Until Journey's End

Until Journey's End Website

2008-08-26T20:42:00.001-04:00

Please visit us at our website. Don't forget to make a new bookmark!

Looking for Families

2008-07-09T13:25:00.001-04:00

We're looking for families to support! Please continue to send us your family suggestions so we can get out our next care package and begin supporting our next family!

Kolton Yoder

2008-06-29T21:09:00.003-04:00

It is with a sad heart that I'm updating to let you know little Kolton passed away this evening. Please be in prayer for his parents, siblings and extended family as they mourn the loss of their sweet boy. It is always difficult to know what to say when a loved one dies, but petitioning God on their behalf requires no special words. Please lift them up in the coming days, weeks and months.

Volunteer Needed

2008-06-24T14:51:00.002-04:00

I need someone (ladies only, please) to come to our world headquarters (our house) and help me do some organizing for UJE. Peel off price tags, put items away...stuff like that. No more than 2 hours, probably. Please email me if you're interested.

Yoder Family

2008-06-22T21:31:00.002-04:00

Our next family, the Yoder Family, is at Cincinnati Children's Hospital for their son, Kolton. He desperately needs to get on the transplant list for a new heart but is not yet well enough. Please visit their Caring Bridge site to see the little cutie.

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We continue to work on the new website and have monthly board meetings. Everything takes more time than I think it will!! But in a good way. We're still here, working harder than ever, to make UJE the best it can be. If you have any suggestions, please let us know! We always look forward to hearing from you so please, drop us a line!

We've Been Busy!!!

2008-06-11T13:27:00.002-04:00

I've been working like a busy bee! We're utilizing Squarespace for our website and it should be ready by the middle of July. One of our board members, Jim, is working on a logo design and I can't wait to see it! Yesterday, I finished the tax application packet and am waiting for Jason to finish up the bylaws. We're making lists of companies we want to contact for potential donations. How about Burt's Bees? And Bath and Body Works? I hope we can partner with some pretty cool companies/organizations to fill our care packages with ultra nice stuff! If there are products you love, please, let me know what they are! I'd love some ideas of companies to contact for good stuff.

We had another board meeting last night and are looking for at least 2 more members. We really prefer 5-8 to start out with. This gives us lots of perspectives--I like that!

This morning, I opened up UJE's checking account!!! Now you can write checks to Until Journey's End!!!!!! If you've been waiting to join the Ten Buck Club ($10/month for 12 months) now is the time!!! The account is open and waiting!!!! BTW, all monies recieved for the Ten Buck Club are to purchase gift cards and stamps to send in the care packages.

Thanks to the Darnold Family for sending some more care package supplies! It lights up my life when others are as excited about UJE as I am.

I'm off. Working like a crazy woman to get this website ready!!!

Where We Are

2008-06-04T16:19:00.003-04:00

The next big step for UJE is applying for 501(c)(3) status. $300.

Along with that, we need a website. I'd like to utilize Squarespace. Do-it-yourself website/blog that has the potential to be pretty cool. $300/year.

We're also running low on care package items.

If you believe in what we're doing, please be praying that God would provide the money needed to move forward.

Blessings.

Family #11: Brody Bolyard / Family #12: Payton Brooks

2008-06-01T15:46:00.002-04:00

The 11th family we're supporting is the Bolyard Family from Ohio. They've endured several miscarriages and then their son, Brody, was born at 28 weeks on May 12. He is being cared for at Aultman Hospital (where Isaac was born). Brody is doing well. Mom stays several nights and then travels home; Dad visits when he can (had to go back to work).

Our 12th family, The Brooks', live in Grand Rapids, MI. Their son, Payton, needs to have surgery on his heart to close a hole that hasn't closed on its own. They'll be traveling to Ann Arbor, MI tomorrow for his surgery.

Please keep Brody and Payton in your prayers as doctors heal and care for their little bodies.

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On another note, we are getting low on care package supplies. Anything on the list to the right would be very helpful. Right now, Jason and I are working on saving up the $300 for our 501(c)(3) application. Once we have the $300, we'll be ready to send it in. God willing, it will be yet this month. Once we have sent our application, we'll be ready to send out fundraising/marketing letters. My hope is that this opens up a lot of doors to share UJE with others.

Thank you very much for your continued support and encouragement. Slowly, but surely, we are making a difference in the lives of others. We have a long way to go, to meet all the needs I want to meet, but we've got a start! Thank you!!

Yes!

