Our visit to the states for Christmas has not gone as we planned…at all!
Greg found a great deal in April for December airfare. However, the deal required us to fly from Johannesburg to Atlanta to NYC on December 3rd (If we only flew from Joburg to Atlanta, it was $1,000 more per ticket…crazy, right?). It was the quickest we have ever booked flights! We thought, while we were in NYC, we would spend a few nights and see the Christmas lights. We booked hotels for the nights coming in and for the night of December 30th since we had to fly back out of NYC. That was the plan…a short trip home for the holidays!
However, we were advised to move up our trip home to see a doctor in the U.S. after Greg hurt his back (not sure how, but after sitting down a strange way one evening, he was unable to get out of bed the next morning). We called a friend from Alabaster that is a PA and she was able to get us a quick appointment with an orthopedist. Setting up appointments from Africa can be a challenge, so this was definitely a blessing!
Delta was able to change flights which ended up costing less than we initially anticipated and we were able to get the front row of the economy cabin roundtrip to give Greg more leg room to stretch out. Since we came back two weeks early, we cancelled our NYC trip and landed in Birmingham on Greg’s birthday. He was able to share his day with family. Thanks to many of your prayers, the flight was bearable for Greg, yet still uncomfortable. Delta was able to provide assistance with a wheelchair, and he was by far the youngest person assisted in that group! Due to our early arrival, we were also able to spend Thanksgiving with our family and it was nice to have Lane home from college for the entire week.
After MRI results, Greg was advised to have surgery to repair a severe herniated disc in his lower back. On the day we were scheduled for surgery (Dec 19th), the hospital’s computer that disburses medicine went down and staff were unable to get to medication. We were given the option to leave and reschedule or wait it out. He was completely prepped for surgery at this point, so we decided to stay. After many of you prayed and we waited six hours for the computers to come back up, the surgery was performed and Greg was able to come home that afternoon. He is recovering nicely and we praise God that everything went smoothly!
Typically, a visit home means catching up with supporters and hosting a fundraiser to connect with friends and family. We are so thankful for those of you we were able to see, but, unfortunately, we were unable to catch up with many of you. Thank you for your generosity in 2019 and we look forward to how God continues to use our partnerships in 2020!
Throughout 2019, God has provided a way for multiple trips back and forth across the “pond” for us to see Landon and Lane, but airfare is not cheap! Just to be transparent, we have lost a few supporters this year and our recent medical bills have cost over $4,000 out of pocket. Please know we are so very thankful for your support and we know we would not be able to continue in Eswatini without you! If anyone would like to partner with us financially, here is an easy way to sign up. Click the link below and go to the donate tab on the left column. https://themullins.myadventures.org/
Due to the timing of the surgery, we changed our flights to January 15th as our original date did not give Greg much time for recovery. This extra time will allow him some time in physical therapy. It will also give me some time for physical therapy as I have a partial tear on my rotator cuff. My shoulder has been bothering me for several months, so I am thankful to learn what the issue is and hopefully how to fix it!
This extension has also allowed us to attend doctor’s appointments, be a part of medical decisions and to be present during procedures involving Greg’s mom.
Clearly, God had different plans than ours. Because of the delay, we were able to spend a lot more time with family and be here for important conversations. Along the way we can see how God sprinkled us with His blessings. May this be an encouragement to all of us as we head into a new decade, that God is in complete control!
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
Michelle
Michelle, thank you for your encouraging words. Often we don’t see God working in our lives until after the kinds of events that you talk about. I am encouraged that you do see His work in all that has been going on. It is obvious that you and Greg trust the Lord for everything, even when you can’t see His path clearly. As a side note, Greg’s mother and his grandmother were always an encouragement to me when I taught with them at Thompson. I can see a lot of His grandmother in Greg…quiet strength, a heart for people, regardless of race or position in life. I remember many of my little second graders from those years and Greg stands out in his demeanor. He had the quiet goodness about him that I still see in him today. I know his mom is proud of him and you and your boys. I also know that his grandmother would be so proud of the man he has become. I pray that you will continue to be used by God, not only in Eswatini but here as well. I will be praying for continued healing for Greg and that you will be able to rehabilitate your shoulder and not need surgery. You and your family are a blessing to me.
God’s blessings on each of you!
Barbara
Praying for you all!