Literally minutes after I wrote the last blog post, I got a call from my mom saying that Mary Beth had called and said that Steven was going to come to town later in the week and we should meet up then so we could meet him too. I was so excited. It isn't too often that you get to meet people like the Chapman's in a casual setting, and not standing in line waiting for an autograph. I was thrilled that we would be able to meet them both and tell them how thankful we were for the role that they have played in our lives.
We decided to meet at a park and it was perfect. When they walked up, it was amazing how laid back and REAL they were. There was no part about them that said, " I am a Christian Rockstar or I am the wife of a Christian Rockstar!" They were friendly, genuine, down to earth, open, interested in our story, humble, and their love for God and their family oozed out of them. I was impressed, and so was the rest of the family. God works in very mysterious ways and it was amazing to see how God gave us a special present by being able to meet and thank them for loving orphans and financially helping us bring Fia and Kwame home through Show Hope.
Our neck of the woods is different from the Midwest and the south. For the most part, I don't think many people out here in the Pacific Northwest really follow the Christian Music scene. Of course, we do have friends that do and I am not saying that no one does, but it is definitely a smaller following compared to what I am used to from growing up in the Midwest. So, I think it was a surprise for Mary Beth when she and my mom met and they realized there was that connection with Show Hope and my mom knowing the Chapman's story. They even said that their meeting with my mom and hearing our story was a blessing for them. Seriously? How cool that God orchestrated that. 
I have to say that I am so thankful for my mom. Without her, this never would have happened. She genuinely cares about people and truly loves to get to know the people she meets out in the community and who come into her work. She is a great conversationalist and I think it is so awesome that God also blessed her in this instance by meeting a family who she respects and has followed musically for many years.
Wow! What a special day. I know I am not explaining it half as well as how it really felt for me. God was definitely there and it will impact me for many years. Daron, the kids, and I will forever remember our conversation. It was a God thing and I can't wait for Fia and Kwame to understand the significance of the meeting as they get older.
(btw, the kids did ask for their autographs in the end. Greta was most interested in Mary Beths!And Ella was excited to hear more about his CinderELLA song he wrote for his daughter's wedding. When we got home and she heard it again, she said, 'Oh, this is him? I didn't know he sang THAT song'-as it is one we often hear on the radio)
