O Compassionate Lord, I offer thanksgiving to You because you have aided and guided my doctor and those who assisted in my surgery and eventual healing. Like the woman who touched the fringe of Your garment (Lk 8:40-56), I too have been freed from the anxiety and isolation of my illness. Like her I rejoice in returning to my home, my family and friends. I look forward to all that Your world has to offer and when I leave this bed, may I go out as a more compassionate person. Bless me, O Lord, with the loving kindness which You so abundantly extended to me so that I may continuously bear witness to Your healing Grace. May Your Holy name be glorified now and forever. Amen

Blessed is our God, always, now and forever. Amen

All Holy Trinity, have mercy upon me. Lord, forgive my sins. Master, pardon my transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal my infirmities for your name's sake.

Don is taking excellent care of me and Joshua. He's making sure I take my pain meds and valium and mostly stay in bed so that I don't overdue it and am able to heal quickly.

He keeps the kitchen cleaner than I do!

My friend Mary has been taking me to all my appointments.

God is so good.

Heavenly Father, Creator and Comforter, who created me in Your image and likeness, You know every fiber of my being and have willed that I be born. I ask You, Lord, to guide the minds and hands of those who will operate on me so that I may be restored to health and well-being. Help me, Lord, to pray with all my heart and allow my burden of concern and anxiety and that of my family to be lifted up with the knowledge that You are with us now and always. And Lord, when I awake from surgery, take me by your hand and guide me to wards a life of thanksgiving and peace. Amen.

The day after the trip to the monastery, there was a groundbreaking service for our new church building (temple).

The ceremony started at Fr. and Kh.'s house next to the property for the church building.

Bishop JOSEPH, Fr. Philip, and Fr. Patrick. The church property is in the background.

 
Walking over to the church property.

That's Don pushing Kh.'s father in the wheelchair.

 
Isn't that a lovely sky?

Collecting souvenir soil in little gold-painted pots. Don told me he scooped around quite a bit to make sure he got soil without ants!

Our souvenir pot of soil (you can't really tell the pot is painted gold in this pic) on our mantle.

Artist's rendition of what the new church will look like.