I've noticed a theme as I've looked through old blog posts and that is that I tend to get a little nervous around election time. I was almost certain that Mitt Romney would win the last one. When Obama won, I had that weird impending doom feeling like I did after 9/11.
This time around it's between Hillary Clinton (UGH!) and Donald Trump. I voted for Trump. He's no walk in the park, but he represents way more values I hold dear than does Hillary. Somehow, I'm fearful she's going to win. Why this is extra scary to me is that she can put more left leaning people on the Supreme Court and I think that can change a lot of wonderful things about our Constitution and country. I'm quite worried that at the end of the day, she may be our future President.
Be that as it may, one thing I've been reminded of is Heavenly Father is in charge. His purposes will roll forth. I find great comfort in the fact that one day, Jesus Christ will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and all will be right with the world.
Regardless of who wins, my friends will still be my friends, I will still be related to people I love and am grateful to call family, and I will still live in the best land in the world. After spending time outside of this amazing country, I don't want to take for granted freedoms we enjoy that we may not even realize. In China, YouTube, Facebook, and Google are blocked. Unless you have a VPN (internet access through a different country) you can't even see these sites! You can't speak of your religion to others or even invite them to your Church!
We truly are so blessed and I will continue to pray for this great nation. I pray people will not forget Heavenly Father and our Savior. I pray He can be present in more hearts, and I pray that those who are His disciples will lift where they stand and strive to build up His Kingdom, so that it is ready when He comes to reign!
God Bless the USA!
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Pictures!
I finally can add pictures now. The wifi connection was so weird in China, I was lucky to be able to update my blog, but pictures were not happening. Finally I can add some.
The above photos are the view I had from the 5th Floor of the Hengda Eye Hospital for 10 days. The top photo is across the street. It was a car service garage. Underneath the red sign was a dance studio. I could watch the cute little girls do their ballet every evening at about 5 pm. The second photo down is all apartment buildings. Can you imagine how many people there are to fill all of those up? The bottom picture is a park that I could see outside my window. In the mornings the older retired people met and did Tai Chi and in the evenings at 6:30pm they had music (the same music every night) playing. Carol said the old people came and danced to it. It was dark so I couldn't see what was happening, but I enjoyed the music every night that it didn't rain.
So they had Coke Zero in China! Joy! I was so grateful! While I was testing the first day there, Don and Carol went to the Supermarket next door and Don found it! He said they actually only had regular Coke, Coke Zero, and Sprite, but no Diet! I was so grateful because Zero is my favorite and it brought me joy when I could pop open a bottle every day.
I only got to leave the Hospital 3 times (each time to go to Western Union). I got a kick out of the floor mats in this car. It was crinkled up newspaper. Carol always ordered Chinese Uber (it seriously is) and they always had pretty nice cars, but put these protector mats on the seats so you had to go digging for a seatbelt. If you have ever been on a road in China, seatbelts are a must. I've never seen such crazy driving. They do drive defensively and never look at their phones. They couldn't! You have to be on guard! Carol said she had a friend who lived in the US for a while and he would read the newspaper while driving because it is so "boring" to drive here!
This is right after the first procedure. They put that big cotton pad on the incision. Usually it's only on for 3 or 4 days, but that is the one that got infected so I ended up with it the whole time. It covered up my gorgeous hair cut! It's okay, though, all the patients had the same hairstyle!
KTV is karaoke. It is huge! I think I saw 5 different places that said it. Carol said it is really popular with the older people!
This is after the second procedure. I was joking around that I thought it looked like I had had a lobotomy. I thought I might need one after my 10 days in that room!
This is the world famous Carol! I taught her the saying, "BFF." I told her she is my Chinese BFF. She told me I was her American BFF. I'm so grateful for her. She did become a friend to me. She took very good care of me and is a wonderful person. I learned so much about Chinese culture from her. She lived in Germany for 5 years so we also spoke a lot of German together. It was a fun, multinational experience!
This flattering shot is my adorable hairdo after I arrived home. The other side looked the same. Carol called me "Punk Mom." Luckily I had a hair appointment scheduled soon after I got home so I could blend it in a little better. My hair grows super fast, so that is good.
It was a very incredible experience. It was so hard being so lonely and far from home, but I'm grateful for the opportunity. So many people prayed for me and that was very humbling. I'm hoping for stable vision for many years and thankful for the abundant tender mercies that were poured out on us during this time.
I have started to pray for the hearts of the government people in China to be softened to allow missionary work in that country. The people are amazing. Family is huge to them and that is such a beautiful part of the Gospel is the divinity of Family. It would be such a blessing. Carol told me that many people are Buddhist, many are Atheist, and there are some Christians. If they could be taught about the Savior and feel the Spirit, it would be so amazing for that country.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
We are Home!
Hooray! We arrived back home last night (Friday September 9) at 9:30 pm. I realized that I did not update my blog since Don had arrived back in Changchun from Shenzehn. There wasn't much to report on the Thursday. The infection seemed to be clearing and so really no news. I was just so happy to have Don's company.
Then, it happened. I started having anxiety attacks. UGH! I have had them before, the last ones being right after Jacie was born, but by Thursday evening, they were rearing their ugly head. I had been experiencing twinges of anxiety all along on the trip, but they were what I'd call normal. Just concern over being so far from home, by myself, the procedure, the girls, etc. Then I got hit with the big ones. I started to freak out that maybe the infection would become worse and they wouldn't let me leave on Friday, or that our plane home would have another significant delay like our outbound flight did. These can be true concerns but my mind had blown them out of proportion and I was a nervous wreck. You can only imagine what that did to my already whacked out sleep pattern. (Which I might add is still screwy. It's 5:05 am and yours truly has been up all night.)
I hate these anxiety episodes. Like I said it's been 15 years since I'd experienced them and if I never have one again it would be too soon. They are so scary. I know my thoughts aren't rational, but yet I can't calm them. I had myself so worried. I was scared and I think it scared Don. He was so comforting and helpful and tender. He tried so hard to comfort me. (And he did.) I thank Heavenly Father so much for allowing me to not have a full blown attack until Don got there. If I was alone, it would have been 10 times worse. He was able to help me calm down when he could see the anxiety coming on. I asked him for a blessing and that helped so much. What a privilege it is to have the Priesthood. How grateful I am that Don could provide that blessing and help me relax. How grateful I am for Don! He truly is one of the best. I am so thankful for him and his eternal companionship. He is my hero, my best friend, my everything. Not big enough words to describe the love I have for him and the honor it is to be his wife. He is kind, caring, supportive - what can I say - he is the BEST!
Anyway, what I attribute these anxiety attacks to is 1. Lack of sleep. Averaging 4-5 hours a night for 12 days wasn't cutting it. The fact that the bed was as hard as a slab of concrete (and I'm not exaggerating) didn't help. 2. Being cooped up in the same room, day in, day out, so far from home. 3. Being alone and extremely homesick. Anyway, combine those and boom! I told Don I really felt that once we were on the plane out of Changchun I'd feel tons better. And you know what - I did! We flew to Shanghai to our next flight to the good old USA. When we landed in Shanghai, I saw that beautiful Delta airplane parked at the gate, with a small American flag on the fuselage. It was like coming home! The agents spoke English, we got checked in, and I was really calm by then. In fact, to show you how comforted I was to be heading home, I actually slept better on that flight than I did my whole time in China! It was an 11 hour 25 minute flight and I think I slept at least 7 of those hours and slept hard. It was awesome to wake up and realize that we were only 1 hour and 25 minutes out of LAX! I was completely calmed down by then and so happy to be back on American soil. Here's something for another time, but we are so blessed to live here. Anyway back to the update. Don and I cleared customs and then boarded out flight home!
