What Comes Next: Part II {Repost for the Noonday blog train!}

So what now?

A few things have been clear. Our family is a family of eight. It's really difficult to speak that out loud. Not because I have a burning desire for more children or feel as though we would even have more to give as parents....But because there are many children RIGHT NOW that need parents. I would be so very happy to talk to anyone about adoption, and specifically a little guy named Joshua that lived with our kids in Haiti...http://reecesrainbow.org/22146/josiah. We, and several other families, are committed to finding him a home--- including helping financially and with fundraising. He already has a sizeable grant through Reece's Rainbow.

Here's where we believe God is leading us. We will support adopting families in any way that we can. Be it with information, a shoulder to cry on, or fundraising. We are there. All in because we have traveled that journey. We will also be a support to families after the children come home,to the best of our ability. We know the feeling of being thrown into a deep pit when parenting little strangers who have traumatic backgrounds. We also know the sheer beauty of the little strangers turning into sons and daughters and the relief you feel when you realize the sun is shining again.

We have thought about and searched for a way we can use our skill sets and personalities to help prevent children from becoming orphans in the first place. To consider that mamas and daddies around the world are just like us in many ways, and need to be able to raise their children with dignity. We have tried to consider the tough stuff, but I'm sure we will still make mistakes and fail along the way. But the fear of that cannot prevent action. What we have absolutely wanted to avoid is treating anyone else as though we are somehow the saviors or hold all the power in a relationship. In looking at different organizations, we have tried our best to take that into account.

Mitch is a business guy. Has the full credentials,even-- MBA and CPA. Would be a total nerd alert if he weren't so personable, funny, and able to carry on in a social setting fairly well. I am a nurse practitioner, but also have this weird draw to business. I like to analyze things and think about marketing strategy, etc. I've also always really liked clothes and style and being just a little bit different when it comes to my expression of my personality through what I wear. Always having felt a little guilty about this part of me, I think I've come to reconcile that it is OK to wear beautiful things and express ourselves through style. What I HAVE been convicted about is that I really need to know where my clothing and jewelry are made and by whom. Unfortunately I've discovered (maybe late in the game) that if I'm getting a stellar deal, someone along the way has probably been exploited. Through friends and blogs and other research, I am realizing that we really do have power in what we purchase.

So all of the swirling thoughts above have kind of melded into one focus for right now. And it's a beautiful company called Noonday Collection. I first heard about Noonday while we were in process to adopt from Haiti. Honestly I cannot remember where, but I think it was through another adopting family's blog. The more I have read about and researched Noonday, the more respect and love I have for this company. You see, Noonday was started a few years ago initially as an adoption fundraiser. It has grown into so much more than that, however,and is now striving to give a global market to extremely gifted artisans around the world. These artisans have been in vulnerable places of poverty and benefit from fair wages and community development through Noonday. Through Noonday they are given an audience for their craft and dignified work. This is providing sustainable change for families and communities. And there are no doubt some parents who are able to now raise their children rather than place them for adoption due to the steady income that Noonday has provided.

I have come to a place of wanting to invest in business like this. To use my buying power to help create a pathway out of poverty for vulnerable people whose artistry amazes me. I want to partner with a business like this that gives these artisans the business savvy of someone who went to the best business school in this country (the co-CEO). To join with other people and market these gorgeous products in places where they do not have a voice.

So, friends, that's where you can join me, too. Noonday is sold primarily through trunk shows. Noonday trunk shows are all about seeing the artisans' craftsmanship and hearing their stories. I absolutely LOVE wearing something and knowing the story of a real woman or man who touched and crafted that piece.

If you are interested in hosting a trunk show or hearing more about Noonday, please email me at karamenning.noonday@yahoo.com or private message me through facebook. If you would like to attend a trunk show, there are several coming up. Buying online is also an option, but not nearly as much fun :). If you are in the process of adopting, Noonday provides fundraising opportunities and I would love to talk more with you about that, as well. I'm really excited about this and it has been so energizing for me to think about how I can best help give a market to and promote these items here in Utah. I welcome any questions or thoughts, friends.

I am so happy to be giving away a $50 gift voucher to purchase anything you would like from my site!
To enter, all you need to do is comment here on which Noonday piece is your favorite and why. I'll select a winner at random one week from today. And if you haven't already, get on the blog train, friends! There's still lots of time to win gorgeous items from some of the most amazing women I have met via their blogs. You can visit Lindsey's blog post from yesterday and don't forget to check out Miriam's post tomorrow for more chances at free gorgeousness!

Ok, friends, let me know your faves! You have one week to check out my Noonday site and comment below for a chance at a $50 Noonday Collection gift voucher!