Why Our Worldschooling Trip Ended Early

by | Feb 24, 2023 | Homeschool, Travel

After our previous worldschooling trip unraveled, my family was ecstatic about the opportunity to head out on the road for a redemptive adventure. We planned the trip of a lifetime to several countries with West Africa being our final and most anticipated destination. Thankfully, we were able to complete over half the trip before the blocks came tumbling down. Again.

Why our worldschooling trip ended early

Life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. ⁣⁣

Leonard Nimoy⁣⁣⁣

We experienced many perfect moments during the time that we were away, but they were mixed with some suffering as well.⁣⁣ My family returned home to the U.S. nearly a month early from our latest Worldschooling trip.⁣ ⁣⁣

⁣⁣Yes, I’m devastated.⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣It would take me forever to tell you everything, but here’s my best attempt at the short version:⁣⁣⁣

Hospital in Ghana
Hospital in Ghana

I got sick in Ghana and was hospitalized with a high fever and intense vomiting. The fever went away, and they ruled out malaria, meningitis, and a million other things, but they couldn’t figure out why my neck was hurting so badly. The pain increased so terribly that I checked myself out of the hospital after six days and flew home. My sister Traci was there visiting us, so she had my kids while I was in the hospital. That was the first of many miracles.

Traci’s trip was pre-planned, and the timing of her arrival was purely a gift from God.⁣⁣ She stayed with my children and cared for them while I was in the hospital because Scott had already flown back to the U.S. and didn’t have a visa to travel to Ghana. It was supposed to be a vacation for her, and it ended up being everything but that. She has always loved me well⁣⁣⁣.

When I returned to the U.S., the neck pain continued to get worse and worse until it was just unbearable. I’d been to a doctor who misdiagnosed me with a chronic arthritic condition and prescribed physical therapy. I faithfully attended my therapy sessions and took the medications prescribed, but neither were helpful. The doctor was unresponsive when I said that I was suffering and asked for additional care.

Alarming medical results

After two months of extreme pain, I went for a second opinion. The new doctor did an x-ray and found the results “alarming.” She ordered an immediate MRI, and the results showed that I had a raging infection in my cervical spine (neck). ⁣⁣

The infection attacked and destroyed a disc and multiple vertebrae, and I was taken to another hospital via ambulance for urgent surgery to avoid the “catastrophic event” of permanent paralysis if the remaining bones collapsed on my spinal cord.⁣

It was an 8-hour surgery, and they used metal plates, rods, pins, and cadaver bone to rebuild and stabilize my neck.⁣ I have large incisions on the front and back of my neck, and they shaved the back of my hair off, so I’ll have some interesting hairstyles in the months to come. I spent five days in ICU and then another day on a regular floor before coming home.⁣⁣

Hospital in the US
Hospital in the U.S.

I have a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line that gives access to the large central veins near my heart. I use it to deliver daily IV antibiotics for the next 6-8 weeks at home. It has its downsides, but it helps avoid the pain of frequent needle sticks and reduces the risk of irritation to the smaller veins in my arms, so I’m thankful for it.

I have to wear a cervical brace around my neck at all times for six weeks to three months, depending on how quickly I heal.⁣⁣ I’m at week four now, so maybe it will get to come off in a few weeks. That’s my hope, at least.

⁣⁣What on Earth happened?

The doctors struggled mightily to figure out what happened, and an entire team of experts have been working on my case. ⁣⁣

After tons of testing, they isolated the bacteria, and the infection was caused by salmonella typhi (Typhoid Fever), which is most common in parts of the world where water and food may be unsafe, and sanitation can be poor. 

They only see 350 cases in the U.S. annually (from people who traveled overseas), and it rarely moves into the bones, especially in otherwise healthy adults.

The entire situation has been traumatizing, to say the least. Coming home was the right thing to do, but I had such a wonderful time in Ghana, and I’m heartbroken that we didn’t get to complete our itinerary.⁣⁣

I have months of recovery ahead of me before I’ll be fully healed, but I’m getting stronger each day. Above all else, I’m THANKFUL.

⁣⁣

32 Comments

  1. Amanda

    I’m so sorry to read your trip was cut short because of illness. Praying for your healing and recovery among the disappointments of a shortened stay.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      Thank you so very much. Processing the disappointment has been difficult, but God is good.

      Reply
  2. sara logan

    I am so glad you are home, and finally got the care you needed! What a terrible situation, and I’m so very grateful that you went to for that second opinion. Wishing you an uneventful and swift recovery.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      It really was terrible. Thank you for caring and wishing me well. I appreciate that so much!

      Reply
  3. Alissa Finlay

    Oh no! So thankful for God’s hand of protection and timing throughout your journey. Praying for your continued physical and emotional healing in the weeks and months to come.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      Thank you for your prayers. They are felt and needed!

      Reply
  4. Chyla Weaver

    I am so sorry to hear this. I am so thankful that God sent help while in Africa and that you eventually went to the right doctors who would properly cared for you. I will keep you (and your family) in prayer. You do so much for the world of homeschooling (and I’m sure outside of that). I pray God’s manifold blessings for you.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      I really appreciate your prayers! Things are coming along well, and I’m thankful.

