Day 365

I put my little black dress on for the last time this morning.

It feels like a dream almost. A small-worthwhile-ever-heart-changing dream. I don't believe it. I wish i could properly articulate how i feel right now. What these last 365 days have meant, and who i've become because of these children. There's just over a dozen of them, but that was all it took to change my life. One year & 13 very wonderful children.

I'm realizing how blessed i've been, & how much of a blessing i've had the chance to be for these little ones on the other side of the world. How sometimes deciding to do something hard and out of the ordinary, will become one of the best decisions i've ever made in my entire life. At this very moment, i've come to the conclusion that these past twelve months didn't look anything like i thought they would. They were so much better, so much more. Maybe we didn't finish out by making 10k, but we finished with changed hearts, creating a community that cares, and learning what it really means to give.

You & me together. 

I cannot thank you all enough for caring for these children. For spending a year following what i had to say, even when i had nothing to say at all. For the encouraging notes, e-mails, comments, and prayers that were said and sent. You blew me away. The total on the sidebar will forever just be a number. This was more than the amount of money you gave, more than however many times you clicked the give tab.

This feels like a small family now. You+me+the fatherless.

Good job,

sisters & brothers.

(you made this year count.)

Happy New Year.
Let's celebrate.

Day 364

One more day.

One more dollar.

One more prayer.

This could change their lives.

GIVE.

Day 363

Hello friends!
The project is coming to an end in two short days. (I apologize for the lack of updates the past week. Being on the road has made this entirely too impossible.) But I want you all to know my heart has been so excited for what has been accomplished this year for these beautiful children. And I want to thank you for taking a part no matter how big or small. We may be far from our original goal, but I am so sure that whatever amount we end up with at the end of 2013 is and always will be perfect. I cannot thank you enough for caring for these children.
You gave.
You prayed.
You read the blog & left encouraging comments.

Without you, we would not have come this far.

I would be so honored if you would finish out strong with me.

Maybe you have a few minutes you could use to whisper some prayers to The King 

-or- 

a few dollars you could give to love these children.

Whatever you give, give with all your heart please. We would be so glad!

Day 358

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I am so happy you've made your way over to the blog & i hope your Holidays are going swell!

You can make someone else's holiday go swell too. Just click the image or words below to give a gift to some precious ones in Uganda. Thank you for the donations that have come in the past few weeks. Everyone of them, no matter the size, is appreciated by many.

Donate HERE.

We only have 7 days to go!

Day 354

Because they need your love. These are some very precious children in Uganda. And like all children, they deserve some LOVE as well. 

Now. If you've been putting it off, now is the time. So pray, donate, comment, and send a little love their way. 

 You can be giving by whispering some prayers to the King for these sweet little ones

-or-

spreading the word

-or-

making your way to the "GIVE" page and donating!

Day 351

I spent my day wondering the forrest with my older sister and little brother. We found the most unperfect perfect tree in this entire world.
But more importantly, I also spent my day thinking about some pretty amazing children. I've never met them, but i've heard they're the beez kneez. And that's just one reason i'm in this little black dress right now.

You can make your way to the "give" tab if you think the same thing i do. They-are-worth-it.

Day 349

16 more days in this little black dress.

Please don't forget the little ones in Uganda.

Don't forget what you can do for them.

Day 347

 This month will be full of countdowns. And I hope that as we count down to the end of this project the total donations for these beautiful children will only count up. I hope giving, loving, and new & old friends of the LBD Project will take a step of faith and share some love with these children that deserve it. RHO & I would appreciate any donations little to big that you have to give. After all, this season is about giving, even if it's only a dollar.

Day 340-342

This season is all about

<GIVING>.

Oh please tell me you love to give too.

Day 339

I don't know if you've ever stood in a place looking down at a child that had nothing to give you but a hug.

I have. It was sad, but it was also my favourite thing in the world. Every time i went to the village, and children huddled around me, our joy wasn't touchable. I didn't come with gifts or toys or playthings, i came with me. And they were okay with that. And every Sunday evening i would learn and re-learn this standing in the village streets with the children.
They gave me their hand, I taught them a song. They taught me a game, i taught them one. When they laughed, i would laugh. And when they would sit on the side of the dirt road, i would tell them a story.
And it was in the village i realized that giving was so much more then handing someone a tangible item that would eventually break or get old.

I realized that these children that have much less put together than i'll probably ever have in my entire life, gave me more than i ever needed.
I realized that i love giving & i want to give gifts that can make a child's face fill with joy.
I want give them something that can teach them, show them i love them, & help them grow.

