Adoption seed planted in the heart of a 12 year old child...

Four months after the release of "We Are the World", USA for Africa had taken in almost $10.8 million. The majority of the money came from record sales within the US. Members of the public also donated money—almost $1.3 million within the same time period.

In May 1985, USA for Africa officials estimated that they had sold between $45 million and $47 million worth of official merchandise around the world. In June 1985, the first USA for Africa cargo jet carrying food, medicine and clothing departed for Ethiopia and the Sudan. It stopped en route in New York, where 15,000 T-shirts were added to the cargo. Included in the supplies were high-protein biscuits, high-protein vitamins, medicine, tents, blankets and refrigeration equipment.

One year after the release of "We Are the World", organizers noted that $44.5 million had been raised for USA for Africa's humanitarian fund. They stated that they were confident that they would reach an initial set target of $50 million. By October 1986, it was revealed that their $50 million target had been met and exceeded; CBS Records gave USA for Africa a check for $2.5 million, drawing the total amount of money to $51.2 million. 

Since its release, "We Are the World" has raised over $63 million for humanitarian causes.

                                     Remember?  "We are the World"song & campaign

1985- 12 years old, caucasian daughter of middle class working family, new Christian, bold child of God,  burdened heart for God's children in Ethiopia, pledge made "I will adopt from Ethiopia when I grow up."

If you are around my age you remember the "We are the World" Campaign, pictures of starving children plastered our T.V. sets.  I couldn't believe I had so much and they had NOTHING!  Not even clothes!  When I had been worrying about getting brand-name jeans they had NO CLOTHES, NO FOOD, NO WATER, NO PARENTS, AND NO SHELTER! 

Funny how the boldness of a child sometimes gets lost, or pushed back, as we age.  The desire still there, but life gets busy...  That is until God comes calling on the promise, the pledge :)  

2009- 36 year old, caucasian wife of High School sweetheart(Tim), middle-class working family, Christians, bold children of God, burdened hearts for God's orphaned children,  now following up on the pledge...