Monday, March 19, 2012

No news is good news?

I know how anxious everyone is to hear of any change with Elder Schenk. Unfortunately this day has come and gone without any update to his status. We were very excited and encouraged when we heard he was getting moved to Hostpital Israelita Albert Einstein. We have heard that they have state of the art equipment to monitor and assess his situation. Hopefully we will hear more news tomorrow. Remember, as soon as we hear anything we will be updating this. So please try and be patient!

On a much better note! Mom and Dad made both their flights to Atlanta from LA and on the flight to Rio. We spoke with them briefly as they were sitting on the plane. They had to hurry from one end of the airport to the other. They are tired of traveling already and have maybe had too much time to think and contemplate. Especially without any news of Britts condition today. We are praying with the thousands of others for their safe and speedy arrival, and for good news when they arrive.

Once again we want to thank EVERY one who has shown us the true meaning of friendship. We have had so many great phone calls, texts, and emails. I have shed many tears from a well that I thought had run dry long ago in front of this computer. There have been so many amazing messages of love, support, and stories. Especially dear to me are the ones from Brazil that have been with Elder Schenk recently and testify of the man I have known only through words on a paper the last 21 months. Your stories you have shared of his spiritual strength, kindness, generosity, love, friendship, and testimony of his savior Jesus Christ and his gospel have brought an overwhelming amount of joy to our hearts.

Thanks again for all the love. It is simply amazing that this blog has been online only 24 hours and had 6800 page views when I started this post. By the time I publish this I'm sure it will have gone over 7,000. In one day! I know our heavenly father hears each of our prayers individually. Imagine the power of such a united effort of thousands... Britt, you sure are loved! Now just get better!

55 comments:

  1. Yep I'm one that keeps checking to see if there's any updates! We love you guys, know that you're in our prayers.
    Love, Justin and Whitney Keys

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  2. Logan-Lora,

    Thanks for the updates, I'm sure you get overwhelmed with phone calls, texts and emails. This blog is a great way for us to all receive information. I'm so happy that Steven and Karla are on their way. What a blessing it is. We'll keep checking to see how Britt is doing. Thanks for all your work. Love, Chris and Nichole

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  3. Dear Schenk Family,
    I found out about the accident and my heart was so said to hear what happened. My parents live in the Sao Paulo East Mission Area. They are not members of the church. My sister and I are the only members. I met the church many years ago in Itaquera, when the mission was still Sao Paulo North Mission. I moved out of Brazil many years ago and now I live in Singapore, a friend of mine told me about your son. Our family prayers go to him and your family. We hope he will have a speedy recovery.
    Cleia Goncalves Peterson

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  4. We sure love you guys and can't stop thinking about the whole family and are praying constantly. Hope they make it to sao paulo safe and sound tomorrow and hope they receive some good news. Love you all! Heather

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  5. Schenk Family,
    You're in our prayers.
    Love,
    Silva's Family

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  6. Dear Schenk Family,
    President Salisbury and I are praying, fasting and attending the Temple in Elder Schenks behalf. We personally know and have seen miracles happen. May you all be strengthened and lifted during this difficult time. And be blessed with the assurance that our Heavenly father has this matter in hand and is aware of each of you, and loves you.
    Love Sister Salisbury

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  7. We love you and are praying for your family and for Britten.
    Love, Kevin and Richelle

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  8. Schenk Family,
    My heart aches for all of you! Heavenly Father is aware of each of you. I am praying for the peace and comfort you need at this time and of course for Britt. Thank you for starting this blog and for keeping everyone updated.

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  9. How wonderful this blog is...thanks for the updates... and please know that you are in our minds and prayers constantly. We love you so much! I was talking to mom today (Britten's grandma), and she wanted me to ask everyone to be sure to pray for the doctors that are attending to Elder Schenk.

    A friend of mine shared this quote from Marvin J. Ashton: "Greatness is best measured by how well an individual responds to the happenings in life that appear to be totally unfair, unreasonable, and undeserved." This feels so relevant right now...this is an opportunity from a loving Heavenly Father for Britten and everyone who loves him to measure up. I know Britten's greatness will surpass! How about the rest of us? :)

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  10. Dear Schenks,
    We love you and you are in our prayers. We hope for the best with Britten and your parents making it safely to him. What a great example you are of strength and faith through this time.

