Tuesday, March 27, 2012

A Wonderful Day

We had a wonderful day today. We got to spend the morning with the missionaries of the Brazil Sao Paulo East Mission. All 182 of the Lords servants. What a glorious site to see. I could picture Elder Schenk sitting right there with them, with his big beautiful smile singing, "Called To Serve". It was a very touching, spiritual uplifting meeting. We we're grateful to be able to talk to the missionaries and give them our love and support. It was great to give heart felt hugs to his companions and friends. When we got back to the hospital Britt was back from the tracheostomy . He looked tired but so much better without that miserable ventilator tube. With minimal sedation he was moving all 4 limbs and opening one eye enough that they icreased the sedation slightly to keep him calm. The Dr. said that his lungs and pneumonia are improving each day. One of the nurses said, "He was resting and not moving until he heard his mother's voice. He must love his mother." w We are humbled and excited to see the Miracles each day. We continue it be amazed by the spirit and support we receive each day. Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and love us all. All our love, Steven and Karla.

46 comments:

  1. It's so great to hear of the progress Britt's making. It's a bright spot in my day. You are an inspiration, and a wonderful example to all of us. We love you guys! Stacy & Leslie

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  2. What can I say that would make a difference. I do pray for Elder Schenk and his family as I consider every missionary in the church as one of my own, no matter where they are serving. Elder Schenk is no less in my prayers than the missionaries serving in my local ward.Elder please know that we care for you,and pray for you. A good family I home teach is soon to be or on their way right now on a 7 week long stay in Brazil.I'm not sure where in the country. But having said that it seems to put "us up here" just a bit closer to "there" if that makes any sense. My faith is sufficient to bring about miricles should the Lord see fit to allow it.May the Lord touch the lives of all those in your family and otherwise who have been shaken by this event.I pray for the "little ones" who may be finding this time hard to understand and also to those who are there to comfort them.

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  3. I'm so grateful at the end of each day to be able to see how Elder Schenk is improving. He was called to serve in the Lord's work, and the Lord truly never abandons His missionaries....that is shown by so many constant miracles!!!!!

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  4. How wonderful to hear. We wished we could have been there to witness your words of love and strength given to all the missionaries. We are sure that you both talked by the spirit and that the spirit present was awesome! Such good news about Britten.
    We are so touched by all your attitude's and your words of encouragement. We hope you and can feel of all the fasting and prayers because there are many. The lord lives and loves us all and our testimonies are stronger because of all of you.
    Thanks for the daily updates. It is the highlight of our day to see how you all are doing.
    With all our love, David, Mary and the kids.

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  5. Thank You so much for the daily updates. We are all praying for you and Elder Britten in the Portuguese program at the MTC.

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  6. What wonderful news! I continue to pray for you and your dear missionary!!! I have followed the blog each day since I heard about your son!! Karla, I have admired you from years back in Bancroft and your testimonies of our Savior's love have touched me dearly!! May the Lord's tender mercies continue to comfort you and your dear family. Kortny White Arbon

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  7. Thanks our Heavenly Father for Elder's improvement.I couldn't sleep without having some news about Elder Schenk. I don't know him in person ,but I have sufferred the same when my daughter(14) had the terrible accident; I know how painful it his.She is healed now, almost perfect. Thank you very much for the daily updates. Our prayers are for you son and you family.

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  8. We pray each day for Elder Schenk, for both of you and for your family back here. We pray the Lord will continue to hold you up and give you strength. You are such awsome examples. We are grateful for your testimonies. Thanks for the updates, we check them daily. It is so great the hear of your miracles.

    Always in our prayers,
    Love, Kevin, Richelle and family.

