He loves us, oh how he loves us!

This is a phrase from a worship song we sing at church that always brings me to tears.  God's love is so amazing and we are feeling it so much.

We worked so hard this week, baking treats to sell at our bake sale, organizing and gathering donations for our garage sale and preparing and planning for our church's orphan ministry fundraiser.  It was a very crazy weekend!

I became a little anxious before the garage sale, thinking about how we would have to deal with the different people coming by wanting to haggle and how stressful that can be, but I remembered to turn to God in prayer and ask Him to help me get through the day.

Overall, it was a successful day. I hate to mention that a couple of small items were stolen and some of the hagglers really got on my nerves, but I tried to remain positive and keep trusting in what the Lord would provide.  And the day was filled with many blessings.

My daughter had her friends come and help with the bake sale and scream spread the word to all the passersby.  I have to mention Katie. She is the sweetest little thing.  Last month she asked people to give to our adoption in lieu of a birthday present for her.  And now, she had been saving up items for a garage sale for her own family's adoption, but decided to donate to us.  She came over and helped us organize and price things.  She even spent the night and woke up early to help with the bake sale.  Katie, you are a treasure!

We had so many people bring over donations, even on the day of the sale! We raised almost $700 for Maria!  And another friend wants to help us with a $200 donation!  We still have more items so will probably be going another round in a couple of weeks. 

During the morning, I noticed an older lady who came by our sale.  She bought one shirt and had a big smile on her face.  I saw her walk away and realized that she was one of our neighbors.  We have over 60 houses in our new community and have yet to meet so many people.  I called to her and asked if she was my neighbor. She told me where she lived. I asked her what her name was and noticed a foreign accent. "Luba," she replied.  What?!  Where are you from? "Russia."  So, does God love us or what?  I have a Russian neighbor!  I asked her some more questions and shared about our adoption. She kept telling me "God bless you."  Guess what else? She's a Christian!  I'm so excited! I told her I would love for her to teach me some Russian and she said that I would have to help her with English.  I can't wait! I'm going to make her a cheescake and take it to her for a visit.  She has 12 grown children and 17 grandchildren.  I have a feeling Maria's going to be getting a Russian babushka.

On Sunday, the Orphan Care and Adoption Ministry made breakfast burritos and sold coffee, donuts and baked goods to raise funds too.  We were still tired from the garage sale, but the Lord gave us the energy and sent others to help.  It was cold and windy, but everyone toughed it out. Thank you to everyone who helped in some way: donations, finances, organizing, baking, rolling burritos, cracking eggs, and especially for your prayers!  We were able to share God's heart for the orphan with lots of people and share about our adoption too.

Our next fundraiser has already begun.  I will be making Key Lime Pies and Cheescakes for the month of June.  I've even tried a Key Lime Cheesecake and it turned out awesome!  Father's Day and Graduations are perfect occasions for one of these yummy desserts.  I already have 16 orders!  Keep them coming- we are getting closer to our fundraising goal!

Thank you for being a part of God's story.  He might have called us to be Maria's family, but everyone can play a role in saving an orphan.  I truly believe He put us on this journey, not to walk alone, but to be partakers with the body of Christ for God's glory.