Letter from Sister Tiffany Johnson, November 17, 2014

From: Tiffany Johnson <tiffanyj@myldsmail.net>
Date: November 17, 2014 at 2:36:13 PM PST
To: Tiffany Johnson <tiffanyj@myldsmail.net>
Subject: CHICO!

    First week in Chico! How do I explain how I feel.... Hum... overwhelmed.  But the new challenge is definitely exciting. I think this is the most exhausted I have ever been. When I get home all I want to do is run to my bed and just crash. However, that never happens. When we get home we have to plan for the next day, makes calls, and just strive to learn the people we are working with. It takes twice as  long to do anything. Covering two wards makes it so there is twice as much information I need to remember plus trying to remember who is in what ward. Its pretty stressful but thankfully its not all up to me. I have the Lord whom I have been relying on heavily. I literally pray all day everyday for patience with myself and learning the area. 

   There are times in the day were I just begin to stress out, I start to let myself over think everything and get myself really stressed. Then I simply say a prayer and ask for comfort. Instantly I am able to just stop think about the future and just thinking about what I need to get done right then. I am able to feel so much better and continue working. Its been a blessing to be able to pray and receive the comfort when I need whenever I need. Its something I know that I will never run out of either. I am able to pray whenever and for however long I need. That is how much God loves us. He never puts a limit on us. He never wants to stop helping us, if we have the faith to ask we will receive. This is my key for staying mentally stable and still productive with the work. 

   I first was able to really rely on the power of a prayer of comfort when I was preparing to teach at my first zone meeting. I had heard that our zone was struggling I also knew how much they despised the classic "sister training leaders". I wanted them to connect with me so that I can help them in any way that I can. I want to be a good example but also relatable.  To also add to the stress I didn't go to the leadership training that we were supposed to be teaching the missionaries about. So I was asked to teach on a lesson I didnt hear and my companion could hardly remember. So I stopped planning then just prayed. I then was able to collect my thoughts and share an experience with sister Kimura. She felt that it would be perfect to share with our lesson. We both started coming up with ideas until we felt prepared for our lesson. We called the Zone Leaders and told them to color coordinate with us and we brought doughnuts to share. We got there early and greeted everyone. I was surprised with how many of the missionaries I knew. 

   My companion and I got up and began teaching. I then stopped and looked out, no one besides a few sisters were really paying attention. So I explained that I was about to share a personal story and they better listen. I smiled and began talking. I looked out and almost everyone was paying attention. I shared my experience from my mission. They all laughed and then it got others to start sharing there thoughts on the topic. We sat down with comfort knowing that we just taught a great lesson. After the meeting some of the Elders came up and complimented us saying "Thank you so much for being the first sisters to actually connect with us. To talk to us like we were humans." I was touched my fears went away, I knew sister Kimura and I were called to this area for many reasons but one was to connect with the missionaries. To help inspire them to be better through joy. I believe we don't have to bet people up and point out there flaws to help them change. But if we lead with a smile on our face trying to be a good example more people will want to fallow or listen. I believe in being honest and open. I know I am not perfect so I don't want people to think I am better than them in any way. But I do want them to know that was most important is if I have a desire to be obedient and diligently striving to be better everyday. Yesterday is to teach how to have a better day today. Mistakes are to be learned from. I know we as missionaries all make mistakes. We aren't always as obedient as we would like to be. Repentance is for us too, we can improve and change day by day. Thats what I have learned from my experiences. I wish I could say I have been exactly obedient but I am more proud of the fact that I have made mistakes and am using the Atonement to change me. I have been taught by my experiences and have a stronger testimony. So for those sisters I am over, I want to help them learn the same principles. We are too hard on ourselves. We beat ourselves up and then get down because of our imperfections. Then we compare our worst sides to others best which creates nothing by hard feelings. 

   Each of us have our talents and reasons for being were we are. So why compare ourselves to those around us. God called us specifically for these callings in our lives. He needs our talents, personalities, and character flaws to touch the lives of those around us. I feel that know. I am able to connect really well with these people here because this is where God called me to be. I was needed. Thats a humbling thought and I am thankful for the opportunity to continue to learn and grow. It isnt easy and its taking a lot of work. But I know that its more for my betterment then others. 

   I love each of you. Thank you for all you do for me. I couldn't do it without you each of you teach me so much. Love always Sister Johnson

Katelyn's surgery update

Katelyn's surgery went very well.  The doctor stated that the next couple of days are critical.  They will be watching her closely to make sure that her heart is functioning properly and that no infection sets in. 

