Blown away by the kindness of strangers.

I was awake but still in bed this morning when Bayne said "You're thinking about your books, aren't you?"

Well, yes and no. I was thinking about the people helping me with the books. How could I not be thinking about them?

A coworker of my sister's is hitting an Atlanta thrift sale for me today. The owner of a chain of thrift stores in Texas is scouring her stores for books on my wish list. A woman in France bought books online and had them shipped because her own books wouldn't reach me in time. A teacher in south Georgia not only boxed up a big load of books, she posted the project online somewhere... so now I get emails from strangers who have boxed up books for me and just need my address. A woman in Atlanta sent me a check for $100 - talk about trust!

And the BookMooch points... I've gotten 200+ books, completely free, due to the kindness of BookMoochers who donated points.

Complete strangers, all of them.

I have many more stories like this one. Enough to leave me gobsmacked and boondoggled by the kindness of strangers. It's having a wonderful effect on my project... and on me.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention friends and family. My sister is rallying troops in Atlanta and there's no telling what she'll come up with. My mom donated her entire lot of BookMooch points. A friend from college is supplying pencils and erasers for the student journals. My aunt is supplying 400 bags so the students can carry their loot. Friends from high school, college, work... people I haven't seen in years, are collecting books in various towns and delivering them. Etc, etc, etc.

So it's Day 3 and I don't have a book count just yet, but my heart is overflowing with gratitude. One of the donors told me she felt God was with me on this project, and I agree. And with every one of you who's helping or sending good wishes my way. And with the children of Alps Road Elementary, who will each be the proud owner of 3 books this summer.

For some, it will be the first 3 books they've ever owned. The only 3 books found in their homes.

Thank you and keep it coming!