Adoption Fundraiser for Arielle

My friends are doing what a lot of people would deem as scary and something that is all too often pretty unheard of.  Nope it's not starting a church service dedicated to bellydance themed worship or choosing to relocate to outer space ala George Jetson. 

They are adopting a teenager. 

She's 13, will be 14 this summer.  In my mind, that's old.  And in the eyes of different governments, it's old as well.  Many people don't realize it but kids actually age out of adoption.  It depends on the country as to what age that is but in her case, she has to be home before she's 14 or she is unadoptable.  (It happens very frequently with kids who have disabilities as well.  Often if they are young enough to be in a baby/toddler home, then they are able to be adopted.  But once they get older, they are institutionalized and unadoptable.) 

They have actually gone through a very quick process and were hoping to travel in February.  But they are short money and must have that money raised before they travel.  Imagine telling your child that you had to wait to pick them up because of money.  Or being worried about your child aging out of the adoption system before you raised the money to bring her home.  I know adoption fundraising can be a sore spot for people.   (And I actually have a post on the topic rolling around in my head.  But  you'll have to wait for that.)

For now, consider a small gift that would bless this family.  A random act of kindness that may seem small or even an inconvenience or an annoyance but something that would cause tears and smiles for this family.