Katelyn just before surgery.



Katelyn just before surgery with her parents, Eldon & Rebecca Johnston

 



Katelyn just after surgery.

Update on Katelyn Johnston--Surgery Tuesday, November 11

Rebecca and Eldon's baby girl, Katelyn, will be undergoing open heart surgery on Tuesday, November 11 in the early afternoon.  This is a major procedure to re-route her main arteries through the lungs (to oxygenate her blood) then back to her heart.  They will be making her heart a functioning 3 chamber heart.

Eldon writes:

     "Katelyn's condition is called "Tricuspid Atresia with a VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect).  Her oxygen saturation levels keep dropping, heart rate races to around 200 bpm, and she vomits.  She hasn't been able to handle her feedings for a couple of weeks now.  We have tried different medications to treat the reflux but she didn't improve.  On Thursday, we brought her in to Primary Children's for observation.  Friday she underwent a cath lab procedure to map and measure the internal pressures of the heart.  On Saturday she had a severe episode where her oxygen levels dropped to the low teens (75-85% is normal for her).  It took her almost an hour to recover to normal levels.  It was then determined that her next surgical procedure, "the glen", would be done sooner than later."

We appreciate all the prayers that have been sent her way and would love it if you could please continue to do so.  We will keep you posted as to her condition.

We send our love to all of you..............Jean

Katelyn Jean Johnston

Photo taken October 1, 2014

 

Letter from Sister Tiffany Johnson October 27, 2014

  To start I have to thank everyone for helping me have the best birthdays. It was a great day start to finish! To start my trainer sister POWELL and her companion Sister Davies came and picked us up at 6am and we had breakfast together at Denny's. That was fun and a good start to the day. Then I came home to find my companion before bed had decorated my desk with a cute rainbow pony birthday sign. And bought me a frozen pen that has an Olaf laser on it. sweet!  It was Wednesday so we had district meeting. The elders in my zone had a lady make homemade doughnuts for us. Elder Cook brought candles and filled one doughnut with 20 candles (I was too old, he didn't have enough candles haha). Because they were so close together it created a small bone fire. We were all laughing so hard. But when I went to blow them out nothing happened. I tried again but they lit back up. We all started laughing hard but now freaking out because they were magic candles and we couldn't figure out how to put them out. We were also afraid of burning the church down and at that moment remembered the no open flame rule. Now with a mini bone fire blazing an elder grabbed the plate of doughnuts and ran for the door. We all of coarse followed. He flicked the flaming doughnut on the ground while elder Cook stomped on it. It was of coarse bad planning and dangerous. But it really was perfect for my birthday. I never have just the average joe things happening to me. Haha so I thought it was hilarious.  

     The rest of the day was spent giving service and teaching a few lessons. I loved it. I laughed so much and just felt so much love. I have really found that being able to help others is when I am honestly the most happy. I love seeing other people light up when something we say has helped them. Or be able to give them service that they desperately needed. I love being able to say I am a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It brings me so much pride to be a representative. However, I know that the pride and joy I get from being a missionary won't be just while I am a missionary. Once called to the work you are always called to the work. We are all missionaries getting the chance to spread the love of God. The only difference is right now I am doing it full time. But I plan on being a missionary for the rest of my life. It's simply the best. 

    So being on a mission on your birthday is just a blessing! I wouldn't have it any other way!

      As for the rest of the week. we were finally able to meet with a less active in the ward named Ann. She is very sweet and going through a divorce and depression. I felt inspired to tell her about  my personal experience with depression. She was surprised on the emotions and thought that we had or have in common. Then she opened up to why she had been so hesitant to meeting with us earlier. She shared that she has in the past noticed that the times she starts making better choices and going back to church. Things in life get harder.  Never in the past have I shared the full experience that Joseph smith has had in the sacred grove. But I felt like I should share that with her. We taught what had happened and then shared the first vision with her. Compared it to how satan doesn't want us to succeed, he wants to pull us away from all that is good. However our father in heaven will always save us in the end if we just hold out a little longer. If we have the patience and the faith to stay strong. I teared up as the words came out. She just sat there silent for a minute. Then said " wow I have never heard it taught like that". She knew it was what she need. My companion was also able to bare a a great testimony. She was very appreciative and committed to start attending the arp class with us. (Not because she addicted to anything, more for the emotional support) 

       The spirit was so strong in the room it was hard to want to leave, but I know that Ann is loved and watched over by God. I felt a glimpse of that love for her. It's amazing that when we want to we can feel gods love. However, we have to want that and do things like serve others or pray to feel it. But it's always there for us. It never runs out and it's the best medicine.

