First things first:
We didn't run out of pancakes!!!!
Phew. I was seriously concerned about that, but crisis avoided. We had two pans leftover and three bowls of dry ingredients to boot. Victory for this detail-oriented-over-planner.
Now, to more important things:
I saw some real church this weekend and it's not even Sunday.
Last night (Friday) John and I started our prep work by setting up all the tables and chairs etc. Already having recruited our small group to help cook breakfast the next morning, we were planning on setting up ourselves; true to their incredible form our amazing friends stepped forward to spend their Friday night rolling tables and tucking in chairs.
While we were setting up my friend Julie told me that she got to explain "adoption" to her 5 year old daughter Kya for the first time. Julie is expecting a baby herself (the in-womb way) so Kya's response was to ask, "Is Jill's baby going to be my brother?"
In Christ, baby girl. In Christ.
While John and I were serving pancakes this morning someone else asked me who was back doing all the work in the kitchen. "Your family?" "Our small group and friends from church," I explained, but all I wanted to reply was, "Yep."
Our families may not live nearby, but we definitely felt the love of family today.
We got to the church bright and early this morning and started flipping pancakes, cooking up bacon, and scrambling eggs. We were blessed to receive all the eggs and bacon as donations, a gift for which we are beyond grateful! The troops soon arrived with lots of enthusiasm ready to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen and front lines. And they did, with great joy!
After cracking probably 20 dozen eggs, I don't think Julie will be eating eggs anytime soon. In hindsight, it probably wasn't my best decision to put a pregnant lady with a heightened sense of smell on egg-duty. :-P No complaining from her though- thank you Julie!
Keith and Mark handled the front door with class.
Serving the food!
Details:
Happy breakfast eaters!
We also sold some paraphernalia! I get a little glowy inside when I see people wearing our shirts and jewelry!
The entire breakfast from conception to completion was a blessing. We are so thankful! From the women who lent me their tablecloths, to the little girl who donated half her piggy bank for "Mrs. Burden's baby," to the families who donated way more than the suggested donation- thank you. Our son could not come home without you. What a legacy you are building for him and for our family!
And now the question I'm sure is on your mind: how much money did we raise!?
$4,487.91
We're shocked too.
Unbelievable blessing. Floodgates open crazy wide. Blessed. Blessed. Blessed.
(Our friend Sara and Keith's daughter Kaitlyn was the first baby John ever baptized. Even though she's a baby, we love having her walk through this journey with us! Her contended spirit and beautiful smile makes our hearts happy!)
Someday I hope our son will read all these posts. Baby boy: look how many people love you already. God has a purpose for your life. We're not there yet, but we're coming! Everyday we're one day closer to getting on that plane, one breath closer to breathing you in, one moment closer to wrapping you in our arms. One day closer to bring you home. And with this community around you, what a blessed home it will be.
xo
We didn't run out of pancakes!!!!
Phew. I was seriously concerned about that, but crisis avoided. We had two pans leftover and three bowls of dry ingredients to boot. Victory for this detail-oriented-over-planner.
Now, to more important things:
I saw some real church this weekend and it's not even Sunday.
Last night (Friday) John and I started our prep work by setting up all the tables and chairs etc. Already having recruited our small group to help cook breakfast the next morning, we were planning on setting up ourselves; true to their incredible form our amazing friends stepped forward to spend their Friday night rolling tables and tucking in chairs.
While we were setting up my friend Julie told me that she got to explain "adoption" to her 5 year old daughter Kya for the first time. Julie is expecting a baby herself (the in-womb way) so Kya's response was to ask, "Is Jill's baby going to be my brother?"
In Christ, baby girl. In Christ.
While John and I were serving pancakes this morning someone else asked me who was back doing all the work in the kitchen. "Your family?" "Our small group and friends from church," I explained, but all I wanted to reply was, "Yep."
Our families may not live nearby, but we definitely felt the love of family today.
