Thank You

The words thank you don't quite seem powerful enough to convey the gratitude I have for the outpouring of love shown this weekend.  I am overwhelmed!  Our garage sale was a success in so many ways.  Many people donated items.  The yard looked more like a church rummage sale than just a garage sale.  We had many large items, some of which, were donated by people who do not know us personally, but heard about what we are doing and wanted to help.

I was also impressed with how many people offered to help set-up and organize the event.  Our dear friends, the Castens, offered their home, which was more centrally located.  Only true friends open their homes and arrange their lives to host such a big event.  We are so grateful for their generosity.  Our other great friends, the Zielinkis, who were the inspiration behind the whole event, helped organize things ahead of time, and make sure everyone knew what to do.  Sara put things on Craigslist, Phil was sweet enough to make dinner for us Friday night, and their five daughters were so helpful loading the Goodwill truck at the end.  Sara was also the "boss" during the sale, for which I am so thankful.  I would have been lost without her.  Our friend Deb helped by watching Liam on Friday morning.  Many other dear friends helped arrange and price things Thursday night and work the sale on Friday. 

We had a great turn-out of shoppers.  A couple church members showed up to show their support.  Some people made donations in addition to their purchases.  It is a humbling experience to accept money from people, but also so encouraging to know that so many care about our daughter already.  One couple gave us a $100 donation on Friday, which was also the day their father/father-in-law passed away.  They shopped the sale right after returning from the nursing home and saying their good-byes.  Isn't it amazing how people's lives intersect in the midst of sorrow and joy?  It just reminds me that the Lord gives and takes away - blessed be the name of the Lord.  This was emotional for me as it reminded me what our group of friends was doing on June 8th four years ago.  We were gathered for the funeral service for Christopher and Connor.  They helped us through that terrible time of grief and now have helped us in our time of joy and excitement.  Look how much has changed since that sad summer day - God has brought joy from the ashes.

Our summer of fundraising is off to a good start.  We still have a lot more to raise, but are encouraged that since God has called us to do this, He will also provide the funds we need.  God is so good!