I’m wishing 2013 goodbye and watching eagerly for what 2014 will hold. Regardless of what it brings I pray I will have open hands to let go of what God wants to take and receive what he wants to give. What a year I’ve had! I’m not sure how to even write this post. If I had the time I could tell you about the joys and the sorrows but that would take far too long. Instead I want to tell you something else. Tonight I listened to David Platt recite from memory chapters one through eight of Romans. Somewhere in the middle I started to weep. Not one cute tear but mascara-all-over -my-face-making-for-a-wet-sweater-catching-rain-from-my-eyes type of weeping. My heart was gripped again to the core by Jesus. This has been a crazy year but through it all I have seen God’s faithfulness and love, both to me and my 545 kiddos in India. He has given me himself which is a gift beyond compare. It’s staggering really. If He has so freely given to me how can I not follow in the same manner towards others? “Oh Jesus help me” is my cry. So as I wrap up the present of this year with both its ribbons and ripped paper I am grateful. I want to say thank you. Just the other day I received a $3,600 anonymous donation for my kiddos which made me exceedingly happy. Yet the $20 left by a friend with a note reading “For your kiddos! Merry Christmas!” meant the world to me as well. No matter how much the amount it always blesses me when people care about me and my 545 kiddos and give what they can. This past year you have generously given and we’ve been able to raise over seventeen thousand dollars! THANK YOU!
Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!
Psalms 117
UPDATE! $86,418.19 We’ve made it past the $86K but can we at least push it to $90K mark? If you give even just $10 dollars then that will make a huge difference. I believe we can reach that goal! DID I MENTION IT’S A TAX WRITE OFF?? BECAUSE IT IS.
Yay!!! I may not know you personally, but I feel proud of you just the same!! Haha!! 🙂 Hoping to see more posts in 2014!! 🙂
M.J.A. You are just SO sweet and encouraging! Thanks for being one of the top people who commented this year! Yes, Lord willing you will see more posts in 2014. 🙂 I look forward to “seeing” you around!
I cried so hard I got the guy in front of me’s sweatshirt wet… Awkward…. 😉
Praise God for His great and glorious Gospel! Praise God for the love He has not only for orphans, for widows, but for us! And praise God for the individuals whose hearts He moves to love and care for those precious people! So amazed at what God has done in your life this year, Elaini, and so excited to see what He does in the next!
Lots and lots of kisses: xxxxxx
Haha dare I ask how that happened?!
Can I just say a big AMEN!!!!!! I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet you and have you as a younger sister. I’m excited to see what God has in store for you this year too as you step out and go where he has called you.
Lots and lots of hugs:xxxxxxx
You know, it is kinda sad. I have met people who will only give if it means they get their tax return included in it. It is rare I see people give because they care about people and don’t expect something back from it. Just a thought that I thought when reading the bottom of your post.
Congratulations on all the money that has been raised! That’s incredible!!!!!
I’m so grateful though that people do give! The passage from Philippians 1:15-18 is what comes to mind…
Thank you sweet friend! It really was the Lord and the community of people who came out to support me and my kidddos that made that happen. You were one of the top 5 people to comment and encourage me on this blog in 2013 so THANK YOU!