We began our adoption fundraising efforts in mid-May, and we've been amazed to watch how God has blessed our efforts.  So far, we have set up a crowd funding site, sold some musical equipment, and held a spaghetti dinner.  In May, Joyce also received some generous birthday gifts, which were added to the adoption fund.

Nathan has sold some of his musical equipment on Craig's List, and there are a few more items to sell.  Those of you who know Nathan will be shocked to learn, he's even willing to sell one of his guitar "babies" for the cause.  So far, he's added $450 to the adoption fund through these sales, which went to pay part of the application fee.

We held a Spaghetti Dinner in Bloomfield, New Mexico when we went home for a quick family visit.

We were encouraged by the outpouring of support from all the family and friends who were able to come to our Spaghetti Dinner, along with a few who couldn't make it. Also, we would like to thank both of our parents for their assistance with this event.  Dick and Kathy Bachert provided food and assisted with set-up, cooking, and clean up.  Kenneth and Joan Pritchard provided the meat.  We also were very thankful for the support shown by the Lasster extended family for making our fundraiser a part of the family reunion festivities.

55 people attended the dinner, and they donated a combined $1059. We were also given an additional $400 the next day by some friends who couldn't make it. Thank you all!

Needless to say, we were stunned by the amount donated by our friends and family in New Mexico. Before the event, we thought if we raised $300-$500, it would be a good night!

While we were in NM, we were told that the Youth Group from FBC Bloomfield had chosen our adoption fund to be the recipient of their "junk food fund" for the spring semester.  The money they pay for junk food each semester is donated to a cause of their choice at the end of each term.  We were honored and humbled to be chosen to receive the $276.15 that they had raised.  

Totals

Our current amount needed to be raised for the first half of our adoption is now $9,949.85.  We are 23.4% of the way to having the first half raised, which is due before we can be approved to go on the waiting list.

Saying "thank you" to all of you who have supported us does not seem adequate to convey the depth of our appreciation.  It means so much to us that you have invested in our future child and family.