The girls came to pick us up. They were at the Viewmont-Davis football game and so we just texted them when we landed. Viewmont won and the girls had really missed us so they were so happy when they came to get us. Couldn't have been happier than I was to see them! I don't think I've ever squeezed them so hard. It was exquisite! When we got home, Don had the girls run in the house to let Cooper (our dog) out. He is a HUGE momma's boy so Don was afraid he'd pee in the house when he saw me. They let him out, then Don and I came in, and then we let him back in. He went crazy. I feel so loved! He would have peed so I'm glad Don thought ahead to let him out. Jordan recorded our reunion on her phone. They said he's also been very homesick for his momma and has been kind of mopey. Anyway, we are back together and I couldn't be happier!
Now, update on the eyes! My last acuity test was the same - I read an additional 3 lines down the chart in the right eye and 2 in the left. They do a rudimentary peripheral field test, but it showed improvement. I am going to go have a good one done here sometime next week and then I would like to do another one in 3 months because that's when Carol said most people notice an improvement if they are going to have one. They also do an ERG. That stands for Electroretinogram (again their's is a little behind technology wise than the ones they do at Moran) but that showed an improvement. What that does is test how your eyes respond to the dark. My first one showed very little response. The one after the procedure showed response! In fact I was looking forward to being back at the Salt Lake Airport in a familiar surrounding to see if I noticed a difference. Well, I did. Whenever I'm in fluorescent lights I see flickers (almost like they flicker before a power outage). They're not intense but they are there. Anyway, I did notice the flickers were not as prominent! I'm so grateful. Carol told me most people enjoy stable vision after this procedure for 10-15 years, then their vision usually starts to decline again. I'm so happy I was hopefully able to buy myself another 10-15 years of having vision. And maybe by then, there will be a way to treat or cure RP.
Anyway, I know I've gone on and on, but I really feel that I was truly blessed and that in part was from the faith and prayers of friends, family, and relatives that fasted and prayed for me. Of course my immediate family did, but I also had aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, ward members, and even acquaintances praying for me. I am so humbled. Their concern for my well being, their love, and their support has been most humbling. How do I ever fully express my gratitude for that? I can't, but I want you all to know, that my gratitude is there. I've said it many times, that sometimes I think the nicest thing you can do for someone is pray for them. So thank you all for your faith and love. I'm truly blessed to have the choicest people in my life. I'm not sure how I warranted that blessing, but I'm forever grateful for it. Thank you, everyone, for your goodness, your examples, your faith, and your love. Your Christlike love and concern means everything to me.
Then, it happened. I started having anxiety attacks. UGH! I have had them before, the last ones being right after Jacie was born, but by Thursday evening, they were rearing their ugly head. I had been experiencing twinges of anxiety all along on the trip, but they were what I'd call normal. Just concern over being so far from home, by myself, the procedure, the girls, etc. Then I got hit with the big ones. I started to freak out that maybe the infection would become worse and they wouldn't let me leave on Friday, or that our plane home would have another significant delay like our outbound flight did. These can be true concerns but my mind had blown them out of proportion and I was a nervous wreck. You can only imagine what that did to my already whacked out sleep pattern. (Which I might add is still screwy. It's 5:05 am and yours truly has been up all night.)
I hate these anxiety episodes. Like I said it's been 15 years since I'd experienced them and if I never have one again it would be too soon. They are so scary. I know my thoughts aren't rational, but yet I can't calm them. I had myself so worried. I was scared and I think it scared Don. He was so comforting and helpful and tender. He tried so hard to comfort me. (And he did.) I thank Heavenly Father so much for allowing me to not have a full blown attack until Don got there. If I was alone, it would have been 10 times worse. He was able to help me calm down when he could see the anxiety coming on. I asked him for a blessing and that helped so much. What a privilege it is to have the Priesthood. How grateful I am that Don could provide that blessing and help me relax. How grateful I am for Don! He truly is one of the best. I am so thankful for him and his eternal companionship. He is my hero, my best friend, my everything. Not big enough words to describe the love I have for him and the honor it is to be his wife. He is kind, caring, supportive - what can I say - he is the BEST!
Anyway, what I attribute these anxiety attacks to is 1. Lack of sleep. Averaging 4-5 hours a night for 12 days wasn't cutting it. The fact that the bed was as hard as a slab of concrete (and I'm not exaggerating) didn't help. 2. Being cooped up in the same room, day in, day out, so far from home. 3. Being alone and extremely homesick. Anyway, combine those and boom! I told Don I really felt that once we were on the plane out of Changchun I'd feel tons better. And you know what - I did! We flew to Shanghai to our next flight to the good old USA. When we landed in Shanghai, I saw that beautiful Delta airplane parked at the gate, with a small American flag on the fuselage. It was like coming home! The agents spoke English, we got checked in, and I was really calm by then. In fact, to show you how comforted I was to be heading home, I actually slept better on that flight than I did my whole time in China! It was an 11 hour 25 minute flight and I think I slept at least 7 of those hours and slept hard. It was awesome to wake up and realize that we were only 1 hour and 25 minutes out of LAX! I was completely calmed down by then and so happy to be back on American soil. Here's something for another time, but we are so blessed to live here. Anyway back to the update. Don and I cleared customs and then boarded out flight home!
The girls came to pick us up. They were at the Viewmont-Davis football game and so we just texted them when we landed. Viewmont won and the girls had really missed us so they were so happy when they came to get us. Couldn't have been happier than I was to see them! I don't think I've ever squeezed them so hard. It was exquisite! When we got home, Don had the girls run in the house to let Cooper (our dog) out. He is a HUGE momma's boy so Don was afraid he'd pee in the house when he saw me. They let him out, then Don and I came in, and then we let him back in. He went crazy. I feel so loved! He would have peed so I'm glad Don thought ahead to let him out. Jordan recorded our reunion on her phone. They said he's also been very homesick for his momma and has been kind of mopey. Anyway, we are back together and I couldn't be happier!
Now, update on the eyes! My last acuity test was the same - I read an additional 3 lines down the chart in the right eye and 2 in the left. They do a rudimentary peripheral field test, but it showed improvement. I am going to go have a good one done here sometime next week and then I would like to do another one in 3 months because that's when Carol said most people notice an improvement if they are going to have one. They also do an ERG. That stands for Electroretinogram (again their's is a little behind technology wise than the ones they do at Moran) but that showed an improvement. What that does is test how your eyes respond to the dark. My first one showed very little response. The one after the procedure showed response! In fact I was looking forward to being back at the Salt Lake Airport in a familiar surrounding to see if I noticed a difference. Well, I did. Whenever I'm in fluorescent lights I see flickers (almost like they flicker before a power outage). They're not intense but they are there. Anyway, I did notice the flickers were not as prominent! I'm so grateful. Carol told me most people enjoy stable vision after this procedure for 10-15 years, then their vision usually starts to decline again. I'm so happy I was hopefully able to buy myself another 10-15 years of having vision. And maybe by then, there will be a way to treat or cure RP.
Anyway, I know I've gone on and on, but I really feel that I was truly blessed and that in part was from the faith and prayers of friends, family, and relatives that fasted and prayed for me. Of course my immediate family did, but I also had aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, ward members, and even acquaintances praying for me. I am so humbled. Their concern for my well being, their love, and their support has been most humbling. How do I ever fully express my gratitude for that? I can't, but I want you all to know, that my gratitude is there. I've said it many times, that sometimes I think the nicest thing you can do for someone is pray for them. So thank you all for your faith and love. I'm truly blessed to have the choicest people in my life. I'm not sure how I warranted that blessing, but I'm forever grateful for it. Thank you, everyone, for your goodness, your examples, your faith, and your love. Your Christlike love and concern means everything to me.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Don's back!
