Transfer week

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Last week I posted a special message from my sister. I hope all of you had a chance to read it. She is really an incredible person.

Last week we did our second round of apartment inspections as this week was transfer week. It was good to see the old adage affirmed that “When performance is measured, performance improves.” We were so pleased to see that every apartment that we inspected was sparkling clean. We were amazed at the transformation we saw between last transfer and this one.

Last week we attended graduation for 6 of our LDS soldiers. We will really miss them, but I think they were very happy to be moving on. Their time here was not always enjoyable.

Soldier with wife and parents

Soldier with his father who came from Iowa to see him graduate

As I mentioned, this week was missionary transfers. I think President Killpack felt that a shakeup was in order for our zone. Of the 10 companionships of young missionaries in the zone, only one remained untouched by the transfer. We had our first zone and district meetings this week with the new companionships and I think it was a good move. The new leaders seem very focused and dedicated to keeping the districts and zone on task. 

One of our soldiers brought his wife and 18 month old daughter down with him after the holidays. She was 9 months pregnant and last week had a baby girl. 

Baby Isla Grace

The father was able to be with them during the delivery and over the weekend but is back on post in training and has very limited time to spend with his family. The ward has stepped up and is providing meals and we are going to stop by to visit next week. We talked with her today and she is doing very well. She has an 18 month old child in addition to the newborn so everyone is trying to keep close tabs on her. The members down here are very service oriented and very compassionate, kind of a trait of good saints.

 Monday, we enjoyed our last luncheon with the old zone missionaries. We all met in Bisbee and went to a historic old hotel for lunch called the Copper Queen Hotel. It is owned by a member family. It is a beautiful hotel and the lunch was wonderful. It was fun to enjoy some time with 20 young missionaries. We really love these missionaries and are so honored to serve with them. They have wonderful testimonies and it is a joy to hear them bear them. 

Sign for Hotel located on Main Street, mining equipment in background

Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee

Shopper in Old Bisbee

Main Street, Old Bisbee

Some of the local architecture in Old Bisbee

Closed copper mine in Bisbee

Open pit mine in Bisbee

We have one missionary in the zone that we work quite closely with who has struggled. I don’t think he comes from a very supportive environment and was in and out of trouble a lot when he was a teen. A couple of transfers ago, they transferred him down here and placed him with a missionary that has some physical challenges. He is a sweet missionary, but I believe is not easy to deal with or live with sometimes. He is very black and white about things and does not understand sarcasm, subtlety, or any kind of joking. He may be autistic. He takes things very seriously and pretty much says what is on his mind. He is universally loved by all the missionaries, but I think it is difficult to work with him sometimes. Anyway these two missionaries were paired together. About two weeks into their time together, I thought that the troubled missionary was going to leave us and go home. It was obvious that he was having a very difficult time. When the next transfer came up, there was no change in this companionship. Neither of these missionaries was pleased about that. However, during the past 6 weeks I have observed a significant change in the troubled missionary. He has really grown to love his companion and while he still has his moments, when he speaks from the heart and bears his testimony, it is one of the sweetest testimonies I have heard. Someone asked him once, how he ended up on a mission. He said, “I have no idea”. I believe him.  In the past few weeks, I have seen him experience a mighty change of heart similar to that spoken of in Alma chapter 5 of the Book of Mormon. It is a great blessing to see changes wrought, not only in new converts, members returning to activity, but also in the very missionaries who are assisting these individuals to experience these changes.

RoLayne and I took a trip to Tucson today so that Sister Heninger could find a dress for Amy’s wedding. There is not much dress shopping in Sierra Vista.

 This Sunday is our Group Conference, (similar to ward conference). We will have several stake visitors. We may have more stake visitors than soldiers but we are looking forward to it. I had the opportunity to teach priesthood/Relief Society again last Sunday. It is such a fun group to teach. They are very engaged and love to participate. We have a great spirit during our meetings.

Life in Arizona continues to be delightful. I hate to rub it in, but today was sunny and about 75 degrees. One could get used to this.

