waiting...tick, tock, tick, tock...
Do you remember as a kid those days before Christmas morning? Or the days before you had to make a Student Council speech in front of the school? (See Pedro) Do you remember how long those days were? That they seemed like they dragged on forever and forever? That's what these days are like for us. Wednesday night can't get here quick enough. We're ready...and we're not.
When Laura and I try to imagine what the next few days will look like, we can't get very far because we have no idea. Because of that there isn't much we can do to prepare. And this kills me. I'm usually in control and usually have things planned in advance. If there is something I'm learning in all of this it's the need to surrender. I'm SO not in control and have, with clenched teeth, given this over to God. (I don't really have any other options so don't think me super-religious guy.)
Laura and I are pretty nervous for Sophia. We're nervous about her ability to cope with all this. Our minister of children and families, Amy, will be keeping Sophia on Wednesday and Thursday. So we feel confident in the people taking care of her, more than confident. But as you can see from the picture below, Sophia kinda likes her mom and it will be hard for her to realize that Laura is unable to play for a while. Please pray for Sophia.
So here is how it will go down over the next couple of days: Laura and I will check-in at the hospital on Wednesday night at around 8 or 9 PM. At 7 a.m. on Thursday they will start the induction process with patosin. Hopefully, Ira will be born later on Thursday afternoon. They will immediately ventilate him in order to stabilize him. They will waste no time trying to decide if Ira is a viable candidate for surgery. We should know within the first 48 hours if the prognosis is good or not for surgery.
Many of you have inquired about how we will attempt to inform people of how things are going with Laura, Ira and everything else. I've given blogging privileges to our youth minister, Jason, who will keep this blog up-to-date with news from the hospital. Check back here for details over the next couple of days.
We have greatly appreciated your support. Without you I'm pretty sure Laura and I would have lost all hope long ago. But because of you we are hanging on...by a thread, but hanging on nonetheless.
Do you remember as a kid those days before Christmas morning? Or the days before you had to make a Student Council speech in front of the school? (See Pedro) Do you remember how long those days were? That they seemed like they dragged on forever and forever? That's what these days are like for us. Wednesday night can't get here quick enough. We're ready...and we're not.
When Laura and I try to imagine what the next few days will look like, we can't get very far because we have no idea. Because of that there isn't much we can do to prepare. And this kills me. I'm usually in control and usually have things planned in advance. If there is something I'm learning in all of this it's the need to surrender. I'm SO not in control and have, with clenched teeth, given this over to God. (I don't really have any other options so don't think me super-religious guy.)
Laura and I are pretty nervous for Sophia. We're nervous about her ability to cope with all this. Our minister of children and families, Amy, will be keeping Sophia on Wednesday and Thursday. So we feel confident in the people taking care of her, more than confident. But as you can see from the picture below, Sophia kinda likes her mom and it will be hard for her to realize that Laura is unable to play for a while. Please pray for Sophia.
So here is how it will go down over the next couple of days: Laura and I will check-in at the hospital on Wednesday night at around 8 or 9 PM. At 7 a.m. on Thursday they will start the induction process with patosin. Hopefully, Ira will be born later on Thursday afternoon. They will immediately ventilate him in order to stabilize him. They will waste no time trying to decide if Ira is a viable candidate for surgery. We should know within the first 48 hours if the prognosis is good or not for surgery.
Many of you have inquired about how we will attempt to inform people of how things are going with Laura, Ira and everything else. I've given blogging privileges to our youth minister, Jason, who will keep this blog up-to-date with news from the hospital. Check back here for details over the next couple of days.
We have greatly appreciated your support. Without you I'm pretty sure Laura and I would have lost all hope long ago. But because of you we are hanging on...by a thread, but hanging on nonetheless.
posted by jch at
10:30 AM
11 Comments:
Prayers from saints you will never know are being offered up. Keep hanging on.
this is random, but i met you 3 years ago at fortress. i was leading an ACU SBC and we came to spend a weekend there to prepare for ministering to the homeless. we realized very quickly that i grew up playing ball with your cousins wes and jay, and now i've even become aquainted with your sweet cousin johnna during my time at school. though we met once, i've admired your faith joe, and the way you let the Lord lead you.
i stumbled across your blog about 2 months ago joe, and have been praying for ira, laura, sophia and you ever since then. my heart breaks for ya'll reading your words and especially seeing the pictures--but i lift you up in prayer. i wish i could do more (as i know we all do) but i'm way down here in TX. so i'll be praying, and i'll be asking others to pray, and to be faithful in there prayers, just as i've seen you be in your ministry. take hope, share it, and be blessed joe.
cody b.
Joe and Laura ... We've never met, but I want to let you know that I've been praying for baby Ira and your family. As you all face these next few days, know that thoughts and prayers of people you don't even know are being lifted up in your name.
Joe & Laura- We are praying for your family and can't fathom how hard this week will be on you all. God be with you!
Joe and Laura we are praying for you. Stephanie and her Sofia are here visiting with us. We enjoyed looking at all your beautiful pictures today. Steph said her "bro" is still handsome and Laura you are still beautiful. We are praying for Sophia in the days to come and for Ira. We hurt so much for you. We will be with you in our hearts! Love! Your St. Louis Fam.
I'm so glad Steve is coming. It's like having a representative to see and hear through. You seldom leave my mind these days. I'm mindful and prayerful of Sophia, too. So many are loving and praying. Vickie Freede has been checking the blog regularly and praying...she told me this morning. God be with you in every way. His Grace is: everything He is available to you. It is the "grace in which you stand" (Romans 5:2) and in the days ahead will be the grace in which you labor, sit, wait, cope, worry, cry, hope. See His grace as a spot light on a stage and you in the middle. Everywhere you move it follows. If you run it goes, too.....you can't outrun it. Or evade it. It will be the grace in which you breathe and have your life for the next hours, days, months. I love you all. Brenda
Will continue to lift your family and ministry up in prayer Joe. Like alot of folks here I was fortunate to meet you and Laura at Fortress -- as you were preparing to leave for NYC - God bless.
We keep up with you through the bulletin and your blog. We have prayed and will continue to pray for all of you. God Bless.
Richard and JeannaLynn (MSN buds)
Hi there again, Joe, Laura, and Sophia! Just want to write another note to say how much I love you all! Again, I have been so blessed with such a beautiful family that encourages me every single day. We have faced many situations together, good and bad, and I just want you to know always that your family is pouring out our love to you and our prayers for you always, but especially right now!
You have blessed us, and we are praying for God's blessing on you, as you make your journey. I can only pray that Ira will know and love his parents and big sister for the loving, caring, and faithful family that you are!
May God wrap his strong arms around you all and hold you so tightly! He loves you so much! With big hugs and kisses to two older cousins and a little cousin that I love so much, Julie Gay
Joe and Laura,
Just wanted to say that we love you guys and will be on our knees for the next several days asking God to hold Baby Ira in "His loving arms and embrace".
Joe, your Granddad would be so proud of you. Laura, we love you!
Uncle Stan
Josue and I are praying for both of you and baby Ira!~ Debbie (Leong) Villarreal
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