Still grateful

The other night I was standing at my kitchen sink doing the dishes. I chore I dread yet somehow I tend to have my deepest thoughts and prayer times there.

I was thinking about and praying for some of my friends that are in the adoption process and remembering all too well the pain of the wait... and more specifically recalling how anxious I was over raising the funds. Jake had so much peace about that part of it, but it really stressed me out. How in the world does one raise over $24,000? In a matter of months no less? Well, let me tell you, "one" doesn't. The Lord does. And I can't speak for others that have raised money to bring their children home, and maybe this is wrong of me (It feels wrong and I feel guilty about this for some reason. Don't judge me.) but I can still remember the name of almost every person that donated. I think its because as the money came in, I was so... shocked... and so grateful. I felt like I was literally, tangibly watching people be Christ to me. An email would come in from Paypal saying so-and-so donated x amt of dollars. !!! SERIOUSLY?! And oh that humbling feeling. Its that same feeling when your friends gather around and lay hands to pray for you. You know you need it, and you're so humbled, but you're so grateful and receive it with an open, needy heart. Whew. Humility. (And I think I feel guilty because financial stuff always feels so "worldly". Like I should still remember every person who prayed for us as well. And I do remember many of those people, but when you're looking at a screen of email after email of people who gave out of their personal resources. Wow.)

But the reason for this post tonight is: I really want those people to know... you know who you are if you're reading this. I sit here, over 2 years after that process, still grateful from the bottom of my heart... to you. Thank you for giving. Thank you for being the church to us. Every bit of that money was raised, and much more. I'm still in awe. Thank you. You were and are a part of Micah's redemption story.