Footprints Ministry

Don't Forget

2009-04-24T10:34:00.000-05:00

To visit our new blog http://www.nicufootprints.org/blog.html!

New Website!

2009-04-03T09:58:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to tell you that we launched a new website today at www.nicufootprints.org. There is also a blog feature in the top right hand corner of our new site. Please visit us there!

Our Special Janiya!

2009-03-01T15:01:00.011-06:00

Do you recognize her?

Yes this is our Footprints baby Janiya! She came by for a visit. Another miracle from up above! She was born at 23 weeks weighing only 1lb 4oz! She stayed in the NICU at Baptist South for
6 1/2 months and then she was transferred to Children's Hospital in Birmingham for another month and a half. Janiya stayed in the NICU for 8 months! It was a very long journey for her. We are praising the Lord that she is now home!

She has one more surgery coming up on her intestines. Please pray for this surgery. Because of each of your amazing prayers Janiya is doing great! The Lord has definitely been at work in the life of this precious child!

Her mother has become a very close friend! I told her mom I would have withdrawals not talking to her every week. Well, I haven't had any withdrawals yet because we still talk once a week! Can I just say how special this family is to Footprints! It absolutely amazing to see where Janiya was and where she is now.

Her mom would agree that Janiya would not be where she is without the Lord and all the many prayers for her! So from Janiya and her mommy Thank you to every Footprints supporter who prayed, encouraged, and supported this family during this difficult time! You have each touched them in a way that I could never express! Thank you!

Thank you Lord for this precious family touched by the Footprints Ministry! Thank you Lord for the opportunity we have to share Your love with these NICU families!

Our prayer is that many more families are touched each and every day!

"So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart."Philippians 1:7

Mommy and Janiya in the NICU

Bro. David, Pastor @ Heritage with Janiya

Smile Janiya!

Footprints to the Finishline 2009-Register NOW!!!

2009-03-01T14:50:00.002-06:00

We will have our 1st Footprints to the Finishline 5k and 1 mile fun run on March 21, 2009 at GracePointe Church. Registration will begin at 7am. The 5k run will begin at 8am and the 1 mile fun run at 9am. The cost per runner is $20. This includes your t-shirt, refreshments and goody bag. Please click HERE for the registration form. If you would like a t-shirt and do not want to run/walk you can also sign up as a phantom runner for $20.

We are in need of sponsors. If you or your company would like to sponsor the "Footprints to the Finishline" please click HERE. Your company logo will be featured on the back of our "Footprints to the Finishline" t-shirts as well as on our website. The deadline for pre-registration and sponsorships is March 7, 2009.

We are extremely excited about this event! You won't want to miss it! Adults and children of all ages are welcome! It will be an amazing opportunity to provide Footprints bags to many more NICU families! See you there!

You can also visit our Facebook page here

"So I run with purpose in every step" 1 Corinthians 9:26

Flapjacks for Footprints in BIRMINGHAM

2009-02-25T15:52:00.005-06:00

Footprints Birmingham chapter will kick off their first fundraiser March 14th with a pancake breakfast.

Ruby Tuesday’s in Pelham , AL has graciously opened their doors that morning for Footprints. We will serve patrons pancakes and bacon with their choice of milk, orange juice or coffee for only $7. Come on, who doesn’t love pancakes? All proceeds will benfit the Footprints Ministry.

We are also encouraging families within the NICU to step out and join for a short time. We will be serving all NICU families for FREE! It would be an honor to meet our NICU families! We would love to show you how much we love you and most importantly, Christ loves you!

So, when you wake up and wonder what you want to do for breakfast, remember we are only a short drive away and it will be worth the drive.

We look forward to our first fundraiser!

$7 per plate

March 14th 7:30-10:30a.m.

Ruby Tuesday

615 Cahaba Valley Road

Pelham, AL

You may also call Nicole Collier for more information at 205-240-8323

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others" Mark 10:45

Footprints LOVES our Volunteers!

2009-02-13T13:43:00.005-06:00

There are many, many people who work with this ministry who have never been seen. So today I decided to dedicate this blog posting to some special volunteers who work very,very hard in this ministy. This is just a small portion of the HUGE amount of volunteers who are so supportive and so selfless.I wanted you to see their HEARTS today! Reading these quotes is a great reminder of how blessed this minstry is with amazing volunteers! My words fail me to express how grateful I am for each of them and the work they do! Thank you Lord for each one of these volunteers!

Below are quotes from volunteers-I asked them to complete this sentence

I love volunteering for Footprints because.....

"I love volunteering for Footprints Ministry because it gives me the opportunity to share with the parents something positive and encouraging to them when they have just received news of their infant being premature or sick and being admitted to the NICU. The parents are very appreciative of the gift bag and for many the camera is the only way they have to share pictures of their newborn with family and friends. The Footprints Ministry bag is reassurance to our parents that they are not along during this difficult time and that God is with them through this ordeal. I am very appreciative of this Christian Ministry and allowing me the opportunity to volunteer." Kim Slaughter, RN (FP Bag Distributor) Baptist East Hospital

"I love volunteering for Footprints because it is a great opportunity to minister to families who may be more receptive to the things of God than at any other time." Dana Gallahair, RN(FP bag distributor) Baptist South Hospital

"I love volunteering for Footprints because not only are you passing on God’s blessings to others; you too are blessed in ways that are unimaginable. Giving is one of the most rewarding things a Christian can do. It is a way to express God’s love!" Brittany Folmar

I LOVE volunteering for Footprints because for the first time in my life I know that I’m answering God’s call. I love that He led me to this ministry and has given all of us the opportunity to bring a little touch of sunshine to families who are journeying through one of life’s strongest storms. It warms my heart to know that He is still touching lives through the short life my sweet angel Olivia. Lurenda Avery

"I love volunteering for Footprints because we are able to share the love of Christ to people who are in their darkest moments." Robyn Bernier

"I love volunteering for Footprints because of the joy of families I see in my practice, as they relate what Footprints Ministry meant to them." Dr. Bart Cook

"I love volunteering for Footprints because....... It keeps me connected. I re-connect with God’s grace during a time and at a place where only He has planned. I re-connect with God’s words which my heart first heard in situation hard to understand. I re-connect with God’s love which is born from above in the actions of the people I see. I re-connect with my soul and its worth more than gold to know where I’ll spend eternity." Tony Burnham

"I love volunteering for Footprints because I love to see other people happy!!" Ashley Rogers

"I love volunteering for Footprints because I will never forget how they touched our family and I will always be grateful." Tyler Colgan

"I love volunteering for Footprints because it helps keep the memory of my son Aaron alive in my heart."
Amanda Hagen

"I experienced a few hours of worrying and waiting when my son was born many years ago with some respiratory problems and I can relate to how these new parents must feel. God blessed me with 3 healthy children and 7 healthy grandchildren. He has blessed me with a wonderful Christian sewing/embroidery dealer who has been generous to me beyond measure. Being able to embroider for Footprints is one way that I can give back to God the many blessings that he has given me. I have been given a blessing and I am just so thankful that I can use it to the glory of God and this ministry. My grandchildren help me with the burp cloths and that gives me a chance to explain God's love to them and we pray over each burp cloth and that baby that it is going to. What an opportunity for all of us!" Sandi Gandy

"I love volunteering for Footprints because.....each time one of our Footprints Ministry bags is delivered, enclosed is a Godly presence and power that is invisible to the human eye but felt by the human heart; that is the power of prayer for our Footprints babies, families and caregivers. I love being a part of a ministry in which God shows evidence of His glory."
Pam Carroll

"I love volunteering for Footprints because there is no greater joy than knowing that I humbly dedicated my time to a ministry that has so graciously given hope, encouragement and support to families during one of the most challenging times in their life. It is truly satisfying on so many levels. You have to thank God everyday for ministries like Footprints that continue to offer God's wisdom to families who struggle with the obstacles of having a child in the NICU."
Tabitha Hickman

"I love volunteering for Footprints because my family and I enjoy helping people and reaching out to those in need. We had a baby that became a Footprints baby and it was so comforting for us when we got home to get all the cards and just know that so many people were praying for us. "
Ann Frank

"I love volunteering for Footprints because I love these precious little babies that God has so graciously blessed us with. To know and see what they go through in the NICU breaks my heart and I want to do anything I can to make them more comfortable and to share the love of Jesus with their families. God has so abundantly blessed my family and he never left my side as we were going through our NICU journey with our little girl, Emily Beth. I feel that God allows things to happen to us for a reason and when he calls us to minister we should always follow his command. I pray for these babies daily and for their families who are at one of the lowest points in their life. I believe that it takes special people to volunteer for this ministry and God puts people in place for that sometimes long before they even realize it. Looking back, having my little girl in the NICU was one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through but I am thankful that he has given me the opportunity to minister to other people through their precious little ones."
Janatha Thompson

"I love volunteering for Footprints because it is such a good way to show the love that God has shown us in a difficult time. Through Footprints parents are able to find a peace and comfort that only the one true and living God can give. It's our way of being God's arms and wrapping them around these parents during a time that should be celebratory."
Alison Baggett

"I love volunteering for Footprints because we know that life is precious. God performs a miracle every time a child is born and we are privileged to work through Footprints for His glory." Sharon Cook

"I love volunteering for Footprints because my family is a living example of what this ministry is all about. Offering support to those who need it at the most important times." Will Hickman

"I love volunteering for Footprints because each tiny little life is a testimony of God's miraculous power!!!!!" Kim Keefe

"I love volunteering for Footprints because I KNOW god is present." Beth Bowman

"I love volunteering for Footprints because I know Jesus is served well and glorified through the efforts of His people serving the needs of others physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have seen the results of Footprints ministry and know this to be true because not only are the lives are changed for the ones served but the ones serving!" Betty Cody

"I love volunteering for Footprints because it gives me a chance to pray for each baby that will receive a gift bag while I'm sewing a burp pad. I know I'll probably never know these families but our family walked through an NICU stay and it was a very hard, lonely, frightening time. We were so grateful for such touching acts of kindness. It makes me realize that God puts us in these people's lives even before these babies are born to help prepare their way. He's such an awesome planner!" Jeanne Tuley

"I love volunteering for Footprints because it is an amazing ministry that helps so many people. I always leave any event that Footprints has with a smile. Whitney Wilson

I love volunteering for Footprints because.......When Ethan was in the NICU, I gave everything over to God. I told him if Ethan could pull through this then I would turn my life over to Him in the way it needed to be. From there I felt led to let Kim know I would love to help in anyway. Needless to say, I did not think that would be as the head of Birmingham Footprints. So, here I am. Sharing God with families in the NICU and having fun while doing it!" Nicole Collier

"I love volunteering for Footprints because.......I can’t imagine being in a situation where holding on to hope is more important. Footprints provides so many with the opportunity of hope and peace through God’s love!" Kelli Alfreds

"This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you." John 15:12

Footprints to the Finishline 2009

2009-02-01T21:10:00.010-06:00

We will have our 1st Footprints to the Finishline 5k and 1 mile fun run on March 21, 2009 at GracePointe Church. Registration will begin at 7am. The 5k run will begin at 8am and the 1 mile fun run at 9am. The cost per runner is $20. This includes your t-shirt, refreshments and goody bag. Please click HERE for the registration form. If you would like a t-shirt and do not want to run/walk you can also sign up as a phantom runner for $20.

We are in need of sponsors. If you or your company would like to sponsor the "Footprints to the Finishline" please click HERE. Your company logo will be featured on the back of our "Footprints to the Finishline" t-shirts.

The deadline for registration and sponsorships is March 7, 2009.

We are extremely excited about this event! You won't want to miss it! Adults and children of all ages are welcome! It will be an amazing opportunity to provide Footprints bags to many more NICU families! See you there!

"So I run with purpose in every step"
1 Corinthians 9:26

Sharing Christ's Love

2009-01-28T21:21:00.013-06:00

A few weeks ago we had a wonderful opportunity to work with the 11th grade girls from First Baptist Church of Prattville. As a part of their DiscipleNow weekend they came and made Footprints bags and Valentines crafts and cards for the NICU families. The girls did an amazing job! One of the girls made a card and here's what it said:

"Dear my dearest Mommy
I love you so much. I think about your scent, voice and personality everyday. I dream of the day when I can be in your arms forever. The way you rock me and sing to me warms my heart. I long for that day. I give thanks to God for putting me in your life. Thank you for loving me. You are molded in my heart forever.

Love, Your Baby"

Isn't that the most precious card you've ever seen? This card is going to make a mommy's Valentines Day very special! The sweet girl that wrote this captured everything I know those babies are feeling!

We also had Kadra Parkman come and speak about Raley's NICU experience. It was a very powerful testimony! The FBC girls made 60 Footprints bags! They did an awesome job! After the bags and crafts we headed to Baptist South for a NICU tour. The girls were able to look in the windows to each of the 4 rooms and see the lives that they were touching. It was a great experience!

It was very apparent that the Lord is at work in the lives of these 11th grade girls! It was an absolute joy to spend the afternoon working on Footprints with them.

To each of you, thank you so much for your willingness to serve with Footprints in sharing the love of Christ to families in the NICU! We are so grateful for all you've done!

