Here we go, surgery!

Well, I made it back from Israel, and the last day there was so packed full of the Spirit! We saw the Garden Tomb, Orson Hyde Park, and the Garden of Gethsemane all in one day. I loved hearing and sharing my testimony of the Savior at the Garden Tomb. What an incredible group of people we were able to travel with. I learned so much from each person on our tour. At the end of the day I helped conduct the program at Gethsemane and had the chance to share my testimony of The Living Christ as I recited the last two paragraphs: "We testify that He will someday return to the earth... He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords..." I am so grateful for the opportunity to have my testimony strengthened, especially just before going into surgery! And as you can tell from pictures, I loved being with my aunt Patty and sister-in-law Liz as well as many other fun people!!


The plane landed at 12:30 pm in Salt Lake, and then I was off with my mom to run errands for surgery prep, etc. I went back and taught school Wednesday and today, where I was showered with sweet gifts from students, parents, and co-workers! Everyone has been so sweet!!! Thanks for teaching me what it means to really care about and help someone!





Wednesday night I had an incredible evening at the temple with my family. All who could be there, were there! I felt so supported to have my brothers and sisters and parents with me, and to join together in prayer at the temple buoyed all of us up for the days that may be ahead. They are just the people I need in life that know how to comfort, encourage, and listen to me. Thanks for going to great lengths you guys, in getting off work and making arrangements so you could come! We decided to make this a yearly tradition-- with or without brain tumors! (Hopefully without from now on!)




Well, I must end now and get to bed. Surgery is scheduled for 5:30 am, and my sister and mom will be managing this for awhile until I'm on the mend. I know the Lord will be with me in this challenge. He's made that so apparent already. I know the prayers and fasting of friends and family kept me going and healthy as I was in Israel, and the headaches have subsided so much that I don't know what else to attribute that to! I know that the power of the priesthood and it's blessings are real, and what I am to pass through will be for my learning and growth. I continue to pray that I will learn what I need to learn, but most of what I'm learning so far is through all of YOU, and your amazing examples of charity! I'm seriously overwhelmed by the people saying they are praying for, thinking of, or generously give so that I will be comfortable and well. This Christmas season I'm learning so much more what it means to be a true friend. My mom has been such a faithful person at my side. Thanks for your prayers in her and my family's behalf too. How blessed I am to have friends who stand by me and love me so much. I wish I could take time to talk with each of you and express my love for you. Your phone calls, emails, and notes have meant so much. If I'm not up for visits in the hospital or have difficulty visiting with you, please know how much I love and appreciate your concern! I'm constantly praying with gratitude for you and that Heavenly Father will shower blessings upon you too! I know my Savior lives. He is my Savior and your Savior. He has power to heal, to forgive, to bless, and to comfort. I love Him and feel of His love for me.