Surprises...

There is so much to update you on, that I don't know how to even start.  Most of you are probably aware of the "surprise" that we have encountered, but nonetheless, we wanted to use this blog as our main way of keeping our family, friends and partners connected with our life and ministry here in Poland.  Since my last post was August 13, I am so very sorry that I have not been able to update for almost a month!  Oh, how quickly things can change....

On Monday, August 20, everything changed.  After 2 months of trying to manage my lower back pain, things got much worse.  In a moment, I started experiencing a debilitating and excruciating pain down my left leg.  It was like my muscles wanted to explode.  After a phone call to a local doctor, I was able to get pain medicine the next day, but I endured a long night of having to sleep (try to sleep!) in only one position.  Once I was finally able to get a MRI done, we knew that we were dealing with a herniated disc in L5/S1 that had broken off into two pieces.  My only option was surgery.  As you can imagine, we were taken aback by the severity of the situation and the heaviness of knowing the decisions we had to make; decisions that could alter our year here in Poland.  We consulted with an excellent neurosurgeon here and had another in the states review my images and provide consultation.  It was best advised to stay and have the surgery done in Poland.  From a physical angle, we knew we were making the best decision as I could have surgery very soon, excellent surgeon to do the surgery, and traveling was dangerous and risky to even get back to the states.  From a God angle, we felt there was so much more going on... and my situation was a catalyst.

So- I had a successful surgery on Friday, August 31. Because I had been laid up for 2 weeks, suped up on pain medicine for that long prior to surgery, I had a couple tough days initially trying to get up and walking after the surgery.  I also have low blood pressure and not being able to sit at all (now for the next four weeks), made it difficult to go from a prone position to an upright one immediately.  BUT, I did... and after 6 full days in the hospital, I was able to leave on the 7th.

Much occurred for the girls and Josh during this "surprise" as well.  While in the hospital, Josh had to oversee and get all our bags from camp packed up and moved into our apartment in Tomaszow (day after surgery).  While in the hospital, the girls stayed with three different sets of friends.  My third day after surgery, the girls had to start their first day of school.  So Josh was able to be back with them to take them to school and then come back to Lodz where I was.  I don't think I have to go into detail the emotional struggles I had not being able to be there for this important milestone for the girls!

Indeed, this has been an extreme surprise, but much has been learned and experienced that I wouldn't trade.  We would make the same decision and do it all over again here.    I feel like I could write a book now!

So that in a nutshell is what's transpired in the last month for the Winans family in Poland.  We are trying to navigate these uncharted waters under extreme circumstances... but feel and know God's unfailing promises and presence.  We are surrounded by an incredible group of people who have been helping us and taking care of us every step of the way.  We are already aware of how God has been using this situation for His glory.  For that, I'm simply humbled and honored.

I will close up this "update" with a heartfelt appreciation for all of you who have been sustaining us with prayers and an apology for any of you who are hearing this for the first time, but know that there's still a long road ahead of us and will need continued and sustaining prayers!  Love to all.... Ann