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  11. Dearest Schenk family! Yvonne Sparrow at work told me about Elder Schenk's accident! I am so sorry to hear about this. It is always so hard to deal with anything like this, but especially when your loved ones are so far away. We are all praying for you all and have hope in our hearts for many miracles to come! You are all such great people and I have been so impressed with the many stories you have told me of your son's mission!

    To give some hope, Karla, maybe you remember me telling you about my nephew David Hawkes and good friend Jeanette John who both had traumatic accidents last summer with severe head trauma and other major physical trauma with almost no hope for survival.
    Well David is back at USU and getting married the 5th of May and Jeannette is having a welcome back party at her new job tomorrow! Miracles do happen if they are within the will of our Father in Heaven! We are praying that they will come to you as well!

    Please, if there i anything I can do I would love to be of help in any way!

    Have a safe journey and I pray for the miracle of peace to you so you can be calm and know that all is well!

    Much love and prayers coming your way!
    Christina Hallam

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  12. Thank you for keeping us all updated. May the Lord bless you. We are praying for a full and speedy recovery. I hope Steve and Karla are at his bedside soon.
    Love Carl and Judy and family

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  13. We were so sad to hear the news about Britten, he and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Cody and Lisa Barfuss and Family

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  14. Your are so great to take the time to update all of us on what is transpiring. You must be overwhelmed with such a task. Thank You! So good to hear that Steven and Karla are almost there by his side. How comforting, that will finally be, to see him I'm sure. Britten truly is an amazing disciple of the lord, and it is wonderful to see how many people he has touched. I love you all so much! Brittany

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  15. Dear Family Schenk,

    My Brother in law is from the ward elder schenk was serving so we are praying for his recovery and we know that he is a great Missionary and the Lord is with him. I am praying that you can be strong and that he can be with you soon.

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  16. Dearest Schenk Family- Not a prayer has left our lips since Friday without a plea ascending to Heavenly Father to bless you with safe travels, strength, comfort and the very best of medical care for Britten. We have asked to send angels to surround him and your family at this time and know that our Heavenly Father is mindful of your every need. We love you all.

    The Whittekers- Paul, Kezia, Tanner, Kiki, Preston and Gibb

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  17. Thank you for the updates. Britt is in our prayers along with your parents and doctors. I hope they are at his bedside soon. Remember the Schenk family is here for you if anything is needed.

    Kristi and Craig Bruner (Steven's Cousin)

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  18. Checking the blog numerous times each day looking for that one entry we all are so anxiously looking for! I pray that the Drs will know how to give Britten the best care and steady hand. Praying for Britten and his family at this time!
    Nyle & Jamy Cump

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  19. Logan and Lora Thank you so much for keeping us all up to date,it can't be an easy task but you are doing such a good job. It is amazing hope much support and prayers are being sent your way. Know you all are loved and being thought of. Gordon and Sherry Yost

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  20. Schenk Family,

    I've discovered about what happened in facebook, and I didn't know you or Elder Schenk, but I'll put you in my prayers. My own sister is serving on a mission right now, and a felt like this happened to her, and I can't stop the tears. My family and I will pray for you.
    Sincerely, yours brothers in fatih,

    Aquilini Family

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  21. Our family is praying for the health of Elder Britten Schenk as well as the for the safe travels of his parents! Thank you for the updates keep us posted.
    Love the Svoke family

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  22. Our family is praying for Elder Schenk as well as for your family. We are also praying for the doctors and nurses who are providing care for him. As the family of a missionary, our hearts ache for you. May God bless you and send you comfort and peace throughout this trial.

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  23. I saw the news article and KSL and I'm so grateful you were willing to post this blog. Your family and sweet missionary will be kept in our prayers! I sure hope you find uplifting news out soon.

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  24. Your wonderful example is an example to all. May Elder Schenk be prayed for and allow your family to be at comfort at this time. YOU ARE LOVED by so many who don't even know you.

    ♥ xoxo.

