clip. Basket is brand-new retired Morning Glory by Longaberger. Donated by AnnaBelle's Boutique. Retail value of bows, $94. Retail value of basket, $65.





#13 - 3Seams Dress


3Seams dress, size M(4)with a matching bracelet. Both handmade by women in Haiti. At 3seams all of the clothing is made in sets of two! One piece goes home with you and the other is donated to a child in the developing world of Haiti. This garment has a number which can be tracked to see where the matching dress has been sent. Value $55.95. Donated by Julie Rolfes.





#14 - 3 perfume set from Avon


Perfumes are from Avon's new Scentini line. Shake it up, spritz in on, and let the fun begin with these three amazing scents. Plum Twist - a flirtatious fusion of dark plum and red berry topped with a playful praline swirl. Rose Fizz - a sparkling fragrance cocktail of fresh rose petals, sun-kissed peach and sexy woods. Citrus Chill - an invigorating splash of juicy mandarin mixed with exotic passionflower and warm amber. 1.7 fl oz. Retail value $16.50 each. Donated by Kim Jury, Avon representative.

#15 - Coach bag


Brand-new Coach bag is tan/brown with black leather trim. It is approximately 9 inches tall and 13 inches wide-at the top, the widest. Retail value, $348.00. Donated by Jacqueline Izzo.






#16 - "Fun in the Sun" Ava Anderson set


Ava Anderson develops and produces cutting-edge, SAFE personal care products. Set includes: 2.9 oz 30+ SPF sunscreen, 8 oz body lotion, 3.4 oz toner, 2 lip balms, and a travel size shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, hand soap, and body lotion.
Retail value $100.00. Donated by Susan Serra, Ava Anderson consultant.





#17 - Happy Hibiscus hair-clips


These gorgeous hair-clips are made from the finest satin and each individually made. They measure approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. Colors are green, pink, fuchsia, lavender, cream and yellow. All have alligator clips. Retail value $16.00 each. Donated by The Happy Hibiscus.



Baked goods:

#18 - Simply Sweets cookies


The certificate for Simply Sweets cookies is for 4 dozen (up to 2 flavors) custom cookies. These cookies will be individually wrapped, beautifully boxed, and priority mailed to your door. The certificate may be redeemed October - March. Flavor options include Chocolate Chip Toffee, Iced (or plain) Sugar, Lemon White Chocolate, Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal, Triple Chocolate, Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Butter, and Double Chocolate Mint. Donated by Alaina Falk of The Cooks Next Door.


#19 - Cake truffles from Stella's Sweets



Truffles are made from moist cake and creamy frosting then rolled and dipper in real Belgium chocolate. Truffles will be shipped priority overnight to winner. Donated by Stella's Sweets.




Gift Certificates:

#20 - Gift card to Target


$100.00 value. Gift cards can be redeemed for merchandise or services at Target stores or on Target.com. Donated by the Sarandis Family.





#21 - Gift card to Amazon.com



$250.00 value. Amazon offers everything from books and electronics to tennis rackets and diamond jewelry. Donated by the Cohen Family.




#22 - Stella and Dot gift certificate



$25.00 gift certificate to Stella and Dot. Stella and Dot offers boutique style jewelry and accessories. http://home.stelladot.com/. Donated by Pamela Baldwin.



#23 - Visa gift card


$25.00 value.
The Visa Gift card is a prepaid card welcome everywhere Visa Debit cards are accepted. Visa Gift cards are loaded with a set amount of funds on the card and can be used for multiple purchases for as long as value remains on the card. Additional funds cannot be added later if the card is a non-reloadable gift card. Donated by the Chaney Family.


Handmade Creations:

#24 - Welcome Little One basket, boy

This basket is great for any little one in your life. Perfect for baby showers, home from the hospital gift, or a homecoming gift for a child coming home through an adoption! Included in the basket are three soft blocks that jingle when shaken, one cuddle cutie doll, and fabric numbers 0-5 for little one to interact with. The soft blocks are sure to keep baby entertained with the soft jingle sound. Cuddle cuties are great to display on a shelf or can be placed in babies crib. Fabric numbers are a great way to introduce your child to numbers early. The great thing about all of these items is that you don’t have to worry about baby getting hurt on anything hard or plastic. If/when they throw them, they wont break anything in your home. They are made with coordinating fabrics that are bright, engaging, and oh so cute! Value of basket $55.00. Donated by Ava's Mom Made It.

