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“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.

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“On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eleven pipers piping.”

I don’t know about all of you but I’m loving seeing all these incredible women come together to make this project happen.  And since it’s so fun seeing what everyone comes up with I decided to put TWO amazing women on today.  Yes, your welcome. 😉  I am so blessed to know Kelly and Kristen.  Not only are they stunning on the outside but they have amazing hearts.

Hi! I’m Kelly and I’m 21. I’m hailing from the lovely city of Portland, Oregon.  Elaini has been a dear friend of mine ever since I can remember and watching her complete the 100 days initiative over the summer was an immense honor and joy.  When she told me about her dreams of finishing her goal to 50K through the 12 Days of Christmas project, I was excited about the idea of being involved. So here I am!

                Warm Blankets and their work with orphans is a ministry close to my heart.  My family and I have been supporting an orphanage in Cambodia through Warm Blankets for nearly ten years and the blessing of joining with them and watching their work through these orphans’ lives has been a truly humbling experience.  Several of my family members have gone to witness their efforts first-hand and have returned changed people.  This venue of supporting them through the 12 Days project is thrilling to be a part of.

Of course, I had plenty of help: My sister Christa is an amazing photographer and my brother Sam is a stud, so together we had an awesome time putting together our shots for the Pipers Piping look.  We decided to go at it in two different angles, one with a pipe, and two with a piccolo. Enjoy and please join with me to support orphans!

(Photos by: Christa Taylor)

Merry Christmas! My name is Kristen Fleischauer, I am 28 years old, and I live in Glen Ellyn, IL, a suburb of Chicago.  I am part of the Orphan Rescue Operations team at Warm Blankets and I met Elaini when she began her campaign back in May.  Elaini is quite an amazing young woman (as I’m sure you all know by now) and has astonished and inspired all of the staff here at WBOCI over and over again as she has relentlessly advocated on behalf of the orphans.  We have watched the Lord answer our prayers for the kiddos in India through Elaini’s campaign and we are, yet again, humbled by the way God provides  for the “the least of these” despite our own human frailty and seemingly insurmountable odds. 

I decided to participate in the 12 Days of Christmas campaign in order to support Elaini as she reaches her goal and as a way of getting the word out about the orphan crisis to as many people as possible.  As of today, I have raised $590, but I need friends, family, and faithful Elaini followers to help me get to $1,000.  I can not think of a better time of year to join together to save some orphans, can you???  Their pain is real, their tragedy is daily lived, and WE have the opportunity to offer them hope and a future through partnering with Elaini to rescue and provide safe, loving, and Christ-centered home for these little ones.  Will you donate today? 

Ladies I can’t thank you enough for being a part of this.  Thank you for not only cheering me on but running this race with me.  I am deeply grateful for the gift that your lives are to me and to others.  Much love.

UPDATE!!! $44,764.90 😀 😀 😀  Wanna help us push it over the $45K mark?? 🙂  Let’s spread some real Christmas love.

(Photos by: Klye Flubacker of Kyle Flubacker Photography)

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

More pictures!

“On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, ten lords a leaping.”

When I decided to go ahead with the 12 days of Christmas project Molly was gracious enough to come on board when I asked her about it.  (I’ll let her tell you how our paths crossed. 🙂 )  When I met her and got to talk more with this beautiful lady at the photo shoot I was amazed by all she was doing and wanted to do for others.  She really does want to change the world! 🙂

Hello, I am Molly and I live in Battle Ground, Washington just a hop and skip over the river.  I met Elaini a few weeks back while doing a shorter version of her 100 Days project. I wore the same dress for two and half weeks with a few of my close friends.  I wanted to be involved because during that short time I realized I have so much and the orphans we are helping have so little.  So to give and donate to them will make their futures brighter. It warms my heart to know that we are so close to our goal. Just a little money can go so far! 🙂

Molly, I really appreciate you being part of this project to help the darling children in India.  We thank you!

UPDATE!!!!! $43,509.90    Will you please give $10 dollars today to help us get one step closer to our goal?  It really is better to give than to receive! And if you haven’t experienced that then why not try and see how it goes? 😉

(Photos by: Dorene Vandermeer)

“On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine ladies dancing.”

When I started this project I had no one in mind for any of the days, but very soon after I began praying that a ballet dancer would come along for this day.  I’m so grateful to be able to say that Clairen was willing to participate in this project.  I was thrilled that she wanted to meet with me and do her “homework” as well.  Yes, not only is she beautiful and elegant but she is also smart and wanted to be informed about what she would be contributing to.  After I assured her that 100% of the donations went directly to the orphans and other important facts, such as each of  the church orphanages are really homes that nurture the children, she happily agreed to give of her time.