My Hero

I would like to dedicate this posting to someone who is very special to me and has taught me much during the past few years about how to live and enjoy life.

Many of you know that about three years ago my sister was diagnosed with a very rare and deadly disease called Amyloidosis. She has been fighting this terrible disease and has had many ups and downs. Through it all there has been one thing that has never faltered, her unflappable spirit to live every day the best she can and to serve others. She has started a local support group and works with doctors and patients in her area to educate and support them as well as to find a cure for this disease. I have posted an email below that she recently sent trying to raise awareness about rare diseases. I hope you will take the time to read it. If you do and are interested, I also invite you to read the blog she kept during a good part of her journey through treatments. If you read it, you will be inspired!

Thank you for your attention and support.

Elder and Sister Heninger

Linda's blog-  lindadanielson.blogspot.com

My Sister Linda

 
Hello to all of you. I warn you this is a LONG email but I ask that you please take the time to read it. There are pictures at the end. :)

I have never sent an email to a group before. I am sorry that I didn't sent it personally to each of you.

I am trying to increase awareness of Rare Disease Day this year. This day is organized by Eurodis( countries within Europe) There are countries worldwide honoring this day. I would love each of the states we live in to be a part.
Theme: Care - Slogan: Join Together for Better Care

Caring for people living with a rare disease has many facets. Some patients have access to medicines while others have no treatment available. Some patients are fairly independent while others require intensive physical assistance and equipment. Care can consist of special equipment, expert medical consultation, physical therapy, social services, medicines, respite for family members, and much more. For most children and adults living with a rare disease, primary care is provided by family members.

Rare Disease Day 2014 focuses on care and encourages everyone in the rare disease community to Join Together for Better Care.

Patients and their families who feel isolated by the rarity of their disease should know that there are more than 6000 different rare diseases affecting over 60 million people across Europe and North America alone and millions and millions more throughout the world. Most of these diseases are genetic, serious, chronic and debilitating. Each disease is different, but they affect people in similar ways. Joining together can help patients and their families find common solutions for care and remind them they are not alone.

Healthcare professionals, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and policy makers also frequently feel isolated in their struggle to find and provide care for rare diseases. Experience shows that bringing together scattered knowledge and resources for people living with rare diseases is the most efficient and effective way to mobilize the care patients and families need and deserve.

As you know I have a rare disease. To qualify as a rare disease 1 person out of 200,000 is affected by the disease. My disease is 1 in 3 million people in the United States  get it. I also have relatives who have children with rare diseases whose disease is even more rare. In my disease 40% of people with my diagnosis, die within 6 months of diagnosis. Where the disease is multi-organ it quietly, but quickly damages the organs, often irreversibly, then only about 20% of people qualify for stem cell transplants. The guidelines are much stricter now than when I was diagnosed. They actually were changed within a couple of months after my stem cell transplant. It was the "perfect time" for me to get sick, (if there is a perfect time to get this) for treatment, as well for insurance coverage. I truly know I am extremely blessed. Has it been easy...NO! But I want you all to know, that I wouldn't trade what I have experienced and learned (and hopefully can share and help others) to go back where I was. I have a firm testimony Heavenly Father lives, and knows each and every one of us. Christ was beside me every single day for over a year. At a few times, He literally totally carried my load. Most of the time allowing me to participant in the load so I would appreciate and know when He carried me. Because of this trial, hopefully I am becoming more of the person, Heavenly Father knows I can be.

I have set a goal to spread awareness of rare diseases, to hopefully remind people and their physicians to consider rare diseases as an option when dealing with patients, to increase awareness in hope more research could be funded in learning more about these diseases and finding treatment for them. The government just cut funding for research of treatment for rare diseases along with limiting what treatment options will be covered.

I have sent a request to the governor of Utah asking for a "request for proclamation" to proclaim February 28 as Rare Disease Day in Utah in hopes of also getting some press coverage.

