{Day 188 (on the 12th day of Christmas)}

“On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, twelve drummers drumming.”

Well folks, today is the last day of this 12 days of Christmas project.  Haven’t these ladies been amazing (and can you believe it is Christmas Eve!?)?  I am SO grateful and thankful for these FOUR beautiful women who have taken on the challenge to raise funds and give hope to these sweet orphans.  Their hearts for others are simply stunning.  I sincerely hope that they have inspired you to do something for the orphans.

(Photos by: Klye Flubacker of Kyle Flubacker Photography)

(Hair and Makeup by: Sadie Ypma of Mario Tricoci Salons)

My name is Sara and I am 18 years old.  I live in sunny San Diego, where I’ve been a small business owner since I was 11.  I’ve never meet Elaini in person, but I somehow found her blog a few months ago and kept coming back.  Her various fashion endeavors for the children of India showed me that you don’t need a lot of resources to help those in need on the other side of the world.  I was contemplating how I could use my own money for God’s glory rather than my own (I was feeling unsatisfied after purchasing things only for myself) and I saw Elaini’s post and contacted her right away.  When she told me the full scope of the project, I did get a bit intimidated!  I’ve never really fundraised before, and I considered dropping out of the project, thinking it would be too hard.  Then I realized that, if we’re going to serve God, it has to be on His terms, not ours.

For fundraising I asked my facebook friends to donate money, and I raised $40 that way.  I also received Christmas money from a relative–more than usual.  That extra is being donated as well.  I contacted some of my fashion blogger friends, and while none could commit to featuring the cause on their blog, one is fairly interested in the cause.  In addition, a large percentage of my sales from my online clothing and jewelry business will be donated, to the end of this year and hopefully on to the next.

Throughout my participation in this project, I’ve learned it’s not just about the numbers, even though we do have a set goal to reach.  Give with a joyful heart, and glorify God in everything. 🙂

(Photos by: Breanna)

Hello! My name is Rachel and I live in Yanceyville, North Carolina.  To quote Pride and Prejudice, “A little place of no consequence except to those lucky enough to have grown up in it.”  It’s been a blessing growing up here and watching my parents live out their faith day by day, following the Lord whole heartily.  When I first read about The 12 Days of Christmas, I was excited, but a little tentative.  After a lot of prayer and the Lord pointing scripture out to me again and again, I felt God told me to step out and do it.  The Lord has blessed me with wonderful, godly parents and a caring family, so my heart goes out to those who have none and I pray that these little ones come to know God and His  love.  At the moment there is $200 raised.  However, the Heavenly Father knows exactly our needs and those of the precious children in India, so He will provide the perfect amount.  Have a merry Christmas as we celebrate our Light, Jesus Christ, coming and giving us life.

(Photos by: Becky Potter)

Hi!  My name is Rachel, and I’m 17 years old, living in lovely Colorado.  I have been following Elaini’s project for a long while, praying for it, and being inspired by it.  When she announced her 12 days of Christmas idea, I thought it was grand!  I didn’t think to be a part of it.  I have a passionate heart for orphans, and I have been praying for a long time about how to reach them.  But when this came up I was full of excuses.  I didn’t have a fancy dress.  “Modeling”- or any sort of anything in front of a camera- was not something I was excited about.  But finally I gave in and sent my offer to be part of the project- certain it was too late.  I was offered the final spot.  I got a message from my friend out of oblivion, just to say hello.  I mentioned that I was in sudden need of a pretty black dress.  She brought me one to use the very next day.  God does indeed have a sense of humor.  And so here I am, praying and fund raising for these precious little ones in India.  There have been frustrations (like the intended camera falling through), but only detours on the adventure.  God is faithful and I am so glad to be part of what he is doing for these dear children in India!

Thank you ladies! So blessed by your faithfulness to change lives.  You have and are.

Annnddd there will be one more post from yours truly for Christmas. 🙂

Please donate today (even $5 dollars?) so that these sweet children can have a Christmas.