Clairen thank you for not only bringing more grace and elegance to this project but also for being the type of woman that wants to give her best and help others.  You are changing lives by raising funds for the sweet children in India!

UPDATE!!!!! $43,459.90  😀 😀 😀    Will you please give $10 dollars today to help us get one step closer to our goal?  How can you resist those cute little faces?!?!

(Photos by: Dorene Vandermeer)

“On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight maids a milking.”

Inspiration wise for this look we went with a bright cherry red dress as a nod to a rosy cheeked maid and instead of doing literal milk maid braids we decided on something more elegant.  I really like that the ornaments in the pail are a Christmas take on fresh frothy milk. 🙂

Barely a month ago I had the crazy idea to do this 12 days of Christmas project but I knew that I needed to get on it if I was going to have it happen.  Thankfully a dear friend told me I better not think about it too long so I dived in praying that God would somehow provide the ladies to do this project.  As many of you saw I put up blog posts but I wasn’t really sure if anyone would respond…thankfully Haley did.  Not only is this 21 year old from California beautiful but she is so very sweet.  I am really grateful that this lovely woman dedicated her time to helping orphans.  Yet this isn’t a new thing for her and her family.  They have adopted one adorable little girl from Ethiopia and they are in the process of adopting another child from China.  I love her excitement over getting another sibling and that she wants to help the sweet orphans in India as well.  So far Haley has raised $800!

Haley I am so proud of you!  Thank you for being such a delight to work with.  It has been completely wonderful having you be a part of helping me and the orphans.

UPDATE!!!! $42,554.90 😀 😀 😀  Let’s keep it coming! Don’t have a stocking stuffer yet?  Why not donate $5 or $10 dollars in someone’s name.  Or instead of getting a gift card for those hard to buy for people on your Christmas list why not donate in their name? Seriously you really should. 😉

P.S.  I couldn’t wait till the 12 days are over to announce that my sister has made me an aunty for the third time last night! I have an adorable chubby NEPHEW and I love him!

(Photos by:  Kourtney W.)
(Hair and make up by:  Cara Gafner)

“On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven swans a swimming.”

Finding a swan turned out to be a bit difficult since she was very elusive but once I found Anjali I knew she was perfect.  Not only was she more than willing to help and agreed to do this without any hesitations but she is also extremely kind and stunning .  I’ll let the pictures do the talking for that…

Hi! My name is Anjali, I am 18 years old, and I am from Corpus Christi, Texas. I met Elaini through a mutual friend and I am so glad to be a part of what she is doing. She has given many orphans in India hope for a better future. My family is from India and I have visited several times. It breaks my heart to see so much poverty and poor living conditions, especially for the children. I feel so blessed for all the things I have and for my loving family. Seeing those children, makes me really appreciate everyday things that we take for granted. So far, I have raised about $300 and I am hoping to raise $1000 by the end of the year. This has been a wonderful experience and I would like to thank Elaini for giving me a chance to give back.

Anjali it has been a joy to work with you to help these sweet orphans and we thank you.  With your generous heart, talent, beauty, and grace I know you will do amazing things.

Hey everyone! You know those people on your list who are hard to get gifts for (the ones that just popped into your head when I said that…dad)?  Well how about donating in their honor today?  It is a great gift that fits with any budget because you can donate $5 dollars or $500.  Seriously why not skip the crazy packed malls and give a meaningful gift that will bless more than just the one you give it to.  🙂

(Photos by: Jennifer Recio)

“On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six geese a laying.”

Today’s beautiful lady is Sara and I am so grateful for her.  She is such a servant and is truly a blessing.  Not to mention I enjoy laughing with her!  I am thankful that she is willing to jump in and help people when they need it.

Hello! My name is Sara and I have been blessed to know Elaini the 3 years that we’ve gone to church together.  When I first heard about the 100 Days Project and the $50,000 goal, I had to chuckle.  That is so God’s sense of humor to ask us to do things so totally beyond our comfort zone, if only to remind us that in our weakness His strength is made perfect.  I have been so encouraged in watching Elaini’s humble obedience and by seeing God’s faithful provision as He has continued to meet her in this project.  I am so excited that because of what God & Elaini have done together, 110 Orphans in India have a place to call home this Christmas. So far, I have been able to raise $280 towards my individual goal, and I am looking forward with eager anticipation to see God bring in the rest of the 50,000 by the end of this year!

