Y’all ready? Because here we go…
(Trying to summarize it all right here in one post. If it seems like a repeat, it’s not. Lots of good stuff – please read to the end.)
We are in the process of bringing home a precious baby from China. Her name is Clementine, she has Down syndrome, and she is as sweet as she can be.
Our dossier was logged in to China on August 28th and – if current timeframes hold steady – we could expect to travel for her in late winter.
But Clementine has been sick. She has struggled with pneumonia and asthma. And, just recently, was taken to Beijing for heart surgery. We have asked that our paperwork be expedited due to the seriousness of her health issues.
We don’t necessarily expect that our dossier will be expedited, but since we have requested it, and with her recent additional heart issues, we want to be sure we are ready, just in case.
Because we don’t want her to have to wait one extra day.
So we are going all out on this. A few weeks ago we released the Found heart tee to an outrageous response. Seriously, it was crazy. We had nervously ordered 300 shirts, expecting to have some left over, but received orders for close to 600. We ran out of most sizes within the first few days. And amazingly, to date, have raised almost 1/2 of the funds we need to bring our girl home.
So a re-order of the Found heart t-shirt is happening. We are still offering this shirt, and will continue to until the Found portion of our fundraiser is over, on September 13th… we want everyone to have plenty of time to donate, get their order in, and encourage others to join in this effort to bring sweet Clementine home.
Here is our original Found heart design, with Luke 19:10 on the back. (I’ve included a picture of my girls in theirs a little further down in this post.)
*these pictures are mock ups meant to resemble, as close as possible, the final result – expect some slight variations as art on the screen translates differently to a t-shirt
When we were just in the planning phase of this fundraiser, we felt led by the Lord to offer these t-shirts as a gift for any donation, even if it meant we were technically losing money in the process. Because we wanted to be sure that everyone who wanted to could be a part of bringing Clementine home, not only those who could afford a specific monetary donation.
Now, two weeks in and 1/2 way to our goal, with the realization of our daughter’s heart issues and knowing how potentially fragile our girl is, we are ready to get her home. And our hope is that we can raise the funds for all our remaining adoption expenses through this Found campaign.
Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? I completely agree. But all we can do is try our best and trust the Lord with the outcome. No matter what.
So we are going all out. We are going to call, email and, if necessary, send carrier pigeons to everyone we know. We’re going to urge you to participate and help us spread the word as well. If you’re not interested in joining us, no worries, feel free to hit that red X. But if the Lord pricks your heart, you want an awesome t-shirt, or something in between, we truly hope you’ll join in.
And even beyond donating, we hope you’ll share. Tell your friends. Share this post on FB. Donate for an extra t-shirt to give to a friend or loved one (Christmas is just around the corner. Not really.) But really? These shirts are beautiful. Super-soft. High-quality. Definitely not your old Y-soccer-camp tee that can stand up in the corner on it’s own.
These shirts could be considered identical to the shirts we created and sold at Wild Olive for $25. We have invested a crazy amount of effort, time and money into making these as lovely to put on as they are to look at. And each time you wear one you’ll be sharing with the world a deep and powerful truth: as believers in Christ, we have been found.
They are also crazy cute for our kiddos that have been found through the gift of adoption.
And now we have a new design to add to the mix.
When we set out to create a design for guys we wanted it to, like the Found heart design, reflect the idea of earthly adoption and eternal adoption. But we wanted it to span even more of the globe than the China map we used for the Found heart tee. So a world map it would be. (Thank you to David Rumsey for allowing us to use his beautiful map images to create these designs.)
And we wanted it to be designed for guys, yes… but girls, too. Because there are plenty of girls out there who have been adopted, but not necessarily from China.
We also wanted it to be for moms and dads. And aunts and uncles. And friends and neighbors and…
well, you get the picture. This new design – the Found world tee – is for anyone.
Think of all the people in your life you could bless with one of these. Including yourself.
