We have had a bit of a "medical crisis" (at least it sure feels that way to us!!) that God has allowed to consume our thoughts, energy and time recently. Even though it has been so hard, I continue to try to practice the commands in Philipians 4:6,7 as we pray for answers, direction and healing from God's gracious Hand, rather than being anxious. Tucked into those verses are 2 words that have brought incredible blessing to us lately: "with thanksgiving".
We couldn't begin to write all the reasons our hearts are filled with thanksgiving to God, but here are just a few:
- We are so thankful that we are here in the States dealing with this. Often in Japan the medical system works so differently and we often find ourselves 2nd guessing the drugs or diagnosis given to our "used to Western medicine" minds. Also, it is hard to understand and explain things in Japanese sometimes with the doctors.
- We are so thankful for insurance. We have a great health insurance plan with our mission organization while in the U.S. Sometimes, we look at how much that 1 year of insurance costs us, raising our support figure even higher; but right now, we sure know it's a neccessity and well worth it.
- We are so thankful for God's timing. If we had to deal with this while still living out of suitcases a week after we got off the plane last summer, we would have been pretty overwhelmed. We had our hands full already trying to find our way around and re-familiarize ourselves with our city. Also, if this was happening a week before we were to get on the plane to return to Japan, with tickets already purchased and in hand, we would be at a loss of what to do. God's timing is always just right.
- We are so thankful for friends and family who have rallied behind us in prayer and support. Especially dear to us are our missionary friends in Japan who hear frequent "prayer chain" updates we write via e-mail. Even in the midst of their busy ministry schedules, they have written countless e-mails reassuring us of their prayer, concern and love from way across the ocean. OMF missionaries in Japan are indeed a family.
