Robin, I agree with Melody. Why go overseas to get this surger done? Plenty of places in MO that could do it. A priesthood blessing is a neccessary thing to make sure that spiritually you are in tune. Gives the doctors a little lift too. You have to take care of yourself, physically, as well as spritually. The success would be so much sweeter. Donna

Sorry to hear that things aren't well. Give me a call when you get done with Melody. She's always got the right things to say so "Ditto" to everything she said. I feel the same. Hydi ps. thanks for the compliment.

OK Robin, educate me. Why Brazil? Won't that make check ups harder and more expensive? Won't that make it harder to get hold of your surgeon if you have problems or questions? I'm not brave enough to go that far for surgery. I had mine done in my own area. To each his own. But educate me, tell me how you came about making the decision to go clear to Brazil? Let's talk about your spiritual health right now. You would be wise to get a priesthood blessing before you left to have your surgery. We could all use all the spiritual power and help we can get. If you're having a tough time reading your scriptures, start small. Just read a couple verses a day to get back into the spirit of it. Before you know it you'll want to read more. You'll feel so much better about everything in your life if you get closer to the Lord. He didn't leave - YOU did. He's there if you just ask. As far as feeling like a misfit in church - that's Satan's way of working on you. Don't let Satan win. It's amazing how much things come together when you're doing the things you ought to be doing. Good luck on your surgery Robin. Keep us posted on how it's going and what your experiences are like. Melody

I'm hear. I check the board few times a day for posts. Right now I am not in much of a place to post emotionally. I recently had a very devasting blow emotionally in my personal life. I need to be able to think clearly and w/o burning eyes (from crying) before posting much more than this. I do like to read about your lives and what is going on w/them. Oh BTW...I saw your pic on the "before and after" link. Way to Go!! Gala

I liked these questions cause I love quotes! And scriptures too. I was glad to look up my favorites. 1. What's your/a favorite scripture? My favorite scripture has always been Alma 26:27 and it seems to be appropriate with some of the ways some of you have been feeling. "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success. I change it to say, "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to give up, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst your peers and family and bear with patience your afflictions, and I will give unto you success." Isn't that the greatest? I sometimes seem to have lots of afflictions I have to bear. I love this scripture. 2. Do you have a favorite quote? What is it? Most my favorite quotes come from Pres. Hinckley, but I couldn't find the one about the rail time journey, so I'll share my other favorite... "SHAPE Up. I say that to myself constantly. Shape up. Stand a little taller. Be a little better, a little stronger, a little more thoughtful, a little humbler, a little more prayerful, that you may be worthy of the guidance of the Lord and his wonderful blessings." If Pres. Hinckley says this to himself, I sure better shape up too! 3. What is one goal that you've reached or is within sight? I don't have any earth shattering ones to share. Mostly I have goals I NEED to accomplish. 4. What is your 'happy thought?' My happy thought? Being with my family on the beach!