Legit Sacrifice
/One of the ways this adoption has messed me up is in how people are sacrificing on behalf of our babies. It literally brings me to tears in less than 9 seconds. I think growing up middle class, Midwestern, American girl, I never grew to understand the true nature of sacrifice. I always had more than I needed. And giving to those in need has always come from a place of strategic budgeting and planned 'sacrifice'. Traveling and reading has done much to change my thinking and habits on sacrifice, but our adoption has taken my soul's transformation to a new level!
A few examples of how we've been blessed by our friend's and family's TRUE sacrifice:
- A few unemployed friends have given significantly to our babies.
- One family decided on an amount the give us. Then, whenever they wanted to go out to each or buy an unnecessary item, they'd put that money into Baby Ethiopia's fund.
- Two families are living at about poverty level made a donation to remind us how loved & supported we are.
- A single mom gave us a very generous gift.
- Another adoptive family who we barely know made an enormous gift.
- Many of my mom's friends who I've only met once or twice have given.
- One friend gave out of her wedding savings account.
- Another friend gave twice to our process because she "just got some more money, and what am I going to do with it?"
- Church planting friends gave a out of their own needs.
Why do I share this? It's not to give our friends a public ego boost. It's because it's truly challenged us. It's also because people have so creatively figured out ways to be a part of what God's doing in our family. This kind of sacrifice is legit and I want to be more like them.
