because He loved us

Wow. Just wow.

It’s been four days since our fundraiser ended and I’m still basically speechless.

Over 700 people gave. Over $36,000 was raised. And over 1500 Found shirts will be printed and worn – God’s people carrying His Word on their back on behalf of one little girl, halfway around the world.

Speechless.

So I thought pictures might better convey the joy we are feeling around here.

Because of all God did – and all y’all did – in helping us bring our sweet Clementine home.

First a little background on the pictures. The girls and I have been busily working on our “thank yous” (a little something we have been including in every Found package) and with over 500 packages to go out, we’ve got a little work to do.

These thank you drawings started several weeks ago, when they all wanted so badly to help in this effort to bring their baby sister home. And one day – when I had more thank you notes to write than minutes in the day – I relented.

And I’m so glad I did. They have had the best time drawing pictures for y’all, and dreaming of all the things they’re going to do when their baby sister comes home.

And I have had the best time watching. Watching their understanding grow of what it means to love others. What it means to be in the body of Christ. And how very loved their little sister is, not just by our family, but by families all over the world.

A supporter named Kian shared such a sweet sentiment when she filled out the form. It made me cry the first time I read it and it makes me cry now – because it so beautifully sums up the way Clementine is being prayed for, and loved by so many.

All because He loved us first.

“Clementine, some day you will know that a lot of people, who won’t meet you until Heaven, really love you!”

So to everyone who donated, shared, and commented on the form, on FB, here or via email or text, thank you, thank you. For prayers, verses, notes and words of encouragement. I can’t tell you what they’ve meant to us not only as we were fundraising, but now, as we continue to wait for news on our Clementine and her heart.

And now that I’m done being speechless (?) let me take you on a little picture journey. With Clementine’s big sisters. Who are falling more and more in love with their baby sister with every day and with every thank you drawing.

“This is me and Clementine in the flowers. And we’re doing spins in the flowers.” – Lula

“This is me and you and Sophie and Vivi and Clementine. We are outside, trying to find some flowers to pick for you.” – Poppy

“This is me and Clementine blowing bubbles. Because me and Clementine like to blow bubbles together.” – Vivienne

“This is an airplane and we are flying off to get Clementine. And we are very happy to be going to get Clementine.” – Isabelle

“This is Clementine when she comes home. She’s happy with us and we love her… that’s why I drew Clementine in a heart.” – Sophie

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19