Friday, June 20, 2014

THANK YOU from Sister Austin

From the moment I first started moderating this blog, I was very aware that this blog is not about me- it’s about the missionaries of the Alabama Birmingham Mission, and that’s who I’ve tried to focus on. That said, I hope you will allow me to take a few inches of blog space for a personal comment.

When I accepted the task of creating this blog, I was told that I would receive blessings for my service.  However, blessings were the last thing in my mind as I embarked upon the creation of the Mission Blog.  I was so excited to finally be able to use my technical skills for the Lord!  I was excited to be part of the missionary effort taking place in my corner of the world!  I was excited to be able to serve in general! I have a severe case of a disease that is very difficult to treat. Because of this disease, I was unable to serve in other various callings in my ward and stake.  However, hosting a mission blog?  That I could do!  And I happily started posting and typing away.

Then the blessings started rolling in.  Step by step I was lead by the Spirit to find a Specialist to treat my disease- one of the best in the world- located a few hours away from where I live.  I underwent surgery this week.  I had been told by the AB Mission Presidency that all of the missionaries were praying for me this week.  With that kind of spiritual firepower behind me, how could this surgery not be a success?!  And it was a GREAT success- miraculous really!  I woke up in the recovery room realizing that I have been given an amazing blessing.  I attribute it to the power of prayer and faith, especially the prayers of your great missionaries.

I arrived home today and found over 30 cards and letters in my mailbox from Elders and Sisters all over the Mission.  I cried like a baby while opening those letters and cards.  There was so much love and faith in their words.  I love reading their testimonies, their jokes, and their favorite scriptures. 



I just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU.  Thank you to the missionaries for their prayers, faith, and love.  Thank you to the parents and family of our missionaries for raising such amazing and faithful sons and daughters.  Thank you to the Mission Presidency for their support.   Thank you to all of you who support our blog! 


Now back to your regular missionary themed posts :)

8 comments:

  1. Glad your surgery was successful. Thanks for all you do!!!

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  2. I so appreciate all you do, Sister Austin. I look forward to each new post almost as much as those precious weekly emails. You've been a blessing to many, and it's great to hear you have also been blessed.

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  3. Sister Austin, we have looked forward to your posts and have appreciated the connection we have to the Birmingham Mission. I had a similar problem when our son left for the Birmingham Alabama Mission last August, with an "untreatable" medical condition. I recently "found" a surgeon 6 hours away that could fix my problem. My surgery was successful too and I attribute this miracle in my life to our son serving a mission. I have felt especially blessed, and wondered how many others out there are receiving miracles in their lives, knowing we aren't the only ones. Thank you for sharing, I understand your gratitude and am happy for you!

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  4. Sister Austin, I am grateful for your effort to keep up this blog, I have heard other missions having a blog and now I can add my sound that we have a Mission Blog. I'm sorry you have this medical condition going on but what a testimony to me that no matter what our circumstances we can still serve the Lord and no service is to small. I wish you even more blessings in your recovery and again I am grateful for your efforts in serving.

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  5. Thank you Sis Austin! I LOVE this blog. I'm glad your surgery went well and pray for a speedy recovery

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  6. What a blessing! Than you for all of your hard work!! Hopefully your recovery will short!

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  7. Thank you for your service & faithfulness! We, as parents, are so grateful for your dedication on this blog. You are wonderful!!

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