The Road Less Travelled

Let it start with me.

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:13:00 +0000

It's been a hot minute since I've used this platform. Raising two black teenagers in todays world can be terrifying, I cannot sit complacent. Many will think this story is unbelievable and that this stuff doesn't happen. It does. I cannot stay silent. We must unite with our black brothers and sisters, we must listen and learn from them, they have suffered far too long. Bridges must be built. Let it start with me.

I am a white woman married to a white man and we have five amazing kids. Three are white and two are black. We are a family.

One summer day I let my two young black children go for a walk in the neighborhood. You see my young son desperately wanted to work to earn money and a neighbor had mentioned he was such a hard worker around our house that maybe he should offer to do yard work or dog walking in the neighborhood for a small fee. He’d been begging me for weeks to let him ask the neighbors and I hadn’t let him. I’d never let my young black son walk around the neighborhood alone. Not him nor his younger sister. I’d always made one of his older siblings go with him. This seems prudent except that it wasn’t because I didn’t trust him, or he wasn’t responsible and respectful or he wasn’t old enough. I knew that he’d be safe with his older white brother or sister. Normally I wouldn’t describe my children by the color of their skin, much the same as I shouldn’t have to decide which ones can safely go outside in our own neighborhood because of the color of their skin.

This particular day he was persistent and I don’t operate in fear so I didn’t want my son to either, yet I felt like I was protecting him. I finally gave in with the instruction that him and his sister stay together and not walk in anyone’s yard and to be respectful. I knew they always were but I just wanted to remind them. To keep them safe. Off they went, thrilled that they had some freedom and responsibility to engage the neighbors, my son is incredibly outgoing and gregarious. He doesn’t know a stranger. They came back without incident and my heart slowed a bit as I asked them about their walk and if they’d found any neighbors that needed help. They hadn’t but my son wasn’t phased, he planned to go out again the next day because several people weren’t home.

Thirty minutes later the local county sheriff was at my door.

My son answered the door not knowing who was there, we lived in a safe relatively diverse area and had an open door policy so this wasn’t abnormal. I was cleaning in my room and he calmly came in and said “mom there’s a police officer at the door”. I bristled and began to shake uncontrollably. I quickly self corrected as I wanted to remain calm for my children. I came around the corner and could see the officer with his hand on his gun, I calmly said can I help you sir? He immediately shifted when he saw me. It was clear he didn’t expect me to be white and in that moment I felt my privilege in a tangible way. What would his response have been if I had been black? He could hardly speak clearly as he fell all over his words asking if I lived there and if I’d seen anyone in the neighborhood that didn’t belong? I asked for clarity on what he was asking me. He then pointed to my son and asked if he lived here I said yes this is my son. He again seemed at a loss for words. He asked if he’d been home all day and I quickly realized where this was going.

I explained that for the first time ever I’d allowed my two youngest children to go outside without one of their older white siblings. This officer didn’t have any idea what he’d just gotten himself into. He listened to me and he commended my son and said he wished his son wanted to work to earn some money. I asked him why he was called and he struggled to tell me that someone had called the police because “there had been a series of car break ins” and they saw suspicious people knocking on doors and looking in cars. My kids did not look in cars. They walked by cars as they were walking in their own neighborhood. I asked who had called and I kept pressing for more information because it just didn’t add up for me. He said that someone was talking in the church parking lot and had seen my kids walking around and that they had gone up to a door and they felt they were looking in the windows. They described my kids as older teens. They were 9 and 11 and of very small stature. The officer even agreed this was far fetched and struggled to admit this was racial. He went with the “fearful old ladies gossiping in the church parking lot and called the police”. The officer was kind and understanding when I called out what I thought was blatant racism especially because the house in question knew my children lived in the neighborhood. He didn’t disagree but was quiet on the matter. I let him know that I now understood clearly that it was unsafe for my children to walk around their neighborhood by themselves because of their skin color. He tried to assure me they were safe but I could tell he knew I was struggling. I assured him it wouldn’t happen again. For their own safety. He put his head down, apologized and left.

As soon as the door closed my two precious children burst into tears, I held them close and just wept. Immediately I called my husband and told him to come home I then updated our older kids who weren’t home. Soon everyone was at the house affirming the kids and speaking truth over them. We prayed for the callers and begged God to heal our land.

All of this seems like too much but it wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to know how my children’s names would be used in a report and get it removed if they were in there. I wanted to know exactly what the report said and how I could file a complaint against these false reporters. I wanted justice for my children. For the first time I felt a tinge of what black mothers must feel when their children are wrongly accused and targeted.

What I discovered in the police report was more than my heart could take and why I never shared this publicly in 2017. It shook me to my core.

The woman that called the police described my children as rattling door handles on houses and attempting to open car doors. None of that happened. My son opened a screen door to knock on the door as there was not a door bell. They walked by cars in the drive way, they didn’t touch them. Because of what one woman said this was classified as a robbery in progress. We lived in an unincorporated area of an affluent yet somewhat diverse town. The county sheriff was dispatched and a police surround perimeter of our neighborhood was made. They were searching for robbers and I have no idea what my children would have done if they had been surrounded and shouted at. They were babies. I’m afraid they would have run or one of them would have and my son without a doubt would have protected his sister. This scenario plays over and over in my head. What if they hadn’t come home. What if their fear told them to flee?

This is real friends. I don’t blame the officers, they had no idea what they were walking into that day they only knew what was called in. I talked at length with a friend (a former police officer) that day and he said this was protocol. I believe that. I just don’t know what would have happened if they had been in the middle of that.

It saddens me that for far too long the black community has begged to be heard and we haven’t listened. Too few white Americans are speaking up. We must unite, we must listen.

Too many mothers and fathers have lost their children to senseless tragedies just because of the color of their skin.

Deadly assumptions.

As a white woman I cannot stay silent and you shouldn’t either. I stand united hand in hand with my black brothers and sisters everywhere. #blacklivesmatter

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Beauty & The Sovereignty of God Reigns

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 02:18:00 +0000

Having adopted two kids at two different times from the same country may seem to some that everything is similar or even the same. Its not.

Each of our children have very different stories. Both equally beautiful, messy, hard, yet they are both filled with so much love. Both of our kids are so incredibly loved by not only our family, our entire village, but by their birth families.

Zahra was born in a remote village of Ethiopia. When I saw her precious face on a waiting child list I knew she was meant to be our daughter. We've always taken a long time to name our kids. Meaning is very important and today as I begin writing a bit of her story and knowing what we now know her name has even more significance than the day we chose it. God knew.

Zahra Belaynesh Reign

Zahra is the african form of Sarah meaning "Princess", Sarah is also one of my closest friends and a big part of our "village". Belaynesh is her given Ethiopian name and means "Above All". Reign means "God is sovereign". Put together "His Princess, He is above all sovereign".

Zahra wants God to be glorified in her story and wants the world to know how proud she is of her heritage and the things God has done in her life and so are we! We are humbly sharing the raw and real. Her story is beautiful, we want to empower her, to teach her to be bold, we want her to be proud of her story, where she comes from, and there is no shame in sharing truth. (there are MANY things we won't share but some we are) I know that others are walking a similar road and we pray this brings hope and light to those wrestling through the hard to see the beauty.

Zahras true story and what we were told by our agency didn't match. We choose joy, we trust in Gods sovereignty, and we've done all we can do to ensure what her families desire was for her. (I ask that you keep your negative comments to yourself, there is beauty from ashes, this is our families story and we pray it only gives you hope in your own story if you're walking this beautiful hard as well.)

Today we walked the hard and the beautiful. Together. Hand in hand. Our daughter is braver than any other nine year old I've ever met. She heard hard things, she embraced hard things, she saw beauty, she walked boldly into the village she spent the first 4 years of her life in, she was filled with love and grace as she embraced her mom, her dad, and her siblings. She freely shed small tears at different points. When asked what advice her brother had for her since he'd walked it just two days before he said "just cry when you need to don't hold it in like I did, it'll make you feel better". She did just that and it was beautiful.

