On January 27, 2011 Eric Merkley was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. An aggressive cancer that we hope and the doctors to this point seem confident that is contained to one spot on his leg. Prognosis is good. Treatments and recovery will be long and painful.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Asian Conference


 Eric had been preparing for an Asian conference with all the Missionaries serving the Asian people in Sacramento.  He had the opportunity to participate in and was able to learn more about the Asian Culture.  Here is a picture from that conference with all the Asian Elders and also a picture taken on his Preparation day. 

I am still waiting for information as to Eric’s release date.  He was given a date, but it did not make sense, so they are looking closer into his release date.  I am sure you will hear a celebration going on at our home, when I do receive the information..  I truly miss this kid and I am counting the days.


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Listening

I received this letter from Eric and loved his story.  I was sharing the story with some friends when they requested a copy of the story because they wanted to share it with someone else.  So I figured I would share with you also.  I have to say that I love the stories and experiences he has had on his mission and to see the growth in him has made my heart proud.  Here you go:


So this morning I had a really cool experience.  I had just sat down to study and started to read the book of Mormon, I had a stupor of thought.  I then thought of one of our members who have been really struggling with health issues.  He is bed ridden and recently fell, which put him in the hospital where they performed surgery to put bolts in his hip.  With many tubes and IV’s over a week, he developed pneumonia.  He is now in a rest home recovering. 

As I sat in my study time I could not stop thinking of him and I heard a voice in my head saying “Go see him” I thought “No, this is study time.”  Then I heard “Now, go see him, Now!”  After hearing that I told my companion, Elder Haws that we need to go see him now.  With a confused face he said “Ok” and we went to the care center.  We arrived at the center and got to his room where he was grateful that we came and requested a blessing.  I offered him the blessing where the spirit was felt. 

After the blessing he explained that he was requesting the Elders, but no one understood because he only speaks Lao.  I then understood that the voice was the Spirit directing us to truly do the Lords work.  He needed the blessing then and we were able to give it because we followed the promptings of the Spirit.