Contribute To A LOVE BOMB

LOVE BOMBs are radical LOVE. They are giving to a stranger, chosen from a list of nominations. A Stranger who is a warrior, a fighter, a giver, a lover, a carer, a women who should be celebrated but often doesn't get the appreciation she deserves.

Our LOVE BOMBs are our way of saying "Thank you for being you. Even though we've never met, we love you like a Sister"

They say "Take this, enjoy everything inside, feel special"

Our LOVE BOMBs are filled with treats that the recipient might not buy for herself. When you're sending a gift for a LOVE BOMB, consider to yourself, would I be thrilled if this arrived in my mail box unannounced?

This could include, but is not limited to:

• Beautiful handmade cards
• Notes of encouragement
• Chocolates (always. chocolate.)
• Coffee
• Fancy biscuits
• Body lotions
• Body washes
• Perfumes
• Hair products
• Nail polishes and files
• Lip glosses
• Hand lotion
• Magazines
• Novels for women
• Beautiful journals
• Beautiful pens
• Jewellery and accessories
• Handbags and pouches
• Crafty items
• Handmade items
• Items for children
• Vouchers (malls, grocery, online etc)

The beautiful thing about LOVE BOMBs is they are a whole lot of people joining in something small together to create something quite extraordinary. Therefore, no gift is insignificant or too small. With our powers combined we can achieve a lot!

You can send anything to:

The Sisterhood

PO Box 10100

Christchurch

Surprise LOVE BOMB

This week I had a call from a close friend asking for help from The Sisterhood. You know me, I couldn't resist. "Tell me more!" I said. Her friends husband had just passed away, after a two week battle with cancer. 

My heart stopped. 

What? Two weeks. How horrific, sudden, devastating. It hurts just to think about it. She is left with four young children as she deals with and heals from her husbands passing.

Thanks to you, I have a pile of boxes in my bedroom, filled with goodies for exactly this purpose. This week I sent out a LOVE BOMB on your behalf, I knew you would want me to, we sent this lady a few goodies, but hopefully some that will bring a teeny smile, and bring a little luxury into her life that must be hurting so much.

Take a breather girls. 

With your help we were able to send *Rebecca a pretty handmade card and Sisterhood poem, soft tissues, chocolate, cherry body butter and cherry hand wash and a 30 minute relaxation massage

Everything in this parcel was kindly donated by you and sent free of charge thanks to Post Haste. Thank you.

*Not real name

Thank You and Whats Next for The Sisterhood

Thank you cards to all who donated something - 26 ladies in total

Sisters, consider this an 'it's over' and a 'I can't thank you enough'

It truly is incredible when a few generous ladies join together and contribute something. Big or small, any contribution was worth it. Our LOVE BOMBs were a complete success.

It was a blessing to us when kiwi mummy blogs heard about us. They advertised us on their homepage and on Facebook. More and more people came to learn what a LOVE BOMB was.

So much so we extended the collection period by another week and have a few last minute parcels arrive on my door step. In the last hours I decided to add a sixth lady to the LOVE BOMB - Looking at the pile of gifts on my table I was sure we had plenty to go around and that afternoon had been emailed about a well deserving lady. "Yes!" I thought. So we extended it. 6 in total.

I gathered the gifts, distributed them out, and turned them into these LOVE BOMBS.*

*Someone asked why the gifts were different sizes and didn't think that was fair. To answer: Most of you sent gifts for particular people because their story struck you in your heart, Also, a few of the ladies had allergies and couldn't have any beauty products or types of food. Also, some ladies liked particular books. I hope you understand that I did the best I could in distributing them.

Alex's LOVE BOMB

Amy's LOVE BOMB

Dawn's LOVE BOMB

Katrina's LOVE BOMB

Libby's LOVE BOMB

Sally's LOVE BOMB

 Then, The Press got hold of us and we were featured in their newspaper and on Stuff. That afternoon we had over 100 people on our Facebook page who were eager to contribute and learn more! 

The next morning I had a phone call from the second most read womens magazine in New Zealand. They wanted to do a piece on us and I asked them to highlight the amazing women who give into this, and also receive something from it. 

The magazine with us in it will be out in the next few weeks and I'll definitely let you know which issue to get your hands on when its printed!

Thank you

Most of all, my heart (and I hope yours too) feels full.

I know that because of us, little ol' us, we were able to send these parcels of love from Northland to Dunedin. I know that tears were shed and thanks were said.

I hope you have celebrated. 