Don arrived here this afternoon. I was so glad to see him. I'm so grateful to have him and it has been joyful having his company! I'm so thankful I am not alone anymore. He had a good trip in Shenzhen.
I'm so grateful for my family. I'm so grateful for Don. He really is such a great guy. He's so supportive and patient with me. How I love him. How I love and miss Jordan and Jacie. I am getting so excited to see them! I know they are a little homesick, too, so I'm grateful we'll be together soon.
I'm so grateful for my family. I'm so grateful for Don. He really is such a great guy. He's so supportive and patient with me. How I love him. How I love and miss Jordan and Jacie. I am getting so excited to see them! I know they are a little homesick, too, so I'm grateful we'll be together soon.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Tuesday
It's hard to believe it's been one week ago that Don flew out to Shenzehn. He comes back tomorrow and I'm as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning. It will be so wonderful to see him.
The infection is looking better. Dr. Zhang has been using the topical antibiotic and said that half of the incision is better and Carol said the other half looked even better this afternoon than it did this morning. Please continue to pray that it will be completely gone ASAP!
My acuity is still 3 lines better in the right eye and 2 lines in the left. So thankful for that improvement.
It's been another quiet day. I can't wait for Don to arrive because I have spotty wifi and have already read several books. It will be nice to have someone to talk to.
I'm so grateful for the abundant blessings I receive from our loving Father in Heaven. I had to petition Him many times for comfort and peace. I always appreciate the Atonement so much more when I have had difficult times. It's nice to know the Savior has our back always.
I have to share a sweet story. This morning I woke up at my usual early hour and was feeling worry. I
FaceTimed the girls and we had a prayer together. It was so comforting and really buoyed me up. I'm so grateful for the power of prayer. Thanks for all of yours!
The infection is looking better. Dr. Zhang has been using the topical antibiotic and said that half of the incision is better and Carol said the other half looked even better this afternoon than it did this morning. Please continue to pray that it will be completely gone ASAP!
My acuity is still 3 lines better in the right eye and 2 lines in the left. So thankful for that improvement.
It's been another quiet day. I can't wait for Don to arrive because I have spotty wifi and have already read several books. It will be nice to have someone to talk to.
I'm so grateful for the abundant blessings I receive from our loving Father in Heaven. I had to petition Him many times for comfort and peace. I always appreciate the Atonement so much more when I have had difficult times. It's nice to know the Savior has our back always.
I have to share a sweet story. This morning I woke up at my usual early hour and was feeling worry. I
FaceTimed the girls and we had a prayer together. It was so comforting and really buoyed me up. I'm so grateful for the power of prayer. Thanks for all of yours!
Monday, September 5, 2016
Third time's the charm!
Carol and I went to Westerm Union today. Thankfully we were finally able to make the transfer! I feel so relieved that it finally went through. I think Carol was equally thrilled.
The right incision is still a bit infected. I'm praying so big that it will clear up. There are two Dr. Zhangs here. The male Dr. Zhang does the surgeries and the female Dr. Zhang deals with the patients after. Neither speak English but both are very nice. I really like the female Dr. Zhang. She is so sweet and caring. She has been treating the infection today. If it hasn't cleared by tomorrow they'll prescribe an oral antibiotic. I'm praying and hoping that won't be necessary. I would have a great deal of relief if it would clear up on its own. Carol said they might do the oral so I can be discharged in time. That is Friday. I said to Don - I have to be discharged Friday. I miss the kids so bad it makes my teeth ache plus I think it costs a small fortune to change an international plane ticket. Don said not to worry - we are leaving on Friday.
Please pray that this will clear. As you can imagine and if you know me - this is causing me a great deal of worry.
I am so looking forward to Don being back here onWednesday. This has been so lonely. It's ironic - I'm in the most populated country in the world and yet I feel so alone. Carol has been wonderful, but there is something special about family. This really has been a very long week. Add in the sleep issues and I think that escalates worry mode.
I know I say this so much, but thanks again for everyone's prayers and faith. I feel it and I am so grateful for it. I am so blessed to have amazing people in my life and I'm so appreciative of the Atonement. When I think how lonely our Savior felt in Gethsemane, I know he is buoying me up and lifting me through. I love you, all, and thank you all for your prayers.
The right incision is still a bit infected. I'm praying so big that it will clear up. There are two Dr. Zhangs here. The male Dr. Zhang does the surgeries and the female Dr. Zhang deals with the patients after. Neither speak English but both are very nice. I really like the female Dr. Zhang. She is so sweet and caring. She has been treating the infection today. If it hasn't cleared by tomorrow they'll prescribe an oral antibiotic. I'm praying and hoping that won't be necessary. I would have a great deal of relief if it would clear up on its own. Carol said they might do the oral so I can be discharged in time. That is Friday. I said to Don - I have to be discharged Friday. I miss the kids so bad it makes my teeth ache plus I think it costs a small fortune to change an international plane ticket. Don said not to worry - we are leaving on Friday.
Please pray that this will clear. As you can imagine and if you know me - this is causing me a great deal of worry.
I am so looking forward to Don being back here onWednesday. This has been so lonely. It's ironic - I'm in the most populated country in the world and yet I feel so alone. Carol has been wonderful, but there is something special about family. This really has been a very long week. Add in the sleep issues and I think that escalates worry mode.
I know I say this so much, but thanks again for everyone's prayers and faith. I feel it and I am so grateful for it. I am so blessed to have amazing people in my life and I'm so appreciative of the Atonement. When I think how lonely our Savior felt in Gethsemane, I know he is buoying me up and lifting me through. I love you, all, and thank you all for your prayers.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Sunday
This is another quiet day. Sunday's are short staff so it's pretty quiet around here. I went down for these shots they give every morning and the incision on the right was a little red and swollen so it appears to be mildly infected. They put a topical antibiotic on it and I'm hoping that will do the trick. Carol hung out with me a little more this morning and that was nice. It helped pass the time.
I've read Church books, scriptures, and the Ensign today. It made for a very pleasant Sabbath. I'm so grateful for the Gospel and our Savior. I'm so appreciative of what our Savior has done for us.
Sending love to all! Thanks for the prayers and well wishes!
I've read Church books, scriptures, and the Ensign today. It made for a very pleasant Sabbath. I'm so grateful for the Gospel and our Savior. I'm so appreciative of what our Savior has done for us.
Sending love to all! Thanks for the prayers and well wishes!
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Just a quiet Saturday
It's kind of a quiet day around here. Nothing really to report except they checked my acuity today and I read 3 more lines in my right eye and 2 in the left. That is good news.
It's Saturday and I'm so lonely. There isn't a lot of action here on Saturday so I've been kind of by myself most of the day. Luckily I brought some good books and Tina even sent me with a book that was great. It has really helped pass the time as the wifi is so spotty.
I'm sure tomorrow will be equally quiet, but I will read the scriptures and the Church books I brought and have a peaceful Sabbath day.
Thanks again for the prayers and well wishes!
It's Saturday and I'm so lonely. There isn't a lot of action here on Saturday so I've been kind of by myself most of the day. Luckily I brought some good books and Tina even sent me with a book that was great. It has really helped pass the time as the wifi is so spotty.
I'm sure tomorrow will be equally quiet, but I will read the scriptures and the Church books I brought and have a peaceful Sabbath day.
Thanks again for the prayers and well wishes!
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Second Procedure Done!
This morning Carol came early and knocked on the door. She had tried to text me but the wifi wasn't working so I didn't get it. It's okay, though, because I'm still waking up early. Thankfully today I made it until 2:30 am. BTW, my Chinese dog friend is still very timely. Started a little earlier at 4 am. I knew the wifi was off because I tried texting and Facetiming the girls at the magical time of 4:40 am here which is right when they get home from school.