Thank you also to Larry Jenkins, Pam Carroll, Kadra Parkman and Robyn Bernier for helping facilitate this event!

"Love your neighbor as yourself" Mark 12:31

Birmingham's 1st Bag Stuffing!

2009-01-15T20:50:00.005-06:00

This past weekend Birmingham Footprints had our first opportunity to make bags in Birmingham . It was a wonderful testament to how Footprints is a community ministry as we had people from all over the tri-county area. Most, if not all, had children in the NICU and felt the Lord call them to this ministry. It was a great, yet sobering feeling to realize most everyone in the room had struggled with the NICU at one point in time. That struggle had manifested itself into a celebration of the Lord through serving him through making the bags in hope that just one family would feel Christ’s love and comfort.

After starting to deliver bags to St. Vincent’s in September of last year, I would sometimes get discouraged for not having the resources to do this appropriately here in Birmingham . However, the Lord always knows what he is doing. He waited until we had the right people in place for our first bag making. He continued telling me, wait. I continued saying, I don’t want to wait. However, it was completely worth the wait. I want to thank all of those who were on hand. Without them and their wonderful spirit of giving, we would not have been able to pull this off.
Alison Bagget
Lurenda Avery
Sally Crumpton and Rachel Crumpton
Janatha Thompson and Anna Thompson
Heidi Gobbel
Katie Wagner
Matt Collier
Amanda Westbrook

We were able to put together 28 bags to be delivered to St. Vincent ’s Hospital. We had a wonderful time together as we had fellowship with each other and can not wait until the next time we are able to get together to make the bags.
Nicole Collier

"Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God."
1 Corinthians 9:11

Leavin Footprints at a Marathon!

2009-01-08T21:32:00.008-06:00

On December 13th, Will Hickman ran in the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, Alabama. He raised over $1300.00 for the Footprints Ministry!Will decided to run in this race last year when he was surprised with the news of his wife expecting twins. Their twins were born on September 19th, 2008 and stayed a month in the NICU. The girls are doing great now! The Hickman family has been wonderful supporters of Footprints!

Thank you to the following sponsors:
Amanda Bailey
Brown Chambless Architects, Inc.
Frank and Carol Anne Dagostin
Will and Tabitha Hickman
Gabe Martin
Carey Moseley
Josh and Rachel Myers
Renal Associates of Montgomery
Dr. Marla Wool
Michael and Susan Willis

Up next for Will is planning our Footprints Run on March 21st. We'll be posting on the details soon! Thank you Will for all you are doing for Footprints!

"Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."
Hebrews 12:1

Santa at St. Vincent's Hospital

2008-12-30T21:14:00.009-06:00

Last weekend we had our 1st Santa visit to the NICU at St. Vincent's hospital in Birmingham. We had an amazing visit! It was almost surreal walking through St. Vincent's with the Birmingham volunteers. I'm still kind of in shock that God has opened the door in Birmingham and also in Huntsville. I probably shouldn't be shocked but when we started Footprints we had no idea the Lord would take it to other cities. And I just think this is a small glimpse of the HUGE things He has in store for us. The Lord is truly amazing and we give him ALL the glory for the great things he is doing in the Footprints Ministry! Birmingham has a wonderful dedicated group of volunteers. Below is a story from the associate pastor, Jack Hinnen, of Riverchase United Methodist Church, he was one of the elfs for our visit.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the NICU at St. Vincent’s hospital with an organization called Footprints. My part was minor; I simply dressed up as an elf and escorted Santa through the unit. This is not your typical Santa visit. The kids don’t holler and get excited when the big man with a red suit comes in. In fact, except for the occasional unhappy young one, our day in the NICU was incredibly quiet. But the lack of noise did not imply a lack of awareness or activity. The NICU can be a pretty intense place! In this hospital unit, every second, every look, and every moment is precious. There were families there who had been there weeks with no sure idea of when they’d be able to go home. There were grandparents there who had put jobs, families, and life on hold until their newest family members could be well. There are nurses and physicians who, like angels, flutter around restoring not just health but humanity to the smallest babies and the most anxious parents. It is into this place that we brought a bit of Christmas Spirit.

As a pastor, I live for times when people reach out to one anther. But Footprints is about meeting people where they are and ministering to them, in even the most hard to reach places not in the name of Santa, but in the name of Jesus. What Footprints offered was a chance to bring people out of the timeless and unending watching of the NICU and remind them that they are not alone. Christmas, the story of the birth of another baby, could reach them even in the NICU. I felt my heart lifted to know that a prayer, a stocking full of supplies, and a picture with a jolly fat man could be brought into as solemn place as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and connect with those with heavy hearts. Like I said, my part was minor, but I felt God moving in that place. Jesus says a thing or two about reaching out to the least of these. In the NICU that day, we saw some of the smallest, most precious, people we could possibly meet. And it made my Christmas.

Jack Hinnen

Associate Pastor Riverchase United Methodist Church

Thank you so much to all of the volunteers who helped with the 1st Santa visit at St. Vincent's! We are so excited about the future plans for Footprints in Birmingham!
Thank you Matt and Nicole Collier, Alison Baggett, Cindy Davis, Ben and Lurenda Avery, Jack and Cheryl Hinnen, and Glenn Wilson.

"God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son." Romans 1:9

Baptist East Reunion Party

2008-12-29T21:07:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago Baptist East hospital in Montgomery had their annual NICU Reunion party. This was our 1st year to help with the party. It was so much fun! The hospital had Santa come and lots of goodies and treats. It was a great time for the parents to reunite with the nurses and other families that they become friends with during thier NICU stays. We got to see so many of our Footprints families and even meet new families who received our bags. It was so amazing to the progress each of these babies have made! Thank you Lord for doing great things through the lives of each of these children! Please see the pictures below of a few of our Footprints' babies.

"He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles." Job 5:9

John Martin Douglas

Raley Marie Parkman

Peyton Elizabeth Barranco

Harper and Lilly Mielke

Spreading Christmas Cheer!

2008-12-18T16:30:00.008-06:00

On Saturday, we had a wonderful visit to the NICU at Baptist South with Santa! This is my absolute favorite event we do each year! It is such a humbling experience during such a hectic time of year. It's like you walk into another world literally. There's no traffic and crowds to fight, no one is concerned with whether they finished their Christmas shopping, no lines to stand in, no Christmas hustle, just special gifts in the NICU. Those special gifts are the precious babies these parents received this year! I wish there was a way for everyone to experience this visit. We brought the babies their "1st Christmas stocking" filled with goodies and took pictures for the parents with Santa. Normally these precious babies would miss their 1st Christmas picture with Santa and probably not have a stocking simply because their parents are spending countless hours at the hospital with them. We are so blessed to be able to provide this opportunity for these families!

The Lord definitely uses this opportunity to remind me what Christmas is all about. It's not about the gifts, Santa, and shopping. It's about the birth of our Savior! It's so, so easy to get wrapped up in all the other things during the Christmas season. I hope the pictures below will be a reminder to you of what is important this Christmas!

You may also click HERE for more pictures that were featured in the Montgomery Advertiser.

Also, I asked a sweet Elf, Jeff Branch, to share his experience of his first visit to the NICU. Please read below:
There are so many emotions and thoughts that run through my head after experiencing the NICU at Baptist South. We get so comfortable with normal life; it is hard to understand the pain and stress that parents and families feel in this trying time. Witnessing a mother stare at her new born child through clear plastic, longing to touch, hold, and show unconditional love does not scratch the surface of the emotions that fill her heart daily. Moving gradually from room to room, one through four, each one representing a step to the family’s departure together to normal life makes it is easy to see so much progress in such a short time. But reality is that time moves in slow motion during their stay at the NICU. Many of these babies have been there for weeks, and some several months. I remember viewing one child that was 1lb. 10oz. that was no more than a week old.

I still have warm images in my head of how hard the nurses at Baptist South work, and the appreciation that is shown by all. They are truly angels and it is very evident of the love and compassion that each one of them exerts. I remember seeing a nurse sitting in a corner feeding a baby boy a bottle, gently rocking back and forth and talking to the child as if it was her own. She had her arms cradled around his body and eagerly bragged of the progress that he had made. I witnessed the gentleness that all the nurses displayed when placing cute Santa hats on all the babies’ heads, holding them just right and telling them to smile hoping to get the perfect picture for their parents.

These children are fighting to survive from the time that they enter this world. I remember all the tubes, IV’s, and monitors that measure the many things important to their success. I feel sorry for their parents, many of whom do not live in Montgomery, who were unfortunately not present last Saturday to experience the gift that The Footprint’s Ministry brings to the NICU all year and especially this Christmas season. The look on the parents’ faces when Santa walked into the room was glowing with joy. One mother immediately started crying and was overtaken with happiness. Another father was so proud and eager to take a picture with his new child and Santa that he could hardly contain himself. Other parents and family members shared in the joy simply that people would take time to visit them and offer prayer. Kim and Glenn Wilson, and all the support staff of this great organization provide the light at the end of the tunnel for these families. It provides hope to hear the true testimonies of other parents who have been in their shoes and can relate to the hurdles being faced everyday. These are the true blessings that Kim and The Footprint’s Ministry brings to these families delivering blue stockings for the boys and pink for the girls, all filled with gift cards and other necessities during their stay at Baptist South. Most of all, they bring the true message of Christmas to these families. The act of giving, the support of prayer, and true hope that God’s plan will happen in their child’s life is the best Christmas gift these parents will ever receive. Jeff Branch

I also want to thank the following people for helping make this Santa visit a Huge success!
Glenn Wilson-Santa and my husband :-)
Jeff Branch-Elf
Chris Hagan-Elf
Amanda Hagan-Footprints Volunteer
Nicole Collier-Birmingham Chapter
Jeff Dickey-Heritage Baptist Church Discipleship Minister
Jennifer Foster-Heritage Baptist Church Childrens Minister
Sherry Melton-Footprints Volunteer
Dana Gallahair-NICU Case Manager and Footprints bag distributor
Melody Ragland-Baptist Hospital Public Relations

Our Stockings

Sweet Family and Santa!

A precious family that is on our prayer list!

One of Footprints' favorite nurses Brooke!

Melody Ragland, Baptist PR, with Santa

Chris-elf, Kim, Santa, and Jeff-elf

Dana Gallahair, NICU Case Manager and Santa

All of Santa's helpers!

NICU Journey of Raley Parkman

2008-12-16T13:30:00.005-06:00

Below is the story of Raley Parkman, a Footprints' baby. You may also visit her caringbridge page HERE. Raley had a long hard 3 months in the NICU, Praise the Lord she's now home! Thank you to Kadra, her mother, for sharing her her heart with us!

Have you ever thought about how life can change in a matter of one day, one moment or one second for that matter? A pregnancy that seemed so normal and right in one moment changed our lives in the matter of a second. I delivered my sweet baby girl, Raley, at 28 weeks gestational. I never even made it to my third trimester! Raley was born early Friday morning on July 11, 2008. She weighed 2 lbs 4 oz and was 14.5 inches long. After delivery I remember crying and asking while lying on the operating table “why isn’t she crying?” As a second time mom I remember the jubilation and warmth of hearing your child’s first cry. I never got that with Raley. She was immediately intabated and rushed to Baptist East Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Her first cry would be the first of many milestones that I would not experience for several weeks. Ignorant to the depth of the NICU because I had never been directly impacted by it, other than a supporter of the Footprint’s Ministry, I immediately learned how important and extremely necessary it was for the survival of my new tiny baby! Raley’s survival was not dependant on my womb anymore it was in the hands of the doctors and nursing staff of the NICU. The emotions of a normal pregnancy are difficult enough but this situation was ten fold to what I had experienced with the “normal” delivery of my son. Due to me having extremely high blood pressure and the risk of more seizures Raley was 24 hours old before I was allowed to see her, other than through the lens of our camera. My heart sunk with grief when I saw her tiny body lie there with wires and contraptions monitoring her and basically keeping her alive. What did I do to cause this? What could I have done to prevent it? If only I could have her back in my womb again where I could be the one breathing for her, not this man made contraption they call a ventilator! Emotion after emotion ran through my entire being at that second. During Raley’s stay in the NICU she was on the ventilator for two weeks, CPAP for several days and the nasal cannula for several weeks. She endured fluctuation in weight that delayed her progress and two different types of infections. She also battled to eat successfully with a bottle for the last month she was there. She had 8 blood transfusions and simply 91 days away from her family that wanted her home so badly. On October 11, 2008, exactly 3 month’s to the day of her birth, Raley was discharged from the NICU weighing 5lbs 9oz and 18.5 inches long. I will always remember the simple things about that day. Waking up with her and dressing her in her “going home” outfit. Seeing her in her car seat and being beside her during her first car ride. Sounds silly, right? Not to a mother who’s waited so long to do those simple things! Since her arrival home she has grown by leaps and bounds. At 5 month’s old she now weighs over 11 pounds and is perfect in every way. Her hands and feet are so perfect and delicate. Her smile is so sweet and warm and I cherish every breath I feel and hear. Although 3 month’s may have seemed like forever to us, it was only a small glimpse of life that we will treasure because our sweet angel survived and continues to gain strength with each new day the Lord has provided her. I will never take for granted each breath that one of my children take and I thank our God daily for them!

