What a memorable week!

Monday started out as normal as could be. Went to dinner with two great sisters. 

Sisters Zollinger and Davis

My Tuesday morning walk was the beginning of a most unforgettable week.

Saw this beautiful heron 

Close to the end of our walk, I did a face plant. On the way down, I put out my left arm to catch myself and jammed my lower arm, causing a radial head fracture. Sister and Elder Crump were so worried as were many people walking by. Of course I didn’t realize that I had fractured my arm at the time. I got up and didn’t really seem to have too much problem other than the bleeding on my face that I couldn’t get to stop right away. 

I got home and got the bleeding stopped and realized that it was painful to bend and straighten and rotate my left arm from the elbow down. I cleaned up myself and called to see if I could get into an orthopedic center that has some same-day appointments for people with an “emergency”.

Sure enough, after x-rays, the doctor confirmed the fracture. Here’s a link if you’d like to learn about radial head fractures. 

The x-ray showed a subtle crack with the bone pieces staying fitted together. I was put in a brace and given a sling and I’m to return on the 26th for additional x-rays to make sure that the bones haven’t shifted out of place.

I was to help with interviews Tuesday, but I stayed home and iced my arm and babied myself.

Several months ago, I had invited my friend Kate Lucas, who lives in Tempe Arizona, to come spend a few days. She arrived Wednesday morning. I stayed in my apartment again and iced my arm. Kate pampered me.

Thursday morning, we left for Newport Oregon to spend two days on the coast. It has been hot here in Eugene so the cooler breezes and temperatures of Newport were very welcome. We had lunch in Florence. 

We walked on the beach as soon as we got into our vacation rental. Kate and I met while we were serving our missions in New Zealand and walking on the beach became a morning ritual as we walked Takapuna Beach every morning except Sunday. Kate was the area mental health advisor and I of course was the Mission nurse. We lived in the same apartment complex so it was convenient for us to meet every morning for a walk. So you can see why we headed straight for the beach. It’s one of our favorite places. 

Jelly fish, acres of sand, rocks and Kate

Friday morning, we got up early and went down to look at the tide pools. 

Love the flowers we pass on the way to the beach

We found some sea stars and anemone, and a lot of shells and sea creatures stuck to the rocks. 

Flowers and view along the path to the beach

Then we went over and walked around the harbor area, where one can usually find sea lions lying on the docks, but there were none there. Bridge seen from the harbor and sign on the dock

After finding no sea lions, we drove out to Yaquina Head Lighthouse. 

While we were at the lighthouse, we noticed a stairway down to tide pools. The tide was already in so not good to see while there. We talked to a ranger who said that we should come back tomorrow, Saturday, and that low tide would be early so we should be there as soon as they open at 8 o’clock. 

Since we couldn’t go to the tide pools, we decided to climb a trail that went to an overlook. The trail wound around a little mountain where we saw flowers and looked down over the lighthouse and point. 

Before we got all of the way to the top, the mist/fog had settled over the area but we opted to go the rest of the way anyway. We could see maybe 20-30 feet ahead of us but we were denied the “spectacular” view we had hoped to see. At least we made it to the top.

For dinner that evening, we enjoyed sushi and salad at Asiático Waterfront Sushi.

We had to check out of our vacation rental Saturday morning, so we got up early, loaded our things in the car and left our vacation rental and went to see the Yaquina Head tide pools. It was a beautiful area and the tide pools were inviting, but it was very rocky. The rocks would roll out from under our feet and I didn’t feel secure walking there with my arm in a sling and unable to keep really good balance because of it so I waited while Kate walked around. The bigger rocks around the pools were slick as you got out onto them and she was afraid she would fall as well. We were told that a man had fallen the day before and was quite injured. 

Views of the tide pools and cove from above. Murras (big black birds) on the haystacks and sea lions on the rocks.

Since we couldn’t explore the pools, we went back to Newport to the tide pools we had seen on Friday and enjoyed them very much again. We then found a café where we could have breakfast before heading back to Eugene. Kate had to catch a flight back to Arizona that afternoon. 

Kate took very good care of me on our short trip to the coast. She helped me ice my arm, carried suitcases and pampered me in every possible way. I am so spoiled to have such a great friend. I hated to see her go back to the 110° weather that she would be facing after enjoying temperatures in the low 60s.

Here I am being spoiled with my feet up, ice on my arm, drink by my side and surrounded by chocolate!!

Saturday evening I went to a ward picnic at a park with my friend Diana. It was 93° and after being in the cool coastal air, I was pretty warm, so we didn’t stay too long.

I did my weekly report and sent it in before heading to bed. I had a good night’s rest and a good day at church Sunday morning

Sunday evening I had invited Sisters Palmer and Sterzer to dinner. With my arm in a sling and not able to lift or bend it a lot we had a simple meal of cold cut sandwiches and salad. Sadly we got so involved talking that I neglected to get a picture 

Sister Sterzer crocheted this beautiful blanket and brought it to me I love how soft it is what a thoughtful and caring sister she is.

