opening our arms

When I decided to give Mad and all of the other social justice wedding brides an anniversary present to celebrate six months of Just Posts, I had no idea it what to expect. We set the goal of $1,000, thinking that that was quite a bit of money but also believing in what was possible. I had no idea how close we come. But as the week went on, I knew something amazing was unfolding.

Let us never allow anyone to downplay the power here. The collective ability to put our words into action, to come together to make a difference. In one ordinary week in June we managed to raise $1,555.00 for Open Arms and $1,170.00 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. An amazing grand total of $2,725.00. And all our money will go in the hands of people working directly with children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

There were over 38 donors in all - and I know everyone gave exactly what they could afford. I wish you could see me sitting here, looking at all of you beaming like a cheshire cat. We Did This.

We. Did. This.

I also want to thank so many of you who also took the time to write a post in support of our efforts. Your words traveled round the blogosphere encouraging and asking others to do the same. I can't thank you enough, truly.

Christine with open your hearts
Lawyer Mama with six month anniversary present
Karen with coming up for air
KC with a non cold call to arms
Mary with unjust world
Meno with in which i violate spirit if not letter
Gwen with look like angelina jolie with just one click
Mary with keeping darkness at bay
Slouching Mom with care to contribute?
Jill with open hearts and open minds and thembelihle
Alejna with putting my money where my mouse is
Bon with a plague of tone deaf locusts and a ladder to the stars
Bad with shark has pretty teeth
Neen with a postful of bloggity goodness
Hel with speaking our truths
Aliki with africa on our minds
Chani with not hand out but hand up
Flutter with open arms
Lucia with kudos to just posts
Julie with jon and julie go to a ballgame
Heather with worthy
Sin with just post
Kyla with just posts, open arms, and a moment of your time

You beautiful, beautiful Just Post partners. It is an honor. I'd marry all of you all over again if you'd have me. And Mad, you sexy librarian, you. Thank you for all the links and buttons and codes, humor and brains and love. You are truly the better half. Here's to another six months.

Thank you.