Giving and Receiving

It's better to give than to receive.  That's because receiving will knock the air out of you and send you straight to your knees!

I received a card yesterday in the mail.  It was a sweet card about welcoming a new daughter into the family.  I thought, how nice is that!  When I opened the card there was a check for $500!  Now, understand, these people are starting a new business, raising 6 kids, and giving to us!  I gasped so loudly the children ran into the room to see what had happened.  It took me a minute to start breathing again.  My first thought was to call them, say thank you so very much but we can't accept this; you're in no position to give that much.  Another part of me, I must confess, was so grateful and started tallying where we are money wise.  I actually have done nothing.  A thank you card seems so small compared to what they've done.  A phone call seems too impersonal.  Doing nothing is awful, I admit. 

We are raising funds by having almost daily auctions on facebook.  These are really amazing and a lot of fun!  People, some friends some strangers, have donated handmade items or items they sell for us to auction off for Alice.  And when I say "we", I mean a sweet woman from church that has 3 little kiddos is helping to organize this.  It was her idea and she's the one that got most of the items donated.  So far we've sold bows, gift cards for pre-made meals, blankets, an apron, handmade signs, birthday crowns and hair clips. We've sold Avon baskets and Mary Kay lip gloss. We have at least another week to go with items still being donated.  We've still got more blankets, bags embroidered with "Faith", handmade jewelery and a photo session worth $125.  I'm just in awe.  I have been on facebook more than usual checking to see where each item is in the bidding.  It's been fun to watch.  I'm not sure just how much we've raised.  But, you know me, I like to wait until it's all said and done before I count.

I'm humbled at how many people want to help us. The body of Christ is something altogether amazing.  People who aren't able to give a lot are helping in small ways or giving ideas of what else we can do.  They are reaching out to their friends.  These small ways are adding up big.  Can I say amazing one more time?  I can't think of another word.  Amazing!

It seems like I'll have to share Alice Faith with an awful lot of people.  I'm ok with that.