Block Party

On Saturday, September 9, we had the block party. The block party was held at the Raleigh Community Church and it was a great time. Backyard Burgers made the food. Toys R Us donated two bikes that we raffled off, Geoffrey (Toys r Us mascot) was also at the block party. A & R Bar-B-Que donated some baked beans. Circuit City donated a rally racer radio controlled car. Pizza Inn of Wiggins, Mississippi even donated two vacation packages to Hot Springs, AR and Orange Beach, AL. Prizes were also donated by Sonic. Gymstars Gymnastics of Searcy, AR provided an obstacle course, jupiter jump, and more. Wonder Jumpers of Memphis also provided a jupiter jump.

We had a great time. The disappointment was that not many people showed up. This event was advertised in church bulletins around the city, on K-Love, on Hallelujah FM, through signs on bulletin boards, street signs, and the newspaper. We had enough food for 400 people, about 75 attended. That was a disappointment, but it all went well. The people who attended were well fed, everyone had a better chance at winning the raffle, it was more relaxing for Kellie and I, we were able to visit with people and get to know them better. We were able to share why we were adopting, the process of adoption. We even met a family that is interested in adopting. Kellie talked to them about CWA and our adoption through the Ethiopia program. We pointed them to a sister from our church who works with Agape and they had a long conversation about adoption.

Given the number of people who attended, we raised much more than we thought we would. And we are getting much closer to our needed travel expenses. I believe it will come. We will find a way to pay for the travel expenses. We are so excited about bringing our little boy home and showering him with love and support. Thank you all for your continued prayers.