Adriatic South Mission : Pause.... Home for Surgery

Sometimes you have to Let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like & learn to find Joy in the Story You're Living.

Home for surgery January 15th, 2019.
Surgery January 23rd, 2019.

This is probably one of the hardest things Hannah had to endure. Now I know this is Hannah's blog... but more for journaling sake I thought I (mom) would post a few thoughts.

This isn't the first ACL surgery Hannah has had to endure. She had ACL surgery once before. It wasn't fun to say the least. It took well over 3 months for her to heal the first go around. She wasn't excited about it. Her little heart was broken. She had truly loved the MTC. She loved learning more about her Savior. She loved learning a new language. She loved her district. She loved being a missionary.

Tender Mercies- "The Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindness, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ" Elder Bednar

When Hannah arrived at the hospital for this dreaded surgery early January 23rd. She met Julie, a nice nurse who was helping her with her surgery prep. They started talking and come to find out... It was Julie's nephew that collided with Hannah in the MTC thus tearing her ACL requiring surgery. This was not a coincidence. This was a tender mercy. We all could feel it. It was a message that our Heavenly Father is quite aware of Hannah. It was a tender mercy for this Elder as well... to know Hannah was doing well. She had forgiven him... and in good hands with his Aunt Julie.

This wasn't a fun trial... it was very painful emotionally and physically. There were lots of tears. There were several positives... below are a few.

Positives:
She had an incredible attitude. Her testimony didn't waiver. She trusted completely in the Lord and in his plan.
She was able to Skype the MTC and a girl from Albania continuing to learn the language.
Recovery was hard... but nothing like the first surgery. Everything regarding the surgery seemed to go a little better than the first.
She spent time with her family. Lots of Incredible time. Time laughing and playing games. She shared incredible spiritual thoughts that have completely and forever changed her sisters. Spiritual family nights. She served her family. She had us laughing so hard!!!!
She helped us study the Come Follow Me Manual.
She was able to attend her cousin AJ's baptism.
Once able to walk, she spent lots of time in the temple.
She had so many family a friends that were praying for her and cheering her on.
Hannah is Loved so very much!!

Hannah was cleared to leave for Albania 6 weeks after surgery. Simply a Miracle!!!
It took another 2 weeks to prove to Mission medical... She was ready.

March 18th 2019- Flew out from SLC airport. On her way....