Elder Schenk has had 6 good days in a row...a well-deserved relief from all the difficulties associated with the accident. Unfortunately, this morning he awoke with a migraine followed by nausea. He was very uncomfortable all morning, but this didn't stop him from sharing his missionary spirit with his therapist.
He asked his speech therapist if she was one of us? "What do you mean?" She inquired. He asked if she was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. When she replied, "No", he asked what religion she belonged to and then asked what she liked about it. He then genuinely invited her to attend our church and suggested that if she did, she would surely enjoy it. I could picture this tall, handsome, energetic Elder Schenk walking the dirt paths and busy roads of Brazil, eagerly chatting with whomever would glance his direction. I'm sure he was a fabulous missionary!!
This afternoon brought some relief from the headache and the nausea. Then the real Britten came out. He was laughing and joking and talking non-stop. He shared his love for Brazil, his Mission President, his companions, and the people he met while there. I loved listening to his mission stories. Really, I simply loved being in Elder Schenk's presence--he is my hero!! This day was a cherished opportunity for his "Other Mother". Trudy
How wonderful. Such an inspiration to all who knows him or comes in contact with him. Britten, you are truly a disciple of Jesus Christ. You are a remarkable elder. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeletewe love you and pray for you daily.
keep smiling as we all are.
Love, David, Mary and the kids.
I've been catching up on a few posts. It truly is inspiring to read of the many miracles that keep coming Britten's way. What a blessing to have all the bones lined up where they should be. As a medical transcriptionist who types trauma all day long in ER and surgical reports I truly can see Heavenly Father's hand in this blessing to Britten of having them lined up. Keep up the hard work at PT because it certainly pays off with regaining strength and mobility. Amazing.
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Well, please read this one to him. My son was called to Brazil the week of Britten's accident, and I remember thinking, "How can I let him go?" Or his five brothers? Would I ever let his little sister? But as I've kept track through this blog, I now know how much Heavenly Father watches over his faithful missionaries. There is no doubt that through this whole ordeal so many things could have taken a different turn, and yet here you are as a shining example to soooo many! Thank you for reminding me it's not where we serve, or how we serve, just that we serve so others can change.
ReplyDeleteYou are so awesome Britten! I know you were such a good missionary, and still are! I was reading about Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon and I was reminded of you. It said, "Yea, Verily, Verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." Alma: 48:17.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that to be true about you too. You are such an incredible example to all of us. You have so much love, hope , charity, faith, etc. I could go on all day about how wonderful you are. I'm just so glad that you're getting better and stronger every day. Know that I'm still praying for you and thinking about you all the time! Love you so much, can't wait to see you again soon!
Hooray for 6 good days in a row! Even when you have a bad day, Britten, you seem to find the "good" in it. I've been sending the posts from your blog to Elder Pope so he can keep up on your progress. He loves you and wants you to know how many elders in his mission, who don't even know you, are praying for your recovery. Your infectious smile, the one on your face, as well as the one in your heart, has kept all of us going. I love you, dear boy, and am rooting for you each and every day! Love, Mama Pope
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