So we have a version that is colored for guys…
And a second version that is just colored. Lots of super-fun, beautiful colors, in fact. And like the heart Found design, both have Luke 19:10 on the back.
This world map design could be for a guy or a girl.
Or a mom. Just sayin’.
So, are you ready to join in?
Or maybe you still have a question. I’d like to quickly address a few frequently asked questions here, hopefully to clarify for everyone.
1. How much is appropriate to donate? We have purposefully not set a dollar amount to donate to get a Found tee because we don’t want money to keep anyone from participating. Of course, we still have to purchase the shirts, wrap them up and purchase postage to send them out and all of that does cost money. So, if you’re asking, a donation of $15-$20 per shirt keeps us in the green, if you know what I mean.
2. Can I get more than one Found shirt? Absolutely. We would love it, in fact – the more the better. And that’s for several reasons. First, we’d love for you to not only get one for yourself, but we’d love for your kids to have one, your spouse, your friends, and your neighbors. Because adoption is a really cool thing, and this t-shirt is a surprisingly fun way to start a conversation about just that. Also, the more you order, the more I’ll order, and the lower our price is per shirt. And more tees at lower cost = more funds to bring Clementine home. So the more the merrier! Please just keep in mind our costs when requesting additional tees – we ask that for each additional tee, you make an additional donation of $15 or more.
3. What is the last day to donate and still get a Found shirt? The last day is Saturday, September 13th at noon. I say noon because I’ll need a little time to contact anyone that has donated but not complete the form.
4. What if I want to donate but don’t want a t-shirt? No problem! Just make your donation and then complete the form with your name only.
5. What if you run out of Found shirts? We won’t. That’s the beauty of doing it this way – we’ll order every shirt that’s ordered. And, even though I’ve told him y’all are crazy, our printer is confident that he can print as many as y’all order.
6. How do I participate? Great question. It’s really very easy, but since it’s been a little tricky for a few, we’re switching it up a bit, hoping to make it even easier.
1. Complete the short form here with your name, donation amount, mailing address and design and size Found tee(s) you’d like. It even has sizing charts included to make it as easy as possible. Because easy = good.
2. Go over to our You Caring page to make your donation.
3. Share, tweet, text and email to help us spread the word about this seriously fun fundraiser. (This one is optional, of course.) To everyone who has already shared, thank you. I’d squeeze your neck if I could. If you haven’t yet, would you? Pretty please?
Because this is fun. It’s good for your heart. And, honestly, it’s an amazingly beautiful thing. The body of believers joining together to care for the least of these is an extraordinary thing to witness.
Even my girls have been caught up in the joy of it all and have been furiously crafting pictures to include with each t-shirt package. I had to buy more markers for them, no joke. So when you open your package from us it’ll be more than your Found tee. Maybe it will include a card from Lula? or Sophie? or Pop? Who knows?
Fun.
But the best part will be that you went from bystander to participant, you got off the sidelines and into the fray. You made a sacrifice, gave of yourself, to help love a little one home.
A tiny reflection of the One who came down, and entered the fray, for us.
“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
My card was from Isabelle, and it was PRECIOUS! Isabelle is the same age as my China girl. And the shirt is gorgeous! Will keep Clementine in our prayers.
Yay! Makes me so happy to hear that, Ginny – thank you for sharing <3
Hi Stephanie! I just made a donation and put on the form that my paypal user name was different, but it’s not – it’s just my name 🙂 I haven’t used it in a while and forgot, just didn’t want it to be confusing when you’re doing the orders – sorry about that! Keeping Clementine and your family in my prayers!
Sharing sweet friend!
Question – is the verse (Luke 19:10) on the back of the tee or just the front as pictured? Just not sure!
It is on the back, Kim!
