Update 10/29/2012

Carla Update… Monday, October 29, 12 – The picture today is of Craig Hospital. Carla’s room is on the 2nd floor looking out a window. We are praying that she will be able to return here later this week after the neck stabilization surgery. We are here on earth for a divine purpose. We are here to be tried, to prove ourselves so that we can receive the additional blessings God has for us. The tempering effect of patience is required. The Lord is intent on our personal growth and development. That progress is accelerated when we willingly allow Him to lead us through every growth experience we encounter, whether initially it be to our individual liking or not. When we trust in the Lord, when we are willing to let our hearts and our minds be centered in His will, when we ask to be led by the Spirit to do His will, we are assured of the greatest happiness. May we trust in the Lord and thank Him in all things. Report of Carla’s status today comes form Betty. Carla was quite restless this morning with spasms mostly in her lower jaw (so far as we can tell). But, she has done a lot of sleeping during the rest of the day. Richard met with Dr. Vollmer, Neurosurgeon, in the afternoon. Her “soft” halo will be “installed” tomorrow morning in preparation for surgery on Wednesday morning. Her blood pressure, body temp, etc. is stabilized, so she’s ready for surgery (finally!). We have a beautiful story to share with you. Last Saturday over 50 LDS Ward friends showed up at Carla’s and Richard’s home in SW Austin. They have four acres with fruit trees, garden boxes, chickens and a miniature donkey. Their compassionate friends worked together to clean, mow and groom whatever they could find to do. That’s the gospel of Christ in action. How grateful we are friends who are so willing to serve. Dave and I were at our trailer most of the day. While the sun was shining, we cleaned windows inside and out and did some yard work (weeding and leaf raking). I don’t have to tell many of you that I enjoyed working outside!