The Kindness of Friends and Strangers

Day 3- I am thankful for the kindness and generosity of strangers and friends. Yesterday, I took Julianna to gymnastics, which is something I do every Wednesday. Nothing unusual. I have made great friends in the long hours of sitting and watching Julie learn a skill set. We cheer for and encourage each other and share stories about our lives and our kids. If you're a soccer Mom or gymnastics Mom, you know where I'm coming from. These ladies are good people and yesterday, one of them, showed up for us!

I watch Julianna's class along with the other parents from the observation room that looks down into the gym. When I left yesterday, to head downstairs and pick my girl up, taped to the door was an envelope with "Mandy" written on the front. I hesitated and looked around the room, wondering was this really for me. I've never received an envelope taped to a public door before. Who else could it be for though? No other Mandy's that I know of at our gym. So, I took the envelope, opened it quickly and peeked inside to read the note. I saw the words adoption and boys and knew it was for me. I also saw a stack of cash and shoved it all into my purse. 

Class was over and I finished those last minute conversations. The "have a good evening" and "we'll see you Friday" conversations and then I hopped in the van with my girl and drove off. Pulled out the envelope and read the note closer, only to find that this gift had been given anonymously. It was a generous gift, too...$145. That's right, a friend who I spend a couple of hours a week sharing an observation room with gave us $145 to help bring our boys home. I'm thankful that God spoke and this friend listened. 

I'm thankful for the reminder that we must live our lives out loud. We must share our stories and love well the people whom God puts in our path. I am thankful for this family's obedience and their generosity. I am equally thankful for each donation we've received on this journey to our boys. It blesses us, not just financially, but it speaks to our hearts. It's like you stood up and cheered us on! Every dollar given is a dollar that says, "We believe your boys lives are valuable. We believe they belong at home with you." 

Today, I am thankful for the kindness of friends and strangers.

Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support...

Hidden in Christ,
Mandy