Learning to Lean

Hey guys, sorry it's been a while since the last update! As most of you family and friends know, I've been having a bit of traumatic tooth troubles. For those of you who I don't talk to daily, I've had lots of tooth pain ever since I got here but kept ignoring it. Well, it finally got to the point that I couldn't stand it anymore and the painkillers weren't really helping, so we had no choice but to go to a dentist here in Germany. Ah! It turns out that yes, I needed a root canal and it had to be done immediately.

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm petrified of the dentist and can't go without serious doses of anesthetics beforehand even in my own country, let alone here in Germany. Regardless, this had to be done. Trying to have faith, I decided that if I could go paragliding, surely I could handle a root canal! After Grandma Penny helped me realize this, I kept telling myself that people get this procedure done every day and are just fine, but still, my irrational fears kept returning.

Emily was so sweet and thoughtul though; she found someone who could give me a blessing before going in. It was such an amazing experience to be able to obtain such comfort through that. One thing that was said that really stood out to me was that even though those I'm closest to aren't here, I can still lean on them and they can still bring me comfort through all of their prayers and faith. I felt so much strength and knew I would be able to do it!

Once I got there, everything just sort of fell into place. My iPod, which was broken, started working just in time (and it worked just for the hour I was in the dentist chair--crazy!) Cute Em gave me a shoulder rub and got me relaxed, and the yellow walls made me feel a little sunnier (Clearly, I was trying to look for the good in the situation! haha)! After a few attempts (as usual) of numbing me up, I was finally ready to go and it all went just fine! I was so relieved.

Over the course of the last few days, I've developed a little infection, but I'm sure it's no biggie! I'm talking ultra-strong antibiotics and lots of pain meds, so I'm happy as can be!!!! ;) I'm sure it'll get better from here on out and things are just gonna be okay!

I feel so blessed to not only have family here with me who has been so kind and understanding, but also to have such amazing family and friends in other parts of the world who've given me the strength I've needed. Thank you soo much, everybody, for your prayers, fasts, and faith. I love you and know that through Heavenly Father and those I love, I'll be able to get through this one! Above all, thanks for teaching me that sometimes it's okay to lean on others, that that is what family and friends are for. Hopefully, I'll be able to return the favor someday. xo