Waiting with the Armitage's: What an AMAZING Day!!

"For those of you haven't heard--God did it!! He blessed us with a perfect day, many involved people, a great sized group of walkers and very generous sponsors. As a result, the goal was met--He supplied $10,000, the amount we prayed for to bless the Armitages."

This was what I read in an email that I received today that went out to all of the people that helped organize the Walk 4 Levi!!! What an awesome day it was. Paul and I were so overwhelmed by the families that joined the walk, the kids, and even a few dogs. It was perfect weather--couldn't have been a more comfortable temperature with absolutely no humidity and a cool breeze that came at just the right times. I am serious, God gave us "a beauty day!!"

I don't even know where to start in my sharing with you...so I guess I'll take you through the events of the day. We got up in plenty of time this morning so there was no rushing around at the last minute (which tends to be a common occurance for procrastinators). After a delicious treat from my in-laws from Starbuck's, we started the morning off pulling into Howland Park and seeing a "Walk 4 Levi" sign. We made our way to the park, and waited for families to arrive to start walking. After signing in to walk and depositing our $$ to the Winkleman's, our emcee/heckler/Safety Patrol, John Woods, opened us in prayer...and off we went!! I can't explain what an amazing feeling to be supported by so many loving people, that they would walk 5 miles for us and our son that they've never met. Humbling, very humbling.

The snack/beverage table was manned by Kylie Praxl, who did a great job at keeping walkers hydrated and snacked up!! So, of course, Landon was all over the freezy-pops, or they were all over him. He mostly played at the park, but rode in our stroller for 2 laps...not bad!!

Paul and I are so proud of Logan---he walked the entire 5 laps! The cool thing is that he didn't complain, once, about having to walk...even with a penny-sized blister that developed on his heel on the 2nd lap! I think that he was trying to grasp that these people were walking to help bring Levi home. As he and I were walking on lap 4, he said, "Mom, all these people are walking for us." I told him, "that's exactly right. God's using these people to help bring your brother home."

Paul's parents made it in from Canada to support us with walking. Grandpa made it around 5 laps--no problem. Grandma (while battling a nasty summer cold) walked 4 of the 5 miles...very good with compromised sinuses and decreased energy!

There were 2 ladies (not involved with our walk) that saw the signs for the "walk 4 Levi" and wanted to donate toward our adoption...God is using so many people--I can't wrap my mind around it!!

Once most people were done walking, Pastor Myron gathered everyone together and made an announcement of reaching the goal of $10,000. WOW!! Then everyone gathered and prayed for the adoption, for Levi's health and safety, and for finding his birth mother so we are able to finalize the adoption. It brought tears to my eyes, because I know that those exact prayers have been uttered not for the first time from our friends. These are people that support what we are doing, and are standing behind us, around us, and beside us!!

A special HUGE thank-you to everyone that was involved in planning this walk! Thank you for being sensitive to God's voice, for being obedient to what He was asking you to do, and for loving our family enough to follow through! Sharon and Kristen, thank you for all of your time and energy you invested for this walk--it was perfect!!

Another big "shout-out" to our small group that supported us with walking...even Ben and Becky coming all the way from the Burgh to be involved!! Thanks so much for praying for us during this adoption, and we love you guys!!

For everyone that walked and donated--this wouldn't have been done without you obeying that nudging of the Holy Spirit, and by giving and collecting $$$ for Levi's adoption. What an amazing testimony of God's Church loving on its members...we are still reeling from everyone's involvement!! Thank-you!!

I'm going to close it off with some pictures from today! Hope you have a blessed day! Thanks again!

Paul and Mandy