The Curvy Life: Some Hearts Have More Room Than Others + A GIVEAWAY

Hi Ya'll!

I told you that I had a great story + an awesome giveaway today and I'm not going to let you down!

While recently browsing Etsy for bridesmaids gifts, I came across Sarah's Etsy store, Sara Nan Designs and was instantly in love with her products. But what caught my eye more than her designs was her "WHY I DO WHAT I DO" statement. Sarah has that "extra room in her heart" that only really special people are given. She has that spot for orphans. Yes, we all get an "angel" off the tree each year at Christmas to help out our local orphans but wish deep down there was more we could do. I'm one of those that wishes I could do more but never makes the move to DO more. Sarah's not like that.

Here is Sarah's story, in her words...

First off- a HUGE thank you to Heather for inviting me to be part of her blogging community! It just warms the cockles of my heart to have somebody willing to not just promote my shop but also give a shout out to kids who have touched my life in a very real way for the last 4 years.

I have been to Romania for 2 week trips 4 years in a row now to do orphanage work in "boarding schools in South-Western Romania. We all have heard that it takes 4 (or more!) complements to erase just one negative comment from our thinking. Many of the kids I work with are considered "special needs" and rejected by their parents and society at large. I have heard countless stories of neglect, abuse, abandonment, poverty, and desperation. They need lots hugs and prayers from as many people as possible. Each year I go back it confirms in their hearts one more time that they are worthy of love and sacrifice. It is very difficult to leave my own three beautiful boys each year but I also believe that they have gained a global perspective from my trips and photographs. I truly LOVE the kids I see every year and the staff who have committed their lives to working with them as they grow. For each heartbreaking story I hear I also see redemption, rescues, and success stories. Many people ask if our family will adopt from Romania someday and truly it had been our dream as a couple to do so when we first married. However, Romania closed the doors to international adoption after becoming part of the European Union so this is the best we can do.

In May 2012 I was able to bring a suitcase full of shoes and winter boots. My husband experienced the fun this year also and joined a team that took the older boys on a backpacking trip for some serious God time and mentoring. It was, as always, a life changing experience.

November is a month of thanksgiving and giving. I will be giving 30% of all profits from Etsy and craft shows to a warm winter clothing fund for the kids you see here.

Thank you!

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." Jesus (John 14:18)

Here are some pictures from Sarah's Journey's:

If that doesn't touch your heart, make sure it's still beating!

Sarah has a blog, check it out, here! You can see more pics and read more about her Romanian adventures! She also has a link on her blog to H2H International, a charity for Romanian orphans.

There are so many hurting children in our world and I know that, if you're like me, you wish that you could hug and love EACH and EVERY one of them. This is just one story of someone that makes a REAL difference in the world! One day, I hope to make a difference like Sarah!

Now, wipe your tears and get ready to see the awesome giveaway sponsored by:

Sarah's Etsy Store, Sarah Nan Designs!

that up there is a link to her store....shop til you drop!

And you don't have to wait for the giveaway to end, Sarah Nan Designs is donating 30% of all sales to bringing warm clothes and boots to Romanian Orphans!! Her prices are AH-MAZING, too! GO. SHOP. It will make you feel better, I promise!!

Here are a few of my favs from Sarah Nan Designs:

And, here is the ADORABLE bag she's giving away to ONE lucky winner!

I can think of so many things I'd use this bag for!

Lip gloss. Money. Receipts. Medicine (I always have it randomly floating around my purse) Pens. Jewelry for travel. I could go on...you get the point!