Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Walking the Talk

Danae and Kyle Johnson, our family this week, made an absolutely lovely video. But I thought it would be fun to get to know them more. So I asked Danae to connect me with some of her friends. Behind her back, I asked Danae’s friends, “What makes Kyle and Danae special?” Here is what they said:

They have more enthusiasm, energy, and desire to help others in their community and beyond than anyone else I have ever met.  Kyle and Danae are determined to share their life, love, and home with a child from Ethiopia and to make a difference in that child’s life.


Recently, they organized putting together Blessing Bags for children in Africa. Not only did their efforts result in 130 blessing bags, but it brought people together for such a great cause. Oh, and this was Danae’s way of celebrating her 30th birthday! It was amazing, just like them.





They volunteer to help people, even strangers, all the time. In the fall, Danae volunteered at an event and helped package meals that were sent to the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya.


They are dedicated and caring people. They approach everything with passion and good intentions. They'll be great parents with those characteristics.


I raise puppies that become service dogs or guide dogs. The first puppy I ever raised was graduating with his visually impaired, new owner, and it was really important for me to be there. But I had to be out of town the day of graduation. Danae and Kyle dropped all their plans, on Kyle’s birthday no less, and drove three hours away to attend the graduation in my place. They knew it was important for the dog's new owner to have someone there to support him. It meant the world to me that they were there to stand in for me. I know they had other things they could have done, but they chose to help me.


Danae and Kyle are the most giving couple I have ever met. They are continually thinking of others and what they can do to help those who suffer or are in need. They are truly kind and selfless.


A little over a year ago I received unexpected news that I needed to travel to New Mexico because my mom was sick. I didn't know how I was going to afford a last minute flight, much less the other expenses of my travel. I told Danae about my situation and within minutes she had called Kyle, they had decided that they would give me their frequent flyer miles, and had even looked up flight so that all I had to do was book the flight. It was amazing that they did this for me. They could have easily used those miles themselves, and probably ended up having to spend money later because they had given them away. The thing is, they are always doing things like this for people. They are constantly thinking of what they can do for their family, for their friends, or for strangers.

Danae has wanted to adopt a child her entire life. It's been a life-long dream. And nothing would please me more than to see this dream of hers fulfilled. They have educated themselves and done everything humanly possible to make the transition for their son as easy as possible. They have used that knowledge to educate their family and friends, so they know what to expect, too. Sometimes, the hardest things in life are also the most fulfilling.

Clearly, Danae and Kyle are walking the talk. I hope we can make a difference for them in the same way they have made a difference for so many other people, including their soon-to-be new son. Hit that red donate button and walk with them through this journey.

1 comment:

  1. Simply amazing. I hope all that good karma they have shared with others will multiply in unbelieveable ways and help them with raising all the funds they need to bring their little boy home.

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