Waiting + a Giveaway!

This "waiting" thing is maddening.  Some days are easier than others, but days like today, when we are waiting on an email or a response to an email or an update... I mean, these days make me feel like I'm going crazy. 

I *force* myself to be productive at work, to "be anxious for nothing", to talk with God continuously about where we are.  It's hard.  It's also faith-building, but in the going-crazy sort of way. :)

I'm thankful for other things to occupy my time (like my job which is in a very busy season, like fundraising events, spending time with friends and family, and networking with other adoptive families).  I'm thankful for my husband who is a man of great faith.  I'm thankful for our agency...

...and I'm thankful for friends who pray for and with us.  

One friend (who I look forward to meeting in person soon!) is even doing a giveaway on her blog for join her in prayer for adoptive families currently waiting.  It's a really cool thing.  Please check it out.  

For a chance to win a $10 Starbucks Gift Card:

Go to this link and view the list of waiting families in SC with our agency. Choose a family (other than us), read their story, and spend some time praying for them. Pray for their future child, their birthparents, and their hearts as they wait. Leave her a comment to let her know who you prayed for.

To partner with her in this, I will give another opportunity for you to win something as you pray for another adoptive family:

•  Follow the instructions above (adapted from her website).  Then leave a comment here (on our blog) with the family you took a few minutes to pray for.  We will give away 2 tickets to our upcoming BBQ & Bids Christmas Adoption Dinner.  

Her giveaway ends tomorrow.  Ours will go through Saturday at 5pm since I'm just now posting this.  
  

Winners of the New iPad Raffle!

We have had a huge outpouring of donations in the last 36 hours and finally broke even on this Giveaway.  We ended up raising close to $450!   THANK YOU so much to everyone who posted, tweeted, shared and especially donated. 

And now... here are the winners...

Ann Roberson won the $20 iTunes Gift Card!

Josue Sierra won the $50 iTunes Gift Card!

And... Beth Tyndall (Tricia's MOM) won the New iPad!!!

Maybe "BeBe" will be able to use her new iPad to Facetime with her first grandbaby when he/she arrives! (Of course, that would require us getting some type of device that has Facetime too.) :)

For what it's worth, we DO realize it's a little questionable that close family members have won 2 out of the 3 grand prizes of our recent giveaways.  I guess it shows how much they have supported us.  Their donations, shares and posts were entered the same as everyone else.  We have been pleasantly surprised by the random.org selections, and I know they are also thrilled! :)

Extra Entries for the iPad Giveaway!

As this raffle draws to a close, we still haven't quite broken even, so we NEED your help! 

Through Sunday (8/5) at 5pm (EST) if you get a friend to donate any amount of money towards the iPad giveaway, have them mention your name and you will get 2 free entries AND they will get double their amount of entries!

Grand Prize:  new iPad!
(Winner can choose color and specific model.  We will pay up to $500 retail price.)
2nd Prize:  $50 iTunes Gift Card
3rd Prize: $20 iTunes Gift Card

Here's how the special entries break down: 

• $15 donation gets 4 entries (through WePay or in person).
• $25 donation gets 8 entries (through WePay or in person). 
• $50 donation gets 20 entries (through WePay or in person).  
• $100 donation gets 50 entries (through WePay or in person). 
• 4 entries for each CoupAide ($25 Restaurant.com certificate) purchased. 
  *Must leave a comment here letting us know how many you purchased and when.*
• 2 entries for each time you share this entry on your blog/website. 
  **Must leave a comment with your name and blog/email here each time so it can be tracked.** (Limit 3 entries through this method.)
• 2 entries for each item purchased through our Celebrating Home Online Fundraiser.
• 1 entry for Tweeting about this Giveaway.  Use #ipadraffleforadoption.
• We may offer more opportunities to get an entry by "sharing" about our Giveaway on Facebook, so stay tuned to our Facebook Page.   
  

Special Entries into the New iPad Giveaway

Through midnight tomorrow (8/1) if you get a friend to donate any amount of money towards the iPad giveaway, have them mention your name and you will get 2 free entries AND they will get double their amount of entries!