I think the reason this story must be so interesting to the media is because its just us, ordinary us. We can do a lot when we put something together. And what for? What do we get out of it? That's why its so interesting. Thats why people want to be a part of it. Generosity is the new black. 

2 Corinthians 8:3-5  ^"For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,  they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.  And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us."

You gave as much as you were able, entirely on your own, some of you pleaded to be a part of this privilege of giving. You have exceeded all of my expectations.

The Future

We will be continuing on with The Sisterhood. For now there is a solo Mama of an 11month old who has no family in New Zealand. We're going to send her birthday gifts next and that is happening very soon. (I'm going to give you more details in the next post). 

While that is happening we will be planning another series of LOVE BOMBs. I'm unsure of how many people we could do this time around, 10, 15, 20? Who knows. To start with we'll be taking nominations from our own Sisters. 

If you already know you want to give to this get in touch (sophieslim@moo2.co.nz) (I have already received a few. Thank you!). That way I might have a better understanding of how many resources we have and how far we can spread that around.

If you completed our Sisterhood Survey: THANK YOU. Your answers have been an invaluable help to me. Thank you thank you thank you.

Love always,

Sophie

P.s - Does anyone have any courier company contacts? ;)

LOVEBOMB - Katrina

The final LOVE BOMB to be sent out was a late addition, this lady was nominated by one of her friends who has recently joint The Sisterhood. She emailed me with a little bit about her and asked if she's the sort of person The Sisterhood likes to bless? YES! I responded.

I received a few last minute parcels from some people and with it we were able to extend the goods to a sixth very deserving lady! Yahoo!

This lady, lets call her Katrina, has recently moved out to the wop wops to chase their familys dream. For the next 6 weeks she is husbandless and is taking care of her children as a stay at home Mum. The car was crashed during a big storm, the water was cut off on their rural property, and well, with a bunch of kids at home to look after anyway I thought we could do something to brighten Katrina's day! Yes!?

With your help we sent Katrina a hand written card and Sisterhood poem, a Mollie Makes magazine, indian headdress, turkish delight, chocolate and caramel drops, two blocks of chocolate, toffee pop bites, ferrero rocher, body shop hand and nail creme, hankerchief, manuka honey facial moisturiser, dove hair treatment, three turquiose bangles, latte sachet, handmade sewing kit, keep calm sticker.

Please help me learn more about you and The Sisterhood by completing this online survey

READ MORE:
The completion of the #LOVEBOMB
Alex's #LOVEBOMB

Amy's #LOVEBOMB

Sally's #LOVEBOMB

LOVEBOMB - Dawn

Dear Dawn,

I wanted to send you a letter from one busy mum to another, to let you know you are being thought of and prayed for. You don’t know me. I’m an anonymous Sister from down South, who heard about you through the wonderful women of the Sisterhood.

Someone nominated you because they think you’re amazing and deserved a treat. When I read your story I couldn’t wait to write to you and let you know that you are loved. It’s so easy for us as mothers to spend all our time and energy caring for others. Sometimes it’s nice to know too, that someone, somewhere, thinks we’re special enough to spend time and energy on us.

So although I’ve never met you, I stopped and thought about you today, and said a little prayer to God, asking him to bless you. I’m praying for health and happiness for you and your family, and wishing you all the very best for the arrival of your new baby.

With love from your anonymous Sister.

Dawn is a wife, mother and has a newborn on its way. She is committed to her family and does an excellent job at intentionally being there for each member of her household. Of course, with her role, most of what she does goes unnoticed. She is an inspiration and I think these sorts of mums should be celebrated for doing their role so well! We wanted to send Dawn treats that she could enjoy in her last few weeks of pregancy and also as she enters her baby moon period. 

With your help we sent Dawn a personalised handwritten letter and Sisterhood poem, two novels (not pictured), $60 - with a note for it to go towards something post baby (I suggested new clothes, but thats up to her), $25 Pretty Birds jewellery voucher, CD of christian worship songs, 2 blocks of chocolate, toffee pop bites, bubbly chocolate, latte sachet, Body Shop body butter, bath bomb, dove beauty bar, dove hair treatment, lipstick, handmade hair tie, hair clips, and three pottles of play-doh (for the toddler!)Please help me learn more about you and The Sisterhood by completing this online survey

READ MORE:

The completion of the LOVEBOMB

Alex's LOVEBOMB
Amy's LOVEBOMB
Sally's LOVE BOMB
Libby's LOVE BOMB

LOVEBOMB - Libby

Dear Libby,

I wanted to send you a letter from one busy mum to another, to let you know you are being thought of and prayed for. You don’t know me. I’m an anonymous Sister from down South, who heard about your selflessness through the wonderful women of the Sisterhood. We’ve never met, but I’m sending you love anyway, because as a fellow mum of busy kids I know how much of a difference it makes just knowing that someone, somewhere, cares about the things you do. And I do care, enough to think of you as I go about my day, and enough to say a little prayer to God, asking him to bless you and your children and your work.