Anyway, I was supposed to have the procedure at 10 am but Carol said he wanted to move it up to 8 am. So I had to go have my temperature taken, blood pressure and pulse. After that, they said the person right before me was still in their surgery so I could go wait. They came for me at 8:25 and I was out by 9:00. It's very quick. I wish I could post pictures. I'll have to later. For some reason I can't do it (could be this fantastic wifi), but they do it on your temporal vessels on the side of your head. I think it looks like I've had a lobotomy! It will be interesting to see what happens in the vision test tomorrow. They did my left side today and that is my worse eye, both acuity and field. So at least all procedures are done now and I'm glad for that!
Oh the fun we've had with Western Union here. We wired the money to ourselves to pay for the procedure because we didn't want to take that much cash and they don't take American Express. Anyway I know I mentioned the trouble Don had. Well, Don couldn't get his money that he wired to himself so I had to have Dad wire the money to me. We told him very specifically how to put my full name as it appears in the passport. So Dad did, Carol and I went to Western Union on Wednesday and they wouldn't let me get it because somehow the Asay part of my name showed in the last name column and it couldn't be there because my last name is Parr. Ugh! So I had to get in touch with Dad again so it showed correctly. Dad was a jewel and got right on it. Carol even called Western Union before we went over to make sure it was all well. They said it was so over we went. We get there and fill out and sign all the necessary paperwork, then the gal tries to finalize the transaction and the computer gets a glitch and won't process it. We were there for 2 hours when they finally said we'll have to come back another day. If you ever need to wire yourself money in China be very specific because your money is so secure even you can't get it out. Carol and I are going to try Monday. Because I had the procedure today I have to stay put.
I must say before I quit boring everyone that I am truly humbled and awed by the faith, love, and prayers in my behalf. I am so blessed to have some of the most wonderful people backing me up. It truly is so touching and I love you all!
Anyway, I was supposed to have the procedure at 10 am but Carol said he wanted to move it up to 8 am. So I had to go have my temperature taken, blood pressure and pulse. After that, they said the person right before me was still in their surgery so I could go wait. They came for me at 8:25 and I was out by 9:00. It's very quick. I wish I could post pictures. I'll have to later. For some reason I can't do it (could be this fantastic wifi), but they do it on your temporal vessels on the side of your head. I think it looks like I've had a lobotomy! It will be interesting to see what happens in the vision test tomorrow. They did my left side today and that is my worse eye, both acuity and field. So at least all procedures are done now and I'm glad for that!
Oh the fun we've had with Western Union here. We wired the money to ourselves to pay for the procedure because we didn't want to take that much cash and they don't take American Express. Anyway I know I mentioned the trouble Don had. Well, Don couldn't get his money that he wired to himself so I had to have Dad wire the money to me. We told him very specifically how to put my full name as it appears in the passport. So Dad did, Carol and I went to Western Union on Wednesday and they wouldn't let me get it because somehow the Asay part of my name showed in the last name column and it couldn't be there because my last name is Parr. Ugh! So I had to get in touch with Dad again so it showed correctly. Dad was a jewel and got right on it. Carol even called Western Union before we went over to make sure it was all well. They said it was so over we went. We get there and fill out and sign all the necessary paperwork, then the gal tries to finalize the transaction and the computer gets a glitch and won't process it. We were there for 2 hours when they finally said we'll have to come back another day. If you ever need to wire yourself money in China be very specific because your money is so secure even you can't get it out. Carol and I are going to try Monday. Because I had the procedure today I have to stay put.
I must say before I quit boring everyone that I am truly humbled and awed by the faith, love, and prayers in my behalf. I am so blessed to have some of the most wonderful people backing me up. It truly is so touching and I love you all!
Long Night
Yesterday afternoon Don flew out to Shenzhen. I was so tired I feel asleep around 6 pm. I woke up at 10:30 or so and had been awake just a minute when Don called to tell me he was in Shenzehn at the hotel. I was glad he was safely there. Then I laid back down to go to sleep and found sleep completely eluding me!
I stayed awake the rest of the night! The first morning here a dog started barking at 4:40 am. It was so interesting - right on cue the barking started at 4:40 this morning! A very reliable dog! I have taken to calling it my Chinese dog friend. I'm hoping I'll still be asleep this morning at 4:40 but if not, I'll listen for him.
I had a vision test and I was able to go down two more lines than what I read yesterday! They were very pleased. Things looked a little sharper today. They told me I might not notice an increase in my field for up to three months if at all. It would sure be nice if I could get some more field back. Time will tell.
Yesterday Don and Carol went to Westen Union before Don left to get the money out to pay. Don wired the money to himself but they wouldn't let him have it because his name said Donald Parr on the receipt but his passport says Donald Lee Parr. So in my insomnia stricken state I texted Dad to wire the money to me with my whole name as it is on the passport. Dad jumps through all kinds of hoops, gets it done, only for me to go and not be able to get the money out! Turns out Dad had my whole name on there, but he put Asay Parr in the surname block so they again would not release the money! It's 4am at home right now so I will have to wait a few hours to text Dad to ask him to change the surname back to Parr with Asay as a middle name. They're very particular. Carol seemed quite frustrated as well.
It looks like they'll do my other eye on Friday. So tomorrow will probably consist of another vision test and trip to Western Union.
Long Lonely Nights
So Don left Tuesday for Shenzhen and I sure miss him. Right after he left my wifi wasn't working so that left me without the internet to help pass the time. Luckily tonight it is back. I have anti jet lag. I have not been able to sleep. I fall asleep in the evening but wake up a few hours later only to be up the rest of the night. It has been the loneliest feeling. Thank goodness for the time difference because when it's 4:40 am here it is 2:40 pm the day before at home so I can FaceTime with the girls. That actually makes me so homesick for them! I miss them so much, but I'm so proud of them. They are doing well and I'm so grateful for their support and goodness.
I will have the second side done tomorrow. I have been able to improve my visual acuity by two lines on the eye chart but they said I might not notice my visual field for days, weeks, or months. She said some people's visual field increases right away and others go three months before noticing anything. I would love to get some of my field back, but if I can just hold on to what I have I will be happy.
Carol, my helper, is so cute! She speaks English, Chinese, and German so her and I trade back and forth between English and German and sometimes speak Germglish.
Hope I can sleep tonight. You'd think I'd be ready to crash as I've only slept 20 hours since Saturday. I must be running on pure adrenaline.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Update! First surgery complete!
So after testing this morning and meeting with the Doctor, he decided to go ahead a do the surgery today on my right side! Hooray! I was worried I would have to wait til tomorrow and have one more day to worry and stew! Turns out I was anxious for nothing. It took all of 20 minutes. Plus, I was under the impression that I'd have bandages over my eyes for 24 hours, but turns out I don't qualify for that procedure. That's in addition to the vascular shunt procedure I had. I don't qualify because I had radial keratotomy and lasik (long before I knew I had RP). Anyway, right side is done! I'll probably have the left side done on Thursday.
So here's the thing that finally chilled me out. They don't even perform the surgery near your eye. It's done on the side of the head by the temporal artery. I have no idea how they do it, and the doctor said he couldn't explain because it's intellectual property.
Anyway, now I can chill. I woke up this morning freaking right out and now I found that all that worry was really not necessary.
Oh and I'm not noticing improvement. The other procedure (that I didn't qualify for) tends to render quicker results, I wa told I may not notice anything for weeks, if ever. It's okay as long as I maintain! I just don't want to lose the vision I have!
Feeling relieved and very blessed for all the prayers, support, and love!
