Sunday, April 25, 2010

We walked to the clinic for a blood draw again this morning. The weather was a bit nicer, but the hill seemed a bit steeper :) We do have one block with quite a climb.

It was an hour earlier than Saturday's appointment and we saw some interesting things today - one man sleeping in a sleeping bag in the corner of an entrance to a building that looks vacant. He seemed to be somewhat clean cut and "normal", making me wonder if he was kicked out of his apartment next door due to an argument or something, or if he really is living on the streets. It was the same place that we saw an orange peel and a tin of food the day before, so maybe he is a regular. I wanted to investigate, but felt safest just passing by.

On our way back from the clinic we saw a man climbing over the railing just at the overpass. Strange place to be, but his back pack was kinda dirty looking and we wondered if he too was homeless and sleeping among the trees and shrubs there along the side of the road. I am sorry for these people, and wonder what happened to make this there lot in life.

Where do these guys go when it is really cold? Do they have family? Does anyone know where they are? Would they want to continue their schooling or would they accept help finding a job? Is what I don't know more scary than what I do know about them?

Well, we got back to the apartment, had our lunch, got Terry connected to his IV pump - giving him fluids, and we listened to a few talks from General Conference Priesthood Session. We cannot go to church - no large crowds and no sick people. We can't go to the classes at the clinic either because they just don't want us to take any chances being around people who might have a cold or other illness. We plan to listen to all of the conference talks each Sunday while we are here.

There is one quote I'd like to share from Elder Oaks message we listened to. It reminded me of our family, and is this; "Our families faith is in Jesus Christ and is not dependent on outcomes."

All the messages were great, and if I didn't feel like I've already written a book today, I would say more about them, but another talk I really thought fit us well is Pres. Uchtdorf's message titled "Continue in Patience". It is awesome! We must learn to wait! and to Endure well! It reminded me of the message I gave in Stake Conference last year that I titled "Thank you for waiting!", and I feel gratitude to the Lord and to our leaders for that opportunity and the things that I have learned from it.

These messages from our leaders, who are true disciples of Christ, fill our hearts with peace and love. We have heard so many sirens since we have been here and we have seen sights we don't normally see when we are home. This big city life is all too real and it offers more than we might choose for our everyday life, but we are grateful to be here to take advantage of the medical profession that does bless our lives. And, we are grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for His Spirit that guides us and comforts us in time of need, and even in the midst of danger or chaos.

We visited with the kids at home and emailed Michael. We miss them, but are grateful for the advances in technology that allow us to be just a "click" away. It's been a good day and we look forward to more of them.

Again we thank you all for your love and concern, and for your kindnesses to us and to our family.

3 comments:

Tyler said...

I am amazed that Terry is able to walk to his blood draw. I gave blood Saturday at a Red Cross blood drive and then went and ran errands and was exhausted by the end of the day. Of course I have never been as tough as Terry. We have been watching the Conference and Priesthood session talks for our family home evening and there are just as good the second time around. We have an 8:30am therapy session for Dallin tomorrow so we will report on what happens. Tell all the family hello from us in Idaho. Thanks for your exmaple of being steadfast and immovable. Bryan acutally talked about Terry in sacrament meeting today as he had to fill in when there were two less speakers than he thought there would be. We are throwing loves and hugs and all our support your way. Reach out and grab them when you need one. They are always there. Sherri

Ellen said...

A wonderful report on a wonderful Sunday. It seems amazing to me also, that Terry has the strength to walk to and from the blood draws, but then again, prayers are being answered all the time and I see that as you journal to about the happenings there. Wayne and I ended up in an Immediate Care facility yesterday, then to the pharmacy for eye drops for pink eye. He is home from work today and the one eye is starting to feel some better but now it is trying to get into the other eye so I am putting drops in both eyes now. Nothing to compare to what is happening there, but it is a bit of news from our end. All is well, really, and he will be back to work probably tomorrow. The Dr. said 24 hours on meds and then you are good to go. Have a wonderful Monday and thanks for keeping us all informed about things there. I love you both so much.........Ellen

Becky Noftle said...

Glad it was a good Sunday, hope many good Sunday's follow.