2008-05-27T13:04:00.002-04:00

Great idea! Babysitters!!! Oh, how we could've used those!!!! That's how our Ohio Grandma and Grandpa came about. I spent several weeks trying to find a Cleveland area daycare, church, babysitting list...anything....and through a friend of a friend, found the lovely couple who drove 1/2 hour each way to help take care of Hannah while I visited Isaac. They enjoyed the experience so much, they gave their name to another family at the RMH in case they ever needed help. I don't know how to do it, either, find people, but what I do know, is that the more people know about what UJE is doing, the better we can serve families! Keep the ideas coming and tell everyone you know about what we're all trying to do!

What else?!

Yea for UJE!

2008-05-26T21:27:00.003-04:00

Before we get to UJE, I want to thank those people who have served our country to provide our freedom. Thank you for your service. Thank you for protecting us and countless others throughout the world. We appreciate your sacrifice.

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We are now a registered organization with the State of Michigan and have received our EIN. I can now open a bank account and finish our paperwork to apply for 501(c)(3) status! This is great stuff, folks!

I also chatted tonight with a UJE supporter from Owosso, MI. Her family had a NICU experience, too; we had a great conversation and I look forward to her suggestions and thoughts in the future! One of the ideas she had tonight was for portable DVD players for families traveling with children. Great idea! We had the same issue, traveling back and forth with Hannah; thankfully, a friend of ours gave us one. I can't WAIT to have the opportunity to provide laptops and portable DVD players. The day is coming!

We had our first board meeting earlier in the month and will be holding our second later this week. It's thrilling to see this all coming together. I love to see others get excited about caring for people.

Please! Any ideas, suggestions, comments....whatever you think would be helpful to UJE, I'd love to hear it! And continue to share what we're doing with anyone and everyone you know! The more who know, the more we can support!

Family Updates

2008-05-23T11:07:00.002-04:00

I'm pleased to report that several more families have returned home! Gwyneth and Tricia Lawrenson have both been discharged and are waiting to return home to the OBX (it sounds like) within weeks. Congratuations, Lawrensons!

Eli Horn and his family have returned home, too. While they still have more medical traveling in the future, for now, they are home and enjoying the warm weather. They even got out the trampoline!

Cameron Dykhouse and his family have also gone home. They will have to return to the hospital in June, but for now, are also settling in.

Anytime you're interested in following the day-to-day happenings of the families we support, you can check out their online updates on the right sidebar.

Memories

2008-05-07T09:12:00.002-04:00

I know I don't share a lot of personal things on this blog; I've been trying to be careful to keep our personal story out of UJE (for the most part) to ensure the focus is on others and not us. However, I was just reading an update of a family I personally follow who we got to know during our journey in Ohio and it made me reflect on our experience a bit.

The update I was reading included pics of the Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland. I found myself smiling and thinking...the beautiful friends we made, from here all the way to Ecuador...the staff at the hospitals who worked so diligently to take care of Isaac...the way God felt so present...how much Hannah and I looked forward to Jason's arrival on the weekends. It was a difficult time, no doubt. But so many good memories were made during this time that I wouldn't change a thing. I wouldn't wish suffering on my son, but since those circumstances couldn't be changed, I'm glad we were able to find some joy in the pain.

More than anything, I want UJE to bring a lasting joy to the families who receive our attention. I want them to know, from the very bottom of our hearts, that we really care about them and their suffering. I pray each care package, letter and prayer meets their exact need at the exact time they need it. Divine appointments. I pray God would bring the people to UJE who belong here. I pray the right people would come along side us and help us to serve the families in the way we desire to serve them. With laptops. And good shampoo and soap. Lots of giftcards. I want to pamper these families at a time when they are living out of suitcases and not on vacation. Maybe the ability to travel to meet with families and pray with them. I don't know. Big stuff. Good stuff. Meaningful stuff. The stuff that lets people know they are not alone. If they need something, we'll provide it. I want to show them the God who loves them in a time when they might be questioning who He is and what on earth He's doing/allowing in their lives. That's the future of UJE.

Thank You

2008-05-02T12:07:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all of you who have been commenting and emailing suggestions for UJE. I appreciate all your support! I apologize I don't respond to every email--I assure you I get them and read them! For those of you who have asked how you can be involved--hang in there! We'll be having our first board meeting in just a couple weeks and I look forward to talking about how to utilize your help!

If anyone is interested in thinking about logistics of UJE, meaning, how to make everything happen, please email me and let's start some conversations. Right now, I just need other ideas, other people thinking about UJE and how to maximize our potential.

