The Delay, The Miracle, Back on Track

We were making great progress on preparing for our mission including a plan in place to visit family and friends prior to our departure in October.  But a very unexpected back injury and re-injury to Lynn suddenly placed everything on hold.  He was in a great deal of pain and could not sleep in a bed.  He spent months sleeping in his brother's zero gravity chair.  Nothing the various doctors tried relieved his pain, so they scheduled him for back surgery in November.  However, before the time arrived for the surgery, enough prayers had been said and blessings given that the pain was virtually gone except for some occasional discomfort in the front of his thigh, so the surgery was cancelled and our mission was back on with reporting in January.  The delay gave us time to read several books on South Africa including Nelson Mandela's autobiography, "Long Walk To Freedom", which has helped us understand the dynamics in South Africa a little better.

Lynn sleeping in the Zero Gravity Chair

The opportunity to speak in Sacrament Meeting came on September 25th with our anticipated departure on October 8th. We spoke, however due to the continual challenges, we were never able to make that departure. Memories of that Sunday include wondering if Lynn could stand long enough to present his talk! Some teased us and wondered if we were really leaving or if we would be speaking again!   We appreciated all of our dear friends who hosted a lovely open house at the Bleyl's.
  

 After our Farewell Talks at Church

We cannot help but be appreciative to OGC. They have been supportive and understanding during this difficult time.  As a result, we have come to realize that it is not uncommon for senior couples to occasionally experience such delays! We are thankful that they were able to work with us and provide additional assistance to the other attorneys in South Africa while they waited for our arrival.

Most importantly, amid our final preparations, we have at last been able to spend some very special time with our children and grandchildren, as well as Sherry's sister,  Dawn. How we love them and will miss them as we serve. We are so thankful for technology and the opportunities we will have to "hang out "with them from afar! We know they will be praying for us and we will be praying for them as well!