Our family will always be grateful for the love and support of all the people that took the time to write a simple note of encouragement, for the prayers lifted up on Raley’s behalf and the constant love and support from so many footprint ministry volunteers. We will also be eternally indebted to the staff at Baptist East NICU. We could have not asked for better love and care for our sweet angel. Each nurse and doctor has a special place in our hearts for giving us the gift of a healthy baby.

Kadra Parkman

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 2-3

A few days old in the NICU

At home with her Mommy!

Powerful Picture!

BIRMINGHAM-HELP WANTED

2008-12-04T16:29:00.010-06:00

We have been serving St. Vincent's hospital in Birmingham since September. Nicole has done a wonderful job of recruiting volunteers but we do need more. We have an area for everyone to serve! Just a few areas you could serve are making bags, collecting donations, fundraising, and sending notes of encouragement to our families. We are also in need of people who can monogram our burp cloths. We have the burp cloths and patterns, we just need volunteers to monogram. If you or anyone you know in the Birmingham area would like to volunteer to help with Footprints' Birmingham chapter please contact Nicole Collier at birminghamfootprints@hotmail.com The Birmingham Parents magazine recently wrote an article on Footprints to see it please click HERE and turn to page 30. It is a great article! Also on this Sunday night on ABC 33/40 will be airing a story on their MATTERS OF FAITH segment about the Footprints Ministry. We are so excited about these opportunites the Lord has blessed us with in the Birmingham area. We are praying that the Lord will continue to bless us with many more volunteers in Birmingham! Nicole Collier is heading up our Birmingham chapter of Footprints. Nicole has been a great blessing to this ministry. I asked Nicole to be our guest blogger today to share what's been going on in Birmingham:

One week ago today I received the first call from our Birmingham Parent magazine article.

7 days and 5 new volunteers later, here we are. When we were contacted about writing a piece on Footprints I was not expecting to have this much of an outpour of support from the community.

It has been exciting and at times heart breaking to hear so many people from the community want to participate with Footprints. Where does the heart break come from- hearing their stories of their own heartache through NICU. Here is the best thing; the Lord led each one to us. We started in September with 50 bags for St. Vincent’s. 3 months and 100 bags later we are starting to gain momentum; going full speed ahead.

I am looking forward to the coming months as we start preparing the bags here in Birmingham. I also look forward to our first fundraiser event that we hope to have in the first quarter of next year.

I want to take a brief moment here and thank Kim. Without her listening to the Lord and His call, I would not be able to be a part of this wonderful ministry.

Nicole Collier

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16

Give Thanks to the Lord!

2008-11-28T14:07:00.006-06:00

I hope you each had a very Happy Thanksgiving! There are so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! This ministry is so thankful for each of you who support, pray and volunteer for Footprints! It is impossible to express in words the gratitude we have for each of you!

The Lord continues to bless us more and more everyday. We are so thankful to Him who has enable this ministry to reach people at one of their darkest moments. We are thankful to Him for opening doors at hospitals all over the state of Alabama. We are so thankful to Him who has continuously provided the funds to keep this ministry running during the worst economic times we've ever seen. We are thankful to Him for every doctor and nurse in the NICU. We are so thankful to Him for every precious angel in the NICU. We are so thankful to Him who works miracles in the lives of these tiny babies. We are so thankful to Him for creating the miracle of Life! Thank You Lord for all you've done! To God Be the Glory!

I want this to be a post that everyone participates in. If you have ever had a child in the NICU, please post a comment in our comments section. Please include the following "I am thankful to Him who blessed ____________(child's name) with a NICU journey" Please also include any other information you feel led to share, child's year of birth and if your family has been touched by the Footprints Ministry. I know some of you are probably looking at that statement thinking "How can we be thankful for being in the NICU" but as you reflect I'm sure you see the awesome things the Lord did through that incredibly difficult time. I know this post will be a great inspiration to our parents who are currently in the NICU this Thanksgiving! We are praying for each of you every day!

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5

Happy Thanksgiving!

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

2008-11-21T16:35:00.007-06:00

Below is a video from one of our recent services at Heritage Baptist Church. I thought it was very appropriate for Footprints. I know when we were in the NICU there were several times we questioned our circumstances. Please take time to watch this and understand why we all face suffering.

Please click here to view video

"But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:20-21

Amazing Quotes from Amazing People

2008-11-17T21:13:00.004-06:00

We recently gathered quotes for our brochures LWT Communications made for us! Unfortunately, we couldn't use every quote that was submitted because there wasn't enough space in our brochure. I did not want these quotes to go unpublished so I am sharing them with you today. Each of these people have been amazing supporters of Footprints! These supporters are parents, nurses and doctors who have really stepped out there and made this ministry into what it is today! To each of you, I was so deeply touched by your heartfelt words as I know everyone who reads them will be as well.

"The Footprints Ministry is the "welcome wagon" of God's grace in the Neonatal Unit at Baptist South. It is available to all, expected by none and totally unconditional. I count it a privilege to be a small part of such a dedicated group. The gift bag provides tangible proof that someone knows just how a new mom of a NICU baby feels and opens the door for ministry to continue." Dana Gallahair RN

"There are very few times in life more challenging then when a parent is faced with a critically ill child. It is during this incredibly vulnerable time that a ministry like Footprints is able to come in and be the hands and feet of Christ to encourage, pray for and grieve with those who are suffering. What a great way to reach people with the love of Jesus Christ!"
Dr. Matthew E. Phillips

“The Footprints Ministry has touched the lives of so many of the families whose children I care for. We are so blessed to have you!”
Dr. Bart Cook, Pediatric Cardiologist

"I had always pictured the perfect pregnancy and the perfect labor and delivery. After I was diagnosed with Pre-Eclampsia and had to C-section deliver my twin daughters at only 27 weeks pregnant, it seemed that some of my dreams had been shattered. Knowing my precious daughters would spend 2 months in the NICU was almost more than I could bare... until Footprints reached out to me and let me know that I was not alone. Reading Footprints families' testimonies on the Footprints Ministries blog gave me hope. Receiving Footprints handwritten notes of encouragement gave me strength. Meeting other Footprints families gave me a community. Hope, strength, and community are all such incredible tools that God uses through Footprints to shape our faith in Christ and to pass His love to others."
Laura Mielke, mother of premature twins Harper and Lily, Montgomery, AL

“I was there when this ministry was born in the hearts and minds of Kim and Glenn. I saw God place this vision in their hearts because of their personal journey with their son John Parker. Because John Parker was in the Nicu, this couple saw a need to minister to others who are hurting as they walk through their personal story. I saw Kim and Glenn stand before our church and commit to spend their lives for the Kingdom of God . They share Christ with those who are afraid, whose future is uncertain, and who feel isolated and helpless. I know, because seventeen years ago my wife Tammie and I looked at our little baby named Logan in the Nicu at Baptist Hospital in Jackson Mississippi. Footprints Ministry was not there for us, but I rejoice that it is there for couples in Montgomery and Beyond.”
Dr. David Grumbach, Pastor of Heritage Baptist Church

“Our little Peyton was a gift from God "fearfully, wonderfully made". Footprints helped ease our "fears" through their prayers, support, and care.”
Jeff and Beth Barranco, parents of premature baby Peyton, Montgomery, AL

"When our daughter was in the NICU at Baptist South our life was distilled to its essence - family, friends and God. Everything else was stripped away and was not missed. Through the prayer card in our welcome basket Footprints Ministry brought to us an extended network of family and friends in God we have never met, likely never will, but whose support will never be forgotten. We emerged from the NICU with a perfect little girl. Life has resumed its normal pace of day to day triumphs and struggles. The only thing missing is that clarity about the priorities of life. Footprints Ministry has never forgotten its priorities and shares this clarity with every new family that enters the NICU. It is a remarkable ministry ran by inspired people. "
David and Tyler Colgan, parents of premature baby Caroline, Atlanta, Georgia

"Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees." Job 4:4

Girls in Action!

2008-11-14T21:16:00.005-06:00

Last Wednesday we had a wonderful time stuffing bags with the GA group from Thorington Road Baptist Church. These girls were in 1st through 6th grade. They stuffed 75 bags! We truly enjoyed being there and seeing these girls make Footprints bags. I was also a GA so it brought back many memories. It was through GA's that I commited my life to Christ. The GA program is an incredible program for young girls to learn about mission work. The GA's pledge is "As a GA, I will do my best to live a missions lifestyle that honors God by learning about missions, praying for missions, giving to missions, doing missions, and participating in the work of the church." These sweet girls at Thorington Road definitely lived up to their pledge in learning about missions, praying for missions, giving to missions and doing missions. After we made the bags the girls prayed over the bags and prayed for the families that would be receiving them. There is nothing sweeter than hearing a child pray! The Footprints Ministry thanks the Thorington Road GA's for all of your hard work!!! We look forward to having you involved with Footprints again very soon!

Below is the GA Bible Verse:
"Give thanks to the Lord. Worship him. Tell the nations what he has done. Announce how honored he is"
Isaiah 12:4

On Our Way to Becoming a Non-Profit!

2008-11-10T16:05:00.007-06:00

Last week we mailed off our 501(c)3 paperwork to the IRS! This is a HUGE accomplishment! Erin White did all of our paperwork for us for FREE! We are so grateful for all of her hard work and countless hours she spent completing this for us! The Lord always blesses us with the right people to accomplish the many tasks of this ministry. Thank you so much Erin!

"Your kindness will reward you"

Proverbs 11:17

Gracious Grace Pointe!

2008-11-03T21:50:00.011-06:00

A few weeks ago, we stuffed footprints bags with Grace Pointe youth group. We had a great time! I love going to different churches and having them participate in this amazing ministry! I also enjoy seeing children participate in ministry work! What a great lesson to teach young people! I still remember ministry projects I did at church as a youth. These projects can leave lasting impressions on the lives participating and also the lives that receive these bags. Grace Pointe has been such a big supporter of Footprints! Thank you so much to Christy Cronier for coordinating this bag stuffing and also to the youth minister, Keith for allowing us to share this ministry with the Grace Pointe Youth! A big thank you to each of the youth who participated, many lives will be touched by your generous hearts. Below is a letter I received today from a parent who received one of the bags your group made.

Dear Footprints Ministry,

I want you to know that the little gift left by my daughter's bed means so much to me. Thank you so much! My daughter just had eye surgery and is 2 months old. When I received the gift packet I started to read the New testament that was in there and it made me see thing in a better way! I just wanted to tell you thank you! You are very sweet to do this for families in the NICU! God Bless!

Thanks again Grace Pointe for touching the lives of so many in the NICU! Here are a few pics from our bag stuffing.

"By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News."

Ephesians 3:7

Christy stuffing bags!

Karen working hard!

Our sweet blankies!

Footprints bags

Grace Pointe Youth stuffing Footprints bags

Thank you Grace Pointe Youth!

Welcome Home Anne Collins and Collier!!!

2008-10-22T21:33:00.006-05:00

My favorite part of Footprints is when our babies go home! Anne Collins and Collier are both now home! Thank you Lord! Anne Collins and Collier were born on September 19 and they both weighed 3lbs 4oz. They are now both over 4lbs and doing great! These twins have been in our prayers for a very long time, click here. The progress these girls made in the NICU was absolutely amazing! We know the Lord heard our prayers! Will(Daddy) decided when they became pregnant with twins that he wanted to run a marathon in honor of Footprints. He has already raised over $1200 for Footprints! Also he will be helping organize our 1st Footprints run/walk in the spring! We are so thankful for the Hickman family and their amazing support for the Footprints Ministry! It's so exciting to see the Lord at work in their lives! Thank you Lord for these precious gifts! Thanks to each of you for praying for the Hickman family!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above" James 1:17

Sweet Girls Sharing an Incubator

Tabitha and Collier

Tabitha and Anne Collins

Anne Collins at Home!!!

Collier at Home!!!

Amazing Gifts from God!

Home Together At Last!

Introducing......

2008-10-16T10:25:00.003-05:00

Our Footprints Ministry Logo!!! I'm so thrilled to share this with you! As you know the Footprints Ministry won a contest called CreatAthon through LWT Communications here in Montgomery. On September 11th, LWT closed it's doors and dedicated a full 24 hours to marketing plans for several non-profits in our community for FREE! They revealed the marketing package to us on Monday. And let me say it is Amazing! Camille Leonard and Cindy Scott designed a logo, car magnet, business cards, prayer request card, footprints bag label and a brochure. It's wonderful how they took our vision for this ministry and turned it into a logo. The logo shows to footprints pushed together and the arches make a heart. How perfect does that go with our mission statement "Walking in God's Grace and Sharing His Love with Families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit." A gigantic thank you to Camille, Cindy and others at LWT who worked on this project! We have been praying for this project for months and it turned into something far better than we ever dreamed! Thank you Lord for opening this door to us and using LWT Communications to bring you glory!

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20

Please leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Thank You LWT Communications!

Our Marketing Package!

Thank You Camille and Cindy!

WELCOME HOME RALEY!!!

