Julie Gumm - Author

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Jewelry Surprises

08.11.2010 by juliegumm@yahoo.com //

On Mark’s last trip to Ethiopia in April he discovered a wonderful ministry run by the Beza Church. The work within the community of HIV+ women who live on the base of Mount Entoto. Their ministry started with food and blankets and soon transformed into teaching these women how to make jewelry to help support their families.

The ministry has a gift shop in Addis Ababa near the National Museum. On Mark’s April trip he brought back 15 beautiful necklaces. I kept several, and we gave most of the rest of them away as gifts.

This time I sent him back with a laundry list of things to look for and a wad of cash. It’s pretty easy to convince him to let me spend the money when it’s helping such beautiful women. Most of the pieces range from $10-15 USD.

This is my favorite set from this trip.

The bracelet also matches another piece that he brought back.

If your headed to Ethiopia, let me know and we’ll get you information so that you can go visit them.

Categories // Featured Articles, Orphans & Social Justice Tags // Beza Entoto, Ethiopia, jewelry

Keeping It Real

08.10.2010 by juliegumm@yahoo.com //

I was inspired last week by my friend Angel’s post where she laid out all her faults lest other women think she’s got it all together.

We women do that don’t we?

Admit it, you can name one mom friend who makes you think “Wow. She’s got it all together. How does she do that? I so don’t measure up.”

I know I do (not naming names). She’s kind of like Martha Stewart but with kids.

So for fear that there MIGHT be someone out there who thinks I’ve got it all together let me tell you, I do NOT.

  • I am NOT a morning person. As in my husband knows not to talk to me until I’ve had a shower, dressed and have coffee in hand. Yes, it is THAT bad!
  • I pretty much have the same 15 meals that I cook on a rotating basis. Occasionally I try something new but I’m not that inventive. I’m sure my kids are tired of said 15 meals.
  • I have horrible self-discipline. Really good intentions – but total lack of follow through when it comes to habits like exercise, Bible reading, etc. I get on the bandwagon for awhile but am constantly falling off.
  • My kids constant questions drive me INSANE. Especially when they really should know the answer. I do not always maintain a calm tone when answering their questions. I’ve also been known to declare “That’s IT. I’m not answering ANY questions from anyone under 21 for the next 30 minutes.”
  • I hate being interrupted when I’m in the middle of something. This includes when I’m in the middle of something stupid like wiping the counters and my husband wants a hug. I’m working on that one.
  • I stay up late because I like being alone and that’s pretty much the only time that happens.
  • I suck at delegating and letting other people do things for me. I can always do it better and faster. Right? I’m gradually learning to let this one go (like not reloading the dishwasher after the 7 year old has done it).
  • Clutter in my house quite literally makes me freak out. Like right now, if I step foot in the boys room my blood pressure automatically rises 40 points. Makes me want to take a match to the place.
  • I could totally be a couch potato and watch random TV shows all day and night long. It’s probably a good thing that we don’t have cable any more…except for the fact that I can watch them all online.
  • I like to argue, have the last word, make my point, prove I’m right. Now that my 10 year old is exactly like that, I realize how annoying it is. Oops!
  • When the kids ask if they can do something my first response leans toward no and I have to stop myself and think why I want to say no. A lot of the time its because I just don’t want to deal with it. Working on this one as well.

I’m sure my dear husband and close friends could add a few more to the list.

Categories // Featured Articles

China Window Decals Are Here!!!

08.08.2010 by juliegumm@yahoo.com //

About a year ago when I couldn’t find an Ethiopian window decal that I liked I decided to design my own and get them printed. Inspired by the adoption of my beautiful niece Julia, I couldn’t leave China out, could I?

So the China window decals are here. They are made with the same all-weather vinyl that they wrap cars with and are made to withstand the heat and the cold. My decal has been on my car through two hot Phoenix summers and it looks great.


(The mysterious man in the photo would be my brother 🙂

They are 6″ x 5″
Cost: $6.00
Shipping & Handling: $1.50 for up to 3 ($2.00 for 4+)
AZ Residents must pay sales tax of 8.3% (their rules, not mine)

Clicking “Add to Cart” will open up a secure check-out window in PayPal. You can pay with credit, debit or PayPal account. You will also be able to change the quantity at that point.

If you want to order the Ethiopia decal, go here.

 


Categories // Featured Articles, Orphans & Social Justice Tags // adoption, adoptive parents, car sticker, China window decal, vinyl decal, window

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About Me

Writer. Wife. Mother. Traveler. Coffee-addict. Book-lover. Television-Junkie. I love stories. Hearing them, watching them, telling them, living them.

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