As a family, early in November, we decided that we would forego a traditional Christmas, which usually involves gift-giving, this year. We still have a “believer” in our family and there were some concerns about Santa. Nora wrote to Santa, explaining the situation and she got a very sweet letter, telling her that her stocking would be filled. The kids also drew names and made very inexpensive gifts for each other.
Our big gift, we all understood, was our trip as a family to South Africa. We have spent the last 10 months saving, taking on more clients and working more hours, fundraising, and going without so that we can travel as a family to bring Naso home. Adoption and travel are no small expense, but we’ve seen such generosity and many “little” miracles along the way. In the last couple of weeks, many have shown their love and support, but there were a few little tender mercies that really touched us.
Someone rang our doorbell and ran (not a small feat with Mike in his office all of the time). They left a game, a gift card to Papa Murphy’s and a Donation to our fund.
My Dad’s staff gathered on Christmas Eve for breakfast before work and gave him their gift – a donation to our adoption fund. They said they knew just what he wanted.
We arrived home on Christmas Eve to a HUGE box on our front porch from a dear friend. It was full of sugar cereal (i.e., Captain Crunch, Lucky Charms, Cocoa Puffs, etc.). She knows my kids love it and it’s something that’s not usual in our house.
A dear sister and brother decided to forego gifts to each other and sent us a chunk of money for our adoption fund.
Another sister and brother treated Mike and I to a very much needed night on the town. Sushi was on the menu. We were fed, tried something new, and felt loved.
Our Parents thought a “staycation” wasn’t good enough for our 18th anniversary, so they booked a night at the Coeur d’Alene resort for us. Really looking forward to that.
We didn’t feel like we were missing out on much this Christmas. Opening gifts was a short event, but we were able to relax, play games, plan our trip to South Africa, and talk about how different next Christmas will be. Really looking forward to that.
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