If you have read my blog for a while, you know I love my lattes, so much so that they are what I gave up for Lent this year. Now I have given them up completely. I mean, I have given up professional, expensive Starbuck’s made lattes. I have learned how to make my own cheapo version on my stovetop. Why? Because when we realized that we would have to do some fundraising to save both our little girls, I knew it would not be right to continue to spend money on such wasteful luxuries as lattes. I thought that would be the most painful part of fundraising.
But it isn’t.
Asking people to donate money toward something huge like the adoption of two international orphans with Down syndrome is the most uncomfortable thing I have ever had to do. Seriously, it is even more humiliating than having my first baby... up on a table with an audience staring at my goods, which didn’t look so good just then.
I tell myself that the CEOs of Feed The Children, Heifer International, Smile Train, and Children International don’t feel like crap for asking for donations to save children from horrendous life conditions... so why do I? They probably haven’t even given up Starbuck’s.
8 comments:
I'm with you... I would be very uncomfortable asking for money for myself. But it was easy for me to ask for money for Sofia (Sanchez). Maybe you and your friends can brainstorm some ways to do an event with an auction and "they" can do the asking while you just look cute and talk up those cute girls you're adopting. As for the Starbucks, I feel for you :-) Think of all the money and calories you're saving, though...
Oh I so get this!!!! I even lost friends and family members in my life because they thought I was too forward in asking for money....and believe me I was very careful not to be pushy etc but I still alienated a few key people in my life because they thought I was obnoxious...so...the pain and humiliation lingers for me. I can't write about this on my blog because it would "out" those members of my family who have been less than supportive...and by the way have not even attempted to meet Sofia or reach out since she's been home. Painful...so I hear you...let's talk sometime.
I'm so sorry, I've been trying to get people I know to help donate, it is awkward trying to raise money...and some people are like, "for orphans with DS from another country?"
And Starbucks isn't THAT GOOD! (just keep telling yourself that)
Thanks for you comments on my blog. I am glad I am not alone. I meet with a fetal cardiologist tomorrow afternoon so I will post tomorrow night on how it went.
I can only imagine. I have only done generic fundraising for Reece's Rainbow and was a little taken aback with the responses from people. Unfortunately, some people still view adoption as fulfilling a want in your own life and refuse to get a clue that you are rescuing lives! Ugh. It makes me ill. (especially given that many of the attitudes come from the church.)
You are doing what you need to do to save your babies' lives and if that means suffering some humiliation...so be it! The naysayers will get their reward.
Hugs!
You should never feel guilty for giving so much of yourself to save another. Asking others to assist you in that most noble mission should not embarrass you in the slightest.
I am uncomfortable that I have not done more to help these children. Their parents should feel uncomfortable for abandoning them. The people of their country should be uncomfortable for allowing this culture of neglect to exist in the first place. But you, a generous and kind person who has chosen to give up her lattes for a permanent sort of Lent - you should not feel uncomfortable.
It isn't easy to ask for help, but it isn't wrong. Sometimes it is very right. I'm sorry it has been such a difficult process.
Everytime I think about getting myself a latte now I think about you and your girls! Really though, giving up a little frothy milk is worth it to me to help your girls get home.
I hear you loud and clear on this. I remember those dark fundraising days. I felt like a door-to-door salesman talking about the adoption with every single person I met, hoping they might catch my vision and offer to help me.
I found out that I was more successful when other people did the asking for me. Find a few key people in your circles who are willing to edify you and build your mission up. Let those people do the asking and inviting. This is how we did a succsssful carwash and garage sale.
Post a Comment
Go ahead, say it.