"Cuties" is such an unique group - I really don't believe there is another group like it on the whole internet. We are mostly ladies, who have spent our lives making our worlds better, prettier and just plain nicer.

Most of us have already raised our families, and are in a new stage of our lives. We love to sew and embroider and it gives us each joy simply to make someone's day by using the skills we have. We encourage and freely share with each other by pulling from all the knowledge, skills, and wisdom we have gathered from our lifetimes of experience.
We rejoice, laugh and cry together, even though we haven't actually heard each other's voices. We know we can ask for prayers, or pats on the back, or just plain empathy over stitching our fingers into our projects. We are truly a one-of-a-kind, loving group of ladies.
When the idea for the quilts for these orphans in Uganda came to me, it was like a lightning bolt from God, that I should ask my friends to help. My "friends" didn't just include those I see everyday and have worked and prayed with, the ones I talk to on the phone, my neighbors. I thought of Cuties immediately and knew that many of you would also feel blessed to help these children. I felt just as comfortable asking you Cuties, as I did my long time, dearest friends. Do you know why?
When we share experiences like we do, and write about our hopes and dreams for our families, and what makes us love life, and love for our Lord and all of God's critters, we make connections with each other. Although we do this online, it isn't that much different than the way we connect to others in our everyday lives. We write instead of talk: we read instead of listen. We get to know each other in a little bit different way. When we help each other, either in giving sisterly advice, or helping with an embroidery challenge, we are making friendships. We share our hearts.
I chose my friends carefully. I only truly like people who care about this world and the people in it. I chose friends who will try to understand others and give them the benefit of the doubt. I have found so many, many wonderful friends here at Cute Embroidery. It took me a few months of "lurking" before I risked joining in the conversations. I decided to share of myself because I saw there were real, truly caring people here. You made me feel accepted, just like my other real friends :-)
So, I shared my excitement and joy over this project - on the other side of this world from me - and you, being the caring group of friends you are, joined in my enthusiasm and volunteered to help - in any way you could! Eighty quilts - no problem! And not only beautiful quilts, but hand puppets, and little dresses, finger puppets, pocket dollies and animals and games and hair clippies and anything that you could do to help these orphans. To add a little sunshine and joy to the lives of these children who have nothing. You let them know that someone in this world cares. You stitched LOVE in every stitch alright! Not only that, but many of you sent what money you could to help pay for fabric that others could sew, and fabric! Many have sent money for postage, extra baggage charges and ribbon and anonymous gifts. Our Cuties have stepped up to digitize lots of designs just for these children - all we have had to do is ask. There have been people who have stitched more quilts, just to make sure we have enough! The prayers are so very evident in these labors of love. What a blessing to be at the center of this project. It's my sewing room that is filling up with these colorful, love-filled quilts! Your prayers for the success of these Quilts for Uganda are so greatly appreciated.

I believe every Cuties who helped did so because they also felt drawn to help because they are caring people.
I'm positive the people who participated in the Uganda project help in their own communities, their churches, and in any way they see they can. We are that kind of people. I don't know about you, but one of my life rules is to Always Stop and Buy Lemonade from kids selling lemonade on the sidewalk :-)
I shared my enthusiasm for the project and You felt the calling to join in and make our goal of putting a quilt in the arms of an orphan in Uganda, a reality. It's going to happen! I trusted you with my passion, knowing I needed your help to make this a reality, and you trusted me to organize and follow through to get this job accomplished too. I have felt overwhelmed!

God bless you ALL, for all the different ways you helped with this project, for every stitch, every prayer, every stamp, every design, for every cent you sent and every way you helped. Thank you, also, for all the support I have felt for this lightning bolt idea and making it so incredible. I will always remember this as one of the highlights of my entire LIFE!

Isn't this just the most wonderful feeling! God has blessed us!
Hugs and more hugs, Jan

Hope I didn't get too sappy, dear friends :-)
I know I'll think of more to add later!