Sunday, May 20, 2012

Let your Light so Shine

This morning our family had the privilege of attending Sacrament meeting in the hospital Branch with Elder Schenk.  The spirit filled our hearts as we sat in our seats with Britten by our side, and listened to the prelude music.  The smiles on our faces radiated with love, for Elder Schenk,  for the gospel, for our Savior Jesus Christ, and for our loving Father in Heaven.      
The Branch President welcomed home Elder Schenk, who was serving in the Brazil Sao Paulo Mission.   Elder Schenk's face beamed with true joy and happiness to have served the Lord. A young women spoke on "Let your light so shine".  I couldn't help but think how Britten has been a wonderful example of this. We are SO proud of him! He amazes us with every step he takes. His determination and will power becomes stronger every day. Every moment with him he uplifts our spirits, strengthens our testimonies, and encourages us to do more and be better.
      We met another family in the hospital today who's 18 year old son has had similar surgeries to Britt. She wondered if Britten wouldn't mind stopping by her sons room to say hello. When Britt walked into that room, you could just feel the spirit radiate from him as he gave encouragement and hope to that young man. His missionary work never ceases to end.
      Britt's vision is still very limited. He can only see partially out of his left eye and even that comes and goes. If you can imagine trying to complete a simple task such as eating your lunch without being able to see. I'm sure the best of us would go crazy, but not Britten!  Most people that meet him probably don't know that he can't see them very well. He greets them with a big smile and a missionary's handshake.  He approaches every task that is presented to him with gusto and determination! We know that strength comes in numbers and we know that if it is God's will,  Britten's eyesight will return. We thank you for your continued prayers.
     
Today was the most amazing day we have spent with Britten since the accident.  Our family was together as we played ball, took a walk, and laughed till our sides hurt! It's amazing how steady Britt is on his feet. Words can't describe how wonderful it was to see him "shooting hoops" with his brothers! For that reason we have decided to let him show off a bit for you all tonight.
   
We love you and continually thank you for all your prayers, love, and support.

"Let your Light so Shine."
Love,
Karla & Lora



**note: video does not work with iphone or ipad (sorry!)**

48 comments:

  1. Wow. What an amazing day for you all. We are so happy to see elder schenk out and about. It must have been his p day. We love you.

    The Lehi Clarks

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  2. Oh how I love this post! I love how his personality just beams from him! Such a stud! I also love the beautiful bond you all have. The power of family is amazing.

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  3. So happy. We love you all. Britt you are looking great!

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  4. Brit, I'm so proud of you!! Seeing these pictures of your family all together makes me happy...Looks like its been a great day! Love you all :)

    Emily Barfuss

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  5. Muito legal ver que Elder Schenk está se recuperando....foi emocionante vê-lo jogando basquete!!

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  6. Awesome pictures -- yes -- we will keep praying!

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  7. No better medicine than the gospel, family and basketball :) we love you and always keep Britten and your sweet family in our prayers!

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  8. families are what its all about! Looks like Britt has been given one of the best! And with the gospel, he has all he needs! More prayers coming your way! Thanks for sharing!

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  9. Giant. That is what you are. Huge! Your spirit and strength can be felt through the pictures, and especially the video. Don't you ever quit. LOOK HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME!!! This momma is so happy right now! Love to you all!
    Rachel Hill and family

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  10. What an exciting post to read! Beautiful pictures and thoughts! I'm glad that you had such an incredible day filled with wonderful experiences. So very sorry that I didn't get to visit with Britten and you all while I was there. I truly missed out! Keep working hard, Britten! You have the faith and determination that will overcome any obstacle. Every day is evidence of that!
    Love you all so much!
    Melanie

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  11. Beautiful! This is such a beautiful post in so many ways! You have a wonderful family and I can feel your love each other just by looking at these pictures!

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  12. I draw so much strength from you! It is so good to see pics and see the family all together. Britten looks great!! Britten is proof that God lives and loves each of us and that miracles happen every day! Tell Britt he still shoots better than me even with all his obstacles... :) What a guy!!

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  13. You look awesome Britt!!!You're doing so well!! Keep up the good work!!It is so great to see you all together having fun and joking. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Keep up the faith. We love you. The Simonson's

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  14. Oh how this just makes me cry! You all look so good and so happy and I'm so glad that Britten is looking so good! Does my heart good this morning to read about miracles and God's unchanging love. You guys are awesome!

