It has been a little over a year since I launched Altynai's Fund and I am still in disbelief over the generosity that continues to be showered on the fund. A year ago, it was with serious trepidation that I announced my plans to the waiting families and then put it out there for all to read. My expectations were rather low. I predicted that maybe 3 or 4 families that would be interested in applying and that if I was lucky, I would be able to raise a few thousand for each of them. I had no idea how the fund would be received and I only had a few ideas on how I was going to actually raise that money. As of today a grand total of $28,411 has been donated to Altynai's Legacy Adoption Fund and eleven families have been given assistance!
When I look back at the events of the last year, I have realized that without a doubt, I have been blessed more than anyone else. I have never felt closer to God than while we were knee deep in our own adoption saga or when I was completely immersed in working on this fund. I am so proud that I took the time and listened to what he was directing me to do. The glory all goes to Him! Thanks to his guidance I have been forever changed for the better. Changed because of my precious Altynai, changed because of the fund that I started in her honor, changed because of the wonderful families that I have come to know and of course, changed because every day I get to be the mother to our youngest son, Drew.
So now what...
A year ago the Kyrygz government was still mulling over how they were going to handle adoptions and unfortunately that has remained an ongoing issue. Thanks to God eight adoptions have been completed but many remain in limbo. Amongst those waiting, there are still three families that are recipients of Altynai's Fund along the many other members of the waiting Kyrgyz 65. Those poor families and children are still caught up in the uncertainty and ever changing mood of the Kyrgyz government. They truly need our ongoing support and prayers.
As for the fund, I am not raising any more money at this time but will distribute the remaining donations once the pending adoptions resume and I do believe that they will. I just refuse to believe that God will not provide these orphans with the loving families that they desperately need. I promise to keep this blog updated as things progress and along with the waiting families, I will wait. I will wait to see what they need as time plays out. I have no doubt that God will direct me and I am all ears. And if this journey with Altynai's Fund is drawing to an end, then I will count those blessings too. What a gift I have been given!!! I am certain that this experience is just a stepping stone on my own life's journey and that it has prepared me for where ever He leads me next.
