As of 12pm today, the total raised is: $5,556.00. Not bad for an eleven year old who started raising money last Tuesday.
Next post will be 9pm tonight for an update. PayPal has been busy for the "Darya Project" today. Thank you for all of your donations!
I am going to let Miss Lydia post tonight. I think you all will "hear" the excitement through her post.
Blessings Galore!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Chappy Is Home From Africa!!!
Not a long post this evening.....if you had been away from your husband for two weeks, would you spend time on the computer???
I will be giving Lydia's total tomorrow after I check the mail, so check back. We still have a loooong way to go to reach $20,000.00 by Thanksgiving. It is a huge amount to earn in only 9 days, however since Lydia ingeniously broke it down to 200 people giving $100.00, it still seems possible. She keeps reminding me of the millions who live around the world and says we only need 200 people to step up.
Today, we had 600 hits on the blog----which means the word is spreading. I know God is working on hearts and bringing all who are supposed to be a part of this mission together. You might not be able to give financially, but you could be the voice that carries Lydia's plea to someone else who can give. And every person can pray. I hope you own this project, because each person visiting our blog has become a part of it. The Father has brought us together from all over to rescue one of His who had been forgotten by the world.....but never forgotten by Him. Can you picture Him looking all over the world and picking each of us out to be a part of Darya's life??? Indeed, we are privileged. I'm so excited to be a part of it, aren't you???
"But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish." Psalm 9:18
P.S. By the way, I appreciate all who pushed me to do PayPal. I am a slow learner, but you were right, it does make it easier for people to donate. We had 7 PayPal donations today. Praise the Lord!!
I will be giving Lydia's total tomorrow after I check the mail, so check back. We still have a loooong way to go to reach $20,000.00 by Thanksgiving. It is a huge amount to earn in only 9 days, however since Lydia ingeniously broke it down to 200 people giving $100.00, it still seems possible. She keeps reminding me of the millions who live around the world and says we only need 200 people to step up.
Today, we had 600 hits on the blog----which means the word is spreading. I know God is working on hearts and bringing all who are supposed to be a part of this mission together. You might not be able to give financially, but you could be the voice that carries Lydia's plea to someone else who can give. And every person can pray. I hope you own this project, because each person visiting our blog has become a part of it. The Father has brought us together from all over to rescue one of His who had been forgotten by the world.....but never forgotten by Him. Can you picture Him looking all over the world and picking each of us out to be a part of Darya's life??? Indeed, we are privileged. I'm so excited to be a part of it, aren't you???
"But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish." Psalm 9:18
P.S. By the way, I appreciate all who pushed me to do PayPal. I am a slow learner, but you were right, it does make it easier for people to donate. We had 7 PayPal donations today. Praise the Lord!!
I've Shut Satan's Trap (for those not in the South, trap means mouth)
Amazing what a good night's sleep can do! I awoke this morning with a fresh outlook and told satan to "shut his trap". So, if you didn't read my post last night, don't. If you did, just understand that faith is a process. I am human, and I give into doubt and fear sometimes.
The answer: Whatever the Lord calls our family to do, we will do. Adopt Darya? Of course....Adopt Nadine too? Maybe. How about Vivienne with the heart issue?....if He asks us to, yes.
What I know for certain at this point is God's plan is for us to adopt Darya. I have never questioned that part of the plan.....the question that was nagging me all day yesterday was whether we are to bring home one or two more children with Down Syndrome when we are in Eastern Europe. And when I started mulling that over in my mind, Enemy jumped on me and wrestled me to the ground. It was awful.
So, to sum up, I went to bed in prayer and awoke this morning with energy and assurance. God will tell Chappy and me in His time who He has chosen for us.....just Darya? maybe. a couple more? maybe.
And if He calls us, He will equip us too. Waahooo!!!! (That is a literal, out-loud shout of Glory!)
Ondrea comes to our house today to take Christmas photos for a $25.00 donation. I truly hope 100 families show up. It would be alot of fun!
200 people to give $100.00.....it is NOT too much!!! It has to happen by Thanksgiving for little Lydia! If you aren't able to give, maybe you could pass the word to someone else who can. Let's do this! If God has called us to it, it must be accomplished!!!! And I know He has called Lydia to this task!
