About eleven hours ago, our worlds were turned upside-down when CNN told us they were airing a story that would feature our JiaJia!
Right now, this blog has been viewed 3,000 times by people living in ten different countries. The number of "likes" on our Facebook page has almost tripled, adding almost 250 new followers. Three different Kansas City news outlets have contacted us about doing a local edition about JiaJia and our GoFundMe page's explosion. Which leads to the next part! We have received over $1,500 in donations to our private PayPal page. And seven hours ago, we created the GoFundMe page based on strangers asking us to so that they could donate.
As of right now, we have raised $20,000!
In seven hours, we have raised 2/3 of the amount that has been taunting us at every submission of paperwork, every application, every moment of weakness. In seven hours, mostly strangers have made that looming amount into a number that begs to be met. And we believe it can be with this amount of love and support we've received so far!
UPDATE:We have had more than $4,500 donated in the hour and a half the GoFundMe has been active, more than 800 pageviews on this blog, and almost 100 new likes on our Facebook page! Wow! We are so overwhelmed at how big this has become and how widespread JiaJia's story has become! Thank you so much!
This morning, CNN aired a video story that was paired with a print story about the abandoned children in China. JiaJia (who now refers to himself as Jason, so we're trying to slowly transition to calling him that hah) was featured, along with our family's story that provided a hopeful and happy ending to his abandonment story.
The story and video can be found here.
Since the story aired at 8 a.m, we have had over 400 blog views, six new Facebook page likes, and innumerable messages, comments, and words of encouragement and support! We had no idea that impact JiaJia's story would have on the world as they watched him on the televisions in their own homes.
Obviously, we were not prepared for the giant increase of love, support, and encouragement we would begin to see!
So, if you are seeing this blog in a redirection from the CNN story, thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to read more about our story, our family, and JiaJia.
One of the biggest requests we have had was to set up a GoFundMe page so that people could not only donate, but also keep track of our progress in the fundraising process. You asked, we listened. Our GoFundMe page is now active and accepting donations! The link is below.
Thank you all so much for your support thus far and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Hi, we are also adoptive parents from Missouri! Congratulations on your upcoming adoption! I read the story on CNN and can't wait JaiJai to come home!
ReplyDeleteThank you! We cannot wait for him to be home either.
DeleteWe had the 10th anniversary of our "gotcha" day on Friday. Good luck to all of you!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And congratulations!
DeleteI read your story on CNN. My heart goes out to all the orphans especially JiaJia. He deserves a loving family such as yours. I wish you all the best on your journey. I hope for a smooth adoption although tedious - it will pay off in the end. Good Luck! Jia Jia will be home soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words! They are greatly appreciated.
DeleteI sent Cassie Jo a fb message, probably in "other" inbox. I hope that Jia Jia comes home very soon.
ReplyDeleteI just had to share this on my blog! I hope you can reach your goal and make JiaJia's dream of a family and a home come true!
ReplyDeleteWell it looks like you are fully funded!!! Praise God! He does amazing things when people step out in faith to help the least of these! I know, He's done it for us... God bless you and Jia Jia! The story really has just begun.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your facebook page??
ReplyDeleteCarrie, our Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Mama-and-Baba-for-JiaJia/421197261380493
DeleteFound you guys through a "random" link in my FB feed and clicked over to see you fully funded in just one day. God is good. Way to go, internet! I need to end on a high note and never look online again : ) Yay Jia Jia!!
ReplyDeleteArian,
DeleteThank you for checking out our story! God is very good, indeed!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI watched the CNN news story featuring Alenah's Home. We adopted a little boy that was at Alenah's in June of 2014. He remembers JiaJia (he can even army crawl to remind me who JiaJia was). After you bring him home and are settled, I am sure our 6 year old would love to Skype and communicate with JiaJia. He misses Alenah's very much and talks about it almost every day. I know you are busy, but please know you are in our prayers and we would loved to have the boys have a connection. (I also know another little boy from Alenah's). Thank you and may God continue to bless!!! Jen Johnson
Jen,
DeleteThat is so amazing! We love seeing these little "God winks" everywhere! And we would love to connect with you and your family further!
As soon as I can unlock some money from the listing of company in Europe in the next two months, I want to help. Right now all my funds are committed.
ReplyDeleteMy e-mail is nansha2000@gmail.com
I was overcome with such sadness watching the CNN story...I was anxious to see further updates on your family's journey. I was overjoyed to see your update and the success you've had these past two days! God is good! This little boy has such a bright future...I am so thankful for you!
ReplyDeleteI just read the CNN story and found your blog. It looks like you met your goal and then some! Congratulations to you and to Jia Jia (a.k.a Wilson)! You must be so excited. I hope that the rest of the adoption process is smooth, speedy sailing for you.
ReplyDeleteI had been searching for news stories because my husband and I are just starting out on our own adoption journey to China. I understand how daunting the list of fees and expenses are but it’s so heartwarming and encouraging to see your success. As you said: what God has ordained will happen. Hooray for Jai Jai and his family!
Hi Wilson family! You guys and your JiaJia have been on my mind since I saw the CNN story. His tears broke my heart that was already broken for orphans. My family and I are in the very beginning stages of adopting from China. Bless you and JiaJia (Little Jason). He will be a blessing to you as you will be to him.
ReplyDeleteI am a person from your past who is in awe of your spirit and this recent choice you've elected to make. May you be blessed upon your journey. The child or children who will come to call you family will be most fortunate.
DeleteThank you for your love and compassion. The world is a better place because of you. And when anonymous strangers donate money to causes such as this....it brightens the world.....and sends positive energy into the world, which impacts all of us. We must BE the change we want to see in the world.
ReplyDelete