Share Hope with Addie's: Christmas Gift Guide

Hello, Sweet Friends!

The busiest week of the year for Addie's has arrived! We are so excited about all of the support your purchases will offer women, families, and communities around the world this Christmas.  Our shop is stocked with hundreds of beautiful, unique goods that each do good, and you will want to grab something for each person on your list. But where do you start?! We've come up with a short list of suggestions for a few of the folks you might shop for this week- There are plenty more options in the store, but these are a great starting point for those of you who may need a little help!

Gifts for Kiddos:

Pictured: Travel checkers game from Haiti, recycled trash soccer ball from Kenya, Crocheted horse from the Philippines, Wooden lacing lion from India, "This Little Light" bath balm with water activated glow toy inside from USA, "fear not" MudLove band from the USA (also provides week of clean water in Central African Republic).

Gifts for Teens:

Pictured: Leather backpack, hand carved frame (square shape perfect for those Instagram pics), silver-plated brass stud "Infinite Grace" earrings, and recycled sari pouch from India; velvet scrunchie, beaded pineapple keychain, phone gem (pop socket), and "Choose Joy" t-shirt from Haiti.

Gifts for Your Mama/Wife:

Pictured: Hand-woven casserole basket, stone necklace, leather handle/bottom canvas tote, and recycled oil drum "Hope" nativity sign from Haiti; gold-plated earrings from Mexico; throw blanket and cotton robe from India.

Gifts for Your Dad/Husband:

Pictured: Hand-made dyed burlap journal, ceramic mug, canvas and leather apron, and "Cafe Noir" chocolate (with real coffee beans inside!) from Haiti; Cedar & Leather scented candle from USA (also benefitting a village in Ethiopia.)

Gifts for Your Teacher/Coach/Bus Driver/Mail Man, Etc.:

Pictured: Mug, peppermint chocolate, oil drum bookmark, paper bead snowflake ornament, and bracelets (one is specifically an oil-diffuser!) from Haiti; "Thank You" bath balm and lavender scented candle from USA (candle also benefits a village in Ethiopia); "You are loved forever" block sign and recycled sari wristlet/crossbody purse from India; spearmint soap wrapped in African fabric from Zambia; adorable crocheted lights garland from the Philippines.

Gifts for Newlyweds:

Pictured: "Mr & Mrs" recycled oil drum sign and star ornament from Haiti; hand-carved condiment tray from Kenya; mango wood frame, heart ornament, angel ornament, and throw blanket from India.

Gifts for Grandma:

Pictured: "Take life one cup at a time" tea towel, "Great love" notecards, and picture frame from India; Cutting/serving board from Kenya; recycled oil drum pendant necklace with ceramic, seed, and paper beads from Haiti; photo album/guestbook/journal from Madagascar.

Christmas Decor Gifts for a Friend:

Pictured: Crocheted reindeer, light garland, and penguins from the Philippines; candy cane paper bead ornament, reindeer greeting card, "Peace" oil drum nativity, star tree topper, angels, and deer from Haiti; "Jingle All the Way" pillow, snow globe tea towel, and global children ornament from India; bath "balms" from USA.

Gifts for our Single Mamas Gift Bag Collection:

(Help us gather items from our shop to give to single moms this Christmas!)

Pictured: Journals, wood block "You are loved forever" signs, picture frames, "All things are possible" keychain, and "Great Love" notecards from India; scented soaps wrapped in African fabric from Zambia; scented candles from the USA (also benefitting a village in Ethiopia), bath "balms" with prizes inside from the USA, books about our partners in Haiti and Kenya (and about parenting!); chocolate from Haiti.

Be sure and stop by this week and choose Christmas gifts that share hope and do good.  Our promotions and specials start Tuesday, November 26 and go through close of business on Saturday, November 30. See specials and hours below! 

We can't wait to see you this week and help you share hope this Christmas! Don't hesitate to shoot us an email at info@addiesgoods.com if you have any questions! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

~Jodi and Team at Addie's 

Babies on Their Backs

If you know any of our family’s story, you know that we seven years ago, we adopted a precious Ethiopian baby girl we named Addie.  Although legally she was ours, and in our hearts she was (and still is) ours, we were unable to bring her home due to a ruling in the Ethiopian courts.  It was a heart-wrenching path, to love a child and lose her, but as He always does, the Lord has brought beauty from ashes.  And he lovingly continues daily to redeem that which caused us so much pain and grief. 

On our second trip to Ethiopia, we were there to meet another sweet girl the Lord was kind enough to bless us with.  We were out and about in the bustling city of Addis Ababa, in a van filled with a couple of Ethiopians and about eight Americans.  We stopped for a moment- no not at a light (I’m pretty sure there may only be one in the entire city… google traffic in Addis Ababa sometime. I’m not entirely sure how we survived). As the trucks and cars and buses and pedestrians zoomed in and out and around one another, a small woman with a bundle on her back timidly approached our van window.  She came face to face with me.  I looked into her eyes and then noticed the bundle on her back more fully- it was a child. Immediately a million knives pierced my chest as I imagined for a moment Addie’s 17 year-old birth mom, with our sweet girl strapped to her back, approaching a van to beg for help.  I was a big ole mess- wrecked to my core.  This sin-filled world is so broken.  I ached for mamas like Addie’s- like this one I was nose-to-nose with.  The desperation in her eyes tattooed itself on my mind and heart, and He continued His work of breaking me.

