I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you…
This Bible scripture from John 14:18, pretty much sums up the journey that lead my children and how I discovered my life’s purpose.
As an 8-year-old child, I read an article in my local newspaper about three newborn boys who needed a family. My mother begged my father to adopt one of these little boys. He adamantly refused.
My heart ached for these poor little boys who did not have a family. In my 8-year-old mind, I could not understand how my father could not want to take in one of these precious gifts. It was that day the seed for adoption was planted in my heart. I knew one day I would adopt.
In 2004, I stepped off a plane into the beautiful country of Haiti and my life has never been the same. I was blessed with the experience of spending time with kids in the orphanages and other children who lived in extreme poverty. My heart is forever broken for the orphans of Haiti, yearning for a family of their own. I knew one day I would return to bring one of these precious little ones home.
On April 5, 2007, two gorgeous little boys walked through my front door. One with a poop-filled pull-up, the other feverishly sucking his little thumb. That day my life forever changed. I was now the foster mother of three boys ages two and under!
After close to 20 years of advocating for orphans and foster kids, missionary work in orphanages in Haiti, my dream to adopt came true. On November 16, 2007, I was blessed to “officially” become the mother to Benjamin and Darius, the two gorgeous little boys who walked through my door seven months earlier.
Currently, I am employed the foster parent recruiter for the lead foster care and adoptive agency in Duval and Nassau counties. And I am pleased to announce that I am continuing my adoption journey. I am currently in the process of adopting a little girl from Haiti.
International adoption is very expensive, so I am diligently raising funds to help defray my adoption costs. I have partnered with an awesome organization called Angel Bins (www.AngelBins.com) that will give me a grant to help fund my adoption for collecting unwanted shoes. How cool is that?
Would you partner with my family by assisting us with our shoe drive?
How the Shoe Drive works:
I am collecting previously owned and new shoes in good condition until October 30, 2015 – My goal is 10,000+ pairs of shoes! If I reach my goal I get a grant of $4500 or more that goes directly towards my adoption costs! All shoes collected go to benefit those in need in the US and abroad! So it is a win-win situation for everyone involved!
How you can help:
- Donate shoes of all types and sizes ( No snow boots or metal spikes) – PLEASE tie the string together or band them together with a large rubber band
- Ask your friends and family to donate
- Allow me to set up a collection box at your church, school, business or organization.
- Help spread the word(Post on your social media outlets, write a blog post or article about the shoe drive, etc..)
Shoes can be dropped off here: 6965 Bernay Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32205
or call: 904-450-9984 to schedule a pickup!
For more information about me and my family please visit my Website and Facebook page.
About the Author
Farrah Albertie was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University, where she studied Music Business, Business Administration and Mass Communication. She is a single adoptive parent to her former foster sons, Benjamin and Darius. She is employed as a foster parent recruiter. Additionally she owns several companies, one of which helps families raise money for their adoption.