The answer: Whatever the Lord calls our family to do, we will do. Adopt Darya? Of course....Adopt Nadine too? Maybe. How about Vivienne with the heart issue?....if He asks us to, yes.
What I know for certain at this point is God's plan is for us to adopt Darya. I have never questioned that part of the plan.....the question that was nagging me all day yesterday was whether we are to bring home one or two more children with Down Syndrome when we are in Eastern Europe. And when I started mulling that over in my mind, Enemy jumped on me and wrestled me to the ground. It was awful.
So, to sum up, I went to bed in prayer and awoke this morning with energy and assurance. God will tell Chappy and me in His time who He has chosen for us.....just Darya? maybe. a couple more? maybe.
And if He calls us, He will equip us too. Waahooo!!!! (That is a literal, out-loud shout of Glory!)
Ondrea comes to our house today to take Christmas photos for a $25.00 donation. I truly hope 100 families show up. It would be alot of fun!
200 people to give $100.00.....it is NOT too much!!! It has to happen by Thanksgiving for little Lydia! If you aren't able to give, maybe you could pass the word to someone else who can. Let's do this! If God has called us to it, it must be accomplished!!!! And I know He has called Lydia to this task!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Can I Be Real With You???
The flow of money slowed significantly today. Maybe because it is Saturday. Lydia's skip to the mailbox continued, however, throughout the day. Her smile is still bright , although I know she noticed. She never commented on it.
I'm feeling very contemplative this evening. I've spent much of the day in quiet conversation with the Lord:
"Father, help us help Darya."
"Are You planning to provide $20,000.00 by Thanksgiving, because we still have a long way to go."
"By the way, how many orphans do You want us to take into our home?"
"What if one of them struggles with ongoing health issues like Hope has?"
"Do You think I could handle that?"
"What would our future look like with a house full of special needs kids?"
"I absolutely believe with all of my heart that every child deserves a family...especially the special ones."
"What would I do for You?....anything, Lord."
"No, Father, I can't bear to allow myself to think of Hope or Charlie being sentenced to life in a crib with no human touch or love."
"If I could only see the future, I would follow You without hesitation."
"Why didn't you make faith easier?"
"If Lydia earns the $20,000.00 by Thanksgiving, that will be a sign."
"I'm sorry for asking for a sign."
"I know what You are asking of me....others don't know yet, but I do."
"Obedience....it is my choice...really....up to me?"
CRAZY FOR HIM!!! THAT IS WHAT HE IS TEACHING ME TO BE THROUGH THIS DARYA PROJECT.....I ASKED THE LORD TO MAKE ME TRULY CRAZY IN LOVE WITH HIM, AND HE IS DOING IT....IT JUST "AIN'T" EASY.....HE IS SHOWING ME SOME REAL UGLINESS IN MY LIFE....HIDDEN DOUBT AND FEAR.....A LITTLE BIT OF HANGING ONTO "COMFORTABLE"......AND HE IS GETTING RID OF IT, AND LET ME TELL YOU, IT IS A PAINFUL PROCESS.
WHEN THE FLOW OF MONEY SLOWED TODAY, I STARTED QUESTIONING EVERYTHING. TRULY, I WONDERED IF IT WAS A SIGN THAT WE ARE MOVING TOO FAST. THEN I REMINDED MYSELF: GOD WILL NEVER TELL ME NOT TO ADOPT ORPHANS. NEVER! AND HE DOESN'T WANT AN ORPHAN TO SUFFER A MOMENT. IT IS HIS DESIRE TO SAVE THEM NOW....HE IS JUST WAITING ON MAN'S OBEDIENCE. HE DIDN'T MESS UP AND CREATE TOO MANY CHILDREN.
IT IS THE ENEMY WHO THROWS DOUBTS MY WAY. HE KNOWS MY HUSBAND IS AWAY AND HE KNOWS I AM TIRED. HE POUNCES ON ME WITH ACCUSATIONS LIKE: "SURELY YOU DON'T THINK YOU CAN HANDLE ANY MORE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN---LOOK HOW YOU STRUGGLE EMOTIONALLY WITH HOPE"S HEART ISSUES, YOU WOULD FALL APART IF YOU HAD ANOTHER HEALTH ISSUE TO DEAL WITH. LET'S FACE IT, DOWN SYNDROME CHILDREN ARE A WILD CARD WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH."