      Saturday was our ward Halloween party. I loved being able to help set up and watch the kids come in ready to show off there costumes. I got to help one of the Spanish investigator little girls go around and play the games. They were so cute and loved it there. I think my favorite thing though was just having the kids say "look missionary, look at what I am wearing" none of them know my name but they like me and give me hugs. It's adorable. But also made me miss my niece and nephew. 

     At the end of the party we had a trunk or treat. My companion and I handed out candy from our bikes. Then looked up and were surprised to see Katherine (our investigator) and her family there. We yelled for them to come over. He kids had a blast and her husband who was anti-us in the beginning, enjoyed himself there. Then we found out her sons soccer coach was there who's actually an active member. Her son was like cool I want to come to church now that I know my friend go there, it was such a miracle. I loved seeing the ward members come and introduce themselves to Katherine's family. They felt so welcomed.  

      Also at the party was kaylee our 13 year old investigator, she is adorable and taller then me. But she enjoyed herself there and just expressed how much she loves coming to church and meeting with us. I know that one day she will be able to join the church like her grandma. I hope it's soon so she can enjoy all the blessing the young women's program has to offer.

         Sunday was also a lot of fun because we got to take our recent convert Geraldo and his family to the Spanish ward. They were curious to see church in there native tongue but had been scared to go on there own. I heard about this and explained to them I would love to accompany them there. That I love the Spanish ward and actually got to attend one in high school. So we all went together. The elders translated the service in English for my companion and I along with the pianist. And afterwards literally the entire ward came up and introduced themselves. Geraldo loved it and so did his family. They plan on attending there at least once a month. Exciting news with them is that a few weeks ago we talked with his wife. Sharina was struggling with coffee, she's a returning member. Well we had suggested a different drink to her which she loves now. Because of the switch they are now preparing to be married in the temple for all time and eternity.   It's so exciting. While talking to her about her experience, she shared with me something that touched me.

           She said "now looking back my challenge was really not that hard. I had to choose my family and God over coffee. I don't know why it was so hard in the moment and took so long. But now I know what's most important. Now I can go to the temple." I was so touched and agreed with her. Our trial in the moment always seem so un bearable. But I know that God would never give us something we could not handle. But he does allow us to struggle because he loves us. He allows us to have our agency and wants for us to choose to follow him. He will never forcer, trick or persuade. He simply just invites. While looking back we are able to better see the times we were being helped, love, and supported.  Keep that in your mind as your going through a new trial, "I am being helped, I will overcome, and I am loved!" I know this to be true. Trials are meant to try us not break us. Have faith, love, and endure to the end.

               I Love each one of you thank your for your love and prayers.

                                   Sister Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letter from Sister Tiffany Johnson September 20, 2014