(This Zahra smash is priceless to me, her smile was worth all the work to get to this place)

Today I saw Jesus in a whole new light. I saw Jesus in a rural village in Ethiopia. I saw Jesus in each hug and kiss, I saw Jesus in the coffee that was served, I saw Jesus in the false banana leaf paste they served us but we couldn't eat, I saw Jesus in the brokenness, I saw Jesus in the dancing, I saw Jesus in the tears that a precious mama shed as she hugged her baby girl. I saw Jesus as I sat across from my daughters biological parents as they wept telling us how grateful they are that we're raising their daughter to love Jesus, how evident it is that we love her so very much and how grateful they are that we would bring her back to see them. I saw Jesus as her family shared their hopes and dreams for Zahra, I saw Jesus even in the moment that my daughter proudly told her family she wanted to be a dolphin trainer or a model (the model part was new for us too) even though I knew they really wanted her to be a doctor.

(watching Z share her family book with her mama was priceless)

One thing was obvious throughout this whole day. So. Much. Joy. Its obvious in these pictures and I really just cannot say enough about this opportunity. This was so good for everyones soul. So. Good.

(Sometimes all of the people and all of feelings are overwhelming and you need to weep, for the good, for the hard)

(the language barrier was frustrating on both sides, but God met us even there and grace abounds)

Jesus was there through my tears as Zahras friend she played with every day prior to leaving the village came to see her. He was there when I asked her to sit with us and we took fun pictures and selfies as we coaxed a smile. He was there when she disappeared without a goodbye. I saw my daughter in this precious girl, my heart torn that she lost her friend and now the language barrier kept communication at bay. Yet she was there. Present.

I saw Jesus in my daughter as she embraced her biggest sisters who traveled for two days to see her. As they ran across the grass throwing down their head coverings to embrace the little girl they hadn't seen in five years. I saw Jesus in the eyes of the baby who made my daughter an aunt and I saw Jesus as her mama handed me her only grandchild so I could swoon over his precious face. Watching my daughter hold her sweet nephew and the look of emotion on her face. Jesus was there.

Z has long said that her oldest Ethiopia sister reminded her of Nichol. Today I saw why as this precious sister engaged all the kids in the village getting them to sing, playing a water bucket drum and singing praises to Jesus. It was obvious by her personality why Z compared the two. Really no words. Just more of Gods grace and sovereignty.

(one of my very favorite moments of this day)

A mama and all her girls. Priceless.

These sisters were PRECIOUS and loved getting to sit and talk to Z despite the frustration of using two translators to translate three languages.

Baby Fekadu

(we don't have to wonder where Z gets her height, her uncle is at least 6'8" at our best guess)

Seeing the family resemblance was incredible. I loved watching Zahra interact with each family member. These are a few of my favorites.

Grampa.

Aunts/Cousins

Sisters. Their mannerisms - identical. Build. The same. Looks. Obvious.

As I sat across from my daughters parents who made an adoption plan for her five years earlier I wept. I get to raise this precious girl. I get to be her mommy, I get to hold her hand and catch her tears, her daddy gets to twirl her around at the father/daughter dance, he gets to stay up late working on school projects, he gets to teach her to drive, he gets to walk her down the aisle one day. Today I just needed to know that they wanted that. That they fully intended for us to raise their daughter. Today they gave us that. It was clear this was their choice and they couldn't be happier that we were her parents. I have to rest there. They wanted a different life for their youngest child and God sovereignly entrusted us with this sweet girl, with the heaviness of her story, and with the weight of raising her to know who she is in Christ despite circumstances.

Today our family grew immensely. We're raising their daughter who is so very clearly loved. Today our daughter saw her biological parents and her adoptive parents embrace, talk, and just be. All was right in her world. All of the questions and struggles in her heart were okay in that moment.

Love always wins. Our hearts were full, a birth families wish to see their daughter/sister/friend again was fulfilled, there is no way to put into words how it felt walking out of that village. Pure joy, a day perfectly ordained but God.

Enat (mother in Amharic) necklace left as a reminder of how loved she is by God, by us, and by her girl.

The emotions of the day are real and overwhelming. Trying to process as an adult is difficult, I can't imagine everything she was feeling. At the end of all of this and to sum it up Zahra said she doesn't understand a lot of things but she knows that God loves her and wants whats best for her. That doesn't make things easy or keep the questions from rising up but it does create rest. Rest in the sovereignty of God that He loves us more than anyone else.

Everything here is shared with permission from my resilient, brave, precious daughter Zahra. Thank you to our village on both continents, to my amazing older children who helped make this trip possible. To Jessica Oh of whom we owe the gratitude for these pictures. Thank you for walking into the hard and beautiful with us. PC: Jessica Oh Photography

It Takes A Village

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 22:41:00 +0000

I've long debated how I would write this post. We've known we would take our kids back to Ethiopia since before their adoptions were final. It was something that was very important to us from the beginning. Now that we're in that place and we're doing exactly that what I thought I knew has been completely shattered. In a good way, a beautiful way, a way I never imagined.

What I learned today was more than the cliche "it takes a village", I saw the village first hand. Having a village of people that love your children nearly as much as you do is a gift. People that want whats best for your children but perhaps bring a different perspective to the table, an ability to say things in a way you haven't. A different gifting that maybe brings out a side in your child you didn't see before. Today I saw some of my kids' village. We're blessed that our village spans oceans, it bridges cultures and religions, our village is a complex group of people with one thing in common; a deep love for us and our children.

Today our village grew. You can never really prepare for what it will be like to have your children see their birth family after so many years. The anticipation of that was very real for all of us. There was never a moment that I felt like I didn't want to do this. Never. Never a time that I was concerned about my place in my kids' lives. I knew God had sovereignly entrusted these kids to David and I, we were simply sharing them with the people who loved them before we even knew them and made a painful choice they felt was their only option to allow me to be their mother and David to be their father.

The quote below says it best.

A child born to another woman calls me mom. The depth of the tragedy and the magnitude of the privilege are not lost on me.

- Jody Landers

Today we bridged that gap. Today Silas embraced his biological grandmother, his aunts, and the neighbors that helped during his early years of baby/toddlerhood. Today filled some holes in his story, he heard first hand stories of his life before he came to us. He heard, felt, and watched the deep love his family has for him. He watched his two families embrace, his worlds collided, and in one incredible coffee ceremony all was right in his world. Lemonade and egg sandwiches in the mud house where he was born filled his heart to overflowing. He knew his roots, he knew his family, he could ask questions, he could share pictures, and above all he could just be.

Sitting in this tiny house with my son and his family was as much a gift to me as it was to him. A unity was formed, bonded by the mutual love of a small boy, and a desire to see him thrive. His village loved him well then, they have continued to love him and are so grateful to see him again. His village in Ethiopia was comprised of family, friends, and neighbors. His village in our home is made up of the same. Today some people from those villages met and I couldn't be more honored and blessed to have these people in my sons life.

Because of our village we have pictures that are priceless. My kids will be able to look back at their first birth family visit and relive those moments because it was so well documented by someone who loves them well. Someone who gets what it means to be apart of that village. Someone who loves well.

Silas' immediate family.

Part of the village. Family, neighbors, social worker, friends that are really more like family.

Without this amazing lady NONE of these photos would be possible. Check out her other work here. She's blogged about this trip from her perspective as well here.

It was truly incredible that a whole neighborhood had stories to share about our son.

A Grandmothers love meant a sacrifice of possibly never seeing her grandson again.

A friend pointed out my shirt in this picture. I didn't think about it but that's another beauty in the village. Together we're stronger. So. Much. Truth.

I just really have no words.

When you see family resemblance.

Pure joy. I really can't even articulate it.

This boy. So brave. Such an open heart. He grew up a whole lot today.

This sweet auntie was 5 when Silas left. She cried and cried. It was an honor to stand with her and tell her to come back each time the emotions were too much and she walked away. To embrace the hard. She did and she did it with beauty and grace.