2008-10-11T20:48:00.012-05:00

After 13 long weeks, Raley Parkman went home today!!! We are so thankful to the Lord for allowing her to come home! Raley was born at 28 weeks weighing 2lbs 4oz. She now weighs over 5lbs! She is a true example of the Power of Prayer! Raley has some pretty special parents too! Kadra was one of the first people that helped begin the Footprints Ministry. Little did she know that Footprints would be ministering to them one day. The strength and faith of Brendon and Kadra during this time has been absolutely amazing! No matter how bad their day was they always had a smile on their face. Wow and the way they allowed the Lord to use them during this time-Kadra made a radio appearance, she ate dinner with us and another FP mother, helped with the FP golf tournament and she was constantly going around the NICU and providing encouragement to other families. The Lord definitely knew what he was doing when he placed the Parkman family in the NICU!

Today we put up a few Welcome Home signs and balloons at the Parkman's home. We were able to see them as they brought Raley home. It sent chills all over me to see them pull into the driveway. What a long journey this has been for them! Thank you Lord for working so many miracles in sweet Raley! We know it is only by your Grace and Power that she is home today!

Thank you to Brendon and Kadra and the whole Parkman family for allowing Footprints to be a part of your NICU journey! We are so glad this journey has come to an end! We look forward to seeing the Lord do many more Amazing things in the Parkman family!

"In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God’s way is perfect." Psalm 18:29-30

One of Raley's first outfits

Kadra's radio appearance with Leslie Bailey

The Parkman Family at the golf tournament

Kadra with her friends Rachele and Robyn at golf tournament

Visitng Kadra and Raley in the NICU

So precious!

Family Photo in the NICU

Our Little Angel!

Welcome Home Cowgirl!

Welcome Home from FP!

Proud Mommy!

Proud Daddy!

Family Photo at HOME!!! YAY!

We're so Happy You are Home Raley!

Proud Big Brother Harrison!

Happy 1st Birthday Footprints!

2008-10-01T21:20:00.009-05:00

I've been really behind on my blogging...At the end of August we celebrated Footprints 1st Birthday! My sister, Robyn Bernier along with many others planned a surprise birthday party for Footprints. I'm not sure how they pulled it off but I was completely surprised! It was a wonderful afternoon. Many friends and family came to show their support for this great ministry the Lord has blessed us with. My sister Robyn shared a few words, which is unusul because we have a lot in common in that we're not public speakers. Thanks Robyn for stepping up there for your sis! Then Laura Mielke, mother of twins Harper and Lilly shared her NICU experience and the impact the Footprints Ministry had on them. Wow, she had such a powerful story! She brought many of us to tears several times. I'm so grateful for the Mielke family and the amazing support they've shown to Footprints! Then I was presented with another surprise-Erin White is the accountant who has been working with me on filing our 501(c)3 to obtain our non-profit status. Erin presented all of the paperwork completed! And yes, I cried again! It was like all of our meetings and hard work were finally complete and soon we'll be "official" with the IRS! Thank you so much to Erin for volunteering many hours to complete this paperwork for FREE! We then ended with the slideshow of our 1st year that my husband Glenn put together. It was a wonderful afternoon! Two of our Footprints babies also attended the party-Brooke Waters and Peyton Barranco. I can't express the joy it brings to my heart when I see our precious miracles growing up! I could just cry right now thinking about all of our families. These babies are truly gifts from God! We received many, many donations, gift cards, blankets and cameras as birthday presents. Thank you to everyone who attended the party and brought gifts. Some gifts did not have who they were from so please forgive me if you didn't receive a thank you note. Thank you to everyone who organized and attended our 1st birthday party!

I'm still amazed at where we started and where we are today. When we started this ministry, we had in mind that we would help one or two local hospitals. Little did we know the Lord had bigger and better plans. I would have laughed if someone told me last year that the Lord wanted this ministry to expand to other cities. I'm still in complete shock that the Lord has grown it so quickly in one year. I shouldn't be in shock as our God is an All Powerful, All Knowing God! This past year has been a very humbling experience. I still feel that I'm inadquete to take on this task of organizing this ministry! I know that it is only through HIM that this ministry continues to grow and thrive. In our 1st year we distributed over 600 bags! So 600 families heard of the love of Christ through this ministry. God is soooo good!

I heard the following verse on the radio today, what a perfect verse to sum up our 1st year! The blessings from the Lord have been running over since Footprints began. Thank you Lord for this incredible ministry! We are excited about what you have planned for our 2nd year! We pray that many families will come to know you through this ministry. Thank you Lord for every person who prays, volunteers and donates to this great ministry!

"Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap." Luke 6:38

Below are some pictures from the party-Thank you to Jon Bowman for being our photographer!

The beautiful cake!

Collage of photos from our 1st year

Surprise!

Robyn speaking

Some of our wonderful supporters!

Laura Mielke sharing their NICU story

More amazing supporters

Erin White presenting the non profit paperwork

Thanking everyone for all they've done

Christy being a great hostess!

More great supporters!

Two Footprints families meeting

Beth Bowman and Pam Carroll-two of the first Footprints volunteers

The greatest Birthday gift ever-two healthy Footprints babies!

Our 1st Footprints baby Brooke is now 1 year old!

Lessons Learned in the First Year of Footprints

2008-09-22T21:06:00.006-05:00

Sorry for the delay on this post. It has been a little overwhelming trying to sum up everything learned in this 1st year of Footprints into one blog post. So here it goes.....

The first thing I want to tell you is that I ran from the Lord for about a year on starting this ministry. I thought, I can't do this-I have a new baby, a job, a husband and plans for my life. I'm not a leader, public speaker and organizer(definitely not). But here's what the Bible says, "How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like a morning fog-it's here a little while then it's gone. What you ought to say is if the Lord wants us to we will do this or that. Remember it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." James 5:14-15, 17. So lesson #1 learned this year, instead of worrying on how I'm going to do something, I now know to trust in the Lord and what he says to. I want to encourage anyone reading this blog, if something has been laid on your heart to trust the Lord and do it. It is incredible when you let go and let God work through you.

Next lesson learned, is things are not always easy but that's not the important thing. The important thing is that we are having an eternal impact on these NICU families. The results far outweight the sacrifice of this ministry. So with this said, I completely agree with what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:10 "So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen."

Another lesson learned, is that the Lord has called me into ministry. On Mother's Day this year, I made a public decision in front of my church that I've been called into ministry(see picture below). Now, this definitely was not easy nor was it in my plans for my life. But again I let go and let God. I know this is where I need to serve. I am ready to give away all my plans and all my dreams for myself and my family to serve him. Paul wrote this in 1 Timothy 1:12, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me the strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him." I am extremely grateful to the Lord for giving me the strength to do his work and calling me into ministry. There is absolutely no way I could have done this without Him. Please continue to pray for my family as we seek out His will.

Last lesson learned is to serve Him enthusiastically and when his people are in need be ready to help them. As it says, in Romans 12:11-13 "Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. When God's people are in need be ready to help them." This ministry has definitely been a huge blessing to my life and family. Being able to help those in need is incredible! It's not me alone, it's every single person who has volunteered their time, talent and money to this ministry. And it's by His Grace that this ministry has become what it is today.

I want to encourage everyone to seek out the Lord's will for your life. It is an amazing joy and blessing to serve our Awesome God! You may think "I can't" but with the Lord "You Can". My hope is that this ministry will give someone the encouragment to begin another ministry. Just think how awesome this world would be if everyone took their difficult circumstances and storms in their life and turned them into a ministry. We would be reaching people all over the world!

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13

My Family Making Our Public Decision to Go Into Ministry

St. Vincent's Here We Come!!!

2008-09-22T20:41:00.008-05:00

Last Sunday we had our 1st bag stuffing for St. Vincent's hospital! We also made bags for Baptist East and Baptist South along with our NICU nurses day goodies. We made a total of 100 bags! It was so exciting to know that we were sending these bags to another city! Nicole Collier and Alison Baggett who are heading up Footprints in Birmingham drove down to help us. It is truly amazing to see the growth that the Lord has done in this ministry! We are looking forward to expanding to even more cities! The Lord has great plans for the Footprints Ministry! Thank you to the following volunteers who came Sunday:

Alison Baggett
Courtney Branch
Jessi Carr
Betty Cody
Nicole Collier
Christy Cronier
Alicia Foxworth
Heather Grimes
Tina Hall
Joyce Hill
Jacki Hornsby
Kim Keefe
Peggy Kelly
Sherry Melton
Lindsey Norred
Karen Redden
Stephanie Roarke
Ashley Rogers
Tracy Welch
Leigh Willis
Kitti Wilson
Jennie Young

"Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is." Psalm 66:2

2008-09-17T15:12:00.008-05:00

This past weekend Ron and Ashley Laye had a birthday party for their children Anniston, Owen and Griffin. In lieu of gifts they had their party guests make donations to the Footprints Ministry. They raised $420 for the Footprints Ministry! This was such a selfless act. I wasn't surprised when Ashley approached me about this because their family is such an amazing supporter of this ministry. Below is the Laye Family NICU journey written by Ashley. Thank you so much to Ron, Ashley, Anniston, Owen and Griffin for sharing your birthday with Footprints!

What has the NICU meant to me and my family? Well, where do I begin? We have had a long journey with the NICU starting with my son Coleman. He was born in December 03 and had a normal pregnancy and birth. 4 days after his birth (the day after Christmas) we found him not breathing and lifeless. I started CPR and revived him fairly quick. Although he was breathing again, he lost enough oxygen to his brain to cause severe brain damage. The NICU was our home for 7 long weeks. I was desperate for answers and felt like I had nowhere to turn. The nurses, doctors and staff cared for not only my son, but they were so supportive to my whole family. My son passed away 7 months later and most of the extraordinary nurses that cared for him were there at his passing into Heaven. I later had a beautiful healthy daughter named Anniston. And just when I thought my NICU experience was past me, God had other plans. 2 years after the birth of my daughter I gave birth to beautiful twin boys (Griffin and Owen). They were born a little too early and Griffin had to stay in the NICU for 1 week and Owen had to stay for 2 weeks. Again, I was devastated to leave them in this place, but I knew I had the best nurses and doctors caring for them. The twins just celebrated their first birthday and are doing great. I am forever in debt to the NICU and feel I was put on this earth to give back for the gifts they have given me. Although my son is not physically here with me, he guides me to be a person of service and to give all my glory to God. I know God made me from day one to care for Coleman and my other children. I know how hard it is for these parents to have babies in the NICU, so I know how much of a blessing Footprints Ministry is to these families.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20:35

NICU Nurses Day Part 2

2008-09-17T09:30:00.006-05:00

Below are some pictures from NICU nurses day. We delivered candy bars with footprint lapel pins attached to them. The nurses were so grateful for their goodies! A big thank you to Christy Cronier and her dad, Ed Cluck for making these cute lapel pins! We are so thankful for our NICU nurses! Hope each of you had a wonderful day!

Alison Baggett and Nicole Collier with St. Vincent's nurses

Baptist South Nurses

Robyn Bernier, Dana Gallahair(FP bag lady) and Kim Wilson

Baptist East Nurses

NICU Nurses Day!

2008-09-15T08:51:00.007-05:00

Today is NICU Nurses Day! There are not enough words to express how much we appreciate every nurse that works in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units. These nurses become 2nd mothers to our babies. They feed, bathe, and comfort these babies when their mothers can't be there. They save these babies' lives! They are truly angels! Below is a letter that David Colgan wrote to the staff of the NICU at Baptist South. I thought this was amazing and powerful way to express what all of these nurses mean to every single baby they care for. Also below is a bible verse that is a perfect expression of our gratitude for these nurses.

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." Philippians 1:3

Dear Nurses, Technicians, Occupational and Respiratory Therapists, Doctors and Staff,

Sometimes words fail us. How can someone put on paper a feeling best expressed with tears of joy? Or capture in words the welling of gratitude that comes from so deep and is so overwhelming? Words can also fail us by getting tired and meaningless from over-use. Someone can say, “I am forever in your debt’” or “you saved my life” when they get a nice present or were helped out of a jam. There are not many occasions when a person can say “you changed my life’” and really mean it. But this is one of those times. What you all have done for Caroline and for us is so tangible, direct and evident that I can write you a series of bullet points like I would a business memo. These are not sentiments, they are facts:

· Caroline would not be alive if it were not for you
· Our family would be grief stricken if it were not for you
· We would not be a complete family if it were not for you
· We have a bright future because of you

The work you do is more of a calling or a vocation than a job. Like a priest or a minister, you care for people you do not even know and give them the love you would your own family. You have a gentle power that changes the lives of babies and families. Certainly there are days that it is a drag to come to work; we all have those days. But I can imagine that when you look at that wall of photographs with the faces of children you have saved it all makes sense and is worth it. Please know that my family and so many others are complete because of you. All the graduations, all the scraped knees, the boyfriends, the laughs and cries and all the future generations start with you- they would not even be possible without you.

There is no satisfying way to thank you. No words are powerful enough; no gesture is rich enough. You are remarkable people doing the most important work that I know. We are privileged to have been a part of your world for seven weeks, to see what you do and how well you do it and all with such love. We will not miss our Caroline being sick but we will miss you all.
On behalf of Tyler and Caroline and Elizabeth, I am sincerely and forever yours,

David Colgan

What Kind of Foundation Do You Have?

