SHARING HOPE

David and I had the awesome privilege to give back to the amazing organization, Shaohannah's Hope, now called Show Hope, that was instrumental in making our adoption a reality. They generously gave us a miracle grant that helped us bring our precious Jessa Li Hope home. So, when we were asked to help volunteer for Show Hope during the 2009 United Tour featuring Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith, of course, we both jumped at the opportunity to share our story with concert goers while encouraging them to give toward Maria's Big House of Hope (an orphanage being built in China that will open on July 2nd!)

We tried also to encourage others to help families just like ours bring their children home through giving financially to Show Hope which will then make grants toward adoptions possible. Well, needless to say, it was an incredible evening! Meeting lots of families who had adopted or are currently in the process and getting to personally hand out information that may change a child's life forever! It was fun to talk to a dear Mommy who is soon going to Ethiopia to bring home her own two year old twin girls! We even got to see some of the concert and at the very end of the evening a HUGE surprise! SCC agreed to meet and greet all the Show Hope Volunteers backstage. My heart was so full - so much I would have liked to say - but no words really came. Just - Thank you.

I wish he could have known how overflowing those two little words were. How much I wanted to say...Thank you for the gift you gave our family! Thank you for the faith you continue to celebrate even in the midst of your own suffering and heartache. Thank you for your inspiring music and testimony! Thank you for helping us bring our Jessa home! Well, David was able to say more and told him how Show Hope helped us to bring our new daughter home. He asked to see a photo of her and like a proud Daddy - David opened his wallet and as soon as Steven saw her little photo...he was all smiles. "Congratulations! She is adorable!" This was our very first evening away from the kids since we came home from China. I wasn't sure how Jessa would go down for the night - when we came home Mamaw was holding her and she was fast asleep in her arms. I guess she had a hard time and just wasn't able to go to sleep in her room without Mommy and Daddy being home to tuck her in. Holding her tonight and kissing her cute little cheeks and tucking our lil' pumpkin in bed...wow! We do have so much to be thankful for! Just so glad she is finally here!

And so happy that we could give back, if even in a small way, to some folks who gave us an incredible gift! Anyway - very fun evening! God reminded David and I of just how far we've come, how deep the waters can be, and how faithful He is to always be with us. To always show us the reason for our HOPE!