Monday, January 12, 2009

HUGE THANKS!

I just wanted to dedicate a post to thank each one of you that have donated financially, donated to our yard sale fundraiser, or purchased bracelets to make it possible for me to even go on this trip.

For the last week I've felt like THANK YOU wasn't enough. As I look at the "I need Africa more then Africa needs me" link on my blog I truly feel that way. Ethiopia has taught me so much that I count it a privilege to be able to give back in this way.

David and I were blessed beyond measure when we travelled to pick up Silas. Our hearts forever changed, tied to the Ethiopian people, and we will always seek how we can do MORE for the cause of the orphan. Our eyes were opened, we'd seen too much to ignore it. God has called us to action and we are excited to see what that means for our family.



THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

Donna - the first one to donate, you blessed my heart so much.

Gurske's - You guys believed in this mission and supported me, you constantly bless my heart, it brings me such joy to see what God has done in your lives this last year

Gladheims - Amazed at how God brought our families together - love you all

Walkers - Adoption pals, we've never met, yet bonded through this process - thank you

Angela - my sounding board, always giving ideas, generous friend

Travis - your reckless abandon for the sake of Christ has been a loud example for us - love you!

Abbotts - Sarah I know you wish you were going too, blessed with your heart love you guys

Stephani & Steven - donating @ the sale, blessing Rachael and I

Aimee - praying for me, encouraging me, and donating so much to our sale

Rachelle - donating to our sale and getting donations from the neighbors

Rachel Shubin - bracelet purchases

Tanya Shubin - bracelet purchases

Julie in the purple house - bracelet purchases

Stacie - bracelet purchases

Parsons - bracelet purchases

Audrey - bracelet purchases

Mannings - bracelet purchases

Jessica - bracelet purchases
And to my sweet sweet husband who give above and beyond just by supporting me and encouraging me to go on this trip. He wishes so badly he was going with me. Despite those feelings he's selflessly staying home to hold down the fort, work, and take care of the kids. I love you babe.

I pray I haven't missed anyone. Each one of you have made an impression on my heart. Supporting me, supporting my family, and supporting the least of these.

'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40


Without each of you this trip wouldn't be possible. Our hearts have been blessed by your generosity. To God be all glory honor and praise.

6 comments:

Missionary Hicks said...

I am still in Awe that I am going! Who would have guessed that our casual conversation would have lead to.. THIS! God is awesome, and I too, am oh so greatful for everyone who has contributed.

steffany said...

That's awesome!

Steve and Aimee Walker said...

We did the easy part. You are sacraficing time away from your family to help out with a great cause! You are awesome! Hope you have a great journey. We cannot wait to hear about it.

Donna said...

I'm so excited for you all. I'm definitely praying that Sarah will be able to join you guys.

Donna :-)

I Love Purple More Than You said...

We are committed to pray for you throughout your trip! (and Marlie LOVES her bracelets!!!)

Aimee- said...

I am so excited for you Erica! I have been blessed by seeing the growth you and David started the whole adoption expierence. Blessed, blessed, blessed!! I can not wait to see the pictures and hear the stories that you will have when you get back. Thank you for including us in your journey. I am praying for you, your trip, and the people that you will come incounter with. Love you! Big Hugs!


PS:
Our pleasure to help! Like someone posted, "we did the easy part."