Yes, I know it's Wednesday, I just didn't get home early enough last night to post. :-)
Last night we were excited to go to a children's consignment sale in Louisville. We looked at furniture, strollers, carseats, highchairs, and the like, but ended up coming home without making a purchase. Still, it was fun to actually be able to shop for those things! We know that a match could come more quickly than we anticipate, but for now we're waiting patiently. On a frustrating note, there was some misunderstanding with our home study, and as of today (over a week later), we still have not received a copy. That is delaying our application process for grants and loans.
We are super, super, super excited for our friends Chuck and Abby!!! (http://robinsonaddition.blogspot.com/) They found out on Friday that they have been matched with two children in Ethiopia. We can't wait to meet Layla and Ezekiel!
We are also thrilled that our friends Bo and Tara (and Colby & Kallee) have finally been able to move into their house. (http://thecracrafts.tumblr.com/) They've been an inspiration as they've walked through the decision to live life more simply, and we know Pradero will be a wonderful home for them.
My little sister Molly left for Los Angeles last weekend. I'm very excited to see what God has planned for her as she follows her talents to the west coast. And I'm secretly hoping she makes the connections she needs to quickly so that she can come back closer to home! I pray that she will find a church and group of friends quickly - people who will encourage her both spiritually and in her music endeavors.
Hope Church broke ground for the playground this week! Absolutely cannot wait for the kiddos to have a fun and safe place to play outside. Hope also celebrated its 12th birthday last weekend, and we've ceratinly been blessed to be a part of that family for the past four years.
Hope the next post brings exciting adoption news! Until then...
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Humbled by His Plans
Sunday morning I got to church early, so I was looking back through the last few entries in my journal notebook. I laughed as I read a journal entry from about a month ago. I was freaking out over the adoption process – completely baffled at how we’d ever come up with the finances. Oh, silly girl, when will you ever learn to trust in the Lord and lean NOT on your own understanding?
Just over a week ago we marked the end of our first fundraiser. Four days at the 127 Yard Sale brought in over $5,000. Five. Thousand. Dollars. (Hey, Doh, it’s me, God. What’d I tell ya?) I have to admit that the week leading up to the yard sale I was an absolute wreck. Tim had just returned from eight days in Honduras and my mom’s house was covered with yard sale junk. So many times I felt overwhelmed and told my mom and sister that it wasn’t worth it. We’d kill ourselves trying to be ready for the weekend – we should just chill out and do it sometime later on. Thankfully they told me to chill out and convinced me to continue!
Oh how we were able to see God in our midst the whole time. First of all, had it not been for the timing working out perfectly for us to take advantage of the 127 Sale weekend, we never would have made as much as we did. On top of that, had our dear friends Drew and Cack not offered their perfect location, we never would have had the traffic we did.
Thursday was supposed to be our set-up day with no selling unless we felt ready. As soon as people saw tents popping up, they headed on over and started digging through boxes. It was absolutely the most stressful day of all as we dealt with customers while trying to unpack, organize, and setup tables and tents, but the stress and chaos of the day brought $1,000. Not bad for a day you weren’t even planning to be open – I guess God had different plans than we did.
We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends, family, and people we don’t even know. From the moment the yard sale was planned, we had people offering to donate things to sell. All weekend long, as we would begin to put a dent in our stash, more stuff would arrive. We thought we’d sold all of our “big ticket” items multiple times, only to have another table or dresser donated. Yet another way the Lord provided – no way did we have $5,000 worth of stuff on our own!
We had some neat experiences and met some great people over those four days. Multiple people shared with us that they had adopted, had been adopted themselves, or had adopted children somewhere in their family.
We were able to sell a tv with closed captioning to a lady who was hearing impaired. We communicated by writing everything down on a pad of paper as she asked me about the tv. I offered to plug it in so we could check it, and thankfully our friend Chad had arrived just in time to carry it over to the house for me and eventually to her car.
Mom was able to donate some Swiffer and Clorox mops to a gentleman who works at some sort of shelter or soup kitchen, and we also sent some backpacks and bags with a gentleman who helps out with a “Backpack Buddies” type program at his church.
Throughout the weekend, shoppers offered an extra dollar, ten dollars, or even more as they paid for their items. Many of them also offered prayers for us and our adoption process. People came to us at church and simply gave a donation, and other donations came through the mail. Even still we’re having people offer up things to sell at our next yard sale.
Like I said before – humbling. I don’t know that you’d ever choose in life to be in the midst of a difficult or trying situation. Yet how encouraged we have been by the outpouring of love, support, and generosity from so many around us! We are even more grateful now than we’ve ever been before for the family and friends that God has blessed us with.