I could also use some input from families who have been in the kind of situations we serve. Right now, it's really just our perspective. Do families benefit from care packages? Do they want them? Maybe it's just me!!! So, feedback, comments, ideas...all of those are needed. In the future, I hope to include comment cards in the care packages, so we can get feedback from the families we care for. And then another comment card at the end of their journey to see how we could have supported them better. One thing I notice, often, is that families do not have laptops (I don't know what I would've done without mine!). I would love to provide free laptops to families who do not have one. This is a big goal, but I know we can do it!

It looks as if our board will be much smaller than I anticipated, so any help, ideas, etc....please, keep them coming!

Jack Goes Home!

2008-05-02T08:09:00.002-04:00

Congratualations to the Readinger family! Jack was discharged last week to go home! Blessings to the family. May Jack's health continue to improve!

Family #9: Amber Hall / Family #10: Cameron Dykhouse

2008-04-30T22:02:00.003-04:00

We sent our 9th and 10th care packages out on Monday.

Amber Hall lives in Canton, Ohio (where Isaac was born). Her doctors discovered she had a brain tumor early in her pregnancy. Her son was delivered at 29 weeks gestation so she could begin to receive treatment for the brain tumor. I will monitor the newspaper for updates on their family.

Cameron Dykhouse is from Grand Rapids, MI. Cameron's parents have already suffered great loss; they lost Cameron's big brother, Caleb, in the beginning of March. Cameron is just short of a year old and has already had a heart transplant (as did Caleb). Cameron's parents have just learned that the doctors believe Cameron has mitochondrial disease (they also believe this may have been what Caleb had). Cameron is currently hospitalized in Chicago. You can read more about the Dykhouse family at their link on the right.

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I'm always glad to find families to send care packages to and begin to pray for. It's also very sad that so many people face so many tragic circumstances. May God be with every family who is suffering at this moment. Give your loved one a hug tonight.

Hmmm...

2008-04-17T13:57:00.002-04:00

I'm almost always thinking about UJE. Always coming up with new ideas and trashing old ones. Wondering how to make this the best it can be. I'm super excited to have our first Board of Directors meeting in May to begin to get input from others. So far, it's been pretty much Jason and I. That's not very much perspective!!

My thoughts as of late have been trying to figure out how to disseminate information about families to all of you. And, just to keep myself updated. I also wish there was a way to allow you to be involved on the blog (besides comments). We're going to get a website, too, but I think the majority of what we'll do will stay here. And another thing, I wish there was a way for families to be involved, too. So they could leave comments if they wanted (but not the way comments are left here). Maybe that's what we'll need the website for. Just thinking...I know this may not make the most sense....ok, so maybe we should scrap that whole paragraph...

Please, continue to share UJE and our blog with others you think may be interested. Maybe write about it on your blog. The more heads we put together, the better chance we have at succeeding at supporting more families. BTW, I don't have journals for boys/men. If you have a suggestion on where to find inexpensive journals without flowers, etc, let me know. Hobby Lobby has a decent selection....only $1.99 each and they're pretty nice. Any others?!

How is UJE different from other organizations?

2008-04-15T12:25:00.003-04:00

At UJE, our motto could be, "quality not quantity". We are certainly NOT suggesting that other organizations who support families do not provide quality support, but we are suggesting that we do things a bit differently. Rather than sending quantities of care packages to hospitals for mass distribution (still a good thing to do!), we send care packages to individual families--named people who we can begin to relate to. We also believe, as our name states, it's vitally important to support the family until their journey ends.

I think it's easy, sometimes, to get caught up in the headlines and want to be involved when the story is new, and everyone else is following along. But months later, in many cases, the support wanes. Most likely not on purpose, but life goes on and things come up and we lose interest when the situation is no longer life and death. So, we exist to support the family from beginning to end.

I have a lot of ideas of where I'd like to see UJE grow. 24-hour prayer vigils for every family, letters of encouragement following the initial care package that would include a gift card--every month, laptops for families to keep their loved ones updated, personal visits and caring phone calls; these are just a few of the goals I have for UJE. I want UJE to be personal and dedicated to those we serve. I want our families to KNOW there are people "out there" caring for them and loving them.

I hope that gives you a glimpse into the future of UJE. Jason and I are planning to budget UJE into our personal budget with his raise next month. We believe in serving others and want this organization to put action to our words. Thank you to those of you who have already been praying for and supporting UJE. I've heard from some new folks as of late and am about to put 2 more care packages together!! More to come....

