3/19/20

More than two thousand whales beach themselves every year.  Sometimes they are beached in solitude, but most often they are beached in groups, huddled together in clusters and rows.  Whales feel cohesion, a sense of community, of loyalty.  The distress call of one lone whale is enough to prompt its entire pod to rush to its side- this gesture is filled with loyalty community and cohesion. 

The above words were taken from “The opposite of Loneliness” Why we care about whales.

ACTS 3: 44-47 “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” 

The scripture reveals the strength of the early church.  The early church was filled with communion, loyalty and cohesion.  Verse 47 is especially meaningful. This verse is very clear about praising God and having the goodwill of all the people at the forefront. Verse 43 talks about how Awe came upon everyone. 

What I have found over the last 94 days is that Harold and I have felt we were huddled together with you.  There was a distress call.  The distress call came on Dec. 17th at about 4:30 in the morning.  It is interesting when a whale sends a distress call, the whale’s pod or family rushes to its side.  They become nose to nose in the same sand.

Just recently, I found a text from Pastor Ellen.  The text was sent at 6:20am on Dec. 17. The text read, “Are you up.”  Pastor Ellen was the first whale to begin to huddle.  Then a few minutes later Pastor Jeff called. He was the second whale to join the huddle.  Jordan and Cameron became the 3rd and 4th whales to huddle as Jordan took the phone from me and communicated with Pastor Jeff.  Cameron the 4th whale, held my hand from the moment we left the house on that early morning.   Then I spoke with Anne Hill and she was the 5th whale etc.…

It seems to me that the early church was very similar to the whales and their pure efforts to care for each other.  What an amazing thing to witness in this journey of healing over the last 94 days. Much was given to those in need during the days of the early church.  If there was a need among those in the early church, portions were shared. The scripture tells us that “to all, as any had need.”  The bond holding the group together was profound. The bond was filled with prayers, shared meals and sharing of portions.  The groups unity is linked to the sharing in praise of God. 

Harold and I have felt the very same things that were shared by the early church, only they happened over the last months of our lives.

Some of the whales that joined the huddle provided delicious meals and desserts and shakes.  There are two whales in Zimbabwe Africa still fasting for Harold.  They joined the huddle on Dec. 18th.  Some of the whales hung a curtain for Harold to have privacy in our den.  Several times a whale had chocolate milkshakes delivered to our house for Harold.  There were over 1,300 whales who sent cards to our family.  Thousands and thousands of whales prayed for Harold and our family.  There were mama whales and daddy whales.  Even grandma and Grandpa whales joined the huddle.  There were little girl whales and little boy whales. They were all rushing to our sides with nothing but love and concern and care in mind and heart.

The whales just kept coming as if they had to be there for us.  It seemed as if they were sprinting flawlessly to get to Harold’s side, to my side, to our children’s side.

New Covenant United Methodist Church may be a new church compared to the early church, but New Covenant is just like the early church. 

Harold and I know this for sure.    

Today our nurse Kim came and took the pic line out.  While the surgery to put it in was lengthy, the removal was only a few painless seconds.  So next week Harold goes to see Dr. Ivan for a follow-up.  This is the last appt. scheduled.  In some ways it took an eternity to get to today.  In other ways Dec. 17th was yesterday.

Marley Ray has been here visiting this week.  It has been pure joy as we are enjoying each moment.  Marley continues to ask, “Pa o.k.?”  She is filled with innocence and joy.  Harold told her she could do anything she wanted while she was here for a visit.  He also said just don’t tell your parents. 

Aunt Sandy and granny came for a visit as did dear friends Laura and Joanne. 

Harold and I love all of you very much and we so thank you for being the hands, voice and feet of Jesus Christ.  You are our family, our friends, our flock, The faithful.

With love,

Donna and Harold