Spaghetti Dinner

 "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."   (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)


May 4, 2012 - I woke up in the morning and had 13 emails in my inbox, all from different friends who woke up praying for us. I had three text messages from other friends also encouraging and praying for us. I spoke with a friend last night who said she woke up several times throughout the night and the first thing on her mind was us so she prayed every time she woke up. Well I can testify that those prayers were answered.  She was losing sleep, but I on the other hand slept all night despite being a little anxious about the home study and spaghetti dinner. I woke up with a song in my head and a peace that passes all understanding, and that peace lasted throughout the day. It's amazing to me that so many care and the many ways they continue to show their care for us.

We had our second home study in the morning.  It went really well and when we left I said to Scott that I needed any "Easy" button, because it was a lot easier than I had expected.  Our home study agent is a sweetheart and I'm enjoying getting to know her as she gets to know us. 

In the evening, 239 people gathered together at Penn Valley Church to eat spaghetti, watch a video and hear our story of why adoption.  They came out to support us in this journey.  It was overwhelming!!!  We don't even know how to begin thanking everyone.  Several dear friends helped us with planning and preparing for the evening.  Many people donated some wonderful gifts for a raffle.  We had 17 items ranging from gift certificates, to handbags, a BBQ set, candles,  5 beautiful gift baskets and flowers.  Friends and teens came to help set-up, serve dinner, man the raffle table, and clean up.  So many others prayed, even those that live far away and couldn't come still supported us through prayer and encouragement. 

I know everyone is anxious to hear how we did with our Spaghetti Dinner event.  We compiled every one's envelopes into a box and will be FedExing them all to our agency Monday.  We should get a phone call or email sometime in the coming week with a total.  So hang in there and be patient with us.

I can tell you that a total of $1600.00 in cash was donated either through the donation box or our raffle.  That is incredible!!!  We deposited it this morning and will be adding a check in that amount to the FedEx package going out on Monday.  I promise as soon as we hear a grand total we will post it.

We hope all those who came out enjoyed their meal and a great time of fellowship.  In case you didn't figure it out, May 4th, was our 16th wedding anniversary.  We joked in the morning that planning this event was like planning our wedding reception, only we didn't have as many people at our wedding.  We could not think of a better way to celebrate 16 years than having those we love dearly gather together for a cause we are becoming more and more passionate about.  So thank you all for making our 16th anniversary one we will never forget!!! 

Here are a few pictures from the evening. 

Our creative kids made this sign.

40 lbs of pasta

The Raffle Table

 

 

 

 

Can I get a drum roll?


We received an email from our agency and the total received from our Spaghetti Dinner was:

$7.000.71!!!

We don't even know where to begin thanking everyone for all of the support you have given from praying, helping and contributing to this event. We need $5,400 to finalize our dossier and God has seen fit to use this event and so many of you to help us reach the goal. We are humbled and amazed and will never know the best way to thank everyone for their generosity.

^"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19