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Thursday, November 10, 2016

Little Things That Help.

bethanyandrew
Many of you know of the passing of my cousin Andy shown here with his sister Bethany.

There could not have been two closer peas in a pod.  Just seeing Andy’s face in this photo has me a bit choked up while writing this post.

He’s been gone for nearly 2 months now.

Some times it feels like it can’t have happened at all, the whole motorcycle accident and how quickly our lives were changed.  Three seconds.  That’s all it would have taken to change the outcome.  Three seconds.

It’s been a very hard time for Bethany, losing her little brother who was not so little.

Every day, things get a bit better, and I am so proud of the young woman that Bethany is.  Not only is she beautiful (Spitting image of her mama, my Aunt Joy!) but she has the kindest heart of anyone I have ever known.  Her laughter can light up a room.

Bethany LOVES Animals.  And in working through her grief, she has found a mission trip called 109 Animals in Aruba that she really wants to go on, but is going to need some help to do it.

So I thought that today’s post would be a fun way of turning the topic of recent political upheavals to something POSITIVE and very helpful for a hurting young woman in need.



From Bethany:
Exactly one month after I lost my brother, Andy, I came across this mission trip. I have been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone and do things that are completely new to me. Things that I've always wanted to do, but have let my anxieties and doubts steer me away. I never would have imagined in the past month and a half how drastically my life would have changed.
bethanyandrew2

Time moves so quickly, and in the blink of an eye, anyone's world can completely change, for the better or for the worse. Losing my brother made me realize that there are SO many things that I haven't been able to experience in life.
Going on a mission trip like this is just one of those many things. I have the opportunity to go to Aruba and work alongside two non-profit organizations to help rescue stray animals and build a shelter for the many homeless pets living on the island. 
waffles1

Waffles on Halloween!
Ever since I was little, I have loved animals. Especially dogs.  In January, I was lucky enough to be able to rescue my French bulldog, Waffles from the horrible life of living in a puppy mill. Even though I have had her for less than a year, I could not begin to imagine my life without her. She has brought abundant joy into my life and continues to every single day.

I came across this trip exactly one month to the day after my brother passed away. I've always wanted to do something like this, but my anxiety and the fear of the unknown has always pushed me back. This time, it was different. I felt as though I did not come across this mission by chance, but that this is truly the most amazing opportunity for me.

As any other country, Aruba also has it’s struggles. One of the biggest challenges the island is facing is the stray animal population. The number of neglected and abandoned dogs and cats wandering the streets is truly disturbing. Despite many efforts by countless organizations, the problem still remains.

So for this very reason 109 is partnering with a local non-profit, Sgt. Pepper’s Friends, that rescues animals in need, promotes spaying and neutering programs, and educates the younger generation about responsible pet ownership.



In order to rescue many more animals and make a large-scale impact on the population of dogs and cats on the island, Sgt. Pepper’s Friends need to build their own shelter. Sgt Pepper’s Home will be a safe haven for animals in need . The non-profit will be able to foster a higher number of maltreated animals, facilitate safe adoption, host volunteer programs to be able to utilize the support offered to them these past two years and become a large-scale center for animal rescue in Aruba.

On this 109 Animals trip we are inviting you to work side by side with us and the Sgt Pepper’s Friends’ team, saving the lives of countless dogs and cats.

I will be going to a strange place with 55 other strangers whom I have never met before. I will be eating new foods, hearing new languages and staying in new places. Any extra money I receive will go straight to Sgt. Pepper's Friends to help continue their mission of saving as many dogs as possible, and making a change in the beautiful island of Aruba. The trip will take place January 24th-29th.

If money is not possible, just words of encouragement, love and prayers are SO appreciated. This is something completely raw and overwhelming for me. I will need all the love and support that I can get. I am so excited to go and make a difference in the lives of so many animals, and to give them the love and care that they desperately need.

Help spread the word!
I have donated to help send Bethany to Aruba to help with the animal population.  Busy helpful hands doing something meaningful go a long way to help in healing the devastation that happens when we lose a loved one.

Click HERE to help Bethany!

What I want to put forth is this.  Our En Provence Mystery is coming up really soon.  It’s always free.  But if you are planning on participating in the mystery, would you consider donating just $5.00 to help Bethany reach this goal?  We can come together and do something positive, not only for Bethany, but for the lives of the animals they are helping to save in Aruba.

Thank you for anything you can do!  No matter how divided we feel over what is going on here in our country, WE THE PEOPLE can make a difference in helping to heal the heart of this young woman with so much to give.

11_10_2016

Quiltville Quote of the Day!

I hope today is better for everyone then yesterday. There is still a lot of turmoil out there. I think most of it has to do with fear of the unknown.

Remember this: We are still the same. And our true friends are still the same. And the communities we have built with these friendships are the same. The dust will settle. We are still who we are and we still love who we love and we still love doing what we love to do.

It will quilt out!

Have a great Thursday, everyone!


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33 comments:

  1. I am a big animal lover. We have dogs and cats and take in rescues all the time. I will be happy to donate some money to this worthy cause. Not only for the animals but for Bethany. What a wonderful way to work through her grief. As I work on my mystery I can know that I helped not only Bethany but many animals. Thanks again Bonnie for alll you do. Hugs.

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  2. Our "babies" are rescues so it is fitting to help. What a great idea to help Bethany out and hope she reaches her goal by the end of the day! Thanks Bonnie for the opportunity to do this in honor of Andy.

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  3. Thanks, Bonnie. I consider this a bit of "self-care" something many of us can use right now--and it's much more productive than eating a whole pizza (something I had been considering!).