So here’s where we stand: We are officially home study approved! Yesterday we received a letter stating that our home study was on its way to our agency and another copy on its way to us. Once we receive it, we will send copies of it along with our applications for various loans and grants. THEN….. we’ll finish our profile for the agency and send it off so that we can be matched!
Thank you again to EVERYONE who helped with the yard sale. If you came by and spent two dollars, donated junk from your attic, or simply prayed that the weekend would be a success, you were a blessing to us. Look for details for yard sale #2 and a cookout lunch soon!
Just over a week ago we marked the end of our first fundraiser. Four days at the 127 Yard Sale brought in over $5,000. Five. Thousand. Dollars. (Hey, Doh, it’s me, God. What’d I tell ya?) I have to admit that the week leading up to the yard sale I was an absolute wreck. Tim had just returned from eight days in Honduras and my mom’s house was covered with yard sale junk. So many times I felt overwhelmed and told my mom and sister that it wasn’t worth it. We’d kill ourselves trying to be ready for the weekend – we should just chill out and do it sometime later on. Thankfully they told me to chill out and convinced me to continue!
Oh how we were able to see God in our midst the whole time. First of all, had it not been for the timing working out perfectly for us to take advantage of the 127 Sale weekend, we never would have made as much as we did. On top of that, had our dear friends Drew and Cack not offered their perfect location, we never would have had the traffic we did.
Thursday was supposed to be our set-up day with no selling unless we felt ready. As soon as people saw tents popping up, they headed on over and started digging through boxes. It was absolutely the most stressful day of all as we dealt with customers while trying to unpack, organize, and setup tables and tents, but the stress and chaos of the day brought $1,000. Not bad for a day you weren’t even planning to be open – I guess God had different plans than we did.
We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends, family, and people we don’t even know. From the moment the yard sale was planned, we had people offering to donate things to sell. All weekend long, as we would begin to put a dent in our stash, more stuff would arrive. We thought we’d sold all of our “big ticket” items multiple times, only to have another table or dresser donated. Yet another way the Lord provided – no way did we have $5,000 worth of stuff on our own!
We had some neat experiences and met some great people over those four days. Multiple people shared with us that they had adopted, had been adopted themselves, or had adopted children somewhere in their family.
We were able to sell a tv with closed captioning to a lady who was hearing impaired. We communicated by writing everything down on a pad of paper as she asked me about the tv. I offered to plug it in so we could check it, and thankfully our friend Chad had arrived just in time to carry it over to the house for me and eventually to her car.
Mom was able to donate some Swiffer and Clorox mops to a gentleman who works at some sort of shelter or soup kitchen, and we also sent some backpacks and bags with a gentleman who helps out with a “Backpack Buddies” type program at his church.
Throughout the weekend, shoppers offered an extra dollar, ten dollars, or even more as they paid for their items. Many of them also offered prayers for us and our adoption process. People came to us at church and simply gave a donation, and other donations came through the mail. Even still we’re having people offer up things to sell at our next yard sale.
Like I said before – humbling. I don’t know that you’d ever choose in life to be in the midst of a difficult or trying situation. Yet how encouraged we have been by the outpouring of love, support, and generosity from so many around us! We are even more grateful now than we’ve ever been before for the family and friends that God has blessed us with.
So here’s where we stand: We are officially home study approved! Yesterday we received a letter stating that our home study was on its way to our agency and another copy on its way to us. Once we receive it, we will send copies of it along with our applications for various loans and grants. THEN….. we’ll finish our profile for the agency and send it off so that we can be matched!
Thank you again to EVERYONE who helped with the yard sale. If you came by and spent two dollars, donated junk from your attic, or simply prayed that the weekend would be a success, you were a blessing to us. Look for details for yard sale #2 and a cookout lunch soon!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Fundraiser #1 a HUGE success!
Wow. That’s really all there is to say. Wow. I am utterly amazed at the love that has been poured out upon a child who isn’t even here yet! This weekend’s yard sale was above and beyond successful.
I have a lot of thoughts and things to share, but for now we just want to let you know how grateful we are to everyone who pitched in in any way. Your giving enabled us to raise over $5,000 toward our adoption expenses!
There are SO MANY people we want to thank for donating time, money, or things to sell. First of all, my mom, who finally got to get rid of clutter in her house and worked her tail off for two weeks to be ready for this past weekend; my sister Molly, who was slave to me and my mom throughout this whole process; and my dad, who put up with all of the insanity while being whatever help he could.
Drew Causey and Cack Detherage (the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Causey!!!) who allowed us the use of their yard, garage, and home for four days. The location was PERFECT and we would not have had the outcome we did without your generosity. Thanks also for loaning us Scout to keep us company and entertain the shoppers.
Bethany Meacham, who showed up every day, folded and sorted more clothes than an employee at the Gap, and came with Robert to help us tear down on Sunday afternoon.