2008-09-08T20:39:00.004-05:00

With all these hurricanes I thought these verses were appropriate. What kind of foundation is your home built upon? How do you react when storms and floodwaters rise?

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”Luke 6:46-49

"Too Wonderful For Words!" Our Guest Speaker and Lagoon Golf Course

2008-09-04T16:33:00.006-05:00

This is my last entry about the golf tournament but the most important. I wanted to thank John Sadie and his crew at Lagoon Park golf course. They did an absolutely incredible job helping us organize our 1st golf tournament. They also made things run so smoothly! Thank you so much to all of the staff and John Sadie at Lagoon Park!

I also want to think David Colgan for coming to speak at the tournament. He and his wife, Tyler traveled from Atlanta to come and speak. What an amazing message he had! The one thing, that really touched me was he said when you are in the NICU with your baby, everything is stripped away. Nothing else matters, but that special gift the Lord blessed you with. How true, this is! And what a special time the Footprints Ministry has to share the Love of Christ with these families. Thank you so much to David and Tyler Colgan for coming to share such a special message with us! We are so grateful for all of the prayers and support from the Colgan Family!

Thanks again to everyone who played and volunteered at our 1st Footprints in the Fairways golf tournament! We can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us next year!

"Thank God for this gift, too wonderful for words!"
2 Corinthians 9:15

Sweet Caroline!

"Ready to Share with Others"- Eastmont Acteens

2008-08-29T10:42:00.008-05:00

This week we went to Eastmont Baptist and made Footprints bags with their Acteens group. We had a great time with this wonderful group of young women! I looked at each of those girls and thought to myself, wow, what amazing potential these girls have to impact the world around them! Each girl was so full of joy and excitement. You could see the Lord in each of their lives. My prayer is that each one of them will seek HIM in all that they do so "that they may experience true life" We made 40 bags so 40 families will hear of the love of Christ through the work of these sweet girls! Thank you so much for serving in this ministry! We look forward to hearing about the incredible things the Lord is going to do through your Acteens group! The verse below reminded me of this awesome Acteens group!

"They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life."
1 Timothy 6:17-19

Happy 1st Birthday Brooke!

2008-08-21T21:01:00.010-05:00

Today is our first Footprints' baby Brooke's 1st birthday! Happy Birthday Brooke! Brooke was born at 2lbs and 3oz. She stayed in the NICU in Montgomery for 9 weeks. She is now a healthy baby girl! It has been amazing to see the miracles the Lord has done in precious Brooke! The Waters family has been great supporters of Footprints! Thank you to the Waters family for allowing Footprints to be a part of Brooke's life! We love watching Brooke grow! Happy 1st Birthday Brooke! We Love You!

"Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them." Psalm 107:8

How Cute!

Brooke in the NICU

The 1st time I met Brooke!

Brooke in her Footprints shirt

Look how much she's grown!

Our sweet Brooke at the golf tournament!

The Waters family at the golf tournament

Our Volunteers-"Too Wonderful for Words!"

2008-08-19T15:29:00.011-05:00

We had an amazing group of volunteers that helped with our 1st Footprints in the Fairways golf tournament! We also had a very special committee that met weekly to get the tournament organized! Organizing a golf tournament can be a big task. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication to the Footprints Ministry!

"Thank God for this gift, too wonderful for words!"
2 Corinthians 9:15

Golf Tournament Committee:

Amy Adams, Jessica Azar, Robyn Bernier, Laura Barrow, Adam Bishop, Hunter Brendle, Jeremy Dickey, Alicia Foxworth, Brandon Foxworth, TJ Garrigan, Ashley Laye, Kadra Parkman and Glenn Wilson

Golf Tournament Volunteers:

Amy Adams, Jessica Azar, Robyn Bernier, Laura Barrow, Pam Bierlair, Adam Bishop, Jon and Beth Bowman, Courtney Branch, Gail Brendle, Hunter Brendle, Nikki Brouilette, Beth Caldwell, Gail Caldwell, Lindsey Carroll, Pam Carroll, Gina Clifford, Matt and Nicole Collier, Sharon Cook, Christy Cronier, Jeremy and Lindsey Dickey, Rhonda Dickinson, Alicia Foxworth, Brandon Foxworth, Mandy Franks, TJ Garrigan, Stacy Greene, Kelli Griffin, Jane Hataway(photographer), Renae Hill, Rachele Landers (photographer), Gabe Langford, Ashley Laye, Nick Letlow, Suzanne Mathison, Ellen McBee, Sherry Melton, Cameron Morgan, Kadra Parkman, Jeff and Stephanie Roarke, Leigh Smith, Lynn Williams, Leigh Willis, Glenn Wilson, and Whitney Wilson

Renae, Leigh and Stacy doing decorations

Registration

Lindsey and Whitney

Laura and Suzanne

Jeff and Stephanie

Christy and Sharon

Gabe and Nick cooking

The Lunch Crew

Our photographers Jane and Rachele

Jeremy and Glenn

Christy, Sharon, Robyn, Gina, Cameron, Pam and Beth

Our Sponsors-"Too Wonderful for Words!"

2008-08-14T13:55:00.020-05:00

Below is a list of wonderful sponsors we had for our 1st Footprints in the Fairways golf tournament! This golf tournament would not have been possible without each of these sponsors! Thank you so much for supporting Footprints! We are truly grateful for each of you!

"Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!"
2 Corinthians 9:15

Brendle Sprinkler Company, Inc.

Tammy Brown Re/Max of Montgomery

In Honor of Riley Tuley-Jim and Jeanne Tuley

In Honor of Luke Martin and Harper & Lilly Mielke-Mike and April Reed

Colonial Bank Mortgage Division

Ashley and Clay Aaron

In Memory of Coleman Laye-Steve Hill

In Memory of our Big Brother Coleman Laye-Ron, Ashley, Anniston, Griffin and Owen Laye

In Memory of Coleman Laye-Renae Hill

Enterprise Technologies LLC

In Honor of Brooke Waters-Lovelady Construction

In Honor of Raley Parkman-Brendon and Kadra Parkman

Montgomery Pediatrics

Sasser, Sefton, Connally, Tipton & Davis, PC

In Memory of Matthew Burnham-OB/GYN Associates of Montgomery

Adams Drugs

Jay and Scarlette Tuley

Beck and Riley Tuley

United Lighting Company

United Food & Fuel/Citgo-Ben McNeil

Southern Turf & Equipment-Southern Quick Lube

Patty-Cakes International

H. Kenneth White & Associates, Inc.

Whittington & Kourti, PC Obsterics & Gynecology

Southern Comfort Mechanical Services

Howard and Lera Hill

Alfa Financial

Wachovia Mortgage-Glenn Wilson

"Too Wonderful for Words!" 2 Cor. 9:15

2008-08-11T20:30:00.013-05:00

We had our 1st Footprints in the Fairways golf tournament this weekend. It was absolutely amazing! Just as this title says, it was too wonderful for words! There is no way I could ever put into words how incredible this event was. It was indescribable! When we started to plan this event we were hoping to have enough golfers for one team per hole. Well God out did our expectations. Also we set a goal of making $5000 on this tournament. And of course he exceeded those expectations as well allowing us to raise over $10,000! I was reading through my Bible trying to find a story that represented this golf tournament and this ministry. Below is the story I came across. Paul is writing in 2 Corinthians 9 about a ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem.

"Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
"For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you."
"Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!" 1 Corinthians 9:6-15

As I read this, I thought this is what the Footprints ministry is all about. Each of you planted(gave) generously to the tournament and now we have a generous crop. You also each gave so cheerfully of your time, money and talent. I know the Lord will provide each of you everything that you need. He will not only provide all that we need, he will provide in abundance so that we have plenty to share with others. What a Gracious God we serve! It also goes on to say that when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. Wow, that's exactly what we long for in this ministry is for these families to give thanks to God. We don't do this ministry for any recognition ourselves. We just want all thanks and glory to be given to God. And my favorite part of this chapter-"Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!"

This golf tournament was truly a gift for God that is too wonderful for words. I could never sufficiently thank everyone for this amazing gift! We could not have had a more perfect day! The weather was gorgeous and I believe that God's glory shined through this whole day!

Over the next several posts I am going to attempt to thank all of our sponsors, donors, golfers and volunteers. So please stay tuned. Also to see more pictures the tournament please click here. Again thank you to everyone who made this event so successful! And thanks to our Gracious God!

Hey Leslie, What's Happening?

2008-08-07T08:40:00.007-05:00

We had a wonderful time with Leslie Bailey on AM1170 Tuesday morning! Leslie has been an amazing supporter of Footprints! She also owns Silverspoon Catering and they have agreed to donate a meal to every Footprints family when their baby comes home. And it is a GOOD dinner with all the fixings! Leslie also donated gift certificates as door prizes for our golf tournament and a silent auction item in which someone will win an appearance on her radio show! This is a great auction item for anyone who loves radio or anyone with children who want to be on the radio. Thank you so much Leslie for all of your support and prayers!!!

Another HUGE thank you to Kadra Parkman for coming on the show and sharing their NICU story! The strength and faith Kadra shared was absolutely incredible! Seeing her there and listening to her, was so special! I can see the Lord working through her. He is getting ready to do something really BIG in the Parkman family! They have been supporters of Footprints since the very beginning. It's neat to see how a ministry they were so dedicated to is now reaching out to them. Our God is awesome! Please continue to pray for the Parkman family. To follow sweet Raley's story please click here.

And thank you to my husband, Glenn! He has been doing an incredible job of planning our 1st Footprints in the Fairways golf tournament! I would have never been able to plan this without him! We now have 135 golfers and many, many sponsors! I'm so grateful for the Lord blessing me with a husband who is so supportive of this ministry!

And lastly, thank you to Hunter Brendle who was our one phone call! Hunter always knows how to make us laugh!

"I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising him to everyone."
Psalm 109:30

Glenn and Kadra

Kadra and Leslie

They are professionals!

Thank you Glenn and Kadra!

Footprints LIVE!

2008-07-31T13:40:00.006-05:00

We had a great time yesterday on Alabama Live at WSFA! To see the video please click here. Peyton did a great job! She had fun talking on her 1st interview. She is just Precious! Beth also did an Amazing job! Glenn, my husband, also known as "Greg" did wonderful too! He has been incredible planning our golf tournament. Thank you so much Beth and Glenn for doing this interview!!! I think we all were a little(or maybe very) nervous. One thing about Live TV is there are no do-overs. What if we all lived our lives like we should, as if we were on LIVE tv? I think we see some pretty incredible things happen! A big thank you to Judd Davis, Kim Hendrix and Bethany Wales for arranging this interview. It is a HUGE help in allowing more people to learn about this special ministry. We continue to Praise the Lord for allowing this ministry to grow and thrive like it has! It's neat to see how the Lord took 8-10 women who wanted to see this ministry started and he has multiplied our group to over 300!!! And this is only the beginning......

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:14-15

Just Beautiful!

Peyton is giving her "movie star" wave

Light at the End of this Tunnel

2008-07-25T14:42:00.004-05:00

This past Sunday we made our Footprints bags. We had a biggest turnout EVER in volunteers! As usual I was running around a little crazy, ok, very crazy, gathering some last minute items. I always try to have something prepared to share with the group as a devotional before we stuff our bags, however the week before I never quite came across what I felt I was supposed to share. One of the ladies that afternoon told me, well maybe the Lord was telling you to “Be still”. I have reflected all week on our bag stuffing. I believe he was telling me to “Be still”. As I look back at each of these special people that came to serve HIM that day. Each of them had such a special glow about them. Each of them just smiling when they came in. Putting whatever plans they had for the afternoon to the side, putting whatever problems they may be facing behind them and putting someone else’s needs before themselves so they could serve our great God! We even had our first two men come help! I’m looking for more men out there to come and help. I know you’re out there! So all week I’ve been reflecting on Sunday. Last night I had the privilege to go visit with one of our Footprints’ families before they took their baby home. On my way to the hospital I heard the song “Tunnel” by Third Day it really put this week into perspective. I feel like each of you that came Sunday are the Light! Each of you that pray for these families everyday are the Light! Each of you that send cards are the Light! Each person who has donated time, baby items and money to Footprints you are the Light! Every golfer and sponsor for golf tournament, you are the Light! Every newspaper and television station that has shared our stories you are the Light! Every doctor and nurse in the NICU you are the Light! Thank you to everyone involved with Footprints for being the LIGHT at the end of the tunnel to these families! Below are the amazing people who joined us for our bag stuffing and also the lyrics to this amazing song.