We gave what we had at that moment, and it was always enough.

___________________________________________

What's in your heart to give?

(A prayer. A dollar. A gift for RHO that will help these children grow in some way shape or form.)

Now is the time...

DONATE HERE.

Day 338

 I don't know about you, but my heart skips a beat every time.

Give to these precious ones by clicking the link below.

 DONATE

Day 337

I have been around a lot of love lately. Thankfulness and love and I cannot help but be more grateful every moment that passes by. If you have been a part of that, a part of saying "i love you" by praying or giving or in some other capacity, you should know i am so happy you have chosen to take part in this project.

It's yet to be over though. We have 27 more days until we complete this project. And now, more than ever, these children need your love. So whether it be a small prayer and few dollars or an encouraging comment, every little or BIG gesture is appreciated by RHO and I.

Day 336

Every time I slip my 'little dress' over my head, i get an overwhelming peace in my heart. I'm reminded of the children & wonder what they are all doing at that very moment. And i love this feeling, these thoughts, the "maybe they're running around Jinja barefoot" or "singing to Jesus" right now.

One of my dreams is to go to Africa. For my day to be their day and my night their night. That way, we'll always know what each other are doing, and we can do it together.

I'm looking forward to the day I can love them in person. But for now, won't you love them with me?

I hope you will Pray.
& Give.
& pray some more.
Because today, that is my dream come true.

Day 335

Happy belated last month of the project! I apologize for the silence the past few days as i've been settling back into home after my long adventure away. Thank you all for the patience and continued prayer for the children in Uganda.

We have reached a total of $2200.36

We've started at 0 and I am so grateful for every generous donation given to help these children the past 11 months. I am so happy for the old friends and new friends that have helped make this little project come true, even if we are far from our original goal. 2k is a dream come true for them(& me)!

My prayer is that December would bring new love and hearts of giving to this project and RHO. Let this be our best month of the year, full of prayers for the little ones across the sea & gifts that just might change someones life. (even if it's just from your change purse) These are some pretty precious children in uganda.

Welcome December!

Coming Home

I'm coming home Thursday.

I'm leaving the babies and children and sisters and brothers I came to love here. But I'm bringing back the joy I found. I'm bringing home the memories i made walking these streets never with an empty hand. The giggles, the smiles, the games played in the village. I'm bringing home a little black dress that I had life changing experiences in. Ones I will never forget.

I'm so happy and excited.

Count on more posts. More dedication. More love.

Until then, My days will be filled with precious little children, holding hands, and teaching English. A lot of tea, and maybe a little packing. But I'll probably hold off on that till the very end.

See you soon.

61 days and small thoughts

61.

61 more days in my LBD.

61 more days for you to reach into your pocket and give to the children.

It's hanging on the drying rack right now, because today was laundry day. And here, on the 3rd floor of this apartment, I sit on my bed remembering my first months. What it felt like to zip it up for the first time. The benefit concert. The tears. The overwhelming feeling of this is teaching me joy.

I've grown so much. I've fallen in love with loving in so many ways I could never have imagined.

I took a step out of comfort, and for a while it was uneasy. But now, what felt so foreign feels so right. So lovely. So good. 

We may not be hitting the 10k mark any time soon, but I'm okay with that. I'm okay with the amazing people I've met, the lessons I've learned, and the opportunity that has been created to love these children.

Thank you for making this such a special journey. I know I'll be smiling for the next 61 days, and I hope you will be too.

Donate here.

Note: Tatiana sent this to me to post a few days ago. I've only just gotten to it, so there's less than 61 days now, but the thoughts + feelings remain the same. 

We thank you always.

LBD Project Interview: Elaini

I remember my sister sending me the link to Elaini's blog after we had talked about doing such a crazy thing. "Wear a dress for a year?..do girls actually do that?"  this girl was one huge reason why i took a step out of my comfort zone and put on my LBD for the children in Uganda. She had lit a small fire in my heart for the children that were so near and dear, but only made it to my prayers every now and again. Elaini made me want to love my children in Africa, like she loved her children in India. She made me want to do something for them. Give them something, show them that people do care and want to love them. Elaini created a way to some dear hearts in India. She's an inspiration and a wonderful woman. 

See what she has to say:

1.  Why did you decide to do the LBD Project? 

    Well there were layers of reasons that went into it.  First because I knew that I wanted to stop being hypocritical (at least in one area of my life!) about saying I loved orphans but doing nothing about it.  Secondly I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and conquer some fear.  Thirdly, I also really wanted to see Jesus show up and learn to trust him like never before.  I knew there was no way I could do this on my own.   

