So my sister is safely back home in Ohio, Lulu was happily reunited, my parents are home too and all of your gifts are happily with a child. Can you believe it? Thanks again friends for your time and talent. All of these children are so precious.

It was very overwhelming to look through her photos and see all the children’s faces-the reality of it all really hit me. As we went through the photographs, Susan told me of some of the immediate needs of a few kids. Simple medical procedures that are not terribly costly for many “Westerners” and then, of course situations that ARE serious. On a personal note, my family has decided to give up a Christmas exchange and will be sending our money to some of the kids in need. I am really thrilled about this…

I have added a “Page” to my sidebar. Please feel free to browse the photos- a few are a bit more heart wrenching, but I wanted to show all of you how your kindness has touched a child. Also, this is just a sampling of the many photographs that were shot over her trip. Some orphanages would not allow photographs at all- so unfortunately we can’t see them, but you can be sure that they were happily received.

Both Susan and I will be writing each of you personally within the next month. A more detailed account of her trip will be included. Again- thank you.

my sister called me today and wanted to share with you all that the children were so excited to receive their gifts. she visited a government and a private orphanage.

the government orphanage was a very sobering visit with most of the infants having cleft pallets or other physical needs. they gave all the babies linus blankets and each babe a “Wee”-she said it was very hard to leave and felt our gifts were like “guardian angels” for these precious souls. she was not permitted to photograph any of the children.

the privately funded orphanage was a completely different experience with older kids just delighted to receive something personal. my sister told me that they just kept saying “thank you thank you!”. photos were allowed and so when she gets back, it will be fun for all of us to see them.

i was just so excited to hear from her and that customs was fine and that the kids were thrilled.

so cool everyone…

I was so excited for Susan to see all the gifts that I have been receiving over the past month. She was totally amazed and grateful for the generosity of all of you! The world really does seem like a smaller place when the care from strangers is felt with so much intensity. Every gift was made with so much care and thought- thanks again everyone. AND a thanks to those that were not able to contribute- I know many of you have read eagerly to see my “loot” and have cheered this project along.

So here is the final count:

barrettes- 104
cuffs/bracelets- 101
linus blankets- 123
pencil rolls- 103
softies- 71
wooden dolls- 60

So, now what will I be doing? Well, Lulu will be with us for 2 weeks and I anticipate lots of fun. I am hoping to find time to do some yard work, gardening, and a few handmade gifts for Penny’s upcoming birthday. There will probably be more photos than words these next few weeks, but that’s not all that bad, is it?

Check out the last of my “loot”!

I’m still mainly focused on “Made for China” and just enjoying all the lovely treats so many of you made! I have to admit, when I sent my parents off with a load of gifts I was a tad sad to see it all go…of course ecstatic as well and impatient…I can’t wait to hear of the children’s reactions.

Check out what I received today. I am sure a few more boxes will trickle in- which is fine. As I mentioned before, my sister and I will be packing everything into suitcases on Friday.

I am in the midst of making 15 pencils rolls and a dozen more cuffs…hopefully I will make my own deadline!

I’m starting to pack everything up!

Here is a current count of all the “loot” I have received so far…

Linus Blankets- 91
Wooden Dolls- 24
Barrettes- 106
Cuffs/Bracelets- 90
“Softies”- 58
Pencil Rolls- 54

Total 423

As you can see, my goal has been met over and beyond. And I still have more packages coming!

I’m not sure if I mentioned that my Mom and Dad will be meeting my sister (and her two boys) in Tokyo. They will then travel together to China and visit 6 different orphanages. I’m really glad that between the 5 of them they can carry a total of 10 suitcases! We have vacuumn-packed 91 linus blankets into a neat 5 inch high bundle!

My sister will be traveling to Chicago with her sons and daughter Jane. We will then do some more packing and hopefully Susan can post a bit of her trip’s itinerary. After she leaves we will have Jane (Lulu) for 2 weeks. Penelope is so excited to have her- I am wondering when the “love” will wear out…1 hour, 5 days, never?!?

Okay, better get back to finishing my 75 drawstring bags!

Check out today’s update…

…and click over on my “loot” page for 3/15. there is a bunch of adorable *stuff*.

This week I think I will be posting each day to show all the lovely packages I am receiving.

It’s astounding and completely humbling.

Combined with my “Made for China” packages and my husband’s green coffee bean order, our postal worker ended up just leaving a crate on our front step!

By the way, can everyone view my post from yesterday? I can view it from Firefox, but when I check on Safari my blog has my post from Saturday…Hmm.

Well, the gifts keep coming and I am feeling quite lucky. Lucky that I get to see all the fun, thoughtful gifts- I suppose that is why I want to post all that I receive. Check out the “loot page”.

I spent my afternoon yesterday doing my part… My sister (there are 3 of us, the one traveling to China lives in Ohio) and friend helped with a lot of assembly line sort of tasks. Although I don’t have a lot of completed projects to show, I do have 75 drawstring bags pinned and ready to be sewn AND 30 pencil rolls ready to be finished. I also have a dozen cuffs to make and just basic organizing…I feel a tad overwhelmed, but know once I can dedicate a few hours at my machine and tune into some podcasts I will feel much better!

By the way, I am making the drawstring for the dolls and barrettes. The fabric was donated by the good people at Fun Quilts Studio. Thanks!

Another thank you goes to my sister Kim, Katie, Ellie and Alexis for cheering me on and helping!

Check out the “page” on my side bar. This time, all the gifts came from international friends. Can I just say again how grateful I am for all of you!?

Remember, the March 20th date is quickly approaching! If you can’t get a package to me, just e-mail me (carolshack(at)yahoo(dot)com)- no pressure or guilt, I just need to know!