Someone nominated you for the Love Bomb because they think you’re amazing. Someone has noticed the things you do and the heart you do it with, and thinks enough of you to speak up and say “This woman deserves to be acknowledged”.I know you probably don’t think you need recognition. I know you probably just do what you do and get on with it. But it’s nice to know too, that someone thinks what you do is worth mentioning. It’s nice sometimes, to just open up and let yourself be blessed.

I hope you’re feeling the love today.

From your anonymous Sister.

Libby is a wife and mother of two. She works mostly behind her husband who is a very public figure in New Zealand. Her days are spent giving out to others and often getting nothing in return. Most of what she does is behind the scenes and goes unnoticed. Well, we noticed! We wanted to send Libby a parcel that would cause her to spend some delicious time on herself.

With your help we sent Libby and handwritten personalised letter and Sisterhood poem, a voucher for a manicure and pedicure, $25 Pretty Birds jewellery voucher, hand and body lotion, Body Shop shower gel and body puff, CD of British worship songs, bath bomb, heart wall hang decoration, hand made badge, hand made hair tie, two blocks of chocolate, bubbly chocolate bar and latte sachet.

Please help me learn more about you and The Sisterhood by completing this online survey

READ MORE:
The completion of the LOVE BOMB

Alex's LOVEBOMB
Amy's LOVEBOMB
Sally's LOVE BOMB

LOVE BOMB - Sally

Dear Sally,

I wanted to send you a letter from one busy mum to another, to let you know you are being thought of and prayed for. You don’t know me. I’m an anonymous Sister from down South, who heard about you through the wonderful women of the Sisterhood.  We’ve never met, but I’m praying for you and your family and sending tons of love your way.

I think that’s the greatest thing about prayer, how it connects us to God and to one another. Without even knowing you or your story, without even needing to know the details of your life, I feel a genuine sisterhood with you that moves me to tell you how very loved you are. Your Father and mine, hears my prayers for you, and has the power to speak good things into your life. I pray that He will provide for you and your family’s needs, for health, happiness and for peace that surpasses all understanding. Be poised for His abundant outpouring in your life.

You are special. I hope that you’re feeling the love today.

Sally is my friend who I mentioned in the very first LOVEBOMB post. She had a brand new baby, a few other children, and a husband who had just left her. Despite these circumstances she did amazingly well. Sally is a women who has an amazing spirit of kindness inside of her. She can get through any day with a smile, and was concerned about thinking too much incase she lost some of her precious breast milk. Like I said, amazing. We really wanted to treat Sally and let her know that she wasn't alone. You responded to this call amazingly; She was sent a pretty large hamper because a few of you in particular were struck by her story and wanted to contribute to a few smiles.

With your help we sent Sally a personalised handwritten letter of encouragement and Sisterhood poem, hand made quilt (which is amazing), $25 Pretty Birds jewellery voucher, Avon hamper with 6 products, bath crystals and bomb, chocolate... lots and lots of chocolate (good for happy hormones, right!?) , hair clips and honey shortbread.

[You will be pleased to know that the Hubs is back, the children are doing well, and they have professional help for their circumstances. Thank you for your prayers.]

Please help me learn more about you and The Sisterhood by completing this online survey

READ MORE:
The completion of the #LOVEBOMB
Alex's #LOVEBOMB

Amy's #LOVEBOMB

LOVE BOMB - Amy

Dear Amy,

I wanted to send you a letter from one busy mum to another, to let you know you are being thought of and prayed for. You don’t know me. I’m an anonymous Sister from down South, who heard about you through the wonderful women of the Sisterhood.  We’ve never met, but I’m sending you love anyway, because as a fellow mum who’s in the middle of raising four of my own, I wanted you to feel special and cared for as you welcome your first baby into the world.

Someone nominated you because they think you’re amazing and deserve a treat. I hope it’s a joy to you knowing that you are thought of, and that even though you and I are strangers, I thought about you today and said a little prayer to God for you. I’m praying that you and your little one will be in good health, and that you will have all that you need and more. I pray also that you will be surrounded by loving and supportive people who lift you up as you begin your journey as a new mum.

