July 12th - The Wedding Favor that Impacts a Life

As I sit to write this, I am still flabbergasted and humbled. I struggle to find the words to articulate how grateful I am by the gesture of one my dearest friends.

One of my best friends got married this weekend. Becky and I have been friends since high school. We have so many memories - memories that involve it ALL - the good, bad, ugly, and funny. However, the core thread that strings all the memories together is our love for God and one another as sisters in Christ. We have remained friends for thirteen years despite going to different colleges and 800 miles separating us for seven years. The fact that we again live only minutes apart, and can pretty much see each other whenever we want is such a blessing! It was such an honor, and privilege to stand by her side as she married the man she loves and adores!

Me and Becky at the Rehearsal Dinner

So...onto "The Wedding Favor that Impacts a Life"...


Well, unbeknownst to me, (and I am hardly e.v.e.r surprised), Becky and Larry lovingly and selflessly blessed Jeremy and I tremendously during the reception of their wedding! After the speeches of the best man, matron of honor, and groom's sister, Larry and Becky take the mic and announce their gratefulness to all who joined in witnessing their marriage and celebrating with them. Becky then continues to explain to the guests about the favor that she and Larry had decided on. (I'm standing on the outskirts of the crowd with my mom - and honestly have NO idea where she is heading with this, but listening intently to what she is saying).

She continues by saying "we could have given you a piece of chocolate or koozie, but that simply isn't us, we wanted to do something bigger, something more global". (I still have NO idea).

She continued, "We wanted to do something that would have a greater impact, something that would impact a life." (I then knew, I looked at my mom and said "oh. my. goodness - where's Jeremy"). I honestly was SO surprised. Becky continued, "There is someone in this room, who is adopting a baby" and as she said our names, I worked my way up to the front, while my mom went to go get Jeremy.

Becky took a few minutes to talk about our friendship and then exclaimed "You've been such a part of helping us start our family and we want to help grow yours. So, we would like to give you the money we would have spent on favors and dedicate it to the adoption of our Ethiopian baby - and in light of today (July 12th), we will be donating $712!!!!!" I simply could not stop hugging both of them. I was so humbled and in awe of both of their love and generosity towards us, on their special day.

Totally Surprised!

This truly was a wedding favor that impacts a life...more so, lives. Every cent will be put to the costs of bringing our son or daughter home. But even more so, the actual willingness of my sister and brother in Christ to partner alongside of us and give, humbles Jeremy and I to the core. This gift represents another tangible affirmation within our journey to adopt our first child and confirmation within our lives that God truly DOES provide in ways "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20).
 

Thank you Becky and Larry!! We are forever grateful!!

(Pictures courtesy of Alison Bell)

 

Encouragement for the Wait!

July Update

Wow! There was a ton of movement during our first month on "the list". We moved nine spots and are now sitting at number....

 

There were ten children who were matched with their forever families - six babies, a sibling set of two, one older child, and a child with special needs! How exciting! From what I have heard, this much movement in one month is not customary. The past two months have only had two referrals each month. It has also been exciting to see the milestones of other families as they receive referrals, court hearings, and clear the embassy to bring their children home. If you happen to be another Lifeline family adopting from Ethiopia - feel free to message me about joining the "unofficial closed facebook group".

And now, the wait for July begins!

"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

~ Colossians 1: 9-14~