With the tree put away for the year - it's nice to have the new pre-lit artificial variety now - and life returning to normal after the holidays, we are home to regroup for a few days.  I have enjoyed a little baking, reading, working on my dollhouse and even exercising at Curves!  But soon we will embark on the first adventure of the new year:  flying to Puvirnituq, PQ along the coast of the Hudson Bay!
Thirty plus years ago, I dreamed of moving to a northern, remote community to serve the Lord as a missionary.  I was willing to chop wood, haul water, live off the land (well, I probably  hadn't really thought that one all the way through!) and learn a Native language.  When Walter and I took our missionary training, we spent five weeks in a northern community and I think we could have done well long term in such an environment.  God had other plans.  We never left the urban centre of Regina for most of our career.  I've become quite comfortable with my internet, natural gas furnace and any number of grocery store options within ten minutes of our home.
Our transition to more travel-based ministry was all preparation for this phase of our lives, to visit all the missionaries serving with NCEM across northern Canada.  As my friend texted me this evening, "Just over a year ago, heading up to the eastern arctic was probably not on your to do list."  Understatement of the year!
I am not overwhelmed with anxiety as I have experienced in the past.  I am a little nervous with the unknown, but God has carried me -us-through so much in the last year and a half, why should I fear?  He is ordaining each and every trip we take and I have to trust Him for the details and the purposes of His heart.
We do feel the battle in the heavenly realms touch us here.  Walter has had some bizarre spiritual attacks in dreams.  Difficulties come up and we feel frustrated or at a loss as to how to resolve them.  As much as we try to rest and prepare ourselves for the next adventure, sometimes the warfare exhausts us.  I guess this also reminds us that we must rely on God alone.  We cannot do anything in our own strength or with our own wisdom.
In the midst of the trials, I have seen God in several ways.  The day I went to Curves, I stopped in at the Co-op grocery store after my work-out for a few items.  At the check-out counter, I recognized the older couple behind me.  As we chatted, I was so blessed to share how we were doing and to catch up with their lives.  They knew about our ministry changes and Caylea's cancer journey.  They promised to continue to pray for us! 
As I have read the Bible this week, I was reading through Malachi.  The verses kept bringing to mind passages from Revelation.  The hope of Jesus' return, of His bringing justice and full redemption to make all things new lifted my heart.  Our concerns with current world governments and the future of the church and potential for persecution for us in North America weighs heavy on our minds.  But we have hope!  Jesus is coming soon!  He promised.  And He will establish His Kingdom finally and fully.
Tonight as I sat down to blog, my friend sent the text above.  She encouraged me by caring for my schedule and promising to pray.  That just means so much.  God knew to prompt her to message me...and His love and care envelops me!
Tomorrow afternoon, Caylea has an appointment with the plastic surgeon who excised the tissue around the mole that was removed.  He will outline the options for another surgery that can help repair the scarring and hopefully smooth out her skin.  She wanted us to come with her so I am glad we can be here for that appointment.  Then we leave Thursday morning for Dryden to begin Operation PUV...stay tuned.  I am sure there will be pictures and much to say about this trip!