At the end of the day the joy in the hard, the beauty in pain, all of its comes together and you just need a good cry. When I asked what he was feeling the only thing he could eek out was "Mom, I'm just so happy, thank you"

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Everything here is shared with permission from my valiant, brave, precious son Silas. Thank you to our village on both continents, to my amazing older children who helped make this trip possible. To Jessica Oh of whom we owe the gratitude for these pictures. Thank you for walking into the hard and beautiful with us. PC: Jessica Oh Photography

Six Years. This Week. Adoption. Life Changer.

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 22:15:00 +0000

Six years ago this week we found ourselves boarding a plane to an African country we only knew in pictures. We were in love with a little boy nearly 8000 miles away and we were his parents. We had promised to love him forever and always yet we'd never met face to face. We treasured those pictures and any other photo any traveling parent would kindly send us. Just like a mother falls in love with her newborn before they are born I was smitten.

This little boy would change our lives, challenge our viewpoints, stretch us, and God would use him to change the trajectory of our family and other families. God would use this little boy to raise awareness, to speak up for those who couldn't speak for themselves and he would see fit to let this little boy wiggle his way into our hearts, and He would let us be his family.

Six years ago this week David and I met our son. Just three years old. A short, stocky, loud, smart, spunky, well spoken little man. Silas Esubalew David we're BEYOND blessed that God allowed us to be your mom and dad. That he allowed us to be your family forever and always. Nichol, Skyler, Olivia, and Zahra are better people because of you. Your daddy and I are better parents because of you. I'm so thankful for you son. Thankful that God set you in our family, thankful that He allows me to be your mama.

Silas before we met him

(thank you Jill for this picture)

Silas the thinker. Such a perfect capture.

(PC: Jessica Oh Photography)

Our first professional family photo

(PC: Ruby Rideout)

The video is long but him jumping into my arms tells the story of a boy waiting for mama and daddy to come.

I can't not post this.

Three Years Ago....

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 17:13:00 +0000

This week. We saw her face. It was the weekend. A friend texted me saying she thinks our daughter is on our agencies waiting child list. (who does that?! I'm forever grateful she did though) I texted her back that she was crazy and there were only boys on there. We knew God had a little girl for our family and we were pretty sure she was about 2. My friend urged me to check again. We were out but I scrambled on my phone to login.

I caught a glimpse of her little face. I couldn't breathe. I wasn't sure. I didn't have an overwhelming feeling that this was her. I showed David. We were at IKEA. Not ideal. I just wanted to go home and read all about her.

We finished our trip. As soon as we got home I bolted for my room and grabbed the laptop. I poured over every picture, every word on the screen. I sobbed. David came in, he wasn't sure either. We were in shock, could this be our daughter? We vowed to pray over the weekend and call our agency that Monday. Tuesday December 14th we saw her file. We prayed. We talked with all of the kids. We prayed some more. The bottom line was simple. There was a little girl who needed a family. She was older then we'd anticipated but she was waiting. She needed a family. We were a family. Simple. We were all in agreement. We said YES on December 15th and on the 16th our agency agreed that Belaynesh would be a Shubin.

Three years ago today we had seen her face. We had said yes. Our hearts were all in. We trusted that God would cover all of the unknowns - our hearts set out to bring a child who needed a family into our home and our "plans" were different then what God had. We knew His plans were good and we walked in faith.

Today, I'm SO glad we said YES. God knew we needed a spicy little lady and He knew that Zahra Belaynesh Reign was to be a Shubin. We're so honored to be her family. David and I marvel at Gods goodness over us, we're forever changed by adoption, that God would let us be her parents, that He entrusted her to us.

Look at her now!

We love you Z!!

Sheets For You, Ethiopia For My Kid

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 14:00:00 +0000

That's right! Nichol is in full fundraising mode to help fund her second trip to Ethiopia. This time she's going with me and two of her friends from school. I can't begin to tell you how awesome it is to see two young girls excited to go to Ethiopia for the first time. They've watched our family, they've loved on our kids and now they'll experience Ethiopia for the first time. I am GIDDY to take three teens with me on my January trip!! Yep, I know it will rock their world, I'm excited to have Nichol see Ethiopia again she's older, understands more and frankly I believe that every teenager should see extreme poverty first hand. Its a life changing experience and I can't wait to see what God does.

Now here's a fabulous opportunity for you. Everyone needs sheets right? Nichol is trying to sell 100 sets of sheets by the end of the year. She has 89 more sets to sell. If you order by the end of Today you'll get your sheets by Christmas. After Wednesday they'll ship by the first week of January.

About the Sheets: 100% Egyptian Cotton. 1200 thread count. 12 colors. ANY SIZE is $35 plus $5 shipping. You can't beat that. We have size Twin all the way to Cal King!

Oh and lest you wonder who's packaging all of these sheets up for shipment? Yep that'd be my 16 year old daughter. We believe in good old fashioned hard work around here and she's sharing about her sheets wherever she can and with whomever will listen. She's determined to step foot in Ethiopia again and we're doing our part to help her by posting/writing/etc. She's saving her own money to go as well which we're also big fans of. Personal sacrifice is important!

THANK YOU in advance for your support!

Here's the details: http://www.itstheroadlesstraveled.com/p/shop.html

Shopping With Purpose Par Duex

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 18:11:00 +0000

In case you missed this post from a couple days ago check it out HERE.

Spreading Christmas Cheer to you and yours! I wish I could just host a great big coffee date to meet each of you. Its no secret that I love Christmas. I love the holiday baking, the decorations, the opportunities to talk to people that wouldn't otherwise present themselves and most of all I love seeing the wonder of the birth of Jesus through my younger kids' eyes. Talking about life, growing up and the true meaning of Christmas with my older kids.

Shopping with purpose is something I want to instill in my kids at a young age, we talk about it a lot. We talk about how our purchase power and choices.

Toms

My girls love Toms and love that it gives a pair of shoes to another child. Its a win win. I bought these for Nichol recently.

Sevenly

Our overall goal is to activate intentional generosity and love for others, but it’s a process. Our model is a funnel. There are millions of people who have never supported a charity before, so asking for a monetary donation might be weird :/ So we thought, let’s encourage people to donate their social influence first. Next, let’s allow people to purchase a product that gives money to a cause they support, and last, let’s encourage these donors to connect deeper with these charities.

Nichol loves Sevenly as much as I do. Its hard to say no to a good shirt that also helps a cause you're passionate about. My current faves are below. This is also a great option for the man in your life. My husband LOVES these T's so its a win at our house!

I also wanted to do a special portion of Shopping With Purpose to Support Adoption and other small GRASS ROOTS ministries. Many of these are my precious personal friends and I LOVE to watch the Lord at work!!

Sole Rebels

Could these be any cuter?! I may or may not have 8 pairs. I may or may not buy a new pair every time I'm in Addis -- the gals who work the shop may or may not know me by name. Cute shoes. Recycled tires. Fair Trade. WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER! You're welcome.

Mocha Club

31 Bits

Mission

LOVE these cute accessories and of course love even more what they support! You can't lose when shopping with a purpose friends!

The Apparent Project

Our Mission is to keep families together. ~ The Apparent Project

Beautiful jewelry and other hand made items supporting keeping families together! LOVE LOVE LOVE this model plus they have great quality and beautiful items! I have the bracelet below and LOVE it!

Funding Hope

Our story is pretty simple. We believe all Christians are called to take care of widows and orphans (James 1:27). We know there are many ways to do this from child sponsorship, visiting orphans, praying, mission trips, adoption, etc. Funding Hope is purely focusing on one avenue, adoption. We exist solely to provide financial matching grants between us and the local church to help Christian families adopt.

David and I are on the board for this awesome non-profit, yes, its pretty incredible to get to be apart of this and doing something we love. Its also amazing how God weaves families together and how friendship is forged through adoption. This is all of that.

