So Many Red Threads

"An invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break."

~ Ancient Chinese Proverb

We became familiar with this proverb when we began this journey to Kemeri & thought it was very neat. I must say, in the past couple of weeks, it has taken on a whole new meaning for us.

Back track. A couple of weeks ago, we stepped out & asked if people might want to become part of our "team", essentially, our family, to help us bring Kemeri home. To be completely honest, I'm not sure when I've felt quite so vulnerable. It sort of felt like, okay, we're inviting people to this party, but what if nobody comes? Rejection is not one of my favorite feelings. Or worse, what if we're judged? I know of too many families that have stepped out in faith only to have somebody say, "Well, if you can't afford it, why are you doing it?" That could be a whole blog post in & of itself, but I will leave it that we feel fortunate that we have not encountered this...People seem to understand that we can afford to raise another child, but as a dear friend says, the ransom is high & not many of us have it at our immediate disposal. Any-whooo...

After a lot of prayer, we really felt like the Lord was reminding us once again that this isn't about us. It's about Him & about Kemeri. So we took the plunge, & I have to say that never, ever in my wildest dreams did I expect the outpouring of love & support that we have received for Kemeri. What began as a feeling of vulnerability has evolved into feeling a connectedness (is that a word?) to so many people....just like the Red Thread.

We've had children give for Kemeri from their piggy banks, organize a fundraiser through student council at their school, & one young lady is "giving" her birthday to Kemeri, asking that friends & relatives donate in her honor.

We've had new friends, old friends, & extended family jump in with "100% support & love".

We've had college students & young people give in ways that blow my mind, knowing that they're just getting started & money is tight.

We've had other adoptive parents give generously, & some are either just home or smack dab in the middle of fundraising for their own adoptions.

We've had people putting donations in our hands at work, at sporting events, & in church.

We've been so blessed to reconnect with former classmates, the Sunday school class we used to belong to, & many friends we just don't get to see very often.

We've had donations come from all over the US as well as Canada & Germany, many from people we've never even met.

To date, we have received $6615. THAT is amazing. But above & beyond the donations, the love, support, & encouragement we have received has so powerfully impacted our family. I wish, I wish, I wish I could put into words how you have made us feel. Maybe my friend, Amy, said it best when she commented, "smiling along with you while we watch God be God..." Yes, we have experienced God's love through you, & it has forever changed us. I wish I could share every comment & every story, but there is so much. We are saving every one of them!!You can read some of the messages here:

www.acharityproject.com/f/TeamHendershott

We still have the donation page open for a few more days...we are so blessed by everyone that has joined the Team for Bringing Kemeri Home, becoming yet another red thread in our story of becoming family.

XO ~ Dardi

Oh, & for those wanting an update...OUR ARTICLE 5 WAS DROPPED OFF TODAY!!! This is for processing Kemeri's visa, so in a few weeks, we will officially be waiting for Travel Approval. Please continue to pray for Kemeri, for the process, & that we might have the opportunity to be with her when she turns 2 (March 18)!