2. Who did you do the project for? 

   Partnering with Warm Blankets Orphan Care I raised money for sweet darling orphans in India in Andrah Pradesh.   

3. How long did you do the project for? 

   The original project only went for 100 days but since the end of that on August 8th, 2011 I’ve continued to raise funds for “my” children.  There is a compelling force that won’t let me stop nor do I want to.  I love those children and they have blessed me more than I will ever bless them.  

4. How did the project change you? 

 How did it NOT change me!?  It literally changed my life which sounds so cliché but is the truth.  It changed or deepened how I view God, others, and myself.  I realizing that my God is bigger than I can ever even begin to dream, I’m learning that I need him more desperately than I thought, and I discovered that community with like-minded people is powerful.  One of the big ways that the project changed me though is that it taught me to get out of my comfort zone.  In fact I’m working on always being out of my comfort zone so that I am always being stretched.  That’s where growth happens and I always want to be learning.   

5. What was your hardest challenge? 

   Surrendering my ideas about how things should go for God’s ways and learning that the project was very much not about me no matter what happened.  When my giving link was down (twice) at crucial times I had to remember that it wasn’t about the money or even the children that I completely fell in love with.  It’s about God’s glory and learning to trust him fully.  I’ve still got a long ways to go in learning that.   

6. What is one of the best things you've learned? 

   My heavenly Father is so patient.  I’ve learned that he loves to surprise us in amazing ways.  I’ve learned that you can fall in love with someone (or a lot of people!) you’ve never met (i.e. children in India).  I miss my kiddos and think about them every single day.  I’ve learned that there isn’t 

“impossible” when God is behind it and that our excuses are just that…excuses.  I’ve learned that change comes by being willing to take that first little step and then just keep walking.  If we all did just a little bit it really would change the world.  I learned that I don’t have to wait for someone else to start something but that I can start it; you can start it.  I’ve learned that when I fail to do all that that it’s okay because my identity isn’t in what I do and there is grace.  I’ve learned that if you’re passionate about something others will catch your vision.   

7. What advice would you give to someone that would like to do the LBD Project themselves? 

   Pray about it and then dive in!  Have a plan but don’t overthink it.  It will change. Having outfits planned out before you wear them is a life-saver.  Be flexible!  Have fun and choose a cause you are really passionate about or you want to be passionate about.   

To learn more about Elaini + follow her story now, head over to: miss elaini ous'

Day 257

What I'm learning.

Some things are hard. But hard things have taught me to be more and more thankful. To appreciate the lesson being learned, to cherish holding the hand of the little girl that was abandoned, to take everyday with a joyful heart and an open hand. Ready to love even when you feel like you have nothing left to give .

More and more i am realizing,
Even if my hands are empty, there are a million little children that will gladly take hold and fill them right up. 

September

I made my way safely to my temporary home last Thursday. After 28 hours and a couple times through my favourite albums my feet landed in Romania.
I am so thankful.

It's lovely here. I walk the streets holding the hands of my new little friends. It makes me happy, because one day, I will look down, and maybe the road won't be paved but dirt, and the houses will look much different, and maybe the sweet little hand I'm holding won't look the same, but I will be just as in love. These moments I cherish forever. And I cannot wait to have more of them.

Don't forget about my precious ones in Jinja.
Go to the GIVE page to donate now.

Pictures to come!

LBD Project Interview: Alice

In the middle of august, a wonderful woman named Alice sent me an e-mail full of sweet encouragement. She told me how she had taken on her own version of the LBD Project and that she aimed to raise 3k for Compassion International from May 19th thru August 11th of 2013. By the end of her three months, $8736 was raised to help build 10 houses for homeless families in Ghana.
I asked Alice to be a part of the LBD Project Interviews because she became a huge inspiration for me as i continued my own project. Alice's story is one that has been so special to read back on and see how the Lord worked in the hearts of everyone that was a part of her journey. It was a joy to see her goal of 3k far surpassed in the short amount of time she spent in the little black dress. 
Here's a little wisdom from the lady that gave a lot to those in need:

1. Why did you decide to do the LBD Project?

Because there are nine year old girls in Brazil who are seven months pregnant, because they were sold into prostitution- because of poverty. I stumbled across the LBD project blog, and thought it was a crazy enough thing to do to raise awareness and funds for beautiful children like those girls. I was so inspired by Tatiana. 

