Return home early: knee replacement

 

Return home early: knee replacement

 

Do we ever understand the ways of the Lord? In 2019 and 2020, right before and during covid, I had both hips and my left knee replaced.  After years (10 years in the case of the knee) of agony from advanced arthritis and trying everything else that was suggested, I finally agreed to the surgeries.  Well, as many before me have said, “Why did I wait so long?”  Within a few days and certainly weeks, I had markedly less pain, and within a month or so, could say that I had virtually no pain at all after each of the surgeries. I have then proceeded to enjoy 6 years of very few limitations from arthritis difficulty…..until March 13.  I woke that morning to every step being agony related to my remaining joint that had not been replaced: my right knee.  Although it has moderated to a dull ache with each step, it is still greatly impinging on my quality of life….like getting dressed and walking the mile home from school. In consultation with the Lord (and Rick) I decided not to wait or even delay this time.  Miracle of miracles, the wonderful doctor in SC that did one hip and the knee, agreed to schedule the surgery without another consultation visit!!! (And they said it couldn’t be done!)  It probably helped that they did have previous x-ray on hand and in 2020 when the doctor first looked at the x-ray, he said, “Oh, we are doing both knees?”  Of course, this is making a long story short.  The difficulties with trying to call to the States from Rwanda and then to a medical facility…..well, I leave it to your imagination, although I will provide the details if you wish.

I have permission from the school to leave immediately after my students have taken their AP Comparative Government test on May 6.  Now I am working through the rebooking of flights….again, hassle, hassle, money, hassle.  Anyone who has done this knows how agonizing it can be, and then add the complication that I am sitting in Rwanda.

Please pray that we get everything worked out (cheaply).  That I have the clearness of thought and strength to teach until May 6 and to put together the last 3 weeks of lessons at school.  That those who will be burdened with subbing can find the joy in teaching that I do.  That I can work through the maze of how best to arrange sleeping arrangements for the rest of the summer.  Lord willing, we will be returning for another year at Virunga Valley Academy on August 5. Etc. etc.  We may not understand the “why” this side of Glory, but I do trust Him, and see His miraculous in daily details.