The "Moving a Mountain" Size Miracle in our Lives

One day, early this summer, Jeff called a time out during a Sr. Management Meeting wherein challenging economic forecasts were being discussed. (Jeff is the CEO of Utah Community Credit Union - UCCU where Nathan works.) He suggested that everyone go around the table and say what fun things they were doing this summer. When Nathan’s turn came he announced vacations and trips were on hold until we completed our adoption and traveled to China to bring home our little girl. Most of the staff were not aware that we have been in the adoption process for three years and seemed genuinely interested in what we were doing as well as asked how they could help.

The next day, I encouraged Nathan to go talk with Jim, head of UCCU’s Human Resource Department, to brainstorm fundraising ideas. While discussing these ideas Jim had his staff, Cindy and Tanya join us. A few minutes later Jeff also joined this meeting and again expressed his commitment to offer this opportunity for the employees. He stated that he wanted HR to put this in motion. (Love you guys!)

Of the ideas discussed, it was decided that the Credit Union would allow its employees to forfeit vacation hours and days to this cause. The Credit Union would then cash out the value of each hour or day according to the employee’s current wage. The money would then be donated to our adoption agency WACAP (World Association of Children and Parents) specifically designated to Hong Xi Yue, as well as to the Orphanage in Nanchang China, where Xi Yue lives. Jeff wrote a letter to all the UCCU employees encouraging them to participate as they were able and did a beautiful job speaking about Xi Yue and the opportunities she would have by being adopted and brought to America.

Finally, we had a ray of hope. Without saying so to each other Nathan and I both secretly hoped for four or five thousand dollars, and for me I finally felt the first stirrings of hope. Hope that we could do this and hope that we did not have to do it alone. Just knowing that so many people were jumping in to help us even though this was not their burden to carry gave me courage to face the uncertainty ahead.

The employees were given two weeks to make their donations and we anxiously waited to hear how it went. When the deadline came, 4 thousand dollars had been raised and we were extremely grateful. I began to think that many miracles would be pieced together to raise the 30 thousand needed to complete the adoption. I was still amazed how quickly the leadership at the Credit Union reacted to our need. I’m deeply touched that so many people, that I do not even know, would make such sacrifices and spring into action for a one year old girl in China and for us.

The days ticked by and the chaos of life continued. As donation reminders were sent out to the employees and the deadline set back further and further the totals steadily increased to 7 thousand then to 10 thousand. Over the next couple weeks the donations still continued and the total grew to 12 thousand then to an astonishing 15 thousand dollars. When the final figure came in we were totally blown away, 16 thousand dollars had been raised. On top of which the Credit Union would help us with a refinance of our home to cover the remaining 15 thousand needed. Is it possible that Nathan’s work was going to make the entire remaining amount happen? When Tanya gave us the last total it came to $16,000, it felt like in one day the weight of world was lifted off my shoulders.

My unhealthy, unfaithful pattern had been that each morning I would wonder if we would get our travel plans phone call and inside know that if that happened we would not be able to go get her. I was living in a lot of fear. I honestly felt a little ashamed that I had not borne the burden better and now it was completely lifted. Thanks to the help of Sabrina, Denise, and my Mom we made 800 cookies and took them to the Credit Union Summer Movie party. It felt great to meet some of the people that had done so much for me and my family. I was able to say thank you in person and express a little bit of what was in my heart. That night we heard that the final tally was now up to $17,000. That money has now been sent to WACAP and attached to Hong, Xi Yue.

Well, there are always plenty of chances for learning and growth. The refinance did not come through like we thought it would. Our house lost value over the last year and we could not get the full amount that we wanted. Now I have the chance to look uncertainty in the eye again and bare it up better, right? One thing though, in the midst of all this I tried to organize a fundraiser. Thank you to all who expressed excitement and support to help pull my dinner/carnival idea off. However, back when I thought everything was a done deal I happily canceled that. Oh well, some need is back now, but I have no regrets about cancelling the fundraiser. (No regrets baby!) So right now we are close to having the money we need and very close to getting our travel date. If I had to guess right now I would say we are going to get her November 12th, my niece’s birthday. I sure hope so anyway. Michaella and Katelynn are already planning about how they are going to handle missing 2 weeks of school, but they are both straight A students and I am confident that will work out fine too.

Most days I feel like a YoYo. Nathan told me to “Hang on! Because we’re going for a ride” So many things are so up and down, back and forth, ok and now not ok, but I figure as long as I keep spinning, even if I’m at the bottom, eventually I will come back up. Mostly I’m very grateful for this time in our lives. Nathan and I both feel we have never done anything this big or important in our entire lives. We have felt so much support from work, friends, church, and family we should never fear or doubt ever again! But late at night when the “how” is still hazy and the stress and fatigue of the day have set in, human frailty and fear still try to cozy into the crags and chinks in our armor. At times like these it has been so helpful to recount the many times we have seen God’s hand in this process and witness how everything miraculously come together. When we are reminded that Jessa is supposed to be a member of our family and nothing can stop that from happening, our faith is strengthened and this journey becomes more of a gift than a struggle.