Pictures!

I finally can add pictures now. The wifi connection was so weird in China, I was lucky to be able to update my blog, but pictures were not happening. Finally I can add some.

The above photos are the view I had from the 5th Floor of the Hengda Eye Hospital for 10 days. The top photo is across the street. It was a car service garage. Underneath the red sign was a dance studio. I could watch the cute little girls do their ballet every evening at about 5 pm. The second photo down is all apartment buildings. Can you imagine how many people there are to fill all of those up? The bottom picture is a park that I could see outside my window. In the mornings the older retired people met and did Tai Chi and in the evenings at 6:30pm they had music (the same music every night) playing. Carol said the old people came and danced to it. It was dark so I couldn't see what was happening, but I enjoyed the music every night that it didn't rain.

 So they had Coke Zero in China! Joy! I was so grateful! While I was testing the first day there, Don and Carol went to the Supermarket next door and Don found it! He said they actually only had regular Coke, Coke Zero, and Sprite, but no Diet! I was so grateful because Zero is my favorite and it brought me joy when I could pop open a bottle every day.

 I only got to leave the Hospital 3 times (each time to go to Western Union). I got a kick out of the floor mats in this car. It was crinkled up newspaper. Carol always ordered Chinese Uber (it seriously is) and they always had pretty nice cars, but put these protector mats on the seats so you had to go digging for a seatbelt. If you have ever been on a road in China, seatbelts are a must. I've never seen such crazy driving. They do drive defensively and never look at their phones. They couldn't! You have to be on guard! Carol said she had a friend who lived in the US for a while and he would read the newspaper while driving because it is so "boring" to drive here!

KTV is karaoke. It is huge! I think I saw 5 different places that said it. Carol said it is really popular with the older people! 

 This is right after the first procedure. They put that big cotton pad on the incision. Usually it's only on for 3 or 4 days, but that is the one that got infected so I ended up with it the whole time. It covered up my gorgeous hair cut! It's okay, though, all the patients had the same hairstyle!

This is after the second procedure. I was joking around that I thought it looked like I had had a lobotomy. I thought I might need one after my 10 days in that room! 

This is the world famous Carol! I taught her the saying, "BFF." I told her she is my Chinese BFF. She told me I was her American BFF. I'm so grateful for her. She did become a friend to me. She took very good care of me and is a wonderful person. I learned so much about Chinese culture from her. She lived in Germany for 5 years so we also spoke a lot of German together. It was a fun, multinational experience! 

This flattering shot is my adorable hairdo after I arrived home. The other side looked the same. Carol called me "Punk Mom." Luckily I had a hair appointment scheduled soon after I got home so I could blend it in a little better. My hair grows super fast, so that is good.

It was a very incredible experience. It was so hard being so lonely and far from home, but I'm grateful for the opportunity. So many people prayed for me and that was very humbling. I'm hoping for stable vision for many years and thankful for the abundant tender mercies that were poured out on us during this time. 

I have started to pray for the hearts of the government people in China to be softened to allow missionary work in that country. The people are amazing. Family is huge to them and that is such a beautiful part of the Gospel is the divinity of Family. It would be such a blessing. Carol told me that many people are Buddhist, many are Atheist, and there are some Christians. If they could be taught about the Savior and feel the Spirit, it would be so amazing for that country. 

We are Home!

Hooray! We arrived back home last night (Friday September 9) at 9:30 pm.  I realized that I did not update my blog since Don had arrived back in Changchun from Shenzehn.  There wasn't much to report on the Thursday. The infection seemed to be clearing and so really no news. I was just so happy to have Don's company.

Then, it happened. I started having anxiety attacks. UGH! I have had them before, the last ones being right after Jacie was born, but by Thursday evening, they were rearing their ugly head. I had been experiencing twinges of anxiety all along on the trip, but they were what I'd call normal. Just concern over being so far from home, by myself, the procedure, the girls, etc. Then I got hit with the big ones. I started to freak out that maybe the infection would become worse and they wouldn't let me leave on Friday, or that our plane home would have another significant delay like our outbound flight did. These can be true concerns but my mind had blown them out of proportion and I was a nervous wreck. You can only imagine what that did to my already whacked out sleep pattern. (Which I might add is still screwy. It's 5:05 am and yours truly has been up all night.)