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  15. You really know how to bring down the tears--tears of complete joy and gratitude to a wonderful family, a hero named Britten and a tender God who is in the details of our lives. Can't wait to see you!! Love you Trudy

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  16. Just a note from Elder Brady from his email this morning: Wow....Britten's doing amazing!! the Lord is definitely watching out for him! what a miracle! that's so amazing. He's playing ball and speaking Portuguese!!! man that's awesome!! what a stud! keep up the good work Britt! And thanks for your incredible example! I love you man and I’m praying for you!
    Britt, We are all so proud of you. Seeing the photos today made my heart swell with joy! I love the love and light I feel from you and your whole family. You all radiate joy! Keep up the good work!
    Love,
    Jordan and Jeri Kay Brady

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  17. I have been following this blog since the beginning. Britten, as soon as I saw you make your first basketball shot, I had tears flowing down my face. You are a true modern day miracle that we are all witnessing. I just want you to know that every time that I read when you have had relapse, I call the temple prayer roll. That was wonderful that you are visting and helping someone else in the same similar situation as you are, The Lord cannot alway's be there, but he sends his servants to help in his ministry. Wonderful that you are speaking portoguese, You are doing great. So happy for you and your family. When you get out. Try Braza Grill in Murray. It has the most authentic Brazillizn food. A brazillian family owns it. Patti SLC.

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  18. Britten looks so good! Who could ever doubt the power and love of God! What a blessing!

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  19. FAMILIA SCHENK,
    ESTAMOS TAN, PERO TAN FELICES Y EMOSIONADOS DE VERLES JUNTOS. MIL GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR ESTA PARTE TAN SENCIBLE Y EMOTIVA DE SU VIDA. CON EL TIEMPO LES ESTAMOS CONOCIENDO, NOS ESTAMOS FORTALECIENDO CON SU TESTIMONIO, CON SU FE Y AMOR POR NUESTRO SEÑOR.
    JUNTO A ELDER SCHENK, USTEDES - SU FAMILIA, ESTÁN CUMPLIENDO UNA HERMOSA MISIÓN.
    ¡¡¡ELDER SCHENK USTED ES LO MÁXIMO!!!, TENEMOS LA COMPLETA SEGURIDAD QUE SANARÁ TOTALMENTE. ORAMOS CON PROFUNDA FE SIEMPRE POR SU FAMILIA Y USTED.
    LES AMAMOS.

    FAM. JAVE.
    CAJAMARCA - PERÚ.

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  20. I have followed your blog since the accident and I love how well things are going. What an amazing missionary you have. He looks amazing.

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  21. Britten and all the family - I am so happy for Britten that he is being blessed with such a miraculous recovery! You are TRULY being blessed from on High! You'll be able to be an active witness without any limitations of the Power of God and his Love in Our Day. Glory Be to God Our Father and to His Son for making it all possible!!!

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    Replies
    1. Dan, you are one of my heroes in this life and someone I truly admire. You and your family have lived your lives as a testimony to your comments above. We will do or best to follow your amazing example. I am honored to call you cuz. All our love, Steven

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  22. Britten--You look great! (Okay, so do the rest of the Schenks!) Upward and Onward!

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  23. I have wanted to see pictures since he came back to Utah. Thanks so much for posting these!!! He DOES look great. I could have gone all day and never hit that shot and I can see perfectly! We're so proud of you out here! -Kerry Harding, Bethesda, MD

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  24. Fico muito feliz por saber que o Britten está se recuperando, tenho acompanhado desde do ínicio sua postagens e estou sempre torcendo e orando pra que tudo der certo pra vocês.

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  25. I have been followimg this blog since the beginning every day. when I read the post today, just makes me cry!I'm so happy to see Elder Schenk how he is being blessed with such recovery.Thank you for sharing with us your Faith and love for our Savior Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.You and Your family are in our prayers every day!
    Great job! we're so proud of you!

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  26. Like many others, I've been following this blog every day. I've just read it at the end of a busy day, and just love the photos/video clip, and like others, shed tears of happiness for you. How wonderful to see Heavenly Father's blessings to you & your family. What a strength you'll be to the other young patient with similar problems! We'll continue to pray for you & put your name on the Lima Temple Prayer Roll, each time we go. Keep up the great work! Hermana Jane Gough - Lima, Peru

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  27. You look great Britten! Especially with that familiar smile. Our family was thrilled when we checked for an update after family home evening tonight. You made an impact on my kids before your mission when you were living in our ward. We have followed your progress and shared your sweet testimony (and yours Steven and Karla) with our kids and have seen it bless and touch our lives. Thank you. And hats off to you and your stellar basketball skills. Impressive. :)

    Melissa & Tony Yeates

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  28. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos! It is such a joy to see all the miracles in Britten's recovery. May he continue to be blessed as he heals.

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  29. AMAZING! We were laughing and crying at the same time while watching Britt shooting hoops. What an extraordinary young man, and how good is the grace of our Heavenly Father!!! We love you so much and look forward to more good news.....It is so wonderful to see you all looking so happy and well. :)

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  30. Way to go Britten. We are so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and his son who lives. Truly a miracle. Keep up the wonderful work Britten. Thanks for all of the fun photos and the video. You are all such a great example. Can't wait to see you again.
    Keep smiling as we all are.
    Love, David, Mary and the kids.