 Well with p.day being changed to a later date I just feel like
their is so much to talk about and update all of you on. We had a
pretty eventful week. First I was invited by a sister in my area to go
to the Temple with her. She had family names to do. It was the first
time I have gone in almost a year. I loved it. The spirit is always so
strong there. My companion Sister Lunsford didn't come but said I
should read my patriotically blessing while inside the temple. So I
did just that, I felt the spirit so strong as I reread the familiar
words of my blessing. I want to invite all of you that has a blessing
and can go to the temple to do that.
   After last week with Gigi walking out of church, my companion and
I were nervous to see her again. Unsure what she was going to say or
what she would have told her family. We prayed for her and really did
whatever was in our power to help her come back. We talked to the
elders over the singles ward and got the to inform a few social
sisters in there ward to look out for Gigi. We all prayed for her.
Then we stopped by her home Tuesday. It was a bit awkward at first but
then she just opened up expressing how sorry she was for leaving
early. A wave of relief came over me when we realized she still liked
us, the teaching of the gospel, and still wanted our help. Best part
of all, I found out how mature she is for just being 18, she never
spoke badly of the church to those around her. She had the perfect
chance and didn't take it. I was impressed with her and her desires to
be better. Gigi came to ARP with us later in the week. It was a great
experience the testimonies shared there were heart felt and everyone
there felt the spirit. Gigi walked away telling the teacher she wants
to keep coming.
     Our plan with to the singles ward also worked perfectly because
as she was leaving she ran into the sisters we told to look out for
her. They fellowshipped her so perfectly. She was amazed at how nice
they were to her and wants to start attending there ward. She was out
of town this Sunday but plans on being at church next Sunday. What a
miracle.
      I don't believe I have told you about our most promising
investigator Katherine. She is the one we have been praying to find.
She is in her 30s with 2 boys. Her husband wants nothing to do with
the church but supportive in whatever she wants to do. She reads what
we leave her, studies Mormon.org to find her questions answered, and
is just so appreciative of our visits. We asked her how she has been
feeling about the things we have taught. She looked at us and said "it
just make sense. It's all simple and obvious. It's the same as in the
bible." I agreed with her that is does just simple make sense. When we
asked her to be baptized she said yes. We haven't been able to set a
date with her because at the moment she is unable to attend church.
She has to work Sundays, and when she asked for them off this last
week her boss said no they don't have someone else that can take her
place. She wants to be at church and bring her boys, but can't right
now. Please keep her in your prayers. She hates her job and wants to
be able to find a new job and for the chance to go to church.
Katherine has an amazing spirit, she's one I can see really doing well
and staying strong in the gospel.
      To report on the ward. People are really starting to like us.
It's so true that if you pray and the. Go out and work for what you
prayed for God will help make up the rest. I prayed for the ward and
area to start warming up to us. Then just this week, we have gotten
compliments from so many members and a few more people have offered to
come out with us. Then the biggest honor was when a member of the
stake presidency ran into us and said he has seen how we are moving
the work along in our area, his is really impressed with what we have
done. So much so that he wants to come out with us and asked our
thoughts on something like member missionaries etc. It was a great
confidence booster for my companion and I.
       Speaking of my companion I want to show you another way my
prayers have been answered. My companion is one that has had some
struggles getting along with her comps. She is quiet and grew up with
her grandparents. She has never had any type of leadership on her
mission. She in the beginning nit picked me a lot and seemed to not be
a fan of me. I prayed for companionship unity and for ways to help her
feel my love. as I was thinking of it I came up with a few things I
could do and change. I did them. It was a lot of fun as well. First
she isn't girly so I did her hair. She was amazed. Then I have made
her lunch because she eats cups of noodles. I also wrote her an email
because only two people write her. I don't say these things to show
all of you how awesome I am but to express to you that if you want
your prayers answered it takes action on your part. My prayers were
answered, one day as we were out riding our bikes my companion looks
and me and says "sister Johnson, I just love you." I want to to throw
down my bike and just pray to my father In heaven expressing my
gratitude. We laugh everyday now, are constantly talking to the point
where it's hard to get to sleep on time, and we express our love for
each other multiple times a day.  To me it's a miracle. We aren't
perfect but we both have a desire to get along, so we do. This week
she even made me dinner Haha which was cute because she doesn't know
how to cook. So I got to eat rice a roni and corn. It was simply
delicious. I am blessed with an adorable and misunderstood companion
whom I love.
        God sends tender mercies our way when we need them. Lately I
have been struggling with feeling positive with the work I did in Yuba
City because a few people have gone less active. Then randomly I
received an email that brought me literally to tears. It was from
Janeen. She was is a less active there who just got married to a non
member. I had the chance to be welcomed into there home and teach
them. Ethan hasn't been baptized or anything that number wise would
show I have done anything. However, I learned that it doesn't matter.
All I am working towards is helping people progress towards there
father in heaven.
                "Hi sister Johnson just wanted to touch base with you
Ethan has been working full time for a little while now and it has
been a huge change for us I think I didn't realize how hard I'm
working nights would be for all of us but we are making it through it
because of his schedule he is unable to attend church but he is
allowing me to take Emily. We were both surprised when emily's mother
threw a huge fit not wanting Emily to attend a Mormon church I was
very proud of Ethan he stood his ground and we are continuing to take
her I know that his experiences with you and sister woods gave him a
very good and high opinion of Mormons along with the exposure to other
members of the Church in the area in my family and now at his work yes
several coworkers whom he respects who are Mormons.We miss you all the
time but I hope you know how grateful I am for the time you spent in
Yuba City and I know you are doing the Lords work and I can see how
many other people are benefiting from you being there I guess I never
truly felt personally blessed by missionaries until I met you and
sister woods.I just want to make sure that you know dot line upon line
day by day month by month we are continuing to move forward sometimes
it seems other snails pace but always forward."
   I felt the spirit so strong because I knew it was God reassuring
me that my work is noticed and good in his eyes. I learned from our
zone conference yesterday that The Lord is preparing people for
specifically us. That includes each of you. I know that the people I
have met have been prepared. Don't be afraid or second guess yourself.
Get involved involved in this marvelous work so you to can feel the
love of your savior increased in your life. It doesn't have to be this
large thing. The first time I met Janeen all we did was laugh and
talk. It was easy and simple but made a lasting impression, enough to
let us as missionaries in to teach her family. And for the first time
in over many years she is going to church regularly.
     God is always looking out for us. He wants us to be successful
and be able to live with him again. He wants us happy. I know that any
opportunity he can bless us he will. We just need to be doing our
part, extending our hand to him. I have been trying to do that more
often in my life and it had changed me. The atonement is what we
studied for our conference. It's something you should all review. It's
so important that we know the atonement covers everything. He has
payed the price for all our sorrows, afflictions, short comings,
temptations, and sins. It is for all of us. Elder Nielsen of the
seventy shared with us "when the savior was paying the price for us,
he saw us individually and personally chose to save us." Don't allow
that personal sacrifice to go in vain. We don't need to carry these
burdens any longer. The savior wants to forgive us. Never allow
yourself to believe anything different. His love we can not fully
understand but it is there and it is real. I know it, I have felt it,
and because of that I keep his commandments to show my love for him in
return.

