The past few weeks have been... well... it's hard to describe

We have been absolutely bowled over by the kindness of our neighbors, friends, and even the friend-of-a-friend.... a complete stranger!  It is so amazing how enthusiastically people support our desire to bring home a baby girl this year and place her in our loving home. 

These past couple of weeks, we have been very busy with the fundraising activities that we've undertaken:  baking trays of baklava, baking dozens of cookies, flipping 100+ pancakes, and clearing out some old things that we don't need at the moment.  Here's a shot of Todd making up the sweet potato pancake batter the night before our inaugural pancake breakfast.  We have a huge respect for what it takes to run a restaurant -- cooking in large quantities, trying to have things ready for the most part ahead of time, and trying to plate everyone as they came in.  It really wasn't a huge crowd (compared to a restaurant), but we are so thankful that folks were patient while we served them, some - who have been in our home a lot and are like family - were comfortable enough to help themselves, and that we were able to spend some quality time with those we care a lot about in addition to it all!

Unfortunately, we were so busy that we were not able to snap any photos.  There was one moment that I wish I could have captured, but was happy to have at least witnessed it:  Mercer and some of the other kids were huddled around a 6 month old baby girl named Lucy who was on the couch with one of the older children.  Although Mercer told the social worker a couple of weeks ago that he did not want a baby brother or sister, he was being so attentive to this baby... offering her a monster truck to play with!  It was in this moment that I thought he would be receptive to BEING the big brother (instead of getting a big brother).  So precious!

2 months ago, we were feeling somewhat helpless.  The adoption consultant we worked with for Mercer's adoption flat out told us she couldn't work with us because we did not have the budget.  (The amount is even more than what's on our "fundraising page" as what is shown is a frugal / conservative estimate.)  We knew when we talked to her, that we do not have enough funds to pursue the same path, but it was still very hard to hear it.

So... to hit a really low spot a couple of months ago... now to be lifted up through genuine LOVE and SUPPORT of those in our network... it is just hard to describe.  It is hard to express.  We are blessed.

All we can say is that we have an immense amount of gratitude towards those who are sharing in this with us.  Sincerely.  THANK YOU!