an opportunity

I am hesitant to use my blog "commercially".  Yes, with internet ads everywhere, now even bloggers can put ads on their blogs to generate income.  Slightly tempting, but I don't think I have enough readers to make it profitable, it would change the whole atmosphere of my blog, and I like having total control of what appears on "my" page.

Nonetheless, here is a "commercial", of sorts.

I met an adoptive mom in my travel group, when I went to China to pick up Lily, who had also adopted a little girl.  We have since maintained a friendship through blogging and facebook.  Her and her husband have felt the call to a second adoption, and have recently been matched with a special needs little boy.

I can attest to the fact that there are many bureaucratic costs associated with completing an adoption, and many families (like ours) try to find creative and tactful ways to raise funds to offset some of those costs.

I wish I could link you to some of her blogs, but because bloggers sometimes struggle with privacy issues, she has made the difficult decision to make her blogs private.  So, if you decide to help her out, you'll just have to trust me on this one!

Here's what they are doing... and I wish I had thought of it.  I think it's one of the simplest and most creative ideas I have heard in the world of adoption fundraising.  They have purchased a 500 piece puzzle of China's Great Wall, and they are selling puzzle pieces, through PayPal, for $10 each.  With your donation, you can dedicate that piece (or pieces) of their adoption journey in the name of your choice.  They will write that name on the puzzle piece, and create a treasured family heirloom representing the people who helped to bring their son home.  Awesome idea, huh?

Would you care to help?  I believe in this family and this effort, and I purchased 6 pieces... one for each member of my family.  If generosity or giving was a part of your New Year's resolutions, here's an opportunity.  If you would like to help this family, send an email message to (goneartoorphans(at)gmail(dot)com) with dedication names and ask for a link to the secure PayPal site.  Tell 'em Backside of Forty sent ya!  Thanks for considering this cause.