We had our annual party on the children's cancer/renal unit at Kosair Children's Hospital this past Friday, April 8. It kept getting postponed due to construction on the unit. They renovated/expanded the family room and it looks awesome! It was definitely worth the wait!
There were only about 10-15 families on the unit on Friday night. This could be counted as a good thing because there are 26 beds on 7 West and they are usually all full. However, a few of our volunteers were a little skeptical about how the party would go with the low numbers. The night was definitely a reminder that we serve a big God who is not limited to numbers. We were reminded that it is not at all about the numbers. It's about hope, love, and, most of all, it's about Jesus getting the glory.
The families that we served all had amazing stories and incredible journeys, as always. My parents and I were able to encourage a lot of families with my story (again, that's not what this is about, but it was good to be able to spread hope) and pray with them.
It seemed like everywhere we went in the hospital we were given opportunities to share the love and hope of Christ (which is, if I haven't driven it home enough already, the point of why we do what we do). We met families in the ICU and families from the heart center. We were able to connect, encourage, and pray with them in addition to the cancer and kidney kids on 7 West.
One new thing at the party this time was pottery painting! Earth and Fire Pottery donated some paint and ceramic tile squares so that the families could paint. They are being put in the kiln at Earth and Fire and will be returned to the child life specialist to be distributed to the families once they are finished. The tiles were a big hit, especially with the siblings and the younger kids. In fact, I don't know if we had any left over! Thanks so much, Kelly, for giving of your time and resources!
Special thanks also to Great Harvest Bread Company for donating loaves of bread and butter, and to Adrienne's Bakery for donating the big, colorful cookies!
Thank you to all of you who helped make this party a success, whether you prayed, volunteered, or gave financially. What you're doing is making a difference!
Please continue to pray for all of the families that we met - for peace, grace, strength, courage, joy, endurance, and hope. Glory to God alone.
Hoping, Believing, and Never Giving up,
Sarah
No comments:
Post a Comment