Having my little accident has given me a deeper appreciation for a healthy body. I’m grateful that I have family and friends who support and care for me. And I have a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who lift me when I’m down. The pain and discomfort has been minimal. I feel fortunate that I’m still able to function and do the things that I need to do. I’ve discovered I’m not a quick one finger typist, but I have managed.

I know that through trials and difficult times the Lord gives us the opportunity to learn and grow. I like this 2010 conference talk By Elder James B. Martino titled “All Things Work Together for Good”. Elder Martino says: “We may never know in this life why we face what we do, but we can feel confident that we can grow from the experience.” 

In contemplating my embarrassment at falling, my broken arm, my bloody face, my desire not to have others wait on me, I realize that this incident is teaching me patience and giving me humility. It gives me a deeper appreciation for others who struggle. I appreciate more a healthy body and realize what a gift we have in miraculous bodies that heal. 

I’m rambling but I want you all to know that I recognize that everything I experience and have in this life are gifts from God 

I love my Savior

I love you my family and friends 

The work and play goes on.

 

Sisters Hopkins and Newcomb

I reported in my last blog about our zone conferences that had been held during the week. I would like to share the pictures I received taken at those zone conferences.

North Zone Conference in Eugene

South Zone Conference in Medford

Central Zone Conference in Roseburg

If you remember, I presented at the conferences regarding the importance of eating a well-balanced diet which needs to include fruits and vegetables. One should attempt to eat a rainbow every day. On Monday this week, when the missionaries go shopping for their groceries, I received pictures from a couple of sets of missionaries to show me the “rainbows” they would be eating through the week.

Sisters Bullock and Weeks

Elders Israelsen and Mooy

This week we had 3 days of interviews. Wednesday we were in Eugene for the Springfield zone, Thursday in Roseburg for that zone and Friday in North Bend for the Coos Bay Zone interviews. Sister Cornelius treated the missionaries to waffles again. Here are some pictures taken during the three days.

Elders Asay, Hill, Bowler, and Peart

Elder Hill

Elders Woolf and Jones

Elder Maylin

Sisters Jeffords and Carter

The elders wiled away the time waiting for interviews by arm wrestling. I warned them that I didn’t want any calls due to injuries in the activity. (I think the contest continued so that they could win a place on my blog.)

Elders Rencher and Woolf

Elders Rencher and Jones

Elders Larsen and Hall

On our way to North Bend on Friday for interviews, we passed an elk and wildlife viewing area. President Cornelius pulled off the road so we could see the elk in the fields.

I have enjoyed my days of walking this week. I didn’t walk on Thursday and Friday due to travel but the other days were most enjoyable! Even with the heat, walking early in the morning at sunrise makes it pleasant. It was 103 degrees for 3 of the days this week. In the high 90s the other days.

The sunrise, river, and flowers were beautiful.

Saw the heron and egret by the river and a deer on the way back to my apartment.

Standing in my driveway watching the turkeys

Saturday morning we walked at the prairie where the fields were misty and we saw a heron sitting atop a light pole. Caught his flight from the pole to a tree. 

Saturday President and Sister Hopkins hosted a lunch for the senior couples at their home in Roseburg. Unfortunately, not all of the couples were able attend but those of us who did were treated with smoked tri-tip, fresh homemade rolls and an assortment of salads.

Some chose to go swimming…

and one went swimming unexpectedly after being pushed into the pool fully clothed. (You know boys will be boys.LOL) President Cornelius is a good sport though and decided that since he was in the water, he might as well enjoy it.

The food was awesome but the company was the best! It was fun to visit with and to get to know each other better. 

Left to right: Sister and President Hopkins, Sisters and Elders Van Hemert, Karren, Newcomb, Cammack, Crump, Hawkins, Sister and President Cornelius (in dry clothes)

Sunday morning in Relief Society we discussed a conference address by Elder David A Bednar “Be Still, and Know That I Am God” given in April 2024. In this talk, Elder Bednar begins by telling of a temple open house tour he led for reporters and news people. He had answered questions throughout the temple tour but before they entered the celestial room, Elder Bednar explained: “this particular room in the house of the Lord symbolically represents the peace and beauty of the heavenly home to which we can return after this life.” He went on to say that there would be no talking in that room but that he would answer any questions after leaving the room.

Upon exiting one reporter with great emotion commented: “I have never experienced anything like that in my entire life. I did not know quiet like that existed in the world; I simply did not believe such stillness was possible.”

Elder Bednar goes on to say: “As I later pondered the journalist’s comment and reflected on the often hectic pace of our modern lives—the busyness, noise, diversions, distractions, and detours that so often seem to demand our attention—a scripture came to my mind: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

I pray the Holy Ghost will enlighten each of us as we consider a higher and holier dimension of stillness in our lives—an inner spiritual stillness of the soul that enables us to know and remember that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.”

Elder Bednar next tells about the persecution of the Saints in Missouri. In Kirtland, the Prophet Joseph Smith told the saints: “Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.”

Elder Bednar: “I believe the Lord’s admonition to “be still” entails much more than simply not talking or not moving. Perhaps His intent is for us to remember and rely upon Him and His power “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in.” Thus, “be still” may be a way of reminding us to focus upon the Savior unfailingly as the ultimate source of the spiritual stillness of the soul that strengthens us to do and overcome hard things.”

