Friday, September 13, 2013

A September Symphony

 It starts out small.  A solo piece.

A single instrument playing a sweet little melody.  Calling the other instruments to follow.

I stare at the score in shock.  Seriously?  I can't do this.  I'm not even first string.  Why do I have to start?  It's complicated.  It requires precision.  I'm not sure my fingers can move that quickly or accurately.  I plead with the Conductor.  Pick someone else.  This score is too hard.  Too complicated. 

He smiles.

Play.

You can do it.

Just play.

All night.  Tears.  Prayers.  How can I play?

The Conductor keeps changing the score.  Into the night He changes it.  My little solo piece changing right along with it. 

I am fearful to start.

He smiles.

Play.

----------------------------

Four families.

Through the week I shared the songs of three of them.

The Dobrovits singing a NEW SONG.


The Tam family adding in their SAD MELODY.



And the Rowe family seeking after their FORSAKEN TUNE.


 
I thought I was finished, but last night the Writer of the Score added another strain.
 
I almost missed it.  I wasn't listening.  But late last night the Conductor tapped and we finally heard. 
 
 
A few of the notes are missing from this strain.  There are moments of silence in remembrance of the two whose voices were silenced.
 
 
The sounds of the locked gates and guards closing the doors of their country meant that they would never know the love of a family who wanted more than anything to go get them.
 
They grieved their loss.
 
Letting go ripped their hearts in two.
 
But instead of taking their music and leaving, they stayed.  They listened.  They heard.
 
In another place.  Two lost but oh, so sweet strains blending together into a precious song that reached their ears.
 
10825232256 10825233124
 
Wiping tears from their eyes they changed course.
 
Set their hearts in another direction to bring those two lost strains home.
 
They are close.  So very close to crossing the ocean.
 
Sadly promises made to them were broken.  Funds were supposed to have been given to remove the financial burden from their shoulders. 
 
Fully funded no longer rings true in their ears.  Instead they face the harsh reality of needing thousands.
 
Late into the night the Conductor worked. 
 
The Lost Strains added into our musical score.
 
The Deutsch family and their precious sweet strains.
 
---------------------------------
 
I pick up my instrument.
 
I stare at the music.  Tears running freely down my face.
 
It's beautiful.
 
The musical score amazing.
 
Melodies and tunes and strains blending together to form perfect harmonies.
 
And in the midst of it all is a little Boys Choir.
 
Only five boys in this choir.
 
They look out of place in their appearance.  Their clothes ragged.  Their heads shorn. 
 
They don't sit still and quiet in their seats.  They are boys after all.  Untrained. 
 
Yet when they begin their little chorus the audience erupts. Torn between weeping and laughing as the little ragtag group sings their perfect little piece.
 
                                                           Brenton                   Dagmar
brenton-update-cropped 30520133548 
 
                                               Pearson                   Porter                     Grady

30520132428 Porter 2013 30520133224
 
It is quite perfect.  Quite perfect indeed.
 
A SEPTEMBER SYMPHONY
 
It starts.
 
---------------------------------
 
Each family has been gifted with matching grants. 
 
Carla and Paul Dobrovits - 2,500 matching grant (Reece's Rainbow grant needs to read $22,881.00)
Click HERE for their blog
 
Renee and Steve Tam - 3,000 matching grant (Reece's Rainbow grant needs to read $11,236.00)
Click HERE for their blog and to donate through Project Hopeful or Circle of Hope if desired

Janice and Tim Rowe - 3,700 matching grant (Reece's Rainbow grant needs to read $4,924.00)
Click HERE for their blog and to donate through their You Caring page if desired
 
Val and Bill Deutsch - 2,500 matching grant (Reece's Rainbow grant needs to read $18,078.00)
Click HERE for their blog

Each boy has also been gifted with matching grants.
 
All four of these boys are in the same lonely world.  Our son's former world.  Their futures are grim. 
They have been offered a DOUBLE matching.  IF we raise $1,000 for each of them they will each be given $2,000.00.  TWO THOUSAND FOR EACH!
 
