For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. ~Matthew 18:20
this past friday night, greg and i, along with our families, were blessed beyond measure to be able to celebrate jonathan’s life with all of our friends. my sweet friends michelle, jennifer, and lisa put together a truly awesome event. i can’t begin to express our sincere gratitude to them, as well as to everyone who came, contributed, and celebrated with us. we were so honored and humbled by the turnout, which michelle estimated at over a hundred people at one point, who gave up their friday night activities to spend it with us.
we were also so touched by the overwhelming amount of gifts and monetary donations that were brought for children in need. it was incredible to see these two huge piles of baby items for the children's advocacy center and heart of the bride ministries, knowing that many, many children would be helped by them. there was everything from a crib and mattress, clothing, and diapers, to handmade quilts and blankets embroidered with "made specially for you as a gift from jonathan." we are so thankful that jonathan’s life is already making a difference. and this is just what can be seen and touched; the tangible difference. we trust that there is much, much more to God’s plan, yet to be revealed.
the celebration also included a buffet of wonderful food that was prepared by many people, as well as a huge, delicious cake. there were representatives from each charity who had the opportunity to share what the charity was about and how they were helping children. my friend tammy sang the beautiful song “my beloved” by kari jobe and then our church’s worship pastor, carey, spoke a beautiful and sincere prayer. like i said before, it all blessed us so much. we will cherish that evening for the rest of our lives.
enjoy the pictures! there are quite a few of them....
Thank you for posting pictures from this. I know this was a bittersweet time for you and Greg, but what a beautiful testimony to God and His grace that Jonathan's life is already having more of an impact than that of some people who are given years on this earth. Love you and constantly praying for you guys!
ReplyDeleteLauren,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through livingwithtrisomy13.org. A few days ago our baby boy who we've decided to call Henry was diagnosed through amnio with full Trisomy 13. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we know God does everything for a purpose. I've enjoyed looking at your blog and will keep your family in my prayers. I am due in January and plan to carry him as long as possible. I look forward to seeing how God uses both of our sad situations for His own glory. In him, Katie White
Great pictures! And awesome post above - God is at work!
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