WELCOME!

We are so excited to share our Ethiopian adoption adventure, and our CRAZY lives with all of you! Our hope is that it will encourage you to step out in faith to do what God has called you to do! There are FIELDS of fatherless children waiting for someone to care for them, to love them, to tell them of JESUS' love for them...will YOU be the one??







Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Number 2!!!!!!!







Holy COW! Just found out we are number 7 on the total "list", and NUMBER 2 on the infant girl list!!! Ummmm, forget the two months...it's coming quick here folks! AAAAHHHHHH! Excited, scared, freaking out....yep, I'm a BASKET CASE!!!!

We have about two weeks beyond our referral to come up with $2400 for the last installment of the program fee and about 6 weeks after that, another $1200 plus travel, and another $800 for travel shots for both of us....we just DID NOT expect a referral this quickly!!

Would you pray with us?!?! That God will provide in miraculous and wonderful ways, so HE gets all the glory?!?! And don't forget, YOU can help us out TREMENDOUSLY by purchasing from our stores at Olive Tree Promise and Just Love Coffee!

Thanks friends! Hoping for an early Christmas gift this year;)!

Friday, November 25, 2011

It's time to SHOP!


Every purchase benefits our adoption!




This Christmas you can shop from the comfy, coziness of your own HOME, AND shop with a purpose!! YAY!

We SHOULD be receiving our referral in the next TWO MONTHS...at least that's the timeframe that's being quoted right now....TWO MONTHS!! OH.MY! We still have to raise about $3000!!! We NEED you!! We NEED you to stand with us and help us bring her home! We have NEVER doubted God's provision, but it's daunting to look at how much we still need. We trust Him in all things, and this is no different, but we ask that you would prayerfully consider donating to our adoption.

It would have been great to have ALL the money up front, but that would not have required much faith now would it?!?!:) Sooooo, we are asking you to check out Olive Tree Promise(above) and Just Love Coffee(below), and be a part of our story to bring our daughter home!

They both have many products to choose from, including the SO, SO CUTE t-shirt, "Superman Was Adopted" at Olive Tree, which is only available until the 5th of Dec.!!! There's coffee, wall-prints, t-shirts, and so much more!

So, PLEASE check them out and consider shopping for your loved ones through our stores this Christmas!

You can also keep track of what the Lord has already provided, with the list of adoption fees, etc. that I've posted on the left sidebar. It's always good to look back and see that indeed His heart IS for the orphan and He will make it happen as His provision has shown!



And as ALWAYS, you can just make a monetary donation with the chip-in button on the right sidebar if you choose. THANK YOU!!!!!! We cherish your support and prayers as we walk this journey to ETHIOPIA!




http://www.justlovecoffee.com/TheRichardFamily

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Today, I am thankful...



For my Savior who died for me.



For my husband who loves me UNCONDITIONALLY!



For my 6 beautiful, living, breathing TREASURES...they make me laugh EVERY day!



For adoption....that before time began HE made a way for me to be in His family!



For friends who see me in all my UGLY, and still love me.



For a home, food, clothing, and access to the BEST medical care.



For a church that preaches God's word without apology!



For orphan care organizations that are making it possible for us to adopt our Ethiopian princess, and serving those sweet kiddos left behind.... TIRELESSLY!



For those on the mission field who are preaching the word and fulfilling the Great Commission on foreign soil...TOTALLY surrendered to the gospel of Jesus Christ!



For the freedoms we have in our country, defended by those who are serving in our military.



And oh, so much more!


I am truly BLESSED today:)!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Blogging For Orphans!!


Make a Difference in ONE Life!



What is your holy discontent? What is your God-given passion on this earth? You know, that one thing that MOVES you to action, that brings you to tears, and causes you to lose sleep? We have a passion, a yearning to see justice for the fatherless!
"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." - Isaiah 1:17

2011 Gifts of Purpose from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.







It's that time of year again. Holiday music rings through your speaker systems. Decorations light up your street corners. Families gather together.It's the season of love, joy and family.  


As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this season of giving, we often forget to give to those who NEED it most! This year give differently. Give FAMILY to the 147 million orphans worldwide who dream of belonging. Give HOPE to children living on the streets whose only Christmas wish is survival.




What if, this year, your family gave a gift to those who need it most? A gift that won't fit under the tree? 


Would you consider making a difference in ONE LIFE...


  •  Help a child break free from gripping poverty.



  •  Give the love of Jesus through Christian mentors.



  •  Give a future to an orphan's caregiver.



This year join Lifesong for Orphans in giving a gift with purpose. A gift that will speak Jesus to a child. Introducing Lifesong's 2011 Gifts of Purpose Catalog


NOW, for even more exciting news....




In Ethiopia, children need an education to break free from gripping poverty. Public schools are lacking, so kids are left behind without the  HOPE of an education or future. Our current Lifesong school is not only giving by teaching these children about Jesus, but also feeding 350 hungry children 2 meals each day. We currently have a need to build a 12-room expansion to our existing school... please join us to make a difference in a child's life.


As of last night, we have a generous donor that has stepped up to MATCH all donations to the Ziway and Adami Tulu Schools in Ethiopia between now and December 31st... up to $130,000!!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited? What a GENEROUS way to make the most of your giving and bless the children and families in these communities! Let me tell you first hand, these schools NEED to be expanded... these children NEED an education... they NEED to be fed each day... they NEED to hear about Jesus! Lets give HOPE to these precious children in Ethiopia!




Would you join us in prayer as we seek to make the need known?

MAKE A MATCHED DONATION NOW!
***You can use the link above to make a matched donation OR select any of the Hope Ethiopia options below. 



Gift of $30 cares for 2 children for 1 month.








Gift in Honor of








Gift of $525 cares for 35 children for 1 month.







Gift in Honor of





Gift of $1,500 furnishes one classroom.








Gift in Honor of



Also, don't forget that you can give a gift in honor of a loved one this holiday season!