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  9. So great to hear about your wonderful day. We sure love reading the updates and comments everyday. It has touched our lives and is continually strengthening our testimony as well. So happy to hear Britten is improving everyday. We pray it continues day by day. All our love...Josh, Heather, Maycee and Krew

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  10. What a magnificent experience to have the opportunity to be with the missionaries of your son's mission. What a sweet, tender mercy for all of you. There is NOTHING so spirtually uplifting or powerful as a group of the Lord's servants singing "Called to Serve." We can only imagine the spirit that was in that room. It brings tears to our eyes just to think of Britt hearing his mom's voice. Oh, how he loves you! What a strength you are to him, to each other and to all of us. We love you all. Sleep well.
    The Stoddard Family

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  11. Brother Fuller (your seminary teacher at MC) and his family send their support and love to Elder Schenk. We're watching these updates closely. It's great to see him mending. :)

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  12. So wonderful to hear about his improvements! I love what the nurse said- she is so right! You are an amazing Mother, Karla, and I love to see how you and Steven are helping each other remain faithful and constant in this time of trial. You are and will be truly blessed for your service and love as parents in His Kingdom. :) Every time I read these posts, my heart is warm and my Spirit jumps around inside me! I am so grateful for the knowledge we have of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the incomprehensible Love that God has for us. Thank you, again, for the updates. My prayers are never ceasing! I love you! Sherilyn

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  13. As a mother of a missionary, your experience or "Tender Mercy" of hearing that your son started moving to the sound of his mother's voice, (It chokes me up.) - Oh, my prayers are being answered!!!! God is blessing you!!!!!

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  14. Karla and Steve: You are true inspiration at its finest. I am amazed how you press forward with immense faith and bright hope. When you mentioned being able to see Britten in the middle of all those missionaries with his big beautiful smile, I could so visualize that picture because he shared that smile with everyone he knew. What an awesome son of God!!!

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  15. Oh Karla I just cried when I read the part about Britten's movement of his limbs after having heard his mother's voice. He surely does love you and your husband and all the members of your little family so much!! How blessed he is to have you and you him!! We love you!!
    -Jenn and Ryan Anderson

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  16. Dear Schenk Family,
    We are thrilled to hear of your wonderful day. A few days ago, someone mentioned she was praying for Karla for Tuesday. I had no idea what that meant, so I was praying for her today, as well. What a joyous day to be with all those missionaries! What a blessing for them to partake of the spirit of the Schenks! They know now why Elder Schenk is so wonderful!
    We love you. You are constantly in our hearts and prayers.
    Love,
    The Bradys

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  17. Chris and I read the blog together every night and are so inspired by what you write. Today was a great entry. I felt so excited to hear that all four limbs are moving. We will keep praying and asking our Heavenly Father for more and more progress. We love you and think about you constantly.
    Love, Chris and Nichole

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  18. We also check in each day for news of Britten's daily miracles. Shawn sends his love and prayers and said his district is also praying for Elder Schenk. Our lives have been touched by the great example of faith and love by all. We continue to add our prayers with so many each day for Britten's recovery.
    Love, John & Rhonda Banks

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  19. Thank you for all that you are teaching each of us and especially all those young missionaries through a trial most of us will only ever imagine. Our son, Grant, Elder Merrill, was one of those missionaries who I know was touched today at the conference. His e-mail yesterday shared how he had been in Elder Schenk's district in Limoeiro and that they were good friends. I could tell from the tone of his e-mail that this has been a struggle for him to watch from afar. I know he loves your son--as we are all coming to love this young man we have never met and his family. I know that being with you today brought strength and courage to those young men & women. We continue to pray for your son's recovery. Never underestimate the power of a mother's love. I am so glad to hear of Britten's progress each day. May you continue to find comfort and peace through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Love--Evan and Coleen Merrill, Medford, OR

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  20. Dear Brother and Sister Schenk,
    I have been following your son's blog since I first heard about this trial you are all experiencing. My "chosen" sister is Marilyn Schenk. In 2006 I spent eight weeks near death, on life support. I don't have clear memories of those scary weeks, but I do know that the love and support I got from friends and family are what pulled me through. I do remember not being afraid when my brain finally cleared; I believe that is because I had been told all along what had happened. Keep talking to your son. Keep holding and touching him. My husband helped get my vitals under control at times by practically crawling into my bed and just holding me.

    We are presented with many experiences in our lives. They are not all easy. They are not all good. But we know they are essential to our development here on this earth, while we prepare for our eternal lives. I feel for your family and pray that your precious son wakes up soon. You all have a long, hard road ahead of you, but you obviously have the strength to do what needs to be done. Take care of yourselves, too, because he will need you so much.

