A Reason to Root on the Chargers and Philip Rivers!!!!

I am humbled and amazed by the generosity and possibility of this article. God is so good. He has brought so much beauty through our pain and I wept with joy and gratefulness yesterday.  I pray that Kevin's words touch many hearts and that they too join Philip Rivers and him in making an impact at a place very dear to our family.  
Even more I pray God will be honored, His Kingdom furthered and His love shown.  I know He is at work...and I am in awe of His goodness.

Helping kids, families with some passes


Much Love,

Kim

"Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness" 

Psalm 115:1

Easter Fun Fest!

Last year we celebrated Stephen's 1st Birthday at the Ronald McDonald house.  Joe and I couldn't think of a better place to commemorate his first year then back where it all began.  It was perfect.
  
This year his actual birthday was already booked by another group so we took Saturday the 19th and not only provided the dinner but put together a little Easter Fun Fest for all of the families to enjoy...it was AMAZING!!!  I hardly know where to begin.  This idea was months in the making and early on a fellow heart mama Megan and I began discussing the idea of getting some donations to put together Easter baskets.  We had originally hoped for at least 50...in the end we had 180!!!  A HUGE THANK YOU to all who helped make that happen.  I was humbled and amazed by the generous giving of others and am pleased to tell you that those baskets brightened many days! (more on that to come)  

My partner in crime =0)

Just some of the baskets...

On Saturday we had 50 volunteers from our church and 2 other heart families from Rady's join us in putting together a little Easter carnival for the families staying at the house.  I LOVE being able to share the experience of the Ronald McDonald House with our church family.  It holds such a special place in my heart and I was excited to have so many families come down for their first time and serve with us. 
Let me tell you...it is an incredible place.  It has 47 guest rooms to provide a "home away from home"  for families like ours with children being treated for serious, often life-threatening conditions.   For just $15 a day you get a room and 3 meals...but it goes beyond that.  Physically it provides a bed, shower and meals but also a playroom, game room, television room, chapel, hair dresser, playground, laundry, and even a school!  However, beyond physical needs in provides you peace of mind, love and support.  It takes the financial burden off of people like ourselves who would have to travel a longer distance to be with our child.  Our first stay was for 26 nights and without the Ronald McDonald House we would have had to book a hotel room nearby or travel 50 miles back and forth to be with our son...both would have been draining.  Instead we were steps away from Stephen.  
The House also provided a place for our family to be a family.  While most of the time our 3 other children stayed at home with family, they came down every day to share a meal with us.  It is difficult being torn between your children.  Every part of me wanted to be with Stephen in the hospital but also wanted to be with Michael, Lizzie and Audrey.  The Ronald McDonald House provided a fun place for our family to be together.  Joe and I got to play with our kids, to laugh, smile and recharge before heading back into our small hospital room. Our kids loved coming to the house and still do to this day.  Yesterday when one of our volunteers asked a 9 year old boy staying at the RMH if he missed home he said "No, I love being here!  It is more fun than home!"  I am sure that is nothing against his actual home but a testament to how truly special the volunteers and staff make the house.  From the moment you check in you feel loved and supported.  They greeted our family with warm welcome baskets and stuffed animals for our children.  It brought joy to our hearts watching our kids faces light up and in that moment everything felt like it would be okay.  It is that feeling I desire to pass onto others families.  To be a breath of fresh air that allows them to let down and have a moment of joy.  
That was why I was soooo excited about these Easter Baskets.  I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of a gift like this.  Something that may seem small to others but to someone going through a crisis it means the world.  I was so honored to be able to be a part of such a special day and to bless so many families with little breaths of fresh air and moments of fun and joy with their other children.  
On Saturday we set up games, crafts, a bounce house, popcorn machine, face painting and hosted an egg hunt in which everyone received a beautiful wrapped Easter Basket at the end.  It was a success in so many ways.  The kids had a blast!  Everywhere you looked kids were running, bouncing, playing and smiling.  The parents were grateful.  They loved watching their kids have such a great time and were overjoyed that they too got to pick a basket to bring to their child in the hospital.  Our volunteers were blessed while blessing others.  They learned more about the house and were able to meet and learn the stories of some of the families staying there.  God was honored.  We spread His joy, His love and His hope...I can't ask for more than that.   
We had another awesome crew cook and serve dinner for about 200 people.  These faithful volunteers have come down with us many times and not only love on the people receiving the meal but pray for them as well.  
I get so excited after an event like this.  I am already planning the next one =0)  Thank you for letting me  rave about this incredible place.  If you have time please check out the Ronald McDonald House website to learn more.  It truly provides a home away from home for families going through a crisis and largely run on volunteers and the generosity of individual donors.  If you are ever looking for a place to donate your time or money to this is a great choice =0)  
I need to bring along a photographer next time...I had no time for photos but here are few people took on my phone from the day =0)  ENJOY!

Leap Frog Game...always a hit!

My mom and sister did an AMAZING job face painting!  People thought they were professionals...I suppose they are =0)

"Knock Off My Hat"  I had fun making the bunny faces =)

Most of the kiddos before the egg hunt!

So glad my mom and sister came...it makes it all extra special!

I know somebody got a family photo of all of us but it wasn't on my phone...oh well =0)  

Happy Easter!!!

I thank the Lord for the gift of His love and pray that we can continue to be a shining

 example of that gift to others!

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth"

1 John 3:16-18

The Day You Were Born

The day you were born left an imprint on my soul.  It was a day mixed with excitement and fear, anticipation and unreadiness.  You would think being a fourth child it would have felt routine or familiar, but your delivery was like nothing I had experienced before.  With a room full of spectators you made your appearance into this fallen world.  You were not placed on my chest or in my arms...it was 15 minutes before I ever saw your face.  Before the first of many hard goodbyes I held you a mere moment, daddy said a prayer and we gave you a kiss.  It was not enough time to soak you in.

The day you were born I found myself alone in a delivery room trying to recall your features, wishing I could be with you.  I did my best to stay strong, to pray and to trust in God, but I was scared and broken and clinging to Jesus.
The day you were born my life was changed.  My perspective, my priorities, my desires, my prayers...they were all reshaped that day.  Your life taught me what matters most, and where ultimate healing comes from.
The day you were born I had to live out my faith through pain and suffering for the first time.  I had to cling to what I knew, not what I felt.  At just 9 days old we handed you over to a surgeon knowing that the pain you would endure was necessary for the joy you have today.  It was heart-wrenching saying goodbye and giving up all control.
The day you were born I understood your life was a gift bestowed upon your daddy and me and I clung to that knowledge and our hope in Christ.  The love we have for you runs deep, yet your heavenly father loves you more.
The day you were born my life became fuller and the world was made brighter.
Today, with a plethora of emotions, I celebrate that day.  I celebrate your life.  Stephen, you have touched more people in 2 years then some touch in a lifetime.  God has used your story and your heart to make an eternal imprint on this world...my life is just one of them.  You are strong, brave and ever-joyful.  Your smile brightens my darkest days and your joy brings peace to my soul.  I pray that joy will never leave you and that the Lord continues to bless you and protect you and strengthen your heart.
Your life has made me a better woman, a better wife and a better mom.  I love you Bubba and I am grateful for the day you born!

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!!!

Many thanks to all of you who have continued to pray these past 2 years!!!  We know how powerful your prayers are and we are so grateful for you!
Much Love in Christ,
The Russells