There is no doubt in my mind that we are loved.
Over eight weeks, our garage became packed to the brim. And I mean packed! The Thursday before the sale, our precious community group caravaned sixteen SUV and truck loads to the sale site. The next morning, a sea of eager shoppers helped us pull out and stage items. Shoppers came and went in a steady stream.
Some shoppers found more than earthly treasures. I was able to chat and share God’s plan for adoption with numerous visitors. I was encouraged by the stories of adoption we encountered. I’ll treasure the story of the young birth mom who shared how, as a teen, she bravely gave her baby to a forever family. During our conversation, I couldn’t help but think of my African children’s mother. She must love them immensely to make such a heart wrenching choice. A handful of adoptive families stopped to give countless blessings that day. Then, there were the group of ladies we met who were scouting for antiques and consignment opportunities. Standing in that driveway with their finely manicured finger nails, pressed pants, and Louis Vuittan handbags, they heard the staggering orphan numbers for the first time. I shared my heart's heavy burden for the orphans of this world and pray they left empowered to make a difference in the life of a fatherless child. Finally, as I was packing up infant supplies to take to the local pregnancy assistance center, a new foster mom walked up the driveway on her way to get her new infant foster. She was able to take and use most of our baby leftovers. It was quite a privilege to have opportunities to share with others that day. Coincidence? No way!
There’s no doubt in my mind that each visitor was divinely woven in and out of our sale that day.
While some shoppers left with more than they bargained for, others left us more than pocket change. While packing up at the end of our first day, a gentleman moseyed up the driveway and asked for the homeowner. He introduced himself, mentioned how he had seen our signs, and asked if we knew about Compassion International. Involved in the program ourselves, we chatted and discovered that each of us sponsor a child in the same region of Honduras. He wrapped up, “I’m not interested in anything you have to sell today; but I am interested in being part of your adoption.” With that, he pulled out a one hundred dollar bill and handed it to us. Little did I know that hours later, while tabulating funds raised, we would discover that it was his generous gift brought us to our goal. Day 1: $1,002.50!
There’s no doubt in my mind that God orchestrates it all.
The trend continued on Day 2. We were delighted to sell several t-shirts. Countless people stopped in to shop, and some low-balled us at check out. A few offers were so ridiculous and aggressive that I found my judgmental self sneaking up in frustration and offense. Jesus was all over my shirt instead of being all over my face and response. I prayed for help to be reminded of the real goal here: the hope of adoption. Later that hour, a man walked over to me after another shopper had offered the lowest of low offers. He held a bag of a dozen specialty fishing lures in his hand and said, “So you want $5 for this bag of lures?” (Pause) “I’m going to pay you $5”, he projected within the other shopper’s earshot. I smiled, thanked him, and asked about the type of fish he planned to catch. He politely responded, and then looked up into my eyes and said “I am a fisherman; but most importantly, I am a fisher of men.” Oh, smack!
There’s no doubt in my mind that God was reminding me of my purpose.
We earned $100 over our goal on Day 2. I could end the story here; but this is a God story, and He wasn’t finished with us yet. I received a text from dear friends stating they had presold items for our sale and wanted to stop by with the check. Shortly after arriving, they handed us a check in the amount they received for selling their boat. (That’s right, I just typed boat.) Fast forward two hours. Later that evening, while putting together our bank deposit, I organized a handful of t-shirt checks to find that another couple had added a zero to the amount owed for the checks. (That’s right, it changed the value from the tens to hundreds) Together, the yard sale, the t-shirt sales, and the two gifts totaled exactly what we needed for our international program fee. EXACTLY. I’m overwhelmed recounting the events of the weekend.
There’s no doubt in my mind that God will provide what we need.
He has since the beginning. He funds what He favors, and He favors adoption. The God of the Universe gave us his only beloved son. How could He not also provide what we need physically, spiritually, and financially? Thank you, Lord.