I am sitting at our Baptist guest house in Nairobi. Doctor appointments again. David has not ever fully recovered from the terrible bout of stomach problems over a week ago. We threw one medicine at it and it seemed to help and then he got worse, so we threw another medicine at it and had the same results. Figured it was time to go to a professional.
All the problems that we have experienced in our 6 months back on the field can be very disheartening. Living is more difficult, our home situation a little more unpleasant than we'd like (still bucket bathing - and that never gets fun). We've had a lot of illness, disappointments, and unforeseen challenges. And when we really get to ministry the attacks snowball. It is enough to make us want to throw up our hands. Life would be so much more predictable in the States. Sometimes predictable is pretty good. It can be easy to regret our move to Tanzania and long for the joys we had in Malawi.
But then God reminds me of all the ways He has blessed us in this stage of the journey. We did not choose Tanzania - in fact our plan all along was to probably move back to the North of Malawi where ministry was greatly needed after helping the very established area of Zomba get a new vision. But God changed that in a way that could never be doubted. We were then given two job options in Tanzania and were encouraged to take this one. In doing so we went from a 2 1/2 hour flight (or 1 week's drive) from Malawi to RVA where the kids go to school to just a 7-8 hour drive. It has meant that we can see them every six weeks instead of every three months and that we can attend band concerts, plays, and other important events. This blessing has kept us going through many difficult times.
Even since we have been back this 6 months, God keeps reminding me that for every trial there is a blessing. Chloe has had several difficulties - some of which we have shared through prayer requests, but not all. If we were still in Malawi we would have to fly to Johannesburg (another 2 1/2 hour flight, but in the opposite direction) for help. We would have gone down for a week, hoping in that time that we could figure out the problem and figure out the solution. We might have to stay for longer. We might have to return home and rely on our own wisdom and the guidance of the Lord to see if our plan of action was working or not. Any adjustments would be through email, phone calls, or another flight down. From Tarime, Nairobi is an 8-9 hour drive. We can come up for a few days and then return later if we need to. It takes a great deal of stress out of an already stressful situation.
For this, I really do not have words to express my gratitude to the Lord. This is my child and He has taken care of her so very well. He knew three years ago that she would have these issues and He began making provision for her even then. How can I be anything but thankful? How can I refuse to go through any trial that God sees fit - to lovingly take care of my child and to reach the unreached?
If I had any word of wisdom for you it would be to maintain a thankful heart. Even in the bleakest moments God provides blessings of joy - but we have to look for them and we have to appreciate them. Dear missionary friends lost their 12 yr old to cancer just last month. How can I compare our current trials to that? And through it all they have searched for the blessings - and found them. What an encouragement to my heart. If you are working to further to the kingdom of God there will be even more trials. And if it seems that you are disappointed and waylaid at every turn, perhaps the answer is to look for contentment and gratefulness in what you do have.
Enough preaching. I do not claim to be an expert at this - I fall down on the job often enough. But my experience has been that one of the greatest tools for a Christian to conquer in this life in thankfulness.
Be thankful, my friends.
Blessings.
