Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy

Title: WOODHOUSE FAMILY
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Publisher: Focus on the Family
July 2009
ISBN: 978-1-58997-573-6
Genre: Biography & Autobiography/Personal memoir

Kim Woodhouse has lived an amazing life. Like most women, Kim dreamed of having kids. But after several miscarriages, she learned she had to have a surgery. The surgery never happened as she found out she was pregnant. What followed was one adventure after another as, after months of bed rest, Kim delivered a baby boy, Josh, and about a year later, a baby girl, Kayla.

Kayla was the healthy one – or so it seemed. Josh was the one with breathing difficulties. But the situation changed abruptly one day when Kim decided to take the kids to the park, and Kayla passed out within a short time from the heat. What followed was a long road where the Woodhouse’s discovered that not only does Kayla not sweat, but the heat can kill her. And shortly on the heels of that discovery, they learn that Kayla doesn’t feel pain.

Some of us are vaguely familiar with the Woodhouse’s due to their claim to fame from being featured on Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. But now we get the rest of the story.

I know Kim and consider her a friend, and I sat in awe as I read this book of all she has been through, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yet, instead of drowning in the depths of despair, Kim has managed to raise above it and face the overwhelming array of medical (and home) disasters with not only a grain of salt, but with JOY.

Just a few days before I read the book, I got an email from Kim stating that the book has already sold out of the first printings and have gone into second printings. This is amazing for a first book, but this book, and the story of this family is amazing. You will NOT want to miss WOODHOUSE FAMILY WELCOME HOME! This is truly an amazing story, very well written, and readers will not only identify with Kim, but also relate as she shares the remarkable journey the family has traveled so far. $13.99. 220 pages.





Important links:

to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1589975731/Kimbwoodauth-20
discussion guides: http://www.tyndale.com/resources/discussionguides.asp

links for the youtube videos containing our EMHE episode:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97mmjwlcs5g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c_d3ZCoVcI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyneG-tBeOg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kjEtWVrIzI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bYJWWyfZH8



Hi, Kim and welcome to my blog. What are you working on now?
I’m working on a non-fiction – parenting encouragement, and a complex fiction - romantic suspense set in Alaska.


Sounds interesting. What are some of your hobbies, besides writing?
I love to homeschool my kids (some people would call it work, and it is, but I love it), I love creating things: scrapbooking, quilting, sewing, bead work, and I love to cook. 


All writers love to read, so who are your favorite authors?
Tracie Peterson, Colleen Coble, Tamera Alexander, Terri Blackstock, Donita K. Paul



Some of those would be on my favorite list too. What is your favorite genre to read?
I’m a sucker for a good romance, so I love all different genres if they have a good romantic thread.


Yes, me too. What sparked the idea for your last story?
A Moose. :) (Not my current story, but hopefully one for the future.)


Now that sounds interesting. Who or what inspired you to write?
My precious children. They are inspiration and encouragement and my cheerleaders. Then several very special authors entered my life and prodded me on, urging me to grow and bloom.



That is wonderful. What is your favorite verse, and why?
My life verses are James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, knowing that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The Lord has brought us through amazing trials and triumphs, and I’m so thankful that He taught me that wonderful lesson of His joy. It’s always there, it cannot be taken away, and He will finish the work.


How very true. How can reading your book have an impact on the reader’s life?
Well, my prayer is that Welcome Home will point people to the Lord and His joy. That’s what it’s all about. Loving and encouraging others through the tough times.


How did you become a Christian?
My dad is a pastor, and I’m the youngest of three children. One day I was in the bathroom (yes, the bathroom ) and realized I couldn’t wait any longer. I wanted Jesus in my heart forever. It’s one of the only memories I have of my early childhood, but I will never forget it.


That is wonderful. How has your book been received from its readers?
The reviews so far have been amazing, and I am so blessed. In addition, through my website, I’ve already heard from dozens of readers who have written in telling me that reading our story has changed their lives. I must admit that it shocks me every time I receive one of those notes. But I’m so thankful that the Lord is using it to encourage others.



Can you tell us a little bit about your personal life?
Let’s be honest. My life is crazy.  The media attention has followed us since Kayla was diagnosed, but two years ago it really went wild with EMHE. But in the midst of all this, I do my best to keep my home in order, homeschool 5-6 hours a day, and spend 5-6 hours a day (6 days a week) between pools as my kiddos are intense swimmers. (Swimming is the one sport Kayla can do, and we are praising the Lord for how it has improved her health over the past few years. Josh and Kayla would both love to glorify the Lord by making it to the Olympics one day.)
I write a little at home, and I write at the pool.


How can our readers purchase your book?
It’s beginning to hit bookstores right now (the release date is September 1), but the way to help our family the most is to order through one of the links on my website through CBD or Amazon. www.kimberleywoodhouse.com