ALL DAY TODAY, GOD CONTINUED TO SAY TO ME: "MELANIE, I LOVE THEM....THEY ARE MY CHILDREN. YOU ARE A GOOD MOMMA. DOWN SYNDROME DOESN'T BOTHER YOU AT ALL....YOU WILL TREAT THEM LIKE THEY ARE PERFECTLY NORMAL. WHERE SOME WOULD BE EMBARRASSED TO HOLD THE HAND OF A CHILD WITH DOWN SYNDROME, YOU WILL PARADE THEM AROUND PROUDLY JUST LIKE I WOULD. YOU WILL SHOW THEM MY LOVE...... AND THEY NEED MY HUGS THROUGH YOU. THEY NEED TO HEAR MY VOICE THROUGH YOUR VOICE. TRUST ME. I PICKED YOU FOR THIS."
IT IS TRUE....I HAVE A LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME. IN FACT, AN INSANE COMPASSION. CHAPPY DOES TOO. BUT ENEMY IS ALSO CORRECT, I HAVE A FEAR OF DEALING WITH THE UNCERTAINTY THAT COMES WITH HEALTH ISSUES. ISN'T IT NUTS? GOD REMINDS ME OF MY STRENGTHS AND SATAN OF MY WEAKNESS. A BATTLE.
DARYA IS HEALTHY. GREAT! NADINE IS HEALTHY. GREAT! DARYA AND NADINE ARE NOT IN THE SAME ORPHANAGE. PROBLEM! THERE IS ANOTHER LITTLE ONE WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN DARYA'S ORPHANAGE....VIVIENNE. LITTLE VIV. SHE HAS HEALTH ISSUES. A HEART DEFECT. GOD, THAT WOULD BE ASKING ALOT OF ME.
CHAPPY COMES HOME FROM AFRICA TOMORROW. MY ROCK. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL HE HOLDS ME IN HIS ARMS AND SAYS...."WHATEVER GOD HAS CALLED US TO DO, WE CAN HANDLE IT, MEL!" I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. IT HAS BEEN A LONG TWO WEEKS WITHOUT HIM.
"I can do ALL THINGS through Christ, who gives me strength!"
I'm feeling very contemplative this evening. I've spent much of the day in quiet conversation with the Lord:
"Father, help us help Darya."
"Are You planning to provide $20,000.00 by Thanksgiving, because we still have a long way to go."
"By the way, how many orphans do You want us to take into our home?"
"What if one of them struggles with ongoing health issues like Hope has?"
"Do You think I could handle that?"
"What would our future look like with a house full of special needs kids?"
"I absolutely believe with all of my heart that every child deserves a family...especially the special ones."
"What would I do for You?....anything, Lord."
"No, Father, I can't bear to allow myself to think of Hope or Charlie being sentenced to life in a crib with no human touch or love."
"If I could only see the future, I would follow You without hesitation."
"Why didn't you make faith easier?"
"If Lydia earns the $20,000.00 by Thanksgiving, that will be a sign."
"I'm sorry for asking for a sign."
"I know what You are asking of me....others don't know yet, but I do."
"Obedience....it is my choice...really....up to me?"
CRAZY FOR HIM!!! THAT IS WHAT HE IS TEACHING ME TO BE THROUGH THIS DARYA PROJECT.....I ASKED THE LORD TO MAKE ME TRULY CRAZY IN LOVE WITH HIM, AND HE IS DOING IT....IT JUST "AIN'T" EASY.....HE IS SHOWING ME SOME REAL UGLINESS IN MY LIFE....HIDDEN DOUBT AND FEAR.....A LITTLE BIT OF HANGING ONTO "COMFORTABLE"......AND HE IS GETTING RID OF IT, AND LET ME TELL YOU, IT IS A PAINFUL PROCESS.
WHEN THE FLOW OF MONEY SLOWED TODAY, I STARTED QUESTIONING EVERYTHING. TRULY, I WONDERED IF IT WAS A SIGN THAT WE ARE MOVING TOO FAST. THEN I REMINDED MYSELF: GOD WILL NEVER TELL ME NOT TO ADOPT ORPHANS. NEVER! AND HE DOESN'T WANT AN ORPHAN TO SUFFER A MOMENT. IT IS HIS DESIRE TO SAVE THEM NOW....HE IS JUST WAITING ON MAN'S OBEDIENCE. HE DIDN'T MESS UP AND CREATE TOO MANY CHILDREN.
