Convenientes - Touched by Those Who Care

What's up with that title? I never have used Latin a day in my life. Well, honestly I did not really know how else to title this entry. Convenientes is Latin for "coming together" and that is what this blog post is all about. It's about how people came together to support us in a hard time. It's about how people gave what they had when we had nothing left to give.

I’m not the kind of guy to really ask for help. I am not saying that I am cocky or completely self-sufficient, I just feel like I’ll be a bother when I ask for something. A pipe bursts on our sink. No problem, I’ll run to Home Depot and learn how to re-plumb the line. My car breaks down. I’d rather wait for the tow truck then inconvenience someone to come and pick me up or tote me around.  Honest, it really is just because I feel like I am going to be bothering someone by asking for help. 

Naturally, when people were sending their prayers and best wishes for Noah they would also include the following question, “Is there anything you need?” or some form of it at least, like maybe a, “is there anything we can do for you guys?” or, “how can we help?”

At first everything was a whirlwind, and quite overwhelming, so we did not know what to say.

Young life guys coming to hang and pray for Noah at CHOP

I remember sitting in the hospital by Noah’s bed looking at Renae on Monday morning. We had just found out that we could be in the hospital anywhere from 7 to 21 days. Knowing that our days were going to be very long and extremely hectic, we began to realize that we were in over or heads and that we were IN NEED of HELP. 

Renae and I typed up a post for Facebook since that was tending to be the best way to communicate Noah’s information to all of our friends and family, but I really struggled to actually POST it. Part of me was afraid that no one would respond (a lie that I wrestled with) and that we would put burdens on others to help us out. 

We figured we needed meals, coffee, quick grab-and-go items, and most importantly prayer for healing and recovery. 

Grandpa, Mom-Mom, Megan and Jim babysitting.

It was like diving into a pool that you knew was filled with cold water. But I pressed enter to post the call for help. Within minutes we started getting a few responses. One huge one was from my cousin Deb who text messaged me asking if it was alright for her to set up a Facebook page to help bring people that were willing to help together in one virtual location. After that was set up we were amazed at how everyone cam e together. 

Our first night that we came home after people started responding we walked in to see a few meals already placed in our fridge. The next morning Renae stayed home with Logan, while I tended to work, and people unexpectedly stopped by to bring meals and gift cards. We left for the hospital only to come back home to flowers, a basket filled with easy to take snacks, a fridge with limited space, a few more gift cards, and a call that some friends were coming over with casseroles.

The wonderful blessings that we came home to.

The world, and all of its craziness, stopped around Renae and for a moment. We were honestly speechless and our hearts were overwhelmed. Reading cards, notes or encouragement and prayers, in conjunction with all the things that people provided for us, sent us instantaneously into tears. In such a short time we went from feeling like we were battling this alone to that we were facing this giant obstacle with an army behind us. 

Going to bed that night I could not help to think about Acts 2 in the New Testament and I began reading it, and some verses stuck out to me (which I read repeatedly). I know that not everyone that has been thinking of us, supporting us, and praying for us share in the same faith as Renae and I. But I think that this scripture fits this situation so perfectly that I have to share.

Logan at the Harper's house.

Acts 2: 42-47    The Believers Form a Community

⁴² All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper^[i]), and to prayer.

⁴³ A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. ⁴⁴ And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. ⁴⁵ They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. ⁴⁶ They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity^[j]— ⁴⁷ all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Grandpa teaching Logan to change batteries and fix toys.