Here we are, Lord, finally ready to launch. It’s only by Your grace that we have made it so far, and only in Your impeccable timing. Looking back at our last six months, I can see so clearly how You kept back the devil’s attacks. You didn’t spare us from the trouble, but You were there with us and turned everything to a good end.

By Your grace, when my mother broke her arm right before coming to the U.S., You found us a doctor who gave her a more painless recovery than she would have found at home. By Your grace, only a month later we made it to AFM training with just enough funds to qualify. By Your power only, You gave us the joy of seeing our funds complete before the end of training. What an impossible dream, but You made it come true!

I still smile when I remember how we left directly from our AFM training class to the hospital to have our baby girl, the newest missionary in the family. The way You brought her into the world, safe, healthy and perfect, was Your biggest gift to us so far in this adventure. A few weeks later, when she needed emergency surgery, You sent us the best doctors and the most compassionate friends. Right there, in the midst of fear, helplessness, tears and frustration, You gave us friends who stayed with us, who prayed for us, who took care of our family at home. We received hugs from strangers and prayers from across the world.

Thank You, Lord, for protecting our son when he stepped into a wasp nest. He wasn’t spared the pain of being stung, but You gave him quick healing. The very next day, when I had to deal with surgery myself, You allowed me enough pain to know I’m alive, but not enough to keep me from caring for my baby. And best of all, You answered my prayer for peace of mind just before Sabbath, when I finally learned that the results were benign. What a Sabbath that was!

With so much pain and struggle coming and going for all the members in our family, You, Lord, kept reminding us that You are in control. Today we, like Moses, are once more asking You: “God, if Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Thank you, Lord, for sending us.

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