Monday, August 30, 2010

Heartbreak and Joy

Today is Alyssa's first birthday. It truly breaks my heart but at the same time this is the day that God blessed us with her. I can't help but cry and at the same time rejoice.

One year ago our world was turned upside down. I was flown to Columbia for an emergency C-section not knowing whether I would ever see my little girl alive. But God gave us time with her and I am so thankful for that.

We got to see how she always wanted her left foot outside of her snuglet. Every time the nurse would put it back in, she would always find a way to stick it back out. We got to see how she wanted to know everything that was going on. If someone came into the room she would always look. One day she started to get upset at a doctor who she could not see. That's when I realized that I had a feisty little one on my hands (FLO for short). We were able to read to her, to sing to her, and to place one giant finger in her tiny hand. We had really good days and really bad days. We were told that she wouldn't make it but she made it 11 days more than what they thought. Our little girl was a fighter and an inspiration to many. My little girl, my precious angel who would be turning 1 today.

How my heart aches. I should be choosing her party outfit and theme. I know one day we will be together and for that, my heart rejoices. I like to think that when that happens we'll have the biggest, awesomest party ever. I mean, Jesus and my little girl will be there and that in itself makes it awesome!

So Happy Birthday, my sweet little girl. We love you so much!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Generosity

Today was the first day of walk registration and raffle ticket sales. Yesterday, Jamie and I ran around getting things ready. Procrastination? A little. We bought a canopy to stand under, flyers to hand out to people walking into Wal-Mart, a cash box, and poster board.

We went to church this morning and during service I said a prayer. I asked God to open people's hearts to our foundation and to please let us get 10 people to register for the walk and 100 raffle tickets sold.

We left church and went to Wal-Mart to set up. We had everything but the TV out for display and started handing out flyers (thank you Zach, Chris, Amber, Josh, and Heather!). At first, many people were interested in the raffle. But as time passed, some of the people who were working at the doors started to bring money. People were giving us donations - I hadn't really counted on that! It was just nice to know that there are so many caring people out there.

We met a lot of awesome people this afternoon. For those of you who came out to support us, thank you so much!

God provided for us and then some! We had donations and t-shirt sales as well as 12 registrants and waaay more than 100 raffle tickets. Our total today was three times what we expected - isn't God so amazing? I honestly can't say that enough.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

A New School Year

It's been awhile. I took a little bit of a vacay...I didn't go anywhere but my family was visiting and I wanted to spend time with them! I haven't stopped completely - the walk and raffle are always on my mind. Especially since our first day of raffle sales is this Sunday at Wal-Mart. Can I just say how fast time flies?

A week ago I was invited to speak at a Rotary Club meeting. I met some really awesome people. God never fails to to introduce us to the right people at the right time. I know I say that a lot but it is so true! Some days I don't know what direction to go but with God directing our path I know it will be right.

Just please pray for me now that a new school year has started! Balancing work for the foundation, work and church activities may end up with me losing my mind! If you are interested in purchasing a raffle ticket, please stop by the St. Robert Wal-Mart Sunday from 11-3!