It's the 12th

 “Do NOT be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God; and the peace of God which is beyond understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 

Today marks one month since we boarded British Airways in Los Angeles. One month ONLY and one month ALREADY???!!! 

We’ve mostly settled in, though each morning a new organizational task calls out to me!  That’s how it is with types the likes of me--the process of organizing and arranging and planning and finding a place for things never ends for the one with a perfectionist bent. But, I haven’t spent all my time cleaning and moving things. I have also enjoyed a lot of visiting with other staff over dinner or impromptu afternoon visits; spending time in prayer and study with a some of the girls in David Family; researching schools of higher education for some of our kids who are ready to advance educationally beyond New Hope Academy; celebrating graduations with two of our long time David Family children who are now adults; and even answering a few medical queries from other staff. Truthfully, that last one baffles me! There are some very capable nurses on staff these days and I have not been in the hospital or clinic setting for so long compared to them, I feel quite inept!  

But, today does more than simply mark a month of our feet on the ground in Uganda. It is another 12. I’m not trying to conjure up more of this day than God intends, while also not wanting to miss anything God is doing. Why am I even looking at today, the 12th, any differently than yesterday the 11th or tomorrow the 13th?

The 12th.  We landed in Denver, CO, for our “furlough” “home assignment”, whatever, on December 12th, 2012. We were diagnosed with cancer April 12th. We were declared “cancer free” on July 12th, and we left Los Angeles for our beloved Uganda on October 12th.  For those who study Biblical numerology, twelve is the agreed number of God’s government. And, indeed, we  see God’s hand of order and purpose on these past months in which all we could have imagined was taken from our hands and so wonderfully carried by Him. And we are still living under His righteous right hand, praise HIM!

So, today is a look back and a look forward. And as I look I will not be anxious about anything. For, if I have come to more personally and deeply understand anything of worth in these past few months, it is that worry does nothing positive. Thankfulness, on the other hand, dissipates anxiety, exudes joy and propagates peace. 

I am thankful. Thankful for cancer that sharpened our focus on a Good Father. Thankful for people who walked with us through our journey, both in the U.S. and from here. Thankful for the challenges that took so many different forms, but all yielded a deeper dependence on our sovereign, faithful God. And thankful for what He knows is coming and for how it will fulfill His purposes and draw us closer still to Him.

Mary

I am THANKFUL for these kids!  Nabukeera, our dear daughter who has persevered through many trials and is still smiling! Toby, the eternal optomist! Sam, who just finished two important exams--the Primary Leaving Exam and the entrance exam to our secondary school. Kevin, loving life and keeping us entertained with his different voices and impromptu drama throughout the day. Acacia, sweetie and lover of sweets! She helped me last night by making the brownies for dessert when we hosted the Vogt's for supper!