Sunday, April 8, 2012

A Wonderful Easter Sunday

This morning was wonderful! It was a day of firsts. When we arrived at the hospital Britten was getting ready for the day. The nurses started him brushing his teeth and then he took over. Then he held the cup and the nurse helped him put it to his mouth to swish the rinse around. The nurse handed me the lip balm and so I put it in Britten's hand. He then smoothed the balm on his lips! We all cheered! When he heard the cheer he snapped his fingers and gave the thumbs-up sign. We all laughed with joy! Elder Schenk took my hand and put it up to his lips and kissed it. I said, Britt, did you just kiss me? He nodded his head, yes. This was my first kiss from my missionary! Yes, it tugged at my heart strings. Steven told Britt he brought his electric razor so he could shave his whiskers. Britt reached up and stroked his few whiskers. Steven said to him, "you really dont want to shave it, do you?" Britten shrugged his shoulders, got a cute grin on his face and shook his head, No. We laughed and laughed. It was great to be laughing again at simple, fun things! We probably better get him shaved before his interview with his Mission President tomorrow! Elder Schenk then took the rest of the day off. It was a very special Easter Sunday in the Hospital with Britten. He slept the whole afternoon ( off the ventilator). It gave us time to reflect on the amazing gift from Our Savior of the Atonement and the Resurection. We have been so richly blessed the past few weeks. We witnessed miracles each and every day and have grown closer to Our Father in Heaven. We know of many of you who are facing your own trials at this very moment and yet we feel of your support, faith and prayers. We are praying for you and know that you will be blessed. All our love, the Schenks

20 comments:

  1. What a wonderful ending to Easter Sunday...to read this!!! So wonderful for your family and your sweet missionary! We're throwing up big yippee's here in Texas!

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  2. FAMILIA SCHENK,

    NO PODÍAMOS IR A DESCANSAR SIN ANTES SABER DE USTEDES, NOS ALEGRA MUCHO QUE ELDER SCHENK ESTÁ CADA DÍA MUCHO MEJOR, SU FELICIDAD ES LA NUESTRA. POR FAVOR EXPRÉSENLE NUESTRO CARIÑO Ý SALUDOS A ELDER SCHENK, SABEMOS QUE LOS MILAGROS EXISTEN Y ÉL ES UNA PRUEBA MÁS DEL AMOR, MISERICORDIA Y COMPASIÓN DE UN PADRE CELESTIAL AMOROSO. ORAMOS MUCHO POR USTEDES, CADA DÍA DE NUESTRAS VIDAS ESTÁN PRESENTES EN NUESTRAS ORACIONES. QUE EL SEÑOR LES BENDIGA FAMILIA SCHENK. FAMILIA JAVE.

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  3. Dear Karla, Steven and elder Schenk, what a wonderful day! And on such an important day of the Savior and his gift to each of us. The progress Britten is making is so wonderful and is a testimony to each one of us that Jesus lives and we have a loving Heavenly Father. Thanks to each of you for sharing your days with us. We are so inspired by your faith and testimonies and your love. Many, many people continue to pray for you and your family. We love you all so much and know Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. Stay strong and know we all love you.
    Keep smiling, as we all are.
    ALL OUR LOVE, David, Mary and all the kids.

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  4. Miracles, miracles. We are so happy for you! I am Elder Tanner Dances's mom and I have been sharing Britten's progress with Tanner weekly. He said from the very beginning when he heard about Brittens injuries that what ever happened after would be what Heavenly Father wanted because Britten was doing what Heavenly Father wanted him to do while serving a mission. Tanner told me what a good person Britten is. We are praying and thinking and rooting for his continued progress. Thanks for sharing his progress on his blog. With love, Tammy Dance Radabaugh

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  5. Thanks for making a perfect ending for our Easter Sunday! We rejoice in each milestone and hold Elder Schenk so dear to our hearts! We can just see his little mischevious grin--the same one he had in Junior High when he and JJ would wrestle in the back seat of the pick up on our way to a game!! Such great memories. Elder Stoddard sends his deep love and prayers your way...always so concerned and wanting updates! We are all pulling for you! Keep up the good work! Love to all,
    The Stoddard Family

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  6. Thank you so much for sharing Elder Schenk's progress with us all. I cried when I read today's post and to hear of the miracles in his life, especially at this sacred time of year. My son, Taylor, is Britten's friend and is currently serving a mission in Chile. Elder Schenk has been at the top of Elder Johnson's prayer list since he first found out about his accident. Thanks again, lots of thoughts and prayers your way!
    Rosie Johnson

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  7. So happy to hear how well Britten is doing..... sounds like he will have plenty of time to shave later! Tyler had to speak in church today about the resurrection of Christ and how he gave us a promise before he left this earth.... that he would be there to comfort us during hard times if we would follow him. Sounds like you are truly experiencing his love and healing powers. Happy Easter!