“True faith is always focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ—in Him as the Divine and Only Begotten Son of the Eternal Father and on Him and the redemptive mission He fulfilled.

“For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men.”

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, our Mediator, and our Advocate with the Eternal Father and the rock upon which we should build the spiritual foundation of our lives.

Helaman explained, “Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”

This is a remarkable talk I would encourage you to read and study.

I’m grateful for my Savior, the rock upon which my faith and testimony are built. I know that we have a loving Father in Heaven who knows each of us and our needs. I know that our Savior has provided a way for us to return to the presence of our heavenly parents. My Savior is my rock and sure foundation.

I love my Savior.

I love you my family and friends.

Zone Conference Week

The first zone conference was Tuesday in Medford. I rode down with President and Sister Cornelius. It is about a 3 hour drive so we left early in the morning.

President and Sister Cornelius and me on one of our early morning drives to conference.

Wednesday the conference was in Roseburg which is about an hour and a half drive. Friday’s conference was in Eugene. At each meeting, I did a presentation during the lunch break. With the summer heat upon us, I felt it important to remind the missionaries how necessary it is to stay hydrated and to use sunscreen. I also added a little portion about good nutrition. 

Here is a brief report of my presentation.

When I worked at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City many years ago, for a time, I worked on the pre-op floor where the surgeons would come to see their patients prior to surgery. One of the highlights of my time there was when Dr. Russell M Nelson would come to check on his patients and often while there, would visit with us, the nurses. I loved listening to the stories of his time in the army in the MASH units and other aspects of his life. He also taught us how wonderful and marvelous are our bodies. Here is a quote from a conference address in April 2020:

“Each organ of your body is a wondrous gift from God. Anyone who studies the workings of the human body has surely seen God moving in his majesty and power. 

Because the body is governed by divine law, any healing comes by obedience to the law upon which that blessing is predicated or based.”

After reading this quote, I invited the missionaries to read and study the Word of Wisdom found in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants during the coming week and to use the advice and knowledge gained to improve their health habits.

Then I discussed the importance of eating a well-balanced diet. To avoid too much sugar and fat and to concentrate on proteins, whole grains and fruits and vegetables. I displayed a basket of colorful fruits and vegetables and discussed that there are vitamins and minerals found in these foods that can help us to avoid illness, fatigue, etc. My advice was to “eat a rainbow” every day.

I next talked about protecting our skin from the rays of the sun by application of sunscreen when out doing service or playing sports on P-day or other outdoor activities. Even on overcast days, 90% of ultraviolet rays penetrate the clouds and can still cause a sunburn. 

Dehydration is a major cause of feeling unwell anytime of the year but particularly in the heat of the summer or when ill. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. 

1. Water gets rid of waste through urination, perspiration and bowel movements
2. Water keeps your temperature normal
3. Water lubricates and cushions joints
4. Water protects sensitive tissues

With the heat, we must be more diligent not to become dehydrated. There isn’t always a reliable early indicator of the body’s need for water. Many people don’t feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. That’s why it’s important to increase water intake during hot weather or when you’re ill. Here are some symptoms of dehydration:

1. Extreme thirst
2. Less frequent urination
3. Dark-colored urine
4. Fatigue
5. Dizziness
6. Confusion

Dehydration can lead to serious complications including:

1. Heat injury ranging in severity from mild heat cramps to life-threatening heatstroke
2. Urinary and kidney problems such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even kidney failure
3. Electrolytes such as potassium and sodium help carry electrical signals from cell to cell. If your electrolytes are out of balance due to dehydration, the normal electrical messages can become mixed up, which can lead to involuntary muscle contractions, seizures and sometimes to a loss of consciousness.
4. Low blood volume is one of the most serious and sometimes life-threatening complications of dehydration. It occurs when low blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure and a drop in the amount of oxygen in your body.

Stay safely hydrated. Generally if you drink enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is colorless or light yellow, your fluid intake is probably adequate. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy, make you feel exhausted, nauseated, dizzy, make your head ache and other uncomfortable symptoms. 

COMMIT to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water every day. More if you are working or exercising in the heat

Here are some pictures taken during the 3 conferences.

Car inspections done at each conference

Sister Weeks

Sister Felila

Sisters Bullock and Sorenson sent me this picture and message the day after the conference they attended. Love it!!!

Thursday, the 4th of July, was a restful day for me. I actually walked in the morning and then spent the rest of the day at home doing laundry and catching up on work I hadn’t been able to do because of the travel and conferences. 

That evening, Elder and Sister Barker organized a birthday celebration for Sister Cammack. Several of us went to dinner at Red Robin.

Sister and Elder Barker, Elder and Sister Karren, Sister and President Cornelius, Elder and Sister Crump, and Elder and Sister Cammack

Saturday, I went early in the morning to pick blueberries with my friend, Diana. We then went to lunch.
 

I went grocery shopping and worked on my weekly report which is due each Saturday evening. 

It has been a great week. I so enjoy being with the missionaries and having the opportunity to see all of them during the week. I love my service here in the mission. It blesses my life!

I love my Savior

I love you my family and friends.