Oh, I don't know if I mentioned that Carol (our liaison that speaks English) also speaks German so here I am in China sprechen Deutsch!
Don's heading out to Shenzhen this afternoon so I'm alone for the next week. I will miss him terribly as I'm already missing the girls, but now I'm really feeling so much more peace!
So here's the thing that finally chilled me out. They don't even perform the surgery near your eye. It's done on the side of the head by the temporal artery. I have no idea how they do it, and the doctor said he couldn't explain because it's intellectual property.
Anyway, now I can chill. I woke up this morning freaking right out and now I found that all that worry was really not necessary.
Oh and I'm not noticing improvement. The other procedure (that I didn't qualify for) tends to render quicker results, I wa told I may not notice anything for weeks, if ever. It's okay as long as I maintain! I just don't want to lose the vision I have!
Feeling relieved and very blessed for all the prayers, support, and love!
Oh, I don't know if I mentioned that Carol (our liaison that speaks English) also speaks German so here I am in China sprechen Deutsch!
Don's heading out to Shenzhen this afternoon so I'm alone for the next week. I will miss him terribly as I'm already missing the girls, but now I'm really feeling so much more peace!
Tuesday Morning - Changchun
It's 5:55 am in Changchun. Don and I arrived in this morning at 12:25 am. 24 hours later than scheduled but we are here. I have tests today beginning at 7:30 but I'm a ball of nerves. I've been up since 4:00. There's a 14 hour time difference so I face timed the girls and that did wonders for me. I already miss them so much.
I'll post later after the testing and meeting with the surgeon. Still haven't seen much of China as we spent 9 hours in Beijing at the airport and flew in last night and it was dark.
I'm grateful again for the prayers. I can feel them and the love of those offering them. It is helping me so much! Updates later!
In Beijing!
After our big delay in Seattle we finally arrived in Beijing, to find that our onward flights to Changchun had not stayed in the system so we spent about 2 hours dealing with that. It was okay, though, because we had a 9 hour layover! We arrive in Changchun exactly 24 hours late so everything is pushed back a day.
Although the delay in Seattle was a little frustrating and discouraging, it ended up giving us some good memories anyway. Don and I made friends with two amazing flight attendants and a couple of really nice passengers on our flight.
Now I'm just ready to get the ball rolling. We arrive in Changchun at 12:25am Tuesday morning so it will be a short night! I decided to update this blog because right now it's 4:20 am at home so I figure if I can keep myself awake I should be able to adjust better to the time.
I'm feeling great peace knowing that my awesome family and friends fasted and prayed for me. It's awe inspiring to have so many people exercising their faith and prayers in my behalf. Truly humbling. Love to all!
Although the delay in Seattle was a little frustrating and discouraging, it ended up giving us some good memories anyway. Don and I made friends with two amazing flight attendants and a couple of really nice passengers on our flight.
Now I'm just ready to get the ball rolling. We arrive in Changchun at 12:25am Tuesday morning so it will be a short night! I decided to update this blog because right now it's 4:20 am at home so I figure if I can keep myself awake I should be able to adjust better to the time.
I'm feeling great peace knowing that my awesome family and friends fasted and prayed for me. It's awe inspiring to have so many people exercising their faith and prayers in my behalf. Truly humbling. Love to all!
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Off to an interesting start!
So Don and I left SLC for China today at 3:10 pm. It's now 10:30 pm and we are in Seattle still. Ugh! We got here, boarding our flight to Beijing, only to have our pilot come on and inform us that there was a mechanical problem with the plane. So we sat on the tarmac for an hour only to push back, taxi out to the runway, have the pilot come on again to tell us the hydraulics went out. So they had to fly a part in from ATL which won't be here until later tonight. So our flight leaves here at 9:00 in the morning. It messes us up - we get to Changchun 24 hours late! What do you do? Just ride it out!
So hopefully this doesn't throw too big of a wrench in everything. What with our passport/visa debacle, I'm learning patience.
Still so grateful for the thoughts and prayers being sent up in my behalf!
So hopefully this doesn't throw too big of a wrench in everything. What with our passport/visa debacle, I'm learning patience.
Still so grateful for the thoughts and prayers being sent up in my behalf!
Friday, August 26, 2016
A dream come true!
I just wanted to post these pictures here for posterity. A couple of weeks ago I went to San Diego to see my acupuncturist there while Don and the girls were at Girl's Camp. It was my first time flying alone since my vision has gotten a little worse so I was a little nervous and noted on my reservation that I had a visual impairment. They let me board the plane first. As I was walking down the jetway the captain came up from the tarmac and I cracked a joke with him. I asked him how he'd like a person with no peripheral vision to help him fly the plane. He laughed then invited me up to the cockpit for a look around! I was as giddy as a 7 year old. As you may know, I love planes (almost as much as President Uchtdorf) so this was a real treat. He even let me sit in the left seat and I got to be up there for about 10 minutes. It was awesome. The copilot even let me wear his hat. Their kindness meant the world and I was so grateful for this tender mercy. Here are some pictures, forgive the cheesiness of my grin!
The cool thing was this was a 757, which is one of my favorite planes. I think they are so sleek and graceful! It was so awesome and I was so grateful to these two kind gentlemen for the opportunity. Go Delta! Forgive the giddiness, it is possible for a 45 year old to feel like a kid!
Tomorrow Don and I leave for China! I am nervous, anxious, excited! Maybe the pilots will let me help fly the bird across the Pacific! Ha!
Tomorrow Don and I leave for China! I am nervous, anxious, excited! Maybe the pilots will let me help fly the bird across the Pacific! Ha!
Monday, August 22, 2016
China - Here we come!
So I decided to write about our upcoming trip to China! China? You might ask. Well, I'll try to make a long story short. Several months ago I was on an RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa) group on Facebook and saw a post come up about a place in China (the only place in the world as far as I can determine) that does a procedure to help slow the vision loss of people with RP. They perform a vascular shunt surgery in which they direct more blood flow to the retina. People with RP have narrowed vessels around the retina so they don't receive as much blood supply. Since the retinas are already compromised, the lower blood flow attributes to the vision loss associated with RP. They've been doing this procedure since 1995 and have said that the majority of their patients were able to stabilize their vision and not lose anymore. Some even had some improvement. As you can see from these visual field tests below, I've lost some vision just in the last year and a half, not to mention how much I've lost since I was diagnosed.
So Don finds out there is a trade show in China and we had been toying with going and doing this procedure. His show is next week! I called the people in China and they were available that week. Don is going to come with me to Changchun, which is way north in China. It is the same latitude as Vladivostok, Russia! Looks like it shouldn't be too cold there, yet! He'll stay with me until the procedure is over then he flies to Shenzhen for his trade show and customer calls. He'll then fly back up to Changchun and be with me the last two days I am there. I have to be there for 2 weeks!
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| My apologies, this one is sideways. |
I'm quite nervous but excited at the same time. My biggest concern is leaving the girls right after school starts to fly halfway across the world. However, they are so supportive of me and they have already started praying that this can save my eyesight! I'm so grateful for their support and love. I'm also so grateful for Don's. He is going to have to do a lot of extra flying around but I will feel more confident just knowing he is on the same continent as me.
Right now, what we are praying for is that our passports and visas arrive in time! We applied for a Chinese visa two and a half weeks ago, only to receive the visa, then have FedEx lose our passports and visas! Nowhere to be found! We had to cancel them and apply for new passports and visas. They tell us they are supposed to arrive tomorrow so fingers are crossed! We leave Saturday! I will post updates and experiences on this blog and would ask your faith and prayers in my behalf. I am already overwhelmed with those who are praying for me and looking after my girls while we are away. I really think one of the nicest things anyone can do is pray for others. This means so much to me and I am grateful we have this opportunity.