"Guess What.......I Crashed" Letter from Sister Tiffany Johnson

This week... Well it's been one of trials. I can't explain the
emotions I have felt over the week because they have been all over the
place. However, my lasting impression from the week is gratitude. I
realize, though I always knew that people are not perfect, we can not
control the things that are happening around us. But we can control
our attitude and the way we respond to what is happening. This week I
have really had to do that.
     To start we found an amazing new investigator. Her name is Gigi,
she is 18 and married to a man in prison. She has had a rough life and
gotten her self into some addictions. We found her while visiting
Neal. She has been living with Neal's family since she is all alone
now. The first thing she said to us was. "What church do you go to?"
We explained. She then replied. "I will be there on Sunday" and left
with a friend. It was so fast that we weren't able to get a phone
number or confirm how she was getting to church. So I felt like we
needed to still work on the street where she lived while I just prayed
that she would come back. Then as we began to leave I looked up and
there she was smiling and walking towards us. I basically ran to her
and got her contact information. We set up a return appointment for
Saturday and went on our way. It was an amazing experience and to top
it off Saturday was a great lesson with her as well. She was still
confident that she would be at church even if she had to walk and she
also wanted our help to live the word of wisdom. To me she was a
"golden investigator".
      Sunday came and there Gigi was at church ready and excited to
learn more about what we believe. She loved watching the deacons pass
the sacrament. But all missionaries fears came true. The Sunday she of
coarse came was fast and testimony meeting. And yep it was the kind
even members cringe to hear. This couple got up and shared how much
they love each other and have been together for 61 years and that they
went to Hawaii this year. It was the opposite of spiritual, I am
not even sure God was mentioned. Then the talks to follow were just as
disrupted. They, while on the stand, called out people, shared odd
stories and bore everything but a testimony. A little more than half
way through she walks out saying she has to go to the bathroom.
However, she never returned. We got a text message after the meeting
explaining how disconnected she felt, that it was so noisy in there
and she just couldn't feel the spirit or comfortable. I never have had
an investigator literally get scared off before like that. It was so
disheartening. My companion and I struggled to stay positive during
the rest of church. Then we went to ward council and they each picked
on each other. There was a lot of contention in the room about who's
doing who's calling and who's wasting time. Then when we explained
what happened to Gigi they thought she was just being sensitive. But I
totally agree with her. I would have been freaked out too.
          Don't worry we aren't giving up on Gigi we are going to
bend the rules and have her go to the singles ward though she is
married. We talked with the singles ward and hey were super excited to
fellowship her.
            To added to the emotional pains we were going through and
striving to stay positive and continue working I crashed. We were
riding home, it was about 9pm and we were going down a hill. I would
say we were going pretty fast, when I looked up and saw the light
quickly change to yellow I was so close to the intersection that it
scared me and I instinctively grabbed the brake. However, I squeezed
the front brake hard and threw myself over my bike. I landed head
first and my bike came crashing on me. I lost my shoes, scratched my
bike and got a few new bruises that are huge. However, the miracle is
that my helmet is a little big so when I fell it covered my face
perfectly were I hit. Leaving me with zero scares or pains on my head.
While my companion was screaming out for me. I jumped up. Grabbed my
bike and began riding again. A member saw and checked to see if I was
okay. I reassured him and continued riding. My companion and I laughed
the entire way home as we talked about how silly I must have looked
and how crazy our day was.
           Though I have what seems to be a baseball coming out of my
thigh which stings. I am fine. The funny part is that I have a scar
on my knee from surgery which looks like an elephant. Sadly from the
accident the road scrapped off one of the "eyes" of my elephant so now
I really do not have an elephant scary which makes me sad. :)
               The thing is, it's a tender mercy of The Lord that I
wasn't  more injured and that my companion and I can laugh about the
things that happened. Because the fact of the matter is I can't change
what happened today no matter how upset I could get over it. I can't
go back in time. But I can look back at the lessons learned and smile
because I know that God is still with me and still teaching me. The
mission is to try us. I will not give up nor allow things out of my
control to affect my work. I love this gospel too much and being a
missionary to stop now. Through everything, even though I haven't
mentioned we still made a record of most lessons taught in the week
for this area for the last few months. It's been what people like to
call a dry area. But my companion and I like to say an area ready to
grow.
                 The biggest tender mercy though was after all the
craziness I received an email from my recent convert Emily. She bore
an amazing testimony that almost brought me to tears. I want to share
it with you now so you can feel the same spirit. She plans on going on
her mission next year. She has been a member for about three months
but it sounds like a lot longer. Below is her own words.