Sara, I am truly thankful for all the hard work you have been putting into this to help me and these sweet orphans.  You’re beautiful in so many ways and I love you.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to give yet please feel free to donate a little today.  Even $10 dollars makes a big difference in a child’s life. 🙂

(Photos by: Dorene Vandermeer)

(Feather fascinator by Unveiled Bridal Designs)

“On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five golden rings.”

I’m happy to have you “meet” Raquel today.  I really appreciate her enthusiasm, heart for others, and willingness to jump into this project. 🙂  She is really sweet, fun, and stunningly beautiful and I am excited for you to hear from her.

Hello there! My name is Raquel. I live in the beautiful and amazing northwest. I am the second-oldest of 7 children, daughter to two amazing parents, friend to many and devoted bond servant of our LORD.
I met Miss Elaini a few months ago at the Portland Rebelution…I thought she was a crazy, amazing lady…and I wanted to join her. I found out about the 12 Days of Christmas idea she had via Facebook (yes, good things *do* come from that website) and I was so excited at an opportunity to help her out…and all those sweet children in India. So far, I have only raised $75…a far cry from $1,000…but I am trusting that God will help me reach that goal…and have faith that He can double – or even triple! – that amount.
Thank you so much! Merry Christmas and may God richly bless you!!

Thank you dear! It has been so great getting to know you better.  I can’t wait to see how God uses you. 🙂

UPDATE!!!!! $42,044.90  😀   Will you please give $10 dollars today to help us get one step closer to our goal?

(Photos by: Dorene Vandermeer)

(Raquel)

“On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four calling birds.”

If there is such a thing as kindred spirits this beautiful lady would be the closest one I have ever come across.  I love her deeply and am amazed that the Lord would give me such an incredible friend.  I hope her story blesses you as her life has blessed me.  Her gown is inspired by the color of a blue bird and we added feathers too just for fun.  Of course the phone is the calling part. 😉  Without further ado it is with great pleasure that I introduce Elizabeth to you today.

Do you ever close your eyes and smile at a memory?  If so, you’ve looked like me trying to write this.  I’m Lee and I live in Denver, Colorado.  Almost a year ago I remember one of my closest friends telling me, “I think I’m going crazy.”  For the next few hours we talked about her heart for orphans in India and an idea to wear a dress for 100 days.  When she mentioned her goal was 50K, I started praying.  Hard.

You see, this project hits close to my heart because I’ve been fatherless for almost 7 years.  My father left us financially stable, yet there have been intense holes in our hearts and lives.  I can’t even imagine how painful it must be for an orphan who has the additional hardship of financial concerns.  Not only are they fatherless, they’re homeless.

I must admit, supporting orphans is very personal to me.  Now I’m 23 and I still miss my dad every day.  James 1:27 says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…”  I long to please the heart of Almighty God, and it’s thrilling to know I can do something pure and undefiled in His eyes by caring about those who have nothing to offer me in return.

If you’re reading this, then you already care about these little children.  Thank you for loving those who are unloved and remembering those so easily forgotten.  Thank you for helping Miss Elaini bless these orphans.  May you have a wonderful Christmas knowing you’re helping little ones celebrate Christ’s birth in a warm place, possibly experiencing love for the first time.

Lee thank you.  I can’t express that enough.  You have a big piece of my heart gorgeous girl.

UPDATE $41,759.90 🙂  Will you please give $10 dollars today to help us get one step closer to our goal?

(Photos by: Dorene Vandermeer)

(Feather fascinator by Unveiled Bridal Designs)

“On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three French hens.”

Hello everyone! Today’s fashion look for day 3 was inspired by vintage French dressing and the colors and feathers of a red hen.  I met Marissa when she was 17 and in the hospital bravely battling cancer.  Four years later this amazing lady has run a marathon, competed in the Miss Oregon pageant, inspired numerous people, and is a shining light for Jesus.  She’s always willing to jump in and help someone.  When I spoke to her about this project her response was, “What can I do?”  I so appreciate her giving, joyful heart.

Marissa has run races in honor of friends that have passed on and are no longer with us.  I admire her for running because she can, knowing that it is a gift, and for remembering those that can’t.  In light of that fact would you be willing to donate in memory of a loved one or friend today?  Or just donate because you are alive and have today to change another life?  Just $10 feeds an orphan for 2 months.  Would you be willing to sacrifice some small thing (maybe just a lunch out) so that a sweet child will not go hungry?

Thank you Marissa for being a hero for these children!  I am so grateful to know you and I love you.  You’re beautiful inside and out.

UPDATE $41,729.90  🙂

(Photos by: Dorene Vandermeer)

(Feather fascinator by Unveiled Bridal Designs)