Advice Please

[Guest DeborahC]

I have tried, unsuccessfully, for many years to be active.

Issue 1: I am on 100% Disability for Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. What this means in regards to church is I cannot attend because 3 hours in the highly perfumed environment makes me sick for 4 days to 2 weeks. I can't be inside buildings that are not scent free (or nearly so) without getting sick. I do best when I'm outdoors. I did find a Ward in CA where my mother lives where people were very nice and willing to try to not wear scent so I could be a part of the small ward, and I love it there. However, my sons and grandchildren are all in Portland, Oregon and so far, I haven't found a ward there I can attend. My records are currently in the CA ward, even though I'm only there a month or two each year

Issue 2: I travel. Constantly. My doctor prescribed long distance walking to chelate the chemicals and so I walk. In order to fund my walks, I take small groups of pilgrims on the Camino Santiago in Spain. This pays for my own airfare, lodging, and food. I do this twice a year for 3 weeks each trip, which then allows me to walk for 9 to 12 weeks.

So I am in Spain 3 months, then CA 3 months, then Spain 3 months, then Oregon 3 months each year.

There are no LDS wards that I know of along the Camino, and so I don't attend church while in Spain.

I'm trying to figure out how to be "active" when I can't attend church.

How do people do it?

Where do I send tithing?

What about Sacrament?

Thoughts?

Help?

[Guest]

If you truly can't find a ward that is compliant with your needs, perhaps you could ask your bishop for some YM to give you the sacrament at least once or twice a month.

Send tithing to the ward that has your records.

[Guest LiterateParakeet]

My best guess...contact the ward you live in and explain the situation to your Bishop. You can pay your tithing to him and they can bring the Sacrament to your home. They do this for people in the hospital and shut in's. They can do it for you as well.

I remember seeing a Sacrament meeting broadcast on TV--BYUTV? I believe it was done for shut ins also. I don't know any details, but your Bishop or RS Pres could help you figure it out.

They should assign you Visiting Teachers and home teachers. You could be a visiting teacher if you do a "letter route" or visit sister/companion that would not wear scents (I would do it for you!)

With a little creativity they could give you a calling--Ward Newsletter, Ward bulletin, Visiting teaching supervisor, -- these are just a couple ideas.

If you do these things, I would consider you "active" even though you are not able to physically attend on Sundays. Being active is more than sitting in a seat on Sunday..

[Guest]

What kind of treatment are you getting for your condition?

[Guest DeborahC]

My specialist prescribed long distance walking.

Because my condition is so severe, there is nothing else they can do.

I stay out of scented areas, wear no make-up, use no scented products.

My house is a "safe" area, as is my car.

Outdoors, away from people, is also safe, although walking in neighborhoods is dangerous because of all the scented laundry products people use. It literally "gasses" me if I'm outdoors and the neighbors are doing laundry.

Last month I went to the Temple for the first time in a long time.

I went early in the morning, before many people were there.

The veil touching my face gave me a rash for 2 weeks.

I'm a mess.

Let me re-state that.

As long as I stay completely away from fragranced products and certain chemicals, I'm healthy as a horse.

But a few molecules of the wrong thing can put me down fast.

I have done some amygdala retraining, which helped quite a bit.

At least now, my life resembles normalcy.

So Eowyn, can tithing be paid by mail?

Edited March 20, 2014 by DeborahC

[Guest]

Yes, you can pay by mail. The gray envelopes have the bishop's address on them, but I don't think the envelope matters. Maybe you could ask someone to deliver some tithing slips to you.

[Guest]

So Eowyn, can tithing be paid by mail?

We do this all the time. The tithing slip comes with a gray envelope that already has the Bishop's address. Just put your name and address on the top left corner, afix a stamp and drop in the mailbox.

The VT letter-route is a great idea. There are so many of them that need this. Just call your RS Presidency. And YM coming to your home to administer the sacrament is another great idea. And then you can join other activities that are outdoors - like Cub Scout Camps would be awesome if you can handle it. They're always needing somebody to help out with those.

Just out of curiousity, how do you handle the long flight to Spain?

Edited March 21, 2014 by anatess

[Str8Shooter]

If you can honestly "pass" (for lack of a better word) a temple recommend interview and hold a temple recommend, you are an active member.

Many people have many trials and conditions that do not allow them to serve in traditional ways, but thanks to our Savior, there are many different ways to serve and be active.

I would suggest to prayerfully consider a ward to keep your records in, contact the bishop, and let him know about your situation. He will be able to assist in bringing you the sacrament, which is very important.

It is important that you have a home ward. It gives you the opportunity to help serve and uplift others, and gives others the opportunity serve and uplift you.

[Guest DeborahC]

AnaTess,

The flight is very difficult.

I have to wear a mask the entire way, for the most part.

I get seats in the front of the plane, in the aisle, and position the airflow to behind me.

I usually build in about a week of recovery before I pick up my group so I can get over the reactions.

But the benefits of 6-9 weeks of walking 12-15 miles each day makes the flight worth the effort.

[Guest DeborahC]

Years ago, we were allowed to make our own Temple clothing.

I still have patterns for some of it.

But I wonder if there are newer patterns available.

Anyone know?