Monday, November 10, 2008

Annabelle's ministry continues to grow...

As we were watching our baby girl in the PCICU and trying to do as much as we could without being able to hold her, Scott made the comment that all precious heart babies should have what we were sharing with her that day...treating her like a normal 3 day old baby as much as we could by putting cute socks on her, wrapping her in pretty blankets that didn't scream that she was still in the hospital when she should be coming home and adorning her annointed head with beautiful bows! The thought that was placed on Scott's mind was to buy some socks and bows that we could give MUSC for the other little girls...and, maybe, some for boys if we could afford it. God is good and His plan is so far beyond what we can humanly comprehend or even imagine!
Today, on Scott's birthday, we have joined forces with Palmetto Hearts to establish Annabelle Baskets as a non-profit organization! All donations will be tax deductible and a portion of all the funds that Palmetto Hearts receives will go towards the baskets as well. I will still maintain Annabelle Baskets' donations, both financial and items, myself at our home as we have from its conception. I established a separate business account for them months ago and will keep it as is.
I have been in prayer for the past months as to how I should move forward realizing the blessings of other's generosity. The president of Palmetto Hearts, Sara Wallace, called just days after I began contacting accountants and attorneys and was quickly becoming overwhelmed in what would have to be done to file independently. The Board of PH had just met and wanted to see if there was something they could do to help me out since I was including their brochure in all of the baskets that are distributed at MUSC. I was also offered a seat on the Executive Board to be "in the know" and to be able to update PH as to the basket ministry. (I am super impressed with the title "Board Member" although "MOMMY" is by far my favorite!) I am thrilled to see what God has planned for us from here...

13 comments:

Katie said...

Such great news all around today, congratulations!!! I don't know if you've checked, but Mia got her heart this morning! Just thought you'd like to know :) Your ministry has been so amazing and inspired me to give back as well. What a blessing to know that Annabelle's legacy will continue to grow and touch so many lives. I love you friend and I'm equally impressed with your new board member status! Thanks for sharing your wonderful news.
Love,
Katie

Amanda-The Family News! said...

Oh Rebecca this is just great news!!! I am so happy for you and the Annabelle Baskets ministry. Annabelle has to be looking down on you smiling!!!
And yes, as Katie above said - Go check out Mia's site! It has been so great following along and praying for her and to see that she did receive her new heart!!! What an awesome day all around!
Love Amanda

Miller Family said...

Oh Rebecca, tears of joy are flowing. I am so happy for you and excited to see how tall this is playing out. I know Annabelle is smiling down on you and so proud of her amazing mommy! Thanks for sharing your story with us.

We received your thank you and the boys are so proud of the note and picture you sent. Thank you so much for your kind words. God is just sooo Good! Love, Michelle

Evie's Story said...

Praise the Lord...again! The doors have been opened wide for you my friend...your roots have gone down deep into the Lord and there is MUCH fruit in your life and the branches of ministry are far reaching. I praise the Lord for you. Tears and thanksgiving for all He is doing through your precious heart and ministry!

What a gift today for Annabelle's daddy on his birthday!

Looking forward to our visit tomorrow!
m

The Simmons Family said...

I am so thrilled for you!! Congratulations on ALL the hard work you do with the Annabelle Baskets... it paid off. I can't imagine the joy that you bring to so many little families that are desperatly needing a reason to smile!

You are amazing!

Andrea

Jonathan said...

Wow Rebecca!! God is good! We haven't gotten started yet but we are collecting a lot of things for the baskets. I am hoping to start putting them together soon and giving back to Boston Children's. Thanks again for sharing your idea and I hope the Lindsay Baskets are a blessing to others as well.

Love,
Laura Groen

Anonymous said...

That is wonderful news about your ministry! Wyatt and Annabelle are especially grateful to have a Mom that, in heartache still, follows God calling and purpose for life. You are a awesome person and I am truly blessed to go to church with you and most of all, know your story! Through your daughter, my daughter started asking questions on salvation, that with her church family and family, she was baptized. I was honored to have your Dad baptize her. Although Alex only met Annabelle once, she still talks about her. As a parent, I am thrilled that she too will see her in Heaven one day.

God has richly blessed your ministry and I will continue to pray for you all and what God has in store for you all next.

God Bless,
Leigh Ann Gandy

Our Family said...

You are so amazing, Rebecca! I had no doubt that Annabelle Baskets would EXPLODE like they have. I know that the moms and dads who are in the shoes we were in just a few months ago are so happy and thankful for you and for this ministry. I am in awe of your strength and faith. Thank you for being there for heart babies! Annabelle is so proud of her mommy right now. God Bless!
Bernie

~Sara~ said...

I am blessed to not only be your friend, but to fulfill God's calling on our lives together.

I can't wait to see what God has next for us!!!

Hugs,

Sara

Anonymous said...

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Staci Klotz said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! This is wonderful news. I so hope you will one day consider putting publishing your blog from the very beginning in a book. It is so very amazing how you have continued your posts. What an encouragement you have been to others. God bless you and your family!
Staci Klotz

Lindsay Dean said...

In reguards to the last comment that is from Staci, my cousin works for a publishing company......just thought I'd throw that one in for you! :-)
Oh how I love you my friend. You amaze me everyday with your incredible strength.
Love, Suzie

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you! What great news! Best of luck...not that you need it! :)

Linda
www.itsnomonkeybusiness.com