In God's hands

As we've been fundraising all these months, we're continually reminded that it is not us but God who is our provider.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when you think about all that has to be raised (estimated $24,000 for one child in Ukraine) and all that has to be done for the adoption, let alone fudnraising!

We've done many different things to raise funds--some have gone well, some have really not --or atleast from our worldly point of view, but when you think about it, no effort done for God and to benefit "the least of these" is not in vain.

God will bless what he wants and how He wants and work through who He wants!


A few craftsales/yardsales we had didn't appear to yield any gain--but we did get some word out of what we were doing, and maybe cause someone to pause and consider why we were doing this.

Our "parents day out" didn't get any interest...thats okay, as we needed that day off I think :)

Last week we had a final yard sale and book fundraiser and only 2 families came! But they were generous, and turns out one mother took a collection at her church and gave us a little more than $400 they collected...that was so encouraging!

John sent out an email to those we know and love urging others to give--and despite my initial concern it might offend, God worked in hearts and more donations were sent.

TODAY we had a big local fundraiser with some really great musicians who happen to be friends of ours....a christian singing choir group that also plays instuments, "Joyful Noise" and then "Heirs of Baird" a family group that play violin, guitar, bass, piccolo, and more....
we had lots of stuff donated for a silent auction...
our kids had made lots of bracelets to fundraie with...

and...

not many people came :(

BUT.....
we reminded ourselves that God is in control and would bring who He wanted...

and guess what?
He brought a news reporter who interviewed John and our big girls and filmed--which means our prayer for raising awareness for special needs adoption is being answered!
(we'll post once we find out more!)

and I got to talk to a lady who is burdended for RR orphans here and who has prayed for our Lacie for a long time...
and the kids had a blast...and even made bracelets and cards for us to give orphans when we travel...
and some more people learned about RR and why we're doing what we're doing...
and our kids sold or got orders for about 30 bracelets....(so happy for them!)
and despite the low turnout, we raised another $900 I think!

Last weekend, a family in Iowa put on the concert (of music by a talented young man named Austin) to benefit us for our adoption throug Reece's Rainbow...
and He blessed it tremendously. The concert raised over $8,000 that night I believe and even before that, between people who donated but couldn't come and this family's giving and work matching donations, they had raised $11,000...
totally about $20,000!

Showing us God's hand again...this family did not even know us yet God put this on their heart...and blessed it and many people were touched and gave generously.
We humbly thank Him and are reminded that His ways are not our ways, and He is faithful to provide.

We have been praying all along about adopting a second special needs child when we adopt Lacie, a little boy named Taras, and we thank God for how He is providing the way for us, and also allowing us the blessing of raising awareness to help other orphans as well...

again, its not about us, but about God and His great and wonderful purposes. May He be glorified in our lives!