Even Though I Don't Know You, I Still Love You!

Over the past few months, blessings have been heaped upon our family.  While this time of year is often magical, we have received unexpected gifts in abundance.  God continues to sustain us in enormous ways.  We deeply feel the generosity of others.
A couple months ago, we began receiving encouraging notes from a church in Bellevue, Nebraska.  It was incredibly comforting to know we were being lifted in prayer.  Many of the members haven't even met our family.  We recently learned this congregation took up a special collection.  Our family was one of those chosen to be blessed through this.  We feel the peace of knowing money is set aside for the months ahead when I will be unable to work.  
A dear family friend sent a gift with strict instructions to me.  Her note read, "I want you to use half of this money on yourself-a massage or a new dress, whatever.  I insist-for your own health."  I felt extremely touched by this rare treat.  I must admit to a certain weakness for beauty and hair products, so was quite happy to indulge a bit.
It seemed each trip to the mailbox produced delight.  One day brought a Walmart gift card from a family member.  I was able to make a substantial dent in Eli's wish list with this.  Another day brought gift cards from the church of my youth.  The next day brought yet another gift card from the very same church of my youth.  These will be essential in helping us through the months ahead.  
When my parents were here this week celebrating the holidays, they brought an envelope for us.  A couple they worship with in Houston always helps someone this time of year, and decided to bless our family.  We received another tremendous gift from someone we've never met.
A few months ago, I was told about a program called Coins For Christ.  The children at a congregation in York, Nebraska collect coins, and find ways to bless others.  I was so pleased to hear they had chosen to collect for Eli.  I sent a picture of Eli so they could put a face with his name.  These sweet children prayed about Eli for months.  A package arrived the week before Christmas, filled with cards made by the children. These cards were overflowing with precious words such as, "God is faithful"..."Even though I don't know you, I still love you"..."Have hope".  One child wrote, "I don't know how it feels, but I know it is hard."  Eli read each word on Christmas morning.  A check was included for our family.  That must have been one heavy jar of coins!
There are not enough ways to express our gratitude.  We know the new year will bring changes for our family.  We feel fortified to face them, secure in the knowledge that we are not alone.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”― William Arthur Ward