Both Mr. and Mrs. Higdon are in Hope House near Heartland Centre. All chaplains at Heartland take turns being on call throughout the night and stay at the hospital. A fold-down bed is provided in one of the offices so the chaplain can get some sleep, but be available if needed. A big part of their job at night is to deliver advance directives to patients. The Rev. Ernst prays with Alice Anderson in her room at Saxton's Chateau in St. Joseph.
Every visit ends with the holding of hands and a prayer .
Running is more than a hobby for the Rev. David Ernst who says it is integral to his faith and worship. The Rev. Ernst said he tries to run at least five to six days a week for an average of five miles at a time. He runs along the boulevard system in St. Joseph and along the river road just outside Wathena, Kan.