Introducing...Corinne Gettel

I recently read a book entitled "Raving Fans" by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles.  The premise of this book is that you do not just want satisfied customers but you want "Raving Fans."  Corrine Gettel has been a raving fan of Village to Village Intl. since I first met her about a year ago.  She came to a fundraiser that we had in Detroit, then planned her own fundraiser in Grand Rapids, helped make blankets for the children who Village to Village Intl. has helped, and then helped her sister with another fundraiser in Birmingham, AL.  So with no further ado, I am excited to introduce to you, our newest board member, Corrine Gettel.  

From L to R; Corrine, her brother Graham, & her sister Erin

 Whether enjoying her new hobby, paddle boarding, or relaxing in a sailboat with her family, Corinne Gettel, makes time to enjoy Lake Michigan.  Corinne grew up in Birmingham, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, and currently lives in East Grand Rapids.  During the day she works with elementary students at Northpointe Christian School, providing them with extra help in math and reading.  Watching the classic movie Steel Magnolias while eating Chipotle would be considered a relaxing weekend alternative.  For many years, Corinne has had a desire to help children, which led her to Hope College where she received her degree in Learning Disabilities.  Now her love for children brings her to the board of Village to Village Intl.  In the past few years she has become more familiar and passionate about the importance and beauty of adoption.  She embraces the philosophy of Village to Village Intl. and desires to help adopting families raise funds for this expensive process.  

“Adoption is the greatest gift we have all been given, and since I am not in a place to adopt at present, I am excited and thankful to partner in this way.” - Corinne   

A Thank You Note

One of the things I love about my job is being able to see how God is the God of the unexpected.  This past week the Mol family received an unexpected donation from someone they did not even know.  When Kim noticed the increase in her account she contacted me and I was able to share with her how a donor wanted to give to someone, but wanted to remain anonymous.  Kim still wanted to show her appreciation and asked me to pass this on to the individual who had given.  Here is what Kim wrote...

To the person who touched my heart today,

I am trying to find the words to express my gratitude…I am still in awe of your generosity!  When I was told I received a $2,000 donation from someone I didn’t even know, I literally began to cry…right there while I was at work!  I was told that you wished to remain anonymous & I respect that; however, I had to let you know how grateful I am for your incredibly generous gift!   The impact goes far beyond financial…it is just another confirmation that God does hear our prayers & He answers them in the most amazing ways!  Your gift is life-changing…for my future daughter & for our entire family.  I can’t thank you enough for being part of our adoption journey & our faith walk. 

I’d love to invite you to follow our journey via our blog (www.babysis4nyah.blogspot.com)…I try to keep it updated as the adoption progresses.

Thank you for blessing our family!

Kim

I am so thankful that I get to be a part of things like this.  I will end with this quote from Mother Teresa, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”