 

Grand Prize:  new iPad!
(Winner can choose color and specific model.  We will pay up to $500 retail price.)
2nd Prize:  $50 iTunes Gift Card
3rd Prize: $20 iTunes Gift Card

Here's how the special entries break down: 

• $15 donation gets 4 entries (through WePay or in person).
• $25 donation gets 8 entries (through WePay or in person). 
• $50 donation gets 20 entries (through WePay or in person).  
• $100 donation gets 50 entries (through WePay or in person). 
• 4 entries for each CoupAide ($25 Restaurant.com certificate) purchased. 
  *Must leave a comment here letting us know how many you purchased and when.*
• 2 entries for each time you share this entry on your blog/website. 
  **Must leave a comment with your name and blog/email here each time so it can be tracked.**
  (Limit 3 entries through this method.)
• 2 entries for each item purchased through our Celebrating Home Online Fundraiser.
• Occasionally, we may offer opportunities to get an entry by "sharing" about our Giveaway on Facebook, so stay tuned to our Facebook Page.   
  

 

iPad Raffle and Opening Ceremony Day!

Like our Facebook Page and Share this Picture on Facebook and/or Twitter for a free entry.  Use Twitter hashtag #OCiPadRaffle. 

New iPad Raffle!

We had a wonderful response to our last iPad Giveaway, so we're going to do it again.  Only this time, the Grand Prize winner will receive the New iPad!

Grand Prize:  new iPad!
(Winner can choose color and specific model.  We will pay up to $500 retail price.)
2nd Prize:  $50 iTunes Gift Card
3rd Prize: $20 iTunes Gift Card

Here's how you can enter: 

• $15 donation gets 2 entries (through WePay or in person).
• $25 donation gets 4 entries (through WePay or in person). 
• $50 donation gets 10 entries (through WePay or in person).  
• $100 donation gets 25 entries (through WePay or in person). 
• 2 entries for each CoupAide ($25 Restaurant.com certificate) purchased. 
  *Must leave a comment here letting us know how many you purchased and when.*
• 1 entry for each time you share this entry on your blog/website. 
  **Must leave a comment with your name and blog/email here each time so it can be tracked.**
  (Limit 3 entries through this method.)
• 1 entry for each item purchased through our Celebrating Home Online Fundraiser.
• Occasionally, we may offer opportunities to get an entry by "sharing" about our Giveaway on Facebook, so stay tuned to our Facebook Page.   
  

We will stop taking entries at 5pm on Sunday, August 5, 2012 (EST).  A random number generator will be used to select the winner from the number of entries we have in this raffle.  The winner will be announced by 7pm on Sunday,  August 5, 2012 (EST), and the New iPad will be ordered within 24 hours.

Winners of the Gift Card Giveaway!

THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our Gift Card Giveaway! 

We had 43 different people participate with a total of 349 entries!  We used random.org to choose the winners, and here they are!

Janet Walsh won the $25 Chik-fil-A Gift Card!

Shane Spurling won the $75 Amazon.com gift card!

 

Bridget Bergstrom won the $250 gift card to Amazon.com!

We will be in touch with the winners soon to deliver their gift cards! 

Gift Card Giveaway Continues!

Well, we found out yesterday that we did not receive a grant through Show Hope.  We are now 0-2 as far as grants.  However, we DID get a very generous donation of $580 from the deacon fund of the church where I work.  It was VERY encouraging!  

We still have a few days left in the Gift Card Giveaway.  And we are doing a special way to enter for the next 24 hours... 

"Like" our Facebook Page and leave a comment on what you will use the Amazon gift card for if you win.  (If you have already liked the page, leaving the comment will enter you as well!)  We will also be doing DOUBLE ENTRIES for donations through Noon tomorrow.  

Help spread the word!  

Love at Chick-fil-A

We had a great turnout at our Chick-fil-A Fundraiser last night!  Right at 100 people ate with us in the Dining Room and several went through the drive-thru who we didn't get to see. 

Check out the fun pictures on Facebook. Here's a preview!

 
We did free entries into our Gift Card Giveaway for those who came, and we gave double entries for those who donated a little extra than the 10% from their meal.   

