We are so blessed with great health insurance, thanks to our mission organization, OMF International. While home in the US we always spend a lot of time and energy making sure we are all healthy and ready to go back to Japan. But this year we are especially thankful for sufficient health care since we have had so many extra medical tests and doctor apointments.
We also benefit from being a part of the national health insurance when living in Japan. It is semi-required for us as residents and it isn't cheap, but, we are happy to be able to go to a capable doctor in Japan for about $10 a visit.
The flip side is, of course the expense. The health insurance costs in both countries are on the rise. This is one of the reasons that OMF is changing it's health care. More coverage for a little bit less money. The other reason is that we will now be able to be covered while still on the field, in case we get really sick there and have to come here to be treated. Also, when our kids are in college here in the US on there own, they will be able to have health insurance.
We had our first "webinar" this week (a seminar via phone with a leader and other particants -in different locations across the US- all listening and asking questions while looking at a power point online on the computer). After several days of webinars, interviews and e-mails we understand this change and the decisions involved much better. It even looks hopefull for us to continue seeing our same doctors. (This might not seem like a big deal, but for our family, after so many moves and changes, anything that is consistent is a welcome relief.)We are thankful for God's detailed provison in our lives..not only for a great mission organization, caring doctors, and addiquite health insurance; but for God's healing hand that sustains our bodies that as the Bible reminds us, are but dust.