Makayla Update

2008-04-15T07:15:00.002-04:00

Another family goes home! Makayla Graham went home over the weekend after spending the first several months of her life in the hospital. She's gone home on oxygen and with a feeding tube, but her family is optimistic and says she is doing well. Congratulations, Makayla!

Changes and Additions

2008-04-12T09:46:00.002-04:00

You'll be seeing some changes and additions to our blog as we grow our organization and prepare to share what we're doing with more people. Your feedback is always welcome. And, of course, please help us to continue our work by sending family suggestions and contributions.

Family #8

2008-04-09T17:12:00.002-04:00

The Readinger family is currently taking turns staying with their 2 year old son, Jack, at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Jack has been in and out of the hospital since January with an infection. He is having some bowel problems that they're trying to figure out. Jack is also battling Cystic Fibrosis. You can visit their care page on the right sidebar. Their care package will be headed out the door tomorrow morning and I've already started to pray for Jack and his family.

Cynthia Update

2008-04-07T13:48:00.003-04:00

Exciting news! Cynthia is now home. Her heart transplant was a success and she has been recovering well. Great pics on her blog of her homecoming! Many blessings to Cynthia and her family.

Our 7th Family and Housekeeping

2008-04-05T21:14:00.004-04:00

Our 7th family is currently at Shriner's Hospital in Chicago. Alyssia is 9 years old and is having surgery to take care of some foot problems. We sent a package near the end of March (I know, long time no post) and pray Alyssia is doing well. As far as I know, they do not have any kind of online updates so I'll let you know when I hear something more.

UJE is moving forward as I stated in my previous post. We are putting together a list of potential board members. If you're interested, even if you're out of town or state, please send me a note and we'll go from there! Jason and I are working on our state and federal paperwork to obtain tax-exempt status. We feel this will really help propel us forward. We also received another check for $120 (a year's donation to the $10/month club). Thank you Meshew family for your support! We've purchased the gift cards and stamps and are ready to send them to more families! My Gram also gave me 2 of her 12 month commitment last week! It's so exciting to me, to see others interested in helping out. What you contribute means SO MUCH, not just to me, but more importantly, to the families who receive your gifts.

There are SO MANY ideas I have for the future of UJE, I can't WAIT to share them with all of you. For now, we're focusing on getting a board together, finishing our paperwork, and continuing to find families and send them packages. Thank you to all of you for your suggestions, please continue to send them. I've got a few families right now I'm looking at, and will likely be choosing family #8 within the week.

Thank you for loving others with us. We are THRILLED that you are along for the ride. We couldn't do this without your help. Please, keep checking in and sending your suggestions and donations to the $10/month club.

A New Beginning for UJE

2008-03-24T09:14:00.003-04:00

We have decided to move forward with nonprofit status for UJE. We're excited to see what God is going to do with our efforts to love and support others!

Moving forward, this is what we're doing and what we'll need. Please email me if you desire to help in any way:

--We will begin the paper process to become a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
--We need a board of directors. Anyone seriously interested in applying to be a board member, please send me your letter of interest and resume by April 15th.
--We need a website. If you are interested in providing this for free or reduced cost, please send me some examples of your previous work.
--Ideas. Do you have ideas or suggestions about the future of what UJE can do? I'd love to hear it!!

Please email me if you have any questions or comments. We are looking forward to bringing all our hard work together to serve MORE families!

I sent out another package Saturday and I have one for today...I'll update later today or tomorrow. We're doing it!!!

Quick Stuff

2008-03-21T08:26:00.002-04:00

Morning!

A few things....I'm getting some care packages ready to go out. Hopefully, tomorrow. Maybe Monday. I'll give you all the info soon!

I think I've stumbled onto an idea that might work to find families. I found a yahoo group of preemie families that I've already seen two new moms posting on. If I can find other yahoo groups for illnesses, etc, I might be to find people beginning their journey. If anyone wants to look into that for me, that would be great!

Also, we're getting closer to making a decision about our two organizations and how we're going to move forward with them. I'll keep you updated....

I'd love any input you have. To move forward with UJE, we're going to need some help! If you're interested, please pray about how you can be actively involved in UJE. Let me know what you find out....

Our 6th Family

2008-03-16T17:30:00.003-04:00

2 year old Kyleigh Clark and her mom, Melissa, are currently living away from home in Cincinnati, Ohio. In February, Kyleigh underwent surgery to remove a tumor from her brain stem. Kyleigh's surgery went well but six days later, had serious complications that require her to continue to be hospitalized. Please visit their care page listed on the right side bar to read more about their situation.