All in all, Chick-fil-A had $878.83 in sales receipts that were turned in, so they donated $87.88 to our adoption.  And we had almost $300 in donations that night.

By the time it was all said and done, we felt very LOVED and ENCOURAGED.  
We had people represented from so many stages of our lives, and it was so sweet to see how much Baby Flagler is already loved.  He/she is going to be a SPECIAL little one with LOTS of people who love him/her!

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who came out and supported us!  It means SO MUCH!   

Another Giveaway!

We want to support the companies who have been supportive of our adoption AND get closer to bringing home Baby Flagler, so we're doing another fantastic Giveaway... this time with 3 prizes!  

Grand Prize:  $250 Amazon.com Gift Card
2nd Prize:  $75 Amazon.com Gift Card
3rd Prize: $25 Chick-fil-A Gift Card

Here's how you can enter: 

• $5 donation gets 1 entry (through WePay or in person).
• $10 donation gets 3 entries (through WePay or in person).     
• 2 entries for each CoupAide ($25 Restaurant.com certificate) purchased. 
  *Must leave a comment here letting us know how many you purchased and when.*
• 1 entry for each time you share this entry on your blog/website.  **Must leave a comment with your name and blog/email here each time so it can be tracked.** (Limit 3 entries through this method.)
• $100 donations to Lifesong for our Account will receive 35 entries and a tax-deductible receipt.  Must be mailed by July 11th.

We will stop taking entries at 5pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012 (EST).  A random number generator will be used to select the winner from the number of entries we have in this raffle.  The winner will be announced by 7pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012 (EST), and we will deliver the gift cards by Friday, July 20th.  

Occasionally, we may offer opportunities to get an entry by "sharing" about our Giveaway on Facebook, so stay tuned to our Facebook Page.   

Please help us spread the word about this exciting fundraiser!  

Special Note:  If you attend the Chick-fil-A Fundraiser on Thursday, July 5th and donate at that time, all entry methods will be doubled!

iPad 2 Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations... "Uncle" Steven!!!

Y'all, he reallllllly wanted to win.  I was SHOCKED when random.org came back with one of his entries.  

There were 194 entries as a combination of donations, Facebook shares, blog comments, Coupaide purchases, and blog posts!  And it was a last minute donation by Matt's brother, entry #192 who won!  

A total of $1040 was raised through this fundraiser for Baby Flagler.  Thank you so much to all who participated and helped us get closer to bringing him/her home! 

iPad 2 Giveaway... sooooo close!

**Special Announcement*** Because we are SOOOO close to having a $1000 profit from our iPad 2 Giveaway, we are offering a special from now until 4pm (only about 30 minutes left!)...
$10 donation gets one entry.
$25 donation gets 3 entries.
$35 donation gets 4 entries.
$50 Donation gets 6 entries.

Here's the link to give. Help spread the word!

iPad 2 Giveaway Update!

Only a few days left in our iPad 2 Giveaway!

We currently have about 75 people entered, which is great! But we would love to have more!  PLEASE help us spread the word about this Giveaway!

Now through midnight (EST) on June 7th, you have other options to enter.

1. Comment on this blog post with your name and email AND your favorite Bible verse about God's character (you have LOTS of room here!). (One entry)
2. Comment on this blog post with your name and email only.  (One entry)
   (Yes, you can do both.  Max 2 entries per person through comments only.)
3. 1 entry for each $15 donation through WePay or in person.   

And don't forget about the original ways to enter!

• 10 entries for each $100 donation through WePay or in person.
• 2 entries for each $25 donation through WePay or in person.     
• 1 entry for each CoupAide ($25 Restaurant.com certificate) purchased. 
  *Must leave a comment here letting us know how many you purchased and when.*
• 1 entry for each time you share this entry on your blog/website.  **Must leave a comment with your name and blog/email here each time so it can be tracked.**

You Helped Us Win!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!  

You all helped us win 3rd place in a Facebook contest with CoupAide.  On CoupAide's Facebook page, we had 138 friends and friends of friends show their support for our adoption in a contest.  