We got to the church bright and early this morning and started flipping pancakes, cooking up bacon, and scrambling eggs. We were blessed to receive all the eggs and bacon as donations, a gift for which we are beyond grateful! The troops soon arrived with lots of enthusiasm ready to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen and front lines. And they did, with great joy!
After cracking probably 20 dozen eggs, I don't think Julie will be eating eggs anytime soon. In hindsight, it probably wasn't my best decision to put a pregnant lady with a heightened sense of smell on egg-duty. :-P No complaining from her though- thank you Julie!
Keith and Mark handled the front door with class.
Serving the food!
Details:
Happy breakfast eaters!
We also sold some paraphernalia! I get a little glowy inside when I see people wearing our shirts and jewelry!
The entire breakfast from conception to completion was a blessing. We are so thankful! From the women who lent me their tablecloths, to the little girl who donated half her piggy bank for "Mrs. Burden's baby," to the families who donated way more than the suggested donation- thank you. Our son could not come home without you. What a legacy you are building for him and for our family!
And now the question I'm sure is on your mind: how much money did we raise!?
$4,487.91
We're shocked too.
Unbelievable blessing. Floodgates open crazy wide. Blessed. Blessed. Blessed.
(Our friend Sara and Keith's daughter Kaitlyn was the first baby John ever baptized. Even though she's a baby, we love having her walk through this journey with us! Her contended spirit and beautiful smile makes our hearts happy!)
Someday I hope our son will read all these posts. Baby boy: look how many people love you already. God has a purpose for your life. We're not there yet, but we're coming! Everyday we're one day closer to getting on that plane, one breath closer to breathing you in, one moment closer to wrapping you in our arms. One day closer to bring you home. And with this community around you, what a blessed home it will be.
xo
tears * thanks for sharing, God is blessing you all! What a journey!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletepraying for you guys in this new adventure!!! been keeping up with your posts and am amazed of how persistent you both have been in this journey!! cannot wait to see a picture of you with your little boy in your arms!! one day we hope to adopt a little Guatemalan, and be sure that I'll be asking you for advice :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!!
Rachel & Gary (praying for you guys all the way from Guatemala)
Hi! We too are just beginning our path! Could you by chance email me with any pointers and tips to doing a pancake feed like this? I LOVE the idea and will be planning one here too!!! Thank you! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteWow! God provides! My husband and I are beginning the fundraising process for our adoption. I love this idea that you did. You make it look so easy. I know it must not have been. I would like to do something like this. Could you email me some information/tips? How many did you prepare for? My email is [email protected]. Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! God is awesome. My husband and I are beginning this journey would you mind emailing any specifics of this. What a great idea. My email is [email protected]. thank you. Michelle
ReplyDeleteGod is awesome! Would you mind sending any specifics. My husband and I are starting this journey. My email is [email protected]. thank you so much
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are going to be having a Pancake breakfast due to this blog post! How did you handle the money aspect? Did you just have that tin for people to put the money in and then the guys at the front with change in case people needed it?
ReplyDeleteYep! That's exactly what we did. I wish you the best on your fundraiser!
DeleteHello. I too am just choosing adoption as a pathway for my husband & I to gain the child of our dreams. I'd really be interested in any pointers, advice & tips that you have to give. my email is [email protected]
DeleteMay I ask what you charged per ticket? And did they have to pay in advance? Or did you just guess on the amount of stuff you bought?!!! THANKS SO MUCH!!!
ReplyDeleteWe put up a sign that said "suggested donation $10 per person or $30 per family." Most people gave more. We did not have anyone pay in advance, but we did have a Facebook event and asked people to RSVP so get an idea of the numbers. More people came than RSVP's though! We were glad we planned for more!
DeleteHi Jillian, My husband and I are planning our own pancake breakfast fundraiser. We were curious how many people came to your event. Did you do any other advertising for the event besides Facebook event page? Thanks in advance!
ReplyDelete