We're Crock Full o' Thanks

Well, we made it through our Chili Cookoff fundraiser.  In fact (to the amazement of many-ourselves included), it was a rousing success.  So much so that people kept approaching us throughout the night and saying, "Wow, this is ACTUALLY a lot of fun!"  Which made me question how low peoples' expectations were for the evening.  How we wanted to respond: "Well, we were *actually* planning for everyone who came tonight to be miserable, but if you are having fun we'll let it slide this time ;) !"

And we did have a blast.  The chili was flowing, the parking lot was full, the band was rocking--it was better than we could have ever hoped!  If you weren't able to come, we missed you (....and sorry to say, but you kinda missed out!)!  For those unable to make it or who desire to relive the awesomeness, we wanted to share photos of the kind faces and fun from that evening (Again, photography courtesy of Miss Chandra who did our Adoption pics. Contact her by email: chandra-dickson@live.com -or- through her business webpage on Facebook).  Without any further ado (okay, maybe just a little more "ado"), Closer to Home: Our Chili Cookoff Fundraiser-

                                         

Golden Ladle Winner-The Melting Pot of Chili!

 

 

Um, the cutest groupies ever?!? 

 

And the sign that said it all.

Yep, it was a great night.  Here's an excerpt from the words I managed to choke out at the evening's close:

"I don’t want us to forget WHY we are here.  This fundraiser is happening so we can lift a child, our daughter, out of some difficult circumstances into a home with a family who loves her.  That is one of the reasons why David and I love adoption, it is the perfect picture of what Jesus has done for us.  He took us in our most broken, messed up state and lovingly invited us into His family.  And the cool thing is-He didn’t do this ONLY because he is kind, or perfect, or God (although HE is obviously all those things)-He did it as an example to us.  Because what He has done for us, we are supposed to do for others.  We are charged to seek out the least of these...and not offer judgement, but instead give physical and spiritual help and hope.  We thank you for being here tonight and doing this for our daughter."

We are still riding the wave of generosity from the cookoff.  The donations continue to roll in, but combining the event's earnings and other gifts received through mail, we've made about $3,500 towards our adoption expenses.  <Insert "oohs" and "ahhs" here>  Basically this exceeded our greatest expectations for any fundraiser planned by weirdos like us.  And no, we haven't yet tallied our total amount in the adoption account (we'll let you know when we do).  But certainly we are close enough to our agency's final monetary requirements that no other HUGE fundraisers will be necessary.  For this, David is supremely thankful (as I *may* have been crazier than normal during event planning)!

Thank you.  I cannot say it enough.  We felt so supported that night.  And not just because of the money (although, admittedly, the money was great too), but because we had the rare opportunity to witness community in its truest form.  Friends, neighbors, even strangers who donated their time, talents, chili making (or even chili eating) abilities with NO strings attached.  It was humbling to be blessed and served by so many people.  Adoption can be such an isolating experience.  Many times you feel in it alone, like it is a bad joke or a desperate dream that will never happen.  But let me tell you, looking around at that crowded hall during the fundraiser moved me.  I got misty.  Because folks, for the first time I knew with certainty: We finally have a daughter on the way.