Unbelievably Grateful

Hi Friends! 

Many of you have asked how our adoption fundraiser went last week. Thanks so much for showing how much you care by inquiring, showing up, or just all of the "good luck" phone calls that week! 

We were slow to respond, because we were absolutely astounded at the level to which the community chose to come out and help two ordinary young adults who have a desire to parent.  People have still been making donations, even today!  It's nothing short of incredible, and Nicholas & I are unbelievably grateful.  Thank you!

Last week, the day after our fundraiser, we heard a talk at church.  The topic of the sermon was about bringing forth the resources we have as followers of Christ (whatever they may be), and trusting in God enough to multiply our resources to benefit his plan for our lives.

We knew God’s plan for us was to grow our family through the gift of adoption...we've known that since before we were married. 

What we didn't know is how we were going to afford it. 

After praying and feeling led by God’s spirit, we decided to sign a contract with a domestic agency in February of this year.  All we needed to do (after draining our account upon signing) was...fund-raise $9,000 more in 6 months.  Ha! ...is that ALL?!

So, we sat down and began brainstorming.  How do other people who adopt raise money?  Spaghetti feeds, auctions, taking out loans, having giant bank accounts, selling stuff online.  Hm. None of these suited our abilities or our resources.  

After a lot of thought, a pancake feed seemed like the perfect event to perhaps raise a couple hundred dollars to aide in our costs.  Plus, who doesn't love homemade whipped cream and sprinkles on a pancake?

With a small amount of cash in our pockets ($150), we rummaged through the aisles of Costco with a list in-hand, buying only the essentials.  We borrowed griddles from friends, made signs, and sent the invitations out with a prayer: “We put everything in the hands of God” (2 Corinthians 1:9)

God took our $150 dollars, and literally multiplied it.  


















He provided friends who showed up and spread the word; He provided volunteers who cooked and cleaned free of charge; He provided a centrally located facility to host the event for free; a newspaper editor who ran an ad with out charge; a local business who donated several toppings; wonderful family members who pitched in their talents; and put it on the hearts of hundreds of community members to show up that morning.

Just as Jesus was able to multiply a small amount of bread and fish to feed the crowds, God multiplied our 150 dollars to nearly $3,000. <------ Woah!

He put His plan for us to adopt on our hearts, and because we trusted in Him, despite all odds…he multiplied what we did have: a supportive community, love for pancakes, ability to plan, and a few bucks.

With a little more saving, fundraising, more prayers, and lots of paperwork, we will likely be able to open our contract by the end of the month--earlier than planned!

 (meaning a birth-mom could choose us at anytime! eeek!)

When we trust in Him, it’s as if the things we felt were impossible were inevitable all along.

Thank you friends for your continued support on this adventure.  We know we are blessed beyond measure.