Monday, December 24, 2007

Thoughts on humanitarian aid

After thinking through things a bit more, Emily and I are leaning towards having a big fund raising effort after we get back from traveling to Ethiopia. Several people have asked us what they can do to help, and we have tossed around a few ideas. When we get back, we will have pictures, video, and hands on experience of the needs that are greatest.

We can only carry so many things over b/c of baggage restrictions. We will easily pack 3 full bags with all of our kid's old clothes, plus the normal orphan humanitarian aid (diapers, formula, wipes), and the goodies we are taking for the orphans (beach balls, balloons, candy, i.e. light things that are easy to pack).

So when we get back, I think that a fundraising dinner would be the most efficient way to help raise money for whatever purpose that moves us while we are over there. There is a fantastic Ethiopian restaurant in Dallas (The Queen of Sheba) that caters, so that might be a lot of fun and a good way to give some culture to the event.

Merry Christmas Everyone! The Gladney offices are closed today, so I don't think we will be getting a referral for Christmas, but the bright side is that Ethiopian Christmas is on January 7th, so we could still get our wish.

I pray that our little girl is safe, healthy and happy on this night.

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