Friday came and it was raining. The idea was to start setting everything out on Friday afternoon since there was so much. Jay had to work so I was going to rely on friends and family to help set up. As soon that rain stopped, I started pulling things out of the garage. Jay's mom arrived and helped before having to pick IV up from school for me. While the 2 of us had set up the tables and pulled about 5 boxes out, a couple pulled up. We told them that we were just getting started but they were welcome to unpack the boxes and look. Instead of that, they stayed for about an hour and carried boxes out our garage. The kindness of strangers. They did not buy anything.
Right as they were leaving, a friend and her neighbor stopped by. We told them the same thing...you can look but there is a lot more. My friend bought a few things and both her and her neighbor left. 15 mins later, her neighbor came back and offered to help. She stayed for about 3 hours! Spent over $200. Wouldn't you know it....She is an adoptive parent!
About this time, my friends and family came to help and we had about 70% out already! The kindness of strangers! So, thankfully my friends and family came to unpack, sort, stand guard, organize and help me come up with a plan. We had a great time just laughing, battling the wind and making a plan to cover all this during the night. After the day was done, we made over $700 on Friday! Amazing!
Saturday morning arrived and everything was still in place from the night before. Goodies were baked and lemonade was made. The sun was coming to warm up the day. The coffee was being delivered. And God was getting ready to blow our minds! I know He was tickled as we just sat there at 7am with no customers just cheering us on..."Dont loose faith. Keep you eyes on Me. I got ya!"
And boy did He! The people came. They bought stuff. They ate the goodies. They gave their extra change to our 'donation' jar. Our street lined with cars once again. And all the glory goes to Him!
My favorite quote of the day was "Are you adopting a dog or a cat?!"
One of the neatest people we met that day was a Birthmother. She saw our Adoption fundraiser sign and decided to stop and tell us her story. Beautiful, young girl. Responsibly looking. Well dressed for a Saturday morning. Emotionally connected. We all may have a picture in our heads of what a women looks like that would love her child and hand him/her over to another family to raise, love, watch and grow with. All birthmothers look different. Most feel deeply and love selflessly. Most go on to fight the statistics of what's expected of them. Most keep in contact with their child and adoptive family. But these are not the stories you read.
As the day ended and our eye began to glaze over with amazement and exhaustion, we began clean up and count the funds of the day. God did not give me amount this time to pray for. He never really confirmed a date for me either. But we completely stepped out on faith and trusted Him. He never fails and He is forever faithful! Over $4000 was given that day.
A M A Z I N G G R A C E
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