The Ronald McDonald House & Our Extended Family

When Byron, Ella & I arrived at the Ronald McDonald House on December 22nd we had no idea what God had in store for us. We just knew the obvious. It had a playroom for Ella, a community kitchen, it was affordable (just $15 a night) & across the street from the hospital. It wasn't until our first morning there when one of the workers explained that we could eat anything in the community kitchen or pantry, that the depth of where we were started to sink in. I believe we both walked out of there in tears. We had only been in Florida for 5 days and had already spent a good amount of money eating out. Now complete strangers were telling us we can eat what is there....for FREE. What a blessing! Then each night a family or organization came in to fix supper for all of the house guests. These people didn't know us but they wanted to serve us. I was in awe, appreciative, humbled. Then came Christmas day. A family spent their Christmas morning fixing us a delicious breakfast. Another family came in who was on vacation from Utah. There purpose for being there? To serve. While we were eating Santa came around to each family and genuinely wanted to know our stories. Then he asked us to join him in the front room where the floor was covered with brand new toys. Tears ran down my cheeks and I sobbed as I realized it really was Christmas day and whoever donated all these toys did it so my child could have the joy of getting a new toy on Christmas.
The amazement and blessings of the Ronald McDonald House haven't stopped. Every night we meet new people who are here just to serve. Yesterday we learned that even though our son is being discharged from the hospital, we can stay there till we get clearance to go home. They knew we had a place but because of Vance's stay in NICU that place is no longer available. So they are opening their arms to us once again. I am in awe of God and of people.
Those are great blessings but the biggest blessing of all is our new extended family. Who are they? The other families who are staying at the Ronald McDonald House. We are all different. We come from different places, different walks of life, different experiences but one thing is the same in all of us. We each have a child or loved one in the hospital & many are in critical condition. It is a joy each time I walk into the community kitchen and see another family. We exchange the regular status updates but then as the days have passed we have shared more of our lives and hearts with one another. They are indeed my family. They all love Ella and have grown accustomed to her loud squeals & occasional "I want" scream. I pray for them often and their children. I am blessed because of each one of them. I ask that you would pray for them as well. I am going to list the kids names and what I understand best about their situation and ask that you pray for the child and parents.
Adam - 12 years old and had 2 emergency surgeries for blood clots in his brain. Waiting for him to "wake up" completely and then have a third surgery.
Lukas - 2 1/2 years old and had 3rd open heart surgery. Had some complications but seems to be getting better each day.
Devin - 10 years old and developed a brain condition where they had to install a shunt. It got infected, he went unconscious and is starting to wake up. Hopefully they will replace the shunt on Monday.
Aidan - Just a couple of weeks old. Born with half a heart and several other problems. They are praying he will be strong enough to handle a 12 hour (or more) surgery to work on his heart. He is not doing well.
Angelica - A month old. Born way early. Trying to gain weight and eat on her own. Her mother is also trying to recover and regain strength to take care of her little girl when she is discharged.
Vega - A couple of weeks old & had a shunt put in his brain. Currently relearning how to drink from a bottle.
Ethan - Born 25 weeks early. He is doing really well & should be going home in a week. He has a long flight home so pray for safety on the trip.
Twin girls - Just a month old. One is doing well & could be discharged soon the other is still very tiny.
16 year old girl whose bones didn't grow but her muscles did. She had legs broken and they are lengthening the bone (that's the best description I can give).
A teenage boy who had a skateboarding accident (no helmet). He was in a coma for 3 days. Not sure how he is doing now.

Thanks for letting me share these prayer requests with you. These people are my family & I long for the day they can walk in the kitchen and announce their child is coming home!