Prayers & Faith

Hi everyone,

As some of you may have heard by now, Matthew got a bit carried away
playing "Scatter ball" with some missionaries a couple of weeks ago and injured his knee. 
He twisted his knee, fell and landed on it and then another Elder landed on it as well.  His injury has not improved and is causing significant pain and interruption to his missionary work.  He met with a Doctor who thought it was a simple PCL tear that would heal quickly with rehab, and ordered an MRI to confirm his diagnosis.  The results came back last week, and we received the information last night.

The doctor confirmed that he does have a torn PCL which does not require surgery but that he also has a lateral tear of the meniscus which does require surgery.  He has a consultation appointment with Dr. Burris this Wednesday. (November 14th) at 2pm.  At this appointment the best course of action and
recovery times and treatment plans will be determined and then the conversations begin with the insurance companies about where to have the surgery, and approvals etc etc.  There has been mention made of him coming home to have the surgery done, and then returning to the mission once he is healed.  They have also
mentioned him staying there for the surgery.  A lot is determined by the location and severity of the tears and how easy they are to repair.  Recovery time and insurance approval will be the biggest determining factors in where he has it done.

This has been an overwhelming couple of weeks to know he is injured and we can't jump in and fix it. Mike and I are trying to "Let Go, Let God" but it is much easier said than done.  We are hopeful that he can remain in the mission to have this done, and return to work quickly.  However, we also don't want him to be a burden to his mission either and hope Matthew will be led to the right decision.

Mike and I have decided to fast tomorrow Tuesday November 13 prior to his appointment on Wednesday.  We decided to extend the fast to those family members who would like to participate.  We realize this is not possible for everyone, and on a work day its even harder.  We completely understand, but also ask for added prayers on his behalf.  We also realize this is short notice - if Wednesday is a better day - I am sure that would work too.  We just chose tomorrow because it best fits our schedule.

We are praying that the right solution will present itself, that gets Matthew back to work healthy and strong the quickest!  We also pray  that Matthew (and us) will know the right questions to ask & decisions to make.
We also pray that Matthew (and us) will be willing to accept what needs to be done - whatever that outcome may be.  Obviously we want him to stay there, but if coming home for a short time is best, He will need support coping with that. (and so will we I'm sure).

We appreciate everyone's love and concern for Matthew.  We appreciate the prayers and faith exercised on his behalf!

We will keep you posted!

Love,
Mike & Kim McNamara