      Reply
  5. Kimberly Dawes

    Thankful to our Lord for his hand in protecting your children, and thankful for medical skills of most recent medical team. Take time for yourself. Praying for time and nourishment of mind and body and cashflow (let’s be real here) for maximizing your healing.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      I’ve definitely had to step waaaaay back and take time for myself. Initially, I tried to keep the normal pace of life, and I was in so much pain. Now things are much more manageable. Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Renee

    Gosh, I have been thinking of you, outside of actively reading this blog, appreciating the work that you did with Sweet Tea and Cookies because we are continuing our journey with this material in the upcoming month and studying South Carolina. I am so sorry to hear of this news and wishing you a speedy and full recovery. So glad you acted on your intuitions at various points and that you survived this challenging experience.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      Yes, I learned a huge lesson about following my intuition. I only wish that I’d been more assertive sooner in the process. Thank you for the well wishes, and I hope that you thoroughly enjoy your “visit” to South Carolina!

      Reply
  7. Nina Clark

    I have just recently discovered your YT and site while researching using Charlotte Mason as a Black/Brown Homeschooler. Many prayers and much healing love sent your way.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      Welcome, and thank you so much for the prayers and healing love. And I love your name! My oldest daughter is Nina.

      Reply
  8. Britania Williams

    I am joining in prayer for your speedy and full recovery and praising the Lord that the root cause was discovered before more damage was done. Blessings to your family. Thank you for your blog and for helping families find books and resources that enrich our children’s education.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      You’re welcome! I appreciate your concern and blessings so much.

      Reply
  9. Anaise

    May your recovery continue smoothly.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      Thank you so very much!

      Reply
  10. Jenn Wandler

    Oh my gosh, what an ordeal! Thanking God with you for His mercy that you are alive and praying grace upon your recovery!

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      It certainly has been a lot. Thank you for caring!

      Reply
  11. Andrea Smith

    Oh Lady. That is one of my nightmares. I’m living in Albania with my three children. A life threatening bacterial infection in the spine is crazy scary. I praise God that you got the right help in time. Wishing you continued healing so that you can have future adventures.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      I knooow! It’s so scary. I still can’t believe that it happened to me. Thank you so much!

      Reply
  12. Lusi Austin

    To my fellow Simple Homeschool Contributor sis,
    I’m so sorry to read this but am so grateful they have picked up what has made you ill and have been able to begin to treat it. I’m just so sorry you have had to go through it. I love that you can see God’s fingerprints the whole way through.
    All my love to you Amber,
    Lusi xx

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      Thank you so much, Lusi. I really appreciate your love and care.

      Reply
  13. Kristie

    I pray that you are recovering well since this post! How scary! I can’t imagine. Sending more healing prayers your way! Do you have any tips for those planning to visit Ghana or other places similar to prevent this from happening? I’d really love to take a trip there one day!

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      Thank you for the prayers! You should definitely feel confident visiting Ghana because what happened to me is kind of like getting hit by lightning. People get food poisoning all the time around the world and in the U.S., they’re sick for a few days, and then they’re better. I just didn’t get better, and it’s rare.

      Reply
  14. Scottie

    Amber, I have been enjoying reading about how you have been worldschooling with your family. It is truly inspiring. When I went to check on how it was going tonight, I was stunned to read your story. I am so glad you found the answers before things got any worse. I hate to see you not well. You are truly a light in the homeschooling community. Thank you for sharing your world. I hope your family is doing ok through this. Sending you love and light and healing prayers.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      Thank you so much for your prayers. I have lifelong things to deal with as a result of this experience, but I’m doing so much better than before so I’m choosing to celebrate!

      Reply
  15. Karrine

    Amber! I know God is faithful, I was nominating you for something and needed your information…I stumbled upon your story… I thank God for your relationship with Him! A foundation with which to build relationship with Him in many ways. Often times we don’t expect suffering…we learn the importance of that relationship with God during times of suffering… we also learn the importance of comforting others with the comfort He gives us. Our journeys are never just about us, I am so thankful for your walk with God. It has allowed you to reach His people in so many ways that is needed today. God makes all things beautiful in His time…I suppose you will be More Beautiful than Ever!! May God continue to shine His light on your life and may you continue to bring glory to His name with your life! Blessings and Peace my sister-friend, to you and your family. May God minister to you and through you during your recovery and healing while preparing you for His next work-Through Your Life! Praying upon every remembrance of you.

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      Thank you so much, Karrine. You always speak so much life into every situation, and I admire you.

      Reply
  16. Evodie

    I am so sorry to read about your experience. Without knowing you or your beliefs, did you get the vaccine prior to the trip

    Reply
    • HeritageMom

      Thank you so much. Yes, I was fully vaccinated with every mandatory and recommended vaccine, including typhoid. It’s hard to believe that it wasn’t enough, but I’m walking proof that vaccines aren’t absolute.

      Reply

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My name is Amber O’Neal Johnston, and I started this website to document and discuss the joys and trials of raising my kids to love themselves and others.

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