Elizabethtown KY thank you

I live in Elizabethtown, KY. Today I received a wonderful and most needed and appreciated gift from your group. I had a recent surgery and things have been somewhat tough to handle on a single income. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I promise to pay it forward to someone in need once I am back on my feet. Blessings to all of you for what you do.

Minnetonka, MN thank you.

My family was the stunned recipient of an incredible basket of treats, toys, gift cards, and cash the first week of July in Minnetonka, MN. As with many other recipients whose notes I read on the blog, 'thank you' just doesn't really seem to cut it, but I'm at a loss for better words. My family has had a difficult time over the past few months as my husband has been recovering from a devastating knee injury. With 3 boys ages 6, 3, and 3, our life is chaotic enough when we are running on all cylinders. Having my co-parent taken completely out of the game has pushed me so far beyond what I thought I was capable of many, many times over the past few months. It's just been really difficult, and this surprise of whopping generosity was just such an incredible blessing for my family. We THANK YOU, we are so GRATEFUL, and we will PAY IT FORWARD. :-)

- Liz in MN

Thank You – Bloomington, M

Ordinary women? I don't think so. Extraordinary, yes. Ordinary, no. The last six months have been unbelievably difficult. Since December, 2015, I have had very little income, if any at all. My daughter has spent most of the first half of the year in the hospital in ICU. January and February, she was gravely ill and there were times when I was asked to stay at the hospital … just in case. I have never been so scared in my life. Jillayne and I have fought through every day for 25 years together. I am a single mom and have been the only source of support. And please don't get me wrong – we have a fabulous life together, but sometimes it feels like we are just trying to survive each day rather than live each day. And these last six or seven months we have done nothing but dig, scratch and pray to survive – physically, emotionally and financially. Over the past months, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness of others. And I guess that's what makes everything so much more meaningful. Jillayne and I are better givers than receivers, so it has been rather humbling for us. When I say that you are God's grace in an envelope, it couldn't be more true. To have that little bit of breathing room for just the basics was such a relief. But to have a few fun “extras” like a coffee treat and a book? When I say you have no idea … you have no idea. Jillayne and I are humbled. Jillayne and I are grateful. And once things settle and get back on track – Jillayne and I would love to be part of this group so we can pay it forward. Until you have been on the receiving end and felt that warmth and relief – you just don't know what a God-send that gift is. Thank you all so much from the bottom of our hearts!

Minnesota thank you!

There is no way that words can express my gratitude for the basket that was delivered a couple of weeks ago. Late afternoon on June 14 two women appeared at my doorstep. “We are from 12 ordinary women and we want to offer you some comfort and caring” I was so stunned I don't even remember if I said thank- you. Then they were gone. In the a lovely planter there were gift cards to a restaurant, coffee shop and a movie theater; items for stress relief and special items for my beloved dog. It was all so personal…these women knew things that would bring me comfort. It had been just 3 months since my 32 year old son had passed away after a long battle with a brain tumor. I had been having some difficult days recently as the reality of his death was really beginning to set in. This “random act of kindness” did bring such comfort and caring to me that day. Thank- You to 12 EXTRAORDINARY Women!

Windermere thank you.

Hello Ladies , My visit on the 20th June to my home in windermere was such an amazing blessing . I don't know how the group heard of me but I am truly greatful and thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Since my accident in November last year I have been really struggling to accept my new way of life but the ladies that came to the house told me of the wonderful people who had been praying for me and thinking of me during this hard time and my gift was perfect as I have been finding it hard to go out of the house and the vouchers to the restaurants gave me some thing to aim for and enjoy . Praying with the ladies and have them listen to me helped more than I can say and I want to thank you all for your kindness and support.

Kind regards Sarah w

Destin, FL thank you.

A couple months ago, God chose a unique way to remind me that provision is in place and He is still working in the details of my life, even when I don't know it's happening.

I am basically starting my life over. I spent a hellacious year battling personal demons, getting on and then off the wrong medication to treat depression, going through a divorce, and - not one, but two - job transitions.

In the middle of that, the townhouse I'd rented for five years went on the market and sold, leaving me to find a new place right as the rental market started climbing. I could not find anything I could afford or a place to share that would accept my pets. So, on Mother's Day weekend, I moved out of a neighborhood I loved, put all my stuff in storage, and crashed on a friend's couch.

On Tuesday of the following week, I returned to work from an appointment to a mysterious message from a woman who wouldn't leave her name. Then, on May 13th, I received a call from that same woman who said she had something to deliver and asked if I would be at my office for a while. I said yes and she thanked me and hung up. I speculated to my co-workers what it might be, because I knew of no one who would be sending me something.

Then, two women I've never seen before arrived at the door. I went out to greet them and they handed me a completely unexpected gift. I was so stunned that I didn't think to ask their names. They said they represented a local chapter of12ordinarywomen.com, of which I am now a huge fan. They knew how important my animals are and part of their gift included them, which was so incredibly moving to me! After they left, I opened the envelope that was included, expecting just a note, and was shocked to find cash.

To whomever referred me to be that month's recipient, I cannot thank you enough. You didn't just ensure that I received something I needed; you reminded me that I really can trust in this: "We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help." Hebrews 4:15-16

You reminded me that God loves me. You reminded me that I can never lose His love and provision, no matter what I've done. Thank you for what you do. Please let me know how I can be involved in my local chapter so I can pay it forward!

Thanks so much,
Kim
Destin, Florida

A stranger handed me an envelope

I am writing thank you. I was overwhelmed today by stranger who found me at work and handed me an envelope. I dont think I even said thank you because I was so confused trying to figure out what this was about.

The stranger simply say this is from 12 ordinary women. opened the envelope to find a card, money, and a beautiful necklace.
I am currently going through a difficult time personally, and I am leaving in the morning for a mission trip. I will be going to an orphanage in Mexico with 7 other adults chaperoning 46 high school students. Needless to say, this surprise could not have come at a better time. I am truly thankful , overwhelmed, and appreciative to whoever you are.

Truly blessed, Donna

Somewhere in Texas thank you

Good afternoon 12 Ordinary Women-Somewhere in Texas,

I wanted to say "thank you" for the special gift that I received from you all. It touch my heart and brought me to tears. The past couple of years have been rough and losing my nephew has been very difficult, but I know he is no longer in pain. As I read about your group, it brought more tears to my eyes, but warmth in heart. Again, thank you and god bless you all.

Warmst regards,
Evelyn

Plymouth MN thank you

Yesterday as we were buzzing about our day trying to get everything done that we cannot during the times our daughter, Miranda, is in treatment the doorbell rang and two women delivered a gift bag noting there was a card in the bag. It was a bit puzzling as these were just two ordinary women who looked like someone I should know but I did not. My daughter who was diagnosed with cancer 6 1/2 months ago and undergoing treatment ever since, got to go through the bag to discover all the sweet gifts within. And my son was pleased that he was also included – as most know a cancer diagnosis impacts the whole family and it has been a tough time for all of us.

The gift arrived at an interesting kind of milestone time for us. Our girl has one more round of chemo and then some additional follow up and we are done with treatment as of the middle of July. We are very excited but also this is a new phase of uncertainty and re-entry into our old life and we are feeling tenuous about all of it. Do we still fit here? Can anything ever be the same? What does life look like now?

So yes we needed a boost and yes we got one. Thank you from Plymouth, MN to 12 ordinary women!