It takes a village...

We have been honored and humbled in this journey to our caboose. One of the biggest ways has been in wondering HOW the Lord is going to pull this off financially. Don't get me wrong. I KNOW He will. Let me be clear. I do not doubt that. However, the question of HOW is the current mystery. Believe me, it was a mystery on the day we said YES, but, we moved forward regardless. Some might say that was irresponsible. We respectfully disagree. Every decision we've ever made has always made sense. Calculated, researched, well planned, thought out and predictable. Always. That's us. Maybe this one didn't make perfect sense to everyone else in the world; but, it was crystal clear to us. In the end that was enough.

Yes, we've done the obvious. We've cut out all unnecessary expenses. We've sold furniture on Craigslist. We are trying to sell other non essentials. {Anyone need a hot tub? haha} We are clearing the attic for a yard sale in a few weeks. It's all stuff and stuff doesn't mean much in the big picture. Thankfully all of the adoption expenses are paid in full at this point which is a huge blessing. Huge. Now we move on to travel expenses. Unfortunately (from a financial standpoint -- not for our son) it is very likely we will travel during peak season (AKA the most expensive time of the year). Airfare for four + hotel + food + facilitator fees + ______= $$$$$

From day one we've had random friends who've asked to come along side us in this journey. At first we said no. No way. Not happening. Each time someone asked how they can help us get to China we've sort of ignored them. Why? It took us a little while but we discovered what was standing in our way. Pride. What I've come to realize in this journey to our caboose is PRIDE is not a pretty thing. Here we are with friends who want to help but we are too proud to accept it. Ironically, we ourselves have given countless times to help other parents bring home their child. Why would we assume those who want to help US feel any different? Why would we assume those who want to help us will expect something in return? Something we can't possibly give them?
We know God gives us a head on our shoulders. We know God provides for our family through His financial plan for us. It IS His money after all. What has been hard for us to recognize is perhaps, in certain seasons of our lives, God provides for our family in ways outside of US. Perhaps He provides through the compassionate hearts of others while teaching us not to depend on US. We need to depend on HIM. See? A big fat lesson in humility.

It has taken us a little while but we finally packed away our pride and searched for possibilities. Finding a way for those who genuinely feel called to help by providing a tax deductible way to do so was no easy task. Then a friend introduced me to Village to Village International.

As an adoptive Mom and orphan care advocate, I knew they were right for us when I read their tagline. Because they matter. If you know me in real life you know that struck a chord with me. Yes, indeed. They DO matter. I love that.

So. This is the hard part. Here goes.

We know the economy stinks. We know we all have families to care for and bills to pay. We know because we live in the real world just like you. However, if your heart is burdened to help us bring home our son from China, you may do so here. This is our only request. We ask that you pray and feel confident about this decision. We certainly do not expect ANYTHING from ANYONE. Truly. We don't. We are simply trying to provide a tax deductible way to give for those who feel called to walk this journey with us.
Between now and April 15, my dear friend Sarah is hosting a raffle in honor of our family. For every $25 given in Little Buddy's honor, you will have a chance to win a $100 gift card from Target. Please email Sarah at sarahdennisscott@yahoo.com with your name, contact information and donation amount in order to be entered for your chance to win.

With deepest gratitude,
the Womble 5 + 1

*Like other charitable organizations, you will receive a Village to Village tax statement in winter 2013 to use on your 2012 taxes.*