Hip-Hip Hooray!

As you may or may not know, I have a bad hip! It didn't start causing me so much pain until Z and I said out loud, "Let's put in our mission papers!" It was downhill from there for our mortal bodies. Z's knee got worse and he's been faithfully doing his PT each morning. But my hip...MY HIP has caused me so more pain in the last three months that ever in my life...until now!

Let me back up a little. I've been going to a chiropractor and an orthopedic specialist for a few months now in the hopes that the hip issue could be resolved. I've endured some pretty painful procedures to find our what was actually wrong with it. "Your hip joint is inflamed!" said the ortho doc. "You're way out of alignment" said the chiropractor. "Tell me something I DON"T know!" said I. It's been so frustrating and I was so worried about entering the mission home in such pitiful shape, not to mention all the other calamities that were going on in our family (see previous posts).

Anyway, the pain got so bad with all the walking in the mission home that I usually went to bed in tears. After about a week of that, I swallowed my pride and asked for a Priesthood blessing and was given a wonderful one at the hands of my faithful husband, assisted by our dear friend Elder Wheeler, a member of our small group. It promised if I was faithful in the work (missionary) I would be able to do all that I needed to do and the hip wouldn't be a problem. It didn't say that the pain would go away necessarily but that I would be able to do the work that I'd been called to do.

I can't tell you that the pain went away, what I can tell you is that we were able to finish getting ready to leave for our mission and I could bare the pain. In fact the entire trip was enjoyable and except for a few kinks after driving for a couple of hours, it was OK.

Yesterday we conducted Sacrament at Camp Geiger after attending two separate ward Sacraments and a flurry of Bishopric meetings. That was followed by a dinner invitation at Brother and Sister Kehr's home with their family and a couple of friends. It was a very full day as all of our Sunday's have been. As we were walking out of the small chapel at Camp Geiger and having enjoyed a very spiritual day, I suddenly realized that I had been the recipient of a miracle, no, not just a miracle, a HUGE miracle! I realized I had barely limped the entire day and I wasn't in pain! I know that by doing the Lord's work and putting the needs of our mission first, I was blessed as I'd been promised.

I'm so grateful for each and every trial and joy this mission is bringing to our lives. We've been able to participate in two baptisms; the second one just last Wednesday. Her name is Audrey and she was brought into the Gospel by her friend. When I think of the influence that her friend had I'm blown away. Why are adults so afraid to invite others to partake of this wonderful gift?

We love being here in North Carolina and everyday is a new experience. We've met so many great people in and out of the Church and know this is where we're meant to be. The Marines we work with are an outstanding, faithful little "band of brothers/sisters" and it's great to be with them.

This will have to do for now, but I want my family to know that while we are here, we pray for each and every one of them to grow in our absence. We know the challenges are overwhelming at times...no, a lot of the time, but we would encourage those of you who aren't doing it, to read the BOM and get on your knees often. The Lord is aware of your trials and your pain. Remember...HE FELT ALL THAT YOU FEEL NOW! What a gift we've all been given.

We love you...Joy in the Journey!

Elder Dad and Sister Mom

The pictures are of the beautiful North Carolina coast, Sister Bowers and Sister Felton at Audrey's baptism, Elder Z and Sister Z enjoying the last of the warm weather at the beach. It was over 75*...a very nice day, indeed! And graduation from MCT at Camp Lejeune.