All of the proceeds go towards grants for families. That means every ornament or book you buy goes towards a grant. Pretty awesome win/win there. Buy the book, get an ornament, they'll ship SUPERFLY. Oh and yes we did write the closing chapter in the book so yes - you want to buy it. ;)

Look at the cute Africa ornament!! We have China and Oregon too! :)

Love Is Waiting

I opened this store to help raise money for our Ethiopian adoption 3 years ago. Our beautiful son has been home now for 2 years and is big brother to Ezra Golden. I have reopened the store to support other families on their journey. Every week we give 20% of sales to a family in the process of adopting.

Love it when adopting families gather together to support others on the journey. When they create cute T's and sell them its a win for all of us! Check out these adorable T's and support adopting families in the process. PLUS look at the ADORABLE Noonday necklace the model has on!

Bumbers Baubles

I started the shop after designing and selling a large amount of necklaces for a fundraiser for my sister’s move to Lesotho, South Africa to work in anti-human trafficking.
I loved the ability to help her and The Beautiful Dream’s Society’s mission.

How cute is that necklace? I have earrings from Ambers shop and I love them!! Support the fight against human trafficking and get cute jewelry! I love the diversity in shopping with purpose and I love each mission.

I think I'm going to do a monthly Shop With Purpose Post! This has been SO fun!!! Feel free to post your favorite places to shop with purpose in the comments! Also if you shop at one of these places please post what you bought! I'd love to see and I know others would too!

Happy Shopping and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Why We Bought A Goat For Christmas.

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Maybe some chickens too.

Most people may find this odd or even crazy.

Maybe you won't.

Maybe you'll join us.

Maybe you'll share your own family traditions.

Each year we always do our regular family Christmas traditions. You know the ones.......decorate the tree, eat pizza, drink hot chocolate with LOTS of whipped cream......listen to your kids debate whose turn it is to put the star on top....those kinds of things.

This year as David and I were talking about our family and things we want to instill in our kids we discussed starting a new tradition this Christmas. Giving to others in a tangible/sustainable/reproducible way. The easiest way to do that in our minds is by giving something that can produce/cultivate/sustain life. Things like livestock, garden materials, water. Things we take for granted. You see we wanted to do something that would not only impact another family but would impact our kids. Something that would help them see beyond themselves, something they could grab hold of, something that wasn't a traditional present.

We talk about shopping with a purpose - I wrote about it HERE yesterday but we wanted something that was given with nothing in return. Something that was easily accessed here yet difficult somewhere else. Something we could talk about and decide as a family.

We did that last night.

We looked up what each animal did for the potential family. We talked about how the animal would help and what it would provide for the family and potentially a community. We took a family vote, goats and chickens came out on top. I researched just about every single non-profit you could buy such things through because that's what I do and I want to know that our money, the money God has entrusted to us is REALLY giving a family what the organization promises and that they are wise stewards with that money.

We've found what we're looking for in Kids Alive International. That's who we chose to use for our goat and chickens purchase and we are thrilled to know that a precious family a world away will receive training and farm animals to help sustain them.

I'm so excited about this - I told David I wanted to buy a chicken for everyone I knew as a gift because it was SO cool! (don't worry friends, I didn't.....)

So what are some things you've done this year to instill giving in your children?

This was one of two things we started this year. The other is our kids drawing names so they can give to one another in a succinct way. If they don't have a steady income they have to do some extra chores for the money to purchase the gift. Our kids love giving and its been fun to watch their creativity and work ethic as we cultivate giving more in our home.

Shopping With Purpose

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 03:22:00 +0000

This is my FAVORITE time of year and I always look forward to doing these shop with purpose posts! I love finding new things I love and places that support causes that I believe in. This year I'm doing some higher end things with some lower priced items as well. I've fallen in love with some new places that have amazing business practices and I LOVE how they do things as well as loving their quality.

I'm highlighting ten of my favorites today and I'll add a few others each week until Christmas.

1. Hand & Cloth

Handmade Kantha Throws

Not only are they beautiful they have an incredible story that goes along with them and with the purchase of these blankets you provide a job and dignity for precious women in Bangladesh.

The Kantha blanket: six layers of vintage saris sewn together by a kantha stitch.

Traditionally the poor woman's craft. Every mother teaches her daughter the kantha stitch and how to make her stitches small and straight. Every little girl, in turn, becomes a mother and makes kantha blankets for her children to keep them warm. No mother dreams that her daughter will suffer poverty and exploitation; yet many women and girls in Bangladesh are highly vulnerable to exploitation without access to dignified work.

2. Better Life Bags -

I love these bags and the concept behind them. I haven't ordered mine yet but I've built and rebuilt my design 14 times! Check them out, you won't be disappointed!

Better Life Bags has two purposes.

Involve my customers in the design process. Each bag is designed by you! I have basic styles that are customized further by your choice of fabric and add-on options. Each bag is unique and essentially one of a kind!
Give back to those in need. We started by loaning 10% of every purchase to low income entrepreneurs in developing countries through Kiva and were able to loan over $2,000 to the people you see here. Incredible. NOW, we hire first generation immigrant women in our community who otherwise could not work outside the home. We rent them a sewing machine and tools while teaching them a skill set that allows them to become a primary or secondary provider in their families. Each bag is lovingly made with their hands and each purchase gives respect and dignity to their lives.

3. Saddleback -

Now, not a non-profit, not made my women in Africa or India BUT I am so impressed with Saddlebacks business practices and the fact that one of their bags is on my Christmas list PLUS the fact that Dave and Suzette went to Rwanda this past month and they WALK out what they say they believe and post on their site the ministries they financially support.....I just couldn't help but include it.

Isn't she pretty? SO lovely and everything is so incredibly well made. If nothing else watch their videos, these people are hilarious and frankly I just want to meet them and hang out cause I think they are awesome.

4. Punjammies/Princess Project -

International Princess™ Project’s mission is to create pathways to freedom for women escaping the ravages of sex slavery to achieve lives of hope and dignity.

I've wanted these jammies for a long while - also on my Christmas list......they are so soft and lovely - you will want several pairs. They are a great price and the fact that they give back in a real way makes this a GREAT purchase with purpose!

5. Connected In Hope

Love LOVE this community of weavers. They work hard, they exude EXTREME joy and they make me laugh every time we go and sit with them while they work. They LOVE life and they love having a job. These scarves are hand made, provide dignified work, money for families, and a support system.

6. FashionABLE

These are the real deal friends. The Seble scarf? Yeah its one of my favorite. Not just because I know and love Seble herself but because I love ALL the women that make these scarves possible. There's something even more special to me about these scarves these days. I've personally helped with the dyeing process and let me just tell you - its back breaking work. These women work SO incredibly hard to bring you these AWESOME scarves. Crazy part? THEY LOVE DOING IT! My back hurt for days but it was PURE JOY working shoulder to shoulder with these lovely ladies.

Buy a scarf, support women, give them dignity by providing a job and community they love.

7. Noonday Collection -

Shameless plug, I became a Noonday Ambassador a few months ago and I always knew I wanted to do this but I just didn't feel I had the time. Once I worked past that (took a couple years) I just jumped in and I haven't looked back. I believe so whole heartedly in what Noonday is doing and to be just a tiny part of sharing our amazing artisans stories is such a blessing. I chose five of my very favorite pieces and let me tell you that was hard. I tried to choose things that were versatile but I'm just going to be honest - these are pieces that are my GO TO pieces and that's why I'm sharing them here.

Consider partnering with me and Noonday this Christmas - Help lift our artisans out of poverty by shopping online for gifts that are full of beauty and hope!

Organica Rope - it goes with EVERYTHING!

Minted Necklace - another FAVORITE! Its an added pop to any outfit!

These little gems are my FAVORITE. I wear them ALL the time, I've watched the amazing artisans hard at work making them, they are just perfect!

La Noche Bracelet - PERFECT with that little black dress!

Who doesn't need a brass cuff? This goes with EVERYTHING, you know like the organica rope! Makes my must have list for sure!

If you're local and want to host a Noonday Trunk show message me!

8. Mission Lazarus -

This is a newer find but I'm LOVING their stuff!

Our leather products are handmade in Honduras by the students and graduates of the Mission Lazarus Vocational School. Our social enterprise program exists in hopes of teaching young adults the artisan trade of leather work as well as providing an education.

