Elder and Sister Stubbs
Farewell from the Area PresidencyWednesday, October 14, brought a heart stopping episode into the lives of Elder and Sister Bevan, which caused an abrupt change in focus. After consultation with the doctor and Area President, it was decided that we should go back to the U.S. for medical evaluation.
So here we are. I am recovering nicely from the placement of a “pacemaker” to keep my healthy heart beating at a proper rate.
We appreciate staying at Ryan and Sarah’s home the first week we were here while they were vacationing in Boston with her family. Now we are sleeping at Curtis and Alisyn’s home during the recuperation period. We are hopeful that the medical people will release us to return to the mission field after Thanksgiving.
The pain is pretty well subsided so the most difficult thing for me is to be content with limited activity and exercise for the month. My body is confused by the difference in temperature between Africa and Utah. We did enjoy a nice ride. I can drive with one hand around the Salt Lake Valley and enjoy the beautiful fall colors.
My recuperation has been good and without undue incident, for which we are most grateful. I’ve gradually regained more strength. I seem to still need a nap each day, and we were told it would take several weeks for complete recovery. I went to the doctor two weeks following the surgery, and Dr. Osborn told him there was no reason I couldn’t return to Ghana. We asked if he would e-mail that information to Ed Seegmiller, which he did that afternoon. During John’s nap, Elder Seegmiller called Pat and told her that he had received the “clearance letter”. He said, “When do you want to go back?” We had talked about it and decided we could return after Thanksgiving so she said, “How about December 1?” He said, “I’ll check with Church Travel and let you know”. It was at this time that Elder Seegmiller said, “Sister Bevan, the angels are all around you.” We truly believe that. We have felt blessed, protected, guided during the entire six weeks at home. Within ten minutes of that conversation, the travel arrangements came up on the e-mail with tickets for December 2 and a note – “Sorry we couldn’t get December 1”. Wow! It all happened so fast that it was mind boggling.
One of the kids said we had an “intermission” in our mission. The timing of the six weeks at home couldn’t have been better. We were able to welcome home Abby, Spencer, and Paul home from their missions. We were pleased to be able to hear Paul’s “homecoming” talk and share that experience with family and friends.
We loved being at the cabin for a week where we witnessed the first significant snowfall and marveled all over again at the beauty of God’s creations.
It was a privilege for us to participate in Curtis’ Russian neighbor Albina’s missionary lessons and baptism. We can always witness the hand of God in a convert baptism.
We enjoyed being in Arizona for Thanksgiving and meeting our 8th great grandchild – Ashley Riannon Jones – the day after her birth. It’s a miracle every time it happens – special to have a new baby in the family at Christmas time. It was good to be with John’s family and see Durrell and his family on Thanksgiving.
So – on December 2 we headed back to Ghana. We are going to miss our family, but we know the Lord wants us to be in Ghana. We have unfinished work to do, and we can never be in debt to the Lord. He has blessed us so much!
Life gives us unexpected problems to deal with. Fortunately, I haven’t had a lot to deal with – what with good health, good children, a perfect wife, a wonderful profession and a Church I love. But this incident gave me cause to reflect, to pray, ponder and to receive the wonderful, comforting assurances of the Holy Ghost. I had some insights – maybe too precious to talk about.
I know that God loves us, that Jesus Christ is his Son and our living brother and Savior. The plan of salvation was brought into clearer perspective for me. I know that life is good, especially if I can continue to serve and be productive in the kingdom.
Thank you all for your prayers, phone calls, visits, and expressions of love.
So here we are. I am recovering nicely from the placement of a “pacemaker” to keep my healthy heart beating at a proper rate.
We appreciate staying at Ryan and Sarah’s home the first week we were here while they were vacationing in Boston with her family. Now we are sleeping at Curtis and Alisyn’s home during the recuperation period. We are hopeful that the medical people will release us to return to the mission field after Thanksgiving.
The pain is pretty well subsided so the most difficult thing for me is to be content with limited activity and exercise for the month. My body is confused by the difference in temperature between Africa and Utah. We did enjoy a nice ride. I can drive with one hand around the Salt Lake Valley and enjoy the beautiful fall colors.
My recuperation has been good and without undue incident, for which we are most grateful. I’ve gradually regained more strength. I seem to still need a nap each day, and we were told it would take several weeks for complete recovery. I went to the doctor two weeks following the surgery, and Dr. Osborn told him there was no reason I couldn’t return to Ghana. We asked if he would e-mail that information to Ed Seegmiller, which he did that afternoon. During John’s nap, Elder Seegmiller called Pat and told her that he had received the “clearance letter”. He said, “When do you want to go back?” We had talked about it and decided we could return after Thanksgiving so she said, “How about December 1?” He said, “I’ll check with Church Travel and let you know”. It was at this time that Elder Seegmiller said, “Sister Bevan, the angels are all around you.” We truly believe that. We have felt blessed, protected, guided during the entire six weeks at home. Within ten minutes of that conversation, the travel arrangements came up on the e-mail with tickets for December 2 and a note – “Sorry we couldn’t get December 1”. Wow! It all happened so fast that it was mind boggling.
One of the kids said we had an “intermission” in our mission. The timing of the six weeks at home couldn’t have been better. We were able to welcome home Abby, Spencer, and Paul home from their missions. We were pleased to be able to hear Paul’s “homecoming” talk and share that experience with family and friends.
We loved being at the cabin for a week where we witnessed the first significant snowfall and marveled all over again at the beauty of God’s creations.
It was a privilege for us to participate in Curtis’ Russian neighbor Albina’s missionary lessons and baptism. We can always witness the hand of God in a convert baptism.
We enjoyed being in Arizona for Thanksgiving and meeting our 8th great grandchild – Ashley Riannon Jones – the day after her birth. It’s a miracle every time it happens – special to have a new baby in the family at Christmas time. It was good to be with John’s family and see Durrell and his family on Thanksgiving.
So – on December 2 we headed back to Ghana. We are going to miss our family, but we know the Lord wants us to be in Ghana. We have unfinished work to do, and we can never be in debt to the Lord. He has blessed us so much!
Life gives us unexpected problems to deal with. Fortunately, I haven’t had a lot to deal with – what with good health, good children, a perfect wife, a wonderful profession and a Church I love. But this incident gave me cause to reflect, to pray, ponder and to receive the wonderful, comforting assurances of the Holy Ghost. I had some insights – maybe too precious to talk about.
I know that God loves us, that Jesus Christ is his Son and our living brother and Savior. The plan of salvation was brought into clearer perspective for me. I know that life is good, especially if I can continue to serve and be productive in the kingdom.
Thank you all for your prayers, phone calls, visits, and expressions of love.
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