Sadly, I've neglected the blog for a few months now, but with a little bit more time on my hands (explained below), I'm hoping to have a few updates over the next few weeks and months.
First, I am home right now. It's been wonderful to have a chance to catch up with a number of you already, but for those I haven't seen...
Back in November, I was enjoying a typical Thursday night playing soccer at Bingham, when I lost my balance and felt something in my knee pop. I hobbled to the side of the court and sadly, didn't get to finish the game. After a number of doctor's appts over the next few days, and an MRI from the only decent MRI machine in Addis, and a long weekend on crutches, it was determined that I have torn my ACL.
After learning all about the ACL and how it's injured from my brilliant sister-in-law, I decided to come back to the States to have it repaired. I will be here for about six weeks total, and while it's not a fun reason to be home, it has been nice to hang with family and friends for a bit.
I've had the chance to chat with a number of you, but for those I haven't seen I wanted to answer some FAQs (frequently asked questions)...
Are you in pain?
Thankfully, no. It hurt when it initially happened, but not so much since then, unless I've stupidly twisted it or something of the sort.
Fun fact I've learned: you can actually live without an ACL- walking, even running, is ok, but if you like to play soccer or (water) ski (two of my favorites) then you run a huge risk of really messing up your knee without an ACL. So I've decided to get it repaired in order to enjoy those activities again :)
Where and when are you having surgery?
Thanks to recommendations from some Messiah connections, I am having surgery in York, PA at OSS on Jan 15. I appreciate your prayers for the surgery and ensuing recuperation time!
When do you head back to Ethiopia?
I head back to Ethiopia on February 13. Thanks to some amazing people at Bingham, I have subs until that time, which gives me the appropriate amount of time here to do some physical therapy and heal a bit before I head back on the long plane ride.
Who is covering your classes while you are gone?
This is the biggest answer to prayer out of the whole situation and I continue to praise God over and over for his provision! A dear friend, Alyssa, has been my mentor teacher at Bingham for the last number of years. She moved back to the US with her family this last summer, but when this all happened, she graciously agreed to come and cover my classes (all classes and students she has taught before!). She truly is the best person to do the job and I am so grateful she agreed- thanks Alyssa!!
The last two weeks are the mock exam period for our students, so the only class that I teach, who is not taking those exams, is my 9th grade class. A lovely missionary mom, Kara, also a former teacher at Bingham, is covering that class for me during that time.
Thank you ladies for your amazing commitment during this time! Thank you Lord for providing them!
Thanks for your interest and prayers during this time!