Their care package will be heading out on Monday. Please pray for a full recovery for Kyleigh and strength for Melissa.

Family #6

2008-03-15T20:45:00.001-04:00

I've found them! Whew! Finally! I'll be getting all the info out tomorrow...I'm going to get a package ready!!

Family Updates

2008-03-09T20:52:00.002-04:00

We've returned from a trip to Florida, rested, tanned and ready to rock and roll! I thought I'd take a few minutes to give an update on the families we're supporting. Each family has recieved a care package and at least one follow-up note. We strongly believe in encouraging those we support until their journey ends.

--Tricia (and Gwyneth) Lawrenson: Tricia is doing well and awaiting a much needed double-lung transplant. Gwyneth, born at just over 24 weeks, is now officially off all oxygen support and breathing completely on her own.

--Cynthia Gibson: Cynthia just received a heart transplant. So far, she is doing better than her doctor's expected.

--Makayla Graham: Makayla continues to eat and gain weight. Everyone is very pleased with her progress.

--Eli Horn: Eli is undergoing some trial treatments for cancer. He and his family will be going home for 3 weeks--the longest they'll have been home since June of last year.

I encourage you to continue to visit the links on the right and to regularly follow along with the families.

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Over the weekend, I recieved a suprise box in the mail. Our good friends, the Eiler's, sent a box with goodies for families including stamps and a giftcard, and their entire $120 contribution ($10/month club). Thank you!!!

Several individuals have emailed with potential families--I'm just waiting for addresses. Please! Continue to send me your recommendations! I will probably spend some time this week searching online, but our combined personal connections will really move us along! I'm looking forward to sending out the next care package!!

Ingram Family

2008-02-21T06:36:00.002-05:00

After checking my morning email, I learned that Brent Ingram passed away Monday, while still hospitalized. He leaves behind his wife, Jill, three teenage children and a 6 and 7 year old. Please continue to keep Jill and their family in your daily prayers.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You annoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Searching for Families

2008-02-20T06:55:00.002-05:00

First, let's revisit our mission statement.

Supporting families who are living away from home or traveling extensively to be with and care for a loved one who is hospitalized long term or for an undetermined amount of time.

Secondary to our mission statement, and something I should post on the blog, are a few other key elements. Because of the items we're providing, we would best serve a family who has JUST ARRIVED at their home-away-from-home destination. Items like pocket kleenex, soap, notebooks and pens are items a family has probably bought by the time they're months into their stay. We also best serve families in EMERGENCY situations. Families caught off guard. Persons injured while traveling, in a car accident far from home, etc. If it's a situation like a planned surgery, a family will bring the things they'll need. Another key element is a family with LITTLE SUPPORT. If we find the family at the beginning of their journey, this usually isn't an issue. I just want to serve families who are the most in need. The "perfect" family for UJE would be a family who is living away from home UNEXPECTEDLY while their loved one is hositalized long-term.

All that to say, we certainly can and do send care packages to families in many different situations, but the above criteria are what I'd most like to work toward.

I've been randomly searching Care Pages with search terms like "preemie" (easier to find new births b/c people post birthdates). Last night I started searching by specialty hospitals--Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, etc. Hospitals that people would likely TRAVEL TO to receive specialized treatment. This morning I thought about searching newspapers for articles about accidents, etc.

The two biggest reasons I don't choose a family is because the family doesn't contact me back or because they are pretty far into their stay and probably have all the things we'd be sending.

And that's another thing. I would prefer to NOT have to contact the family for information/contact info. They have enough going on that they don't need me prying even more into their lives for information. And, sometimes, I think, people probably don't respond because they don't want to feel like they're asking for help. Of course, I usually do contact them before sending a care package, but I'd prefer not to.

Does any of this make sense? So here's what you can do to help. Read your newspaper. Read online papers. Talk to friends. I think the best way for this to work is word of mouth rather than random internet searches. Especially since we want to reach families at the MOST CRUCIAL point--the beginning--when they haven't yet had the opportunity to reach out for help. We want to be the emergency responders. We want to get them through the first few weeks.

This has been clarifying for my mind, I hope it has for yours, too.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Family Update and Housekeeping

2008-02-18T07:34:00.004-05:00

My contact for the Ingram family shared that Brent's health IS improving and he now has a 50% chance of survival. Praise God! We will continue to pray for Brent, Jill and family as they push forward to full health.