Andrew and Amy Zopff, who gave up their Saturday afternoon and evening to come – with their kids - to run our yard sale so that we could attend my cousin’s wedding. Those six hours no doubt helped toward our total. And to Amy for fixing a cooler of cold drinks for us on our set-up day.
Hope Community Church for the use of tables.
Richard Weese for helping us transport and set-up on Thursday.
Buddy Bennett, Jamey Bennett, Tommy Current, Tim Lucas, Jason Gilbert, and Andrew Zopff for loaning us canopies that saved us and our shoppers from the intense heat and sun.
Bo Cracraft, Jason Gilbert, and Brad Gross for moving furniture and boxes out to the site.
Lucy Karsner, Gracie, and Peyton for helping with set-up.
Jeff Ford for loaning us his truck the entire weekend.
Gilberts and Cracrafts for making food runs.
David Rowe for helping us transport and unload all the leftover stuff on Sunday.
Donations of various kinds: Robinson, McQuinn, Roberts, Tilley, Current, Cracraft, Zopff, Gilbert, Karsner, Reddick, Ross, Meacham, Walker, Lucas, Doolin, Chrisman, McGrath, Rennels, Noble, Foster, Maggard, Tigges, Rose, Birdwhistell, Snelling, Rowe, Uebel, Gay, Bowman, and so many more that I didn’t get a chance to write down.
You are all blessings in our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I have a lot of thoughts and things to share, but for now we just want to let you know how grateful we are to everyone who pitched in in any way. Your giving enabled us to raise over $5,000 toward our adoption expenses!
There are SO MANY people we want to thank for donating time, money, or things to sell. First of all, my mom, who finally got to get rid of clutter in her house and worked her tail off for two weeks to be ready for this past weekend; my sister Molly, who was slave to me and my mom throughout this whole process; and my dad, who put up with all of the insanity while being whatever help he could.
Drew Causey and Cack Detherage (the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Causey!!!) who allowed us the use of their yard, garage, and home for four days. The location was PERFECT and we would not have had the outcome we did without your generosity. Thanks also for loaning us Scout to keep us company and entertain the shoppers.
Bethany Meacham, who showed up every day, folded and sorted more clothes than an employee at the Gap, and came with Robert to help us tear down on Sunday afternoon.
Andrew and Amy Zopff, who gave up their Saturday afternoon and evening to come – with their kids - to run our yard sale so that we could attend my cousin’s wedding. Those six hours no doubt helped toward our total. And to Amy for fixing a cooler of cold drinks for us on our set-up day.
Hope Community Church for the use of tables.
Richard Weese for helping us transport and set-up on Thursday.
Buddy Bennett, Jamey Bennett, Tommy Current, Tim Lucas, Jason Gilbert, and Andrew Zopff for loaning us canopies that saved us and our shoppers from the intense heat and sun.
Bo Cracraft, Jason Gilbert, and Brad Gross for moving furniture and boxes out to the site.
Lucy Karsner, Gracie, and Peyton for helping with set-up.
Jeff Ford for loaning us his truck the entire weekend.
Gilberts and Cracrafts for making food runs.
David Rowe for helping us transport and unload all the leftover stuff on Sunday.
Donations of various kinds: Robinson, McQuinn, Roberts, Tilley, Current, Cracraft, Zopff, Gilbert, Karsner, Reddick, Ross, Meacham, Walker, Lucas, Doolin, Chrisman, McGrath, Rennels, Noble, Foster, Maggard, Tigges, Rose, Birdwhistell, Snelling, Rowe, Uebel, Gay, Bowman, and so many more that I didn’t get a chance to write down.
You are all blessings in our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
When Life Throws You a Curve
So, Tim came home from Honduras sick. Curve ball. This week was already going to be crazy and hectic enough getting ready for our first fundraising yard sale - we don't have time for him to be sick!
He had told me the morning of their flight home that he wasn't feeling well - stuffy nose, cough, etc. He looked and sounded awful when I picked him up Sunday night, and it's only gotten worse since then. He has yet to go to work this week and only today felt well enough to get out of bed and really do anything. I'm thankful that the "anything" he felt up to doing included a trip to the doctor! Hopefully the Z-Pak will kick whatever it is that's got him feeling yucky.
Unfortunately, it's meant that we've had to postpone the second part of our home study that was scheduled for tonight. It's frustrating to me because I feel like we already lost a week with him gone, and now we'll be another week behind. But then I have to remind myself that I only think we're behind because I have some sort of schedule in my head. When you get right down to it, the timing is all the Lord's and there's nothing I can do to mess with that!
I think we're finally getting close to being ready for this weekend. We might actually be crazy for taking part in the "World's Longest Yard Sale", but it seemed too good an opportunity to pass up. I think my mother has cleaned out every closet, cabinet, and drawer in her entire house! (And believe me, she's thrilled about it.) Thursday will be our set-up and pricing day at the yard sale site, and we will sell on Friday and Saturday. Hoping the weather cooperates!
