Friday, July 30, 2010

The Hands of Many

Wow!  I'm one tired lady this evening.  Today was the first day of our two day yard sale.  We are in a frenzy to raise the rest of the money needed to send in our dossier.  Yesterday, we received our notice from Immigration that we have our fingerprinting appointment in Nashville in three weeks!  Now we are in a hurry to send everything to Ghana so the process can begin in country.  Today we raised 1/3 of what we still need in order to send in our dossier - $500!  Yippee!  $500 down, $1000 to go - and we trust God will provide.  

Tonight I entered the names of the people who have helped with this yard sale - either by donating something or by helping with their hands.  Can you believe over 70 people had the heart to help bring our little boy home?  Some simply donated a bag or box, some worked to price, etc...  Four families that we do not even know donated items to this fundraiser!  Thank you!

The past few days it's been a blessing to see the love of Christ in others.  My mom has been in pain, but has been here to help set-up and work this sale.  She has endured difficulty in walking to be here.  My dear friends, Janet, Patti, and Jacquie were here to set-up, price, and work the sale.  Our sons and nephews worked feverishly selling concessions and carrying heavy items to the cars.  It could not have been done without every one's help!  Kristie came by tonight and brought another load of fresh items for tomorrow sale!  Some were transported from Arkansas!  Thank you friends and family for everything you have done!  What a blessing you are to us!

Several more sweet surprises came today.  One family brought cookies and bicycles to donate.  The daughters offered great encouragement to me because they were both adopted as malnourished children - something our son has noted with severity on his medical report.  These girls are now beautiful, strong, healthy girls!  It was incredible to see how the Lord has been weaving HIS story in their lives!  Meeting them was one of the highlights of the day.  Oh to see them now!  Another was serving a free bowl of homemade ice cream to a couple celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary! 

Tonight the Lord continued to provide encouragement with the surprise visit from Ami and Rachel Carr.  They are making beautiful handmade beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.  Every sale will help bring our little boy home.  (1/2 for us, 1/2 for their ministry choice)  Ami said her birthday present to herself is to help us bring our little one home!  What an incredible gift!  This family has a heart for orphans.  You will have your first opportunity to purchase these tomorrow at our yard sale - so swing by.  This jewelry is amazing.  A special factor of these beads are they are made using the same technique as in Africa, so it's a special tie with orphaned children there.  Additionally, this mother and daughter are using their talents to offer gifts to God by helping others.  You might enjoy reading their vision for their jewelry - http://helpushelpchildren.blogspot.com/

Words seem so inadequate for thanks.  The blessings that have come on this journey have been astounding.  Although there are some aspects of the fundraising that has been difficult  - for example, getting everything out for the yard sale and then having a downpour (yes, it happened...again!).  God continues to remind me that this is not for us...  It's for a little boy waiting in Ghana.  One living in a foster home without electricity or running water.  A precious boy who shares a small mat on the floor with two others, and shares a cup with 24 children.  A child who does not know us yet, but who has stolen our hearts.  Yes, this is what the work, effort, and energy is spent on.  Him.  Our son.  And, even in the tiredness, it would be a JOY to do everything again...because HE is worth it.  Yes, he is!

Thank you again to everyone who has helped with this adoption -
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14,16
We praise God for blessing us with each of you!
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PS - Remember the Yard Sale is ON tomorrow starting at 8:00 am!

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