On The Receiving End

I have tried to write this post about 100 times.  I either get long winded or it doesn't seem genuine enough.

I have some of the highest quality people in my life.

And words can't express my gratitude to them and to God for the place they have allowed us to be in.

Because of the generosity of others, I get to be a mother. And not just in the most selfless move a woman can make in deciding her child can be raised by Jim and I.

I've never been in a position where I was the one needing generosity-- I have always tried to place myself in the "giving" category.  So, when we knew we were going to need help for this, I almost backed out.  Debt is bondage and I didn't want to be burden on anyone else by asking for help.  But we decided to try-- because this was too important not too.

Every instance of kindness we have received regarding our adoption experience is placed deeply in my heart, documented in my journal, and those good people are all placed on my "Getting A Christmas Letter Forever List".

The neighbor from my childhood.  The friend I knew from one semester at college.  The wife of a guy Jim kind of spent time with in college.  The lady without a lot of extra income who slipped me a twenty at church.  The woman I'd never met who pulled me out of line at the post office to cut me a check.  Jim's friend who casually asked him to check his paypal account so we would find the much larger balance than we anticipated.  Grandma Hillis, who may not know that she is our major donor at the moment.
These people all now hold such a dear place it almost hurts to think of them all at once.

But financial generosity isn't all we have received.  The adults who were adopted as infants who have encouraged me and put my fears at ease by being so open with their life stories.  The adoptive mothers and the birthmother who have been candid about their experiences.

The encouraging notes and goodwishes from so many, people keeping track of our progress with anticipation.

My best friend who filled out paperwork for us and sent me a package of gender-neutral onesies after our home study was complete.  My bosses, who did their share of paperwork for us, filmed themselves for our video profile and have been some of our biggest cheerleaders even though it means losing a somewhat-decent bookkeeper for a while when the little one arrives.  Jim's sister, who even though she questioned our decision a bit, let us film her son, interviewed for us and filled out paperwork for us.

Our pastor and his family who have jumped at every opportunity to help.

Thrivent financial and Road ID who are sponsoring our upcoming race.  Because of them, every cent received goes directly to the adoption fund.  If we get more than three people signed up, I can't wait to give a little of the kindness back by giving a fun race.

I can't put into words what this has done.  I have hope because of you.  We have a future because of you.  I want to be more generous than ever before because of you.

Thank you.