Jessica Azar, Laura Barrow, Robyn Bernier, Lindsey Carroll, Pam Carroll, Ryan Carroll, Gina Clifford, Aaron Folta, Kelli Griffin, Peggy Kelly, Renae Hill, Joyce Hill, Kim Keefe, Rachele Landers, Ashley Laye, Molly MacLean, Patti MacLean, Lindsey Stephens, Charlene Walker, Tracy Welch, and Jennie Young

"Help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon." Isaiah 58:10

"Tunnel" by Third Day

I won’t pretend to know what you’re thinking
I can’t begin to know what you’re going through
I won’t deny the pain that you’re feeling
But I’m gonna try and give a little hope to you
Just remember what I’ve told you

There’s so much you’re living for

Chorus: There’s a light at the end of this tunnel

There’s a light at the end of this tunnel For you, for you

There’s a light at the end of this tunnel

Shinin’ bright at the end of this tunnel For you, for you

So keep holdin’ on

You’ve got your disappointments and sorrows

You ought to share the weight of that load with me

Then you will find that the light of tomorrow

Brings a life for your eyes to see

So remember what I’ve told you

There’s so much you’re living for

Welcome Home Harper and Lilly!!

2008-07-18T10:31:00.006-05:00

Welcome Home Harper and Lilly!!! I'm so excited to share that after 8 long weeks are sweet Mielke twins have gone home!!! Harper was born at 1lb 13oz and Lilly was born at 2lbs 5 oz and now they are both over 4lbs! The Lord has worked many miracles in the lives of these precious twins! Compare the pictures below and there is no question that the Lord's hands were at work in the lives of these babies. Thank you to Nick and Laura for allowing the Footprints Ministry to be a part of your NICU experience. Your strength and faith during this difficult time has inspired us all! We look forward to watching Harper and Lilly continue to grow. Congratulations Mielke Family!

"Come and see what our God has done,what awesome miracles he performs for people!"
Psalm 66:5

Harper Elizabeth

Lilly Martin

God's Perfect Plan

2008-07-10T08:52:00.016-05:00

Below is a testimony from Nicole Collier. She is the amazing mother of our Footprints' baby Ethan. What an incredible story of how each of you are touching lives through this ministry! Enjoy and grab a tissue!

When Kim asked me to write about our experience in NICU I thought no problem. This will be easy as pie.

Not the case.

How do you write about one of the hardest things you have faced in your life both physically and spiritually? How do you try to convey to others the guilt you felt? Maybe if I had not had gestational diabetes Ethan would have never had to go through this traumatic ordeal.
Our story really begins on January 21st, 2008 when I found out I had gestational diabetes. I took the class with my momma at my side, as always. I read my sugar levels 3x daily. I understood the consequences of not taking care of myself and the effects it could have on Ethan but I did not listen. I assumed that since I was taking medication that was keeping it under control everything would be okay.

It wasn’t.

Fast forward to May; May 19th, 2008 @ 9:30am to be exact during the 2nd attempt to register a blood sugar reading on Ethan with no success they admitted him to NICU for only a few hours. A few hours turned into 20 days and countless tears later.
Ethan was admitted with hypoglycemic and what they call wimpy white boy syndrome; meaning he had fluid in his lungs. The fluid in his lungs came from him being born C-Section. His blood sugar registered at 1- it needed to be 40 or higher.
For the first week to week and half Ethan was on an IV drip of dextrose to help him regulate his own sugars, he was receiving his formula through a tube inserted into his tummy through his mouth. It was over Memorial Day weekend that he was able to have his first bottle since leaving the birthing suite. His breathing regulated itself out on his own. During all of this he had a PICC line inserted. Due to this, we were unable to hold him. They did not like you to hold him but maybe once a day if that. When we touched him, we were asked to only lay our hands on him; not to pat him or rub his back and such. All I could do was tell him to be strong and he would come home soon.

Shortly after this Ethan was moved to a crib where we were able to finally hold him and feed him. We thought for sure that we were going to be out of NICU soon. Praise God our prayers were going to be answered. Wrong, remember Nicole, God does not work on your schedule but on His. He knew this child before my mother knew me. What was the problem now, why couldn’t I take my son home? I am not a patient person; it runs in the family. We learned that when Ethan would take his bottles he would stop breathing and become what they like to call a “dusky” color. I can go the rest of my life without hearing the word dusky. In the words of Meredith Grey, “Seriously?”

This happened for at least a week before the doctors decided to have him go down for an infant Upper GI which I could not go with him on. The results were that he has reflux. On a scale of 1-5; it rated a 3. With rice cereal added to his formula we were on our way to success. Ethan’s Upper GI was done on June 2nd and on June 7th he was released into our awaiting arms and car. He was finally ours, as weird as this seems.

Through all of this all I could do was pray; something I have not done on a regular basis in a long time. I was raised in a wonderful church, Forest Park Baptist, where I learned and grew in God. However, once I became an adult it was Christmas Eve and Easter that I attended church. I knew what I had to do. I had to hand it over to Him. I had to let my stubbornness go and let God. This is what I did. At the same time as doing this, I would cry myself to sleep with guilt. Guilt that it was my fault for him having to suffer throughout this ordeal. Would things have been different it I had eaten better? Would things have turned out differently if I had not had a c-section? I finally realized that I could not go through what if’s of life; obviously this was what God had planned for us and He would see us through.

One of the ways He showed me He was there with me every step of the way is through Footprints Ministry. I had heard of it and had heard parts of the story of the Wilson’s. I thought it was a great thing they were doing but did not give much more thought to it.
However that all changed when our friend brought a package from Footprints to my room. The fact that they would provide me with this package when I was in a hospital they did not have a relationship with made me feel special and cared for. I felt there were others out there who understood what I was going through and did not even know a face to go with it. The one thing that helped me through the nights in the hospital before my discharge is the receiving blanket they provide for the mother to sleep and snuggle with. The mother will then give it to the nurses in NICU to use so that their baby has your scent with them. The poem that comes with it makes me cry to this day and will forever stay in Ethan’s baby book.

While I would sit in Ethan’s little corner and hold him I would look at the other parents whose babies were in way worse shape than Ethan and feel such heartache for them. I would feel guilt that I was able to hold my son when there were parents who had been there for months who were now able to hold their own child for the first time. I felt guilt there were babies in there who were born addicted to drugs and were born with the cards stacked against them. Who was I to feel bad for myself? I knew right then that I had to get involved with something, anything that allowed me to help those who would unfortunately follow behind me.
God heard my prayers when I started to follow Footprints more closely and saw Kim wanted to reach out to other hospitals in other cities. I knew it was He that was leading my heart to reach out and offer any assistance in helping with Birmingham. After all we do have 2 of the best hospitals for children in the state here; UAB and Children’s Hospital. However, I wanted to start with St. Vincent’s where the staff was phenomenal and answered any question I had. They were always there with reassurance it would be okay. Most importantly they were there with caring and delicate hands in taking care of my child. After all, they were his surrogate mothers in a sense.

Overall this experience has made me realize just how fortunate we are. How in our darkest hour there is always light as long as we have God and his angels. Kim Wilson and everyone involved in Footprints are just that, angels. Some of these angels I have known for the better half of my life. The two angels who I could not have gotten through any of it without are my mother and husband. Without them I would not be here. They held my hand when I needed it most and let me cry when all I wanted to do is cry.

Ethan today is 7 weeks and 2 days old. He is thriving and I cry almost every time he looks up at me and smiles. He is looking forward to his first Saturday football game; he is already a HUGE Bama fan; thanks to his Uncle Nick.
I never knew that the Lord would allow us to feel this much love, this type of love. If it is only a minuscule part of the love he feels for us then we never truly realize how fortunate we are.

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb." Jeremiah 1:5

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

1 day old

7 weeks old at home!

Footprints in the Fairways-HELP WANTED

2008-07-02T12:45:00.009-05:00

Our 1st annual Footprints in the Fairways golf tournament is just one month away! We are so excited about this event! It will take place at Lagoon Park at 8am on August 9th. There are many ways you can help with the tournament. First, if you play golf you can sign up to play in the tournament. Secondly, you can sponsor our tournament. You may also choose to do a sponsorship "In Honor Of" or "In Memory Of" a baby or child who has been in the NICU. Our cheapest sponsorship($200) will provide 8 Footprints bags to families. That is 8 families who will hear about the Love of Christ because of your sponsorship. Lastly, we will need volunteers the day of the event to work registration, lunch and drink carts. We also need goodies for our goody bags and door prizes from local businesses. If you would like more information on how you can help with Footprints in the Faiways please email kimcwilson1@yahoo.com or gwilson54@gmail.com Please be in prayer for this great event!

"Praise the name of the Lord! Praise him, you who serve the Lord" Psalm 135:1

In Memory of Matthew Burnham

2008-06-23T16:40:00.005-05:00

It saddens me to post this. An amazing baby boy Matthew Burnham went to be with our Lord. This precious baby touched the lives of so many people! We know that he is now healed of his heart problems and is in Heaven playing with all of our Footprints Babies. We can not wait for the day when we will all be reunited with him and tell him about all the lives he changed! Please pray for the Burnham family without ceasing.

Daddy, please don't look so sad, Mama please don't cry~
Cause I am in the arms of Jesus and He sings me lullabies.
Please, try not to question God, Don't think he is unkind
Don't think He sent me to you, and then He changed his mind.
You see, I am a special child,and I'm needed up above
I'm the special gift you gave Him,the product of your love.
I'll always be there with you and watch the sky at night,
Find the brightest star that's gleaming,That's my halo's brilliant light.
You'll see me in the morning frost,that mists your window pane.
That's me in the summer showers, I'll be dancing in the rain.
When you feel a little breeze, from a gentle wind that blows
That's me, I'll be there, planting a kiss on your nose.
When you see a child playing, and your heart feels a little tug,
That's me, I'll be there,giving your heart a hug.
So Daddy, please don't look so sad,Mama don't your cry.
I'm in the arms of Jesusand He sings me lullabies.
Author~Claudette T. Allen

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things." 1 Chronicles 29:11

Amazing Opportunities!

2008-06-19T12:57:00.009-05:00

The Lord continues to bless Footprints with so many amazing opportunities!

Yesterday I got a call that we were selected to participate in LWT Communications-CREATATHON. Every year LWT selects non-profit organizations and they devote a full 24 hours on September 11th for FREE creative services to each organization. We are so excited about this opportunity! To see more info. you can visit here LWT Communications

We had an article in the Montgomery Baptist Association newsletter. Please click here to read the article A big thank you to Lisa Rose for writing a great article!

We also had an article in the Alabama Baptist newspaper last week. Below is the story that was written. Jeremy Henderson did an amazing job!

"Lord, you will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from you." Isaiah 26:12

Montgomery Mother Leaves ‘Footprints’ in NICU
By Jeremy Henderson
Many babies admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Baptist South hospital in Montgomery – those born unexpectedly early, some even before their own baby showers – receive their first gifts from Dana Gallahair.

“Yes, I’m the bag lady,” Gallahair said, laughing.
Gallahair will knock on the door of an anxious mother’s room and she’ll hoist the gift bag (they keep getting nicer and heavier). She’ll smile, and the mom’s will smile back, and Gallahair, a registered nurse and care coordinator for the neonatal and newborn nursery, will get on with her job. The baskets make it easier, help her with introductions, but they’re not hospital issue.
They’re delivered to Gallahair whenever the need arises by her friend and former patient Kim Wilson, founder of The Footprints Ministry. Wilson, a member of Montgomery’s Heritage Baptist Church, started the ministry at Heritage in August of last year to uplift and encourage the parents of the 800 babies per year who are admitted to the NICU’s of Baptist South and Baptist East hospitals, like Wilson’s son John Parker was, the long night of Sept. 30th, 2006.
Wilson can remember everything about her personal experience with the NICU at Baptist South – all the smells, all the sights, all the scary medical terms and all the crying, from both the babies and the parents. And there, behind a glass partition, lying in an incubator was John Parker. He’d been rushed to the NICU from Jackson Hospital for emergency surgery after his lung collapsed the day after he was born by planned C-section. Even if she’d been able to be by his side, she couldn’t have kissed him because of the tube down his mouth, couldn’t have held him for the IVs in his tiny arms. Monitors and wires were everywhere. She couldn’t be with her son. She couldn’t help him.

It was, said Wilson, “indescribably overwhelming.”
John Parker was released ten days later (he is now, his mother says, a typical almost-two-year-old). That’s 240 hours, that’s 14,400 minutes. They were the longest 10 days of Kim Wilson’s life. She and husband Glenn credit the prayers of friends, family and their church, including Pastor David Grumbach, and the compassion of nurses such as Gallahair, with whom she would soon partner, with helping them see those days through.
“We wanted to stay up there every second of every day,” Wilson later wrote in the blog serving as the ministry’s website (http://nicufootprints.blogspot.com/). “I can remember those long drives [to the hospital]. Would today be the day I could hold my baby for the first time? Would he be better today? Would today be the day they would tell us we could take him home? It was such an emotional roller coaster,” a roller coaster that, through Footprints, she is determined to make less scary for others.

“[Footprints] helps cushion what many parents would describe as a nightmare,” said Gallahair, a member of Wadsworth Baptist Church, Autauga Association, where her husband Bill serves as pastor. “It can be a little bit of silver lining in what might seem like a really dark cloud.”
That silver lining comes with the gift bags – over 400 distributed to date – and with the hospital-to-home empathy of experience.

