Chapmans’ crafts at street festival to benefit ‘We Heart Adoptions’
The Chapman family includes, from left, Brett, Amanda, Luke and Ansley Kate. Two empty chairs represent two children from China that they are in the process of adopting. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Brett and Amanda Chapman will have a special purpose in mind as craft vendors at the Madison Street Festival.
Using the moniker “We Heart Adoptions,” the Chapman family will sell their homemade burlap items to raise money for their international adoption of two children, a boy and a girl from China.
“Amanda and I went to Mongolia on a mission trip with an Orlando church in 2004,” Brett said. “While we were there, we visited an orphanage. In Mongolia, my heart really changed.”
The Chapman’s son Luke was born in 2006, followed by daughter Ansley Kate in 2008. They hoped to have another biological child, and Amanda did become pregnant with twins. Tragically, the pregnancy ended in losing the babies.
“Through the tragedy of losing two children, God really spoke to our hearts and we knew that He was calling us to adopt … and not only one child but two children,” Amanda said.
The Chapmans’ goal is to raise $12,000 before they travel to China in February.
At the Madison Street Festival, they will sell door decorations made of burlap. Shoppers can choose among footballs with University of Alabama or Auburn University colors, pumpkins, crosses and Christmas trees.
Their burlap banners are composed of letters that spell positive words, like “Fall,” “Joy,” “Be Merry” and “Family.” In addition, fabric banners are good ideas for birthdays, room decor and photos. They also sell necklaces made in Africa.
Both Samford University alumni, the Chapmans moved to Madison in 2005. Brett Chapman taught history and coached varsity boys’ soccer for six years at Bob Jones High School. Since 2010, he has been assistant principal at Columbia Elementary School.
Their son Luke, 7, swims with the Madison Dolphins and Madison Swimming Association. Daughter Ansley Kate, 5, studies at The Dance Company.
For more information, visit Weheartadoptions.com.
