Ashley is an excellent mother to three boys and one girl, and their family is in the middle of the adoption process for another little girl from China. It's been so exciting to read her personal story and learn more about the adoption process... those are my favorite posts because I love and identify with her heart there! And everyone can identify with the difficulty of waiting on God's perfect timing when it's something you're so excited about!
But Ashley did not stay idle or let the waiting cause her to lose heart... she started a campaign on her blog to raise money to buy an incubator for her daughter's orphanage in China... and within a very short time span, had quadrupled the amount of money she needed! The remaining money was donated to fund surgery and quality care for these babies with cleft lip or palate. It's so so awesome to see how much difference one person can make... simply by connecting with others and acting on what God puts on her heart!! I love that. I loved being a small part of it and seeing how fast it all happened. I loved hearing two random guys at the next table at Panera discussing the "Incubator Project!" And I love knowing that these babies will be able to smile and will have a better chance of being adopted after recovering from their surgeries.
Ashley has also raised a great amount of money to help fund adoptions (for their family and others) through her online photography course called SnapShops Photography (I recommend it). She is a great modern example of Genesis 12:2 -- "I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." She uses her heart and family story and talents to be a blessing to so many. She is an amazing, talented photographer and takes pictures that tell a story, and she has four beautiful, energetic kids as great subjects.
I can't wait for the day when she and Chris get to meet their adopted daughter! I'm pretty sure I'll cry when I finally see that post. It's funny how much you can connect with someone through writing. I guess that's why God gave us His Word. :)
I really love that they did a 10-year anniversary photo shoot!
I do remember Ashley from the Christmas Gathering where she taught some DIY craft projects! She is super creative and crafty... she's energetic and full of fun ideas, a Mom who joins her kids jumping and doing flips on the trampoline and helps them create all kinds of unique memories... again, love it! Anyway, I recommend reading her blog and taking her SnapShops class! I am truly thankful for Ashley... and very inspired by the awesome impact she has had by simply sharing her heart and talents via blog!! =)
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