Tasty Treats #3: Chicken Lettuce Wraps

(side note: my apologies for the lack of blog posts last week.  sometimes life just gets in the way... sometimes in the form of technical difficulties... sometimes in the form of the flu... and sometimes both)

The holidays are over but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy some good cooking from our "Taste of Heaven" cookbook.  So in the spirit of starting of this year right we're going to talk about a little blessing called Chicken Lettuce Wraps. (yum)

These little tasty sensations were introduced to me a few years ago at a little get together at my sister's house.  "Try them," she said.  "They taste just like PF Chang's!  They're amazing!"

So I did.

And they were.

Yes I have many a fond memory with these little friends... Christmas parties, Superbowl parties, special get togethers.  Such a treat.

I was unable to make these to share with the office, but a reliable source who has mastered this recipe (my sister) informs me that while they may not be the easiest recipe in the book, their definitely worth it.  

Agreed.

On another note:  

Orphan advocate/ church fund partner, Joy, is selling an extra ticket to the Tostitos BCS National Championship game on ebay and giving all the money to Lifesong!  Right now the current bid is at $3,650!  Whoo-hoo!  Thank you, Joy!

check it out here

Have a beautiful Thursday!

Soup's on...

I'm sure many you remember our friend, Addisyn Block, who has been continually advocating for orphans, specifically for our kiddos at Lifesong Ethiopia after her visit there this summer. (check out previous blog posts about Addisyn here and here)

We recently received this letter from Addisyn along with her lunch money for the past several months.  That's right--this school year, Addisyn has eaten the African soup she saw Gary and Peggy Ifft make in Ethiopia every day, and is donating the money normally spent on lunch to kids in Africa. 

Yeah...we think it's great too!

Thanks again Addisyn for your continued support and amazing example...we feel so blessed to partner with you in serving the fatherless.

Godabuildawell

Who would have thought that building wells in Illinois could build a well in Honduras?

Lifesong Honduras has accepted more children into their care and went from 5,000 to 20,000 gallons of water needed per day. Their 20 year old well was damaged in a 2007 earthquake and needs to be replaced in order to provide clean drinking water for the kids at their orphanage. Total cost for the well: $9,500.

A local young adult small group has taken up the challenge to creatively raise the funds for this project by building & selling these wishing wells to help build a well in Honduras! So far, they've raised over $1700.00!

Thanks so much Pontiac Bible Church for your partnership & support!

To stay up-to-date on this project go to GodabuildawellFacebook's page!

Can we do it?

This summer our church had their annual VBS program.  We had the kids raise money to support a Vacation Bible Camp at Lifesong Liberia.  Well, the response of these 5-11 year olds brought tears to my eyes.  We heard stories about kids doing extra chores around the house and emptying their piggy banks.  One child even asked if this year's Christmas money could go to helping these children across the world!  wow!

That week we raised more than double what we needed!  That same week our Liberia director, Emmanuel Jones, discovered another orphanage that needed our help.  Another orphanage where the children were starving.  Another orphanage that we could help with extra money raised by children in Illinois.

Amazing!  God's timing is so good, isn't it?

We announced to the kids that their money would not only give Liberian children a Bible camp to attend, but would also provide food and shelter for over 25 more children!  Oh the cheers that filled the Sunday School room that evening.  They whooped and hollered.  I cried.  God is good!

2010 Liberia VBS from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.

Over 360 children attended!

67 children dedicated their lives to Christ!

75 adults came, and 11 of them received Christ!

Bishop Emmanuel Jones writes:

It was heart touching and very moving to watch for three days.  I saw the children change in a dramatic way in their relationship with God and with each other.  

The camp was profound and the children left very encouraged and blessed.  We have started a church in the community in order to continue discipleship and follow up with these new believers."

But this was only the beginning.  Now, with more children we have more cost.  Funds are tight and we need help.  

Here's the exciting part.  If we surpass our goal of 70 sponsors we can take in more children!  Children who would otherwise be turned away!

Our goal is 70 people. $28 a month. One year commitment. 

We currently have 25 commitments... 45 to go in just 3 days!

Can we do it?  With your help we can!

Join us in bringing joy and purpose to orphans.

Contact us at info@lifesongfororphans.org to commit! 

Amazed by these huge hearts...

As Gary and I drove up to Jude and Harper Thompson’s beautiful home, we were immediately impressed by the number of international children attending this fund raising event.  It was a heavenly sight to see adopted children from China, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Korea (and others) running hand in hand with their American siblings and friends. 

This fund raiser, put on by the CEO of Papa John’s, was planned with children in mind. They offered pony rides, donkey-pulled cart rides, an inflatable obstacle course, a petting zoo, cow milking,  face painting, cotton candy, snow cones, candy, and all the Papa John’s Pizza you could eat.  

We enjoyed meeting several families who had raised funds through Lifesong’s adoption grant and loan program.   We loved hearing their stories and were amazed by the huge hearts of these adoptive parents.  When they found out we were with Lifesong for Orphans, they thanked us over and over for the work we do.  Many said that they could not have adopted if it were not for the fund raising opportunity they had through Lifesong.  But, of course, they are the real heroes and Gary and I are privileged to be part of their adoption journeys." --Marla Ringger, Orphan Advocate

Thank you, Jude and Harper, for hosting this fabulous fundraising event! We are so grateful for your advocacy, your friendship, and the passion God has given you to care for the fatherless! May He continue to bless the work of your hands!