Since the end of January Ken has had recurring kidney stone attacks.
Over the past 30 years he has had 7 or 8 kidney stones so we were not overly concerned. However, after 2 months it appeared the stone was not going to pass on it's own. Our mission nurse in Vanuatu became aware of Ken's condition about 2 weeks ago and suggested the possibility of sending us to New Zealand where good medical treatment is available. (Solomon Islands nor Vanuatu have the medical expertise or facilities necessary to treat this or most other serious medical problems)Wednesday, April 4th, we talked on the phone to one of the Senior Missionaries in Vanuatu who had just returned from New Zealand after being operated on to remove a kidney stone. He assured us that the medical care he received there was equal to any he had experienced in the US. With this encouragement, Ken agreed to get some help.
Thursday, the Church Pacific Area Doctor called and talked with Ken. He was of the opinion that this was serious enough that it needed to be dealt with immediately and indicated that he and President Brewer would decide the course of action. Late in the afternoon, Pres. Brewer called and informed us that the decision had been made to send us home for treatment as soon as we could book airfare. He also told us that since we had already served nearly 19 months he was releasing us and considered our mission complete. He explained that most senior couples serve 18 months.
Friday morning we visited the travel agent to book our airfare home. Flights to the US are only available on Tuesdays. We were informed that the flights were fully booked for the next two weeks and there was no way to fly to the US for at least that long. We drove to the Solomon Airline office and were told the same thing. Even with a medical emergency they could not help us.
T. J. and Amanda were still with us for the week to celebrate Ken's 65th birthday. While we were downtown, T. J. had searched the internet and found seats available Tuesday on the same flight he and Amanda were going home on. He booked them for us and it all started to sink in. Another miracle to end our mission.
Thus began the whirlwind of completing our mission. Tying loose ends, packing, and preparing to go home. We talked to all of our children by skype to inform them of our early return.
Cheryle was sad to say goodbye to her great friend
and Solomon Island walking partner, Judy, after their
last morning walk
Tuesday morning waiting for the plane at the Solomon Island Airport.
What a blessing to have T. J. there to help with the packing, luggage, plane changes, etc., as Ken was really not feeling well.
May, Fiona, Lilian and Eunice waving goodbye
We left the members a letter, but didn't tell them we were leaving. Some of them found out and came to the airport. We felt like our hearts would break as we waved goodbye that last time.
How we love our Solomon Island Members!!!
Sad to leave, but excited to see our family again
We didn't think that our family would be at the airport in Salt Lake to meet us because of the short notice. Unknown to us, meetings were missed, schedules changed, thousands of miles traveled, some in blizzard conditions, miracles happened and lives were spared.
What a happy surprise!!!!
All of our Children and most of our Grandchildren there to greet us.
We met our youngest grand baby, Grace Anne
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Hugs and Kisses, Tears and Laughter all around Sweet Reunion, Great Family Now to have Ken's kidney stones removed Serving the Lord in the Papua New Guinea/Vanuatu missions has been such a great blessing in our lives. Of all the experiences and miracles, our fondest memories are of the good, kind, loving, humble people of the Solomon Islands. Our testimonies of the Savior have been strengthened, our lives have been enriched and changed forever. We loved serving the Lord as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