    Love from Reno.
    Tina

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  21. Todos os dias passo em seu blog Britten,para ter noticias de voce...fico feliz em saber que esta melhorando cada dia mais.
    Oro para que Pai Celestial de forças para sua familia tambem,e sei que logo ficara bem.
    Melhoras,e um otimo dia para voce,Steven e Karla.

    Lilian !

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  22. Our son, Elder Stones, was also a friend of your son. In fact, the day before the accident they were in a leadership meeting together. He told us that he and his companion had prayed and fasted through the night for your son and that a miracle had occurred. His email made us cry. We have been following your blog and are praying for you and your son. We put his name and yours on the prayer roll at the temple. Our son comes home in two weeks and we know he will be checking for updates everyday too. Eric and Cindy Stones Moses Lake, WA

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  23. Olá!

    Sempre gosto de vir ler as notícias sobre você. Fico feliz que esteja se recuperando, o importante mesmo que devagar, é ir melhorando!!!
    É uma maravilha ver a Fé e o Testemunho de sua família!
    Fique bem!! Um abraço, Tatiana

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  24. Schenk Family,
    It is our understanding that our nephew, Elder Cole Squires, was with your son during the accident. I hope that he had the opportunity to meet you and fellowship with you yesterday.

    Several of our family members are following your blog each day and praying for strength for your family and healing for Elder Schenk.

    Love and prayers,
    Nicole & Family

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  25. We were very happy with the progress of Britten!
    Heavenly Father loves this kid and you too!
    Have a nice day!
    Family França, from Minas Gerais

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  26. Wowwwww, what a wonderful news !!!
    This makes my whole day quite . ..
    We love you Britt !!!
    Have a nice day Britt and Family.

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  27. So grateful for the positive that is happening with Elder Schenk. He is truly a very strong spirit. The Lord loves you all.

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  28. FAMILIA SCHENK, ¡ESTAMOS MUY FELICES DE SABER SOBRE LA MEJORÍA DE ELDER SCHENK! DESDE QUE SUPIMOS DEL ACCIDENTE, MI HIJA Y YO ESTAMOS ORANDO POR USTEDES. LES AMAMOS.

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  29. Espero sinceramente que mais dias sejam maravilhosos como este. Desejo que o Elder Schenk fique bem e se recupere logo. Como muitos que enviam mensagens, sempre olho o blog para saber como está o Elder e fico feliz por saber de cada dia ele ter uma melhora. Quero dizer que não conheço Elder Schenk, mas rogo que o Pai Celestial o abençoe, proteja e coloque a mão sobre ele para que se recupere totalmente!

    Forte abraço,
    Adriane

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  30. Our son, Elder Skyler Cowley (serving in Russia), was on the MC swim team with Britten. We were heartbroken to hear of Britten’s accident and we have been following your blog ever since. We are so grateful to hear of the improvements he is making each day. Your strength and testimony are amazing and an inspiring example to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Britten and your family. With Love, The Cowley Family

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  31. You are all in our family and personal prayes... We send our love, and faith to you. Your amazing sweet spirits have truly touched my heart. I feel the spirit so strong reading your amazing updates. Stay strong, you are never alone in this journey... Love, the Laird family

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  32. Que alegria tão grande saber que o elder Britten esta se recuperando, obrigada irmãos familia Schenk por nos manter informados do estado do elder Schenk.Nosso Pai Celestial esta ao lado dele orientando os médicos. O Senhor ainda precisa dele por aqui.

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  33. How wonderful! Bless you all and I hope today, you see many many more miracles as they unfold. It's only going to get better and better! Britten will soon open his eyes and he will have so much to say to you all! Thank Heavenly Father, for hearing our prayers! I'll keep praying!