I hate these anxiety episodes. Like I said it's been 15 years since I'd experienced them and if I never have one again it would be too soon. They are so scary. I know my thoughts aren't rational, but yet I can't calm them. I had myself so worried. I was scared and I think it scared Don. He was so comforting and helpful and tender. He tried so hard to comfort me. (And he did.) I thank Heavenly Father so much for allowing me to not have a full blown attack until Don got there. If I was alone, it would have been 10 times worse. He was able to help me calm down when he could see the anxiety coming on. I asked him for a blessing and that helped so much. What a privilege it is to have the Priesthood. How grateful I am that Don could provide that blessing and help me relax. How grateful I am for Don! He truly is one of the best. I am so thankful for him and his eternal companionship. He is my hero, my best friend, my everything. Not big enough words to describe the love I have for him and the honor it is to be his wife. He is kind, caring, supportive - what can I say - he is the BEST!

Anyway, what I attribute these anxiety attacks to is 1. Lack of sleep. Averaging 4-5 hours a night for 12 days wasn't cutting it. The fact that the bed was as hard as a slab of concrete (and I'm not exaggerating) didn't help.  2. Being cooped up in the same room, day in, day out, so far from home. 3. Being alone and extremely homesick.  Anyway, combine those and boom! I told Don I really felt that once we were on the plane out of Changchun I'd feel tons better. And you know what - I did! We flew to Shanghai to our next flight to the good old USA. When we landed in Shanghai, I saw that beautiful Delta airplane parked at the gate, with a small American flag on the fuselage. It was like coming home! The agents spoke English, we got checked in, and I was really calm by then. In fact, to show you how comforted I was to be heading home, I actually slept better on that flight than I did my whole time in China! It was an 11 hour 25 minute flight and I think I slept at least 7 of those hours and slept hard. It was awesome to wake up and realize that we were only 1 hour and 25 minutes out of LAX! I was completely calmed down by then and so happy to be back on American soil.  Here's something for another time, but we are so blessed to live here. Anyway back to the update. Don and I cleared customs and then boarded out flight home!

The girls came to pick us up. They were at the Viewmont-Davis football game and so we just texted them when we landed. Viewmont won and the girls had really missed us so they were so happy when they came to get us. Couldn't have been happier than I was to see them! I don't think I've ever squeezed them so hard. It was exquisite! When we got home, Don had the girls run in the house to let Cooper (our dog) out. He is a HUGE momma's boy so Don was afraid he'd pee in the house when he saw me. They let him out, then Don and I came in, and then we let him back in. He went crazy. I feel so loved! He would have peed so I'm glad Don thought ahead to let him out. Jordan recorded our reunion on her phone. They said he's also been very homesick for his momma and has been kind of mopey. Anyway, we are back together and I couldn't be happier!

Now, update on the eyes! My last acuity test was the same - I read an additional 3 lines down the chart in the right eye and 2 in the left. They do a rudimentary peripheral field test, but it showed improvement. I am going to go have a good one done here sometime next week and then I would like to do another one in 3 months because that's when Carol said most people notice an improvement if they are going to have one. They also do an ERG. That stands for Electroretinogram (again their's is a little behind technology wise than the ones they do at Moran) but that showed an improvement. What that does is test how your eyes respond to the dark. My first one showed very little response. The one after the procedure showed response! In fact I was looking forward to being back at the Salt Lake Airport in a familiar surrounding to see if I noticed a difference. Well, I did. Whenever I'm in fluorescent lights I see flickers (almost like they flicker before a power outage). They're not intense but they are there. Anyway, I did notice the flickers were not as prominent! I'm so grateful. Carol told me most people enjoy stable vision after this procedure for 10-15 years, then their vision usually starts to decline again. I'm so happy I was hopefully able to buy myself another 10-15 years of having vision. And maybe by then, there will be a way to treat or cure RP.

Anyway, I know I've gone on and on, but I really feel that I was truly blessed and that in part was from the faith and prayers of friends, family, and relatives that fasted and prayed for me. Of course my immediate family did, but I also had aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, ward members, and even acquaintances praying for me. I am so humbled. Their concern for my well being, their love, and their support has been most humbling. How do I ever fully express my gratitude for that? I can't, but I want you all to know, that my gratitude is there. I've said it many times, that sometimes I think the nicest thing you can do for someone is pray for them. So thank you all for your faith and love. I'm truly blessed to have the choicest people in my life. I'm not sure how I warranted that blessing, but I'm forever grateful for it. Thank you, everyone, for your goodness, your examples, your faith, and your love. Your Christlike love and concern means everything to me.

Don's back!

Don arrived here this afternoon. I was so glad to see him. I'm so grateful to have him and it has been joyful having his company! I'm so thankful I am not alone anymore. He had a good trip in Shenzhen.

