Feb 4, 2018

Well, as predicted we have minimal pictures this week--only one!

This was taken today when we went to church.  It was my first time out of the apartment for anything except one grocery shopping trip and one trip to the doctor and pharmacy.

We returned home last Monday evening and as I explained we were both dealing with cold symptoms.  Per the doctor, Spencer's had then triggered some asthma and lots of coughing.  He was put on an antibiotic, prednisone, and a pill to depress the cough reflux.  I saw a different doctor at the Urgent Care.  He put on cough syrup with codeine for bedtime, tussin pearls for cough during the day.  I didn't want an antibiotic unless it was really necessary because I had just completed one for a urinary tract infection.  I think I have to use antibiotics way too often.  I had to buy an over the counter cough syrup since the pearls did nothing for my cough.  Breathing the cold air outside really made our throats and chest hurt.  But Spencer was determined to go out.  He went to the pharmacy and grocery store a couple of times and to the gym several days.  I tried to stay in and keep warm and drink lots of water.  We also bought a vaporizer to help add some humidity to the air in the bedroom.

So much for week designated to visit 9/11 Memorial, Ellis Island and museums.  Sigh.  We will have to fit them in later. 

Since this is a shorter blog, I thought I would recap some of the main points made by President Nelson during his recent broadcast.

·  President Russell M Nelson, 17 January 2018

• Keep on the covenant path
• Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere.
• The end for which each of us strives is to be endowed with power in a house of the Lord, sealed as families, faithful to covenants made in a temple, that qualify us for the greatest gift of god that of eternal life
• The ordinances of the temple and the covenants you make there are key to strengthening your life, your marriage and family, and your ability to resist the attacks of the adversary.  
• Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path.

  There was a lot of focus on the temple.  Or else I noticed it more because of the mission we are serving.  I am grateful to be here.
 
Just an FYI: our temple president spoke to the missionary department and has asked us to extend our mission.  There is a real need for our language skills in the temple.  Spencer is gung ho about staying as long as possible.  I have had to really pray to try to determine when the Lord feels would be the appropriate time for us to go home.  We will be meeting with President Bench this week.  Just don't be surprised if we stay until early 2019 instead of returning in November 2018.  We will keep you in the loop.  It still makes my heart a little heavy to think of it.  But it is a privilege to serve in the temple and this one is unique because of being so international. 

We love you all.  We know some of out family members are struggling in a variety of ways.  We truly believe you will be blessed because of our willingness to serve.  It is up to you to make choices that would be pleasing to the Lord.

Love,
Jeanine/Mom