The bags are filled with the things you’d expect – baby magazines and burp cloths and gift cards to local stores and restaurants, but also things you wouldn’t, things obvious only to those who have been through it themselves, like travel necessities.
“[Travel necessities] are very important as most babies are premature and the families are not prepared [for an overnight stay] when the baby arrives,” Wilson said.
But it’s the scent blankets with the poems attached that a new mother can sleep with and then place with the baby, and the prayer request cards they can fill out and send to churches that people really seem to appreciate.

For Beth Barranco, it was the disposable cameras that came in the bag, which she gave to the nurses to capture her daughter Peyton’s first bath. Peyton came 7 weeks early and weighed less than 3lbs when she was born. Barranco couldn’t give her the bath or even be there to watch, but thanks to The Footprints Ministry, she feels like she was there.
"[Footprints] was just really great, they gave us a gift basket when we had her and Kim came and prayed with us all the time, it was so uplifting,” said Barranco, also a member of Heritage Baptist. Peyton stayed in the NICU at Baptist East for six weeks. She has been home for a month. Wilson and Co. were there to welcome her with balloons, signs and footprints cut out of poster board leading to the front door.
“Kim still continues to pray with us, I talk to her all the time, it really is a great ministry.”
And a growing one – Footprints is on the verge of securing 501(c)(3) non-profit status with the IRS and will possibly be expanding into Atlanta and even Orlando.
“I would love to be able to expand to Birmingham and Huntsville as well. I also hope to have a Footprints house one day for families to stay in while their babies are in the NICU,” Wilson said.
“I know the Lord has great things in store for this ministry,” she said. “There is such a huge need.”

Footprints in the Fairways

2008-06-17T19:59:00.003-05:00

We are having our 1st annual Footprints in the Fairways golf tournament on August 9th 8am at Lagoon Park in Montgomery. It will be a four man scramble. We are in need of corporate sponsors as well as golfers to play in this tournament. All proceeds will benefit the Footprints Ministry. If you are interested in playing or sponsoring please email kimcwilson1@yahoo.com or gwilson54@gmail.com With your help this is going to be an amazing event! Thanks so much for your support and prayers!

"Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home." Luke 16:9

Even When the Storms Come.....

2008-06-07T17:50:00.014-05:00

The hardest thing about this ministry is when our precious babies go to be with our Amazing Lord. Last weekend I went to the funeral of precious Jackson Kenneth Carlson. I was overwhelmed with sorrow as I watched the Mommy and Daddy hold their tiny angel in their arms. His sweet sister Sophie Rose was there and placed her mermaid doll in the casket with him. Knowing that she'll never get to play with her little brother absolutely broke my heart. It was an incredibly beautiful service. Jackson was buried at Alabama Heritage in an area they call "Babyland" As I looked around it sent chills down my body. All these markers with baby's names and parents that lost their children. It was so overwhelming! It's so hard to make sense of these circumstances when the Lord takes these babies so early.

As I left the funeral home, I stopped by the gas station. I went in to grab a few things, there was a lady in front of me that was yelling at the cashier because before she started pumping gas the gage registered 11 cents. 11 cents! Is 11 cents really worth ruining this poor lady's day? I was thinking to myself I just left a funeral of a baby and a family that is overcome with grief and then I run into this lady who is upset over 11 cents. I knew the Lord was trying to show me something.

Later that night I went home, still not able to make sense of my day. I started to read in Matthew 8 where Jesus takes the disciples out on the boat. Jesus is sleeping in the back of boat when a Storm comes. The disciples run to the back of the boat and wake up Jesus to help them. Jesus says "why do you have little faith" he then says to the waves "silence, be still" This story really hit home with me. Sometimes I think, I allow the Lord to be in the back of the boat until something really bad happens and then I'm down on my knees saying Lord help me. When actually the Lord should be steering my boat. The Lord is in control of everything even the storms we face.

As I'm writing this blog this song came on, definitely not a coincidence:
Even rain falls
Even flood start rising
Even when the storm comes
I am washed by the Water
by NeedtoBreathe

My prayer is that all the time and in troubled time we can "Be still", allow the Lord to steer our boat, and have "faith" that he is in control.

Please continue to pray for the precious Carlson family as they are still coping with the loss of sweet Jackson.

One Hour-Eternal Impact

2008-06-02T16:48:00.009-05:00

We got together Sunday and put together some Footprints Bags. We had a wonderful group of women and children that came! We also wrote cards to our Footprints families. It only took us an hour to make our footprints bags. I was thinking, that the one hour that these women spent making these bags could have an eternal impact on a family that receives one. How awesome is that? We all have such busy lives but where do we spend our time? This was a great one hour spent that will leave eternal impacts on many families. I encourage you to find something to spend your time on that will leave an eternal impression on someone's life. Thank you so much to the following women for serving in this incredible ministry!

Laura Barrow, Robyn Bernier, Christy Cronier, Sandy and Perri Ella Gandy, Tina and Zoey Hall, Kim Keefe, Pattie McLean(Peyton's Grandmother), Molly McLean(Peyton's Aunt), Kadra Parkman, Keely Sawyer, Amy Tyner and Allie Byrd, Ann Solomon, Charlene and Evelyn Walker, and Leigh Willis

Also a BIG thank you to Chappy's Deli for donating gift cards!

“They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." 2 Corinthians 9:9

Making Bags

Sandy with her granddaughter Perri Ella

Mother/Daughter team Amy Tyner and Allie Byrd

Our assembly line

Tina, Robyn and Kadra writing encouragement notes

Pedal!

2008-05-27T14:01:00.002-05:00

Below is a poem my Mom sent me. Wow, it is powerful!! Sometimes the Lord takes us to rocky and unknown places but how grateful I am he does! My prayer is that we all will just pedal and let the Lord direct us where to go.
This verse struck me when I read this: "This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength."
1 Corinthians 1:24

"The Road of Life"
At first, I saw God as my observer,
my judge
keeping track of the things I did wrong,
so as to know whether I merited heaven
or hell when I die.
He was out there sort of like a president.
I recognized His picture when I saw it,
but I really didn’t know Him.

But later on
when I met Christ,
it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride,
but it was a tandem bike,
and I noticed that Christ
was in the back helping me pedal.

I don’t know just when it was
that He suggested we change places,
but life has not been the same since.

When I had control,
I knew the way.
It was rather boring,
but predictable. . . .
It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead,
He knew delightful long cuts,
up mountains,
and through rocky places
at breakneck speeds,
it was all I could do to hang on!
Even thought it looked like madness
He said, “Pedal!”

I worried and was anxious
and asked,
“Where are you taking me?”
He laughed and didn’t answer,
and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life
and entered into the adventure.
And when I’d say, “I’m scared,”
He’d lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed,
gifts of healing,
acceptance and joy.
They gave me gifts to take on my journey,
my Lord’s and mine.

And we were off again.
He said, “Give the gifts away;
they’re extra baggage, too much weight.”
So I did,
to the people we met
and I found that in giving I received,
and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him,
at first,
in control of my life.
I thought He’d wreck it;
but He knows bike secrets,
knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up
and pedal
in the strangest places,
and I’m beginning to enjoy the view
and the cool breeze on my face
with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I’m sure I just can’t do anymore,
He just smiles and says . . . “Pedal.”
-author unknown

Fantastic Family Fun Day!!

2008-05-20T13:20:00.014-05:00

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ"
Philippians 1:3-5

This bible verse says it ALL! We had an amazing Family Fun Day on Saturday! We raised $2000 for Footprints! We were so excited about the turnout! The Lord blessed us with beautiful weather too! We had several of our Footprints families come to the event! It was so awesome to see how these babies have grown. Below are a few pictures of our First Footprints Family the Waters Family. Brooke is doing so well! Look how big she is! It was so good to see them again! They drove all the way from Selma to come to the Fun Day.

There are so many people we need to thank! I wish we had room to list every single person. This would not have been as successful as it was without the help of many, many volunteers and bakers. We want to thank The Waters for allowing us to have our fun day in their community! It was the perfect location! There was a special committee that did a fantastic job planning and organizing this event. A big thank you to each of these women who worked so hard to pull this event together. The following people were a part the planning committee:

Robyn Bernier, Lindsey Carroll, Pam Carroll, Gina Clifford, Sharon Cook, Christy Cronier, Kadra Parkman, Karen Redden and Taylor Thomas

This event also wouldn't have been possible without the support of these amazing sponsors!

Anchor Mortgage
Parkman Land & Cattle Company
Dr. Den Trumbull III
Glenn Wilson/Wachovia Mortgage

Dr. Ronald C. Elijah

Cosby Company
Alabama Wholesale Lumber
Gowan Iron/Pemberton Inc.

"In Kind"Sponsors

Heritage Baptist Church
Grace Pointe Church
Rave Motion Pictures
Blue Ridge Mountain Water
Blue Bell Ice Cream
Barb's on Mulberry
Landmark Sign Co.
Skinner Printing

Mr. and Mrs Don Cook

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, baked goodies, and attended the fun day! We are so grateful for your support! Below are some pictures from the FUN day.

Welcome to the Fun Day!

The Entrance

Selling Tickets

Heritage Baptist Table

Brooke Waters-our 1st Footprints baby!

Terry, Kellee and Brooke Waters

Our Clowns were Great!

Everyone loved our clowns!

Sack Races

Go Fish

Glenn in the Dunkin Booth

Hunter Getting Dunked

Ann and Alicia

Mrs. Kitti painting faces

Pin the Tail

Cake Walk

Reagan fishing! Her little brother Pierson

got out of the NICU last week!

Pam did a great job with the Go Fish game!

Jackson having fun in the moonwalk!

The Obstacle Course

Janel and Addison with Tabitha and Parks

A Day Full of Family Fun!

Peyton is Home!!

2008-05-18T14:08:00.009-05:00

I'm so excited to tell you that after 6 long weeks our baby Peyton came home today!!! We praise the Lord for this precious miracle. We know that it is by His Grace that she was able to come home today! We decorated their yard with Footprints and stayed for Peyton's arrival home. We were so honored to be a part of her homecoming! Below are some pictures. Thank you for all of your prayers and support for this family! We also want to thank Jeff and Beth for allowing Footprints to be a part of their NICU experience. Peyton will always be a special Footprints baby!

"With God all things are possible" Matthew 19:26

Welcome Home Peyton!!!

"For this child I prayed" 1 Samuel 1:27

Congratulations Jeff and Beth!

A precious miracle!

The Power of Prayer!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2008-05-10T21:35:00.007-05:00

I hope each of you have a wonderful Mother's Day!! Today we went to both hospitals and delivered carnations to the mothers for Mother's Day. It was such a special trip! It reminded me of the many things I have to be thankful for. We came across one mother, it appeared her baby had just been transferred to the NICU from another hospital. She was completely distraught. You could see the hurt and pain in her eyes. I was able to meet her for a moment and gave her a card for her to call us if she needed anything. It is heartbreaking to know that these mothers are spending their Mother's Day with their babies in the NICU. Mother's Day especially reminds me of our Footprints families whose babies became angels this past year. I know it is going to be an extremely difficult day for them tomorrow. My prayer is that the Lord will wrap his arms around each one of these mothers and comfort them. Please remember all of these families in your prayers on Mother's Day and everyday.

We also got to visit with Beth(mom) and baby Peyton today. It was such a joy to see Peyton doing so well! They are hoping to go home later next week! Below are a few pictures from today and also the poem that we attached to each carnation. Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

"My 1st Mother's Day" by Pam Carroll

My Mommy loves me dearly
I know that this is true,
I've known it from the moment,
God formed me in her womb.

I feel her prayers when whispered
Lifted to heaven on high -
I hear the sound of her footsteps
Whenever she draws nigh.

I will rise up and call her blessed
She is patient, kind and true,
Happy Mother's Day to Mommy
I Love You!!!

"Every time I think of you I give thanks to my God" Philippians 1:3

Our flowers with the poems

Robyn with the flowers

Peyton with her Mommy and Aunt Laura

Beth, Peyton and me

Peyton in her open crib! Praise the Lord!

Foootprints Family Fun Day

2008-05-06T20:05:00.004-05:00

We are having our Footprints Family Fun Day on May 17th from 10am to 2pm at The Waters subdivision in Pike Road. This is going to be a good old fashioned carnival with music, food and games for all ages. We will have several moon walks, a dunking booth, sack races, face painting, bean bag toss, go fish game, cake walk, clowns, balloons and much more. There will also be an antique car show. This will be a great way to spend time with your family and support a wonderful ministry. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children with a maximum of $25 per family. Tickets will be available the day of the event. If you would like a ticket in advance please email nicufootprints@yahoo.com All proceeds will go to the Footprints Ministry. We hope to see you there!

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work." 1 Timothy 1:12

"My Blankie" by Pam Carroll

2008-05-03T20:30:00.002-05:00

My aunt, Pam Carroll, wrote the sweetest poem. We attach this poem to our scent blankies we put in our Footprints bags. The idea behind the scent blankies is for the mother to take the blanket home and sleep with then return it to the incubator so the baby will have their mother's scent close to them. It's so hard when you can't hold your baby or comfort it while they're in the incubator. I know so many families have been comforted by this precious poem.

My “Blankie” by Pam Carroll

I have a little “blankie”
That I hold tight each night,
But there’s one thing missing,
My Mommy by my side.

