Love and Sacrifice

I kept getting these flyers in the mail...We buy Gold! It was from a jewelry store we've used before.  Friday, I took a few things in and sold them.  I had been thinking about this for a while; then I just knew it was time. 

If you've read my previous posts you know I have a heart for orphans.  And, of course, especially ones who have Down syndrome or other special needs.  In many other countries, children with Down syndrome just have no chance at a good, healthy life.  Most are put in orphanages, then later moved to mental institutions by age 4 or 5.  It varies by country.  God has put this on my heart in a big way.  More and more, I'm thinking adopting ourselves isn't likely the way that we can be involved.  But, my eyes are forever opened, and my heart forever broken for those children, all children, that don't have a family to love and care for them.  I have to find ways to do what I can do.

We had found a bracelet at the beach, many years ago, that was gold and had real stones in it.  Jordan I think had found it and we had said that it could be hers, when she was older.  When I suggested to her recently that we sell it and donate to an adoption fund, she thought that was a great idea.  Just so you know, we were there a good long while that day, there weren't many people around and noone was looking for a lost bracelet or we would have returned it to its owner.  I felt sure if we had walked around asking folks if it was theirs, they would have claimed it whether it was theirs or not.

I had a couple pair of earrings that I hadn't worn in years.  I was happy to give those as well. Then, I had one more piece that I struggled over whether to sell.  My brother had taken his own life when he was just 21 years old.  He had few possessions, and had specifically wanted me to have a a beautiful herringbone gold chain that he had really treasured.  Somehow, years ago this chain had gotten tangled, and they told me at the jewelry store it couldn't be repaired.  It was really the only thing I had of my brother's.  I struggled with the decision but decided how better to honor his memory than to give someone else life.  Truly, in the country my online friend wants to adopt from, it is the difference between life and death for these children.

My brother's necklace was worth 145 dollars and the total I received was $350. I have to tell you the first thought that popped in my mind as I received the check was that amount would nearly buy the special needs stroller we need.  Also, almost the right amount for the Spanish program I need to purchase for homeschooling, or would certainly cover Jordan's dress for the spring formal.  I couldn't stop myself from having those thoughts for just a moment, but I knew God had laid it on my heart to donate this money. 

I met this online friend in such a God-way, if you know what I mean.  We both shared a love and burden for Corinna that I've blogged about before.  She has this huge heart, wants to adopt one or more children WITH special needs, and finances are the only thing slowing them down.  You can find her blog here.  Many times I have felt tugged to donate when reading blogs and felt the amount I could give was so small that it couldn't be of much help.  Several times lately I have donated just $25. hoping and knowing that it could really add up.  It was all I could give at the time.  If you're a coffee drinker you can help by ordering coffee from Just Love Coffee Roasters (they have an amazing story too) and every purchase of a bag of coffee gives them $5. for their adoption.  I ordered the African Skies, which it described as their favorite, and am enjoying a delicious cup right now! This link takes you right to their page, so that they will get credit for the sale.

I met Kelli online, but she lives just a couple of hours away and hope to meet her in person soon.  I can't wait till the time I can see her and meet her new addition/additions to their family.  I know God will bless them for their obedience; and that He will bless me for mine.  He's just good like that.