We won the 3rd Place Prize Package which includes: 

• $100 to our adoption fundraising campaign
• Digital Copy Of “Adopt Without Debt” by Julie Gumm
  
• $20 Blurb.com Gift Card  (I love Blurb. I used it to make our profile book!)
  
• $20 Amazon.com Gift Card

And, we've had 15 folks buy a Restaurant.com voucher from our CoupAide page.  So far, that's an additional $150 toward our adoption.  
If you like good deals and eating out, you should definitely purchase a CoupAide!  You pay $20 for a $50 voucher to Restaurant.com, and we get $10 toward our adoption.  

Also, until June 10th, for each CoupAide purchased, you get one entry into our iPad 2 Giveaway!  

iPad 2 Giveaway!

It's time for another fundraiser, and it's a raffle this time!  

We will be raffling a 16GB Wi-Fi iPad 2!  Color to be chosen by the winner. 

More info about iPad 2 here!

This will arrive in time for Father's Day so would make a great Father's Day gift!  Great gift AND great cause!  ALL proceeds above the cost of the iPad 2 will go directly towards our adoption!!

Here's how you can enter: 

• 10 entries for each $100 donation through WePay or in person.
• 2 entries for each $25 donation through WePay or in person.     
• 1 entry for each CoupAide ($25 Restaurant.com certificate) purchased. 
  *Must leave a comment here letting us know how many you purchased and when.*
• 1 entry for each time you share this entry on your blog/website.  **Must leave a comment with your name and blog/email here each time so it can be tracked.**

We will stop taking entries at 4pm on Sunday, June 10, 2012 (EST).  A random number generator will be used to select the winner from the number of entries we have in this raffle.  The winner will be announced by 6pm on Sunday, June 10, 2012 (EST), and we will ship the iPad 2 directly to the winner.  

Occasionally, we may offer opportunities to get an entry by "sharing" about our Giveaway on Facebook, so stay tuned to each of our Facebook Pages.   


Please help us spread the word about this exciting fundraiser! 

Because Orphans Matter

Last night in our James Bible Study, my heart started beating a little faster when we read James 1:27...

Source

Orphans matter.  Widows matter. And we can all play a part in these things.  

I have seen this woman's blog posted several times, but I've only skimmed it.  I knew if I read much of it, then I would feel like I needed to do something. I knew my heart would break for these children.

Last night in our James Bible Study video, Beth Moore shared a similar story.  Just because we are afraid we will get convicted, get hurt, or get burdened, doesn't mean we can be callous about something.  We can't turn away and pretend it's not there.  This woman's blog came to my mind when she shared that story.  And, of course, there was another post this morning from Holly on Facebook.

Please read this woman's blog.  Please donate to bringing home Hasya.  Even if it's just a few dollars, it all adds up.  And join me in praying for the other children at this orphanage.

Winner of the Portrait Session Fundraiser

Thanks to our friends, family, and their friends and family, we raised $615 towards our adoption with this Portrait Session Giveaway fundraiser.  Also, maybe more importantly, we have lots of new people praying with us and encouraging us along this journey. 

In my prayers throughout this Giveaway, I was impressed that maybe getting the word out like this was somehow going to reach the future birth parent of our future son/daughter.  I have no way of knowing that for sure, but wouldn't it be neat if it did? 

As we enter into this Valentine's Day, my heart is FULL of gratitude.  I'm humbled that God would allow us to participate in this journey.  THANK YOU to all who helped!  

Source

Now, without further delay...

Out of 270 entries, random.org selected #114.  

 Congratulations, Hyatt Family! 

Thank you for the many ways you have supported our adoption!  Now, you get to celebrate Will coming home with a Portrait Session with Valerie Schooling!  How perfect!  

Wrapping Up the Giveaway!

Enter our Giveaway today!

Our Portrait Session Giveaway is Wrapping Up!  So far, $145 has been given to our adoption through this fundraiser, and we have a total of 128 entries. Thank you for your gifts so far!  And PLEASE help us spread the word through the 13th.  

Even if you can't give at this time, please help spread the word about our adoption.  You might just know someone who knows someone who is considering an adoption plan for their child.  