#25 - Welcome Little One basket, girl

This basket is great for any little one in your life. Perfect for baby showers, home from the hospital gift, or a homecoming gift for a child coming home through an adoption! Included in the basket are three soft blocks that jingle when shaken, one cuddle cutie doll, and fabric numbers 0-5 for little one to interact with. The soft blocks are sure to keep baby entertained with the soft jingle sound. Cuddle cuties are great to display on a shelf or can be placed in babies crib. Fabric numbers are a great way to introduce your child to numbers early. The great thing about all of these items is that you don’t have to worry about baby getting hurt on anything hard or plastic. If/when they throw them, they wont break anything in your home. They are made with coordinating fabrics that are bright, engaging, and oh so cute! Value of basket, $55.00. Donated by Ava's Mom Made It.

#26 - Storybook Crayon Buddy with 4 children's books.


This bag has characters ranging from The Three little pigs to Hansel and Gretel. So adorable for both a boy or a girl. Bag holds 44 crayons on the outside, each with it's own slot. Your child can take along their favorite book, coloring books, toys and crayons. Perfect for trips! Retail value $45. Donated by Bags2Impress

Enjoy reading aloud to your child with a selection of 4 new children's pictures books! Wonderful to add to your home library of give as a gift. Donated by the Falk Family



#27 - Monkey Crayon Buddy with 4 children's books


Bag holds 44 crayons on the outside, each crayon has its own slot. This bag is perfect for trips, your child can bring along his/her coloring books and crayons. Your child can take along their favorite book, coloring books, toys and crayons. Retail value $45. Donated by Bags2Impress

Enjoy reading aloud to your child with a selection of 4 new children's pictures books! Wonderful to add to your home library of give as a gift. Donated by the Falk Family



#28 - Rag quilt and taggie


Rag quilt is red, blue, and yellow flannel with a light blue train print approx 40" by 60" retail value $65. Quilt is made of 2 layers of flannel, one side is clipped open seams. Quilt has been washed twice to start the ragging process.

The taggie is cream satin with cream rose swirl minky with chocolate and sage ribbons approx 30" by 36" perfect for either a girl or a boy. Retail value $50. Donated by Ragstagsandbags.com

#29 - 9-patch baby quilt, #1



Beautiful handmade 9-patch baby quilt is approximately 30'' x 40.5 '' and would look great in any nursery! Donated by Sheral Letterneau.





#30 - 9-patch baby quilt, #2



Beautiful handmade 9-patch baby quilt is approximately 30'' x 40.5 '' and would look great in any nursery! Donated by Sheral Letterneau.





#31 - Baby quilt




Gorgeous handmade baby quilt. 33'' x 33''. Front is cotton and the back is minke (yellow and green) Donated by Jane Herlihy








Thirty-One Items:

#32 - Cinch-Top Bucket Bag



Bag is in denim with a bright floral pattern on the inside. Retail value $56.00 Donated by Melissa Leslie, Thirty-one consultant.









#33 - Thermal Tote, Chocolate Blossom



Bag is thermal lined to keep your lunch hot or cold. Add an ice pack to keep your items cool. Pattern is chocolate blossom. Retail value $14.00 Donated by Melissa Leslie, Thirty-one consultant.









#34 - Thermal Tote, Garden Lattice


Bag is thermal lined to keep your lunch hot or cold. Add an ice pack to keep your items cool. Pattern is chocolate blossom. Retail value $14.00 Donated by Angelina Combs, Thirty-one consultant.





#35 - Large Utility Tote



Tote can hold a variety of items. Pattern is Floral Celebration. Retail value $30.00 Donated by the Siefer Family.





#36 - Garment bag


Garment bag is in Onyx Medallion. Retail value $130. Donated by Angelina Combs, Thirty-One consultant.








#37 - Organizing Utility Tote


Organizing tote in Paparazzi Dot pattern. Retail Value $22. Donated by Angelina Combs, Thirty-one Consultant.






#38 - About Town Blanket



Blanket folds into a nice, neat carrying case for the family on the go! Donated by the Siefer Family.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Dreams

One of the items we brought to Russia was sidewalk chalk. Our translator asked the kids to draw what they were dreaming of.

Take a look at what D and his best friend are dreaming of.



So simple: a dog and houses next to each other. Yet so profound.

What will happen to these sweet boys in a few short years? Will they get their dogs? Will they be able to remain friends? Or will life pull them in different directions as they are forced to exist in a country that doesn't appreciate them, barely acknowledges them and does nothing to prepare them for life on their own.

They.need.families!