One More Day till Giveaway!

Tomorrow night we will draw a name to see who wins the iPad! We're giddy with anticipation to find out who will get to open it on Christmas morning! 

Can I just tell you something? We are so overcome with gratitude this Christmas. Witnessing so many people coming together to be a part of Anya's miracle has been just...beautiful.  That's the best word I can think of.

Since we started the iPad giveaway fundraiser, sixty people/families have given us a total of almost $4,000.  Our hearts are so full, we wonder if they will explode! Thank you, every one of you.  We are now half way to our $13,000 goal because of you!

We didn't think we'd have to start fundraising and we didn't want to.  We thought of fundraising in negative way... I mean, who wants to ask people for money?  Um, not me.  

But it's turned out to be a blessing.  Not just because of the money, but because we can feel an amazing energy and support that wasn't there before.  Jeremy and I were talking last night, just basking in the beauty of it all, and we decided that any trials we have faced and have yet to face will ALL be worth this past month. Meeting Anya, then coming home and feeling this comradere has enriched our lives like we never imagined.

Since we started our process to bring Anya home, I've been envious of all the Reece's Rainbow families who are adopting from other countries than hers because they get to bring their child home after the first trip (and pay about $10,000 less, but that's beside the point. lol.).  I have to say, though: In a way it's kinda fun to meet your child, then return home after meeting her/him and let time do it's thing.  During this time, your love for your child grows and you appreciate everything more.

Not only that but your extended family and friends start feeling the excitement with you. Before you meet your child, it's hard for them to take it all in.  They want to be excited, and some are, but most are just concerned. They haven't had that same experience of the Spirit guiding them to this child and they worry that you've been a bit overzealous and wonder if you've made a bad decision. 

Then, you go spend time with this precious spirit that has been hand-picked by God just for you.  You take pictures and video and show your loved ones.  They feel that connection, not only in the pictures, but in your voice.  They start to realize that this really is wonderful.  The support you feel from them is more real, and it helps build up the reserves that you will need when it comes time to bring your new little one home and start your real life together.  I know, a month from now, I'll be saying "OK, enough is enough. Let's just get our girl HOME!" But really, this time in between has been a good thing. :)

Anyway...back to the point of this post!  (Sorry...I tend to get sidetracked.)   We are just a few hundred dollars away from our goal for this fundraiser, but still about $6500 away from our total goal of raising $13,000.   The thermometer is rising every day, and it will only reach the top with your help! 

Thank you so much for taking part and helping to spread the word.  We couldn't do it without all of you!  We love you all so much and thank Heavenly Father for leading you help. Our prayer is that your Christmas will be more wonderful and your hearts will be more full because of it. 

I leave you with a picture that we took at Temple Square in Salt Lake City last Sunday night.  As we walked around and took in all the majesty of the millions of lights and the beautiful Christmas music, we couldn't help but think of our Savior and all that He has done to bring hope and light to the world.  We love Him so much.

Stay tuned...next post (Friday night)will be the big announcement!