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  34. TENHO ACOMPANHADO VOCES DESDE A SUA CHEGADA AO BRASIL, E NOSSA FAMILIA TEM ORADO PELA MELHORA DESSE SERVO DE DEUS,E TAMBEM POR VOCES, PARA QUE TENHAM FORÇAS PARA VIVER CADA DIA... SEI QUE NAO É UM A COISA FACIL E QUE VOCES TEM UM TESTEMUNHO MUITO ESPECIAL. SAO UM GRANDE EXEMPLO PARA NOSSA FAMILIA.ESTAMOS LNGE,NAO NOS CONHECEMOS MAS NOSSAS MAOS NESTE MOMENTO ESTAO ENTRELAÇADASAS SUAS. COM AMOR, KATYA AMARANTE

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  35. Hi cousin Karla. We are praying for your family and Elder Schenk here in Rexburg. Reading your posts and I'm so inspired by everyone's faith through this entire experience. I'm sure I speak for many that our faith has increased by hearing of the miracles that have taken place during this tragedy. Elder Schenk is blessing the lives of thousands. Reminds me of how much the Lord is in charge and truly counts every sparrow. Love ya. Aaron and Heather Marcum

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  36. Dear Schenk Family, I have been following Britten's story, since I heard it on the TV. I am glad Deseret News published the blog address, so I could follow along closer to your story. I am sure there are ministering Angels attending to Britten. I know that the temple workers pray for the Missionaries all the time, at the prayer circle. I truly understand the scripture "Mourn with who Mourn. Having 4 Sons that have served missions and having a Son who just returned from Brazil. I know the worry and stress of their safety. Our Son was in the Hospital in Brazil and he did not tell us until he was out. But I know Heavenly Father watches out over his Missionaries for their health and safety and I know he is watching over Britten. I am so glad that you and your husband are at his side. I know he know you are there with him. I am sure you are example to his whole mission. I am sure that People of Brazil's hearts with be soften to the gospel, by Brittens example and strength. The picture on your site brought tears to my eyes. The country is beatiful. Thank you for your example to me, and it strenthens my testimony of the gospel. I know through trials it strenthens everyone who is going through it. Thank You for sharing this with me and everyone. Patti O. Salt lake City

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  37. Beloved Karla and Steven, this is your mom and dad hijacking David's blog. We are so grateful to be able to add our faith and prayers to those around the world for Britten and your family. You truly inspire us. We just want you to know how proud we are of you, Steven and your family.
    love, mom and dad.

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  38. So glad things are getting better day by day. My nephew is serving a mission in Ohio right now. He had a scary experience while at his ward mission leaders house last week. A tornado came ripping through the trees. They grabbed all the small children and headed to the basement. He told his mom to always remember that the lord watches over his missionaries and not to worry. The Lord is guiding each one of the wonderful doctors helping your son. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

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  39. Faith make the miracles be closer! I am glad to hear that he is getting better day by day! Thanks for share your feelings and information. This is keeping us strong in our faith and also in our prayers. Blessings are coming everyday!

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  40. Thank for you inspiring us through your strength and positive attitude. All of us who are following your blog are inspired by your family. Thank you for teaching us what it means to trust in God.
    I, too, cried when I read about Elder Schenk responding to his mother's voice. As a missionary mom, that really touched my heart and soul.
    God has a plan
    The Tracy family
    Hyde Park

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  41. Such good news to hear! Just want you to know how my testimony and faith have grown through all of this as I am sure your's has as well. One of my favorite quotes from Pres. Hinkley: "It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. … If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." Lots of love and prayers. The Campbells

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  42. Dear Sister Schenk, think of you and your boy. From one missionary mom to another -
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA9N8oOkzvg

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  43. I have two sons on missions. One is serving in Cuiaba, Brazil and one in the Dominican Republic. I have read your blog faithfully since day one of the accident and your positive attitude and faith has strengthened my testimony greatly. My family prays for your son daily and I think of him often. Thanks for sharing him with us..

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  44. We are so delighted to hear of your son's progress! What a wonderful miracle we are all witnessing!! Our family continues to pray for your son and for you!! :)

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  45. Dear Sister and Brother Schenk, I read your posts every day and pray that your son will recover fully. I have a son serving in the Brazil Manaus Mission who is praying for him as well.
    May the Lord keep blessing all of your family with the strenght, faith and patience needed to go through this journey.
    Thanks for taking the time to keep us posted.
    Telma Houlihan

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  46. Praying that you get the miracle of comfort while your child goes through this ordeal. Praying he has a speedy recovery, and hoping for the best. <3

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