When Kania was admitted to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo with serious pregnancy complications, she suddenly found herself far from home, separated from her support system and from her 4 year old daughter, Kenzie. Her family lived an hour away in Benton Harbor, and the constant travel was exhausting for everyone (and confusing for Kenzie). More than anything, Kania longed for stability for her daughter while she remained hospitalized.
When things quickly shifted as Kania was informed by the hospital that Kenzie could not stay overnight, our host family kicked into gear. Within an hour, Isaac arrived to pick her up and welcome her into their home. Immediately, volunteers from New Life Church stepped in to support the host family: Karson as Family Friend, Becky as Family Coach, and Shanae as Ministry Lead.
Just a week later, Kania delivered her healthy baby. The hosting had accomplished exactly what she hoped for. Her daughter was close by, cared for, and surrounded by stability while she focused on bringing her new child into the world.
This is the power of community: a mother’s courage to ask for help, a family’s willingness to open their home, a church stepping in without hesitation, and a child’s resilience shining through a stressful season.