I'll keep you posted!
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Trek to a Better Me
Don and I had the amazing privilege to be called as a Trek Ma and Pa for our Stake's Trek this year. It was so perfect as this year both Jordan and Jacie would be participating and I absolutely, unequivocally love the youth of our ward. We were so excited to learn we'd be serving with two other amazing couples as Trek parents and get ready for this incredible event. We had fun preparing. We got the necessary items for our Parr family and our Trek family. Don set us up with a lantern that casts a glow of noon day and me with a headlamp because I can't see in the dark. We bought tarps, rope, bug spray, Benadryl, Ibuprofen, a shovel. You name it - we were prepared! Don's prior experience as serving as a Scout master really helped.
Our Stake took a different approach this year and didn't trek as far as in previous years. I think the total was around 13 miles. They incorporated reenactments of various experiences the pioneers had and planned some amazing experiences. Yesterday they even built a replica of the Nauvoo Temple! I was so looking forward to this experience. However, my trek ended much differently than I had anticipated. Although it ended with some disappointment, I have already seen the hand of the Lord in the things that transpired. I would be completely ungrateful and stubborn if I did not see the blessings that came out of this experience. I'll explain shortly.
The first day was great. We met at the Stake Center and they reenacted Moroni hiding up the plates. Then they did a reenactment of the First Vision and Moroni's visit to Joseph Smith. We then all got in cars and were driven to the Trek site. We unloaded everything and got assigned our Trek Family. Don and I were assigned 11 amazing kids: Shawn Evans, Adam Roylance, Jonah Lewis, Zach Staples, Calvin Albertsen, Matt Barlow, Allie Mills, Bryni Howell, Jessica Petersen, Melissa Wagstaff and Camryn Paul. We named ourselves the "Don or Parrty". I already knew and loved 9 of them, but I got to meet two new youth that moved in to our ward and immediately loved them and could see their amazing potential. They said the most important thing we could do as Trek parents would be to love these youth. That was the easiest thing in the world for me. It really was my privilege and honor to be their Trek Ma. After we "met" our family, we had a sack lunch, loaded up the handcarts and began our initial day of trekking. We stopped midway and participated in a tug of war challenge and had various rest stops. We even had to pay a toll to some hard hearted "Missourians" to pass on their land. We then arrived at our first camp. We set up, played some games, visited, had dinner and we were just preparing to go to reenactments. It wasn't even dark yet, but with my tunnel vision I didn't see a rope that was staking our Shade tarp up and tripped over it. I fell to the side and landed on my arm and right side on a 5 gallon bucket. It knocked the wind out of me, but I thought that was the extent of it and figured I'd be a little sore the next day. We walked up to the vignettes and I was still having a hard time catching a breath so my amazing Don walked me down to the medical tent to have a look. I had a big old bruise and the doctor thought I had most likely bruised a rib. He was so sweet and compassionate. I have two friends who I have always loved and thought the world of serving as Trek nurses - Kirsten Zesiger and Shannon Carter. They provided the most tender care and compassion. The Doctor, Bishop Richardson listened to my lung to make sure I hadn't possibly punctured it, they gave me some ibuprofen and we went back to camp. We had a sweet fireside where Bishop Barlow spoke to us about why we were doing Trek and what was to be an experience to strengthen the testimonies of these youth and unite us all in unity. I never imagined the strength I got from the unity of our Stake Family. We then turned in for the night and I was very sore and somewhat short of breath and figured I would be because I did not fall at all gracefully. I felt like I went down like a ton of bricks.
That night some of our kids went to sleep really quick (I could hear them breathing). I had a very hard time getting comfortable and falling asleep. I thought I was the only one awake, but come to find out I think more people than not had difficulty sleeping. I did manage a few hours, but they were interrupted. I would wake up, turn on the light on my watch and see that only 30 minutes had passed that I was asleep, so I'd lay there for an hour or so more, then sleep for another short spell. This went on all night and again the following morning I realized I could have had company as most of our group experienced the same thing. I did have a most sweet experience, anyway. I laid there and the stars were bright and beautiful. We heard coyotes barking and howling in the distance. At one point I woke up fairly uncomfortable and said a silent prayer. I immediately had the words of the hymn "Abide with Me, Tis Eventide" come into my mind. "Oh Savior, stay this night with me, behold tis eventide." As I went over those words in my mind, the tears rolled down as I felt His love for me and for all of us at that Camp. I rolled over to see a beautiful bright moon shining and I could not deny that tender feeling of our Savior abiding with me.
The next morning came and I woke up extremely sore, still having a hard time breathing. Don walked me back over to medical and Shannon wrapped my ribs with an Ace Bandage. It did lend some comfort and support. I had planned to start out the Trek with my "Don or Parrty" family then step to the side if I was still uncomfortable and wait for the "sag wagon." Just walking back from medical was tough so Don said he thought it was a bad idea for me to trek. I really wanted to try, but I knew he was right so he arranged for me to ride in one of the trucks. Well, that turned into a wonderful experience in and of itself for me.
I was assigned to ride with President and Sister Squires. He was in our Stake Presidency 9 or 10 years ago. After he was released, he was called as Mission President of the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission in Africa. Riding with us was a girl from our Stake who had sustained a concussion a few weeks before Trek. Small world thing - she went to preschool with Jordan, her mom served in Marty's mission, and went to high school with Trav and Nancy! I knew her mom from Marty and always liked her. This girl was a sharp gal and I enjoyed being with her. President Squires told us some of the most amazing experiences from his time as mission president. The spirit I felt while he shared these experiences gave me that twinge of excitement I feel every time I think about serving as a couple missionary with Don when we get older. I loved being with him and Sister Squires, hearing of their experiences. They are those amazing, good, salt of the earth kind of people. I also enjoyed visiting with Megan and being her temporary Trek ma for awhile.
We didn't take the same path the trekkers were taking - we had to go out and around so by the time we neared the next camp you could see the lines of people pushing and pulling their handcarts. It was an awesome sight and I'm not going to lie, put a hard lump in my throat. Our ward was at the end and as I drove by I was so touched to see the faces of our group. They weren't laughing or smiling ear to ear, but every single one of them I saw had a look of pleasant determination. Their spirits were good and their countenances shown. I had to laugh, as we drove by, both Jordan and Jacie (who were not right next to each other) put out their thumbs to hitchhike a ride. That cracked me up - have I taught them to be hitchhikers? When there was about 3/4 mile left we had to stop so President and Sister Squires could adjust their trailer. A sweet young gentleman of 74 years came over and asked Megan and I if there was an extra seat. His hips were bothering him. We said there was so he jumped in. Come to find out he now lives in the same cul-de-sac Don and I lived in when we were first married. He and his wife were a Trek ma and pa!
We finished the last stretch and arrived in Nauvoo. They had make scenery with buildings from Nauvoo. While we realize this was not chronologically accurate, the idea behind it was amazing. We set up camp, had lunch, then they had a "ground breaking" ceremony for the Nauvoo Temple. Then the youth built a replica of the Temple! During the ceremony they had two men portray Joseph and Hyrum Smith. As they gave the speech it ended with them saying, "Nothing is too good for our Lord." The tears started to flow as I looked out at the youth and the adults and saw what went into this to strengthen these valuable young men and women and their testimonies. So many people had put so much into this and it was overwhelming.