How do you enter?  
You can enter the giveaway by either donating towards our adoption or sharing about this Giveaway. Entry for the Giveaway will close at 5pm (EST) on Monday, February 13th. Winner will be announced at 8:30pm (EST) on the same day.

Details: 

• $10 donation = 2 entries
• $25 donation = 5 entries (so $50 would be 10 entries, etc.)
  ($100 donation is 25 entries.)
• Email your contacts. = 1 entry per person emailed. (Copy us flaglersadopt(at)gmail).
• "Share" the Giveaway (Photo or link) on Facebook = 1 entry (Must use Facebook "Share" option so it can be tracked. ) (Limit one per person, per day.)
• Comment on this blog. = 1 entry
• Blog about the Giveaway = 7 entries (Make sure we see this by emailing link or commenting below with link.) (Example 1. Example 2)

 How do you donate? 

• Donate with credit/debit card through our "WePay" page.  (You can also click the "Donate" button on the right of our blog.)  Please make sure we have your contact info and reference the Portrait Session Giveaway.  
• You can give by cash or check to us in person. (This saves us the website admin fee.)
• You can mail us a check. (Contact us for mailing address.)  

Who can enter?

• Anyone can enter.  Enter if you have a heart for orphans or adoption.  Enter if you love Valerie's photography.  Enter if you love the Flaglers. Enter if you just like entering giveaways and like having a chance to win something! :)
• We understand not everyone is able to give financially, so you also have an option to win by just sharing about this Giveaway! 
• It would be best if you live in the Charleston area, but Valerie Schooling travels often across the US and even internationally.  You do not have to live in Charleston to win her mini-session, but you will need to work out with Valerie when she will be in your area and if there are any additional travel costs. 
  

How do you win?

• Each entry will be assigned a number.  We will contact you with these numbers once the donation has been processed. With Facebook/blog posts, we will assign numbers every couple of days.  Contact flaglersadopt(at)gmail with any questions.
• At the end of the Giveaway (5pm EST February 13th), we will use a random number generating website to choose the winning number.  
• We will announce the winner on this blog and also personally contact them (provided we have contact information) at approximately 8:30 pm on February 13th.  
• Winners should contact Valerie Schooling Photography by the end of February to work out details for the mini-portrait session.   

Questions?  Contact flaglersadopt(at)gmail.  We are SO thankful for your participation in our adoption journey.  Thanks so much to the many who are walking with us on the road to give a special child a loving home!    ~Matt & Tricia

Giveaway Basics

How do you enter?  
You can enter the giveaway by either donating towards our adoption or sharing about this Giveaway. Entry for the Giveaway will close at 5pm (EST) on Monday, February 13th. Winner will be announced at 8:30pm (EST) on the same day.

Details: 

• $10 donation = 2 entries
• $25 donation = 5 entries (so $50 would be 10 entries, etc.)
  ($100 donation is 25 entries.)
• Email your contacts. = 1 entry per person emailed. (Copy us flaglersadopt(at)gmail).
• "Share" the Giveaway (Photo or link) on your Facebook wall = 1 entry (Must use Facebook "Share" option so it can be tracked. ) (Limit one per person, per day.)
• Comment on this blog. = 1 entry
• Blog about the Giveaway = 7 entries (Make sure we see this by emailing link or commenting below with link.) 

 How do you donate? 

• Donate with credit/debit card through our "WePay" page.  (You can also click the "Donate" button on the right of our blog.)  Please make sure we have your contact info and reference the Portrait Session Giveaway.  
• You can give by cash or check to us in person. (This saves us the website admin fee.)
• You can mail us a check. (Contact us for mailing address.)  

Who can enter?

• Anyone can enter.  Enter if you have a heart for orphans or adoption.  Enter if you love Valerie's photography.  Enter if you love the Flaglers. Enter if you just like entering giveaways and like having a chance to win something! :)
• We understand not everyone is able to give financially, so you also have an option to win by just sharing about this Giveaway! 
• It would be best if you live in the Charleston area, but Valerie Schooling travels often across the US and even internationally.  You do not have to live in Charleston to win her mini-session, but you will need to work out with Valerie when she will be in your area and if there are any additional travel costs. 
  