I am inviting each of you, wherever you are to be a part of this awareness; even if it's only to google Primary Amyloidosis (on either Mayo or Boston University) and learn about it. Remember the list of symptoms. Perhaps a neighbor, friend or loved one may someday experience several of those without being diagnosed. Your memory may then recall this disease. Remember early detection is so important. If you would like copy the banner off my email and send it to others please do so. Share the information and about rare disease day with your employment.

 On Feb.  28  8 pm Utah time, I am suggesting lighting a candle for those with or who have passed away from a rare disease. The other thing I would ask, if you are interested or wiling, take a picture of your group of friends, family or whoever holding hands, holding them up in the air (representing coming together for better care). Send an email with a copy of the photo to me. I would like to collect and submit them to the National Organization of Rare Diseases( NORD) showing how we honored Rare Disease Day and possibly even submit some to the Utah newspapers, again increasing awareness.

Here is the logo 


Another idea for a picture. Israel did this.


Whether you are with your family at home, 10 people in an office, 100 people at a conference or 1000 people at a public gathering: RAISE AND JOIN YOUR HANDS to show your solidarity with rare disease patients around the world! Help us show we are all mobilised for people living with rare diseases and driven by the same objectives.

This symbolic gesture can be done before the Day or part of the activities you have already planned on the Day. Remember to send the picture email to me.
                 You get the idea..


You could use either of these logos for facebook or whatever social media you use.

               




If you would like to learn more about this search for  rare disease day. There is a bunch of information about it even a map showing which countries around the world have patient groups preparing to honor this day. Only 2 places in North America.  I would like to be able to list a few from a representation of this group. Pass it along, let's join hands together!!

Thank you for reading this.  Thank you most of all because every single one of you who are receiving this supported me through my most difficult time. I love and appreciate you.

Love,
Linda

On The Road Again.....

Sunday, January 12, 2014

I should probably add a picture of our car in this post, as we have driven almost 1,000  miles this week. 

We started off Tuesday, driving to Central, Arizona. Where is Central, Arizona you ask? And why would we want to go there? As it turns out, Central is where the Gila Valley Temple is located. We had a 8:00AM session on Tuesday morning with our zone. That meant we left home at 5:30AM as it is a two hour drive. It is a beautiful temple and the folks there were very friendly. We enjoyed a very full session.

The Gila Valley Temple, located in Central, Arizona

Young Elders of the Sierra Vista Zone

Sisters of the Sierra Vista Zone

Senior Missionaries of Sierra Vista Zone

Elders serving in our Ward with us

After the session at the temple, we all gathered at a local pizza parlor with another zone for lunch. I bet that was the busiest lunch crowd they have had in a while. There we about 24 hungry missionaries at a pizza buffet. 

Hungry Missionaries at the Pizza Parlor

Because of the temple trip, we missed our weekly service at the Turn Around Point. Wednesday, we were up again early for a drive to Benson, about 45 minutes away for Zone Training with President and Sister Killpack. It was a wonderful day of training. One of the things that they discussed was how to avoid and get rid of bed bugs. Apparently, there has been an infestation in the mission.

Thursday, I got a call from the mission president. He told me that a pair of sister missionaries in our area had bed bugs and were really upset. He was on the road and asked if I could lend assistance to them. They are staying in a member’s home and they are going to have to fumigate it. Fortunately, the members are not living there presently. The sisters are staying with another pair of sister missionaries. We visited with them and tried to calm them. I gave a blessing to one of the sisters. I think they are doing better. Apparently, one of the sisters brought the bed bugs from her last apartment, so she was especially upset.

Friday was a preparation day for Sunday so, RoLayne spent most of the day cooking and preparing the Sunday meal for the soldiers. Friday night was the Chaplain’s Coffee House activity. It was a worthwhile venture as we did meet another new soldier that we had not previously met. I got his name and number and invited him to church. Friday night we also got news that Elder Holland’s assignment had been changed and that he would not be in Arizona to speak with the missionaries.