After the groundbreaking they divided the families up to build the Temple replica. At this point I had become absolutely miserable. Don found a camp chair and set me up in the shade. I had a wonderful visit with Sharlae Rich from our ward (who is a fellow Trek ma) and a sweet lady from our Stake. As the time went on and the ibuprofen started to wear off, I became a little nervous. I was becoming so uncomfortable almost to where I wasn't feeling well. President Hillyard came up to me and this other gal and asked us if we were ignoring necessary medical attention because we did not want to miss out. I said, "Possibly." I couldn't lie to a member of the Stake Presidency! It was at that point that I knew I needed more help than what was available at Trek. I talked with Don and the medical staff and it was determined that I needed to leave. At this point the tears poured as I was hit with such an overwhelming feeling of disappointment. I didn't want to leave my Trek family or my own family. However, I had an amazing sense of peace come over me that I was doing the right thing.
I laid on a cot with ice on my side while waiting to figure out how Don and I would be transported home. Bishop Richardson asked if I had had a blessing. I hadn't. Don asked Kirsten Zesiger's husband Dee, who is one of the nicest men the world has known to anoint. As he placed his hands on my head the Spirit was so strong that again I was overcome with emotion. Don then gave me tender blessing that I realized immediately. He blessed me with peace that I had make the correct decision to go home and seek medical help. He also said that this experience was to not only strengthen me but others would be blessed as well.
It turned out that Dee (have I mentioned how angelic he and Kirsten are?) drove Don and I home. As Don helped me into the truck and I was feeling the strangest emotion of bitter disappointment, yet incredible peace, my sweet Trek kids came over and bid me goodbye. I gingerly hugged each one out the window of the truck and was overwhelmed by their goodness. We then left. Dee grabbed a Diet Coke out of a cooler. It was manna from heaven! When we arrived home, Don and I took the most welcome showers after two days in the dust, and then Don took me to Instacare. Turns out I broke a couple of ribs. They gave me some stronger pain medication which was very helpful. I still didn't sleep much last night but I can't even imagine what the night would have been like if I stayed.
But the tender mercies haven't stopped. Don got me home, drugged up, and comfortable. He then went to sleep for about 5 hours, woke up at 4 am and went back up to Trek to be there for the last day. Not only was I broken hearted for myself having to leave, but it nearly killed me that he had to as well. When he said he was going back my heart jumped for joy. I intend to get all the details of this last day from him, Jordie and Jace and then I will post it later. But now I want to share what I learned, why this Trek changed my life, and why I am better for it.
From Day One (which started months ago) I was incredibly impressed by the sacrifice, consecration and generosity of the members of our Stake who did so much for these amazing youth. As members of the Lord's Church we make covenants to consecrate and sacrifice for our Savior's Kingdom. As I watched my fellow brothers and sisters in the Stake honor those covenants, my heart has grown and I am forever grateful for their love of our Heavenly Father and Savior and their example to me and my family. You might notice a theme here, but this Trek has really ignited my emotions. I feel that same hard lump and the tears flow as I think of the sacrifices. I will try to put into writing what I mean.
On this Trek we had approximately 300 youth and 260 adults! Almost a one to one ratio! We had people giving up vacation time, sacrificing time with the members of their family not on this trek, people who put countless hours creating an amazing replica of the Nauvoo Temple, Trek parents who spent their own time and money to prepare for this event, people who came to simply cook for nearly 600 people (which included insatiable teenage boys), only to clean and pack up all the equipment to move it again and do it all over again. We had a doctor and angel nurses who gave of their time to come and attend to us wounded and weary with nothing more that a Christlike disposition that was so comforting and peaceful in our times of distress. We had people trekking who were expecting babies, some with difficult morning sickness, people with cancer, people who were Grandparents who would probably much rather be in air conditioning with their grandkids, parents who left young children home. People brought their horses, their cars, their trucks. People even sacrificed a couple of hours out of their day to drive people to trek and will drive them home later today. All of this has touched me so deeply and I have felt of their love for our Heavenly Father and Savior. I have also felt of our Heavenly Father and Savior's love for us. I think of how the collective sacrifices of each one of us involved in trek gave us such unity and a sense of strength. It filled me with awe and respect. I then think of our Savior's infinite and atoning sacrifice and want to treat it with the awe and respect it deserves.
As I've been typing this, my loyal dog has been lying at my feet. If I get up, he gets up, if I change rooms, he comes with me. I want to be loyal like that to my Savior and put His will before mine. I learned that so many of my brothers and sisters in this incredible Stake have done just that. I am a better person for these experiences. I am a better person because of their example. I'm grateful for the kindnesses that were shown me. I'm filled with an even deeper that I thought possible love and admiration for Don. He has been a rock. He has taken the most tender care of me and has shown me what true goodness is. I'm not sure how I lucked out and got him but my gratitude for him is even more poignant after this experience and I'm eternally grateful to have him by my side. I've caused him more craziness than he deserves yet he remains patient, tender, and WONDERFUL. Watching my daughters participate made my heart burst with joy. As a parent, there is no better feeling in the world than watching your kids make good choices. I'm so grateful for all those leaders past and present who continue to teach them and lift them and help them continue to make these choices. I will strive to make my Heavenly Father pleased with my choices and this experience has strengthened my resolve to do so.
My family should be returning from Trek in approximately 5 hours from now. I can't wait to see what their experiences of the last day of Trek were. I'm grateful we were all able to experience some of this together as a family. Not only the Parr Family, the Don or Parrty Family, the Davis Creek 2nd Ward, but as a family of the Farmington Utah South Stake. I'm still awestruck at this blessing that has been afforded me. God, our Father, lives! His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ lives! For all of this I am so thankful.
Our Stake took a different approach this year and didn't trek as far as in previous years. I think the total was around 13 miles. They incorporated reenactments of various experiences the pioneers had and planned some amazing experiences. Yesterday they even built a replica of the Nauvoo Temple! I was so looking forward to this experience. However, my trek ended much differently than I had anticipated. Although it ended with some disappointment, I have already seen the hand of the Lord in the things that transpired. I would be completely ungrateful and stubborn if I did not see the blessings that came out of this experience. I'll explain shortly.
That night some of our kids went to sleep really quick (I could hear them breathing). I had a very hard time getting comfortable and falling asleep. I thought I was the only one awake, but come to find out I think more people than not had difficulty sleeping. I did manage a few hours, but they were interrupted. I would wake up, turn on the light on my watch and see that only 30 minutes had passed that I was asleep, so I'd lay there for an hour or so more, then sleep for another short spell. This went on all night and again the following morning I realized I could have had company as most of our group experienced the same thing. I did have a most sweet experience, anyway. I laid there and the stars were bright and beautiful. We heard coyotes barking and howling in the distance. At one point I woke up fairly uncomfortable and said a silent prayer. I immediately had the words of the hymn "Abide with Me, Tis Eventide" come into my mind. "Oh Savior, stay this night with me, behold tis eventide." As I went over those words in my mind, the tears rolled down as I felt His love for me and for all of us at that Camp. I rolled over to see a beautiful bright moon shining and I could not deny that tender feeling of our Savior abiding with me.
The next morning came and I woke up extremely sore, still having a hard time breathing. Don walked me back over to medical and Shannon wrapped my ribs with an Ace Bandage. It did lend some comfort and support. I had planned to start out the Trek with my "Don or Parrty" family then step to the side if I was still uncomfortable and wait for the "sag wagon." Just walking back from medical was tough so Don said he thought it was a bad idea for me to trek. I really wanted to try, but I knew he was right so he arranged for me to ride in one of the trucks. Well, that turned into a wonderful experience in and of itself for me.
