It would seem my timeline never seems to match the timeline of the One who is really in charge of our adoptions. I created this nice little plan thinking I was setting big goals and showing faith. I felt so good about that quaint little plan but still said with my heart, "If this is not your plan, just show me and we will do what you ask." Little did I know...
Since laying out that quaint little plan we have experienced a job change. But through the confirmation of the Spirit, and a clear work of God himself in our lives, we continued to just put one foot in front of the other knowing with 100% clarity that we were indeed meant to continue this path of adoption. Even though we understood clearly that we are to continue on the path of this adoption, it turns out our expectations were still just a little off. God does not want us to "just" move forward with the adoption process at our leisure. He's got something in mind, and we're supposed to get to it now.
When we first started the process of adopting from Russia in October of 2011, we didn't understand why, but we had an unusual feeling of urgency. We knew we needed to not drag our feet. It was not until 8 weeks after we got our son home in 2012 when the Russian adoption ban passed that we realized why. God had a timeline. That little boy needed to be home in time. We could not wait.
So here we are again, not understanding our Father's timing. But we know we are supposed to have our agency fee ready to go by next Thursday, May 23. God has a timeline. And as of yesterday, I finally caught up and realized what His timing is. So I have 9 days to put together about $2500 for our agency fee. Impossible? No. All things are possible. Intimidating? A little, yes. We just got our running team off the ground (and even received our very first donation!!) today. But the funds raised by our team will not be sent to our agency until after the race in October. This $2500 needs to be raised now and in our hands by next week.
So, here are the latest fundraising ideas for the next 9 days:
#1- My fantastic Mama (who also happens to be a Mary Kay Sales Director) has generously offered to donate 50% of sales generated by yours truly to our adoption account. So, I have a good old fashioned party planned next Wednesday and have opened online ordering at www.marykay.com/beckyk. All orders accompanied by the comment "shopping with Kim Krinke" will contribute to our adoption.
#2- I am selling "Helping Hands" to friends, family, and others. These little certificates are purchased in advance of service. It's a donation with the agreement to provide a service in the month of May. Friends who participate by donating will receive a "Helping Hand" certificate that is good for a service valued at the amount they donated. For example: mowing a lawn, washing a car, cleaning a toilet, etc. The donor will chose the value of the task (if they want to donate $5 for a clean toilet or $50 it is up to them) and the service will be provided before the end of the month.
#3- Good old fashioned charity. It is hard to be humble enough to admit you can't reach a goal on your own. It is hard to be humble enough to accept the help of others without offering something in return. One of the reasons I originally set this goal ($3500 agency fees) for July 4 is I really thought I could put together some fun events by then. If Heavenly Father wants to show me this is not about what I can do, but what He can do, I am trying to accept the generosity of others and bring glory to my Heavenly Father by showing His power, not mine.
Watch that thermometer over the next 9 days 'cause here we go!
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