Monday, March 26, 2012

Much Like Yesterday

Today, was much like yesterday. The Dr. said that Elder Schenks lungs were slightly better and he felt like they were making some progress on the pneumonia. They are going to do a tracheostomy tomorrow which will be much better for Britten. They can get rid of the miserable ventilator tube in his throat and they can treat the pneumonia better and take better care of his lungs. He is still being kept sedated to keep his body calm. Reading your comments everyday, buoys us up and gives us strength to get through the day. We particulary appreciated the quote that Pres. Monson shared with the Young Women, "When your problems seem to much to bear,"Seek Heavenly Guidance" one day at a time. " Life by the yard is hard, by the inch is a cinch". Again, we express our love and appreciation to all. We give thanks and glory to our Father in Heaven for his bounteous blessings. All our love, Steven and Karla

37 comments:

  1. Know that you are all still in my thoughts and prayers daily. Progress is slow, but I am happy for all the miracles that are happening. Stay strong; you have become great examples of faith to me. I hope to meet you one day after all of this is over.!!!

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    1. Steven and Karla,
      We so appreciate the daily updates. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and Britten, and the rest of your family. I am so inspired by so many who are concerned and share their love and thoughts. There is great joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
      Love you,
      Jana and Scott Walch

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  2. Dear Friends, Our little Jen had a tracheostomy when she was a month old. It is an amazing medical ability which will allow them to take better care of his lungs and probably be more comfortable for him also...unlike the tube in his throat. Once the trach was removed the opening in Jen's throat healed quickly and completely. She has but a tiny scar in her neck all these years later! You are in our prayers and will continue to be. We love you, The Fredricksons

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  3. That is great news again. We continue to be amazed at you and Steven's strength. Keep smiling and we know that Britten will recover.
    We love you all so much. If Logan needs any help with the boys let us know.
    Again, know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
    Love, David, Mary and the kids!!!

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  4. Dear Schenk Family,
    Elder Schenk continues in our prayers. We will pray that everything will go smothly tomorrow and he will heal from the pneumonia. I would like you to know that you are great examples to me. Be still and know that Heavenly Father will answer our prayers, each day at a time.
    I'm happy with Elder Schenk's progress, thank you for keeping us posted.
    Amor,
    Karina, ala Belém - Missão SP Leste

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  5. I'm so happy to hear, that slowly but surely, he is making improvements. I hope you can feel our love and concern for all of you. You never leave our thoughts and prayers. We love you all and we are so proud to call you family!!

    Ashley and Ryan

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  6. You have made our day once again! We look so forward to your updates and are so excited to hear good news. It is the best part of our day! One small step at a time... inch by inch... great things are happening. We appreciate the miracles of a loving Heavenly Father. You are always in our thoughts, and prayers are on our lips. We pray that Britten can continue to be healed of the pneumonia, and that he will be a little bit stronger tomorrow. Make sure you take care of yourselves and each other as well!
    More hugs,
    Lyle and Melanie

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  7. Dear Schenk Family,

    We are so sorry to hear about your amazing Elder Schenk. Our missionary, Elder Brower, (from Tremonton) is serving in the Brazil, Ribeirao Preto Mission. He emailed us today and asked us to pray for Elder Schenk. He entered the MTC in Provo around the same time and was in the same district as him at the MTC. He is set to come home June 20th this summer. We are all praying for your family and for Britten. He also has many other missionaries aware of him and I know they are also praying for him. We can't even imagine what you must be going through, but our own faith has been strengthened by your faith and courage. Thank you for sharing updates with us. Please know we will be thinking and praying for Britten.

    Love, The Brower Family (Tremonton & Ogden)
    Bennetts (Woods Cross, UT)
    Pugmires (Idaho Falls, ID)
    Sonerholms (Reno, NV)

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  8. Dear Schenk family,
    You don't know me, but I think and pray for you and your sweet boy everyday.
    With love, Todd Corelli and family.

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  9. Steven & Karla,
    As we read your inspiring updates and the comments each day, we can't help but think that you have joined Elder Schenk in serving his mission there in Brazil. You may not have official name tags or be knocking on doors, but all three of you are sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ each day by your testimonies and examples. So many people are being touched. Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with you every day!
    We love you,
    Tom, Sheri, and Family

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    1. I love this thought, Sheri...thanks for sharing.

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    2. Amen to that thought and action. LaNae made a post yesterday after we had returned home from our granddaughter Sophie Neomia's baby blessing in Nampa Idaho. She bore her testimony and asked for Elder Britten's name to be added to their fasting. Afterwards, two people told her they were aware of Britten's needs. Technology in our day provides a world-wide base of faith and support from those who hear and share the plea for heavenly blessings for a valiant servant of Jesus Christ! We love you Britten, Steve and Karla and all the wonderful family, friends and those who have never met any of you before who are praying and fasting for modern day miracles! They do happen - maybe not as we want - some of you know my story. Just being alive is a miracle for me... Having a tracheotomy isn't so bad, it saves your life and lets you tell your miracle when someone asks. Britten will have his chance to finish his mission! As the Lord sees fit!

