Blessed...

I have just finished picking my jaw up from my lap and reattaching it to my face. Let me back up...

Last night's Harambe was awesome.

The church was transformed, by my marvelous decorating committee, into a beautiful display of Kenyan art and beautiful faces (Thank you Heather, Diane, and Becky!).

The food was hand-prepared by wonderful Kenyan friends (Thank you Violet and Company!).

The dinner was served by LakeStreet Catering (please hire them for your next event, you will not be sorry!).

Special words and prayers were offered by Grandpa Owen, Thomas Kotieno (all the way from Kisumu, Kenya!), and Larry Wu.

Spoons were auctioned off to those not ready to eat the Kenyan way.

Funny bones were tickled by the master auctioneer, William Lawrence.

And hopefully, God's word was spoken and hearts were touched, because that is our primary mission.

People have asked us all day if the Harambe was successful. Through this event, we have experienced the Labor of Love of friends who have given their time and business services in MAJOR ways to help us. We have seen the sacrifice of many who have "let go" of some special treasures in order to show their support. We were touched by the number of family and friends who encouraged us by attending, especially those who put aside their own needs to be there for us. We have witnessed the generosity of friends who purchased our personal artwork (Amy's quilts and Jason's watercolors), one of which was then handed over to our parents as a gift so it could stay in the family. We have received help from people we don't even know, such as Carol from Fabric of Life Boutique in Edmonds, who gave us many beautifully handcrafted items on consignment to take to the auction. We have been completely covered in prayer by some special "prayer warriors". These are just a few of the ways we have been blessed. So yes, I would say it was a success.

And then the numbers came in.

And my jaw dropped.

And I had to reattach it before I could post this blog.

According to our amazingly efficient accountant at church, we netted $15, 322 towards our start up costs. Did you catch all FIVE of those digits?? Wow. God is SO good, and we deeply appreciate those of you who have funneled some of His resources our direction. We pray that you will experience the felt joy of His love and His provision through your sacrificial giving.