A friend in Need

I received the following through a Facebook conversation between my sorority sisters regarding a KD sister, Rachel, and I share it with you to see if you can offer any assistance as well. If anything, please lift this sweet family up in your prayers:

Rachel and her husband lost their condo and everything they owned in a fire last week. They are settled in an apartment, but their first child is due in less than 2 weeks, so the timing is challenging.

Brandon was home when the fire began and by the grace of God escaped safely by climbing down a third-story balcony after an unsuccessful attempt to save their two house cats. Rachel was at work when the fire broke out and was also saved from harm. In only a matter of minutes they were left with literally the clothes on their backs and no further possessions. Brandon's car was parked so close to the home that even it was a total loss due to the heat from the fire.

All the baby shower gifts and fully stocked nursery that was awaiting the baby's arrival are gone. After several tearful phone conversations with Rachel she displays amazing strength and faith despite the situation they are in. I was simply in awe of her today as she told me the song that has filled her thoughts is an old Christian hymn titled "It Is Well With My Soul". She actually said she was glad that it had happened to them rather than someone else who could not have escaped. "Not only did God give the ultimate sacrifice to save us but now he has saved us in a way that only makes us that much more thankful." Wow! How many of us could have that point of view when immersed in a situation like this in only a matter of days?

Rachel and Brandon managed to move into an apartment on Sunday and have now started the task of trying to stock their home and closets. They have already received a bed and bedding, a TV, maternity clothes, a place setting of 4, pots and pans. Other items she has been told are on their way include a table and chairs, crib, changing table, stroller, and car seat. Items she is requesting for the baby include a rocker or glider, 3-6 month clothing, receiving blankets, socks, bottles, etc. They will not find out the gender of the baby until delivery. Therefore Nursery themes and clothing are non-gender specific.

Their baby registries are still available listed as Rachel and Brandon Rice in Marietta, Georgia at Target, and at Babies R Us.

If you have any gently used household or baby items that you are able to donate, those gifts would are greatly appreciated. Gift cards in any amount to Target, Wal-Mart, Babies R Us, or Bed Bath Beyond are also helpful.