Elder Hemmert's Mission in Cavite, Philippines: I SURVIVED DENGUE!

Kamusta na Kayo,

It's More Fun in the Philippines:

First Sign of Dengue- Elder Hemmert thought they were
cockroach bites as this is common in the Philippines.

THATS RIGHT!!!! I SURVIVED DENGUE!! First off, I just want to say thank you to everyone that sent prayers my direction. As I was recovering I can absolutely say that the prayers helped and I recovered much quicker than we were expecting. For those of you that are interested here is how it all happened. Exactly two weeks ago I was bit by a mosquito and my eyes began swelling rapidly. The following day rashes broke out, and a fever of 105 degrees hit me like a truck. We made many visits to the hospital to watch my white blood cells and platelets which continued to drop each day. I tested positive for dengue, and was told that I must be confined in the hospital. Instead of sleeping at the hospital I chose to go home and for over a week I did not leave my bed. Each day I just slept and avoided itching the rashes that were getting increasingly larger and more itchy. My body and joints ached from exhaustion even though I wasn't exerting energy. However, after much rest, hundreds of prayers, and a miserable two weeks I am feeling much much better. We are now leaving the house and I m back to work with a BIG smile on my face. Ultimately, here is the summary of dengue in 6 words: Tried it. Do NOT recommend it.

On a better note, on the first day of dengue (before the fever hit), we had the baptism of Edmond Monzales and his two kids Edzekiel Monzales and Angel Kate Monzales. They are such a happy family, and always put a smile on my face. Edmond's wife has been a member for a very long time, but only now has Edmond and his kids decided to join the church. Edmond began reading the Book of Mormon, and he quickly came to love the Gospel and the church. He changed his work schedule so that he could attend church, and we got him married to his wife Geraldine one week before their baptism. They are a wonderful family, and they are now preparing to enter the temple to be sealed for all eternity.

Elder Hemmert