How do you win?

• Each entry will be assigned a number.  We will contact you with these numbers once the donation has been processed. With Facebook/blog posts, we will assign numbers every couple of days.  Contact flaglersadopt(at)gmail with any questions.
• At the end of the Giveaway (5pm EST February 13th), we will use a random number generating website to choose the winning number.  
• We will announce the winner on this blog and also personally contact them (provided we have contact information) at approximately 8:30 pm on February 13th.  
• Winners should contact Valerie Schooling Photography by the end of February to work out details for the mini-portrait session.   

Questions?  Contact flaglersadopt(at)gmail.  We are SO thankful for your participation in our adoption journey.  Thanks so much to the many who are walking with us on the road to give a special child a loving home!    ~Matt & Tricia

Current Giveaway!

Family, Friends, and Friends of Friends,

Thank you so much for the ways you are supporting us through this adoption journey.  It has been challenging at times, but it is growing our faith in ways we couldn't imagine.  We know that God is a loving Father and has called us to adopt.  He has commanded believers to care for widows and orphans.  We all play different roles in that command. Not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone can be part of caring for orphans.  You can pray with us.  You can help us by spreading the word.  You can even give financially.  We are adopting domestically.  If you want to be part of an international adoption, support our friends here.

We currently have a Giveaway going on which you can enter by sharing about this Giveaway or donating towards our adoption fund.  

 

Here's an update on the rules (more ways to enter!):  

How do you enter?  
You can enter the giveaway by either donating towards our adoption or sharing about this Giveaway. Entry for the Giveaway will close at 5pm (EST) on Monday, February 13th. Winner will be announced at 8:30pm (EST) on the same day. (Might make a great Valentine's Day gift if you win!) 

Details: 

• $10 donation = 2 entries
• $25 donation = 5 entries (so $50 would be 10 entries, etc.)
  ($100 donation is 25 entries.)
• Email your contacts. = 1 entry per person emailed. (Copy us flaglersadopt(at)gmail).
• "Share" the Giveaway (Photo or link) on your Facebook wall = 1 entry (Must use Facebook "Share" option so it can be tracked. ) (Limit one per person, per day.)
• Comment on this blog. = 1 entry
• Blog about the Giveaway = 7 entries (Make sure we see this by emailing link or commenting below with link.)

How do you donate? 

• Donate with credit/debit card through our "WePay" page.  (You can also click the "Donate" button on the right of our blog.)  Please make sure we have your contact info and reference the Portrait Session Giveaway.  
• You can give by cash or check to us in person. (This saves us the website admin fee.)
• You can mail us a check. (Contact us for mailing address.)  

Adorable!

Who can enter?

• Anyone can enter.  Enter if you have a heart for orphans or adoption.  Enter if you love Valerie's photography.  Enter if you love the Flaglers. Enter if you just like entering giveaways and like having a chance to win something! :)
• We understand not everyone is able to give financially, so you also have an option to win by just sharing about this Giveaway! 
• It would be best if you live in the Charleston area, but Valerie Schooling travels often across the US and even internationally.  You do not have to live in Charleston to win her mini-session, but you will need to work out with Valerie when she will be in your area and if there are any additional travel costs. 
  

How do you win?

• Each entry will be assigned a number.  We will contact you with these numbers once the donation has been processed. With Facebook/blog posts, we will assign numbers every couple of days.  Contact flaglersadopt(at)gmail with any questions.
• At the end of the Giveaway (5pm EST February 13th), we will use a random number generating website to choose the winning number.  
• We will announce the winner on this blog and also personally contact them (provided we have contact information) at approximately 8:30 pm on February 13th.  



• Winners should contact Valerie Schooling Photography by the end of February to work out details for the mini-portrait session.   

Questions?  Contact flaglersadopt(at)gmail.  We are SO thankful for your participation in our adoption journey.  Thanks so much to the many who are walking with us on the road to give a special child a loving home!    ~Matt & Tricia