Giveaway Update

I want to check in and give an update on the Vietnam fundraiser. We are 29% of the way to our goal. I ESPECIALLY want to personally thank all 28 people who have already contributed. Each and every one of you have made a difference. I could not do this without your help. Your comments to me were amazing and I appreciate every word.

I am so glad I have met a lot of nice people the last few weeks who have bent over backwards to help me out. I have to be honest and tell you a few weeks ago I felt so defeated and felt like giving up. I was in tears one day and wondering WHY I was doing this (I got a few less then encouraging emails and posts). I have so much on my plate right now with my 5 kids and my Husband working 16 hour days for the last 3 months (Which means as a SAHM I am working 16+ hour days). I am trying to potty train twins and I am beyond exhausted when I finally fall into bed very late at night. Why was I adding something else to my list? I have searched my heart and soul and realize I am doing this because I can not close my eyes at night without remembering and seeing the children of Vietnam; the severe poverty all around me. Living conditions that were beyond appalling. Children of 5 years old alone on the streets selling postcards when they should be in school. Woman 7 months pregnant telling my Husband she is so hungry, hasn't ate in days and asking if he wants a "good time" for 50 cents. Poverty so severe you either give your child away or they will die in your arms. These are the things that haunt me when I close my eyes at night. I have to do something. Even if it is just a little drop in the bucket. If we all band together all the little drops will add up and the bucket will soon be overflowing.

I know times are hard right now but I read something the other day that hit home."Even if the current economy has wiped out a quarter or more of your wealth, your still rich by global standards". Take a second and think about this. This one little sentence has changed my outlook on my own situation. As hard as it is in the US right now imagine being in a third world country during these trying times. The poorer we get, the poorer the world gets. In the scheme of things $10 is just a few cups of that expensive coffee a week. In a third world country it could build a house for a family. I know what my choice would be.

I have to thank one extra special person. Laurie over at Pho for Five went out of her way to contact me with the most encouraging email, gave me tons of great ideas and she blogged extensively about my giveaway on her VERY popular blog. Thanks again Laurie. I also want to thank Lani and Amanda over at the great website multiples and more who offered to feature my blog and my giveaway tomorrow. Thank you everybody else who has took the time to blog about my cause.

I am sure you will all understand when I say I have decided to extend the giveaway/fundraiser until May 31, 2009. I have received a lot of coverage lately but still have some avenues to pursue. This turned out to be a lot harder then I originally anticipated because of the economy. I want to give this the best shot I can. The ultimate purpose of this is to build that house for that needy family but I am very glad someone will end up with a brand new stroller in the end. I just want to let you all know even if I do not meet my goal (which would be very sad) the stroller will still be given away. The odds of winning this stroller are outstanding for all of you who join because participation has been so low. Remember you can still give to the cause even if you do not want a chance to win the stroller (Maybe you live outside of the US or you only have $5.00 to give right now). No contribution is too small. I want to thank the few of you who have already contributed without participation in the giveaway. This was a very selfless thing for you to do and it will be greatly appreciated by a very needy family.