If Mommy takes this “blankie”
And holds it very close,
When she brings it to me
I’ll smell her with my nose.

It won’t replace my Mommy,
But remind me of her love,
And that God’s watching me
From Heaven above.

"Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles." Psalm 119:50

Why I started Footprints

2008-04-30T16:38:00.005-05:00

Why did I start the Footprints Ministry? Well, for any mother I went through one of the hardest but most amazing experiences ever. I had John Parker on Friday September 29th 2006. The next night he had a lung collapse at Jackson hospital. They immediately did emergency surgery. I can remember sitting in the room at a complete loss for words. Why? Why is this happening to me? Why couldn’t I have the normal delivery like all of the other moms? The only thing I could do at that point is call Brother David, our pastor, and ask him to pray with Glenn and me. We felt the Lord’s presence in the room with us. We knew he had John Parker in the Lord’s hands. Sunday morning the pediatrician came in and said “we’re going to have to transfer John Parker to the NICU at Baptist South” I was completely by myself, Glenn had run home to grab a few things. As soon as the doctor left, Brother David, Tammie, and Dr. Hall came in the room. I wasn’t alone; the Lord knew right when to send them to see me. Dr. Hall prayed and Bro. David and Tammie encouraged me as they had been through this before. Shortly after the ambulance staff came by my room with John Parker in the incubator, they were taking this child that I had carried for 9 months to another hospital. I hadn’t even held him or fed him yet. We couldn’t go with him we just had to tell him we loved him and would see him soon. I felt like my heart had been completely ripped out. My doctor was able to discharge me a few hours later. I really wasn’t in any condition to be discharged but I had to be with our son.

I still remember everything about the NICU, the smell, the sounds of the monitors, and the cries. The cries were not only from the helpless babies but also from the parents. Our son was lying in an incubator with a chest tube, oxygen, IVs, and monitors connected everywhere. The nurses were using medical terms that we couldn’t understand. We had to learn quickly what everything meant. It was so indescribably overwhelming. We wanted to stay up there every second of every day. I can remember those long drives down Taylor Road and Troy Highway. Would today be the day I could hold my baby for the first time? Would he be better today? Would today be the day they would tell us we could take him home? It was such an emotional rollercoaster. One day he would be doing good and the next day he regressed. No one could tell us exactly what day he could go home. Everyday I would think I can’t do this anymore. We received hundreds of phone calls, emails, and prayers from so many people from the church. We still remember every single one of them. This is the only thing that helped us through this devastating situation. So, today I have my answer as to why. The Lord put me in this situation so I could begin this ministry. It was all in his plan. John Parker was only in the NICU for 10 days which seemed like forever at that time but now I know it was only a glimpse of what these parents are going through. There is no way Glenn and I could have made it through this alone. I think of all of these un-churched parents. How do they deal with this with no church family support? I pray that the Footprints Ministry reaches out to each of these parents and provides support and encouragement during this difficult time. I also pray that this will be a ministry that brings un-churched families into a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, I can say I am truly grateful for this storm in life that we went through. I am so thankful for the Footprints Ministry, not only has it impacted the lives of so many families but it also has greatly impacted me!

“For I know the plans I have for you“says the Lord “They are plans for good not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:11

In the NICU

John Parker 1 year old

Sweet Caroline!

2008-04-29T16:55:00.010-05:00

Here are a few pictures of Caroline, our precious Footprints baby from Atlanta. Look how far she's come! She was born at 3lbs and is now around 6lbs!! Praise the Lord for the great things he has done!!

"He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes." Deuteronomy 10:21

In the NICU

Her Daddy's wedding ring

Her tiny foot, so precious!

Amazing!

March of Dimes-March for Babies

2008-04-27T21:08:00.013-05:00

We had a wonderful walk yesterday at the March for Babies! Our Footprints team raised $1150 for the March of Dimes! We got to see one of the families that we have been praying for-Rick and Emily Marks(see picture of the Marks team below). They are doing good, please continue to keep them in your prayers. The money raised for March for Babies supports lifesaving research, services, education and advocacy to help babies get a healthy start. We have a wonderful local March of Dimes chapter here in Montgomery for more information please click here http://www.marchofdimes.com/alabama/

A big thank you to the following people for walking with us!

Brian and Robyn Bernier, Chris Best, Hunter Brendle, Nikki Brouillette, Lindsey Carroll, Pam Carroll, Betty Cody, Sharon Cook, Diane Cook, Christy Cronier, Kelli Griffin, Kim Keefe, Ellen McBee, Kadra Parkman, Mike and April Reed, Carli Rock, and Dusty and Whitney Wilson.
And our little ones: Cooper Bernier, Parker Cook and John Parker Wilson

"And so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth!"
Psalm 116:9

Our cute t-shirts!

Incredible Faith

2008-04-25T09:09:00.004-05:00

The Lord has blessed me with amazing friends! There is a very special couple Mike and April Reed that have truly touched my life! Mike was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 1999. He is still battling it today. He was recently on an experimental drug treatment that seemed to be curing him. This past Tuesday while in Houston the doctors found another spot on his spine. This means he is no longer eligilbe to participate in this drug treatment. We know that the Lord is closing this door to open another one to him. Here is a link to their caringbridge site http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaelreed. The faith this family has is so inspiring. Mike added a journal entry yesterday. I encourage each of you to read this. It has truly touched me today!

On a side note, Mike and April have been very supportive of Footprints! April designed this wonderful blog! Please keep them in your prayers as they continue on this difficult road!

“I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:20

Footprints in the Media

2008-04-22T16:56:00.006-05:00

We had a wonderful visit with Leslie Bailey on AM1170 last week! Leslie is so supportive of Footprints! We appreciate her inviting us to be on her show. A big thank you also to Jeff Barranco for calling in and sharing their story! I had two of my biggest supporters go with me, my husband Glenn and sister Robyn. They thought they were there as an audience but Leslie put them on the spot! They did great! I also met Bill Rice from the Montgomery Independant last week. We had a great interview. The Footprints article will be published in this Thursday's newspaper. Be on the look out for it! Praise the Lord for opening all these doors to us! Everyday the Lord amazes me more and more!

"For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 11:10

Visit with Very Special Family

2008-04-21T17:06:00.006-05:00

I had the privilege of visiting our Footprints family from Atlanta on Saturday night! We delivered a bucket of snack foods for their "rooming-in" stay and baby items for Caroline! A big thank you to my sister, Robyn Bernier for making this precious bucket. My visit with them was incredible! Caroline is an absolute angel. This is a family that is very close to the Lord. We talked and prayed together, it was like we've known each other for years. Tyler, the mother, told me she knows the Lord has special plans for her through this experience and she believes Footprints is a part of that plan. It bring me to tears, knowing that the Lord has a plan for Footprints to expand to Atlanta! This whole situation with Tyler having a 1 in a million rare disease, just happpen to be in Montgomery when she delivered, and her connecting with Footprints is no coincidence. I know the Lord has great plans for this family. What a great joy to know that the Lord has bigger and better plans for this ministry than we could ever imagine!

"For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. They are plans for good not for disaster to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11

Anonymous Note

2008-04-21T16:57:00.002-05:00

I received an anonymous note today. I wish I knew who sent it. It is a note of such great encouragement!! What a great reminder that the Footprints Ministry is touching so many lives! I know that this is everyone's prayer for this ministry. Thank you for all of your support and prayers for this ministry!

"Our family was in the NICU for only a short 9 days, but wanted to let you know how blessed and touched by this ministry we felt. We pray God will continue to bless Footprints ministry and that through it many will come to know the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Prayer Request for the Hickman Family

2008-04-18T08:47:00.006-05:00

Precious friends of mine Will and Tabitha Hickman are expecting twins! They have a 19 month old named Parks. Tabitha is 9 weeks pregnant with these wonderful miracles! Will, the daddy, will be running in a marathon in September. He was required to pick an organization to run for and he picked Footprints! He has to raise a minimum of $5,000 to participate in the race. We are so grateful for their amazing support for Footprints! Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for the wonderful world of twins. I will keep you posted on their progression.

Thanks for all of your prayers!

"Children are a gift from the Lord;they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

What is the Footprints Ministry?

2008-04-18T08:24:00.008-05:00

The Footprints Ministry began in August of 2007 at Heritage Baptist Church. We began serving Baptist South hospital in Montgomery. In December of 2007 we expanded our ministry to Baptist East hospital through the support of Grace Pointe Church. The Footprints Ministry distributes gift bags to parents who have a baby admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Units at Baptist South and Baptist East. These hospitals serve 800 babies per year and 20 surrounding counties. We have already distributed over 350 bags! Each bag contains a Bible, disposable camera (for the nurses to take pictures when the parents can't be there), gift cards to local restaurants and stores, burp cloth with monogrammed footprints, a scent blankie with a poem attached for the mother to sleep with and return to the baby, travel necessities such as toothbrushes, a prayer request card, and promotional items such as pens and notepads. Each of these items are very important as most babies are premature and the families are not prepared to have a baby when they arrive at the hospital. We also do seasonal events such as our Santa visit, we delivered 1st Christmas stockings and the Easter Bunny delivered Easter baskets.

This ministry has touched the lives of so many families! We've had opportunities to meet these families and pray with them. We've also made many friends through this ministry. Our prayer is that we will share the love of Christ with these families and provide comfort and encouragement to them during the most exciting and difficult time in their life.

"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done." Psalm 105:1

1st Footprints Family

2008-04-16T20:16:00.010-05:00

Brooke was born in August 2007 at 2lbs 30z. She stayed in the NICU at Baptist South for 9 weeks! Her family had to travel an hour and a half to visit Brooke everyday. They were the 1st family that Footprints ministered to. They are such a blessing to my life and many others involved with the Footprints ministry. They invited us to the hospital to meet Brooke in the NICU and we were able to pray together. They always kept us updated on how she was doing and even still today send us updates. Brooke is almost 8 months old now and is doing great. She just rolled over for the first time! Brooke also had her first TV appearance on Alabama Live on WSFA for the Footprints interview. She will be at our Family Fun Day at The Waters May 17th! We are so grateful for the support this family has given the Footprints Ministry! This is a family of great faith that inspires so many! We love our precious Brooke!

"Come and see what God has done: He is awesome." Psalm 66:5

Easter Bunny Visits the NICU

2008-04-16T20:14:00.006-05:00

In March 2008 we had our 1st Easter Bunny Visit to the NICU at Baptist South and Baptist East Hospitals! We delivered Easter Baskets which included the jelly bean prayer, bunny kisses, bunny picture frame, egg filled with candy, rubber ducky, a footprints book mark, and a hand painted cross. We also took pictures with all of the babies for the parents to put in their baby books. The families were so excited to have us there! We also had a special helper with us Tapley Cronier. He was born very premature and now is a healthy 5 year old! His mother Christy headed up expanding Footprints to Baptist East Hospital. Our Easter Bunny visit was a great success! Thank you to everyone who helped us assemble the baskets and to my husband Glenn for being the Easter Bunny!

Here are a few links to our Easter Bunny visit from the Montgomery Advertiser:
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/NEWS01/803170310

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=DS&Dato=20080316&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=803160805&Ref=PH

"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." Acts 20:24

"Feasting for Footprints" Pancake Breakfast

2008-04-16T20:12:00.005-05:00

We had our 1st Annual Feasting for Footprints Pancake Breakfast at Up the Creek restaraunt in February 2008. We raised over $2500 for Footprints! We had an amazing turnout and great food too! Thanks to all of the volunteers from Grace Pointe, Eastmont, and the Alpha Sunday School class at Heritage! Thank you also to everyone who purchased a ticket!

"You are the God of great wonders!" Psalm 77:14

Santa visits the NICU

2008-04-16T20:10:00.006-05:00

In December 2007 we had our 1st Santa Visit to the NICU at Baptist South. We delivered "1st Christmas Stockings" filled with a Christmas bottle, bib and other items. These stockings were donated to the Footprints Ministry by Grant and Debbie Jones from Heritage Baptist. They were a huge hit in the NICU. We also took pictures of the babies with Santa and returned the pictures to the parents to keep in their baby books. Pictured above is one of our babies we prayed so hard for Cassandra. She is now at home and doing great! A big thank you to my husband Glenn for doing a great job as Santa! His support for this ministry has been amazing!
"When God's people are in need, be ready to help them."
Romans 12:13

Footprints Motorcycle Ride Benefit

2008-04-16T19:43:00.007-05:00

The Faith Riders Ministry at Heritage Baptist Church had a benefit ride for Footprints back in November of 2007. It was a huge success! They raised $500 for Footprints! A special thanks to Steve Atchison who organized this ride. Also thanks to everyone who participated in this ride! Faith Riders is a really neat ministry! It made me want a motorcycle! For more information, please see http://www.hbcm.net/ and click on Faith Riders.

2008-04-16T13:13:00.006-05:00

Hey Everyone! I've started this blog to keep everyone updated on prayer requests and events going on with the Footprints Ministry. I have a website in the works but it's taken a lot longer than I expected. If you have any website experience, I need your help! I'm still trying to figure out this whole blog thing too! A wonderful friend, April Reed is great at this and came up with this precious blog design. Stay tuned I'll be updating again soon!