Thoughts for the week:
"If you spend time praying for people instead of talking about them, you'll get better results."
"Husbands are the best people to share secrets with. They'll never tell anyone, because they aren't even listening."
"Instead of a sign that says:
'Do Not Disturb' I need one that says: 'Already disturbed, proceed with caution."
This week has truly been a week of trials. Last Thursday after a Cat scan, we found out that Rudi had a mass in his bladder. His urologist quickly schedule surgery Monday morning. Of course we had a lot of concerns and cancer was at the top of the list. We decided to call our kids and ask for their fasting and prayers in Rudi's behalf. Our grandchildren joined in the fast on Sunday. Even our young grandchildren who have never fasted before wanted to be included. Our hearts were so touched by their heartfelt prayers and desire to fast for such a worthy cause, their grandpa. Troy, told us what a blessing it was for his kids to truly fast and pray for something so important. He felt like they learned and understand so much better the power of fasting.
Rudi came through the surgery very well. He spent three days in the hospital because he was catheterized and they needed to make sure the bleeding had stopped. They removed two bladder stones and did a TURP (removing of the mass). We won't get the biopsy results back until this Tuesday. We feel strongly that all will be fine. Rudi was given a beautiful blessing and many prayers were said in his behalf. He got home on Wednesday and he was back in the temple on Thursday morning. That's Rudi, 70 years old but acting like a 20 year old. He says he feels great and things are working better than they have in 20 years. Onward and upward.
Another trial this week came when I tried to go see him in the hospital Tuesday morning. Monday night we had an ice storm here in Nauvoo. As I stepped out the front door I hit a sheet of ice and went down hard on my back and hit my head on the cement step. Luckily our neighbor across the street, Bro. Drosey, was putting down ice melt and saw me fall. Our sidewalk was solid ice and he and Bro. Ford, another neighbor had a hard time helping me up. They got me inside and tried to calm me down. They were so sweet and understanding. They gave me a blessing and called our mission doctor to see what to do. We had other people fall that morning so I'm not the only causality. Pres. McAuther called all the temple missionaries and told them not to come to the temple that morning. I had no idea the sidewalks and streets were so icy. I feel so blessed that I didn't break anything just my pride. I must admit I'm really sore and the headache I got was the worst I've ever had. Rudi thinks I just couldn't stand having Rudi down and out so I tried to upstage him. Yea right!!
We are both doing fine and know we've been blessed to still be able to serve in the temple and complete our mission in Nauvoo. My daughter Tiffini wants to know if it hurts more to fall face first or on my back? My answer is, they both hurt and I wouldn't suggest trying either. I started my mission with a bad fall and I guess I'll end my mission with another one. Let's hope my falling days are over!
Today we had another wonderful day in Canton. We gave our last Temple Prep lesson. Next week Pres. and Sis. McAuther are going with us to Canton to speak in sacrament meeting and share temple experiences in our class. We're so excited to have them get to know the special people in this small branch. They have planned a Linger Longer after the block to get to know them better. Everyone is excited to meet them and share a meal with them.
I was once again amazed in R.S. with the involvement in the lesson. We usually have about 8 to 10 sisters in class. They all participate and share in the lesson. Sis. Kelly was the teacher and does an outstanding job. These sister have strong testimonies and love to share their feelings. I've felt so welcomed and have learned so much from them. Living in the mission field and attending a branch has really opened my eyes to what it's like outside of Utah. The gospel is true everywhere but accepted differently throughout the world. I've learned to be more compassionate and understanding of people with so much less monetarily. Their testimonies are so strong and grounded in what really matters. A clean pair of Levi's and only one Sunday dress is seen often, but overlooked because they concentrate on so much more. They know the gospel and live it to the best of their ability. I'll truly miss them and all they have taught me.
Rudi and I feel so blessed for this week of tests. I kept thinking about a popular song that Kelly Clarkson made famous. It says, 'whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Life is just a test and it's how we handle the test that determines who we are. We feel like things could have been worse but know that The Lord is in control of our lives and has watched over us once again and always. We are so grateful to be able to finish our mission and continue to serve in the temple for three more weeks.
We are so excited to see our family and friends again but will have a very hard time leaving Nauvoo. Eighteen months is a long time to be away and we have made a new life here. If all of you could just move to Nauvoo everything would be perfect. I guess that's asking too much. We will always have fond memories of Joseph's City and hopefully will be able to return and visit.
We love and appreciate your prayers in our behalf. We continue to have faith that all will be well with each of you. With love always,
Rudi and Kathy (standing strong)
Dinner with Bruce and Marie Bassett the night before they left to return home from their mission. Bruce was an engineer at the temple with Rudi. They'll be missed but we'll see them again since they live in Orem.
One of my favorite young women in Canton. Sarah Thomas is in the middle along with her young women leaders. On the left is the president Sis. Melton and her adorable daughter and Sis. Jensen on the right. Sis. Jensen is 78 years young!
They wanted a crazy picture also.
Rudi and I after dinner with the Melton's. Their whole house is made up of antiques. So beautiful and charming.
Gary and Robin Melton. Love these Canton people. Gary fixed his famous tacos for us. They were so yummy and filling.
Brad and Susan Dawling, our replacements for Canton. They're temple missionaries from Rexburg. We love them and enjoy our Sunday drives with them.
