TOP’s Tuesday: Birthday Bash Blog Tour in September - Part I

My goal is to share hope and healing as we remember Heidi. Her kidnapping over nineteen years ago remains on the hearts of many in our area, across the country, and even in Europe. It amazes me to see where God is taking Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey in such a short amount of time. Since this book’s release on April 3, 2013, on the 19th anniversary of Heidi’s abduction, I’ve done book signings, speaking engagements, television interviews, a morning talk show interview, and interviews for blogs and magazines. Wow! Each one provides an opportunity to learn more about myself as I meet people yet to read Where’s Heidi?, and hear testimonies of others who have already read it.  

Some think I am just being generous when I say, “I love meeting my readers and getting out in the public.” Ask my family, I’ve always been a people person yet the idea of being in a crowd made me very nervous at the beginning. Over the past five months, God continues to strengthen, encourage, and inspire me with each new opportunity to share Heidi, Hope, and my testimony with others.

The last three months of school were crazy busy and although exhausted at the end of the night, were such blessings to me and my family. Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey release date was during our Spring break (Thank you God!) but after that, the speaking engagements, book signings, and interviews happened during the evening and on weekends. This made for an exciting time. Once summer vacation arrived, we decided as a family for a little respite.

School starts next week so our summer hiatus must come to an end. Don’t get me wrong, we traveled for a couple book signings and a speaking engagement. I spend my Monday evenings at the New Haven Farmer’s Market (4 – 7 p.m. on Route 104, New Haven, NY, in front of the town hall). With the exception of Labor Day Monday, you can find me there through the end of September.

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Another way I share with others is through visits to public libraries. This is so much fun too. Each one is different. Some have a table set up for me to sign books at, while others ask me to spend a few minutes talking about myself, my books, and my actual writing. This is an enjoyable couple hours, as a thank you, I gift the library a copy of Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey , to share hope with others that might not be able to afford purchasing their own copy.

 These are events I can do in the afternoon and evenings during the week. On the weekend, God’s opened opportunities to bring Hope to women’s groups, churches, and other organizations. This is an amazing time, both in preparation and in presentation – a time to draw closer to God and share His message with those I meet.

I’m thankful for the doors God continues to open and I look forward to the days to come. May I follow His lead, not mine.

Last year I revealed the cover to Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey, this year we will enjoy a host of blogs highlighting, remembering, and sharing Heidi M Allen and her sister’s story. A journey of hope…

To learn other ways we remember Heidi throughout the year, read the second part of this blog tomorrow. See you then!

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Since we announced the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, what has been your favorite part of the journey?