The LAST one...

This is it guys.  This is our last fundraiser.  Can I even express how AMAZINGLY FREEING it feels to type that?  We haven't met our goal quite yet - but we have GREAT faith that God is going to take care of us - just like he has every single step of our way.  We are expecting TREMENDOUS things to come of this fundraiser. 

So - as you know - we are two weeks away from a VERY special day...Let me give you a hint...

Yes.  That is right.  Mother's Day is quickly approaching.  For the second year in a row, we are having our Mother's Day Adoption Fundraiser.  This year we will be selling cake pop bouquets and Ugandan Necklaces.  

It is the perfect combination - chocolate and jewelry - PLUS the money goes towards helping our kiddos fly from Lubumbashi to their forever home.  

A bouquet of 6 cake pops and 1 Ugandan necklace can be purchased for $30.00.  

  

Cake pops + Beautiful Necklace = Happy Mommas

We will be taking orders until May 2nd.  We also have a limited amount of solid red BEAUTIFUL magazine necklaces as well as the multi-colored necklaces.  We will also be selling cake pop bouquets (six cake pops) for $10.00.  Message me on facebook OR email us at thechalosadoptionjourney@gmail.com.   We will take payment upon delivery.  

Will you help us spread the word?  

Thanks!!! 

The Chalos Family 

We are up to ours ears in Chakula...

Tonight we embarked on a venture that I have been wanting to try for quite some time. We, along with some pretty fabulous friends, had an African feast. It was super yummy. We have been looking for recipes that we could include as part of our weekly cooking when the kiddos get home, in hopes that they might find some comfort in something familiar. We instructed friends to come with an open mind and fresh palate. I have to say that we are super impressed that all friends tried at least one dish - and what is even more impressive - the night didn't end like that scene in Bridesmaids ( you know the one). So here are a few pics of preparing the food. I am sad to say that by the time we finished cooking - we were so hungry - we forgot to take any photos. Oh well - we can def make some of these happen again. Oh - the menu was: African chicken peanut stew, Chakalaka (vegetarian bean dish) Kuku Paka (chicken in coconut curry sauce), brown rice and quinoa, flat bread, plantain chips, fresh mango

The Big Reveal

We did it! 

The room is finished!!! (loud clapping and cheers commence)  

Well - let's be honest.  We will be tweaking things until they are home.  But we thought that since it will probably only look like this for this very brief moment in time, we would share. So enjoy.

  

Surreal.

     That is how the Chalos family feels for now.  On Friday, we received word that our papers had completed their time in the court.  They had received all necessary stamps and signatures.  WOO HOO!!! That means that now our facilitator will be working to gather our kiddos' passports and other important documents.  Once those documents are in his hands, our embassy appointment will be scheduled.  That means - WE ARE BRINGING OUR KIDDOS HOME!!!! It is really happening.  Sooner than we even imagined.  We are beyond elated.  We are just praising God for his perfect timing in our life - for his abundant blessings - for his never ending grace.  

    Today we spent a lovely relaxing time shopping yard sales, children's stores, and (my personal favorite) Essex for our kids.  It was SO.MUCH.FUN! Of course now my mind is going bananas.  Some would call this nesting.  I would call it nesting on crack.  We have done so much along the way, but no amount of preparation can stop a Mama from obsessing over the cleanliness of the house/making sure we have what they need/becoming expert on all things Africa -  which can lead to an extended time of mopping, dusting, washing the windows, 2 am blog readings,  strapping our furry loves, dolls and even friend's kids into the car seat that we just bought - just to make sure it is safely installed, etc.... Although that may sound like the makings of a lunatic - it is actually the joy and excitement of a family who has waiting so long to bring their kiddos home.  So if by some chance, I text you at three in the morning asking what type of detergent you use to wash your kids clothes, please give me a little grace, laugh with me, and join in our joy.  :) 

Oh and don't forget to come out and eat LOTS of chicken and ice cream on Wednesday. (seriously I am NOT joking about the ice cream.  It is DELICIOUS and you get a TON.)    

Much love,

The Happy Chalos' :)