One year ago...
I was reading a couple of Psalms over the Christmas holidays; coincidentally I had been reading them about a year ago and had underlined and starred some wonderful promises.  It drew me back to this time last year and how many things have changed.
Caylea was in the first months of Interferon treatment.
To think we were just beginning to deal with the realities of Caylea's side effects and coping with her self-injections.  I remember we were so thankful that Christmas and New Year's fell on the weekend so Caylea would have a reprieve from the drug's impact on her.  Now this Christmas, we didn't have to think about how Caylea was feeling.  Her hair is regrowing and she could stay up later with the family and watch movies or go in the hot tub (last year she wasn't supposed to go in because of her lymph nodes that were removed and the increased chance of lymphedema).
Mark and Amy were living at the HH ministry centre.
Mark was hired to rebuild the wood shop and Amy was doing some painting in the ministry centre.  I loved having them live close by, attend church with us and be around for impromptu suppers or visits!  As much as it was a time of limbo for them as a couple, with no fixed address and no specific direction for their future, we could connect more regularly as a family.  I treasured that time. Now they have a mobile home moved onto a piece of family-owned land near Amy's hometown of Gladstone, MB.  God has answered prayer to lead them to a home, jobs to meet their needs and a "pastor in training" program at the local church for Mark (and Amy) to experience hands-on ministry preparation. 
Daniel was our "cellar dweller" and finishing his 3rd year sheet metal apprenticeship.
It was a wonderful provision of God to have Daniel living at home, to be around for Caylea, to shovel snow and generally be available to keep the household running.  Since last December, Daniel is now a 4th year apprentice, has purchased a condo and is "adulting" in a very responsible way.  He has a romantic interest as of a couple weeks ago and we are thrilled to see this relationship growing on the foundation of Christ.   We feel a sense of pride in Daniel's maturing and thankfulness for His quiet and steady walk with the Lord.

Walter and I were waiting on the Lord for the NCEM General Directorship.
 Prayer became so real and vital as we sought the Lord for direction.  In October, a Board member of NCEM called Walter to invite us to consider taking on the director's role.  In November, we met with their entire Board to be interviewed and for us to have more clarity on what they were looking for in a new director.  We kept waiting for God to close the door and everyone we talked to and sought advice from encouraged us to pursue the opportunity.  Then in January, the board members of NCEM and HHM met with us to discuss and pray for God's direction.
And now here we are, one year later, 9 months into serving as Director for two mission organizations.  How faithful God has been!  How amazing that God has given us strength, wisdom and safety, not to mention the grace to deal with very difficult and delicate situations!  We are not able in ourselves.  He has not failed us but has answered when we called on Him.  I would never have believed we would be commuting to Prince Albert and making the changes within NCEM with great teammates, while our HHM team is also stepping up and serving with God's ability.
Today...
We have some days to rest before the New Year with many new and exciting opportunities awaiting us.  Our children were all together for Christmas and we made memories by singing Karoake, going to a holiday movie (3D Jumanji) and celebrating Jesus' birth at our candlelight service.  One year ago each of our kids were facing young adult challenges and we were praying fervently for them.  Today, we can rejoice in His wise and perfect ways.  I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving and praise!  I am grateful for the Word that gave us all we needed to not only cope but thrive through last year's uncertainties.

 "O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever."  Psalm 30:12b