love for Anika.

so.  i have something big today.

something really, really big.

my heart is broken for waiting children.

broken.

a waiting child is one that has been cleared for adoption

and literally just waits for their family.

many times these children are overlooked because

of their age, their health conditions &/or the fears that can come with these things.

here's what i know:

-God is bigger than any label this world can put on a child.

-'older' kids are worth it.

-medical needs can be some of the biggest 'hidden' blessings ever.

-perfect love drives out fear.

well, despite our family already waiting to bring our 2 waiting children home,

i found myself looking through the profiles of waiting children the other night.

i scrolled and read, scrolled and read.

and then?

the breath caught in my throat. 

hot tears on my cheeks.

a little girl.

2 1/2 years old.

ridiculously cute.

her name?

Anika

why does Anika wait?

the real answer is because her family just hasn't found her yet,

but i would guess that 2 other things play into it.

the fact that she is HIV+.

the fact that her adoption will cost a total $33,000.

i couldn't quit thinking about her.  i woke up thinking about her.

i fell asleep hearing the gentle whisper that her family was out there...

that she wasn't our daughter, but we could help her home.

i would hug our Anika...safe, secure, loved....& be filled with sadness

for the Anika across the world who might have no concept of what those things mean.

so, i just want to clear up those 2 'barriers' that are keeping her waiting.

first, the fact that she's HIV+.

if you haven't heard the truth about HIV, you have to visit Project Hopeful.

the truth is that there is ZERO risk of transmitting HIV to someone else through casual contact.

this includes: hugging, kissing, biting, sharing food, taking a bath, sharing a toilet seat.

HIV is very manageable & with proper care, people with HIV have a normal life expectancy. 

children with HIV need to take medication twice a day & see their

pediatric infectious disease doctor every few months.

that's it.

the second barrier?  i understand that adoption is expensive.

the beauty in that is the way it allows others to rally around you

and bless you.  so, i believe that Anika has a family out there.

i want to bless them.

i want them to see her sweet, little face & know.

i want them to not have money be an obstacle.

i want to make the difference for one. for Anika.

[and pray that it ripples, ripples, ripples.]

here is where you come in.

don't run.  this is so easy.  so fun.  

i am giddy with excitement to watch this play out.

150 people [you!] have a get together in the month of May.

they invite 9 of their friends to have a night in instead of a night out.

each of those 9 friends [and you!] bring $20 to donate to Anika's adoption fund.

150 parties x 10 people x 20 dollars = $30,000

Anika's life spared from an institution & the hope of being part 

of a loving family simply because you shared her story & had

a fun night with your friends in her honor!

just think what an opportunity this is!

i know May is busy.

i know that this might be out of some of your comfort zones.

but, Anika is worth it.  i just know it.

whatever you have done for the least of these, you've done for HIM!

are you in?

[PLEASE say you're in!]

if you are, link up below with your blog.

if you link up, it means that you will host a get together for

Anika and donate the collected $200 into her adoption fund by the end of May.

[if you don't have a blog or other URL, just let me know & we'll get you on the list!]

have as much fun with this as you want!

spread the word however you can.

then, plan your get together.....

a fancy, swanky party?  pajama party?  dinner?  brunch?  picnic?

just get planning & keep me informed!

send me pictures of your Love for Anika parties...

i'd love to share them!

just go!  let's get this little girl a family & the funds!

150 people.  okay.........GO!