Pennies, Nickels, and Dimes, and... OH MY!

Oh my dear friends and family.... I need to tell you about this pitter-patter of my heart, this lump in my throat, this funny dizzy feeling in my stomach.  Kind of sounds like I have a "crush" (and I do! His name is Ryan! :)... but today my symptoms come not from this awesome dude I married 11 years ago... but from some amazing blessings that have been showered over our family recently.

I don't get to watch television very often, but when I can catch something, I love me some Ellen time! I find myself laughing every time I watch that show, often times crying, and even feeling the urge to dance with those crazy brave people that "break it down" on her stage during commercial breaks.  One of the things I most enjoy watching is when she blesses an audience member, or a fan of the show, with a special surprise!  A few weeks ago I felt like one of those surprised fans on The Ellen Show! :)

My sweet friend from junior high and high school days, Jenny, notified our family that we were going to be recipients of some monetary blessings.   Jenny and her family organize an annual event in which they choose 5 causes to raise awareness about and support financially.  They invite people into their home for this open house event in honor of their son Samuel's 1st birthday, in which they did not get to celebrate with him, as he was still living in Ethiopia!  When Jenny shared with us that they wanted to support our adoption journey during their Five For Five, Change for a Change event, we were completely 1) humbled, and 2) shocked.  Completely aside from the monetary blessings... our family was so surprised that people in another STATE, people that don't even KNOW US... are going to share their joy and support for our family. (This is why I felt like a guest on The Ellen Show!)

Here's something special you must understand about Jenny.  She is very very passionate about giving to others. She gives of her time, her energy, her resources.  She has the courage to say and do things that most people (and myself included) don't have.  Jenny has a huge heart for Jesus and discipleship.  I also need to add that Jenny is a 'mover and a shaker', a 'talker', and I don't think she ever sleeps. :)

I was so happy to be able to drive to my hometown of Grand Forks, ND for the event.  Ryan could not take the time off of work so he wasn't able to join me, but the kids and I made the trek together! How my heart was filled with the joy of seeing so many people come together to bless others.  How my heart swelled when I saw people leaving with the Haiti jewelry that was being sold, or the t-shirts that are supporting other adopting families or ministries. How I loved to watch my own children fill the jars with their little coins. (Funny side note... as Grandma and I were telling them about each of the jars (recipients)... Tenleigh was listening very attentively to each thing we were telling them.  BUT... as soon as she heard "mommies and babies" (for the Women's Pregnancy Center) IN went ALL her money into that jar, lickety-split! :)

Here's what I need to say, as recipients of monetary blessings from this awesome event....

We know that people sacrificed in some way, for our family.
We know that most of the givers do not know our family.
We do not know all of the 'earthly angels' that chose to give to our family. (But we do know that God is blessing each one of them, as they have blessed us!!)

This morning I opened the baggie of money that Jenny left for me after the event.  Big tears, people! Down my cheeks! It was an "ugly cry!" but a good cry! :)

Our hearts are completely overwhelmed by the generosity and outpouring of love that was given to our family, to help our Little Opia get home!!!  We are so blessed, and some day our Little Opia will learn about all the people (family, friends, and "anonymous little angels") that have helped to bring him/her home.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Ellen always ends her show with, "Be kind to one another."  Ryan and I have already been chewing on some ways to pay this kindness forward...