Garage Sale Part 2b

Whew! I wasn't sure if I was going to try this by myself, but figured it was worth a shot. So, after a quick breakfast and feeding Caleb, I moved the vehicles and started pulling things out. I wanted to take a picture before we started, but people kept coming and I kept trying to make room and pull more out. Believe it or not, there were STILL many things left in the garage that hadn't come out since I couldn't get the tables or furniture out by myself. After 7 hours in upper 80's weather with 3 kids, by myself, we ended up with $332.01! We still have a pool table, a dresser, a roll top desk, lots of clothes and toys.

This is how it looked at the end of the day. It goes almost all the way back. Hey, we have a bigger path! I was ready to take a shower and sit in the AC for a while when it was over! Caleb played in his pack and play in the shade and napped well. S&C helped and played really well. We did not have a very good lunch, but we made up for it at dinner.

It was so fun to see people who had come to the first sale. They asked how we were coming along and I got to share what our progress was since the first. I enjoyed watching people's faces when we said we were adopting. Most people are happy for us. One lady made a comment about how the orphans here in the states need to be adopted, too. People do not realize what the conditions are like in other countries and how few opportunities they have. Not every place is like Russia or Ukraine, but statistics are-

~There are over 4 million orphans and homeless children in Russia and Ukraine
~There are 700,000 orphans living in 2,000 state-run orphanages in Russia alone ... that is more orphans than there were after World War II

~About 15,000 unadopted Russian orphans leave orphanages each year, once they are 16 to 18 years old

~Statistics show that after being released from the orphanage, 80% of unadopted female orphans will become prostitutes and most unadopted male orphans will go to jail ... only one out of ten Russian orphans becomes a functional member of society

~More than 100,000 children are thought to have been surrendered to orphanages due to poverty

I'd have to say American orphans have much better chances than this. I haven't really plugged for others to think about adoption, but my heart is so full some days of the need these children have.
Yes, it's a stretch financially, but when it's God's heart, too He takes care of things. Yes, people don't always understand, but your true friends and those who love you believe in you enough to be happy for you while they sort out their feelings. Yes, your life will never be the same, but wouldn't that be boring? So if you know God commands us to care for the widows and orphans, what's your part? It may not be to adopt, yourself, but maybe you could support those who are, financially and emotionally, or help organizations who care for those still waiting for their families.


We'll be up early in the morning to get things out to get the early birds. Be watching for part 2c!