It's been a little over a week since we left Russia, and so much of our hearts with our daughter. She's an incredible joy and we cannot wait to bring her home!!
Although it was tough to leave, we knew we had some things to look forward to upon our return - namely the "Sveta's Path Home Fundraiser" that occurred at our home church this past Friday evening. Some friends of ours put the ENTIRE event together! It was an incredible blessing to know that they were doing something amazing for us, to allow us to focus on other parts of the adoption process.
Friday finally arrived after a long week of attempting to switch time zones, unpack, and mentally switch gears. So many people came out to help set up late Thursday evening and all day Friday. Then finally it was time for the event which we'd all been waiting for. People began to filter into the church as Barry and I tried to welcome them. We quickly realized that it was impossible for us to greet every person...so we did our best. Throughout the night three bands played incredible worship music, we ate incredible food, and there was a huge silent auction! I first cried when Mitch and Courtney shared their story of adopting their son (who was born on the day we first met Sveta)...then I cried again when Jim spoke of the Boaz Project and my love for orphans developing so long ago. And again when Lisa shared her adoption story...and when we watched the video of Sveta...and extra hard when they auctioned off a picture puzzle of our family. INCREDIBLE.
I listened to the preliminary grand total that was raised: $9,000. INCREDIBLE.
I listened to many of the volunteers (who had done SO much for us) thank Barry & I for allowing them to be involved. INCREDIBLE.
I heard the revised total for the evening: $11,700. INCREDIBLE.
Barry & I have been blown away: by the kindness of our friends to put together such an amazing event, by the generosity of family, friends, and brothers & sisters in Christ that have we've never met, and by the love that each of you have shown our growing family.
The only thing we have left to say is: Thank you...and may God bless you one hundred fold for the ways in which you've blessed us.
Although it was tough to leave, we knew we had some things to look forward to upon our return - namely the "Sveta's Path Home Fundraiser" that occurred at our home church this past Friday evening. Some friends of ours put the ENTIRE event together! It was an incredible blessing to know that they were doing something amazing for us, to allow us to focus on other parts of the adoption process.
Friday finally arrived after a long week of attempting to switch time zones, unpack, and mentally switch gears. So many people came out to help set up late Thursday evening and all day Friday. Then finally it was time for the event which we'd all been waiting for. People began to filter into the church as Barry and I tried to welcome them. We quickly realized that it was impossible for us to greet every person...so we did our best. Throughout the night three bands played incredible worship music, we ate incredible food, and there was a huge silent auction! I first cried when Mitch and Courtney shared their story of adopting their son (who was born on the day we first met Sveta)...then I cried again when Jim spoke of the Boaz Project and my love for orphans developing so long ago. And again when Lisa shared her adoption story...and when we watched the video of Sveta...and extra hard when they auctioned off a picture puzzle of our family. INCREDIBLE.
I listened to the preliminary grand total that was raised: $9,000. INCREDIBLE.
I listened to many of the volunteers (who had done SO much for us) thank Barry & I for allowing them to be involved. INCREDIBLE.
I heard the revised total for the evening: $11,700. INCREDIBLE.
Barry & I have been blown away: by the kindness of our friends to put together such an amazing event, by the generosity of family, friends, and brothers & sisters in Christ that have we've never met, and by the love that each of you have shown our growing family.
The only thing we have left to say is: Thank you...and may God bless you one hundred fold for the ways in which you've blessed us.
Habakkuk 1:5 says, "Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."
ReplyDeleteGod is pouring His blessings out upon you. Know that we continue to pray for each of you.
Love and blessings,
Duane, Lisa, Daren, & Savannah Martin