I'm so grateful for my family. I'm so grateful for Don. He really is such a great guy. He's so supportive and patient with me. How I love him. How I love and miss Jordan and Jacie. I am getting so excited to see them! I know they are a little homesick, too, so I'm grateful we'll be together soon.

Tuesday

It's hard to believe it's been one week ago that Don flew out to Shenzehn. He comes back tomorrow and I'm as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning. It will be so wonderful to see him.

The infection is looking better. Dr. Zhang has been using the topical antibiotic and said that half of the incision is better and Carol said the other half looked even better this afternoon than it did this morning. Please continue to pray that it will be completely gone ASAP!

My acuity is still 3 lines better in the right eye and 2 lines in the left. So thankful for that improvement.

It's been another quiet day. I can't wait for Don to arrive because I have spotty wifi and have already read several books. It will be nice to have someone to talk to.

I'm so grateful for the abundant blessings I receive from our loving Father in Heaven. I had to petition Him many times for comfort and peace. I always appreciate the Atonement so much more when I have had difficult times. It's nice to know the Savior has our back always.

I have to share a sweet story. This morning I woke up at my usual early hour and was feeling worry. I
FaceTimed the girls and we had a prayer together. It was so comforting and really buoyed me up. I'm so grateful for the power of prayer. Thanks for all of yours!

Third time's the charm!

Carol and I went to Westerm Union today. Thankfully we were finally able to make the transfer! I feel so relieved that it finally went through. I think Carol was equally thrilled.

The right incision is still a bit infected. I'm praying so big that it will clear up. There are two Dr. Zhangs here. The male Dr. Zhang does the surgeries and the female Dr. Zhang deals with the patients after. Neither speak English but both are very nice. I really like the female Dr. Zhang. She is so sweet and caring. She has been treating the infection today. If it hasn't cleared by tomorrow they'll prescribe an oral antibiotic. I'm praying and hoping that won't be necessary. I would have a great deal of relief if it would clear up on its own. Carol said they might do the oral so I can be discharged in time. That is Friday. I said to Don - I have to be discharged Friday. I miss the kids so bad it makes my teeth ache plus I think it costs a small fortune to change an international plane ticket. Don said not to worry - we are leaving on Friday.

Please pray that this will clear. As you can imagine and if you know me - this is causing me a great deal of worry.

I am so looking forward to Don being back here onWednesday. This has been so lonely. It's ironic - I'm in the most populated country in the world and yet I feel so alone. Carol has been wonderful, but there is something special about family. This really has been a very long week. Add in the sleep issues and I think that escalates worry mode.

I know I say this so much, but thanks again for everyone's prayers and faith. I feel it and I am so grateful for it.  I am so blessed to have amazing people in my life and I'm so appreciative of the Atonement. When I think how lonely our Savior felt in Gethsemane, I know he is buoying me up and lifting me through. I love you, all, and thank you all for your prayers.

Sunday

This is another quiet day. Sunday's are short staff so it's pretty quiet around here. I went down for these shots they give every morning and the incision on the right was a little red and swollen so it appears to be mildly infected. They put a topical antibiotic on it and I'm hoping that will do the trick.  Carol hung out with me a little more this morning and that was nice. It helped pass the time.

I've read Church books, scriptures, and the Ensign today. It made for a very pleasant Sabbath. I'm so grateful for the Gospel and our Savior. I'm so appreciative of what our Savior has done for us.

Sending love to all! Thanks for the prayers and well wishes!

Just a quiet Saturday

It's kind of a quiet day around here. Nothing really to report except they checked my acuity today and I read 3 more lines in my right eye and 2 in the left. That is good news.

It's Saturday and I'm so lonely. There isn't a lot of action here on Saturday so I've been kind of by myself most of the day. Luckily I brought some good books and Tina even sent me with a book that was great. It has really helped pass the time as the wifi is so spotty.

I'm sure tomorrow will be equally quiet, but I will read the scriptures and the Church books I brought and have a peaceful Sabbath day.

Thanks again for the prayers and well wishes!

Second Procedure Done!

This morning Carol came early and knocked on the door. She had tried to text me but the wifi wasn't working so I didn't get it. It's okay, though, because I'm still waking up early. Thankfully today I made it until 2:30 am. BTW, my Chinese dog friend is still very timely. Started a little earlier at 4 am. I knew the wifi was off because I tried texting and Facetiming the girls at the magical time of 4:40 am here which is right when they get home from school.

