Last year, we met friends Whitney and Tanner Brown when they began coming to Macedonia Baptist Church. They are a stunning couple, inside and out, and we were just getting to know them when they felt God's calling to help plant a church. Through facebook, Whitney and I kept in touch and our friendship has grown.
Incredibly supportive of our adoptions and fundraisers from the beginning, the Brown's were roused to find an additional opportunity to give. Whitney has a God-given gift for recognizing others needs and springing into action! Little did we know, these are qualities that prevail in her close family and friends.
Whitney shared with me her love of inspirational jewelry from a business called The Adopt Shoppe, owned by a woman who desires to help families in the adoption process. (https://www.etsy.com/shop/theadoptshoppe) She makes and sells beautiful necklaces and bracelets, then donates profits to adopting families. Each piece has a beautiful message, proclaiming faith or extolling praises to God. Her necklaces on etsy literally sell out within minutes! Seriously, I have tried to purchase them and they disappear from the page before my out-in-the-country-DSL can load my cart!! Whitney sent me one as a gift that I truly treasure. She had some in her collection that stirred an idea. She would host an auction for four-Adopt Shoppe necklaces and give the funds raised to our family adoption expenses!!
Her one-day Instagram auction also received two donations from Bombshell Salon, Spa, and Boutique in Bremen, owned and operated by her cousin Carlee. True to her giving heart, Whitney also added a massage gift certificate as she is a massage therapist!
The supporters of the auction were largely Whitney's family and friends. Man, this is a group of GIVING hearts! I joked that God was using Muhlenberg County folks to teach us about true giving! In a span of 24 hours, Whitney decided to add TWO more massage gift certificates due to the demand, and raised (drumroll please) . . .
$1900!!!
ON FOUR NECKLACES, A PEDICURE GIFT CERTIFICATE, THREE MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATES, AND A DECORATIVE PLATTER!!
Do you realize how virtually impossible that is?! But wait . . .
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! Luke 1:37
Woo-hoo!! None of these generous folks were forced to participate or begged to bid. I know they don't want recognition, but it gives us a small chance to display our gratitude, so I am putting their names here:
Whitney & Tanner Brown
Melinda Baize
Jordan & Keila Baize
Debbie Knight
Debbie Knight
Carlee Knight
Melonie Anderson
Heather Garrett
God has seen your actions and generosity, and we pray He blesses you abundantly!
You are a living example of caring for orphans, and Whitney, you are a shining model
of the difference one person can make!! THANK YOU!
To the Reader: This is just one of many, many miracles we have seen throughout our adoption process. Please read more of our stories on this blog, and be inspired to help others!
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