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    3. I just Google'd the difference between Tracheostomy & Tracheotomy - I had a Tracheostomy too... All these years thinking it was a Tracheotomy...
      Tracheostomy (tra"ke-os'to-me) creation of an opening into the trachea through the neck, with insertion of an indwelling tube to facilitate passage of air or evacuation of secretions.
      ---------
      Tracheotomy (tra"ke-ot'o-me) incision of the trachea for exploration, removal of a foreign body or for obtaining a biopsy specimen or removing a local lesion.

      Our Prayers are with you...

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  10. Karla & Steven,
    We are so glad that small miracles for Britten are happening. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. This blog has been very inspirational to us and we read it daily. Sunday was so neat to hear the kids get up to say they had Faith that Elder Schenk will get well. The primary misses you, Karla. But we know that is where you need to be, with your sweet missionary son.
    Your in our prayers,
    Don & Marcia Thompson Family

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  11. Sending prayers from Formey, Texas! We pray he recovers soon. The work will go forward and he is destined to be a part in it!

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  12. My husband and I both served in Sao Paulo. We want you to know that it is truly a place of miracles! I just got off the phone with some friends from the northern part of Brazil who also have you in their prayers. I don't think you realize how many people are praying for each of you. Thank you for your strength, faith and love of our Savior. It's amazing how without even meeting we know that we our brothers and sisters and that we have the support and prayers of each other. Thank you for strengthening each of us through your journey. Que Deus esteja com voces!

    ***Familia Soares***

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  13. Dear Steven and Karla,

    Thanks for the updates you are sharing. We have been reading them every night before bed and keeping Britt in our prayers. Mikey was especially sweet in saying family prayer tonight. He loves Britt so much. Britten was always so sweet to let Mike tag along whenever we were visiting Grandpa and Grandma Schenk in Bancroft and at the family reunions. His prayer to Heavenly Father in his cousin's behalf was a tender supplication not only for healng, but also for our understanding and faith. I'm grateful for the example all of your boys have set for their now Deacon cousin. We love you and pray for the continued strength you need as well.

    Love, Marilyn, Rachel and Michael

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  14. Steven & Karla,

    I truly hope you know this blog is a wonderful wonderful way of showing your example and letting your light shine to others. You are lifting me up, as well as many others each day by your faith. Thank you so much for posting this. It makes me so happy to hear Britten is doing better each day, as well as hearing the words which make my testimony much stronger.

    Thank you so much for your example. I am eternally grateful.

    ♥ xoxo.

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  15. Steven and Karla,

    It is so good to hear about small improvements every day. You are such a great example of faith and testimony. I'm sure there are other testimonies being strengthened because of you and Britten that you may never know about. I know mine is. Thanks for keeping us updated. I look forward to your daily posts, and we continue to pray for your family. Love you tons!

    Maili

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  16. Like so many others, we anxiously await your updates each day. What a sigh of relief it is to get positive news day after day. Your testimonies and the testimonies of so many others who have left comments have truly touched my heart forever. We love you both so much and Britten continues to be in our hearts and prayers 24/7. Praying for the boys at home too. I know they're in good hands!
    Love,
    Steff & Nic

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    1. Steff, it was one of your cousins that talked to us after church in Nampa on Sunday. Sorry, I can't remember her name. :-(

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  17. Steve & Karla, Our hugs and prayers go out to you and your Saturday's Warrior, like Nephi, he went and did what our Heavenly Father asked of him and I promise you that HE is watching over your beloved son. Not in our time, but in Heavenly Father's time. Keep the faith and know that we are praying for you all.

    Shane, Linda & James Alldredge
    South Jordan, UT

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  18. Once again I am so thankful to be able to finish my day with your update. May the Lord continue to strenghten you each day. I know that it is a slow process and can be very exhausting. Make sure you are taking time to take care of yourselves and find the quiet time you need. I am strenghtened by your courage and your faith. I just want you to know that I am praying for you and for Elder Schenk.

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  19. One of my friends came up to me today because he received an email from a mission buddy who is now back in TX. They both served in Britten's mission and the one from Texas said he was especially close to Britten. He said, "I've never prayed and fasted harder for anyone." Britten is so loved- it is truly incredible to feel the love of people you don't even know. :) Still praying fervently. Love, Sherilyn

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  20. Dear Schenk Family,

    I've never met you or your amazing son, but I live in your stake. Your sweet family have been in my prayers ever since I heard about the accident. I had such a peaceful Sunday as I fasted for Elder Schenk, praying that our Heavenly Father will bless him (and you) through this difficult time. Every meeting in our ward for the past two weeks has included prayers on your behalf, and I know our thoughts are all with you!! Just wanted you to know that you are being prayed for - by many who don't know you, but love you!