2. Who did you do the project for?

I did the LBD project for Compassion International, of which I am part of the Child Advocates Network.

3. How long did you do the project for?

I did it for three months, over Australia's winter season. My project was a little different, because I was only allowed one pair of shoes, one dress and one cardigan- nothing else. My hat goes off to the ladies championing this for a whole year. Maybe next time! 

4. How did the project change you?

Incredibly. It has been one of the most humbling things I have ever experienced- in so many ways. My understanding of poverty, of giving, and worshiping Jesus has been totally transformed! 

5. What was your hardest challenge?

That would be my own pride, consumerism and lack of faith. Funny how a little black dress can teach you so much! Well...God's spirit taught me so much! The cold, I could bear. Looking disheveled I could handle. Wearing the dress out, completely wet because I didn't have time to dry it- I could manage that. But, the Lord convicted me deeply, of how passionately proud I am, how I must love Jesus more, worship Him more and give Him more- all that I am and all that I have. How could I not? 

And you know...rock climbing. That was awkward. 

6. What is one thing you've learned?

That most clothing is made by a legal slave trade, and I need to know where my clothes are made before I buy them! (Random piece of wisdom from the Lord and some awesome advocates out there) 

7. What advice would you give to someone that would like to do the LBD Project?

Do it!! Choose your dress wisely. Don't buy a thin, $10 dress. Bad move. Be an absolute fool for Christ.

For more of Alice's story, make your way over to her blog: Love for Compassion.

LBD Project Interview: Tatiana

Today i have a very exciting announcement! Since i will be traveling for the next couple of days, we are starting a new series over here at The LBD Project interviewing the people who take on a version of the challenge. Each interview will consist of 7 of the same questions giving LBD readers an inside look on the project. Over the passed few weeks, i've been sending interviews out to the lovely people that i know of that have made the choice to be clothed in love so that others can be loved as well.

For the kick off, i thought i would start!

1. Why did you decide to do the LBD Project?

I decided to do The LBD Project because of 13 orphans in Jinja, Uganda. I had never met them, but grew up hearing about this orphanage in church on any regular Sunday. Their needs/stories/prayer requests flooded my life. I knew that prayer was one of the most precious things you can offer a person, but i was honestly at a point in my life where i was using prayer as a substitute for tangibly helping someone in need. I remember thinking to myself, "why am i telling these people i will pray for them when i am capable of helping them in the first place." I wanted to be stretched and challenged, to get a taste of what it feels like to really love those in need. To shove my pride under the mat and maybe be laughed at a little. I decided to do this project for the children, but i also decided to do this project for me.

2. Who are you doing the project for?

I am doing the LBD project for Redeemer House Orphanage.

3. How long are you doing the project for?

I am doing the project January 1st thru December 31st of 2013. Four months to go!

4. How has the project changed you?

My entire outlook on life has changed. I've grown in my walk with the Lord. I've fallen in love with giving to others. I've become more bold in my beliefs and just in general as well. I've learned to care for those that need caring. I am more confident. I don't think i knew what i was doing when i decided to wear one dress for an entire year, but it has been reckless and lovely. There is not one day that passes by without learning something new.

5. What was your hardest challenge?

Not caring what others think of me.

I honestly walked into this project with a hesitant heart. I was scared of being laughed at, looked at, being told it was a stupid idea. All these things passed, but slowly, God has shown me the only one that matters is the Man upstairs Himself. The joy, love, and encouragement will always surpass the negative by a landslide. I have been changed by every message, comment, and e-mail i receive from my readers. It's really not enough to say 'thank you.'

6. What is one thing you've learned?

I've learned to be passionate, thoughtful, and love others around me.

And while doing so, I've learned that life isn't about me, but ultimately showing Christ's love to the people around me.

7. What advice would you give to someone that would like to do the LBD Project?
Whatever doubts you have in your mind, brush them to the side and do it. It's not the easiest thing in the world, but it's worth it. All of it is worth it. The prayers, the people you meet, the e-mails, the hard, and the good, and bad, and lovely. It's all so worth it. You may think it's an insane idea, but aren't the best ideas a little insane? There is an awesome community out here to support you, love you, and encourage you. I would not trade these last few months for anything.

Day 245

$1991.36

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Let's not stop there, these children need a lot of love.

Donate.

Day 244

Wont you love them too?

