It has been a while since I posted. Many different things have been going on. Over the last month we have another official driver in our household. Courtney turned 16 in June and has been out testing her abilities to find new places she wants to go. She also had a wonderful opportunity to go on a mission trip with the youth group to the Crow Indian reservation in Montana. While we had the hot 100 degree days here in Michigan she also had them in Montana. What a wonderful experience to be able to venture out and lend a hand.
While she was packing up to leave we held our "garage sale fundraising events". We had a great opportunity to meet several different families and share many stories. The 4 day sale at the house was possible only because of the piles and piles of wonderful items donated by many of you. Thank You!! Preparation was taxing but the end result was worth every minute. At the close of the event we were able to pass along the donated items to another family that is walking thru a journey vary similar to ours. Your blessings will continue to bless many others.
Following the home garage sale we switched gears and did a "garage sale" day at Sandy Pines Resort. (thank you to Scott, Mindy, Bob and Sandy). That day was a little different. We went with baked good items. Yum! Cinnamon Rolls, Sticky Buns, Jumbo Muffins for breakfast and then moving on to Chili Dogs, Chips, and Chocolate for lunch. Once again Chad won hearts with his homemade chili. Another great day of sharing our journey with friends. With both events we were blessed with many stories.
We took a short break from work over the 4th of July holiday. Days at the beach were priceless when the temps reached 100 degrees. Those of you that live in Michigan, when was the last time the water of Lake Michigan was warm in early July? Very refreshing to dip into the water. As we get back into the "routine" of summer life we settle back into the daily grind. We have partnered up with Lifesong for Orphans. They are a referred organization from Bethany Christian Services to help with fundraising for Orphans from many different countries. They have stepped up beside us to offer a place for those that feel a tug from God to help us raise the needed funds to complete our journey in bringing the loved one home into our family. Each and every dollar helps. Quite your heart and listen to hear if He wants you join us on this wonderful journey. If you feel the pull to help you can send donations direct to Lifesong for Orphans, P.O. Box 40, 202 N. Ford St., Gridley, IL 61744. In the memo of your check please put: Smit #2748 Adoption. By placing this in the memo it will make sure your funds will be placed in the correct account. We are looking to hold that account open till July 31. Spend time in prayer today to see what your heart tells you.
One of the many tugs on my heart comes from seeing what others are doing for all those kids in Ethiopia. In the training that we have been going thru to prepare our hearts I have watched different videos from Ethiopia. One that really brings everyday life into reality is a video of the trash dumps where many children live. Grab a kleenex and watch this video that shows life for many of the kids in Korah. Sumer went on a missionary trip with Ordinary Heroes and ended up moving her family there to help. Project 61 was started to bring kids out of the dumps and give them the opportunity to go to school and better their lives. Amazing what just one person can do. We feel blessed to be called to welcome into our home one of the many orphans in need.