PEARSON - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  (Reece's Rainbow grant needs to read $6224.00)
GRADY - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  (Reece's Rainbow grant needs to read $6215.00)
DAGMAR - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  (Reece's Rainbow grant needs to read $6215.00)
PORTER - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant   (Reece's Rainbow grant needs to read $8888.00)

Another matching grant has also been offered for a DESPERATELY NEEDY BOY who AGES OUT in one month. 

BRENTON - 1,000 matching grant (Reece's Rainbow grant needs to read 1,324.00)
 
For three weeks we are going to raise our voices, sing our songs and share their melodies so that we can match these grants.
 
Am I frightened?  Yes.
 
The original score for this symphony was much simpler back in August.
 
Much easier.
 
Yet when we tried to play, the melody was off.  Discord took over. 
 
I look at the musical score and I quake yet believe.
 
The Father of the Fatherless is the Director of this Symphony.
 
In HIM we Rest.
 
------------------------
 
We are matching the grants but this is also a GIVEAWAY. 
 
SCROLL BELOW TO LOOK AT OUR AMAZING PRIZES....
 
Not all the prizes have been listed... More came in last night so keep checking back because I will be listing as we go!!!
 
 
THESE ARE THE RULES:
Simple Math -   Every five dollars donated earns you one entry into our giveaway!!!

To enter, here's what you have to do:

FIRST.... You have to make at least a ten dollar donation to a family or child of your choice. 

SECOND... You have to leave a comment WITH YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME letting me know which of the families you donated to and/or which of the boys. Make sure to give me the total amount donated (I will NOT publish this if you ask me not to).

THIRD.... You can also earn entries for SHARING! So share away. Share on Twitter. Share on FB. Share on your blog!!

THAT'S IT....  YOU ARE OFFICALLY ENTERED WITH JUST A TEN DOLLAR DONATION and/or SHARING...

We will let it be between you and the Lord the size of your gift. 

BUT DON'T STOP THERE....

FOURTH.... You will also earn one entry for each additional family and/or waiting child you donate to. For example, a $50 donation spread among 3 families and  2 waiting children earns you 15 entries: 50/5 = 10 entries for the money, and 1 entry each for the families/children! So spread the love around!!!!

FIFTH.... You also get entries if you go and donate to THESE FAMILIES (Taylors, Unroes, Hortons) who are also running Giveaways at the same time as our giveaway!   If you go and donate to them and come back here and let me know that you donated to them you will ALSO gain MORE points into our Giveaway.  When you see the prizes on those giveaways.... ipads, toys, gift cards and so so much more... you will definitely want to donate...


OUR WAITING ORPHANS

I MET MY MATCH!! 
PEARSON - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant 
I NEED A FAMILY!!!
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I MET MY MATCH!!
 PORTER - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant  
I NEED A FAMILY!!!
        Porter 2013    
 
I MET MY MATCH!!
GRADY - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant 
I NEED A FAMILY!!!
30520133224 

I MET MY MATCH!!
DAGMAR - $1,000 + 1,000 matching grant 
I NEED A FAMILY!!!

 30520133548 

WE MET OUR MATCH!!
Janice and Tim Rowe - Fully Funded for Ianto.  The Rowes are still praying about a 2nd child. 
Click HERE for their blog and to donate through their You Caring page if desired.
 
 
 
WE MET OUR MATCH!!
Carla and Paul Dobrovits
 Grant needs to read $25,576.00 to be fully funded
Click HERE for their blog
The Dobrovits will be in country in just a matter of weeks!
 
 WE MET OUR MATCH!!
Val and Bill Deutsch
Grant needs to read $22,065.00 to be fully funded
Click HERE for their blog
Bill and Val are NOW IN COUNTRY!!
10825232256 10825233124
 
WE MET OUR MATCH!!
They need $3,000.00 to be fully funded!!
Click HERE for their blog and to donate through Project Hopeful or Circle of Hope if desired


I MET MY MATCH!!
MY FAMILY FOUND ME!!
brenton-update-cropped brenton-2
 



TAYLOR GIVEAWAY: 
CLICK HERE
Need $3694.00 to be fully funded!!  Their grant account needs to read $9,902.00
21121204900 (1) 21121205037 30607215151 Patience
 
HORTON GIVEAWAY:
CLICK HERE
Needs 10,894 to be fully funded!!  Their grant account needs to read $16,755.00.
Gary 158 OD Marnie_2012
 
 
IT'S SIMPLE....
 