I was assigned to ride with President and Sister Squires. He was in our Stake Presidency 9 or 10 years ago. After he was released, he was called as Mission President of the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission in Africa. Riding with us was a girl from our Stake who had sustained a concussion a few weeks before Trek. Small world thing - she went to preschool with Jordan, her mom served in Marty's mission, and went to high school with Trav and Nancy! I knew her mom from Marty and always liked her. This girl was a sharp gal and I enjoyed being with her. President Squires told us some of the most amazing experiences from his time as mission president. The spirit I felt while he shared these experiences gave me that twinge of excitement I feel every time I think about serving as a couple missionary with Don when we get older. I loved being with him and Sister Squires, hearing of their experiences. They are those amazing, good, salt of the earth kind of people. I also enjoyed visiting with Megan and being her temporary Trek ma for awhile.
We didn't take the same path the trekkers were taking - we had to go out and around so by the time we neared the next camp you could see the lines of people pushing and pulling their handcarts. It was an awesome sight and I'm not going to lie, put a hard lump in my throat. Our ward was at the end and as I drove by I was so touched to see the faces of our group. They weren't laughing or smiling ear to ear, but every single one of them I saw had a look of pleasant determination. Their spirits were good and their countenances shown. I had to laugh, as we drove by, both Jordan and Jacie (who were not right next to each other) put out their thumbs to hitchhike a ride. That cracked me up - have I taught them to be hitchhikers? When there was about 3/4 mile left we had to stop so President and Sister Squires could adjust their trailer. A sweet young gentleman of 74 years came over and asked Megan and I if there was an extra seat. His hips were bothering him. We said there was so he jumped in. Come to find out he now lives in the same cul-de-sac Don and I lived in when we were first married. He and his wife were a Trek ma and pa!
We finished the last stretch and arrived in Nauvoo. They had make scenery with buildings from Nauvoo. While we realize this was not chronologically accurate, the idea behind it was amazing. We set up camp, had lunch, then they had a "ground breaking" ceremony for the Nauvoo Temple. Then the youth built a replica of the Temple! During the ceremony they had two men portray Joseph and Hyrum Smith. As they gave the speech it ended with them saying, "Nothing is too good for our Lord." The tears started to flow as I looked out at the youth and the adults and saw what went into this to strengthen these valuable young men and women and their testimonies. So many people had put so much into this and it was overwhelming.
After the groundbreaking they divided the families up to build the Temple replica. At this point I had become absolutely miserable. Don found a camp chair and set me up in the shade. I had a wonderful visit with Sharlae Rich from our ward (who is a fellow Trek ma) and a sweet lady from our Stake. As the time went on and the ibuprofen started to wear off, I became a little nervous. I was becoming so uncomfortable almost to where I wasn't feeling well. President Hillyard came up to me and this other gal and asked us if we were ignoring necessary medical attention because we did not want to miss out. I said, "Possibly." I couldn't lie to a member of the Stake Presidency! It was at that point that I knew I needed more help than what was available at Trek. I talked with Don and the medical staff and it was determined that I needed to leave. At this point the tears poured as I was hit with such an overwhelming feeling of disappointment. I didn't want to leave my Trek family or my own family. However, I had an amazing sense of peace come over me that I was doing the right thing.
I laid on a cot with ice on my side while waiting to figure out how Don and I would be transported home. Bishop Richardson asked if I had had a blessing. I hadn't. Don asked Kirsten Zesiger's husband Dee, who is one of the nicest men the world has known to anoint. As he placed his hands on my head the Spirit was so strong that again I was overcome with emotion. Don then gave me tender blessing that I realized immediately. He blessed me with peace that I had make the correct decision to go home and seek medical help. He also said that this experience was to not only strengthen me but others would be blessed as well.
It turned out that Dee (have I mentioned how angelic he and Kirsten are?) drove Don and I home. As Don helped me into the truck and I was feeling the strangest emotion of bitter disappointment, yet incredible peace, my sweet Trek kids came over and bid me goodbye. I gingerly hugged each one out the window of the truck and was overwhelmed by their goodness. We then left. Dee grabbed a Diet Coke out of a cooler. It was manna from heaven! When we arrived home, Don and I took the most welcome showers after two days in the dust, and then Don took me to Instacare. Turns out I broke a couple of ribs. They gave me some stronger pain medication which was very helpful. I still didn't sleep much last night but I can't even imagine what the night would have been like if I stayed.
But the tender mercies haven't stopped. Don got me home, drugged up, and comfortable. He then went to sleep for about 5 hours, woke up at 4 am and went back up to Trek to be there for the last day. Not only was I broken hearted for myself having to leave, but it nearly killed me that he had to as well. When he said he was going back my heart jumped for joy. I intend to get all the details of this last day from him, Jordie and Jace and then I will post it later. But now I want to share what I learned, why this Trek changed my life, and why I am better for it.
From Day One (which started months ago) I was incredibly impressed by the sacrifice, consecration and generosity of the members of our Stake who did so much for these amazing youth. As members of the Lord's Church we make covenants to consecrate and sacrifice for our Savior's Kingdom. As I watched my fellow brothers and sisters in the Stake honor those covenants, my heart has grown and I am forever grateful for their love of our Heavenly Father and Savior and their example to me and my family. You might notice a theme here, but this Trek has really ignited my emotions. I feel that same hard lump and the tears flow as I think of the sacrifices. I will try to put into writing what I mean.
On this Trek we had approximately 300 youth and 260 adults! Almost a one to one ratio! We had people giving up vacation time, sacrificing time with the members of their family not on this trek, people who put countless hours creating an amazing replica of the Nauvoo Temple, Trek parents who spent their own time and money to prepare for this event, people who came to simply cook for nearly 600 people (which included insatiable teenage boys), only to clean and pack up all the equipment to move it again and do it all over again. We had a doctor and angel nurses who gave of their time to come and attend to us wounded and weary with nothing more that a Christlike disposition that was so comforting and peaceful in our times of distress. We had people trekking who were expecting babies, some with difficult morning sickness, people with cancer, people who were Grandparents who would probably much rather be in air conditioning with their grandkids, parents who left young children home. People brought their horses, their cars, their trucks. People even sacrificed a couple of hours out of their day to drive people to trek and will drive them home later today. All of this has touched me so deeply and I have felt of their love for our Heavenly Father and Savior. I have also felt of our Heavenly Father and Savior's love for us. I think of how the collective sacrifices of each one of us involved in trek gave us such unity and a sense of strength. It filled me with awe and respect. I then think of our Savior's infinite and atoning sacrifice and want to treat it with the awe and respect it deserves.
As I've been typing this, my loyal dog has been lying at my feet. If I get up, he gets up, if I change rooms, he comes with me. I want to be loyal like that to my Savior and put His will before mine. I learned that so many of my brothers and sisters in this incredible Stake have done just that. I am a better person for these experiences. I am a better person because of their example. I'm grateful for the kindnesses that were shown me. I'm filled with an even deeper that I thought possible love and admiration for Don. He has been a rock. He has taken the most tender care of me and has shown me what true goodness is. I'm not sure how I lucked out and got him but my gratitude for him is even more poignant after this experience and I'm eternally grateful to have him by my side. I've caused him more craziness than he deserves yet he remains patient, tender, and WONDERFUL. Watching my daughters participate made my heart burst with joy. As a parent, there is no better feeling in the world than watching your kids make good choices. I'm so grateful for all those leaders past and present who continue to teach them and lift them and help them continue to make these choices. I will strive to make my Heavenly Father pleased with my choices and this experience has strengthened my resolve to do so.
My family should be returning from Trek in approximately 5 hours from now. I can't wait to see what their experiences of the last day of Trek were. I'm grateful we were all able to experience some of this together as a family. Not only the Parr Family, the Don or Parrty Family, the Davis Creek 2nd Ward, but as a family of the Farmington Utah South Stake. I'm still awestruck at this blessing that has been afforded me. God, our Father, lives! His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ lives! For all of this I am so thankful.
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| My Battle Wounds! |
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