If Anyone....

It's them...

We met Randy and Rita in China at New Day while picking up Evan. We had the privilege of getting to know their heart in our brief stay there. They have 2 bio kids (GROWN) 2 adopted girls from China, and are embarking on adopting their third. No biggie, right? They sure sound like super nice people when, in their pre-retirement years they adopting rather than pricing out that swanky RV they will tour the country in. The Rippee's are not average, and the work they do is life changing. They live and work in China with a super big heart for the older orphan, specifically the girls. It is fairly well known, though many do tend to look the other way, that girls who are not adopted before the age of 14, live in the orphanage until they are released in their later teen years. Most of these girls end up on the street (and it's probably not secretarial work) with little to no education or life skills.

The Rippee's work weighed heavily on our hearts, and despite the uber-icky food in China I always complain about, if the Lord called, we'd go. Because that's just what you do.

This family has done just that.

Do you have a talent? You should, everyone does! Would you like to use it to bring 'home' a child. The Rippee's are adopting. Most "normal" Americans still struggle with adoption expenses. If you think it's cheap, ask anyone who has adopted, or helped another family in fund-raising for their adoption. It's incredibly expensive. Many, MANY needs are generally displaced during that time...like for instance car repairs. Come take a peek at the cars we drive. Yes, other than oil changes, they scream 'deferred maintenance.' The Rippees live in China and run the Forever Home. It's not like they are oozing cash ya know. What they ARE oozing is a whole 'lotta love for these girls.

So, can you bake cookies (or just toss a few of the pre-made ones on a cookie sheet like I do?) and sell them at your garage sale? Can you round up at every stinkin' drive through you go to then donate the change? Can you do some side jobs of your profession? What about selling something you don't use. Can you just hand over some cold, hard cash?

In our adoption, we scrimped and saved and cut costs everywhere. We don't have cable (TV is a waste is it not?!) we drive old cars, we don't vacation. (someday...*sigh*) It's tough...it's much more difficult for the Rippees. If you can help...doing something now, in the future, whatever. Your help would be a blessing. I know when I look around and think about those that sacrificed to help us, I'm overwhelmed with thankfulness. From the jewlery that little Miss. Anonymous sent to sell, to Craigs transplant surgeon to the rescue (TWICE) to Marathon Mary, to the Show Hope people.

So, if you'd like to help out. Go here.