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  31. Wow, I can't decide what is my favorite part of this blog! I love the pictures of the boys-especially Britt's attitude ( I love seeing that :)) Or the basketball! I thought maybe my favorite part was Karla and Lora cheering, but maybe when Karla laughed, or when Steven coached Britt to bend his knees and the shot was perfect, but I think it might be the big hug between Logan and Britt. I am so happy for all of you. Thank you for sharing your joy with us!
    Love you so much--constantly praying for all of you!
    Jeri Kay

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  33. Truely amazing!! Elder Schenk you are such a spiritual giant!! Thank you for your wonderful example of enduring and trusting in the Lord. I have joined the multitudes who have shed tears of joy whilst watching your progress. This is such a fantastic post. Thank you to you and your family for sharing you and your progress with us all - even those you don't know!! We are all on team Elder Schenk!! Can't wait to share this with my four boys!! What a GREAT example you are to them!! fantastic basketball skills - but the hug at the end was my favourite!! =)

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  34. Great Britten you are as handsome as ever. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. We continue to pray for you and your continued recovery. We love you.
    The Lloyd Family

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  35. Hey Schenk family!

    We just want you to know that we love you and we are so happy that Britten is doing so well!!! Your incredible faith and courage throughout these last few months has been an inspiration to our whole family and everyone who knows you. Britten, you are one of the most amazing people we have ever known! We know your future is indeed bright and we want you to know that we are praying for your complete recovery!!!

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  36. Dear Schenk family!
    Words can't express how much it has meant to be able to share a little of this experience with you through this blog. I feel like I am waiting to exhale until I find out how Britten is doing. We have kept him and your family on the Denver Temple Prayer Roll and in our family prayers. Our missionary in Argentina has written and asked that I tell you that Britten is in his prayers as well. Rex and I have been asked to teach the combined Young Women in our ward on June 3 and the topic is A Righteous Example. We would like to ask permission to share some of Britten's story. Please let us know if that will be okay and if you have anything else that you would like us to tell these wonderful young women. We continue to pray for Britten. We especially pray that if it be the Lord's will, Britten's eye sight will return permanently. If you are more comfortable emailing us, we are at rexrhondagriffin@gmail.com. Thanks for setting such a righteous example. Sincerely, Rhonda Griffin

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  37. You are truly an inspiration Brittin! Keep up the good work!

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  38. Congratulations Elder Schenk!!! I'm really happy to see how well you are! You are a living testmony of how miracles happen in our lives! I'm happy to see your family happiness by your side! Wish you the best!

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  39. AWESOME!!! The laughs are wonderful!!! Congratulations!!! Thanks for share this miracle with us :)

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  40. Thanks for sharing your great news!

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  41. Your family is such a strength to mine! My children love to pray for Elder Schenk during family prayer. What courage and strength you have. What an example of faith you are! Thank You for sharing your testimony of Jesus Christ through the way you live! And thanks for letting the light of your amazing family shine for all of us in the Hyde Park Stake.

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  42. words cannot do justice as to how happy this made me!! he is a fighter and he is incredible. he looks so great and it was so wonderful to see him not only playing basketball but making them!! miracles do exist and thanks for letting me be apart of this miracle. I have been reading your blog daily and it has helped me out in so many ways. you not only britten are all an inspiration. thank you!

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  43. I can't help but tear up whenever I read about Britten's positive attitude and stregth. It changes my perspective on things going on in my life and gives me strength to be more positive in what "little" things I'm going through in my life. Thanks so much for sharing your testimonies and the miracles that Britten and your family is experienceing. Maythe Lord continue to bless all of you on this journey.
    Aubree Larson Gittins

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  44. SO amazing! It's hard to keep the tears in. Way to go on those hoops, Britten! I am so grateful for the daily blessings! Thank you for posting the pictures and video, Karla and Lora! What a great post :) I love you all, so very, very much! Keep it up, Britt!
    Sherilyn

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  45. Wow! watching this video and seeing these pictures is so awsome! Seeing him be able to shoot a basketball like a pro puts a huge smile on my face!! =) Tell Britt that i love him so much and cannot wait for the day i can come visit! I pray for him everyday and know that heavenly father is a miracle worker and he is the perfect example of that!
    Love, Angie

    p.s Karla, hearing you laugh made my heart feel so warm! it was great hearing your laugh! Love you!

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  46. estou muito feliz em poder ver o grande milagre do senhor,nossa estamos muito felizes em saber que Elder Schenk esta se recuperando muito bém.
    Somos gratos ao nosso pai celestial por ouvir e atender nossas orações.obrigada por compartilhar momentos como estes com todos nós que acompanhamos está trajetória.

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  47. WOW is the feeling of joy for how well he is coming around!! and more will happen!!! we just keep on hope and prayer for him!! and so happy for all of you with him who have been such a blessing of love for him!!

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