The goal of our program is to empower local Hondurans, who would otherwise not have the opportunity, to learn artisan skills and sustainable business development training in efforts to advance their overall education.

9. Root Collective

THE ROOT COLLECTIVE wants to connect shoppers with makers, communities with each other, and remind society of humanity. Our products are ethically sourced, with strong and intentional ties to the communities in which the artisans live. We donate 10% of each purchase back to the communities in which we work. The best part? You get to decide where the proceeds from your purchase are donated.

Hello cute shoes! Where have you been all my life?! These beauties were my top pick.

10. Bring Love In

There's so much I could say about this incredible ministry. Not just because Levi and Jessie have become good friends over the years but because we wholeheartedly 100% believe in what they are doing in Ethiopia. Creating families. Widow+orphans = New Family. Its genius. Its working. To God be the glory. You can be apart by shopping their store or just straight up donating. I've seen it, I've talked to the precious mothers, its a beautiful thing folks.

So there you have my first ten. I've got a few more and TOMORROW I cannot wait to tell you about our families newest Christmas tradition! I am SO excited!

Do you have your own favorite places that YOU shop with a purpose? If so PLEASE share them in the comments! I'm always looking for new places to shop and I've got a few more I plan to highlight over the next week so share away!

9. He's NINE.

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:09:00 +0000

I'll forever wonder how time flies so quickly.

Today is especially one of those days.

Today we celebrate Silas turning 9.

Its hard to believe really.

This three year old little man came into our lives talking a mile a minute, turned our family upside down in the most beautiful incredible way. He's done more world changing in his little life then some will ever do. The best part.....he doesn't even know it.

Silas buddy you're a blessing to our family, I'm proud to be your mom, honored that God chose you to be my son. I'm thankful for who you are and I'm excited to watch you grow and learn. Your deep desire for the things of God, His word, and your passion to see others know him challenges me. Your heart for the world and people humbles me. Son, God has big plans for your life and I can't wait to see what those are. Keep your eyes fixed on HIM, don't be distracted by the world, hang on to your individuality, who you are in Jesus and don't let anyone tell you to change. I love you and we can't wait to celebrate YOU tonight!

*Silas at 3 and Silas at 9

Nine Things About Silas!

1. He loves people, especially new people. Its like a personal challenge for him to get to know them.

2. He can do just about anything he puts his mind to.

3. He is a hard worker.

4. He loves anything hot and is especially partial to aardvark sauce.

5. His favorite food is pizza or injera.

6. He asked for peaches for his birthday.

7. He has written his first comic book and paid his sister to illustrate it.

8. He loves green apples.

9. Silas loves Jesus with his WHOLE heart and it is evident in his daily life. I've never seen a child so young understand the word of God so deeply.

Everyone needs a little early Silas chatter.

Silas, I love you to the moon and back son. Enjoy your last year in the single digits!

HOLLA to the NEW blog DESIGN and I'm back!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 18:17:00 +0000

Its been MONTHS of back and forth but I'm indecisive and my amazing most awesome blog designer has been SO gracious and patient with me. That said - it's DONE (until my next itch for a blog redo - I'm sure Jenn is shaking her head no) and my precious daughter who has been home for 2.5 years is finally pictured on the blog!! A HUGE HUGE HUGE Thank you to Jenn at Jenn Jordan Designs, she's quite lovely and kind. Did I mention patient? When I complained about not liking what I just said I'd love or asked for a change she would even make me feel good and say she didn't really care for the old way either. She's great like that. So, THANK YOU Jenn and when I'm in Oregon - Starbucks on me - I just really can't thank you enough.

Friends.....what this means is that when you want a blog-over you really need to contact Jenn. She's fantastic. Leave a comment to let her know how fab she is!

I feel like I need to write 25 blogs to catch up on the last six months but I won't bore you. I will write one blog with 25 things to update you so come back tomorrow for that.

Since every blog post needs a picture.......I'll leave you with one of those too. My kids from this summer. I really love this random picture I took on Z's 7th birthday.

Happy Monday All!!

Sweet 16.

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 01:49:00 +0000

Sixteen years ago a little 5lb 10oz baby girl made me a mama. I find myself going back to that day, it doesn't seem that long ago. My world turned upside down, in a good way. Her daddy and I had planned and prepped as best we knew how. I knew being a mom would change me, I just didn't quite expect to have those feelings of fierce protection for this little life so quickly. I didn't expect that I would give up anything just to make sure my girl was okay. I understood love in an all new way. I fell more in love with my husband in that moment as I watched him hold his precious daughter, caring for her and me. At just 19 and 20 we grew up quick. Our baby was our main priority.

Yes, David and I were young when we became parents. You can read all of our Love Story posts to catch up on the back history. Many said we weren't ready, they were partly right. Over the years I've come to realize I don't think anyone is ever "ready". Becoming a parent for the first time is scary and hard. It takes responsibility to an all new level. You're signed on to love, nurture, and care for another human being for at least the next 18 years. I wouldn't change our journey for the world, its our story and I'm so thankful for Gods grace and redemption. He used a little girl to bring her daddy and I to himself. In His graciousness He also knew I needed a sweet little babe that didn't cry much, went with the flow, did everything with her parents, and loved just being around people.

Nichol you changed my world, you've taught me to love deeper, to think the best in others, to live each day to the fullest, to not worry about what others think, to be more confident, and to see life as the exciting God given blessing that it is. Those are your strengths sweet girl and I'm grateful to have a daughter that challenges me. Watching you grow in your relationship with the Lord humbles me. You are my daughter but you are a daughter of the King first. I didn't know the day your Daddy and I dedicated you back to the Lord how hard that would also be. As I watch you grow up and learn to let go and slowly let you go I know that Jesus loves you more then Daddy or I ever could. He loves you perfectly.

Sweet girl, my prayer for you this year is that you would grow closer to our King, dig deeper in His word, cling to His truths when times get tough, lean in close when you aren't sure what the future holds, pray more, love bigger, and grasp tightly to Jesus, your rock, deliverer, and gracious Father. Love others, give more, live radically, and let your light SHINE.

Baby girl. I LOVE YOU. I'm so proud of you. Honored to be your mom.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

This song is my ring tone when Chol calls. It pretty much sums up what my heart feels even though I know I cannot stop time.

Your little hand's wrapped around my finger

And it's so quiet in the world tonight

Your little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming

So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light

To you everything's funny, you got nothing to regret

I'd give all I have, honey

If you could stay like that

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up

Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up

Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple

I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart

And no one will desert you

Just try to never grow up, never grow up

PC: Jessica Oh

Reintegration. Never. Easy.

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:30:00 +0000

I'm fairly sure I feel this way after every single trip back to Ethiopia. Today it hit me like a ton of bricks over something that seems so "normal". My precious mother in law was here helping while I was away. My Father in Law joined her a few days before I returned and we spent the weekend together. It was great to be with them and I was able to temporarily "ignore" the realities screaming in my head. I avoided stores, I didn't want a "trigger", my father in law treated us to brunch and we commented on the mass amount of food and how it could feed an Ethiopian village. I was grateful for the recognition that we have so much. We walked on the beach, my thoughts consumed me. My husband patiently waits for each part of my processing to come through. He's still waiting as bits and pieces come out.

This morning my inlaws were preparing to leave, going over where things were at in the household and what things had been gone through/used up. As my mother in law rattled off the staples we were out of it hit me. With those needs I knew a trip to Costco was in order as I made a mental note. I went to shower and there it was, flooding through my head, leveling me to tears. My kids need sustenance and for me filling that need is a simple trip to Costco. For a mother across the globe meeting her kids' needs looks a bit different and rather horrifying to us. In order to get a wee bit of bread she must beg, walk up hill with a load of sticks, or sell her body each day just to feed her children or even herself. I wonder what she does when her teenage boy is hungry and goes through a growth spurt? For me its a 5 lb bag of hamburger patties and a whole lot of buns so my growing 14 year old son can eat a burger for a snack. For her she may not be able to beg enough to get him what he needs. He may be shining shoes so his mother can eat when he should be going to school. Wrestling hard with this reality today.

