A couple weeks ago I was called at the Ward Coordinator for the USU 1st Stake Blood Drives. The coolest part is that the Bishopric did not know me at the time. When they prayed though, they received the prompting I should be assigned to something medical. That shows the Lord knows me personally- where I would be able to serve and enjoy my experience the most. Anyway, that is not the point of this blog....Today was the Stake Blood Drive here at USU. For several weeks now I had been collecting names, phone numbers, and times for when people could come in to donate. After much perseverance, I was able to completely fill up my schedule. After stressing about it this morning, making sure to fulfill my calling to the utmost all the while having class scheduled until 5:30, I was successful with the help of a couple friends and roommates. Abby and Megan were able to deliver the schedule at the start of the drive (I was in class, and had tried earlier, yet no one was there). I think the best part is my Chemistry lab lasted only one hour instead of the scheduled three hours it is supposed to take. That definitely relieved my worried mind.
I took my turn at the check-in table signing people in and giving them instructions for the first part (reading the book of information mainly). When four of my greatest friends came in to donate, I was there to be a support group. Tessa was donating for the first time and I promised to be there to hold her hand through it. My only favor I asked of them though was that they come be my support group as well. I absolutely hate needles. Just the thought creeps me out, so I figure the only time I will allow them into my body is if I need to be saved, or if I can save someone else.
Abby decided to play a mean prank on me though. The lady was about to insert the needle, I was freaking out, looking the other way and squeezing Abby's hand as hard as I could. Out of no where she screams, "OH MY GOSH!!!!" I wanted to take her blood right then. It was mine! That scared me, and the needle really hurt. After that though, my blood was just racing to get out of my body: the flow rate was a 9 the entire time, and I finished in only 5 minutes and 19 seconds. I felt pretty powerful. I laughed really hard after though- we all were, even the lady drawing my blood. I was pretty embarrassed.
Donating blood is a really awesome thing to do. I was thinking about it, and I was reminded of another service we are asked to give if we keep our bodies clean. It is a completely selfless act of service. You can provide something for someone that they cannot do for themself. I can save someone's life physically with a blood donation, but with going to the temple I can save someone spiritually. The body can accept or reject the service in each situation. Let's pray for only acceptance.
If I am this happy after donating a unit of blood, how euphoric will I be when I can go through the temple and perform other saving ordinances beside Baptisms? I bet it will be a lot better because I won't be scared, and nothing will cause me pain in the temple.
I don't know if my analogy made any sense, but I thought it was really cool :D Give Blood, Save Lives!
6 comments:
You know, you should be thanking me. I helped get the blood out faster! Also, it was hilarious.So I'm not sorry.
I totally donated blood a few months ago here in Germany. I love giving blood. Every time there is a stake blood drive I do everything I can to make it there and try to get at least one friend to go with me.
And if I may add to your analogy, you had a support group while you were donating blood but you also have one when you're in the temple. It's just that the one in the temple usually can't be seen, but I've heard that they can be felt. The spirits who you are doing the ordinances for are your support group, going through every step with you.
Hurray for You. You are so very brave! Sounds like it was a great success. And a great activity for Halloween time! xoxo
The first time I donated blood the man next to be had a nicked vein & got this enormous bulging bruise on his arm & then someone else fainted. It was lovely. I do love donating blood too though, it's so easy to do & you get free food! Don't worry about needles, you'll get over that when you're pregnant, lots of blood tests. You're the best!
What a power woman you are! I'm proud to say you're my sister. College was when I started donating blood. Keep at it. Like you said, it's a great thing that isn't really too hard to do. Love ya!
I love donating blood. It only took my something like 4 minutes my first time. I wish i could donate plasma, but my viens are too small and it's been suggested i shouldn't donate blood again because of it.... will i listen? no! I don't like watching needles in me, but i love watching them go into other people. I'm bizzare, i guess it's good i'm going into nursing with a specialty in surgery
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