April 23, 2011

WHAT A WEEK! This week has been VERY eventful and very topsy-turvy in emotions.

#3 TOMSK IS TURNING A BEAUTIFUL GREEN: We have been able to get outdoors this week for a branch FHE and for Prep day and Tomsk is turning into a beautiful spring green. People are cleaning up the debris of winter trash and mud and we are seeing buds on the trees and tulips coming up. If you want to see pictures of it you may go to our blog @ jmthefrozenchosen.blogspot.com which Marcy posts for us each week. THANKS MARCY.

#2 KEYBOARDS - LET THERE BE MUSIC! We secured 4 keyboards and it was quite a process We had to wait until later at night and then call back to Utah when the bank was open and get permission to use the VISA for a purchase of keyboards. The manager said she could give me 12 hours to make the purchase. I had to inform her that it would be 10 pm - 10 am and that would be a problem. . . so she called her supervisor and extended it to 24 hours. She said that VISA use for larger amounts is very limited in Russia because it is a high risk area . . . DO YA THINK SO? We were grateful that these precautions are in order. So we were able to deliver 2 of the keyboards already and will post more info about that wonderful blessing later.

#1 Number 25 DID arrive: (sweet MYLEE RYAN) i can hardly write about this beautiful tiny baby, and GINORMOUS blessing that has come to us this week. In this pregnancy, Andrea & Ryan and all of us have been concerned for several months now about her and the baby's abnormally small amount of growth. Well, thanks to a wonderful doctor who knew when to send her on to the medical specialist care at St Mary's hospital with a neo-natal care unit. . . it was determined the baby be delivered 10 weeks early. It is difficult to be here when we so wanted to be there with her, but it was wonderful to have everyone around the world joining in prayers for them, from the Helsinki Temple to Vernal Temple and many points in between. She is 1 lb. 4 oz and is holding her own in this world. She is breathing on her own, being fed through her umbilical cord which they left in place and is gaining weight. Her cry sounds like a tiny kitten, but she has voice! She and Andrea (and Ryan) are all doing miraculously well. Little Mylee will be in the PICU for many weeks. Our dear family have all rallied to help and really stepped up to the plate in our absence. So since we were promised that our family will be better off for us being here, we will trust in that promise and ask for your continued prayers and faith. Truly she is a miracle and we know she is so very blessed already.

Our love and blessings to you all,
Elder & Sister, John & Marsha, Ma & Pa Aland