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  21. You are forever in our hearts. We walk each day with you...we are praying for Britten's medical team and all those who provide care in any way. So grateful you are able to be at his side. Keep the faith...
    Love, The Stoddard Family

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  22. The Brazilians at LDS Business College are praying for you! Boa Sorte, Nós amamos Vocês!

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  23. eu e minha Familia estamos sempre orando por elder Schenk,sabemos que o Pai Celestial,os ama,e que vcs vao sim passar por essa prova vitoriosos,somos gratos ao Pai Celestial,por vcs estarem sempre postando noticias de Elder Schenk,nos nao o conhecemos mas por ele ser um filho de DEUS merece sim todas nossas oraçoes e jejum pra sua recuperaçao,somos de Manaus e estamos juntos com sua Familia,abraços da Familia Andrade
    estaca Samauma
    Ala Cidade Nova

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  24. I am glad that you were able to have a quiet day. You are in our prayers until you are able to come home with your son!!!

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  25. Dear Schenk family,
    I am a "missionary mom" with a love of missionaries. Your story and experiences have grabbed at my heartstrings. I appreciate you sharing your feelings so freely and keeping "the world" updated! I have a prayer in my heart constantly for all of you. I know the Lord cares deeply for his missionaries, and their families, and I just sense a special love from the Lord for you. I envision your son, hooked up to machines, lying there in a far-away hospital room, completely surrounded by angels unseen, but I know you can sense their presence. Thank you again for the sharing of your faith, and your difficult experiences.
    May the Lord continue to bless you,
    Teresa in Mesa Arizona

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  26. I too am a "Missionary Mom" my son is serving in Honduras. Your blog is an inspiration to me. You and your son are constantly in my prayers. Your posts help to lift me each day I read them. You have amazing faith. Thank you for sharing it with the world through your blog.

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  27. Dear Schenk Family,
    I am a mother of a missionary and I and my husband worked with the missionaries in the MTC in Brazil. I love the missionaries, they are a treasure for the Church. I am very moved by his son, I have always prayed for you and your beloved son. My son is in Japan and also stayed in hospital for 10 days, he made a major surgery and I could not be by his side. The only thing that bound us were the prayers and good work of the mission president and his wife. They comforted us much and and took care of my son for me.
    I know the Lord is in control and he hears our prayers. We need to trust our Heavenly Father forever. Before they are our children they are children of God and he loves us and wants the best for his children. Stand firm and may the Lord bless you with great strength, trust and peace.
    Sincerely,

    Rose Mary S. Perrupato and Family

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  28. I just read about this blog in the Deseret News, and I just wanted to add my love and support. As a missionary mom my heart goes out to you. We are praying for his healing and hope things continue to improve. Keep the faith!

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  29. "Thirteen-year-old Sherrie underwent a 14-hour operation for a tumor on her spinal cord. As she regained consciousness in the intensive care unit, she said: “Daddy, Aunt Cheryl is here, … and … Grandpa Norman … and Grandma Brown … are here. And Daddy, who is that standing beside you? … He looks like you, only taller. … He says he’s your brother, Jimmy.” Her uncle Jimmy had died at age 13 of cystic fibrosis.

    “For nearly an hour, Sherrie … described her visitors, all deceased family members. Exhausted, she then fell asleep.”

    Later she told her father, “Daddy, all of the children here in the intensive care unit have angels helping them.”

    To all of us the Savior said:

    “Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

    “Fear not, little children, for you are mine. …

    “Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd.”
    ("The Atonement Covers All Pain" - Elder Kent F. Richards, April 2011)

    I'm praying for you, and I know that everything will be ok. May the Lord bless you. Diego Fagundes, RS, Brazil.

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  30. Thank you for taking your precious time to update your blog..I have twin boys serving missions and my heart goes out to you and your family. You are such an inspiration to us all..May the Good Lord Bless You.

    C Wright, Utah

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  31. Your son and family are in our prayers. We pray that the Lord is a comfort to you at this time.
    Noel and Spring Squires and family

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  32. Some wise words from some wise men...

    May the Lord bless us with faith in the great cause of which we are a part. May faith be as a candle to guide us in the night by its light. May it go before us as a cloud in the day.
    Gordon B. Hinkley

    Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other.
    Thomas S. Monson

    Praying for him and glad for your posts. Thanks for keeping us updated.
    Love,
    Clements'of Bancroft

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