He had told me the morning of their flight home that he wasn't feeling well - stuffy nose, cough, etc. He looked and sounded awful when I picked him up Sunday night, and it's only gotten worse since then. He has yet to go to work this week and only today felt well enough to get out of bed and really do anything. I'm thankful that the "anything" he felt up to doing included a trip to the doctor! Hopefully the Z-Pak will kick whatever it is that's got him feeling yucky.
Unfortunately, it's meant that we've had to postpone the second part of our home study that was scheduled for tonight. It's frustrating to me because I feel like we already lost a week with him gone, and now we'll be another week behind. But then I have to remind myself that I only think we're behind because I have some sort of schedule in my head. When you get right down to it, the timing is all the Lord's and there's nothing I can do to mess with that!
I think we're finally getting close to being ready for this weekend. We might actually be crazy for taking part in the "World's Longest Yard Sale", but it seemed too good an opportunity to pass up. I think my mother has cleaned out every closet, cabinet, and drawer in her entire house! (And believe me, she's thrilled about it.) Thursday will be our set-up and pricing day at the yard sale site, and we will sell on Friday and Saturday. Hoping the weather cooperates!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Better Than a Hallelujah
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
This song is being played over and over again on the radio lately, but for some reason it has seemed to really hit home with me. Granted, I’ve been a little extra-emotional while Tim’s been gone to Honduras, but at times the words of this song have sent me into tears. I know that a lot of what hits me about this song is that I relate so much to “pouring out my misery” to God. This decision to adopt was not an easy one to come to, and it definitely hasn’t come without some heartbreak. My whole life was planned around being a wife and mother. I never, ever thought I’d be “that girl” or we’d be “that couple”. Much of the past few years have been spent pouring out the “honest cries of our breaking hearts” about not being able to become pregnant.
The words of the song may seem a little strange. Our miseries and cries of broken hearts are sweeter to God’s ears than a “Hallelujah”? Yes, sometimes I think they are. What is better than honesty with ourselves and with our Father? He knows our pains and our trials, even better than we do. I think sometimes He longs for us to be honest. Not that he wants us to hurt, but there’s so much to gain by being broken and having to depend solely on Him.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. –2 Cor. 12:9
So many times I’ve tried to act as if everything is okay; tried to make everything okay. Pretended that the hurt wasn’t there or wasn’t as bad. And one day it sort of hit me. My weakness gives the Lord the opportunity to work in me and through me. The more I try to handle it all myself, the more I close Him off from the opportunity to love me. I can’t make it through this life on my own. I shouldn’t try to, and my Father doesn’t want me to.
Hence, the words of this song. God hears a melody when we finally admit that we are broken and hurting. When we finally quit being prideful and selfish, and finally go to Him with nothing to lose and everything to gain. When we finally say, “Okay, Lord, this hurts. Hear my cries. I give up so that You may take over.”
And He’s there. He’s been there… waiting… all along. Hallelujah!
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
This song is being played over and over again on the radio lately, but for some reason it has seemed to really hit home with me. Granted, I’ve been a little extra-emotional while Tim’s been gone to Honduras, but at times the words of this song have sent me into tears. I know that a lot of what hits me about this song is that I relate so much to “pouring out my misery” to God. This decision to adopt was not an easy one to come to, and it definitely hasn’t come without some heartbreak. My whole life was planned around being a wife and mother. I never, ever thought I’d be “that girl” or we’d be “that couple”. Much of the past few years have been spent pouring out the “honest cries of our breaking hearts” about not being able to become pregnant.
The words of the song may seem a little strange. Our miseries and cries of broken hearts are sweeter to God’s ears than a “Hallelujah”? Yes, sometimes I think they are. What is better than honesty with ourselves and with our Father? He knows our pains and our trials, even better than we do. I think sometimes He longs for us to be honest. Not that he wants us to hurt, but there’s so much to gain by being broken and having to depend solely on Him.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. –2 Cor. 12:9
So many times I’ve tried to act as if everything is okay; tried to make everything okay. Pretended that the hurt wasn’t there or wasn’t as bad. And one day it sort of hit me. My weakness gives the Lord the opportunity to work in me and through me. The more I try to handle it all myself, the more I close Him off from the opportunity to love me. I can’t make it through this life on my own. I shouldn’t try to, and my Father doesn’t want me to.
Hence, the words of this song. God hears a melody when we finally admit that we are broken and hurting. When we finally quit being prideful and selfish, and finally go to Him with nothing to lose and everything to gain. When we finally say, “Okay, Lord, this hurts. Hear my cries. I give up so that You may take over.”
And He’s there. He’s been there… waiting… all along. Hallelujah!
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