Chaplain in center, Assistant Chaplains on either side, at Coffee House

Another Chaplain, left at the food table

Saturday we were up early and drove to Tempe for the conference. It was really interesting to see three missions meeting together. When I was young and on my first mission, we never even had our entire mission meet together, as the mission spread over four different countries. The keynote speaker was Elder Jim Wright, an area authority seventy. Elder Wright's wife spoke and said this meeting was like buying tickets to the Beatles and when you show up, you get the Dixie Chicks. She said, I hope you like country western. Elder Wright said it was the first time he had ever been compared to a country western group. He did a really nice job, especially because he only had several hours notice to fill in for Elder Holland. The three mission presidents and their wives also spoke and were all very inspiring. As soon as the conference was over, we jumped in our car and headed back to Tucson, where we stopped to feed our Costco habit. We had to get a shot, two for RoLayne, to finish up our mission preparation shots. It took us about an hour and a half to get that done. As we waited, we watched the effects of “Obamacare” first hand as the pharmacy folks were having to deal with a lot of upset patients whose plans have apparently changed with the new year. Not a pretty sight. After getting our shots and doing some shopping, we were off to Lori’s for a moment then home. A long day, but very spiritual with the three missions.

Today was a pretty normal Sunday, however, it was the last Sunday for several of our soldiers who graduate this Thursday and move on. We will really miss them!

Inspections continue....

Saturday, January 4, 2014

This week was mostly filled with vehicle inspections as the soldiers were still gone on holiday break until Friday. We completed 13 vehicle inspections. We use a checklist and go over the vehicles and check condition, fluid levels, paperwork, etc. We also take the opportunity to make sure these young people know how to check fluids, tire pressure, and a few basic things about an automobile. It was fun to see another part of the mission, Willcox, AZ. I must say, there is not much there however, population is about 4,000.
 

Sister Heninger checks the license plate for proper stickers.

The missionary vehicles we inspected in Willcox

Sister Heninger checks the trunk for cleanliness and organization. 

Tomorrow, we are really looking forward to see the soldiers back at church after their holiday. We really miss them as they add real energy and joy to our lives.

Next week should be exciting. Tuesday, we are going to the Gila Valley Temple for an endowment session with our zone missionaries. Our session is at 8:00AM and it is a 2 hour drive, so we will be up and gone early. Wednesday in Benson, AZ we have Zone Training with President Killpack. This will be our first zone training session. I think we meet with 2 or 3 zones for this. Friday, we will be at the Chaplain’s coffee house reception with the soldiers. That is always a fun night as we mingle with the soldiers and the other volunteers. Saturday, it will be up and out of here early to drive to Tempe, AZ to meet with Elder Holland. I am sure that will be a richly rewarding event. I will report on the highlights next week.

We were grateful and excited to receive the results of  the Vancouver East Stake indexing effort. What a faithful group of folks with great leadership to index more than six million name in the past year. And what can we say about the outstanding effort by our ward to exceed one million names. That is an amazing accomplishment. We felt honored to have participated.

As always we miss our family, loved ones, and friends, however, we would not rather be anywhere else right now. We know that we and our family have been so blessed because of this missionary experience and the prayers of all. It is really difficult to explain the joy of being a full time servant of the Lord. There are so many unique and interesting experiences and insights that come our way. If you have the ability to serve, do not delay. Take the opportunity now. You never know what the future holds. I do not know if you will regret not serving, but I can promise you that you will never regret serving, regardless whether you can serve full time or part time. It does not matter.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Our meetings today were really good with the soldiers. We had one new soldier who is from Boise, Idaho attend today. He only lives about a mile from where we lived in Boise. He graduated from the same High School my kids attended. I thought, perhaps we might have known him or his family........then I started to calculate. When we moved from Boise, he was three years old. Probably did not know him. It was really good to see the soldiers back and to meet with them. We had a spiritual testimony meeting and a wonderful meal provided by Sisters Heninger and Kovacs afterward.  

Enjoying some casual conversation with the soldiers