Everything is a miracle!

"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey and share our love with friends and family. One day, each of us will run out of tomorrows. Let us not put off what is most important." Thomas S. Monson, "Love at Home--Counsel from Our Prophet"

 

     This week Sara, Maci, Avri, Quin, and Neli came to visit and help "Papa" and I as I recovered from my second surgery.  I have been so blessed.  Lonnie has been a great support, but it helped to have others around keeping my mind busy.  They all spoiled me.....

I received leg and feet rubs from Avri just about everyday.  Neli often helped.

Sara helped fix meals, sometimes people brought us food. 

I was "highly" encouraged to SIT.  Don't have to twist my arms very much to relax with Neli.

I had my walking partners.  Each day I would try to walk a little farther and the playground was a good destination.  We could stop and rest (kids could play) when we got there.

Maci and Sara took turns styling my hair.

Sara and Lonnie went as a support with me to my Dr appointment.  This is Dr. Butler, who preformed both surgeries.

Mother's Beach.  The kids played more on the playground than in the water.

Papa and I sat in the shade.

Sister Reynolds, another full time missionary made pillow cases for all my grand kids visiting.  They loved them.  She sets such a great example for me in all that she does for others
 

Neli and Quin cuddled up, sleeping on the hid a bed.

 

Sara and Papa washed the motor home.  Maci and Papa polished it!  They were a great help!

 

 

Our next door neighbor has two dogs.  Neli is crazy about all dogs.  This one is  only a 2 1/2 months old Yorkie.  The minute the neighbors got home from work, the kids were over there to pet the doggies.

Yesterday we went for a ride.  We saw the amazing Long Beach terminal where all the barges from overseas comes to unload cargo and went to the Korean Friendship Bell.  The kids said it was like we were on top of the world.

This was one of my walks for yesterday.

"Nothing can fully take the place of the blessed relationship of family life." Thomas S. Monson

We are sitting on a tail of a Great White Whale.  Quin had to plug his nose because we were going to be "splashed into the water".  I sat down for most of this tour of the Cabrillo Aquarium.

Neli, Quin, Avri, Maci

Seal Beach Navy Base has it's own beach.  Friday my walk was from the car to sit in a lawn chair at the beach and watch the kids play.

She wore an "itsy, bitsy, teeny weeny.... polka dot bikini". Miss Neli

Last night we roasted marshmellows.  They had fun, although this picture was taken by surprise.

Yummy!  They got everywhere, yes, even on her forehead and hair!

     Sara and kids left this morning to return to home.  Please remember them in your prayers as they travel.  This is when I worry the most.  I know they are in God's hands.  I have regained much needed strength this week, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.  I thank my family-where ever they are!

     I had a couple of calls from our missionaries this week, but for the most part, Sister Tew has been very good to take their calls while I rest.  I think after these two weeks of rest, I am about ready to get back to my missionary work of helping them stay healthy.  I know I have to be healthy to care for them.  There will be more doctor appointments and more treatments, but I am thinking this is longest I will need to be off to recuperate, as always, I will trust in the Lord!    

 

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
- Albert Einstein

Life is a miracle!

Faith and Trust

     This week I had my second operation for breast cancer, a bilateral mastectomy.  It took a lot more out of me than I thought it would.  I am slower at recovering.  I miss our missionary work, but if I take time to get well, I can then help others better.  It is hard for me to stay down.  There have been so many wonderful people along the way that have and are helping me. 
     Our missionary work did not end when we went into the hospital.  The Recovery Room nurse, Eli, and I were able to talk for about 45 minutes about the Gospel.  We were waiting for a room to open up for me, so I was awake and he started asking me questions about how and why we are in the Long Beach Area.  When I explained, he said he was Catholic(he was from the Philippines) and he asked question after question comparing LDS doctrine with the Catholics.  I was able to answer all of his questions.  Of course, I did not have any pass along cards, so I told him to look up Mormon.org.  As Ryan, the transporter, rolled me away, Eli said he has had "those young men" to his home and he has one of "those books".  I told him to read it, it is true. Then Ryan started asking me questions as he rolled me to my room.
     Robert, a nurse anesthetist, had had good experiences with LDS missionaries in the past and we talked until I was put to sleep. 
     We are not allowed to proselyte in the VA hospital, but our name tags and just questions in general allowed us the opportunity to talk about the wonderful plan of Happiness!

Elder Walker and Elder Dixon both from Missouri
Elder Dixon is a convert and we are impressed with both of their testimonies.

     Our wonderful Assistants to the President(AP's) came to dinner last evening(they brought their own dinner and a cake for us) with a wonderful message about trusting the Lord in our tribulations.  I think they were inspired to come and give me that lesson.  I have to admit, I have struggled with my emotions this week.  I guess I am human :)  I keep reminding my self to see my glass as half full (not half empty).  and I have so much to be grateful for!  

     There is a song that is wonderful by Martina McBride that my daughter, Amy, suggested we listen to:" I'm gonna love you through this".  It is excellent.  We don't listen to too much radio, but I looked it up on the Internet.
    

