"I will be happy with $600"

We made it through a very big yard sale.  I would like to say special thanks to those who made donations: my parents, Matthis family, Overfelt family, Fallers, Erika, Daffin family, Leal family and Waggoner family. Also, a big thank you to the people who loaned tables: the Jones, Sonja and Debbie. And more thank yous to our processing center: Sara, Dana and Jennifer. These gals came over after their dinner on Friday night and helped Kelley and I sort, fold and price merchandise. It made the night go buy so much easier. Also, I couldn't have done it without Kelley and my husband, Damien. Thank you for such a successful and fun sale. 

Kelley working with the "processing center"

The sale started bright and early on Saturday. Well, maybe not so bright for me as I got into bed at midnight and was so anxious about the yard sale that I didn't go to sleep until after 1am. Then, I woke up like every hour.  As we were getting ready for the day, I said to Kelley, I will be happy if we make $600. Kelley said, between the two of us? and I said, yea. She was like oh yea. 

Our plan, was to set up as much as we could in the garage, so we could open the doors and drag out minimal things as we knew people would try and early shop.  Our sale was no exception. About 6:45, we opened the garage doors and no sooner than we did, a van pulled up. He said mind if I go ahead and look around. I said sure, but we won't be able to give you much attention. He said I am use to that. He began looking. Within 10 minutes, he left with $235 worth of merchandise. He bought our invisible dog fence and bose stereo system. I was hoping this was an indication on how the day was going to go. 

Some people noticed that our sale was for a mission trip and spoke to us about it. While some people were just looking to deal.  However, some of the items we were pretty firm on and didn't want to come down. We are trying to pay for a trip to Malawi that's going to cost almost $4000 per person. We know it's just $2, but if we shave $2 here and there. Then we are out $50, but some things we were willing to wheel and deal on.  At the end of the day, God blessed us in so many ways.  Through the people we were able to share our hearts with, the friends that stopped by and showed us support and He showed us the money. 

Drum Roll please.........our total was $1656!  A far cry from our $600 dream.  Here's how it broke down.  For the items that I had and that were donated to me, those funds would go towards my trip. For the items that the Browns had and that were donated to them, those funds would go towards their trip. For the items that people from church donated or who he both knew, we split those funds.  My funds totaled $1165. I could not stop thanking God last night. When I first learned how much the trip was going to cost, I started off thinking, if I can raise half, I will be happy. Then later, I was like, if I can raise $1000 I will be happy. He is showing me not to worry and that He truly wants me there. I couldn't ask for anything more. Each night, I lay down my head all I can think of, is how soon July 11 will be here, and how I cannot wait. 

I want to say thank you to those who have turned in donations. Unfortunately, our church made some staffing cuts due to the economy and the positions that were "OPEN" have a hiring freeze. One of the open positions was admin assistant to our mission's pastor. He has a pretty hefty plate and isn't able to keep us abreast of our funds and donations to date. He does have someone volunteering when they can and she is working on it and hopefully I will know more details this week, so I can properly thank those who have made donations in my name.  I don't want you to think I am being rude, I just don't know who you are. Donations can still be made and can be sent via check to Ken Morris, The People's Church, 828 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064. Please indicate on the check "Stephanie Weaver- Malawi"

www.hisfaceoflove.blogspot.com -  There's a new post about Malawi on our team blog.