This cloud of witnesses is bigger than we could have ever imagined. The number of people watching our journey is humbling and scary. We want to represent God in the best way possible, but fall short so often in our own humanity. Our prayer is that others would look into our crazy, chaotic life and see that we making it through these times through Christ alone. We were recently reminded that people are watching and surprised by several deciding to join us on this insane leap of faith.
I must preface this story by telling you that my husband has amazing professional integrity. In a world where surfing the net on company time and taking extended lunches and breaks is common, my hubby stays on the straight and narrow. He sets one of the highest standards for workplace performance and loyalty. In almost twenty years, he's taken three sick days, during which he was sick as a dog. Get my point? Crazy thing is, it comes naturally for him. He has this intrinsic desire to serve no matter where he is. It's perplexing to the world around him, still he carries on with what he knows is right: serving an audience of One. This work ethic has been one of the subjects of our biggest fights and yet, remains one of my greatest reasons to love and admire him.
To get on with the story, I was really delighted and excited when the boss invited the kids and me to the office last Friday to recognize Osvaldo's work with the bank. Little did we know, a group of bank friends had set us up for a surprise. The meeting wasn't bank related at all. It had been organized by our amazing friend, Steve, and promoted by a great team of guys.
After receiving an email and learning about our adoption venture, countless people felt moved to be part of it. In a matter of weeks, an account was opened in our name with a goal set to collect two thousand dollars. Dozens of people deposited various gifts. Steve could barely keep up with the daily balances as the number continued to increase. It makes me giggle to know that donations were being made right in front of Osvaldo's nose. Assuming it was the fantasy football pool, he never suspected a thing. Before Steve knew it, the balance swelled beyond two thousand dollars.
A generous soul arose and gave the amount that brought the number to the next rounded amount. Hours later, we were surprised in a conference room filled with people who were helping us bring our African children home. We were overwhelmed as Steve read us a beautiful statement of love and support and then presented us with a check for $3,000. (Oh, crud! I'm really trying to make it through this post without crying. I just blew it!)
Osvaldo never cries. Well, now we can say, he almost never cries. Who couldn't? We were given a lovely gesture and bold statement of support. By the time this all went down, we learned that even more donations had come in, and the total had grown beyond what was ever imagined.
We are BLESSED. Blessed to be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who responded boldly and obediently to a divine pull on their hearts. Blessed to have help rescuing our children into our family. Blessed to have a God who perfectly displayed and offered adoption to us. Blessed to have had the call to adoption planted in our hearts. We are BLESSED to press on.
Thank you Jesus! Thank you Friends!
XO
~Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
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