The upside of fundraising...& a sneak peak...

So, sometimes fundraising really stinks. As I mentioned a while back, here, this is not the first time my family has fundraised. It is one of the most humbling, difficult, pride-swallowing things I've ever done. Erica wrote a post yesterday about that very thing. At times it is a discouraging process, and for someone like me, who is a people-pleaser, it is hard to put the need out there and know that people are drawing their own conclusions and judgments about your character and your motives.

But there's a good side to fundraising. No---a GREAT side. It's when friends come alongside you and say, hey--this is as important to us as it is to you. Your child is as important to us as (s)he is to you. When your arms are tired from holding up the staff, and you just can't do it anymore, we will stand beside you and hold your arms up for you. (Exodus 17)

Today my friends did that for me. They served for hours prepping for my fundraiser tomorrow. And today I feel like a lucky girl, with great friends.

I would never wish fundraising on anyone. And yet, in some ways, I think if you don't have to, you miss out on an incredible blessing. Namely, watching those you love (and some you may not even know) come along side and offer to hold up your arms.

My bloggy friends are just another example of that in my life, on this journey. For example: my friend, Connie, who I've never met, is having a garage sale on the other side of the country for us & 4 other families this weekend. Seriously?! Who does that?! Who has that done for them?! I certainly never have! How do you receive that kind of grace? All i can say is-- with your head bowed and your heart filled with praise.

So, sometimes you might hear me complain about the fundraising part. But know, deep down, that I know that I know that I know--my Jesus loves me. I know because my friends are Jesus to me, and they showed me that love today. I am blessed.

Oh, yeah, and a sneak peak of tomorrow...details here...it's gonna be a blast!!