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  25. The collective power of prayer is very real and powerful. All those reading this blog...please pray for Elder Schenk and his family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Schenk family...may The Lord comfort you during this time of trial. Dustin, Rachel, and Berkley Smith.

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  26. Our prayers are with you!
    TeamHS

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  27. Our love and prayers are with you at this challenging time in the lives of your sweet Elder and your family....we send our young men out to serve the Lord at the young age of 19 not fully knowing their full capacity of serving...Elder Schenk is still serving those who hear his story....as a mom, my heart is full..our son is also out serving the Lord .....I pray for your family and thank you for the strength you share with us...God Bless...Schroeders in Utah

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  28. Our family's love and prayers go out to your family today! May the Lord bless each one of you with strength, comfort and healing! God bless you, Renstroms in Utah

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  29. To the Schenk family:
    May the Lord bless you with comfort and your missionary with healing. Something that may give you hope: My neighbor suffered a major traumatic brain injury and has fully recovered. You can read his story at http://nephimoon.blogspot.com and see the miracles the Lord can provide for you.

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  30. Our thoughts and prayers have been with Britten and the whole family, we know first hand that miracles do happen, our faith along with the love of our Heavenly Father as wells as those around us give us strength in times of trials. Much love, John, Rhonda, and the whole Banks Family. Elder Shawn Banks also sends his love and prayers.

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  31. You and your boy are in my heart and prayers. The Lord knows exactly what's happening with your family. He will set things right. I know He will.

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  32. We will pray for your sweet missionary! Miracles happen and the Lord watches over his missionaries. Much love, The Strattons

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  33. I don't know you, but when I heard the story it really hit home (I served in Brasil). Elder Schenk is in our prayers, and will be until he is out of the dark. Thanks for sharing updates with everyone!

    Fica firme, Elder!

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  34. I know what a traumatic brain injury is like. I received one 26 years ago - a result of a near-fatal auto/pedestrian accident. I have not fully recovered but am very grateful for life, my sweetheart who has stood by my side all these years, for my family, for the Savior who has made all things possible for all who will accept him. My list goes on and on... I am Steven's cousin (we served our missions at the same time) and am also grateful that his son Elder Britten was serving the Lord! I know that he is being taken care of and I hope that Britten has a fast recovery. Hopefully Steve and Karla will be at his bedside soon!

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  35. Your son and all of your famiy are in our prayers.

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  36. Schenk family. We hope our thoughts and prayers here in Montana reach you. The Foster family

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  37. Logan,
    My heart completely sank when I saw Britten's name in the news story and knew it was your little brother. Just wanted you to know that he is in my family's prayers. My husband also had a traumatic brain injury and at one point was given only 72 hours to live. I can testify to you that the power of faith and prayers is truly amazing. I hope that your family is able to feel our saviors love at this time and knows of the many people who are thinking of Britten.

    Jessica (Goldsberry) Sisson

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  38. I spent many hours at the pool with our swimmers and think very highly of Britten. When we heard about this from Reygan (she swam with Britten) my heart sank. We have said many prayers for your family since Saturday and will continue to do so. Thank you for the blog, I just found out about it today, (Reygan forgot to tell me about it-even though I have had several updates ;-} ) so I can check here often. Love and prayers of comfort to all! <3

    -Shaylon & Roma Christiansen (and the gang)

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  39. To the Schenk family:
    Many prayers and fasting sent your way! Sending our love and faith upstairs on your behalf!!

    Love you Guys!
    Bryce& Heather Clements
    and Kids

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  40. I'm praying for Elder Schenk. I pray that he will heal and be able to return to his strength and finish his amazing mission in Brazil! I served in the Sao Paulo North Mission. I have a huge love for any missionary that serves in Sao Paulo! I pray for all of your family as well in this hard time. The Lord knows us and I know that he must be so proud of all that Britten has already done for the wonderful Brazilians! :) thanks for sharing your blog with us :)

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  41. I'm praying for Brother Elder Schenk as well. This is truly a tragedy and we must all remember that Heavenly Father has a plan for us all and there's no doubt in my mind that this terrible accident will only strengthen all our hearts and increase our faith by bringing us altogether to pray for this remarkable and courageous young man so that he may continue his mission and return home safe and sound to his family who are in my thoughts and prayers as well. My heart goes out to them but we must all have faith in Heavenly Father that our prayers will be answered.