The Lord was, in his love and grace, tearing me up, and then rebuilding me, transforming me, opening my eyes.  I have only seen but a glimpse of his heart for the least of these, and I can’t un-see it.  I really don’t want to.  One of my best friends, Jenny, once asked me, “What would the world look like if everyone had an Addie?”  I had to ask myself if the world looks any different because I have an Addie- a child in deep need that I loved as my own? I pray constantly that, at least for a few, the world does in fact look differently because of my love for the Lord and this child I miss so intensely.  

Last week I was doing some buying for Addie’s Good(s) and came across some new notecards (pictured above) with artwork created by a teen mama named Elizabeth at the Rehema Transition House in Kenya ( a project of Mercy House Global).  I can say very certainly that no piece of art has ever gripped me so fully.  It was like I was reliving that moment in the van- that young desperate mother was looking directly into my eyes once again.  But this time it was different, because this beautiful painting represented new hope and lives changed.  The story of Addie’s mom doesn’t have to be the story of other young mamas.  There is something we can do to change it.  We can BUY the change.  Every purchase you make at Addie’s Goods helps to write a different story for a person in dire need- a story of dignity, love, and hope.

Tomorrow, our shelves will have these gorgeous note cards and one more super fun new product….

EASTER EGGS!!!!

These cute, fillable, felt eggs were crafted by the mothers at Street Hope in Kenya (another project of Mercy House Global).  Because they say it much better than I could, here is the description on their website of this great new product…

“Street Hope, the artisan group that created each and every felt Easter egg, is comprised of women from the street, who begged during the day, prostituted at night with babies strapped to their backs to survive -- all 16 were homeless before they began sewing sweet felt for us two years ago.

We have thousands and thousands of these felt eggs, hand sewn by the women of Street Hope and we are hoping hundreds of shoppers like you and dozens of churches will make this Easter one that empowers impoverished women in Jesus name. What better way to celebrate His Resurrection?”

 Y’all.  We have about 400 of these eggs at Addie's.  We have never before carried even close to that number of one product, but we feel that strongly about the lives these eggs are changing. If 25 of you buy 16 eggs each, all 400 will have a home this Easter.  We need you to get on board and fill your kiddos’ baskets with HOPE this year. Make plans now to stop by this week! 

Live life like you have an Addie. These are mamas and babies that are treasures to our Savior- let’s make sure they know that! May they strap on those precious babes on their backs and walk tall, knowing they are made in the image of God Himself.

"Men Anpil"

This past Saturday, we hosted our very first Addie's Junior World Changers (AJWC) event.  It was a super fun morning of exploring the beautiful country of Haiti!  The purpose of AJWC is to widen the world view of children and engage them in learning how their personal influence can impact the world for Christ.  Part of that experience during this first session was working together to make a collaborative art piece that we are auctioning off to raise funds for one of our partners, 2nd Story Goods.  This organization is a part of Much Ministries, and they provide life-giving jobs to men and women in Haiti.  Many of you know their products and LOVE them, and now is our chance to go beyond our purchases and ensure that more men and women are offered hope there in Haiti.  They are  currently building an emergency fund in order to protect their workers when tragedy strikes.  Haitians lack insurance and social services, so a medical emergency, natural disaster, or death of a family member can create a downward spiral that is nearly impossible to overcome.  2nd Story Goods is working to change that story and keep tragic events that occur from crippling their artisans.  Let's help them build that emergency fund and teach a group of awesome kids that the Lord can and will use their time, energy, creativity, and giftedness to make a difference in the world!

The artwork is called "Men Anpil" and includes the Haitian proverb- "Men anpil chay palou," which means, "Many hands make the load lighter."  We believe this strongly at Addie's Goods.  There is so much poverty and hopelessness in the world, but we know that TOGETHER, we can make a change. When you shop at Addie's Goods, you are a part of the story of life-change for so very many men and women.  Every purchase adds up and makes a difference, and we are so thankful to be partnering with organizations around the world- and partnering with YOU!

To bid on the art work these kids created, comment with the dollar amount under the picture on Facebook.  Please make sure you are commenting on the original post! Bids must be made in dollar increments.  Shipping is available and will be calculated upon winning the auction.  Winner will be notified via email, and an invoice will be sent.  Invoice must be paid within 48 hours or the item will go to the next highest bidder.

"Men Anpil" will be on display at the shop this week! Stop by and see it and our great gifts for Valentines Day!

Thanks so much, friends!

Valentines Gifts that Give Hope!

