Old Updates: The One Where Amanda had Cross-Training and Surgery

Summer 2019

July has been quite a month! CROSS Training at OMS headquarters started the second week of July and since we have been living on campus, Daniel was also able to attend most of the sessions in preparation to leave for Hungary soon! We are so thankful for the training team at OMS; it was a really great time of learning and preparation, and it was so nice to get to know a few other missionaries preparing for their calling as well. More on that in a minute…

Unfortunately, we both had to miss the last week of training due to surgery. Amanda dealt with some pelvic pain for months, and after trying to wait the pain out, we finally opted for surgery on July 22. The surgery went well, although they did end up removing her left ovary and diagnosing her with endometriosis (the link goes into detail about what endometriosis is), which was not what we had hoped or expected. 
 
Honestly, for both of us, it has been incredible to see God’s hand in even the smallest details over the past few months. The way he has orchestrated timelines and taken care of things we didn’t even know needed to be taken care of has reminded us of how amazing his love is for us and all of his children. 
 
Although we didn’t want Amanda to have surgery, and definitely didn’t want to have her ovary removed, God was gracious in giving her an incredibly talented surgeon as a doctor. We have since learned it isn’t always the case to have such a skilled surgeon as a regular doctor, and for that we are incredibly thankful.
 
We were also able to meet and grow close to a fellow missionary in our first two weeks at CROSS Training who was a recovery nurse for years. Having her living just down the street from us and available to answer silly questions and just hang out with Amanda was an amazingly sweet gift during the recovery process. 
 
Unfortunately, because of the extended recovery period and follow-ups we need to make to ensure Amanda is healthy enough to leave for the field, our leave date has been postponed. We are not sure on an exact date yet, but we are still trusting God’s timing in everything. We know that in spite of our excitement to get to Hungary, His timing and plans are perfect.