One donation puts your name in our giveaway, with a chance to win one of these great prizes.

Extra donations increase your chances of winning some great prizes!!

Sharing also gets you entered!!

Those who can give generously should give generously.  Please give generously!

Those who can give a little, please don't hesitate to give.  Every single donation matters.  Let God do the math.  He has an amazing way of taking the tiny donations and multiplying them beyond our wildest imaginations!!

 
When our September Symphony ends, we'll choose a winner for each prize by drawing random numbers from random.org. The more entries there are beside your name, the more chances you'll have to win something great!
 
 
 OUR SYMPHONY OF PRIZES!!!!

A 2nd GENERATION IPAD
16 GB
PLUS a  BRAND NEW OTTER BOX
$412.00 Value for iPad
89.00 Value for Otter Box
Total Value $500.00
THIS PRIZE HAS BEEN DONATED IN HONOR OF HENRY DOBROVITS...
 
His music lives on.... 
 
$500.00 GIFT CARD!!!
THANK YOU Deanna
 
Canon Power Shot SX50 HS Digital Camera
Value $369.00
Thank You Renee!!
IPAD MINI
16 GB With WiFi
$329.00 Value
THANK YOU TRISH!!

 
 
WINNER CHOICE OF EITHER...
 
A Kindle Fire (159.00 value)
OR
Nintendo 3DS (178.65 value)
OR
150.00 Pick a Child or Family on Reece's Rainbow
Thank You R.
 
 
 
Used Kindle Keyboard WiFi 6"
PLUS... All three BIBLIOPLAN COMPANION e-books for a free download
$180.00 Value
 
 
 
Très Riches Heures (Months of the Year) 04
"April"
Limited Edition 1992
Mounted & Framed
The Quintessa Art Collection
Value $125.00
Thank You Sandy and Carl
 
 
A HENRY DOBROVITS ORIGINAL
This is a RARE FRAMED work of art done by Henry himself on the ipad!!
VALUE - PRICELESS!
 
A Gold-Leafed Framed Musical Score
A print of an 18th Century engraving by G Bickham Sculp
"The Chace"
An English Fox Hunting Scene
The musical score is for piano and flute!


 
A SECOND Gold-Leafed Framed Musical Score
A print of an 18th Century engraving by G. Bickham Scullp
"The Blind Boy"
An English Romantic Scene
The musical score is for piano and flute!

 
 
 
Beautifully Framed Original Chin*se Hand Embroidery on Silk
The pictures do NOT do this justice!!
 
 


 
Beautifully Framed Original Chin*se Hand Embroidery on Silk
The pictures do NOT do this justice!!
 
 


 
 
 
 
Framed Oil painting
Bouquet of Flowers
signed by Birkin



Set of Framed Vintage Floral Prints
Signed Carle
Print 1 Says:  Bouquet of Crown Imperial Lilacs and Roses No. 6
Print 2 Reads:  Stock, Ranunculas, Roses and Mallow No. 5
Value $80.00
Thank You Sandy and Carl
 
 
50.00 J.C. Penny Gift Card
Thank you Christine
50.00 Visa Gift Card
Thank You Katherine
 
25.00 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Thank You Christine
 
25.00 Visa Gift Card
Thank You Jennifer
 
AN "OUR ROOTS LIE HERE" MAP
18X24 Map of the World
No matter where your children came from - Love brought them home!
Thank You Renee!
 
Mint-Colored Bead Necklace
Second strand is removable and can be worn as a bracelet
Value $50.00
Thank You Janice
 

Faux Turquoise Necklace
Second strand of faux pearls is removable
Value $50.00
Thank You Janice
 
 
HANDPAINTED WOODEN KEEPSAKE BOX
Value $30.00
Thank You Carla
 
 BEATIFUL EARRINGS
Value $28.00
Thank You Janice
 
 
 
Set of Matryoska Dolls
Purchased in Henry Dobrovits hometown!
Value $25.00
Thank You Carla!
Memories - Priceless!
 
