Tickets to China - Dry Basement

Tickets to China

We booked the Air tickets for China this week. Doctors insist Joseph travel business class on the long flights to avoid blod clots/pressure sores/further amputations. Matt, his friend and aid, will be with him. Tim will fly economy class. It still is costing us over $16,000 for the 3 tickets. . . sigh! But, we do have them in hand and plans are moving forward.

News From Qingdao

Joseph received an interesting email from one of the Beike Biotech employees this week who found us on this blog and sent some photos. We've included a shot of the outside of the Hospital and a couple of interiors. The hospital is brand new, just opened, it is very impressive looking. It even has a kitchen we can use (as per Chinese custom, the Hospital doesn't provide food).

Jim and Rita Ely, Qingdao

We also received a couple of wonderful email messages from Jim Ely, dad's friend, who is teaching English in Qingdao. He serves as Patriarch in Tacoma Washington when he is in the U.S. You can sense that calling in his message:

"You may become tired of the Chinese food. We have a fully functioning Relief Society with an outstanding Relief Society President, Sister Effie Simpson. She will get us organized so that you will have some western meals along with the Chinese meals. . .
Joseph, you will have a major, eternal influence on the doctors, nurses, administrators and staff of this hospital. You will not be able to share with them your beliefs at the present time, but you will meet them again in some distant future--then you will sit with them and their families and have some wonderful experiences. They will have developed an appreciation, trust and love for you. Your time in China is a time of sowing. This wonderful nation has been held in reserve, for some reason, for more than five thousand years. That is about to come to an end. Regardless of the outcome of your treatments, you will find success, contentment, and a profound inner-peace. I don't know how to explain the great love that you will develop for these wonderful people. Even under the difficult circumstances which you may encounter, you will experience this sustaining influence."

We will be well taken care of in Qingdao. Elder Hallstrom (Asia Area Presidency) sent an email to the Beijing District President (English speaking District) this week asking him to take care of us as well. It is amazing to find so many great people who care.

Basement Woes

The flooded basement is now dry and ready for the rest of the furniture to be moved out to prepare for wall repairs and new flooring. Gloria found carpet etc. on Friday and Saturday. At the flooring store it was their grand re-opening sale, we even won Jazz tickets for Joseph and Dad for next week. . . and a massage for Mom. Yin and yang! Life moves on.

Conference and EBM Reunion

We are looking forward to our England Bristol Mission Reunion at our home on Friday evening and a wonderful 178th Annual General Conference Saturday and Sunday. It is an exciting time at the Church Office Building this week with all the General Authorities here for Conference meetings.