It's March! April 8th (Our court date in Ethiopia) is right around the corner. Then May 12 (Embassy date) will be right around the corner from there. Pam and I are starting to make trip plans. One of the main things we are planning is taking things to the orphanage. Our adoption agency (CWA) gave us a wish list. Something to remember is that though it may cost us a little more to take it with us, Ethiopia is suffering through astronomical inflation. Last year it peaked at 67% and this past January it was down to 37%. Consider the fact that almost 80% of the population of Ethiopia lives below the poverty line ($2 per day); living hand to mouth is sometimes more than "all they can do to get by". EVERYTHING is costing them more and more to buy everyday, especially food! Inflation for us in the US in 2008 averaged less than 4%!!
We are going to take some of those large plastic tubs/containers and carry as much as we can with us. We need your help in supplying these things. We'll also need to have donations to help pay for the excess baggage cost, as well. Below is an abbreviate list, of things that are important and can fit in those containers:
Anti-fungal cream
Anti-biotic cream
Disposable latex gloves
Hand sanitizer
Liquid vitamins with iron and/or anti-worming agent
Baby formula (powdered)
Baby toiletries (baby powder, soap, diaper rash ointment, lotion, etc)
Baby wipes
Plastic baby bottles
Bottle brushes
Children underwear (either sex, all sizes)
Toothbrushes & toothpaste (children and adult staff)
Toiletries for the nannies and staff
Children's Christian DVDs (teaches English & ministers to them as well)
Zip Lock bags (from sandwich size to extremely large)
Vegetable seeds for their gardens
Twin bed sheets & pillow cases
Coloring books & Crayons
Note books
Jump ropes
Puzzles
Small sturdy toys
Small kitchen utensils (vegetable peelers, small knives, serving spoons, dish cloths)
Along that same vein, Pam and I are still trying to raise funds for our adoption and trip. Right now we're about $5000 short. Since I lost my job, it's going to be even harder. If you want to help, you can give by using the Donate button on the right side of our blog. We are also going to need a few things for when we come back with the 3-2-B ours (Who will soon be 3-Who-R ours).
We don't know what sizes they are right now, just small.
Boys Jeans & T-Shirts (size 5-14)
Girls clothes (size 5-10)
Remember if you want to donate directly to CWA for Food4kids or any of their other projects, go to www.cwa.org.
Feel free to ask us for more information.
Blessings
Juan
THE JOHNSON CHRONICLES: FOLLOW THE JOHNSON FAMILY'S UPS AND DOWNS!
2 comments:
I am so excited about your 3-2-B! Every time reader tells me that you have a new post,it is one of the first ones I check!
I have no experience with this, but I am wondering if there is any way to contact the airline ahead of time and explain that you are bringing orphanage donations. Maybe you could find someone who would have the ability to reduce the charges or even get the tubs there for free.
Even though times are hard, when we are trying to do good, especially in God's name, doors open... and it is heartening to everyone who sees.
Continuing to pray for your family (here and abroad)!
I like mykidsmomx4's idea as it relates to the cost of shipping the tubs...which airline wants the negative press of NOT helping struggling people?? The fact that you are so sincere in your desire to help the Ethiopians doesn't mean you shouldn't use your American cunning, lol!
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