I spoke at church about the trip i'm about to take. It was the last Sunday at my church for three months. And it's made me realize how much i love it there. How much i love the people, and their hearts, and the love they have to give. I stood listening to the prayer of my pastor before he preached a message from 1 Corinthians. He prayed for the people, for the family about to adopt, and for me.
It's starting to hit me, that i'm getting on a plane to spend three months loving on the poor in another nation. An older woman came up to me after church and talked with me all about her trip to Africa this past year. She was so excited and gave me hug after hug after hug.

This is what i love. And i can't wait.
I can't wait for my 3 months in Romania.
I can't wait to share my stories of the orphaned children, of teaching English, of the people i meet, and each little hand i get to hold.

All this makes me more excited for the day my feet hit the ground in Africa.
The days i see the Redeemer House kids. I will play games with them, love them, laugh with them, just be with them.

If loving people is all i do for the rest of my life, i will be happy.

Day 243

August has made its way to a close. Eight joyous & stretching months have passed by us and four wonderful ones lie ahead. I want to thank you all for where we are at today. We've almost hit the 2k mark and all i can say is 'praise jesus!' You should know you are a part of the joy in Africa now. But let's not stop there!
I pray for giving. For your hearts to love these kids even more, because they are so worth it. Every penny put towards the Redeemer House Orphanage makes a difference.

Give.

Day 242

I spent a good majority of this morning separating out the things i'll need most for the next three months. It has caused me to move a slower pace.
To love more, pray more, appreciate more, cherish more, give more.
This season of life has been a wonderful one. I am continually being stretched in all different directions, but for the most important purpose there is. Jesus.
Jesus is teaching me to be a better 'me' every time i put my lbd on. Jesus is teaching me to love far away and close by. Jesus is teaching me that life isn't about me.

I am learning to give love and love giving.

Want to join me?

Day 241

DAY 241

Give.
Not because you're rich.
or trying to impress the world.
Not because you want a great story or happy ending.

But
because you love them.

And
that is reason enough.

Click

Here.

Day 240

Today, i wore my little black dress for the 240th time. It feels surreal that we've come this far. It feels good to look at the sidebar of this blog and see we are $24 away from 2k. It feels crazy and fast and slow and it sort of feels like i don't know what to think at all. Half the time all the words i feel like saying are "thank you". Because 240 days ago, these orphans had less than what they have today. And this is because of you.

If you would like to be a part of the giving, click below! You make a difference every little bit of love you give.

Day 239

GIVE.

Day 238

(click the image to give!)

Day 236 & 237

My oldest sister and her little family are here for the weekend. They came to town with bébé Claire for a few days before we all split ways for the fall. These days i've learned to appreciate my family in a different way. Counting down the days until i depart for another country makes me happy yet sad at the same time. I've found myself counting the hugs i get and how many times i can say 'i love you' to my parents in person. Counting the sister conversations we have while we share a bed because moving boxes flood the others.  These moments are the sweetest moments. Going away has taught me how to cherish more, how to really love something that you know you wont always have. I love my family & it has made me love the family that i've made with my littles in Africa. Though i've never held their little hands, i fall more in love every time i say a prayer for them.

I cherish them.

If you would like to cherish them too,

CLICK THIS LINK.

Day 235

Because i didn't take a picture of me in my lbd today, 

you get one from the beginning of summer.

& because we are going to be thousands of miles away in a little more than one week,

you get to see her pretty face too.

& because you should know,

she is the one that encouraged me to wear a little black dress for an entire year, to fall in love with 13 adorable children that i have yet to meet, to be bold and step out in faith.

She is one of my very best friends forever and always.

And because of her, they are too.

You can donate to those cuties by clicking the image below.

Day 234

I picked some flowers for the children today.

In my heart & on my mind.

Please pray and give what you can to Redeemer House.

Thank you.

Day 233

It has been two days since i've been home. A glorious two days with my sweet family. Full of hugs from my little brother, prayer for Africa, bible study with mama, lemon curd in the fridge, and summer air.

God has been so good in teaching me what holds value in life lately.

I'm enjoying the simple moments for the next twelve days as i get ready to head across the ocean to work with some more beautiful children. Three months i'll be away kissing rosy Romanian cheeks and hearing little laughs. I'm eager and excited for it all. I'm nervous and already miss the people that are so close yet will be so far. But God is so good, all the time.

Preparing for the little orphans in Romania have made me miss the children in Jinja a little more everyday. I know that i don't have definite plans to head to Africa yet, but i grow more excited every time the Lord puts these kids on my heart. Every time i see a photo or status with news of redeemer house nothing but joy floods my face. Someday soon i will see them, and i will do nothing but smile that day.

DONATE.

They are so precious to me.