IT IS THE ENEMY WHO THROWS DOUBTS MY WAY. HE KNOWS MY HUSBAND IS AWAY AND HE KNOWS I AM TIRED. HE POUNCES ON ME WITH ACCUSATIONS LIKE: "SURELY YOU DON'T THINK YOU CAN HANDLE ANY MORE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN---LOOK HOW YOU STRUGGLE EMOTIONALLY WITH HOPE"S HEART ISSUES, YOU WOULD FALL APART IF YOU HAD ANOTHER HEALTH ISSUE TO DEAL WITH. LET'S FACE IT, DOWN SYNDROME CHILDREN ARE A WILD CARD WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH."
ALL DAY TODAY, GOD CONTINUED TO SAY TO ME: "MELANIE, I LOVE THEM....THEY ARE MY CHILDREN. YOU ARE A GOOD MOMMA. DOWN SYNDROME DOESN'T BOTHER YOU AT ALL....YOU WILL TREAT THEM LIKE THEY ARE PERFECTLY NORMAL. WHERE SOME WOULD BE EMBARRASSED TO HOLD THE HAND OF A CHILD WITH DOWN SYNDROME, YOU WILL PARADE THEM AROUND PROUDLY JUST LIKE I WOULD. YOU WILL SHOW THEM MY LOVE...... AND THEY NEED MY HUGS THROUGH YOU. THEY NEED TO HEAR MY VOICE THROUGH YOUR VOICE. TRUST ME. I PICKED YOU FOR THIS."
IT IS TRUE....I HAVE A LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME. IN FACT, AN INSANE COMPASSION. CHAPPY DOES TOO. BUT ENEMY IS ALSO CORRECT, I HAVE A FEAR OF DEALING WITH THE UNCERTAINTY THAT COMES WITH HEALTH ISSUES. ISN'T IT NUTS? GOD REMINDS ME OF MY STRENGTHS AND SATAN OF MY WEAKNESS. A BATTLE.
DARYA IS HEALTHY. GREAT! NADINE IS HEALTHY. GREAT! DARYA AND NADINE ARE NOT IN THE SAME ORPHANAGE. PROBLEM! THERE IS ANOTHER LITTLE ONE WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN DARYA'S ORPHANAGE....VIVIENNE. LITTLE VIV. SHE HAS HEALTH ISSUES. A HEART DEFECT. GOD, THAT WOULD BE ASKING ALOT OF ME.
CHAPPY COMES HOME FROM AFRICA TOMORROW. MY ROCK. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL HE HOLDS ME IN HIS ARMS AND SAYS...."WHATEVER GOD HAS CALLED US TO DO, WE CAN HANDLE IT, MEL!" I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. IT HAS BEEN A LONG TWO WEEKS WITHOUT HIM.
"I can do ALL THINGS through Christ, who gives me strength!"
Friday, November 20, 2009
Answering Your Questions....
I have had a flood of questions today, and I am going to try to answer them here.
First, your gift to Reece's Rainbow is a tax-deductible gift.
Second, if you email me, I will send you my home address where you can mail a check made payable to Reece's Rainbow.
Third, I have set up a paypal account, so you can put a donation on your credit card! Check out the sidebar for the Donate to the Darya Project button!
Last, PLEASE feel free to share Lydia's project with everyone you know. We are honored that so many are passing the word to family, friends, and churches. Thank you!
Today has been another day of donations flowing into the Hollis home like a flood. Again, I am amazed. A fifteen year old boy baked 71 muffins and sold them to earn $135.00 to give to Darya today. A student from a local private school asked her parents to drive her to our house so she could give Lydia all of her savings this evening in person, $40.00. And when we awoke this morning, $200.00 was taped to our door. Unbelieveable? Yes. Crazy Love? Definitely!
This morning, the local Fox News Channel called to request a live interview on Thanksgiving morning for Lydia to publicly announce her earnings. THAT will be a big day for her.....only 5 days away.
