puzzle fundraiser

I've hesitated blogging about this topic or even bringing it up at all.  I don't know why it's been such a struggle for me, as sometimes I think one way and then the opposite, but I've decided that it doesn't hurt to ask because maybe there are people out there who want to help us in this way.  And either way, I know that God has blessed our adoption process so far and will continue to do so, making all things possible through Him to bring our baby home and expand our family.

You see, adoption is expensive.  And it's awesome and exciting and stressful and exhausting, but we just don't have all the money necessary even if we didn't have a single bill to pay.  There are many people and processes that make it possible, and with that come many costs, most of them due when we pick up our baby.  In an effort to offset some of these expenses, we have decided to do two things:

1) We have a "donate" button located on the right-hand side of our blog if you wish to simply donate via PayPal directly to our adoption fund.

2) We are doing a puzzle fundraiser.  I've seen it done on many other adoption blogs and thought it was a neat idea.  I especially like that our child will be able to see all of the many people who helped bring him or her into our family.  Adoption is a puzzle made of many different pieces and people, and I really like the symbolism.  Not only that, but do you remember this post I wrote?  Uncanny.  And so, I think it's the perfect analogy!

To go along with our neutral nursery theme (basically to match the crazy bright yellow and green that it was already painted with because yes, we're that lazy and don't want to re-paint), we have picked out and purchased a jungle puzzle.  Here's how it works:

1) Each piece costs $10.
2) Give your donation either through PayPal, directly to us via mail/in person, or through any of our family and friends.
3) We will write your name/your families' names on the back of as many puzzle pieces as you pay for (or if you want, come over and pick out your own piece and write your name yourself, just please specify to us if you prefer to do this).
4) We will slowly put the puzzle together and update you on our progress through our blog.

The best part?  When it's finished, we will frame it and hang it in our nursery for our little one to see.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.  You can leave a comment on the blog, email us, or text/call.  And please share this with your family and friends!!

We truly thank each and every person who is on this journey with us, praying, reading, asking.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  We couldn't do this without everyone's love and support, and we are so blessed!  We know that future baby Leathersich will be blessed by such an awesome community of family and friends too :)