I know several on my team are wrestling with this same reality. What now? Obviously we can't ignore our families but we also can't ignore what we've just seen. The faces we've touched, the hands we've held, the dances we danced, the smiles permanently etched in our brains. The human beings struggling each day just to survive. Just to have their basic needs met. Just to hang onto their children. Just to be. I know that all of these things are known by our Heavenly Father, we know that He grieves deeply, as a team we asked that God break our hearts for the things that break His. I believe with every ounce of my being that He did just that in each and every person on this amazing team. I firmly believe that He will work in each person differently, every single one will be called to something different, each will take action differently.

Over the next few days I'm going to write about each ministry we visited, the things God did there, and what those ministries are doing in Ethiopia to make a lasting difference in the lives of His children. We don't go on these advocacy trips with any preconceived idea that we're going to somehow change everyones circumstances, solve the poverty crisis, or bring world peace. Not at all. These trips were born out of a desire to honor my King, to connect people with sustainable gospel centered ministries, to raise awareness, and to pour out on others just a tiny bit of what God has poured out on us.

For now, I'm wrestling. My heart is hurting, this hurt is about others and how *I* can do more. Give more. Sacrifice more. This is about people whom God has placed in my path. This is about what He's asked of me. This is about being His hands and feet. Father wreck me for your glory, don't let me be comfortable. Mold me to be more like you.

“I have one desire now - to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it.” - Elizabeth Elliot

But now, O Lord, you are our Father;

we are the clay, and you are our potter;

we are all the work of your hand.

Isaiah 64:8

Frankfurt To Addis!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:13:00 +0000

This is it. The team is all here and we're getting ready to board our last flight. Thank you all for your prayers and support! Continue to pray for the team as we bond and serve together. We're all excited to see what God has in store!

I'll try and update as I can but no promises with the Ethiopian Internet. :)

Two Years: A True Princess

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:10:00 +0000

Today marks two years since we welcomed our sweet Zahra Reign home. Two years since our family was all together on US Soil. Two years of having our "Fab Five" together forever.

Those two years haven't always been easy. Those two years have been hard. Those two years have been filled with the deepest grief and biggest joys. Those two years have brought more love, more grace, more hope, and more growth in the life of our precious daughter and in the lives of her family. We've seen the depths of grieving that goes along with adoption and we've the seen beautiful redemption that only our King Jesus could provide.

I include this one because it speaks volumes of our gratitude to my amazing mother in law who held our US family together while we spent a month in Ethiopia. Her sacrifice, love and care for our four other kids while we waited in Ethiopia for Zahra to be cleared to come home was invaluable. Not only that she stayed another week helping us in that exhausted/adjustment twilight zone period.

Friends. Reunited.

Mama's and their girls! Only God I tell you.

The first pic of our Fab Five!

The incredible group that welcomed us home!

My hero. Partner. Justice Fighter.

Sweet Zahra, it has been an amazing blessing to watch you grow and blossom from a scared, unsure, quiet little gal to a spicy, outgoing, warrior princess. You've battled well as you work to understand adoption, mercy, grace, and Gods perfect plan for your life. Its an honor to be entrusted with helping to heal your heart, watching you discover who Jesus is to you and embrace His perfect love for us. My prayer for you is that you would continue to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior as you seek Him and know Him more. We love you little princess.

Yep. Its picture overload..........but we're celebrating THIS GIRL today!

Here's Z's adoption video. She can't watch it without tears in her eyes. She says its joy crying.

**Photo credits to Lizzy Grant Photography, Jessica Oh! Photography, and Nina Mullins Photography

Our Love Story: Part V

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:30:00 +0000

Sixteen years ago today I married my best friend.

The road to that point was was unconventional, crazy, filled with joy, tears, and redemption. The story is ours and looking back I see the hand of God all over it. A real picture of His redemption, taking something we'd made a mess of and Him turning it into something beautiful.

Our wedding day was filled with people who loved us, some who thought we'd never make it, and others who knew we would. It was those people that helped form our will to work hard, it was the encouragement and prayers of those who believed in us that carried us when things weren't so tidy and beautiful.

Above all it was the grace of God that HE would redeem, that with Him at the helm we would be stronger. Sixteen beautifully broken, gloriously ruined, I need more of Jesus years later we've lived in three states, weathered nine moves, bought two houses, experienced miscarriages, job losses and personal struggles. We serve a God who has walked beside us through joy and tears, faith and failure, excitement and fear. He's never left us, He's carried us, grown us, and loved us even when we weren't lovely.

With five of the funniest most amazing kids ever, we're forever changed by the truth of the gospel. We're passionate about caring for those who cannot care for themselves, adoption, loving others as Christ loved us and together we are stronger. Babe I look forward to growing old with you.

Thank you Jesus for your redemption, love and grace. Without it we would be nothing.

Our prayer is that God would use our story for His glory! He makes all things beautiful.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; Ecclesiastes 3:11-12

Our Love Story: Part IV

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 04:25:00 +0000

That Spring I finished high school and planned to go to community college in the Fall. In the meantime I went through Life Guard training at our local pool since it seemed to line up with my plan to go to paramedic school. It was my first "real world" experience. I'd worked at a local consignment store run by another homeschool family and babysat/nannied for other families but I hadn't really ever been in a job with my peers. I was excited for this new venture. I loved my job and new found freedom. David had started apprenticing with a local builder, we weren't really "together" because my parents still weren't for that whole dating thing but we kinda were. (again, sorry parents, the truth will set you free, remember those grandkids?) He would show up at the pool sometimes, we saw each other at youth and home school activities.

That summer David went on a trip to California and some chick wanted to take him to prom so he said yes, came home and "broke off" whatever it was we were. I was ticked. She wasn't all that great so I figured it would last long. Besides seriously? Prom? Whatevs. It didn't last long. We had remained friends and well, she just wasn't me. :) We were "back together" not long after.

I started community college that Fall completing Fall and Spring semester all while working at the pool. The Spring of 1996 brought with it two Shubin weddings and my official graduation from high school. Davids oldest brother was married in March, May was graduation, I turned 18 in June, bought my first car, and Davids second brother got married. I was in the wedding, it was fun, Summer was great, I was working like crazy so I could pay for Fall semester.

Right before school started I house sat for a co-worker for three weeks, I was in a bit of a rebellion questioning everything I'd been taught, that point in your life where you're an adult but nothing makes sense. Since about 16 I'd questioned alot but couldn't talk openly with my parents out of my own fear of disappointing them. Because my decisions weren't always the greatest my parents were always upset with me. I couldn't take it and moved out after they set some "rules" I couldn't live with. (quit school and work, those weren't options for me since I'd paid for school myself) I had a few options on where to live but ultimately my old youth leaders offered a room to me and I knew I needed to be somewhere that would challenge me and grow me vs. take me down a path of bad choices. To this day their love for me/us even during our crap has been one of the most influential in our lives. We're so thankful for them.

David decided he wanted to consider being an architect and started working at a firm downtown to get a closer look before making that decision. Things were good, I was adjusting to being responsible for my own bills, school, and work. David and I weren't together at the time that I moved but that was simply because we were trying to be wise in our choices and we weren't always when we were together.

In December I found out I was pregnant. Two and a half months pregnant. I didn't know what to do so I froze. I told no one for a long time. When I finally got up the nerve to tell David late one night after work it was shock and sheer fear. He asked that I give him three days to think and then we'd talk. I agreed. Less then 24 hours later he called and said we needed to get back together and figure this out together. There were two things we knew. We loved each other and we loved our baby. The details was where it would get complicated. We both froze. For about eight weeks. Finally one night David told his mom. I told my parents the next day. It wasn't easy but we knew it wouldn't be. We knew we'd let our family down but more then that we'd sinned against God yet our God is full of grace and mercy. His redemption even in brokenness, we clung to that promise. We planned to marry the May after our baby would be born but when we told our parents they advised us to get married before the baby so we could be a family. That made sense to us and we'd made enough poor choices it was time to make a good one.