Valentines Day is quickly approaching, and when your gift is purchased at Addie's, another mama, auntie, or granny is given dignity and hope.  We have a fantastic selection of gifts and jewelry that any woman or girl would be thrilled to receive.  And if your guy needs a little help and likes to receive hints, message us his email, and we'll send him a coupon for 20% off his entire purchase between now and Valentines Day!  Here's a short gift guide that includes gifts for everyone on your list!

"Love" sign made from recycled oil drums in Haiti- only $10 through the 14th.
Chocolate lip scrub handmade by trafficking survivors in USA- comes in super cute packaging with chocolate hearts! Only $15 through the 14th!
Valentine cards handmade in Haiti- only $3.25 through the 14th.

"All you need is love" print and paper bead bracelet from Kenya.
Haitian rum caramels (that taste AMAZING!) 

Red knit shirt made by trafficking survivors in Nepal, 30% off through the 14th.
Gold earrings made by trafficking survivors in India.

Tea towel made by women in India overcoming poverty.
Amazonite stone bracelet with heart charm handmade in Haiti.
Frame hand carved in India.
Lavender milk bath handmade in the USA by trafficking survivors.

Gifts for him or her!
Journal handmade in Haiti.
Candles hand poured in USA by trafficking survivors, with extra proceeds supporting a village in Ethiopia.
Haitian Rum Caramels- YUM!!! 

Flowers that never die! Daisies handmade in Haiti.
Refresh Grapefruit bath bombs and sugar scrub made by trafficking survivors in USA.

Journal handmade in India.
Necklace handmade in Kenya.
Earrings handmade from recycled bullet casings in Ethiopia.

Horn earrings handmade in Haiti.
Hand carved/painted sign from India.
Vintage embroidery pouch from Guatemala.
Felt heart with stackable bead bracelets inside from Kenya.

There is so much more in store, and we are more than willing to help you find the perfect gift! Stop by this week!!!

Kids Can Change the World!

When I started homeschooling my oldest daughter nearly six years ago, I had NO idea what I was doing. I hit up my more experienced friends, and one suggested a curriculum that laid everything out for me since I was so clueless.  While this probably should have been enough to sell me on it, what really grabbed my attention was her telling me that the curriculum’s history/geography/Bible sections began with an overview of the world.  She told me it was really helpful in getting a young child out of the bubble that she contentedly dwells in and begins to show her the great big beautiful world our God created.  I dove in without hesitation, and never looked back.  It was amazing to teach my girl about different cultures and to learn about them myself.  

Fast forward to today, and I am no longer homeschooling, but I find myself the one the Lord has charged with running a small boutique whose mission is to offer dignified work, empowerment, tangible aid, and abundant life to men and women all over the world. When we began Addie’s, one of our dreams was that we wouldn’t just be a place for people to buy ethically-made goods, but that the Lord would include this shop in his work of changing hearts to reflect his- that through the work of Addie’s Goods, we would see more hearts break for that which breaks his- that we would burst some more little bubbles. 

We included a kids’ corner in our new shop with books, coloring, puzzles, and other activities always available so that kiddos would feel welcome and just maybe have their interest in the world and its cultures and beauty peaked.  We believe kids can change the world NOW- not just in the future, and they can better do so if they are better educated about the world. We have come to a point where we are ready to take it a step farther, and so we introduce you to….

Addie's Junior World Changers will be a new program designed to widen your child’s worldview and engage them in using their influence to change the world for Christ.  We have many ideas of what this could be, but for now, here’s where we’re starting…

Each month, we will offer a time for your child to come to Addie’s to learn about a specific country. The first time he attends, your child will receive a “passport” that he will bring with him each subsequent time. At each Addie’s Junior World Changers (AJWC) event, his passport will be stamped showing where he has explored!  

The explorations will use your kiddo’s five senses to immerse him in the country he’s learning about. Our first country “visited” will be Haiti, and our time together will include a craft to take home, a Haitian story, a small taste of Haiti, a very short, engaging video about a child in Haiti, an introduction to Creole (the language of Haiti) and more!  

Each AJWC event will also include an art project, either individual or collaborative, that will be auctioned off in the shop the week following the event.  The proceeds will go to one of our partners in that particular country or another ministry serving there.   Our first project will be auctioned off to benefit our partner, 2^ndStory Goods.  We are super excited for our kids to use their God-given skills and creativity to help men and women in Haiti!  

To begin, we will offer two sessions on Saturday, February 2- each with spots for 10 children.  If we see that more people are interested, we will add sessions as needed.  Each child will be $10.  You must stay with your child, and we ask that there be one adult for every two or three children you bring.  This program is aimed at ages 5-12, but please do not hesitate to register younger or older siblings that wish to participate.  Each session will be approximately one hour long.

You can sign up for our first session at this link-

Sign Up Genius AJWC Haiti https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0548afad2eaaf58-ajwc

Once you have signed up, we will email you an invoice to pay through our Square Register. You will have 48 hours to pay the invoice before we open your spots to someone else.  

We are so excited to see what the Lord does with this new little project, and we cannot wait to see your kiddos in the shop!!! Let’s raise up a generation of kids who love to explore and serve- a generation that sees the immense value in the our diverse and amazing world!