Facing Life

I thought today would just be a normal day of packing and cleaning to get ready to drive home to Columbia, SC tomorrow. But instead I've found myself very contemplative. Yes, I'm doing laundry and packing, but I've also been deep in thought about our future. What lies ahead for our family?
We head back to Columbia for about 6 weeks - one week at our home church's missions conference, the next weekend at another missions conference, and then hopefully some rest and more packing - but this time for Sudan! That's right, our new tickets leave Charlotte, NC on March 30 giving our family one extra month in the States to recuperate from 78 straight days of travel and prepare for our next 3 years in Sudan.
As I, Bethany, begin to think of going back to Sudan, my mind is full of questions:
Will we be able to get visas to study Arabic in N. Sudan?
Will Sudan remain peaceful enough for us to return?
If we can't go north, will we move back to Yabus where we spent the last 3 years?
If we can't go to Yabus, where will we relocate our ministry and family?
How will Eli and I and our boys handle all of this change?
Will we be able to find renters for our new house in Columbia, SC?
*By the way, each question is a prayer request if you'd like to write them down... (hint, hint)

I came across a beautiful quote by Helen Keller the other day. As many of you know, her story is one of overcoming major challenges in life. She writes, "Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight. When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or in the life of another."
When I look at the life God has called my family to, sometimes I get very overwhelmed, knowing full well my many weaknesses and deficiencies. But looking back over the past few years in Sudan, I know God has made me stronger for what I've been through. He doesn't want me to be able to handle life's circumstances on my own. He wants me to lean on Him, my Rock.
As each of you live the life God has called you to, even when it's harder than you think you can bear, remember: "we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or in the life of another."