puzzle, vendor show & homestudy...

There's alot to update....

WOW!!! SO far we have sold 54 pcs~woohoo!

Many thanks to all who contributed! Especially a few young kids who donated their OWN money. Thanks to Debbie, Sally & Michael Barth and Shane & Dylan Ryder...you guys are AWESOME!!!!! Please keep telling your family & friends about the puzzle!

Click on the pic to see it bigger & Look for your name!

Your name isn't there?? Use the chip-in to buy a piece!

Last Friday I opened my home to 7 different vendors, Tastefully Simple, Cookie Lee, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Willow House, Tupperware & Thirty one these ladies sold quite a bit of stuff! Each of them will donate a portion of sales to help bring Mira home. What a FUN way to raise $$...lots of good food, shopping & friends. I will have exact figures for you soon! (But I think it was worth it!!)

We are waiting for the rough draft of our homestudy, should be early this week! Yippee. Greg and I have completed 1/2 of our required education classes, we should be complete by the end of the weekend! There's a few misc papers to turn in and then we are complete! I am still learning the details of what comes next... it is my understanding that we have a series of notarizations, certifications & authentications to do. Praying for a smooth process to get our little girl home soon!!! I'll keep you posted!

Leapin & Prayin~Vanessa

Update...

Double update...
Only 2 pieces this week.....ugggh! It's just $10, spread the word!!! It would be sad to only have 26 names on the puzzle!!!!
I know many are wondering how things are progressing~ other than financially!! Well...Greg and I had fingerprints done on Tuesday last week... e had a water test completed on Thursday & we had a MAJOR home inspection on Friday! For those who aren't familiar, during your adoption process you are required to have a "favorable homestudy" completed. This includes a number of things but during this phase you have a walk thru of your home... yes your ENTIRE home. They open EVERY closet, closed door etc. On this visit they also interview indepth each member of the house....yep kids too! One never knows what the kids might say! Well, I am happy to say all is well so far. As a matter of fact the only thing they are waiting for at this point is the final phase of the homestudy which is the couples interview...a 3 hour couples interview... Greg and I have been together 21 years and I am certain we don't have 3 hours worth of conversation!!! The funny part will be if he stays awake for 3 hours of talking!!! This appointment is on Tuesday May 31st. After that appointment the homestudy people will take about 2 weeks to write a favorable homestudy. Oh, I almost forgot...Greg & I have to do 12 hours of parenting courses online. Once the homestudy is received we will eligible for grants to assist with the upcoming fees. At this point I am not certain of the timeline to Mira but I am predicting it will be November. But we know God is in control, so it will be on His time!
We have a few other fundraisers coming up.. A list will be posted soon! I will update with success stories after each one!

1st puzzle update

I am happy to announce the puzzle fundraiser is underway. Many thanks to everyone that contributed and also to those who spread the word! Keep it spreading PLEASE!!!! We have sold 24 pieces...476 to go~lol! We continue to know that God is in control and He will provide. Everyday is one step closer to bringing our sweet Mira home and getting her the medical care she needs in addition to the love of her forever family!

Below you will see the section of puzzle we have completed and you will also see a photo of the back with the names of those who have contributed!

thanks again!!!

Love n prayers,

The Newman's

Be A "PIECE" of Mira's Future

I have to say I cannot take credit for this idea, however I FEEL CERTAIN no one will care since it is for a good cause! Greg and I have spent hours, literally hours trying to find the "perfect" way to raise money for Mira. Well, hear it goes...



We feel it is important to be able to share with Mira how many people were involved with bringing her home. We know there are many people following us, praying for us and listening to our story. What a great way for her to SEE just how many!! We bought this beautiful 500 pc. puzzle,

we want to "sell" each piece for $10. For a $10 donation we will write your name or your family name on the BACK of the piece. Once the puzzle is completed it will be framed in a custom made double sided frame and hung in her room so that when Mira comes home she will be able to SEE how many people it took to be a "PIECE of her future." We will update often with photos... remember ALL pieces must be sold!! So we ask that you share this anyway you can.. email lists, facebook~ whatever!! Many people have questioned using the chip-in on the side of this site, it takes you directly to PAYPAL if you use this method please write the name you want on the back of the piece in the sellers notes section. If you are uncomfortable with that but want to donate, feel free to mail a check made payable to :

Vanessa Newman

2169 Woodview Road

Finksburg, Md 21048


Please include the name you wish to have on it.
Many thanks to all who are praying for this journey! We are just following the Lord's direction in this whole process!

Love 'n Prayers,

The Newman's

Take a look!!

We're the feeling the crunch~ the funding crunch that is!!!
Take a look at our new fundraising page!
100% of the profit goes directly to bring Mira home!!!!
WOOOHOO!!
All items custom made!
Please feel free to spread the word to all your friends!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIRA!!!!

As I sit here, it is 8:54pm on Tuesday evening...
Right now it is Wednesday am in China. It is Mira's 5th birthday. Well, not her actual birthday but her "given" birthday. Do they recognize birthdays at the orphanage?? I wish we could call her to sing "HAPPY BIRTHDAY".

I feel at such a loss with what I am supposed to do...we really need to begin fundraising but I am so unsure of where to start. I have a zillion ideas but don't know where to begin. Viral dollar pledge? Puzzle fundraiser? Coffee? Quarter Auction?? Bingo?? Family Fun Fair?? AGGGHHH!!!! At this point, I will just pray...God has his hand in this, he will not leave us to deal with this alone....He always provides.

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET MIRA~
WE'RE ONE DAY CLOSER TO YOU!!!!

CHINA said YESSS!!!

I am soooo excited, it is now official. China sent their PA (pre-approval) last night! We are Mira's parents! The paperwork chase has begun & we are praying for a smooth process! I ask that anyone who has facebook, please post the link to this blog. www.leapingformira.blogspot.com As stated earlier this is a leap of faith!