"If you spend time praying for people instead of talking about them, you'll get better results."
"Husbands are the best people to share secrets with. They'll never tell anyone, because they aren't even listening."
"Instead of a sign that says:
'Do Not Disturb' I need one that says: 'Already disturbed, proceed with caution."
This week has truly been a week of trials. Last Thursday after a Cat scan, we found out that Rudi had a mass in his bladder. His urologist quickly schedule surgery Monday morning. Of course we had a lot of concerns and cancer was at the top of the list. We decided to call our kids and ask for their fasting and prayers in Rudi's behalf. Our grandchildren joined in the fast on Sunday. Even our young grandchildren who have never fasted before wanted to be included. Our hearts were so touched by their heartfelt prayers and desire to fast for such a worthy cause, their grandpa. Troy, told us what a blessing it was for his kids to truly fast and pray for something so important. He felt like they learned and understand so much better the power of fasting.
Rudi came through the surgery very well. He spent three days in the hospital because he was catheterized and they needed to make sure the bleeding had stopped. They removed two bladder stones and did a TURP (removing of the mass). We won't get the biopsy results back until this Tuesday. We feel strongly that all will be fine. Rudi was given a beautiful blessing and many prayers were said in his behalf. He got home on Wednesday and he was back in the temple on Thursday morning. That's Rudi, 70 years old but acting like a 20 year old. He says he feels great and things are working better than they have in 20 years. Onward and upward.
Another trial this week came when I tried to go see him in the hospital Tuesday morning. Monday night we had an ice storm here in Nauvoo. As I stepped out the front door I hit a sheet of ice and went down hard on my back and hit my head on the cement step. Luckily our neighbor across the street, Bro. Drosey, was putting down ice melt and saw me fall. Our sidewalk was solid ice and he and Bro. Ford, another neighbor had a hard time helping me up. They got me inside and tried to calm me down. They were so sweet and understanding. They gave me a blessing and called our mission doctor to see what to do. We had other people fall that morning so I'm not the only causality. Pres. McAuther called all the temple missionaries and told them not to come to the temple that morning. I had no idea the sidewalks and streets were so icy. I feel so blessed that I didn't break anything just my pride. I must admit I'm really sore and the headache I got was the worst I've ever had. Rudi thinks I just couldn't stand having Rudi down and out so I tried to upstage him. Yea right!!
We are both doing fine and know we've been blessed to still be able to serve in the temple and complete our mission in Nauvoo. My daughter Tiffini wants to know if it hurts more to fall face first or on my back? My answer is, they both hurt and I wouldn't suggest trying either. I started my mission with a bad fall and I guess I'll end my mission with another one. Let's hope my falling days are over!
Today we had another wonderful day in Canton. We gave our last Temple Prep lesson. Next week Pres. and Sis. McAuther are going with us to Canton to speak in sacrament meeting and share temple experiences in our class. We're so excited to have them get to know the special people in this small branch. They have planned a Linger Longer after the block to get to know them better. Everyone is excited to meet them and share a meal with them.
I was once again amazed in R.S. with the involvement in the lesson. We usually have about 8 to 10 sisters in class. They all participate and share in the lesson. Sis. Kelly was the teacher and does an outstanding job. These sister have strong testimonies and love to share their feelings. I've felt so welcomed and have learned so much from them. Living in the mission field and attending a branch has really opened my eyes to what it's like outside of Utah. The gospel is true everywhere but accepted differently throughout the world. I've learned to be more compassionate and understanding of people with so much less monetarily. Their testimonies are so strong and grounded in what really matters. A clean pair of Levi's and only one Sunday dress is seen often, but overlooked because they concentrate on so much more. They know the gospel and live it to the best of their ability. I'll truly miss them and all they have taught me.
Rudi and I feel so blessed for this week of tests. I kept thinking about a popular song that Kelly Clarkson made famous. It says, 'whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Life is just a test and it's how we handle the test that determines who we are. We feel like things could have been worse but know that The Lord is in control of our lives and has watched over us once again and always. We are so grateful to be able to finish our mission and continue to serve in the temple for three more weeks.
We are so excited to see our family and friends again but will have a very hard time leaving Nauvoo. Eighteen months is a long time to be away and we have made a new life here. If all of you could just move to Nauvoo everything would be perfect. I guess that's asking too much. We will always have fond memories of Joseph's City and hopefully will be able to return and visit.
We love and appreciate your prayers in our behalf. We continue to have faith that all will be well with each of you. With love always,
Rudi and Kathy (standing strong)
Dinner with Bruce and Marie Bassett the night before they left to return home from their mission. Bruce was an engineer at the temple with Rudi. They'll be missed but we'll see them again since they live in Orem.
One of my favorite young women in Canton. Sarah Thomas is in the middle along with her young women leaders. On the left is the president Sis. Melton and her adorable daughter and Sis. Jensen on the right. Sis. Jensen is 78 years young!
They wanted a crazy picture also.
Rudi and I after dinner with the Melton's. Their whole house is made up of antiques. So beautiful and charming.
Gary and Robin Melton. Love these Canton people. Gary fixed his famous tacos for us. They were so yummy and filling.
Brad and Susan Dawling, our replacements for Canton. They're temple missionaries from Rexburg. We love them and enjoy our Sunday drives with them.
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