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  8. Its so good to hear about all of Britten's improvments. you guys are all so strong and i'm greatful for the wonderful testimonies you have. I continue to pray for Britten and all the family..i'm glad this was a great Easter and you guys will continue to be blessed. Lots of love to all you guys and Britten! Hang in there!
    -Larissa

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  9. What a special gift on this Easter Sunday to reflect on the many tender mercies of our Savior. Isn't it wonderful to know that through the Atonement He has been able to lift our heavy burdens and make them light? We know you have felt that each day as little miracles occur. The Lord loves Britten and He loves you. We love you too. Can't wait to see that cute smile of Brit's for ourselves!
    Love, Bruce and Laura

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  10. Oh what a happy Easter! thank you for sharing your miracles with us, todays post brought me tears of joy for you! You are in our prayers always!

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  11. Just found out I can comment with Melanie's account!! What a glorious day for you on this beautiful Easter Sunday. To hear of the special things our Britten is doing, kissing his mother's hand, smiling, moving, even joking around with his Dad. We are so grateful for the progress he is making, for the Drs. and staff who have been so wonderful in their treatment of him, and you. I am continually amazed at all the beautiful comments by people all over the world, so many who love our precious kids in faraway Brazil. The tears continue to come as we read your blog and hear of the progress Britten is making every day. We are so grateful for everyone who is praying and sharing their faith, which helps lift you both as you are away from the rest of your family and caring for Britten. We await more good news tomorrow. Hug each other and Britten for us. XOXOXO Mom

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  12. Dear Steven, Karla and Britten,

    What exciting news to get on Easter! Miracles still happen and what a wonderful blessing it is to witness them through Britten's healing and successes. I've had so many people in my ward ask about his progress, that the RS President allowed me to give an update based on your blog postings. I put the blog address on the chalk board and so many thanked me for doing so. I'm not sure if you can really comprehend the affect your testimonies of faith and endurance are having on so many. The Lord truly works through the lives of others and your examples have become his tools. Prayers are still coming in your behalf from our home. We love our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and are so grateful for the power of the priesthood and the gift of prayer. We love you.

    Marilyn, Rachel and Michael

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  13. Crying as I read this. What a wonderful Easter Sunday for you! I just wanted you to know we pray for your missionary daily. Even my youngest, who was baptized Saturday remembers him in his prayers every night. My oldest is also serving a mission in Brazil. Thanks so much for this blog. You are my inspiration.
    RaKel Elmer, North Ogden UT

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  14. My tears rolled down my cheek as I read about your first kiss!! What an amazing Easter for you all.

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  15. Although we have never met, we are so thrilled to hear of Elder Schenk's continuing improvement. We appreciate you sharing your experiences as it helps strengthen our testimonies and faith. How wonderful that you are able to recognize the miracles and blessings from a loving Heavenly Father & Savior. May God continue to bless you and your family.

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  16. I have never met Britten, but found this blog through a friend from my mission (Utah Ogden Mission 2008-2009)...I have been checking it and am so happy to see the amazing miracles that have occurred in your family! It most certainly has increased my faith just like it has so many others. This past Friday when I was at the Raleigh, North Carolina Temple, I put his name in the temple prayer role. It is clear that the Lord is blessing your family, especially Elder Schenk, and I know He will continue to do so. Thanks so much for taking the time to post on his progress and uplift us all out here!

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  17. Uau!!!I'm very happy for this news. He is improving so fast!! We are seeing the hands of the Heavenly Father working in improving him... Hugs for The Schenks

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  18. ahh! what a great post! happy days!

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  19. That is beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing such a precious moment.
    Love, the Smith's.

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  20. I love each of you so much. Sending kisses and hugs! Happy Easter! Still praying :)

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