Wednesday morning, May 27th, the phone rang at about 5 a.m. I missed the call, but saw that it was the Yokota elders, so called back to see what was going on. Elder Strain answered and said, "Is it too early to call?" To which I answered, "Well, it's pretty early, what can we do for you?" And then he explained -- Elder Larkin had been taken to the hospital by ambulance at around 2 or 3 a.m. He was diagnosed with a kidney stone (18 years old!!!) and was now being released and needed a ride home. In a case like this, no, it's not too early to call!
We collected Elder Larkin and Elder Watanabe, who is Japanese and could help Elder Larkin with the language at the hospital in Haijima. Then we took him and his companion back for a follow-up appointment later in the afternoon. Elder Larkin was told his kidney stone is 9 mm -- I have personal and painful experience with a kidney stone that size, and I know its too big to pass...
Dr. Hanson, the mission medical advisor, spoke with Elder Larkin and the decision was made that he would go home to the states for treatment. He left Tuesday, June 2nd with only a carry-on bag, anticipating that treatment would go as planned and he'd be back in the mission in two or three weeks.
We were in the mission office doing our training when Elder Larkin went home. It's been interesting to see the situation unfold from both sides. I'm impressed with how smoothly it was all handled. Elder Larkin arrived in Utah on Tuesday and had his medical procedure on Wednesday. It's expected he'll be back before the next scheduled transfer day. The elders here between Yokota and Fussa wards were rearranged a bit -- one of the Fussa elders became Elder Pena's companion in the Yokota Ward, and the Fussa elders are temporarily a trio.
We sure love these missionaries -- we've been a little sad that we won't have the same close working relationship with them as we move to the office, but realize we'll just get to know and work with even more of these choice young elders and sisters.
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