Sunday, January 2, 2011

Take Me All The Way


Christmas this year was amazing.  First off, I woke up to seeing many family members wearing this Tshirt that said "Take Me All The Way" w/ Africa on it, and Ethiopia was highlighted.  I knew something was up because I'd never seen that Tshirt before, and when you read lots of adoption blogs, you have seen all the t-shirts.  Of course, after that I kept hearing those words "Take me all the way" playing in my head since they are part of the lyrics to Matthew West's song, "Motions".  I'll give you a blog post about that song soon.  Then, after all the kids opened their gifts, it was time for the adults to open theirs.  Mike's younger brother and his wife each had us in the name drawing.  We got a letter that they had written and it was from the whole Kelley clan.  This is what I had Mike read since I knew I would not be able to get through the letter without blubbering my way through it.

Dear Mike, Heather, Noah and already loved niece/nephew(s),
  We made these shirts as a pledge; We WILL support you throughout this adoption process and beyond.  Just as God has placed this on your heart, He has placed you on ours.  We look forward to sharing in the joy and tears as your story unfolds this coming year.  We have no doubt that 2011 holds a bright hope for your future family, and we are pleased to play a small part in making it happen.  
We are so proud that you have chosen to care for the poor and needy in such a tangible way.  The verse in Psalm 72:12 comes to mind that says, "for he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help." God has chosen you to be his hands in taking care of an orphan, Praise the Lord!
Stay strong!  Joshua 1:9 "have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  

The letter was signed by everyone.  We felt so blessed and touched and let's just say it was incredible.  We also got  those cool T-shirts.  It was amazing.  It was a good thing Mike read the letter because I was balling my eyes out.  It feels so good to have your family supporting you when you are going through an adoption.  We haven't even gotten to the hard part of it yet, and knowing that our family has our back is huge.

Thank you so much A and J for putting this together and to all of the Kelleys for your support.  We love you all so much!

13 comments:

  1. that is awesome! what a great family!

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  2. Wow. There's nothing like having your family behind you in the adoption journey. We've had similar, tingle-in-your-spine moments and they are very memorable. What a Christmas gift!

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  3. That is AMAZING!!!!! Nothing can beat that! NOTHING! Praise God for family support for you :)

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  4. You are extra blessed to have such a wonderful family!

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  5. Sounds like you guys are very blessed! LOVE the shirt--will you be selling them?

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  6. how incredibly special!!!! what a wonderful family you have!! :)

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  7. How amazing!! It looks like you have a wonderful family supporting ya'll and your adoption!! Praise God!

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  8. That is awesome!!! How wonderful to know you have your family behind you, 100%!

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  9. oh, that is so sweet and wonderful, kristi

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  10. So thrilled to hear about your adoption journey! My brother and siter-in-law are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia, as well. It is wonderful to hear that your whole family is excited; me and my husband and girls are excited about a neice/cousin from Africa, but my parents are not so thrilled. It has been very difficult to see them only reluctantly supportive, but we know God is working in their lives, as well. Blessings!

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  12. How amazing Heather! That support from your family is an incredible gift from your Father!!!! Wow:) I'm so thankful you have them behind you...your Ethiopian kids will be totally blessed to be a part of them!

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