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  42. Your family has constantly been in our thoughts and prayers. I sincerely hope and pray the love and comfort of the Lord will be with your family during this difficult time. I always loved your family and pray the very best for you all and that miracles will continue to come your way.
    Josh and Carla (Payne) May

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  43. I do not know your family, however, I served my mission in Brazil and feel a special bond with all those who have served there. . My thoughts and prayers are with your family and Elder Schenk. May the Lord bless you.

    The Fenn Family

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  44. Dear brother and sister Schenk, I just met you and your husband outside the apartment building where you're staying at and I have to say that I already feel a great love for you and your family. My love and my prayers will be with you and please count on us if you need anything. Hopefully we'll get you Internet access tomorrow at your apartment so you can keep us all posted about your missionary's progress. He is in one of the best (if not the best) hospitals in South America surrounded by very competent people. But above all, Christ lives and he still performs miracles these days in our lives.

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  45. Keeping your family in our prayers.

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  46. Somos uma familia do Brasil,e sempre tivemos um grande amor pelos missionarios pois eu e minha esposa tambem servimos missao,moravamos em Sao Paulo e uma cidade muito movimentada.Queremos estender nosso apoio a familia Schenk e nossas oracoes ao Elder Schenk,oramos para que ele possa estar bem e com certeza o Senhor ira cuidar bem dele e logo ele podera continuar a obra do Senhor no Brasil.

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  47. Hello! My name is Barbara and I am from Brazil. We actually live in the same condominium your parents are staying in. Right in front of the Sao Paulo temple. My husband is the one who arranged everything with a missionary couple, but I think your parents are coming over tonight to use our internet. They get to stay as long as they like and you can skype, call, email...whatever you want. Please let me know if you need anything. Your parents will have free access to our apartment. Even apartment keys if they would like that. Let me send you my information(telephone) thru email. Mine is barbarapretel@gmail.com. Can you please send me your email thru that address?
    Both my husband and I have graduated from BYU Idaho, we are both from Brazil...so we are happy to be of some/any help...especially if they need translation and a hot meal prepared.
    We are sure praying for your brother and entire family!
    HUGS!
    Barbara

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  48. My name's Aline,I'm from Brazil my thoughts and prayers are with Elder Schenk and his family.

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  49. My son Blake Snow served in Brazil. It was sooo far away! I am hoping and praying for you all too. When my sixth daughter was born two months early, my husband was bishop of the student ward. They had a fast and special prayer for her and she recovered completely. I was a mess, but others carried on for us. She is now getting her graduate degree in Austin in Information Usability. Miracles do happen! Love to all of you. Cathy Snow

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  50. Elder Scheck was one of my dear friends in the MTC. We were apart of the same district and can I just tell you what an amazing person he is. That month we were together I could really see his true devotion and love for the Lord. Everytime he talked or made a comment he was so genuine and you could truly feel his sweet spirit. My heart and prayers go out to you and the rest of the family. I'll be praying and fasting for him.

    Vanessa Vogel

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  51. Our daughter is currently serving in Peru and my heart goes out to you all as I can only imagine what you are going through. We will add our prayers to the many already on Elder Sheck's behalf.

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  52. So glad to hear there are some improvements! We are thinking about you guys and praying for you! It took me awhile to figure out how this works... anyways, just wanted you to know the people from Bancroft love you guys and wish you the best (especially the McLain's) Wish I could give you a big hug! Thanks for keeping us posted.

    - Nicole

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  53. Hello, we are from Tennessee and have been following this blogg since we heard about the accident. Will continue to follow his progress daily and will continue to include him in our daily prayers.
    We are gratefull to be members of the restored gospel. Our second grandson leaves tuesday for Recife Brazil for his misson. We are also grateful for families that have prepared their sons and grand sons to serve our Heavenly Father. May the Lord continue to bless our missionaries as they serve with honor..


    Sincerely,
    Gene and Reta

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  54. Querida família,

    Estamos orando por Élder Schenk e por seu completo restabelecimento.

    Com amor,

    Presidente e Sister Tavares - Missão Brasil Londrina

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