David asked my dads permission to marry me. Later that week he got down on one knee and of course I said yes. One thing our parents wanted us to have was good memories and a wedding. We were so blessed by the support even in the midst of knowing it would be hard. Wedding plans were under way and it was going to be a race against a six week clock.

**everything written is used with with permission from my husband and of course my precious oldest daughter. We've never hidden our story, we've just never shared publicly. We truly pray that our story shows Gods redemption, His love, and how HE makes all things beautiful.

Our Love Story: Part III

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 01:11:00 +0000

Here we go! If you're just reading this for the first time be sure and go get caught up reading Part I Here and Part II Here!

I've returned from refining school all lady like, Davids all manly from his boot camp and Russia trip. I'm not sure what everyone expected but hello boy meets girl! Suddenly there was this new awareness in our friendship and neither of us wanted to admit it really. We didn't want things to change, we liked being friends. I was still a tom boy no matter how much refining was attempted. I was the girl with a pet scorpion for goodness sake! Our families still spent a good amount of time together, we dissected things at the Shubin family kitchen table, we learned repelling skills from David as we repelled off the nearest rooftop.

One day (yes really.....just one random day) during some regular banter there was an ah ha moment that came to both of us. Sitting on the floor talking one night we both realized we were more then friends. Nothing was said, just a moment of realization. It wasn't until way later that we both talked about that being "it" for both of us. I was 17, he was 18, we were scared, didn't know what all of this meant but I thought just maybe it might be love.

Our church planned a youth ski trip and we were both going. My mother was a chaperone and I knew I liked this boy but couldn't tell her because you know that thing about boys and girls - yeah we weren't supposed to like each other. Plus he'd held my hand remember so he was permanently off the list and he was a rebel so things weren't looking good for him. ;) But I liked him, I saw passed that bad boy attitude, and saw something more. Or perhaps I was in a bit of an almost rebellion against this rigid do this and do that teaching and thought things didn't quite add up to what I read in my bible. Not really a great place to be but that's where I was. Add in some hormones and we've got some crazy going on!

The week before we left for our awesomeness ski trip there was some snow clothes needed and we were at the Shubin house gathering odds and ends to make sure we stayed warm on the mountain. Chatter of skiing and big talk of hitting up the black diamond hills was going down, bets on who would ski better/faster/longer. Somewhere in all of that big talk looking through old pictures there was a moment of quiet, no one else around and David leaned in for a kiss. It felt right. (David would say this was the game changing moment for him) Even though I knew it went against everything I'd been taught it was perfect and its our story. (mom I know.....freak out.....just think about how awesome your five grandkids are)

We went on that ski trip. It was just as awesome as we'd imagined. I'm sure my mom had her suspicions, we spent the entire time trying to avoid everyone and skiing the hardest runs we could. I kicked his butt on the slopes (he'll have to blog to dispute that one thats my story and I'm stickin to it) and that trip is still one of our very favorite memories ever. We hung out the entire day just talking, skiing, crashing, and freezing. We were falling for each other.

I'm picture hunting so I'll add those once I find them. For now I want to get all of these up! Part IV coming tomorrow and the final chapter on Friday. :)

Our Love Story: Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0000

More of our la tee dah la la love story!

In case you missed the first post - you'll find that here.

So we're friends, we've gotten beyond the big glasses we both sported, now a wee bit hotter in our new contacts. We've entered the 90's. We have youth group together, I'm still not as cool as he is, there's mud volleyball, 40 foot Ice Cream Sundaes, water fights, and a circle of friends where the girls have all had a crush on one or the other of these Shubin boys. I'm still a tom boy, not really into boys for anything other then friends. Then I hit about 14 and the thought of a "boyfriend" entered the picture, that idea quickly left when I was reminded that I'm not allowed to date. I was okay with it at that moment, although curious and life went on.

That next Fall there was a pastors seminar that my parents were attending - I was allowed to go as were several other older kids. Davids family also went - that David he was kind of a bit of a rebel ya know....I was perfect. ;) I liked the rebel in him. We were "just friends" but I was curious, okay so maybe he was too. He held my hand. My parents freaked. I vowed to never do that again. (note: not a good idea to hold hands at a super strict pastors seminar with your parents there, we weren't all that stealth)

Come summer our homeschool organization again put on a seminar that also had a children's seminar where us "older" kids could volunteer to help. I liked kids so this seemed like a good fit. Those Shubins were in this same homeschool circle and they were volunteering too. All of us volunteers went early and since I didn't drive yet we got a ride. David had just gotten a new to him car and he was pretty impressed with himself so he drove. (it did have a sun roof.....so I guess that made it extra cool) I think my parents were nervous to let me hang with this rebel child in any fashion. I mean we'd held hands and all.....

This week was different I realized something. Again, boys and girls aren't really supposed to mingle at these events (or ever really, unless you're married) but I couldn't help notice that on Davids team there was a little boy that was adopted and he had some pretty major special needs. He couldn't walk and every time we had a large group session David would take him out of his wheelchair and put him on his shoulders. I filed that little tidbit away as something I'd need to see in a future husband since I knew I wanted to adopt someday and whoever I married would have to be okay with this. (years later my mom asked how I knew David would be a good husband and this was the exact thing I told her)

Sometime later my parents thought I needed to attend a girls "finishing" school of sorts with our home school organization. I wasn't opposed but I also knew how strict this organization was and how much of a tom boy I was. I had friends that were going, Masha was a team leader there so I didn't figure it would be that bad. Besides it was two months in another state, forget the fact that I had to wear skirts the whole time, maybe I'd make some new friends and I might even learn a thing or two. Around this same time David decided to join the guys version of "refinement" school. It was more like military boot camp and honestly I was a little jealous because they got to do MUCH more exciting things! Who wouldn't want to repel off buildings, gut deer, dive, and hike? We left around the same time and I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about him while I was away. He had become a good friend and I trusted him more then most of my other friends.

I returned home all refined, David was asked to go to Russia to remodel some orphanages there, his brother was already teaching English in Russia so his parents sent him. I was again jealous, why in the world did he get to do all these AWESOME things and all I got to do was learn how to emboss and arrange flowers! David was gone over Christmas and returned that January, his sister arranged a surprise welcome home, it was fun, he was home, and only time would tell what the future held.

Part III to follow.....

Justice T's & Tanks PLUS Africa Cookie Cutters & Decals!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:55:00 +0000

I'm leaving for Ethiopia in three weeks, all proceeds go towards supplies/donations for ministries we're visiting - the pre-order for these shirts ends on Friday AND the second part of our la tee dah la la love story will be posted tomorrow. :) That's some serious crazy right there!

So to recap - you don't want to miss out on the pre-order of some seriously awesome shirts - you can see all the great design choices at this little link here.

Ordering info is on the right side of my blog AND you'll see the option for some super cute Africa decals and Africa cookie cutters! Aren't they fun?! Look at the little mini ones!! They are SO cute!

Africa Decals

(put them on your car, on your notebooks, on coffee mugs, on cups, on just about anything!)

Full size Africa Cookie Cutters or NEW Mini Africa's!

And highlighting my picks of the week from my new T's and Tanks!

Coral flowy tank - PERFECT for summer!

Love this boys shirt! Great for girls too!!!

Perfect for your mini-me! Raspberry burn out T!

Womens flowy Dolman! Great fit, awesome spring colors!

Don't forget the men! This super soft cotton blend T is manly and bold!

Leave a comment or email me if you have any questions!

Happy Shopping and THANK YOU for your support!

Happy Birthday Livi Lou!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:18:00 +0000

I can't believe my little tiny baby girl is 11 today. Where has the time gone?

Every time my girls have a birthday the song below plays through my head. Yes, its an old song but its what goes through my head every birthday and the words are so true. Life goes so quickly, I want to savor and treasure every moment the Lord gives, even through the hard.

