It's happening...

The Power of Moms' fundraiser for South Africa is up on the site.  It's happening.

I am a mix between excited, relieved, stressed, frustrated that I'm such a perfectionist, exhausted, super happy, did I mention exhausted?, overwhelmed by the complexity of social media, grateful that I have a husband who puts up with me, and also exhausted.  (Oh wait, I said that twice already.)

I have been so preoccupied the past couple of weeks getting ready for it.  I have been writing blog posts, crafting the fundraising page, coordinating with the other bloggers involved, recording a podcast for it, editing images, and just all matter of tasks, that of course I made 100x more difficult because I want everything to be just so.  (I have problems.)

When I get immersed in a project like this, I hardly eat, sleep, shower, or pay attention to my family.  I mean, I give them the basics, but my mind is elsewhere.  So don't go thinking I am Wonder Woman and can do it all...I can't.  No one can.  Believe me, my house is in shambles, I've had a babysitter here a ton during the day, and my kids have been eating dry cereal for most meals, often while sitting in front of the TV.  Fortunately, my kids like dry cereal and TV, so for now they're happy with this arrangement.

The other day during his quiet time, Noah asked if I could work in his room instead of mine, and I agreed, so he ran and got me my laptop, and then he snuggled up next to me and pulled out a book. Man, moments like this are just perfection. 

I couldn't help but think that every child deserves to snuggle up in a warm bed with their mama and a good book--but unfortunately, that is just not the reality for so many children in the world.  

SO, I hope that we can raise a lot of money for families in South Africa.  I hope that all of this work will be worth it!!

Will you do me a favor and check out the fundraiser??  And will you share it on your social media and with people who might want to contribute??

There are three ways you can donate:

1. You can donate directly here.

2.  You can buy a Power of Moms online program (such as 5 Steps to Less Stress webinar, Organizing for School Success kit, Mommy Is a Person Video Training--there are 7 options) and 100% of the proceeds go to South Africa.  Go here to read about the options and purchase.

 **This would also make a fun Christmas gift!  If you really wanted to get fancy, you could right click on one of the beautiful Africa photos from my posts, save it and print it, and then write the person a note on the back telling them about this cause and giving them the program code to the motherhood program you bought for them! 

3.  You can buy a $10 printable Christmas fun kit--8 activities you can just print and play with your kids over the holiday break--and 100% of the proceeds go to South Africa.  Go here to purchase. 

This is the main fundraising page on Power of Moms that gives a brief overview of the entire thing: powerofmoms/africa.

And this is the link to the podcast that I recorded with Crystal Paine from the blog Money Saving Mom, "How Ordinary Moms Can Make an Extraordinary Difference."  I just love this big-hearted, hugely-successful but ever-humble woman who has become such a mentor to me!

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to plan this fundraiser.  And grateful that it will be over soon so I can get back to just being Mom to my kids!

Surely the Christmas season will be much sweeter as a result my life-changing experiences in South Africa this past year, and oh how I pray that we will be able to pass along the word to Take Action Ministry that Maubane will have a new community center in 2017, thanks to all the good people who have come together to donate and to make this happen for them.

So far we have raised just over $11,000....that is amazing.  Let's keep it going.

THANK YOU so much to those that have already donated and shared. 

Click the links to donate or share!

Much, much love to everyone.