Imagine Lydia, eleven years old, marching into that live interview to tell all of Middle Tennessee that people (mostly strangers) have donated $20,000.00 to save an orphan with Down Syndrome who lives in another country in only 9 short days. I think people would be in total shock. But Lydia wouldn't be surprised in the least. Excited, yes. Surprised, no. She is totally expecting to receive all of it by Thanksgiving just as she has prayed. I know I wrote that detail yesterday, but I want to make sure it is sinking in. The child REALLY, TRULY believes with all of her heart that God is going to provide this money by Thanksgiving morning for Darya.
In Lydia's mind, she has already pictured the following scene and has played it out in her mind a hundred times:
It is early Thanksgiving morning. The orphanage workers are getting ready for their usual routine....changing diapers, feeding babies, and mopping floors. However, the routine of the day is broken by a phone call from America. The news comes that a little orphan has a family coming to get her. The worker has to be told two or three times exactly WHICH baby, because she can't believe an American family would want the little one with Down Syndrome who is in the corner crib. Finally, she realizes yes, it is Darya this family has chosen. The worker hangs up the phone, and following the instructions she has just received, she walks over to the crib, looks down into big brown eyes and says: "Happy Thanksgiving, Darya, you have a family now.....and they are coming to get you real soon."
Do you sense my doubt? Is it because I am cynical? Is it because I have lived for 41 years and have more wisdom and experience than my eleven year old daughter? OR is it because I lack her faith?
I am on the Lydia bandwagon like many of you. Part of me really wants to see God do something THIS BIG!!! I wonder what this would do for Lydia's faith.....to ask God for $20,000.00 to save an orphan by Thanksgiving.....and then to receive. I wonder what this would do for your faith and for my faith.
Father, show us Your glory. Give us a Thanksgiving miracle so we can all rejoice and proclaim Your marvelous love for "the least of these"....for Darya, Your precious little girl. I believe.....forgive my unbelief. I praise You, Lord!
First, your gift to Reece's Rainbow is a tax-deductible gift.
Second, if you email me, I will send you my home address where you can mail a check made payable to Reece's Rainbow.
Third, I have set up a paypal account, so you can put a donation on your credit card! Check out the sidebar for the Donate to the Darya Project button!
Last, PLEASE feel free to share Lydia's project with everyone you know. We are honored that so many are passing the word to family, friends, and churches. Thank you!
Today has been another day of donations flowing into the Hollis home like a flood. Again, I am amazed. A fifteen year old boy baked 71 muffins and sold them to earn $135.00 to give to Darya today. A student from a local private school asked her parents to drive her to our house so she could give Lydia all of her savings this evening in person, $40.00. And when we awoke this morning, $200.00 was taped to our door. Unbelieveable? Yes. Crazy Love? Definitely!
This morning, the local Fox News Channel called to request a live interview on Thanksgiving morning for Lydia to publicly announce her earnings. THAT will be a big day for her.....only 5 days away.
Imagine Lydia, eleven years old, marching into that live interview to tell all of Middle Tennessee that people (mostly strangers) have donated $20,000.00 to save an orphan with Down Syndrome who lives in another country in only 9 short days. I think people would be in total shock. But Lydia wouldn't be surprised in the least. Excited, yes. Surprised, no. She is totally expecting to receive all of it by Thanksgiving just as she has prayed. I know I wrote that detail yesterday, but I want to make sure it is sinking in. The child REALLY, TRULY believes with all of her heart that God is going to provide this money by Thanksgiving morning for Darya.
In Lydia's mind, she has already pictured the following scene and has played it out in her mind a hundred times:
It is early Thanksgiving morning. The orphanage workers are getting ready for their usual routine....changing diapers, feeding babies, and mopping floors. However, the routine of the day is broken by a phone call from America. The news comes that a little orphan has a family coming to get her. The worker has to be told two or three times exactly WHICH baby, because she can't believe an American family would want the little one with Down Syndrome who is in the corner crib. Finally, she realizes yes, it is Darya this family has chosen. The worker hangs up the phone, and following the instructions she has just received, she walks over to the crib, looks down into big brown eyes and says: "Happy Thanksgiving, Darya, you have a family now.....and they are coming to get you real soon."
Do you sense my doubt? Is it because I am cynical? Is it because I have lived for 41 years and have more wisdom and experience than my eleven year old daughter? OR is it because I lack her faith?