Sweet Livi

Your life is a treasure. Your sweet spirit is refreshing, you are the sweetest 11 year old girl I know, your kind to everyone you meet, you seek out those who are lonely, you want everyone to know about Jesus and you don't hesitate to share His truth. HE shines through you. It is an honor and a blessing to be your parents, you're growing into a beautiful young lady, we love you Livi Lou.

Time flies people.

Olivia, you are a free spirit and a dreamer.

Sweet and kind.

A Daddy's girl (he adores you precious girl)

An honor and joy to parent (I love that you still hold our hands)

Oh baby (you'll always be my baby) Liv, it is my prayer that you grow in your knowledge of the Lord, that you seek Him above all else. That you set your eyes on things above despite the temptations of this world. That you would not look to things to fulfill you but to our Sovereign King. That you would serve others whole heartedly and without earthly reward. That you would delight in Jesus daily, that you would love others well, that you would pour yourself out for the poor and needy. I pray that your Daddy and I would be loving examples of what it means to do these things, that our lives would be a display of your Heavenly Father and that we would honor Him in raising you.

We love you with every bit of our beings and Jesus loves you more then we could ever imagine. You are a gift and we're so thankful for you.

Love,
Mom

Photo cred: Jessica Oh Photography

Our Love Story: Of Love And Redemption

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0000

This month marks our 16th anniversary. I thought it would be fun to tell our love story. :) Its a bit unconventional but its ours, a real life story of Gods grace, love, and redemption.

I was raised in a strict Christian home, grew up in a small farming town South of Portland, Oregon. My dad worked a lot in order to pay the bills and my mom homeschooled my brother and I through high school. I was taught that you didn't date and when the right guy came along Dad would take care of it.

He was raised in a Christian home, grew up in the same area, part of the time on a farm, and later moved into town. He too was homeschooled except for two years at public school and a year at private school. He had two sisters and four brothers.

One Sunday in October, 1988 a new family walked into the church I'd grown up in. They weren't hard to miss as they took up an entire pew with their seven children. My mother had introduced herself quickly and found they had a daughter she was sure was my age. After meeting them all with an awkward hello as any 10 year old would have I went off with my friends chattering about that new family with so many kids.

Fast forward a couple weeks and somewhere along the way our family was invited over dinner. I'll never forget it. I'd been to many friends houses for dinner but this was different. Tanya could cook like nobody's business. (Its funny recounting this story being on this side of things now.) l instantly loved the activity that came with a large family, it was never boring and there was always someone to talk to or something to do. I became fast friends with Masha, (the girl my mother thought was my age but in reality was 5 years older then me) she liked to paint and do quirky things, she was cool, and the fact that she'd hang with me was even better.

As time went on our families did more and more together, dinner, bible studies, homeschool activities, church, and youth get togethers. Going to the same church and being in the same circles lends to much time together. I always seemed to like hanging out with the boys more then girls. I was a bit of a tomboy growing up, climbing trees, shooting guns, hiking, and mucking in the barn was WAY more fun then sitting around doing nails or primping. (probably why Masha and I were friends, she wasn't into those girlie things either) I felt boys were easier to talk to and they didn't go around telling your secrets. It wasn't surprising after hanging out at that Shubin house so often that the nerdy boy with glasses that I wasn't so fond of back in '88 became my friend. Neither of us had a great first impression of each other but over time we kinda enjoyed each others company.

Pt. 2 to follow shortly.........

Introducing Do Justice T- Shirts and a surprise!! Pre-Order

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:46:00 +0000

Hey Yo! Recently David and I designed New T's for this Spring to raise funds for ministries we love in Ethiopia as well as much needed supplies for those ministries. I'm (boss man's going to and working on few projects himself) headed back next month and we can't wait! PLUS I just LOVE these! They are printed on some FABULOUS T's that fit amazing and are just super cute! (okay so the chick ones are cute, the dude ones are manly) A flowy fantastic dolman style for women and a great tri-blend T for men! It gets even better! The kids' T's are also a fabulous super soft tri-blend with a burnout style for girls! PLUS at the very bottom there's a wee surprise! ;) All new!

I launched these T's at Created for Care but this is the first time they've been available online! THANK YOU for all your support!

The Womens T's

Comes in two colors, these fit true to size, flowy dolman style and are so comfy.

Heather white

Charcoal

Of all the T's, sweatshirts, long sleeve T's, burnouts, and almost every other kind of shirt I've done in the past I've had people ask me for tanks. I thought it was a little crazy honestly. Then I started buying Sevenly T's and realized it wasn't so crazy when they started selling tanks and everyone loved them. So here we are......with tanks. Perfect for summer, gifts, for teens, they are awesome!

Women's Tank Tops

Flowy racer back tank in four colors - fits true to size

White Tank

Gray Tank

Royal Tank

Coral Tank

Men's T -

Super soft tri-blend in Charcoal - Fits true to size

Boys T's -

Super soft tri-blend in charcoal or royal

Girls T's

Raspberry Burnout T

White Burnout T

Gray T-shirt

Email me with any questions - this IS a pre-order and shirts will be ordered in ten days with delivery a week or two after that. Thats right you only have TEN DAYS to order! Don't miss out!

Paypal ordering information is on the right side of my blog.

Two Years Ago Today. We Met Her.

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Our precious daughter Zahra Reign.

It was a long and crazy road that culminated in one tiny room filled with two very anxious parents, two incredible photographers, and two other parents who had just met their son.

It didn't matter that we'd been here before, its that moment when you see your childs face for the first time. Whether laboring to deliver a child or laboring across an ocean the feelings of anticipation and excitement are the same.

For us.....this moment is captured perfectly in the picture below.

This was our first glimpse of our precious, sweet, shy, little princess.

From the beginning it was my prayer that our sweet girl would love her daddy, that she would connect with him quickly and she would be a daddy's girl. God gave me a tiny glimpse of what their relationship would become captured beautifully in this picture.

Holding her leveled me. She was mine, I was hers.

She fit perfectly between us. She gave a tiny smile. We assured her that she would be alright.

Two years later we've weathered hard, painful grief. We've sobbed together, we've laughed, we've battled hard. We're better because of you little Z. We understand the depths of grief a little more, we know the sass of the Ethiopian princesses first hand, and we are blessed beyond measure that God let us be your family.

Photo Credit:

Nina Mullins Photography
Jessica Oh!

Happy Monday! Update. Life. March? ALREADY?

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:56:00 +0000

I'm determined to get back to blogging. I miss it. I have 1/2 starts of 45 different blogs about life saved on here that I haven't finished and I have been working on a blog revamp for oh ya know - 623 days......poor Z isn't even in my header picture and my children are no longer that little and well....yeah its needed. SOON! It's in the works.....I promise.

A few other things have been occupying my time.

Tragedy struck a sweet friend this past week as she lost her young husband and we've been given the opportunity to surround her as she grieves. She and her family have been an incredible example of faith and perseverance in the midst of extreme pain and loss. Always praising the Lord and wanting His name to be lifted high. This is the verse I've been praying over this family today.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2

Will you join me in covering my friend and her three kids as they grieve the loss of a husband and a father?

This weekend I head back to Atlanta for the March Created For Care Conference - are you going? If so be sure and stop by the MKI Travel table and say hello, I'll be selling some pretty great stuff including an all new T-shirt with never seen before designs! (Yes, yes I'll be doing a pre-order here after the conference as well) :)

Plus I'm starting a new series on love leading up to our anniversary. Its the first time I've shared our wee love story publicly. Pull up a chair, it'll be fun, you'll get to know us a bit better, it's an honest writing, the good, bad, and AMAZING. <3 font="">

Last but not least.......I've been working on a little video promo for a couple things including our upcoming trip to Ethiopia in April! I'll post that soon AND the fact that we still have ONE spot left! Read here for a few more details - http://thisshubinclan.blogspot.com/2013/01/spring-ethiopia-trip-2013honoring-dr.html - Email me if you'd like to join us next month....in Ethiopia!

How's your Monday? I'm behind in blogland but love hearing from my friends! <3 font="">