Thank you to 2 families who have committed to supporting UJE by sending $10/month for 1 year. One family is choosing to send all the money at one time--whatever works for your family, works for UJE. I am currently working on getting a checking account set up for your committments. If you have any questions about what we're doing, please do not hesitate to ask. We look forward to including a gift card, stamps and gas card in every package. Thank you for your support!

I have emailed a potential family and am waiting to hear back. Keep your suggestions coming!

Giving Opportunity to UJE

2008-02-15T06:35:00.005-05:00

Thank you to each family who has supported UJE through prayers and donatations. After some thought, we've decided to organize our first fundraiser.

We're looking for a minimum of 15 families to commit to giving $10/month for 1 year. Once you send an email committing to giving $10/month for 1 year, I will mail you address labels and post your name (if you'd like) on the blog as a supporter of UJE.

I will be very specific about where your gift will go. If we receive 15 committments, it will allow me to include a $25 gift card in every package and a book of stamps in every package. If 10 more families give $10 every month, we can also send a $25 gas gift card in every package. If you have a favorite restaurant or store, you are welcome to suggest where I buy the gift card. When your check or cash is received, it will go into a checking account just for UJE. Once I have enough to buy the needed items, I will purchase them. Since we are asking for only a 1 year committment, any extra monies will remain in the UJE checking account for future packages. The money you send will only be used for giftcards and stamps sent directly to families (unless you specify something different).

I want to be clear about what we (Jason and I) provide for UJE, as well. We will continue to pay for all shipping and postage costs to mail the packages and letters along with buying items for the packages, as needed.

Unfortunately, we are NOT able to provide a tax deduction for your gifts. We have talked about applying for 501c3 status, but are exploring other options as well.

It's amazing how much $10 a month from several families can do! We look forward to seeing what our group efforts will accomplish. I will keep you updated on our fundraising progress. If you do want to be part of our $10/month club, please email me.

On another note, thank you to those of you who have sent family suggestions. If I don't send a package to a family you suggest, please know I appreciate your help and hope you continue to send your suggestions. Looking for family #6!!

Have a great weekend!

Family #5

2008-02-11T07:54:00.001-05:00

A photo of the quilt our partner organization, Margaret's Hope Chest, sent to Brent and Jill, our fifth family to receive a care package from UJE.

Our fifth gift package was mailed out on Saturday. Thanks to the Darnold family for the heads up on a family in need. Unfortunately, this family does not have an online source for all of you to follow along so I will share what I know.

This family lives in West Virginia and on January 25, Brent, husband to Jill and father to 5 children, was diagnosed with pancreatitis which quickly progressed to kidney failure. He has a 14-15% chance of survival. Jill is currently "living" in the waiting area outside of the ICU. Along with our gift package including our first giftcard (Starbucks--yummy!) we also contacted Margaret's Hope Chest, our partner organization, to send a quilt to Jill to keep her warm and comforted.

Our prayer is that God would relieve Brent of his kidney failure and restore him to full health. Please pray for Brent, Jill and family as they navigate this difficult path.

On another note, some friends of ours have utilized a great giving opportunity that I think would work well for Until Journey's End. I will be sharing this opportunity with you soon. It asks several families to give a very small amount for a set period of time. I'll get the info on here sometime this week!

Thank you to all of you who continue to support UJE. We're doing it!!!

2008-02-04T07:43:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, I didn't come across a family last week that met our criteria. It's very difficult to find families, randomly, on the internet, especially without wasting A LOT of time. We may not meet the weekly goal I had been planning for. I also come across blogs that could be helpful and then I lose them (I don't bookmark them before I move on to the next one). This "art" is going to take some time to develop!

I also said I wanted to send notes to the families who have already received packages. I think it's time to jump on that wagon and get those out. Anyone who wants to help with this endevour, let me know. As the year goes on, this task will become huge.

I hope you plan to continue to follow our progress, here. This is really important to me and I want this to reach as many people as possible.

Many blessings!

Cynthia Update!

2008-01-30T15:34:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Amy, a dedicated UJE reader, she notified us that Cynthia's page has been updated with great news! Check it out!!!

Our Biggest Needs

2008-01-30T07:52:00.000-05:00

Many of you have inquired about our biggest needs right now. Here's the list:

--Gift cards. (Gas, Food, Target, Walmart, anywhere you would want a giftcard...Panera, Starbucks, Barnes and Noble....).

--Money (to buy items, gifts cards and pay for shipping).

--Website (I have an idea what I want, but I need someone to make it happen).

--501c3 status. This would really propel us forward--$350 application fee. (I've already started saving!!).

