It’s been a strange thing looking at the cost of adoption, but also knowing it’s what we are called to do. We continue to be amazed at everyone’s willingness to help. Still, I for one, struggle with the asking part. 

It’s easy for me to ask for yard sale donations – “hey instead of giving your junk away, we can haul it off for you.” That being our first fundraiser, helped me get our feet wet in the whole asking for help exercise. 

Then there is the process of filling out forms for national grants that give money away to adoptive parents! These amazing organizations do just that. If you’re looking for ways to give long term – consider these organizations. Show Hope, LifeSong and Gift of Adoption

But last Saturday, I bit the bullet and did the thing I’ve been anxious about. I wrote a letter, made a flyer, and went to downtown Mesa to visit businesses that we frequent regularly.  We are asking for donations for our silent auction and/or the simple favor of putting our Yard Sale flyer in their window or community board. 

For those of you extroverts and salesmen – easy peasy. I’m introverted, awkward, and unsure of myself. I tried to make Steve be our point man, definitely more in his wheel house – but he was called to multiple trips to pick up yard sale donations with the trailer. So divide and conquer was the best plan. But ugh, I just don’t want to. 

And then I remembered this, I’m not an extrovert or a salesmen, but I am going to be a mom. A mom who right now has this anxious, impatient feeling that there is a child and birth mom out there – and I don’t know where they are. I feel a little lost in the unknown of it all. I pray every day they are safe for God to bless them. I pray to find them soon. 

So while going up to strangers is not like me, I’m becoming a mom. Mom’s get things done for the children. I wasn’t asking for me. I asked for our future child. I took that anxious energy and boldly drove to downtown Mesa. Walked in and awkwardly explained to about a dozen stores why I was there. I often added “I’m sorry for being awkward about this. . .” and just embraced it. 

I was met with so much kindness. Most of the managers and owners were not on site, but helpful staff listened to me and offered to pass on our letters. As I walked back to my car, I was thinking about how much I love Mesa. I loved my old house and neighborhood too. But downtown Mesa, feels like a little hometown. Today there was a festival honoring Mesa as an All-American City. Kids ran around, an older man walked his happy husky around greeting everyone, a live band played, a clown made balloon animals, and bubbles filled the air.

I can’t wait to share these kind of events – small town hospitality, businesses that are friendly, walking downtown with people yelling out “Duffy” (which happens every where because Steve knows so many people). I can’t wait to get breakfast at Worth or Cookie Monster Ice cream at Novel.