Anyway, I was supposed to have the procedure at 10 am but Carol said he wanted to move it up to 8 am. So I had to go have my temperature taken, blood pressure and pulse.  After that, they said the person right before me was still in their surgery so I could go wait. They came for me at 8:25 and I was out by 9:00. It's very quick. I wish I could post pictures. I'll have to later. For some reason I can't do it (could be this fantastic wifi), but they do it on your temporal vessels on the side of your head.  I think it looks like I've had a lobotomy! It will be interesting to see what happens in the vision test tomorrow. They did my left side today and that is my worse eye, both acuity and field.  So at least all procedures are done now and I'm glad for that!

Oh the fun we've had with Western Union here. We wired the money to ourselves to pay for the procedure because we didn't want to take that much cash and they don't take American Express. Anyway I know I mentioned the trouble Don had. Well, Don couldn't get his money that he wired to himself so I had to have Dad wire the money to me. We told him very specifically how to put my full name as it appears in the passport. So Dad did, Carol and I went to Western Union on Wednesday and they wouldn't let me get it because somehow the Asay part of my name showed in the last name column and it couldn't be there because my last name is Parr. Ugh! So I had to get in touch with Dad again so it showed correctly. Dad was a jewel and got right on it. Carol even called Western Union before we went over to make sure it was all well. They said it was so over we went.  We get there and fill out and sign all the necessary paperwork, then the gal tries to finalize the transaction and the computer gets a glitch and won't process it. We were there for 2 hours when they finally said we'll have to come back another day. If you ever need to wire yourself money in China be very specific because your money is so secure even you can't get it out. Carol and I are going to try Monday. Because I had the procedure today I have to stay put.

I must say before I quit boring everyone that I am truly humbled and awed by the faith, love, and prayers in my behalf. I am so blessed to have some of the most wonderful people backing me up. It truly is so touching and I love you all!

Long Night

Yesterday afternoon Don flew out to Shenzhen. I was so tired I feel asleep around 6 pm. I woke up at 10:30 or so and had been awake just a minute when Don called to tell me he was in Shenzehn at the hotel. I was glad he was safely there. Then I laid back down to go to sleep and found sleep completely eluding me!

I stayed awake the rest of the night! The first morning here a dog started barking at 4:40 am. It was so interesting - right on cue the barking started at 4:40 this morning! A very reliable dog! I have taken to calling it my Chinese dog friend. I'm hoping I'll still be asleep this morning at 4:40 but if not, I'll listen for him.

I had a vision test and I was able to go down two more lines than what I read yesterday! They were very pleased. Things looked a little sharper today. They told me I might not notice an increase in my field for up to three months if at all. It would sure be nice if I could get some more field back.  Time will tell. 

Yesterday Don and Carol went to Westen Union before Don left to get the money out to pay. Don wired the money to himself but they wouldn't let him have it because his name said Donald Parr on the receipt but his passport says Donald Lee Parr. So in my insomnia stricken state I texted Dad to wire the money to me with my whole name as it is on the passport. Dad jumps through all kinds of hoops, gets it done, only for me to go and not be able to get the money out! Turns out Dad had my whole name on there, but he put Asay Parr in the surname block so they again would not release the money! It's 4am at home right now so I will have to wait a few hours to text Dad to ask him to change  the surname back to Parr with Asay as a middle name. They're very particular. Carol seemed quite frustrated as well. 

It looks like they'll do my other eye on Friday. So tomorrow will probably consist of another vision test and trip to Western Union. 

Long Lonely Nights

So Don left Tuesday for Shenzhen and I sure miss him. Right after he left my wifi wasn't working so that left me without the internet to help pass the time. Luckily tonight it is back.  I have anti jet lag. I have not been able to sleep. I fall asleep in the evening but wake up a few hours later only to be up the rest of the night. It has been the loneliest feeling. Thank goodness for the time difference because when it's 4:40 am here it is 2:40 pm the day before at home so I can FaceTime with the girls. That actually makes me so homesick for them! I miss them so much, but I'm so proud of them. They are doing well and I'm so grateful for their support and goodness. 

I will have the second side done tomorrow. I have been able to improve my visual acuity by two lines on the eye chart but they said I might not notice my visual field for days, weeks, or months. She said some people's visual field increases right away and others go three months before noticing anything. I would love to get some of my field back, but if I can just hold on to what I have I will be happy. 

Carol, my helper, is so cute! She speaks English, Chinese, and German so her and I trade back and forth between English and German and sometimes speak Germglish.

Hope I can sleep tonight. You'd think I'd be ready to crash as I've only slept 20 hours since Saturday. I must be running on pure adrenaline.