 
All Chalked Up
Smaller chalkboard measures approximately 10" x 3" with rope hanger. Larger chalkboard measures approximately 12" x 7"; with a scalloped edge with punched tin flower design and rope hanger.
Value $20.00
Thank You Renee
 
MICAH SIX EIGHT NECKLACE
Value $15.00
Thank You Amy!
 
FOREVERMORE NECKLACE
Value 15.00
Thank You Amy
 
$18.00 Hooked on Hope Gift Certificate
Thank you Frankie
Photo: It's a Minion Hat!!  These are very customizable. One eye or two; tuft of hair or scattered; big smile, little smile or no smile. All sizes available. $18 for one, $15 each for multiple hats.
 
 
Adoption T-Shirt of your choice
"Hello My Name is Child of the One True King"
$16-$18 Value
Thank You Brooke
Brooke is donating these to OUR giveaway despite the fact that they are ALSO fundraising for their own adoption and still need a LOT of money.
 
 
Adoption T-Shirt of your choice
"Hello My Name is Child of the One True King"
$16-$18 Value
Thank You Brooke
 
Adoption T-Shirt of your choice
"Hello My Name is Child of the One True King"
$16-$18 Value
Thank You Brooke


THERE ARE MORE PRIZES TO BE ADDED..... INCLUDING SOME BEAUTIFULLY FRAMED PICTURES AND EMBROIDERY FROM CHINA!

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:

  • Use the links to go to the sites where these wonderful adoptive families and children are receiving donations. Follow the directions there to make your generous donations.
  • THEN, come back to this blog and leave a comment to let me know two things: (1) who you donated to and (2) the total amount that you donated to ALL of the children and families that you chose to help. Because I always moderate my comments, I will be able to keep this information private if you ask me to leave it private.
  • If you prefer not to leave a comment, you can e-mail me at covenantb@yahoo.com.
NOTES:
  • ALL OF THESE DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
  • None of the money that you donate will flow through our hands; it will all go directly to the people who need it.
  • This Symphony will end on October 5.

14 comments:

  1. Julia, I donated 5 to each family...Rowes, Taylors, Unroes, Horners, and our boy Porter. I also shared on email and had my daughter share on FB and Twitter. Thanks, Nicole Niemiec

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  2. Donated $10 to all 12 families & kids. Also shared on facebook. Thank you Julia for listening to the Conductor and creating a beautiful symphony.

    Annette Bailey

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  3. I shared the giveaway on my blog.

    http://lovethychild.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-giveaway-raising-over-20000-in.html

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  4. I donated $30 to the Tam's, $20 to Brenton, and $10 to the Unroe's.
    I also shared both your's and Renee's blogs!

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  5. Hi! I donated $10 to each of the 4 families, and $20 to Dagmar. My e-mail address is nuttyoaks@gmail.com.
    May God bless you and your family in ways you never imagined!
    Tina

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  6. $10 each to Dobrovits, Rowe, Tam and Taylor - TOTALLY not fair to put all my favorite people in one plea. Especially when I haven't finished paying bills yet. . . ;-)

    Jennifer Doloski

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  7. love this!
    we donated $100 to the tam family and $20 to the taylor family.
    praying all the kiddos home quickly!!

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  8. Julia, I donated $25 to Dobrovits and $10 to Pearson. Thanks for arranging this event!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I donated $10 to each of the 4 families & $5 each to the Unroes, Hortons, & Taylors. Also Shared the Giveaway.

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  10. Donated $30 to the Tams, $10 to the Dobrovitses, $10 to the Taylors, $10 to Brenton, $10 to the Hortons. Shared on FB.
    -Jessica Cooper (but it might show up as Peter Cooper? I've had that problem before)

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  11. Donated $10 to the Dobrovits

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  12. Donated $75 to the Deutsch family. SO happy they have now met the children!

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Loving words from kind people make our hearts glad!