Blogger Identity Disorder

So, I'm realizing that my blog is overloaded with content. I feel like it's just covering too many subjects. I guess I have a little case of Blogger Identity Disorder.

I'm hoping {if my sister agrees to be the designer} to have a separate blog for His Chase. But, for now, I'm just a big mix of a variety of subjects.

So, the subject of today:

A little Q & A about His Chase! I've had some great questions in the last two weeks, so here are some answers... If you have a question that isn't answered here, please ask it in the comments section and I'll respond!

*How much does it cost to build Chase's Place in Ghana?

The building costs are approximately $50,000. We will also fund the furniture and {extremely cute and childlike} decor in the home.

*How many kids will live in Chase's Place and how much does it cost to support them?

Our home will have between 10 and 16 kids--some boys and some girls--between the ages of 4 and 9{ish}. It costs $175/month to provide for one child. We're hoping for a total of $2800 a month through ongoing monthly support.

*How can I give monthly to His Chase and what is the average amount you're wanting people to give?

Great question(s)! We hope to make it very easy---and very affordable---to give monthly, so that our goals are reached, and many, many people are invested in these children. As Mark's quote goes: "a little bit from alot of people will go a long way". We will have the monthly draft option available by the end of this month. It will be connected to our website: www.hischase.org. And, we are hoping for an average of $10/month from 300 people. Totally do-able...right?!

*What do you need more right now: people donating monthly or one-time donations?

We need both! We consider "lump sum" donations to be Phase 1 of this project, with the goal being a grand total of $50,000. {We have just about half already donated!} But, if all we do is build a building, we've done nothing to bless these children long-term. So, the monthly support is JUST as vital and necessary as the building. So, whether you can give $100 now, or $10 a month for the next year, we need you! These children need you.

*Are you going to need other supplies besides money? Clothing, toys, books, etc.?

YES! As we progress closer to getting our kids living under the roof of Chase's Place, we will know more specifically our needs. For now, we are starting to make a list of things we'd like to take this summer when we go. This will include quite a bit of {very fun} art supplies for our art camp, as well as some other toys and goodies for the kids there. We'd also love to take some warm-weather clothes/dresses for them as well. We'll keep you posted on needs as they arise.

*When are you going to Ghana, and what is your plan while you're there? Will you be building Chase's Place?

We are going to Ghana in mid-July and will be there about 10 days. We plan to do anything and everything we can to get to know these children inside and out. To know what they like, what they don't like, their favorite color, toy, book, their life goals and dreams, how they play, what songs they love...the list goes on and on. On a more formal note, we plan to run an art & music camp, with a sort-of VBS feel...lots of singing, crafting, and scripture time.

We have no idea if we will be building Chase's Place at the same time. Most likely, construction will still be underway for the "common building", which will stand in the middle of the Village of Life. If that is happening, we will be helping. And, if God's timing allows us to break ground on Chase's Place,that would be great too. We're just going to wait and see. I guarantee we will be taking tons of pictures, though, {even if it's just dirt}, of Chase's Place, in July. :)

Do you know the names of the kids in your house yet?

We do not yet know the names of the children who will live in Chase's Place. We know they will come from the group now living in Tema, and that we will spend time with them all this summer. {I wish you could see me smile as I type that. I can't WAIT.}

Thank you all for supporting us, and not just financially, but through prayer, through encouragement, and through curiosity. That may sound strange...but knowing that you care enough to ask questions, means ALOT to us. It shows us that others are truly "joining the chase" for these children, and becoming engaged in their lives and their well-being.

And, to end on a wonderful note, I want to share the good news that the Touch A Life team rescued TWO more precious children from a life of slavery on Lake Volta yesterday. Praise God!

"And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba Father". Now you are no longer a slave, but God's own child. And since you are His child, God has made you His heir." Galatians 4:4-6