I just would like to say that I know that this gospel is true it
brings a smile to my face when I write this, it brings so much joy to
my heart that I think I never have felt. It is so amazing to have this
gospel, to know that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that I can't
imagine it, to know that Jesus Christ loves us so much that he
suffered for us so we once again can be in Heavenly Father's kingdom.
To also know that the atonement is there for us when we mess up
because I am not perfect and I need the atonement, to know that we can
be clean once again we just have to repent and know that the atonement
is there for us. I know that this gospel blesses lives it has blessed
my life so much that  I am so grateful for everything that has
happened to me good or bad because I can always learn from it. I know
that when I am feeling down He will comfort me , when I am worried He
will give me peace and when I feel lonely He will let me feel His
love. I would be lost without these feelings of the Holy Ghost, and I
know that I can always feel theses things when I pray and read the
scriptures it is so essential to do these things because He has asked
us to do it. I know that Joseph Smith restored this gospel and with
out him and his curiosity I wouldn't be able to know what it is like
to have so much love and so much faith in our Father. I wouldn't give
up this gospel for anything in the world it means so much to me I love
it so much that I am forever grateful to those who have influenced my
life because of this gospel. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints is the true church, and that when we meet every
Sunday as brother and sisters to renew our covenants that we made with
our Heavenly father we will fill the spirit and have our testimony and
faith built stronger. And I hope that each of you are blessed with
these things and if not we can always work towards them with prayer
and scripture study and I say these things in the name of Jesus
Christ. Amen.

     I am so blessed to have been able to teach amazing people. I
love all of them and have learned so much from all of them. I love
this gospel can never deny it's truth.
         Love sister Johnson.

Update: Baby Katelyn Jean Johnston comes home!!!

Eldon, Brandon

Kyle, Rebecca, Katelyn and Jared

 

Katelyn Jean Johnston, born June 11, 2014 (11 weeks early, weighing only 3 pounds and with a heart defect) was released from Primary Children's Hospital August 15, 2014. 

At about 5 days old, Katelyn's vitals indicated that something was seriously wrong.  After several tests it was discovered that her bowels were twisted.  She immediately underwent surgery to correct this problem. 

Katelyn's first heart surgery was at 1 month when it became necessary to slow down the blood flow in her pulmonary artery.  A small band was placed on the artery and so far---so good.

Katelyn now weighs 5 pounds, is taking nourishment from a bottle but still requires a feeding tube if she becomes too tired to finish her formula.  Medications are also inserted in the feeding tube.  She is also on oxygen to help keep her blood/oxygen levels where they should be.

Actually, Katelyn is doing very well.  She is a strong little girl and a fighter!!!............and I might say......she is a little doll!!!

We appreciate your love, your concern and your prayers!!!  Thank you for being such a wonderful caring family!!!