On
November 27th Adriana Farar invited Jax and I over to her home for a
play date. It meant a lot to me. It was such a simple act of kindness. I
was there all morning and then she fed Jax and I lunch. She even
remembered it was my birthday the next day. She said, "I bought a lunch
special on Groupon that Damond and I have been meaning to use, but it
expires soon, and we haven't used it. I would like to take you to lunch
tomorrow for your birthday." She did that and then invited some of my
other friends to come. She didn't know that I loved birthdays, and she
didn't know that landon wouldn't be home all day to celebrate with me.
She just was being her.
The
Farar's left to Arizona 2 days later. And then their whole world
changed just a few weeks after that. Those two days--Nov 27-28th--have
never left my mind or my heart. I hope they never will. I hope they
serve as a reminder of how we can serve simply. Adriana, if you ever
read this, thank you. Thank you for showing me charity. Showing me love.
Being an example. Being a disciple of Christ. I will never forget what
you did for me. I love you.
The
Everything Sale was as successful as it was because so many people
experienced the same simple acts of kindness as I did from the Farars.
The gospel is the greatest part of my life. The church is the greatest
organization that i've ever been a part of. But besides those two
things, i've never been a part of a more uplifting, inspiring,
motivating, incredible event in my life. We almost filled a 24 foot
truck with donations. Donations given to us from people all around
Indianapolis. We almost covered an entire parking lot full of donations.
People were working from 5:00am-7:00pm on Saturday. I can't even begin
to express the spirit that was felt their. Before the sale even started a
man walked up to Alanna and gave her $400 and walked away. Didn't buy a
single thing. People would read the Farar's story and pay 20 dollars
for a pair of socks. There were 5 teenagers in our ward that stayed and
worked at the sale for 10 hours. 10 HOURS!! Amazing.
There
are so many good people in this world. Turning on the news can be so
discouraging. Sometimes it seems like you can see darkness more than you
can see light. But what a reminder to me, that people are so good and
giving and humble and people are trying. A reminder to me that there is a
light of Christ in everyone.
The
sale was so successful. And its not surprising that Damond and Adriana
are still touching lives all over the world. We may have been able to
raise some money for Adriana and her boys, but she and Damond and their
family... they've left impressions on and in our hearts. Impressions
that will last forever. They've touched the lives of thousands. They've
given us an example to look up to and strive to be like. Landon and I
look up to them, we love them and we pray for them. And from my
experience yesterday, hundreds of other people feel the very same way.
I
hope I never forget what yesterday was like. It was a special day,
surrounded by special people, for a special family. May God bless the
Farars and all those who are struggling with the loss of a loved one.
You are angels!
What an amazing week! Take a look :)
After four tests this week, we are ready for spring break
