It was a play on words... now meet Elise!

Neclace: c/o Lisa Leonard

Yesterday, I may or may not have played a little joke on you. Actually, it really wasn't a joke at all. It was simply a play on words. But... if you're really happy for me (because of that play on words)... um... just go back and read the post again. And who knows, maybe you'll still be happy... that I survived the torrential river ride.

All I have to say is I didn't mean to make anyone's hearts skip a beat. Just wanted to see if you were awake. You still love me though, right? ♥

Don't worry. I don't have any crazy news today or any outlandish puns... but I do have a very sweet girl for you to meet. She's this month's Feature Sponsor... and she's just awesome. It's rare that a person can completely capture my heart (except for Daniel, of course)... but Elise totally has me hooked. She's living in Rwanda (you guys... Rwanda), serving the Lord, and helping children. It doesn't get any better than that.

So go ahead and grab a cup of tea/lemon water/or wine (in my blog buddy Erin's case), and enjoy little miss Elise! (read to the end for a surprise!)

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Hey there fellow Aunie Sauce readers! 

My name is Elise Cooper and I blog over and Forever Changed.

  
I’m a pretty ordinary girl, I often refer to myself as Plain Jane, 

but despite that I believe I have an extraordinary purpose perfectly designed by God.

 So let me tell you a little bit about myself and overload you with pictures, 

because lets be honest, pictures make everything more enjoyable.

 I come from an amazing family that consists of a dad, mom, older sister, 

brother-in-law, and younger brother.

I have a best friend who without I would probably be lost.

 I have the sweetest dog in the world.

 I run, for fun (and enjoy a good a rhyme ever once in awhile).  

 I enjoy eating...

A lot...

And chocolate chip cookies are my weakness

 I love Christmas...

 More than any sane person should. 

 And at the rip old age of 21 I have a bucket list that I take pretty seriously.

Some of my latest accomplishments consist of parasailing

 Completing a Mud Run

And a Sprint Triathlon 

 Taking a carriage ride through central park

 Going skydiving

 Bungee jumping

 And white water rafting in class 5 rapids 

And moving to Rwanda Africa to work in an orphanage.

 December 27^th 2011 I went on my first mission’s trip to Rwanda and Ethiopia.

 On New Years Eve we visited an orphanage called Noel with close to six hundred children 

with only eighty nannies to care for them.

 New Years Day I made my decision to move to Rwanda and four months later I did just that.

 I have now been in Rwanda for almost two months.

 These two months have been filled with smiles, laughter, new friendships, new adventures

 As well as tears, frustration, anger, confusion and questioning

 But I wouldn’t trade these two months for anything in the world 

because this is where God has called me to serve

and no matter the circumstance or consequences I will always seek to be obedient 

and follow Him wherever He asks.

Forever Changed is my way of documenting this crazy journey that is my life. 

If you are interested in joining me on this adventure head on over to my blog,

 I would love to have you!  
You can find me:
 @ my blog here 
@ my facebook here
@ my twitter here
@ my instagram here
or @ No.41's facebook here or site here

Oh, but before I go I think I should do a giveaway since ya'll are so awesome. 

No.41 provides skills, training and sustainable income to orphaned young women in Gisenyi, Rwanda as they get on their feet and transition to independence. The proceeds from their bags and beads will also fund a school-feeding program for secondary school students in the area. 

And conveniently is run out of my house and founded by my roommate Tara Clapper. 

So today I would like to offer you a chance to win a beautiful bag made by one of the amazing 31 women that are currently employed by No.41. 

To enter:
Enter via Rafflecopter below

Giveaway open internationally

Giveaway closes on Saturday at midnight.

a Rafflecopter giveaway