      My husband has been my strength through this.  There isn't anything he won't help me with and is firm in making me rest.

     Yesterday, Sara and kids came to help me for this week.  That way Lonnie can do more missionary work.  This is Neli (almost 2) and Quin (4 1/2)  They are best of friends.  You can see some of our garden behind them.  We are getting tomatoes and peppers.

I guess I did not get a picture of Maci, but here are Sara, Neli and Avri flying kites.  We always have a breeze off the coast in the afternoon.


I will not allow "things" to control my life.  I know Who is in control and I will trust in Him.

I have had prayers answered in abundance this week. Chad came up for my surgery.  The insurance was causing havoc and the surgery almost did not happen.  The chief of surgery for the VA hospital finally stepped in and said, "we treat patients, not paper".  She needs the surgery, we will do it, the people who were suppose to get this straightened out will take care of it.  I was resigned to not having it before he said this, but Chad told me to have faith.  We all said a prayer of thanksgiving when the surgery got the go ahead.
I also struggled with my appearance after surgery and was afraid of seeing myself with the bandages off. My sister in NY and my husband and I said a prayer.  I laughed when we took the bandages off, I look like someone stuck a pin in me and deflated two balloons.  Our prayers were answered.
.   I am thankful for my communication with my Heavenly Father!

Sister's Conference

This week we had Sister's conference.  It was fun.  We found out where each sister is from.  We have increased in numbers of sisters dramatically since March.  We now have 50 sister missionaries,  if I counted correctly.  I only stayed for the first half as I petered out.  Some of my favorite quotes from the first half were:

"Serve your mission as if it was the last act you will do on this earth."  Sister Andelin

One sister quoted our new president- I was impressed with that!

"It is an amazing time to be a missionary(there are so many advances-soon electronics)

The doctrine is the reason for our behavior, Study the doctrine... Turn out to help wherever you can."    Jesus said “By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them”  ."

Pres. Tew

The second half of the Sister's conference discussed the talk from YW conference, Pres. Uchtdorf "Your Wonderful Journey Home". 

Sisters practicing a special number

 

 

The Senior Sisters

 

We san "As sisters in Zion-Missionary Version by Janice Kapp Perry

As sisters in Zion we're called to God's labor

 We willingly serve Him with Spirit and might

We go to the nations with truth everlasting

We teach of the Savior our Lord Jesus Christ

 

We thank thee of God for a prophet to guide us

We trust in His words and our purpose is clear

The angels of Heaven are walking beside us

We'll share our glad message with all who will hear.

 

We go forth enlisted in Helaman's army

In numbers much greater than ever before

With power and spirit we'll faithful witness

The Heavens have spoken and truth is restored.

 

There were some Elders around also as President Tew did his interviews.

Elder McOmber and West working on some bikes.

"Ranbo"

We had Dr. Peterson and his wife  here this week visiting with several elders.  He is such a great resource.

 

"...when your primary thoughts and behaviors are focused on serving God and others—when you truly desire to bless and lift up those around you—then the power of the pure love of Christ can work in your heart and life. That is the language you want to learn.

Yes, the road has bumps and detours and even some hazards. But don’t focus on them. Look for the happiness your Father in Heaven has prepared for you in every step of your journey. Happiness is the destination, but it’s also the path. “Peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” is what He promises. That is why He commands us to “be of good cheer.”

Your Wonderful Journey Home     

by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

.   There are so many that have shown the pure love of Christ to my husband and myself!

There are so many people that have gone out of their way to make me feel loved.   I am thankful to everyone!
My husband did my hair and has done the grocery shopping to help me.  He is great!!
We have had many meals brought in-people are so generous

One card I received from the missionaries of the Long Beach 10th ward had an exceptional saying:
"Life's Pathway by Emily Matthews
At times, life's path
seems filled with things that make the going rough,
And we wish there were a smoother road,
for we feel we've had enough.
But if we pause a moment
and remember Who's in charge,
The hills that loom ahead of us
no longer seem so large,
and every rock before us,
when we know we're not alone,
Becomes not just a stumbling block,
but one more stepping stone."

You've overcome so many things,
and every time you've grown
Through sheer determination
and the wisdom that you've shown.
So as you face this journey,
from the moment you begin,
Know that God will guide you,
 and you'll have the strength to win.

 Isn't it wonderful to know that we can have happiness no matter what bumps are in the road?

 

 

This week the Doctor told us that the cancer was Lobular Breast Cancer and not sure that he got it all.  Only 10% -15% of breast cancer is this type. It has little "feet or spikes" that stick out.   5 of 10 nodes were positive as well.  This is not what the doctor expected.  This next Tuesday, (insurance pending at this time) I will have a double mastectomy and they will check the nodes on the other side.  Your continued prayers will be appreciated.  I know in whom I trust!

A conference talk that has helped me this week has been President Eyring from 2012 "Mountains to Climb"  my favorite quote from it is.. "If the foundation of faith is not embedded in our hearts, the power to endure will crumble."   An Elder gave this quote to me when he first came a couple of transfers ago.  It has meant a lot to me.