FAITH PRECEDES THE MIRACLE

 Six weeks ago, Eileen started to come down with what was later diagnosed as Influenza A.  Initially she was given Tamiflu and then was given antibiotics and prednisone as it progressed.   She began to recover but was left with a persistent harsh cough.  Her cough seemed to become increasingly worse and was described by her doctor as severe bronchitis.  By Monday, Jan. 5, one week prior to our departure date, both of us felt a sort of panic begin to set in.  It would be very difficult for Eileen to fly in her condition.  On that day the doctor proscribed another round of prednisone for inflammation in her lungs and antibiotics as a precaution against the possibility of pneumonia occurring; the prednisone helps with the inflammation which causes the cough but decreases the bodies’ ability to fight off infection.  On Tuesday, I had a minor surgical procedure performed.  The procedure went well but I caught a nasty cold from being at the hospital.  By Thursday we were both in a very sorry state.  We were doing everything we could do from a medical perspective to get well but that was not working.  We were praying, begging God to heal us so that we could get on the plane and then keep up the busy schedule that was planned for our first week here.  On Saturday morning we called our bishop and asked him to give us priesthood blessings.  If we were to get better, it was not going to happen as quickly as we needed it any other way than for God to heal us.  By Sunday we had made amazing progress and on Monday morning boarded the plane.  For us, a miracle had occurred.  It was a poignant reminder that God was aware of us and mindful of our needs.

 As we have done during our prior full-time missions, Eileen and I will try to write weekly about what we encounter during our time serving here in Frankfurt, Germany (the Europe Central Area office).  Our calling as Welfare Specialists primarily has us involved in finding and implementing humanitarian projects, initially in the countries of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Malta.  Our predecessors, Elder and Sister Lamb, have told us to expect change in our assigned countries over time.

I (Eileen) would like to add my perceptions on our first few days in Germany.  We were greeted at the airport by our Zone Leaders (the Silvestors).  At the apartment the Smiths (over housing) helped us move in and explained some unique aspects of the apartment.  It has been non-stop assistance since that time with receiving support from other couples.  We have over 30 couples, one single sister and three single men in the Europe Central Area office.  This is by far the most senior missionaries we have ever served with on one of our missions, other than the Church Headquarters Mission.  The areas which our couples serve are as follows:  Area Physicians, Area Mental Health, Education and Employment Specialist, Humanitarian, Self-Reliance, ESL/Member Leader Support, Area Infield Representative, Family Services, Family History, Church History, Legal, Young Single Adults, Area Executive Secretary, Computer Support, Records Preservation and Communications. Having this large number of missionaries means we have a huge army of people to call on for support.

The Lambs have gone to a great deal of work to prepare to train us. Sister Lamb has been going into the office at 6:30 am.  We will get emails from her as late as 9 or 10 p.m.  We are so grateful that physically we have been able to handle the vast amount of information which is being passed on to both of us. We really appreciate their efforts.

                        

We attended Humanitarian training at the MTC in November. As you can see Eileen was too                short to point to Germany so she pointed as high as she was able.                   

This is a photo of the other Humanitarian couples who trained with us at the MTC. Each couple has been assigned to various parts of the world.

Don't look if squeamish. This was taking out of Russells back just 6 days prior to our leaving. It was the size of a grapefruit.

                                 

Russell and Eileen at the SLC airport. Not feeling really chipper, but so grateful that we made it.

Maybe showing a lack of faith but this is NyQuil in traveling size bottles.  Helpful for the trip.

We made it to Germany.

The Smiths stocked our fridge and cupboards with food to get us through a few days which was very appreciated.

Eileen and Russell with Elder and Sister Lamb

Missionaries and employees from the Welfare/Self-Reliance department at the going away party for the Lambs.  The department as grown significantly since we served here 10 years ago.

The first 3 nights dinner was brought to us or we were taken out to a restaurant. This is with Elder and Sister Denny at what might very well become our favorite Italian restaurant.

We had a conference call with the Herways who are serving in Milan. Tom Herway was our bishop when we lived in Belgium 25 years ago.  He and his wife also served in Italy as refugee specialists 10 years ago when we were here. That is a miracle story by itself.

The Lambs organized a dinner for the humanitarian missionaries at the Eschenheimer Turm Cafe. This    place is a 15th century landmark with an outdoor cafe located at the bottom.  The biggest surprise was to utilize the restroom meant a walk up 45 circular stairs to the lookout tower where the restrooms were located. 

Healys, Lambs, Muellecks and Sutterfields