Kidney Transplant Benefit

This picture is of my uncle and aunt, Darwin and Carolyn Rittgers. Darwin is my dad's brother. He is need of a kidney transplant and he is very hopeful that his wife will be the donor. It is common for transplant patients to be asked to raise money prior to a transplant to cover such things as: anything not covered by insurance, medicine co-pays, travel expenses (gas, food, hotel stays), outside testing, loss of income before and after the surgery, etc. This is a unique situation, in that, if Carolyn is the donor, they will both be off of work for quite some time following the surgery. We want to ensure that the last thing they need to worry about is their finances….that they can focus on their recovery.

So we are holding a benefit for him on January 8th in Waverly, Iowa! There will be a dinner, an auction, and fun music with a DJ!

We are also asking for the donation of NEW items for our auction!! Some ideas would be housewares, tickets (concerts, sporting events, etc.), athletic gear, gift cards, homemade quilts, etc. Be creative! If you are able to help us by donating items, that would be a huge blessing!

We will be continually planning benefits for the family to raise funds, and have set up an account at the First National Bank in Waverly, Iowa, in their name that people can donate to. We are also encouraging groups and individuals to think of ways that they can help…you can plan your own fundraiser (garage sale, bake sale, car wash, love-offering, raffles, collection jars in businesses, etc. ) through your group, church, organization, or place of employment. Other ways you can help is by promoting Darwin's Facebook page or getting involved in helping us get the word out.

If you are able to donate, please comment and let me know! We have created a Facebook page for Darwin's cause (www.facebook.com/darwinsfight) - you can see it even if you don't have a Facebook account. Please feel free to join the page - even if you don't know Darwin personally, we would appreciate your prayers and your donations! At the page, you can read Darwin's full story and stay updated on his progress and different fundraisers we will be having.

THANK YOU!!

I'm Permitted!

Last week, I went and took my driving permit test and passed - I only missed 2! I was extremely excited - although I have to say that I'm more happy that it's all over with rather than that I can drive. =) I have been driving around our neighborhood and am doing pretty good....with the exception that I need to work on my gradual acceleration, curves, and not getting too close to the side of the road. =)

My big sister congratulating me!

Also, I have a special prayer request - us three girls have been under the weather since last Saturday. I'm basically over it and Deanna is feeling better, but Nikki still isn't doing well. She's very miserable and just wants to be well! Please be praying for her especially. Also, please be praying for my dad who is in Grinnell, Iowa for a revival.

SOLD!

After a year on the market and being through a flood, our old home has finally been sold! Praise the Lord! Thank you to all who were praying along with us concerning this!