I am on the Lydia bandwagon like many of you. Part of me really wants to see God do something THIS BIG!!! I wonder what this would do for Lydia's faith.....to ask God for $20,000.00 to save an orphan by Thanksgiving.....and then to receive. I wonder what this would do for your faith and for my faith.
Father, show us Your glory. Give us a Thanksgiving miracle so we can all rejoice and proclaim Your marvelous love for "the least of these"....for Darya, Your precious little girl. I believe.....forgive my unbelief. I praise You, Lord!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Overwhelmed
There has been so much money flowing into our home for Sweet Darya that we haven't even stopped to count it all. Overwhelmed, that is what we are. We heard from our local Fox News station this morning; they want Lydia to appear on Thanksgiving morning to talk about her story. Again, overwhelmed. Would you be surprised if I told you children were sending their allowance money? We received a bag of change today. Would you be surprised to learn a twelve year old girl gave Darya $100.00 of her babysitting money? She did....with a bright smile on her face. How about if I told you an elderly lady walked slowly and carefully all the way up our driveway and sidewalk because she wanted to hand us $100.00 and say "May God Bless Your Efforts" personally? It happened.
Do these stories bless you? Then you can imagine how we, the recipients, feel. I have decided to wait and give a running total on Monday. Until then, we will wait and watch with anticipation. I am beginning to feel like Lydia is feeling.....God is doing something through the life of Darya. She may be stuck in a crib all day without any attention from the orphanage workers, but I have a hunch the King of Kings has been speaking to her about what is going on here.
He shows up in the most unlikely places, doesn't He? In Bethlehem tucked into a lowly manger surrounded by homeless shepherds, having a meal with tax collectors who were considered cheats, healing the demon-possessed and diseased no one else would touch, and hanging on an old wooden cross......always bringing the gift of hope to the hopeless.
Darya is one of the hopeless, and He is using many to bring hope to her. Can you feel His presence? He is bringing hope to us too. Have you stopped to fathom that you are a playing a part in saving the life of one who has been left behind....unwanted....forgotten? Can you grasp that He already knew ahead of time you would give? When we received the bag of change today from the two little boys who gave their savings, I knew Lydia would raise the $20,000.00. That money is going to come, and God has already accounted for every penny. The bag of change is part of His plan and is needed just as much as the $100.00 checks. When God starts using children, I have learned He is getting ready to show up BIG!
I quoted from Oswald Chambers a couple of days ago, and if you'll indulge me, I want to quote from him again. In a sermon about my favorite disciple, Peter, jumping out of the boat and walking on water when he saw Jesus, Oswald Chambers writes:
"If you debate for even one second when God has spoken, it is all over for you. Never start to say, "Well, I wonder if He really did speak to me?" Be reckless immediately---totally unrestrained and willing to risk everything---by casting your all upon Him. You do not know when His voice will come to you, but whenever the realization of God comes, even in the faintest way imaginable, be determined to recklessly abandon yourself, surrendering everything to Him. It is only through abandonment of yourself and your circumstances that you will recognize Him."
Two days ago, Lydia came to me and said: "Darya needs a family, mom. We can be her family." I immediately thought of one of my favorite verses: Proverbs 24:12 "Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know and holds us responsible to act." So, the realization of God comes.....and Lydia recklessly abandons herself to Him. And He is meeting her there.
At eleven, Lydia doesn't fully conceive the enormity of $20,000.00. In her innocence, she only sees that God is looking for a willing family....and then, He will do the rest. As she skips out to the mailbox every 30 minutes to see if another family has left a check for Darya, I marvel. Most of the time she comes back empty-handed, but when she comes back with a check in her hand, she shouts: "I told you so, Mom!" I can't help but laugh out loud. And cry. I have to admit, every time I see a car stop at our mailbox, I put my head down and cry out loud. Overwhelmed.
Do these stories bless you? Then you can imagine how we, the recipients, feel. I have decided to wait and give a running total on Monday. Until then, we will wait and watch with anticipation. I am beginning to feel like Lydia is feeling.....God is doing something through the life of Darya. She may be stuck in a crib all day without any attention from the orphanage workers, but I have a hunch the King of Kings has been speaking to her about what is going on here.
He shows up in the most unlikely places, doesn't He? In Bethlehem tucked into a lowly manger surrounded by homeless shepherds, having a meal with tax collectors who were considered cheats, healing the demon-possessed and diseased no one else would touch, and hanging on an old wooden cross......always bringing the gift of hope to the hopeless.