Love it!! Thank you — heading over to order for our little Chinese gem we brought home last Sept.! Happy to help Clementine home and share the good news of our precious Saviour! Blessings
My card was from sweet Poppy – precious girl, I am praying every day for your little sister, just as I did for you (!) and that she is able to come home to you very, very soon! In the meantime, your beautiful card is going up on my fridge – a daily reminder of your sweet family and little miss Clementine. You are a shining example of God’s goodness! I pray His timing is swift…
Do you have kids sizes available? I would love to get one for my daughter…she wears a 2T but even a 3T would work. If not, I’m still getting some, but I thought I’d get her one too if possible. 😉
The smallest we have is 4/5 – the graphic is so big we can’t squeeze it on anything smaller! It is quite narrow as the girls shirts are fitted. I am planning on cutting one off and hemming it for Clementine <3
Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly! I completely understand! I probably still get her one and she can grow into it. 🙂 Thanks!!! God bless y’all and your beautiful family!
I’m trying to order a shirt for my goddaughter. Is the measurements given for the actual shirt? For example: a small, fitted; it says 31″. Is that the measurement of the shirt; or should I be using that measurement for the size of my daughter? oh.so.confused.
That’s the measurement of the shirt. The ladies fitted is nice and stretchy – and is pretty true to size. I usually wear between a fitted M and L and wear a L in this since it’s a white shirt. Super comfy 🙂 Victoria is about 5’5″ and 115 and she wears a fitted S. If you want to give me her specific sizes (height weight) I can try to help you determine what size would be best for her!
I got it! My goddaughter is a little smaller than that; but wouldn’t want it too fitted. Now…My sister in law just measured her chest and it was 46″ all the way around. So, she would need the classic XXL because the XL is 46″ of T-shirt. Right? 🙂 I’m totally doing some ‘thinking of you today; here is a blessing’ shopping for those I love.
If she likes a little room in her shirts, I’d think the XXL would be the way to go. There is some stretch in the Classics, too, just not as much. Hope this helps 🙂
Our Katie is from China, as well. I have been waiting for you to reopen and when I got this email, it bought tears to my eyes before I even read about it having to do with China. When I realized that it was an adoption shirt, I immediately thought of how she found me, how I was the one found, saved, and new. I will say forever and always, that I was found by her adoption, not the other way around. These kids will save you and fix you in ways you never knew you needed. Our lives are better since she found us than we could have ever possibly imagined. I have been a Christian since I was young, but after adopting, I reached a whole new level of understanding and will never be the same again. Thank you for this design. When I wear it I will always remember that I have FOUND by God as well as found by my Katie.
Stefanie, I accidentally put that I needed an XL ladies fitted shirt for myself. I looked at my other Wild Olive tees last night, and I wear a L fitted ladies shirt. If you can change my order, great. If not, I’ll make it work :o)
Blessings to you and your family!
Carey Vaughn
Got it changed, Carey 🙂
I just made a donation and also entered the information for the t shirt I wanted. I listed my donation as anonymous and now I’m not sure if you will know that I wanted a shirt. For reference, I donated 21 dollars. Let me know if you have all the info you need
Hey and thank you! I have all the info I need, thanks for checking in 🙂
I’m about 5ft8 and 160lbs. Do you think an XL fitted would work? Praying for beautiful Clementine. I have a special place in my heart for children with Downs.
Yes, I think it would work just fine, Jera! I replied to you privately with a few more specifics, as well 🙂
Hey, I just wanted to make sure that you received my note about my second donation, which was for a 4/5 size shirt. I am not in a hurry and don’t need it for months and months, but I submitted the form on my iPhone and it did something weird and I couldn’t tell if you got it or not. Then I submitted the form a second time (just to really confuse you, probably) to make sure you got it. I know you were waiting for a reprint of the size 4/5 but I just wanted to make sure that the fact that I haven’t gotten it was because you’re waiting for it and not that you didn’t get my form. (We’re adopting Tisha on the Lifeline list!) Thank you!! Laura Harms
Yes, Laura! I have you down for a 4/5 – thanks for checking in 🙂
You are on to something really really good! For Clementine and for GOD! My wild olive tees tell others what is in my heart- while I am managing my children! Think about opening shop again! maybe for adoptions or seasonal or all the time! This ministry is important! THANK YOU! Actually it also spreads the word to my friends and older children cuz I give them as gifts! GOD BLESS!
