Monday, July 20, 2009

TOMS Shoes - YouTube - TOMS and Podo

Check these out aren't they the cutest!! I know you have probley seen the AT&T commercial featuring TOMS shoes, but they are a real company doing good. Here are just a few of my favortite styles... and check out the kids sections. I love them!!! And when you buy a pair, a pair is donated to child in a different country who does not have shoes at all. Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk. Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help. Wearing shoes literally enables them to walk distances that aren't possible barefoot. Wearing shoes prevents feet from getting cuts and sores on unsafe roads and from contaminated soil. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected. The leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted parasites which penetrate the skin through open sores. Wearing shoes can prevent this and the risk of amputation.

Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.
There is one simple solution...SHOES.

Of the planet's six billion people, four billion live in conditions inconceivable to many. Lets take a step towards a better tomorrow.



Wednesday, July 8, 2009

I have been listening to this guy for many years. His is a christian artist and his songs really depict a story. Going through this rollercoaster of adoption... this song makes me cry everytime i hear it and I just wanted to share!

Mark Schultz, a Christian contemporary musician, wrote a song about his story. Mark was adopted into a Christian family 35+ years ago and his song, "Everything to Me" is part of his adoption story. Bethany Christian Services is a proud sponsor of Mark's music video, which portrays the challenging and beautiful choice a woman makes to place her baby in an adoption plan. Bethany Christian Services is the adoption agency in Iowa that we work with. They are handling Nate and I's adoption.

It’s no accident that Schultz is so intimately involved with this cause because his story extends back further than writing a song. Adopted at two weeks old, Schultz deeply understands the importance of a family and the heartbreak for those less fortunate. And even though Schultz is privileged to have been welcomed into a family at a young age, the haunting memories of childhood ridicule remind him daily why it’s important to complete this long expedition.

Schultz feels that being adopted causes him to appreciate life more. "I don't take anything for granted. I wake up in the morning and thank God that I'm alive. Adoption is such a gift."

So I definately think this is a video worth checking out!!
"Everything to Me" by Mark Schultz



You can also check out the Story behind the song! Mark speaks about what compelled him to write the song. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!!!!
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,
saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts
than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8,9