--National attention. Specifically, more people interested in being involved and supporting Until Journey's End. I want the same amount of people (or more) following this blog as our personal blog. The BIGGER we are, the more families we can serve. I am ready for this challenge.

We appreciate everything you do to support Until Journey's End--from your prayers to your donations. Because of what many of you have done for us, we feel God is leading us to support others.

First Giftcards!

2008-01-29T07:39:00.001-05:00

We received our first giftcards over the weekend. Thank you to the Womack family in Indiana for purchasing them for UJE. I'm excited to put them in the next four care packages! I know God will provide 4 (or 5 or 6 or...) more within the next few weeks! I'd love every gift package to have at least one gift card. Looking for our next family...

Family #4...Here it Comes!

2008-01-24T14:03:00.000-05:00

Well, I just packed up our fourth gift package. This one goes to New York City (a place I've never been but would LOVE to see !!) Please visit their site on the side bar on the right--Eli Horn. Can't wait for #5!!!

More Deliveries!

2008-01-22T13:13:00.001-05:00

We received two more boxes today. This time from the Darnold family in West Virginia. Thank you very much for all the wonderful things you sent. From toothbrushes to deodorant, we're fired up to send out more gift packages! I edited the side bar on the right to reflect our up-to-date needs. Mostly, gift cards. These are great because families get a chance to get away from the hospital and buy things they otherwise may not have had the money to buy. It also allows families to feel like they can "splurge" without running up their credit cards. Who doesn't love a giftcard! I assure you I will keep you updated as to where your gifts are going!

Always looking for families to serve!

Also, one more note...I've received a few suggestions for families that I have emailed. Unfortunately, some families choose not to contact me with their information, therefore, I cannot mail them a package. I just wanted to let you know I do inquire about EVERY family you suggest!

2008-01-22T07:39:00.000-05:00

Our new "storage facility" for UJE. It's in our basement, but don't worry, we'll get bigger and have to buy storage somewhere!!

I had some money I'd received at Christmas that I decided to use to organize our Until Journey's End stuff. It's so much easier to find things and get them packaged up to send out! A special thanks to the person who suggested the flat rate packaging through USPS. I checked into it and think that will work well. I appreciate the suggestion!

Some of you have also been sending family suggestions--that too, is so helpful, especially since I can't spend EVERY waking moment on the computer...even though I try to!!

A few things about families we choose:

--For the most part, we are looking for families who are living away from home. While families who live at home and go to the hospital to visit their loved ones have a busy, stressful life as well, the goal of our organization is to support those who do not have the "luxury" of things at home and family and friends to support them. This does not mean we'll never send packages to these families, however, our goal is to send them to families living away from home.

--It's important to note that our gift packages serve families best when they are just starting out--within the first few weeks. We can work toward families who have been "at this" for months, but right now, I'm not sure what we'd be sending them. Of course, gift cards and the such, but so far, we don't have any of these.

--When you make suggestions for families, please try to do some pre-reading of their blog/care page, to see if they meet the above criteria. If you feel God is laying a family on your heart that does not, let me know that, too.

--I've tried partnering with a couple organizations to find out about families, but due to HIPAA laws, places like Ronald McDonald House cannot tell me anything about their families there. I am trying to come up with a business card or short letter that can be distributed to families...I'm brainstorming this idea right now.

--One of the most important aspects about UJE, to me, is that the gifts and letters always remain personal and authentic. Items wrapped with ribbons and stickers and letters and cards hand-written with words of true encouragement. I want each family to know they are individuals with individual needs and that we care about THEM.

Please continue to share UJE with anyone you feel may be able to help out. This site does not get nearly the hits as Life Support (our personal blog)....hmmm...how to fix that.....

Thank you for your support. We are really doing this!!!

Have you wondered...

2008-01-18T13:59:00.000-05:00

...why we're called Until Journey's End?

I want to support families from beginning...to...end. My goal would be to provide the initial care package within 2 weeks of the family leaving home and resituating near their loved one, then beginning to send periodic (bi-monthly) notes of encouragement, and within another month or so, another care package. Everyone wants to help at the beginning. Think about Tricia Lawrenson...everyone wants to help, now. But what about 2 months from now? 6 months from now? It might be interesting to "follow along" but I can assure you, helpers drift away. We are stepping in from the beginning and STAYING until the end. NOT to say it will happen with her, specifically, but it happens. That's the hard part...I'd like to also help families that otherwise might not get help...but that's difficult since all the families we've helped so far have supporters because they have an internet following and the word snowballs about these situations. Please keep your eyes and ears open...wherever you go, LISTEN, and if you hear of a family needing our support, let me know!!!!

