House Built of Cards Blogiversary Blog Hop **GIVEAWAY**

Hello, friends:} 


I just love Blogland! I've met some pretty amazing ladies and companies through blogging. Heather is one of my special friends, and today we are doing a blog hop in honor of her first Blogiversary!!! HOOORAY:) 


Heather is super sweet and has a great story about her cards. She sponsors widows in Africa, through a ministry in her church, with her profits from her cards. Here is a short narrative from Heather: If you are just visiting my blog for the first time, or have been a follower and wondered why my blog is named Houses Built of Cards, let me give you a short explanation. Like many crafters, I found out quite quickly with how addicting this cardmaking craft is that I can never use all the cards I find myself making. I also realized that I could not sell them for enough to justify my time and expenses. Then I realized that I could use them to help someone else. Something that had deeply touched my two young daughters, and filled their prayers,  is what decided the direction to go from there.

We had some connection through my church to a ministry called Sister Connection that works in Burundi Africa to bring hope and healing to the widows and orphans of the Civil War that happened in the 1990’s. One of the ways they do that is by building homes – at an incredible cost of only $600! They hire local builders, and purchase supplies locally as well, fostering a sense of ownership and pride within the community. In Burundian society, widows are viewed as outcasts, and have no one to advocate for them. The miracle of a new home is a testimony to the widow, her children, her community, and ultimately, to the country at-large. “Widows and orphans deserve healing, dignity, and hope!” 

I would like for you to meet someone very special. Her name is Charlotte (Ndimurwanko Charlotte). She is the first recipient of a home through sales of my cards. I have also committed to partnering with her as a sponsor for $30 a month to help provide her and her family with food, seed to plant, clothing, household necessities, medical care, and education assistance.

Charlotte has 3 married children, and she cares for 3 orphaned grandchildren. Her husband passed away in 1983. Her health is not good. This new home will help restore dignity and hope for Charlotte and her children. It is a true testimony of God’s love to the widow and orphan and a constant reminder that they are not forgotten.

For this blog hop, we were to create a card with a house. I couldn't help but use my Hometown Summer Pink Paislee papers! It was perfect--that house paper is super cute! I also couldn't help but use that little birdhouse and birdie from my Paper Smooches Hang-Ups stamp set. The sentiment was created using my Alphadots stamp set from Paper Smooches. LOVE how this card turned out! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

That's it for me today--but be sure to hop along to the follow blogs! And be sure to leave some love for them--you could win one of these amazing prizes! Heather has offered up some goodies for 4 winners!!! You do not have to leave comments on all the blogs--but the more you do, the better your chances of winning! Winners will be announced on Heather's blog on Wednesday, Oct. 26. 

Heather

Amanda

Bonnie

Savannah {that's me}

Michele

Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy blogiversary, Heather!! Many blessings:}