Yard Sale Extravaganza!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 

Our yard sale to help raise funds for the adoption was a great success!! We want to give all the glory and thanks to God! He blessed us with so much! He blessed us with.... 

• The energy and stamina for the two days, plus through all the months of preparation
• A gorgeous weekend 
• Family and friends who gave their time and energy to help prepare for and then work even harder during the two sale days
• Our church family who let us borrow tables
• People who prayed for us
• The gracious people who donated T.O.N.S. of stuff
• And the great turnout of customers to purchase stuff

Yard sales are hard work - especially one of this size. But I love yard sales - I love getting rid of stuff, but most of all I love meeting people and learning their stories! We definitely had some characters! We met many kind people - some who came back with donations to put in the sale and others who simply gave more than their total!

 
The other awesome aspect of the yard sale is we got to share about our adoption journey, how God has been faithful, and even invite some to our church! I was also reminded about how so many people are touched by adoption - people shared their stories of adoption whether they were adoptive parents or knew someone close to them who has adopted.

 

 And finally....drum roll please.......

God blessed us with $1506.72 through the yard sale fundraiser!!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Special Thanks: Vanessa & Family, Ruth & Daniel, Becky & Larry, Carolyn, Aunt Barb, Mom & Ron, Dad & Crandell, Les, Mem, Grammy, Monica, Liz, Gretchen, Chris & Kwan, Chris C., Carol, Jessica E., Chelsea, Mrs. Joan, Shelly, Christine, Beth, Mrs. Kay, Jessica B and Silvia.

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)