This is the Ronald McDonald House here in Boise. It is an amazing place!! It is a beautiful place. The people who are in charge of this facility are wonderful!! Pineapple Princess and I have been there twice to serve. The RMH has a program where volunteers come into their kitchen and cook or bake anything you want to do. It is for the residents who can come and stay there while their children are sick and staying in the hospital that is right across the street. Last month we made chocolate chip cookies. We went yesterday and made dinner. Our family's favorite meal is a chicken casserole that my friend Adie gave me like 18 years ago. It is so yummy. When I was telling the project coordinator about the casserole she kept saying how 'comforting' it sounded. Comforting, I asked her? I didn't quite get what she was saying. She told me that the families that stay at the Ronald McDonald House are usually here because they have a baby in the NICU or a very sick child in the hospital and after a long day of stress and worry of being with these little ones all day, they can come to the house and get a hot 'comforting' meal and then try to get a goodnight's sleep. I never thought of it that way. I guess because I have had a baby in the NICU and I understand what that entails...it took on a whole new meaning to me. I may not be the biggest fan of McDonald's food...but I truly am grateful that the McDonald's Corporation gives sooooo much back to the community. It is an unbelievable set up that they have. There is soooooooooo much that is donated to the house from the community that this house can truly offer these families a HOME while they are here. They ask for a $10 a night donation but if a family cannot afford that then it's ok, they still get to stay there. They have rooms that are set up like little apartments. They have laundry rooms, they have a front room with a fire place; there is a library; a kids play room. I cannot describe how wonderful a place it is. I am so grateful that the community wants to help so much that the schedule is literally full to come in and cook. We are going again in a month and then in July we are going as a family and will make breakfast for the families on a Saturday morning. It brings me such peace to help others. I have been really stressed out lately and very 'woe is me'. But when I go into that home where so much 'good' is happening and do a little something to ease the burdens of others my spirit is lifted. My soul is fed. So, just like the chicken casserole is comforting to those who partake of it....preparing it for these sweet families comforts me. I truly believe the best way to overcome problems or burdens is to serve others. I have been reminded of that. I believe it. I wish I could bottle up the feelings I feel when I am there. Love. Peace. Stillness. Goodness. I can feel my Father in Heaven's love there. I know God lives. He blesses us everyday. I get to see a little bit of heaven when I serve others. For this, I am grateful.
