Overwhelmed, but Not

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and they will not overwhelm you. 

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2

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I find myself overwhelmed these days. 

Overwhelmed with gratitude for all the sweet encouragement, prayers and offers of support.

Overwhelmed with awe at how God continues to place our next steps before us. 

Overwhelmed with how to continue in the present, making faithful progress in school while knowing  a big question mark lies eight days ahead of us. 

Overwhelmed with how to best organize help and home care, a hospital stay and care for tender hearts. 

I told a friend, I feel like I'm waiting to go into labor, but with none of the happy reward.  I guess you can why we’re weary as we simultaneously try to remain present and thoughtfully prepare for the unknown.

Yet, though we feel overwhelmed, we are not overwhelmed.  

We have walked through so many fires. We have passed through so many waters and God has been present and faithful and carried us.  So amazingly, while we look ahead and wonder how it will all come together, we are actually feeling tremendous peace.

You, our friends and family have been a tangible expression of that sufficient grace that is promised to us every day. Please know that while my bandwidth to respond feels limited, I read every text and email and am humbled that you carry us in your hearts. So many of you have asked how you can help. Thank you. Here's what's coming...

My mom arrives on Saturday to help manage the girls and their school schedule and help keep things as normal as possible for them. 

Monday we'll spend all day at Children's undergoing pre-op tests and procedures. 

To help with meals at home, a friend has created a meal calendar for us at:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0844abac2ea4ff2-help

Last week a dear friend threw us a Heart Party. What a sweet time it was. 

Finally, in an effort to support us practically, other friends have given gifts through Venmo (@sara-harms-2) or Paypal (mattsaraharms@gmail.com) to help with hospital meals, coffee, laundry, grocery delivery and other needs as they arise.  More than anything we treasure your prayers and your friendship.