My 21 year old son likes the white world shirt, but it only comes in women’s sizes. So, I was going to order a black world shirt in men’s large based on the measurements. But I was wondering if a women’s classic size large would work for him in the white. What do you think? Would the women’s shirt look goofy on him because it’s shaped differently than the men’s?
Hey there! The white world shirt in Classic is actually printed on a unisex shirt – so it would work just fine for your son 🙂
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you!
Thank you!
hi Stephanie! we hope to travel in November for our 2 toddlers. I ordered two of your shirts so my husband and I can wear them on adoption day. I’m so blessed to be found and to have found my sweet children. I’m praising God with you that your financial burden has been met and now you can get to Clementine ASAP. <3
Stephanie~
I ordered tonight. I hope it’s not too late. Thanks so much for sending out the email to your wildolive friends. I had not been following blogs in a long time and I almost missed your fabulous news of CJ (and the wonderful new shirts!)
Isis my donation yesterday, but forgot to fill out the form. Is it too late???
Hey Jennifer – sending you an email so I can get all the info I need to get your t-shirts ordered 🙂
So, I was up in the middle of the night with the baby and thought “Did I order the right size shirts the other day?” I ordered 8 shirts, but the ones I was most concerned about were the Heart Found Fitted Womens sizes. I hope I ordered Womens S and Womens XL in Fitted. If not, that’s what I need. : ) Let me know what info you need to match me with my order. Sorry to trouble you on this busy Monday morning!
That’s what I have down for you, Jen – along with the other shirts 🙂
Hi! I made a donation but never filled out the form. Am I still able to order a shirt? 🙂
Hey Jamie and thanks for contacting me! I sent you a private email but wanted to assure you, I am sure we can get you hooked up with the right tee 🙂
Good Morning Stephanie! I have ordered a shirt already (and can’t wait to get it, btw!) but that’s not why I stopped by this morning. I actually came by to see how things were going, how close you hot to your goal. I am absolutely elated for you and your family to see your donation bar is full! Congratulations! God blessed us in so many ways, and this is yet another proof that we are guided by His love.
I can’t wait to read the post that says your precious baby girl is home where she belongs!
Did I get the shirt order sent ok? I remember having trouble with the form, I’m not sure if it submitted right……
I didn’t find your e-mail until today. I would love to order a shirt for a donation if it is still possible.
By chance are you ordering any more?
I missed this opportunity? If you reorder and keep this going, will you please include v-neck ladies tee’s? Love them. Please keep selling.
Alyzabeth’s Mommy
OH NO — I missed this email earlier this month. Are there any left? My brother and sil love my Wild Olive shirts and this would make perfect Christmas gifts to share with them (as well as order some for my family and myself). Please let me know.
I did the donations for shirts for myself and my kids but am not wondering if I got all the right address info to you since we were in the process of moving at the time…. I’m not sure when these were due to be mailed out? We have an FPO AP address so it might take longer.
The shirts will be in my hands on Wednesday and then shipping out as quickly as possible after that. If you have a different address now, please forward it to me! Thanks 🙂
I emailed you with the correct address since I don’t know which one was on the form.
Got it, Kim! Thanks 🙂
I got my shirt today. Thanks so much for the sweet card from Lula. You guys are in our prayers!
Thank you, Mandy – so grateful for your prayers!
Hi! I received my shirt today. It is beautiful (although I could have gone a size smaller lol). I love it, and will be proudly wearing it tomorrow. Thank you so much for the picture as well. I’m not sure who drew it since it has no name, but it is proudly displayed on my fridge! May the Lord bless you and your family.
Hi! We love our shirts!
My daughter’s shirt is a little too small for her! If anyone has one to trade; that would be great! We are looking for a medium, fitted in white found. Hers is a small. And small. 🙂 The sweet card is on our refrigerator! Keeping you all in our prayers.