Take care and be blessed.

Amy is a young lady and a brand new Mama! She is doing an excellent job taking care of and loving on her newborn. We wanted to provide an opportunity to send Amy some love too! I remember all too well showering while my newborn was sleeping and smelling the new body wash someone had given me. It was devine and for those few minutes I felt like 'me'. I dreamt of giving Amy that same opportunity to spend some time pampering her self.

With your help we sent Amy a hand written letter of love and Sisterhood poem, one hour facial voucher, coffee culture voucher, parachute music CD, $25 jewellery voucher for Pretty Birds, 6x Avon products, latte sachets, 2 blocks of chocolate, chocolate bars, Ferrero rochers, mint chocolate bites, Baking cookbook, Parenting magazine, handmade bobby bins and hair clips, handmade quilt, handmade hand bag, coin purse, bath bomb.

Please help me learn more about you and The Sisterhood by completing this online survey

READ MORE:
The completion of the #LOVEBOMB
Alex's #LOVEBOMB
Sally's #LOVEBOMB

LOVEBOMB - Alex

Dear Alex,  

I wanted to send you a letter from one busy mum to another, to let you know you are being thought of and prayed for. You don’t know me. I’m an anonymous Sister from down South, who heard about you through the wonderful women of the Sisterhood.  

I know what it is to study while raising children – how difficult it can be and also how rewarding. I want to encourage you on your journey and say that I know the sacrifices it takes, and the hard work and challenges, but in the end it’s all so worth it. 

While you’re still in the middle of your study, I want you to know that someone is praying for you. Asking God to travel the road with you, to bless you and your family, to provide for your needs. I hope it helps you to know that you’re not going it alone. 

I hope you’re feeling the love today.

Love always,

Alex is a hard working wife, mother of two, and full time student. She works hard for her family and loves coffee and good books. We wanted to create an opportunity for Alex to stop for a moment amongst her busy days and take a breath to smile and fill her heart.

With your help we sent Alex a hand written letter of love and Sisterhood poem, fresh coffee, mocha sachets, plunger coffee samples, 2 blocks of chocolate, chocolate bars, Ferrero rochers, squiggles bites, chamomile tea, The Pilots wife book, Parenting mag, $25 jewellery voucher for Pretty Birds, handmade bobby bins and hair clips.

Please help me learn more about you and The Sisterhood by completing this online survey

READ MORE:
The completion of the #LOVEBOMB
Amy's #LOVEBOMB
Sally's #LOVEBOMB

The Completion of The #LOVEBOMB

Sisters, the time has come. Our #LOVEBOMBs are on their way out to their recipients. I'm waiting on one final address and they will all be complete.

What started out as a grand idea that I immediately regretted turned into something completely wonderful, challenging, tiring, uplifting and fufilling. What was a grand idea and a complete stretch to bless five ladies turned into blessing six ladies with a surplus for another planned blessing in the month of July.

Its really easy to get caught up in the process of this whole operation. The emails, the advertising, the packaging, the gifts - It has been a complete breath of fresh air to be reminded that these are people. ladies. with lives. lives that they are living while we become busy little bees and organise themselves.

I am excited for the next few days. The NZ post system is fast. I know that even as early as tomorrow one of our Sisters could be receiving a box on her door step. She might not have even heard of us (although can I let you in on a secret? At least one of our ladies has definitely heard of us. She may or may not be reading this! SURPRISE!), she might be surprised, turned the box over and see "From The Sisterhood"

Who is The Sisterhood? I imagine suspicion will arise. She might open it then and there, pulling out the tissue paper, greeted by a box filled with gifts just for her. Confusion. I imagine she'll go through its contents and come across a card addressed just for her. Inside a jewellery voucher and a hand written, personalised letter. I hope then as she reads those beautiful words comprehension will dawn. 

I'm praying she will feel special and loved. Not because she needs it but because we want to give it.

If you are of the praying type please spend time praying for these beautiful women who are hardworking, inspiring and someone who we can celebrate! If you aren't, please think some nice positive thoughts towards them :) Love love love. Be filled with love. 

And thank you. Thank you. Its because of you that this has happened. 

Over the next few days I will be sharing what is in each parcel, the letter that was included and a little bit about each of the ladies.

Please help me learn a little bit about you and The Sisterhood by completing this online survey

READ MORE:
Alex's LOVEBOMB
Amy's LOVEBOMB
Sally's LOVE BOMB