Blessings!

Our First Delivery....

2008-01-17T07:53:00.000-05:00

Our shelf with stuff I've been buying.

The box we got overnight...

..jam packed with great stuff!

We received our very first donation! That's right. Overnight, (UPS delivers overnight?! Kinda creepy.) we got our first delivery/donation of items. And talk about good stuff! Holy Smokes!! Thank you very much to the Murphy Family in Ohio for sending a big box of items to send to families we're going to be caring for. Please don't let this deter YOU from sending items, though! The more we have, the more we can support the families who need it.

For those of you inquiring about our biggest needs:

--Gift cards.

--Money (to buy items, gifts cards and pay for shipping).

--Website (I have an idea what I want, but I need someone to make it happen).

--501c3 status (This would really propel us forward--$500 application fee (if I remember correctly)).

--National attention. Specifically, more people interested in being involved and supporting Until Journey's End. I want the same amount of people (or more) following this blog as our personal blog. The BIGGER we are, the more families we can serve. I am ready for this challenge.

We appreciate everything you do to support Until Journey's End--from your prayers to your donations. Because of what many of you have done for us, we feel God is leading us to support others.

Looking forward to sending the next package....I'll keep you updated....

And They're Off!

2008-01-14T07:35:00.000-05:00

We sent out our first three packages on Saturday morning, priority mail. I spent an hour or so before we left packing everything up and making sure things inside wouldn't break.

I thought I'd share with you our goals for Until Journey's End:

--Sending one package/week to a new family
--Writing one follow-up note of encouragement/week to a family who has already received a package
--Each package to include: Gas gift card, food gift card, Target/Walmart gift card and miscellaneous items.

Unfortunately, I was unable to include any gift cards in these packages. Paying for everything ourselves is not possible. I will continue to work on soliciting businesses for help. I know some of you will be sending items to us, as well. Thank you so much. This is certainly not something we can do alone, as a family.

One more awesome note. Another organization, Margaret's Hope Chest, asked us if we wanted to partner with them and send their hand-made quilts in our gift packages. Very cool! We love the idea and will begin sending quilts in February or March.

Make sure you visit the sites of the families who will receive our packages this week...and I'm looking forward to the next family...who will it be?!

How to View a Care Page

2008-01-11T09:40:00.000-05:00

Jane-Jane...good question!

-- Go to www.carepages.com

--Sign in with user name and password. If you do not yet have an account, you'll have to open one. Free, of course.

--Search for a care page using the name I have given as the link on our page. Makayla's care page is: angelmakayla. You just type that into the search box.

-- At the next screen, click on: View Care Page and it should come up!

--Happy viewing! Any more questions, please let me know!!

And Another!

2008-01-09T07:44:00.000-05:00

I'm up to three packages this week! They'll be going out today or tomorrow. To read more about the families we're supporting, check out the side bar on the right under "Families we Serve."

Please, please, pass this link onto anyone you can. It's so important to get the word out that we exist and we need help supporting others! Thank you to all of you who have emailed. I'll be responding later today!!

2nd Family!

2008-01-07T10:23:00.000-05:00

I've been notified of another family in need. I'm hopeful we continue to get leads so we can send packages every week....every day would be even better!

I've begun purchasing needed items but could use help! I definitely cannot do this alone! I'm also working on letters to businesses in hopes of some donations. Other than the giftcards, many items can be purchased at a $1 store or Target/Walmart, very inexpensively. I want to send quality products but if we can find things within our budgets, let's do it! Let's just say, if we wouldn't use it, let's not send it to someone else--because most likely, they won't either!

If you do want to help out, please be sure to email us as I cannot respond personally to comments. Ohio mom to 3 boys, please email me so we can touch base! I'd love to hear what you're thinking!

I've begun to add families we're supporting in the side bar on the right. Many families may have care pages, like the first one I added. To visit their page, you will have to login. It's quick, though, and I'm sure you'd like to see little Makayla!

Please continue to share our blog with others--the more support we have, the more families we can love on!! And, don't forget to add this page to your favorites, too!

Welcome!

2008-01-04T16:33:00.001-05:00

Until Journey's End is accepting donations and looking for families to serve! Please read the side bar on the right for all the info.

We have located our first family in Texas, whose daughter was born prematurely. We are working with the family contact to figure out how to best serve this family. Anyone interested in writing notes of encouragement to this family can contact us to recieve more information!

We're looking forward to serving others in need!