Darya is one of the hopeless, and He is using many to bring hope to her. Can you feel His presence? He is bringing hope to us too. Have you stopped to fathom that you are a playing a part in saving the life of one who has been left behind....unwanted....forgotten? Can you grasp that He already knew ahead of time you would give? When we received the bag of change today from the two little boys who gave their savings, I knew Lydia would raise the $20,000.00. That money is going to come, and God has already accounted for every penny. The bag of change is part of His plan and is needed just as much as the $100.00 checks. When God starts using children, I have learned He is getting ready to show up BIG!
I quoted from Oswald Chambers a couple of days ago, and if you'll indulge me, I want to quote from him again. In a sermon about my favorite disciple, Peter, jumping out of the boat and walking on water when he saw Jesus, Oswald Chambers writes:
"If you debate for even one second when God has spoken, it is all over for you. Never start to say, "Well, I wonder if He really did speak to me?" Be reckless immediately---totally unrestrained and willing to risk everything---by casting your all upon Him. You do not know when His voice will come to you, but whenever the realization of God comes, even in the faintest way imaginable, be determined to recklessly abandon yourself, surrendering everything to Him. It is only through abandonment of yourself and your circumstances that you will recognize Him."
Two days ago, Lydia came to me and said: "Darya needs a family, mom. We can be her family." I immediately thought of one of my favorite verses: Proverbs 24:12 "Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know and holds us responsible to act." So, the realization of God comes.....and Lydia recklessly abandons herself to Him. And He is meeting her there.
At eleven, Lydia doesn't fully conceive the enormity of $20,000.00. In her innocence, she only sees that God is looking for a willing family....and then, He will do the rest. As she skips out to the mailbox every 30 minutes to see if another family has left a check for Darya, I marvel. Most of the time she comes back empty-handed, but when she comes back with a check in her hand, she shouts: "I told you so, Mom!" I can't help but laugh out loud. And cry. I have to admit, every time I see a car stop at our mailbox, I put my head down and cry out loud. Overwhelmed.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
It's Lydia Again and I Have Something GREAT to Say!
GOD IS SO AMAZING!!! Just tonight when I was doing my homework, I had to find two Bible verses that talk about facing challenges. One of the verses I chose talks about how having faith like a mustard seed can move mountains. Get ready for this, today I raised $800.00 for Darya. In one day!!! I am so thankful that people are willing to give so much of their money to Darya and love her with me.
Can you believe that no one has ever thought about Darya for her entire life, and today, many many people learned her name, prayed for her, and gave money for her to be saved? She has gone from being all alone and forgotten to being surrounded by prayer. The other verse I chose tonight for my homework was Psalm 91:4 where it talks about God covering us with His feathers and protecting us under His wings. When I read the verse I realized God is covering Darya too.
My day was mostly great, but I did meet a lady today who made me frustrated. She heard I was raising money for Darya and asked how much it would cost to adopt her. When I told her $20,000.00 she acted shocked. Then she asked when I hoped to have all of the money. I told her Thanksgiving and she laughed and kind of rolled her eyes. She didn't give one penny for Darya. I could tell she thought raising the money would be impossible for me. For a minute I thought I should have made my deadline Christmas instead, but then I realized that I should not feel doubt inside but I needed to keep believing. If God can move mountains when we have faith, then $20,000.00 by next week shouldn't be that big of a deal. I really want Darya to be told "Happy Thanksgiving, you have a family coming to get you."
Tomorrow is another bake sale at school. My mom and I baked three pumpkin pies and made more "Muddy Buddy" mix for me to sell. We bought whipped cream to put on top of the pies, so I think my school friends will go for it. I hope so.
I think God is doing something big in my life right now. I can feel Him and I feel lifted up and happy. I am so glad we decided to do the Crazy Love Project. I really hope I will have $20,000.00 by Thanksgiving. I am so excited!!! Yipee!!! Dad, I love you. Only 4 more days until you are home again. What are you going to do if I have raised $20,000.00 by the time you get home? That would be so funny.
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If you have faith, and doubt not, you shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if you shall say to this mountain, Be thou removed, and be cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive." Matt. 21:21-22
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