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  4. As I read things of this nature I always worry they're going to ask me for a bunch of money as a donation. But five dollars I can do, and would gladly donate to help the animals. Thank you for all the time and patterns you give us.

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  5. Although I am not participating in MQ this year (I hope to next year) I am happy to help Bethany with this adventure. I have been an animal lover my entire life. Also, hoping her heart heals a little each day. Blessings to all.

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  6. Been to Aruba twice- nicest people ever, always smiling and laughing. Took tours all around island and on north end at cave and remote areas lots of Goats and chickens etc. unique, but not scary. Went snorkeling on east end in a cove- those blue parrot fish are amazing. See if u can fit in snorkeling . It's not like any other island and is still quieter and primitive in some areas. It's not completely commercialized. You will love it and it will
    Be a good experience. Winds never stop there- never ! Lol Travel is the best experience anyway- I think. A whole world out there! Glad you are staying positive and moving forward, hard to do. Proud of you. He would want you to. God bless you

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  7. It was an honor to donate. I donated what I could afford and know that if everyone of us who do the mystery will donate 5.00 she will reach her goal this week.
    Sue
    Upstate NY

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  8. Sharon P said all things that I was thinking - and I am also glad to donate to help the animals and also Bethany. Sending prayers, love and hope to your mission along with the money--bless you, too, Bonnie always doing for others. Thanks! Carol

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  9. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help out. I'm new to this group, but already love the sense of belonging and family!

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  10. Just donated to the fund. I really appreciate all you do for us. I am glad to do something for your family. You are such a blessing!

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  11. It was an honor to donate. All of my pets are rescues. May she have a safe journey

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  12. Donating now. And has been mentioned already, we have three cats and they are all rescues.

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  13. It will quilt out....❤️

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  14. My definitely for what you do for us and to help your cousin. $5 is nothing in the scheme of things. Peace Bonnie.

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  15. Done - $25.00 to the cause for both Bethany and the animals

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  16. Thanks for all you do for us Bonnie. I've made my donation to Bethany's cause. Peace and blessings.

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  17. Happy to help in a small way in honour of all you freely do for us Bonnie!

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  18. I was NHL thinking of this, your family, the other day. I wasn't sure wether to email to see how you were all doing. I know how my daughter feels four years on so I understand the struggles. I hope the donations roll in and Bethany reaches her goal. I am in tears while reading this as I do think of it often.. take care

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  19. I would love to help Bethany out by donating so that I can quilt with you. What a great way to help her out. I am sorry that the both of you have lost him. I know how hard it is. Thank you for finding a way for those that love to quilt to help out someone in pain!

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  20. I would love to help out. I just lost my puppy of twelve + years. It's so hard to lose any family. And our Animals help us threw a lot of things. I'm praying she will do great things on her trip. Bethany your not alone in your greif. Your brother is with you always. Thanks Bonnie for all the things you do for all of us too.

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  21. Glad to help Bethany save homeless pets and promote spaying and neutering.

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  22. I don't think "throwing together a couple of strings" is going to do it for me right now.
    But, unfortunately a very dangerous way of thinking is on the rise world wide. It will be the future that judges us and our thinking The same way as great quilt designs stay relevant even when the edges fray, as Bonnie so often shows us.
    I fail to see how how Ms. Sharon P.'s comment contributes to the healing progress.
    How do I donate? An alien, Andrea Fleiner (because I am not afraid to use my whole name).

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  23. Will be glad to help, some. Did she say how much she needs to raise for this trip? I know when doing fundraising, a lot of places, people say how much they hope to raise or need to raise to make a trip possible. Thank You, Bonnie for opening your big heart on this one, also.

    Donna
    Kasilof, AK

    Andrea, many of, our names pop up, I am not afraid to use my whole names, but many of Bonnies followers know each other from other post/blogs.

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  24. Happy to help Bethany with her mission of healing. I appreciate Bonnie's words and they've made me feel a little better over the last few days. There are no "sore losers." We are all losers. Especially women.

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  25. Just donated! So happy to help with a worthwhile rescue cause. I've been involved in animal rescue for 20 years and know what a heart-healing joy it is. Best wishes to Bethany.

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  26. Just donated! So happy to help with a worthwhile rescue cause. I've been involved in animal rescue for 20 years and know what a heart-healing joy it is. Best wishes to Bethany.

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  27. Just donated! So happy to help with a worthwhile rescue cause. I've been involved in animal rescue for 20 years and know what a heart-healing joy it is. Best wishes to Bethany.

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  28. Just donated! So happy to help with a worthwhile rescue cause. I've been involved in animal rescue for 20 years and know what a heart-healing joy it is. Best wishes to Bethany.

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  29. It is a privilege to donate to such a wonderful cause. I wish your family sincere sympathy. Thank you Bonnie for all that you do for the quilters that follow you, and thank you for telling us about Bethany. It is such a loving thing for her to do. I pray it brings her peace and great joy.






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  30. It is a privilege to donate to such a wonderful cause. I wish your family sincere sympathy. Thank you Bonnie for all that you do for the quilters that follow you, and thank you for telling us about Bethany. It is such a loving thing for her to do. I pray it brings her peace and great joy.






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  31. It is a privilege to donate to such a wonderful cause. I wish your family sincere sympathy. Thank you Bonnie for all that you do for the quilters that follow you, and thank you for telling us about Bethany. It is such a loving thing for her to do. I pray it brings her peace and great joy.






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  33. I believe this is the same Andy that my brother John and his family are so close to Andy's family. I'm sorry for your loss. My brother, Johns daughter Abby is away doing missionary work and raising funds for that I'm sure can be tough. I hope Bethany is able to raise the funds needed.

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